c/EPA
United Stsses
Environmental Protection
Libof story
fi! OH 45268
EPA 600 7 79-256
December 1979
Damage Assessment
Studies Following the
NEPCO 140 Oil
Spill on the
St. Lawrence River
nteragency
Energy/Environment
R&D Program
Report
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RESEARCH REPORTING SERIES
Research reports of the Office of Research and Development, U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency, have been grouped into nine series. These nine broad cate-
gories were established to facilitate further development and application of en-
vironmental technology. Elimination of traditional grouping was consciously
planned to foster technology transfer and a maximum interface in related fields.
The nine series are:
1. Environmental Health Effects Research
2. Environmental Protection Technology
3 Ecological Research
4. Environmental Monitoring
5. Socioeconomic Environmental Studies
6. Scientific and Technical Assessment Reports (STAR)
7. Interagency Energy-Environment Research and Development
8. "Special" Reports
9. Miscellaneous Reports
This report has been assigned to the INTERAGENCY ENERGY-ENVIRONMENT
RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT series. Reports in this series result from the
effort funded under the 17-agency Federal Energy/Environment Research and
Development Program. These studies relate to EPA's mission to protect the public
health and welfare from adverse effects of pollutants associated with energy sys-
tems. The goal of the Program is to assure the rapid development of domestic
energy supplies in an environmentally-compatible manner by providing the nec-
essary environmental data and control technology. Investigations include analy-
ses of the transport of energy-related pollutants and their health and ecological
effects; assessments of, and development of, control technologies for energy
systems; and integrated assessments of a wide range of energy-related environ-
mental issues.
This document is available to the public through the National Technical Informa-
tion Service, Springfield, Virginia 22161.
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EPA-600/7-79.-256
Decembenr 1979
DAMAGE ASSESSMENT STUDIES FOLLOWING
THE NEPCO 140 OIL SPILL ON THE
ST. LAWRENCE RIVER
by
Daniel J. Palm
St. Lawrence-Eastern Ontario Commission
Watertown, New York 13601
and
Maurice M. Alexander, David M. Phillips and Patricia Longabucco
SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry
Syracuse, New York 13210
Grant No. R805031.01-0
Project Officer
Royal J. Nadeau
Oil and Hazardous Materials Spills Branch
Industrial Environmental Research Laboratory
Edison, New Jersey 08817
INDUSTRIAL ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH LABORATORY
•OFFICE OF RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
CINCINNATI, OHIO 45268
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DISCLAIMER
This report has been reviewed by the Industrial Environmental Research
Laboratory, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and approved for publica-
tion. Approval does not signify that the contents necessarily reflect the
views and policies of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, nor does
mention of trade names or commercial products constitute endorsement or
recommendation for use.
ii
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FOREWORD
When energy and material resources are extracted, processed, converted,
and used, the related pollutional impacts on our environment and even on our
health often require that new and increasingly more efficient pollution con-
trol methods be used. The Industrial Environmental Research Laboratory-
Cincinnati (lERL-Ci) assists in developing and demonstrating new and
improved methodologies that will meet these needs both efficiently and
economically.
This report examines the impacts to both the economy and the natural
resources of the St. Lawrence River after a major spill of No. 6 oil in the
Thousand Islands Region. The study will be of interest to all those
interested in cleaning up oil spills in inland and coastal waters. Further
information may be obtained through the Resource Extraction and Handling
Division, Oil and Hazardous Materials Spills Branch, Edison, New Jersey.
David G. Stephan
Director
Industrial Environmental Research Laboratory
Cincinnati
• • •
m
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ABSTRACT
The primary objective of the two-and-one-half-year research effort
reported here was to determine the environmental and economic impacts of the
NEPCO 140 oil spill. This spill occurred in the freshwater environment of
the St. Lawrence River on June 23, 1976.
The cleanup operation, which cost about 8.6 million dollars, was
reviewed to compare it to the priority cleanup scheme prepared by a private
consultant at the request of EPA. In addition, field surveys of residual
hydrocarbons were undertaken in the fall and spring following the spill to
determine the effects of time and the elements on these residuals.
Upon completion of a short background discussion on petroleum in the
environment and a description of the study area, information is provided
regarding the diversity and abundance of wildlife in the study area. This
information was derived through extensive field survey and is compared to
information from areas outside the influence of the spill. This is followed
by a discussion of polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons (based on two years of
sampling), and their impacts on the various components of the environment.
The economic impacts of the spill are summarized in terms of direct
economic impact experienced by both residential and commercial property
owners as well as other classes of riparian property owners. Data were
gathered primarily through a mail survey of property owners and review of
documents such as insurance claims and cleanup contractors' records.
This report is submitted in fulfillment of Grant No. R805031-01-0 by
the St. Lawrence-Eastern Ontario Commission under the sponsorship of the
Industrial Environmental Research Laboratory of the United States
Environmental Protection Agency. This report covers the period September 24,
1976 to March 31, 1979 and work was completed May 31, 1979.
iv
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CONTENTS
Foreword jii
Abstract iv
Figures V1-
Tables vm
Acknowledgements x
1. Introduction 1
2. Conclusions and Recommendations 7
3. Cleanup Operations 13
4. Field Survey 31
5. Background to Environmental Studies 65
6. The Wildlife Community 80
7. Polynuclear Aromatic Hydrocarbons 117
8. Economic Impact 134
References 155
Appendices
A. Scientific Names 160
B. Description of residual contaminants June 23, 1976
oil spill 162
C. Economic impact questionnaire 163
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FIGURES
Number
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
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13
14
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19
20
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23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
The International Segment of the St. Lawrence River
Calendar Days Related to Time Elapsed after June 23, 1976
Oil Spill
Chronology of Cleanup: River Section 1
Chronology of Cleanup: River Section 2
Chronology of Cleanup: River Section 3
Chronology of Cleanup: River Section 4
Chronology of Cleanup: River Section 5
Chronology of Cleanup: River Section 6
Chronology of Cleanup: River Section 7
Chronology of Cleanup: River Section 8
Chronology of Cleanup: River Section 9
Chronology of Cleanup: River Section 10
Cleanup Operational Areas
Section 1, Autumn Survey, 1976
Section 2, Autumn Survey, 1976
Section 3, Autumn Survey, 1976
Section 4, Autumn Survey, 1976
Section 5, Autumn Survey, 1976
Section 6, Autumn Survey, 1976
Section 7, Autumn Survey, 1976
Section 8, Autumn Survey, 1976
Section 9, Autumn Survey, 1976
Section 10, Autumn Survey, 1976
Section 11, Autumn Survey, 1976
Section 12, Autumn Survey, 1976
Section 13, Autumn Survey, 1976
Section 14, Autumn Survey, 1976
Section 1, Spring Survey, 1977
Section 2, Spring Survey, 1977
Section 3, Spring Survey, 1977
Section 4, Spring Survey, 1977
Section 5, Spring Survey, 1977
Section 6, Spring Survey, 1977
Section 7, Spring Survey, 1977
Section 8, Spring Survey, 1977
Section 9, Spring Survey, 1977
Section 10, Spring Survey, 1977
Section 11, Spring Survey, 1977
Section 12, Spring Survey, 1977
Page
2
15
16
17
18
19
OA
20
20
21
21
22
22
24
39
40
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42
43
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55
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VI
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Number Page
40 Section 13, Spring Survey, 1977 59
41 Section 14, Spring Survey, 1977 60
42 Gas Chromatogram of Bunker C Oil from NEPCO #140 Made by
U.S. Coast Guard C12-C34 68
43 Point Marguerite and Cranberry Creek Marshes 70
44 Kring Point Marshes 72
45 Sheepshead Point Marshes 74
46 Chippewa Creek Marshes 75
47 Crooked Creek Marshes 77
48 French Creek Marshes 78
49 1977 Arrangements of Fish Nets 82
50 1978 Arrangements of Fish Nets 83
51 Positioning of Nets and Traps at French Creek Marsh 84
52 Positioning of Nets and Traps at Point Marguerite Marsh,
Cranberry Creek Marsh, and Kring Point Marsh 85
53 Positioning of Nets and Traps at Crooked Creek Marshes .... 86
54 Positioning of Nets and Traps at Sheepshead Point
Marshes and Chippewa Creek Marshes 87
55 Comparative Catches of Yellow Perch, Golden Shiner and
Spottail Shiner 94
56 Percentage of Total Catch of Yellow Perch in Each Age Class . . 95
57 Sketch of Funnel Duck Trap 99
58 Sketch of Nasal Saddle on Mallard Duck TOO
vii
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TABLES
Number Page
1 June Water Level and Flow Rates of the St. Lawrence River ... 3
2 Residential Riparian Properties In Impact Area 4
3 Agencies Represented on the Study Steering Committee 6
4 Operational Areas Assigned to Cleanup Contractors 23
5 Shoreline Surveyed and Extent of Residual Contaminants .... 34
6 Residual Contaminants Comparison 62
7 Saybolt Test Results of Nepco 140 Oil Sample 69
8 Fish Catch - St. Lawrence River Marshes 88
9 Catch in Minnow Traps, 1977 89
10 Fish Species Diversities - St. Lawrence River Marshes 89
11 Changes in Fish Species Diversity - 1978 91
12 Species of Fish Caught in Each Study Area, 1978 92
13 Age Distribution of Yellow Perch 93
14 Age Distribution of Large Mouth Bass 96
15 Fish Population Estimates, 1978 97
16 Waterfowl Observed 1977 and 1978 - St. Lawrence River
Marshes 103
17 Waterfowl Species Diversity - St. Lawrence River Marshes . . . 104
18 Waterfowl Capture, 1977, St. Lawrence River Marshes 105
19 Waterfowl Capture, 1978, St. Lawrence River Marshes 105
20 Waterfowl Pairs, 1977 and 1978 - St. Lawrence River Marshes . . 106
21 Waterfowl Broods, 1977 and 1978 - St. Lawrence River
Marshes 108
22 Bird Counts, 1978 - St. Lawrence River Marshes 113
23 Bird Species Diversity, Including Waterfowl, 1978 - St.
Lawrence River Marshes 114
24 Muskrats Captured 1977 - St. Lawrence River Marshes 114
25 Muskrat Trapping Data - St. Lawrence River Marshes 115
26 Samples Taken for PAH Analysis - St. Lawrence River Marshes . . 121
27 Analysis of Bunker C Oil from NEPCO #140 122
28 Total PAH in Mud Samples - St. Lawrence River Marshes 123
29 Total PAH in Cattail Roots - St. Lawrence River Marshes .... 123
30 Benzo (a) Pyrene - St. Lawrence River Marshes 126
31 PAH in Young Fish - St. Lawrence River Marshes 127
32 PAH in Ducklings - St. Lawrence River Marshes 129
33 PAH in Young Muskrats - St. Lawrence River Marshes 131
34 Distribution of Economic Impact Questionnaires 135
35 Recreational Activity Impact on Permanent Residence Owners
and Their Families 136
viii
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Number
36 Recreational Activity Impact on Seasonal Residence Owners
and Their Families
37 Summary of Residential Impacts
38 Increases in Operating Costs Due to Ship Delays
39 Hourly Operating Costs for Lake Vessels
40 Park Attendance
41 Revenue from Park Concessions ,
42 Summary of Other Sector Impacts ,
43 Number and Amount of Settled Insurance Claims ,
44 Distribution of Settled Insurance Claims ,
45 Number and Amounts of Unsettled Insurance Claims . . . .
46 Employment Decreases ,
47 Residence of Cleanup Employees
48 Number of Persons Employed ,
49 Cleanup Costs
Page
138
139
143
144
146
146
147
148
148
149
150
151
152
154
ix
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ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
We deeply appreciate the cooperation and assistance given the project
by Dr. Royal Nadeau, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Project Director.
His interest and concern made this project possible.
Thanks are also due to the following persons who contributed substan-
tially of their time and suggestions:
Dr. Donald Behrend, Institute of Environmental Program Affairs, College
of Environmental Science and Forestry.
Dr. Thomas Lillesand and William Johnson, Remote Sensing Laboratory,
College of Environmental Science and Forestry.
Mr. Thomas Brown and his associates, New York State Department of
Environmental Conservation.
Captain Charles Corbett, United States Coast Guard.
Mr. Glen Owen, Ontario Ministry of the Environment.
We also wish to extend our appreciation to several field associates and
clean-up contractors.
The help and advice given by Louis Molinini, Gollob Analytical Service,
went beyond the requirements of materials analysis, and we are grateful.
The information received from Mr. Robert Connolly, Nepco Corporation,
was most useful and appreciated.
Without the interest and dedication of graduate students participating
in this research, the field data could not have been obtained. Thanks go to
David M. Phillips (fish), Patricia Longabucco (waterfowl and birds), Lewis
M. Smith (muskrats), Elizabeth A. McGrath (frogs), and Peter J. Petokas
(turtles).
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SECTION 1
INTRODUCTION
THE SPILL
The Tank Barge NEPCO 140 being pushed by the Tug EILEEN "C" enroute from
Murray Bay, Canada, to Oswego, New York, with a cargo of 17.1 million liters
(4.5 million gallons) of No. 6 industrial fuel oil grounded on Wellesley
Island in the American Narrows section of the St. Lawrence River on
June 23, 1976, at about 1:30 a.m. Upon notifying the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG)
that the ship was spilling oil, the crew was directed to proceed to anchor
off light 217 near Mason Point. This is an approximate distance of 10
kilometers (6 miles).
An estimated 1,167,000 liters (307,070 gallons) of oil were reported
lost before operations to secure the discharge were completed (U.S. Dept. of
Transportation, 1977). The movement and impact of this oil is discussed in
the following chapters.
THE NATURE OF THE RIVER
The St. Lawrence River is the outlet of the Great Lakes, and as such it
carries the water runoff from a large part of the North American Continent.
It flows in a northeasterly direction from the northeastern end of Lake
Ontario, and it empties into the Atlantic Ocean via the Gulf of St. Lawrence.
The upstream 195 km (120 mi) of the River forms the International boundary
between Canada and the United States, Tibbetts Point to St. Regis (Figure 1).
The remaining lower reaches of the River are entirely within Canada.
The St. Lawrence River has been used for commercial shipping since the
early days of settlement in North America. In 1954, the St. Lawrence Seaway
Development Corporation was established, and the new Seaway was opened to
8.2-m (27-ft) draft vessels in 1959. Approximately 6,000 ships move through
the channel carrying about 55 million metric tons each year. Oil of various
types is an important commodity moved through this waterway. Approximately
2.25 million metric tons were transported in 1977 (U.S. Department of
Transportation, 1978).
The International section of the River can be subdivided into three seg-
ments. The 77-km (48-mi) segment from Lake Ontario to Chippewa Point is
broad and contains numerous islands (The Thousand Islands Region). The
shipping channel weaves its way through this segment, sometimes in narrow but
deep passages. The second segment of 42 km (26 mi), beginning at Chippewa
1
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.
\ CORNWALL
\ -A
OSNABRUCK \ Cornwolj
^ Grenville
\ County
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V EDWARDSBURGH \
\ \ CO
AUGUSTA \
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Prescott
Frontenac \ Leeds
County \ County
L_r-ijrj
FRONT OF LEEDS |ESCOTT
AND LANSDOWNE /
\
CAPE .X
VINCENT/' \ CLAYTON
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s
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HAMMOND /
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fALMndrio /S/ 5, Lawrence
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j Jefferson \.
| ALEXANDRIA / County
,
BOUNDARIES and PLACES
- U S.- Canadian International
- County
NJW York Town;
Ontario Township
City of IO,OOO inhabitants
Other Municipalities
\_ _L _
STATUTE MUES
Figure 1. The International Segment of the St. Lawrence River.
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Point and ending at Chimney Point, is relatively straight, free of islands,
and uniform in width. The third segment of 74 km (46 mi) is that portion
most influenced by the water control structure and dug channels leading to
the International boundary. Because of the distinctiveness of these three
segments, the dynamics of water flow is different for each.
June water levels at the beginning of the River at Kingston, Ontario and
Cape Vincent, New York were within the normal range for the period of 1966
through 1972. The water was high in 1973 and 1974, normal in 1975, and high
in 1976 when the spill occurred. The level at the outlet to Lake Ontario on
June 23 for the past 6 years is given in Table 1, based on the 1955 Interna-
tional Great Lakes Datum, along with cubic feet per second flow rates. These
flow rates are influenced both by the level of Lake Ontario and the rate of
discharge at the downstream control structure.
TABLE 1. JUNE WATER LEVELS AND FLOW RATES OF THE ST. LAWRENCE RIVER3
Year
1973
1974
1975
1976
1977
1978
Relative
Level b
High
High
Normal
High
Low-Normal
Normal-High
Elevation0
(Feet)
247.65
247.35
245.90
247.15
244.90
246.15
Flow
(cfs)
350,000
330,000
310,000
350,000
260,000
305,000
aData based on weekly reports of U.S. Corps of Engineers Buffalo office on
Lake Ontario.
The mean of all June levels is 245.50 feet based on the 1955 International
Great Lakes datum.
cElevation represents a composite of Kingston and Cape Vincent data, which
varies slightly.
The high water and the swift current in the narrow channel between
Wellesley Island and the mainland carried the oil downstream at a rapid rate.
Once past Wellesley Island, the water course widens with many small islands
and large bays.
Two large bays and several smaller bays exist in the Thousand Islands
Region of the River, downstream from Alexandria Bay village. The two manor
bays are Goose Bay and Chippewa Bay. These bays are elongate in a direction
parallel to the main river and separated from it by rock formations. The
ends of each bay contain the mouths of inflowing creeks, some of which are
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wide and slow moving. Extensive cattail1 marshes exist in these bays,
particularly in association with the mouths and lower reaches of the creeks.
In general, the bays are shallow throughout, with submerged vegetation in
most locations.
The movement of water, and thus the spilled oil, into these bays is
influenced by the flow-through characteristics of each bay. The opening to
each bay is subjected to the prevailing westerly winds, which can move
surface waters into it. Goose Bay has but one principal opening, whereas
Chippewa Bay has two major openings. The drainage areas and the associated
inflows from the creeks into Goose Bay are much less than those for Chippewa
Bay. Because Chippewa Bay has this greater creek flow and a definite flow-
through characteristic, it probably received more oil and had it move more
quickly to the downstream end than Goose Bay.
Along the United States portion of the shoreline, there are 2,164
seasonal residences and 321 permanent residences between the west edge of the
town of Clayton and the east edge of the town of Massena (see Table 2). In
addition to the residences, there is a large number of commercial establish-
ments, primarily in the upper end of the river. Most of these support
the tourism/recreation industry that is considered the mainstay of the
local economy. Primary among these are marinas, restaurants, motels and
other service-oriented enterprises.
TABLE 2. RESIDENTIAL RIPARIAN PROPERTIES IN IMPACT AREA
Number of Residences
Town Permanent Seasonal
Clayton
Orleans
Alexandria
Hammond
Morris town
Oswegatchie
Ogdensburg (City)
Lisbon
Waddington
Louisville
Massena
43
22
57
12
30
35
27
18
2
35
40
500
300
484
286
251
194
3
18
0
126
2
Total 321 2,164
Scientific names are given in Appendix A.
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The natural resources of the river area are the catalyst that has
generated the growth and development of the recreation/tourism industry. The
quality of the water combined with the scenic beauty of the area are primary.
However, the fishery, (primarily black bass, northern pike and muskie)
provide the activity visitors participate in. The area incorporates those
areas required for all phases of the fish life cycle. Included are extensive
wetlands. These also provide habitat for water fowl and other marmials and
amphibians. The diversity of the area includes Ironsides Island, which is a
major rookery for blue herons and is owned by the Nature Conservancy.
GENESIS OF THE STUDY
Immediately following the spill, confusion existed as to what the impact
of such a large spill would be in a riverine environment. Little if any
documentation could be found to answer the question posed by both laypersons
and scientists.
Realizing the lack of data that existed regarding the St. Lawrence
River, the Joint Response Team (JRT)2 initiated efforts to obtain funding for
a research effort to address these questions. At the same time, the St.
Lawrence-Eastern Ontario Commission developed a scope of work in conjunction
with several agency and institution representatives.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), a member of the Joint
Response Team and a recipient of the scope of work prepared by the
Commission, realized the paucity of data regarding oil spill impacts in a
non-marine environment. Quickly they funded the scope of work prepared by
the Commission, but they modified it to address the additional questions
raised by EPA and the JRT.
The damage assessment study was funded for a 2-year period at $207,807.
The primary objectives were:
1) To review the clean-up operation conducted using the "sensitivity
scheme" developed by URS Research Company following the June 23, 1976, oil
spill.
2) To determine the effect of the spilled oil on small mammals, water-
fowl, and aquatic and wetland resources.
3) To determine the levels of petroleum hydrocarbons within the
affected ecosystems to determine the extent of contaminations and bio-
accumulation from this spill.
4) To determine the economic impact of the oil spill.
The JRT consists of representatives of certain agencies of the United
States and Canada. This team acts in an advisory capacity to the on-scene
commander in event of a spill.
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5) To relate the findings of objectives 1 through 4 to the development
of a decision making document incorporating all findings and conclusions.
Section 2 addresses objective 1, and Sections 3 through 5 address
objectives 2 through 4, respectively. The last chapter summarizes the
findings of the studies. The conclusions and recommendations set forth will
assist those agencies and individuals who are:
1) Involved in transporting hazardous materials,
2) Developing contingency plans regarding spills of hazardous materials,
and
3) Responsible for cleanup of spills.
It should be noted at this point that a Steering Committee was created
early in the study to provide guidance in conducting the study. Agencies
participating are listed in Table 3. Through this mechanism it was possible
to obtain the knowledge and views of those individuals experienced in dealing
with all aspects of hazardous material handling and transportation.
TABLE 3. AGENCIES REPRESENTED ON THE STUDY STEERING COMMITTEE
Canadian
Coast Guard
Ontario Ministry of the Environment
Environment Canada
United States
Coast Guard
Fish and Wildlife Service
Department of Transportation
St. Lawrence Seaway Development Corp.
NYS Dept. of Environmental Conservation
Environmental Protection Agency
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SECTION 2
CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
This chapter relates the findings and conclusions of this study to
those problems and issues that relate to the transport of hazardous
materials in a riverine environment. Addressed primarily are those issues
regarding the clean-up of spills if they occur during transport.
CLEANUP PROCESS
The review of the URS report (URS, 1976) regarding a "sensitivity
scheme" resulted in the conclusion that such an effort would be most useful
if accomplished before a spill. Documentation in graphic form of the
sensitive areas along a waterway would be of assistance to the on-scene
commander of a cleanup. Such data would not diminish the role of the
Response Team but would shift the time of its major effort from during a
spill to before a spill.
The scheme provided by URS is useful but incomplete, as the areas
cleaned before the 27th day after the spill and the area at the downstream
end of the impacted area plus certain islands were not included. Thus
without revision, the usefulness of this report is limited.
It is recommended that efforts to identify "sensitive" areas be
continued through programs such as Operation Preparedness, the Commission's
coastal management program, and by other agencies working in the area. It is
further recommended that the St. Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation and
the U.S. Coast Guard utilize this information when undertaking action in the
event of future spills.
Two field surveys of the area revealed that the visible residual oil
weathered slowly. Few physical changes appeared to occur over the winter
following the cleac.up. However, the residual appeared to be less visible
with the death of old and the growth of new vegetation. These processes
seemed to mask the presence of the residual except in areas of rock where
the vegetative cover did not exist. Here the residual remained more visible.
Based on this information, it is suggested that in areas where visual
residual would be undesirable,cleanup would have to be more extensive
with less reliance on nature's assistance. If such residual is acceptable
nature can be relied upon to make it less visible with the passage of a few
growing seasons.
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The visibility of residuals is increased through the fluctuation of
water levels. Field observations in the spring and early summer of 1978
indicated that the high water level at that time covered some of the
residual. This resulted in small but highly visible areas of sheen on the
water surface.
FISH AND WILDLIFE
The data gathered from this two-year study indicate that the fish and
wildlife communities in the impacted bays and marshes are recovering from
the extensive losses that occurred at the time of the spill and the period
immediately following.
The immediate impact of the spill on the fish and wildlife was known to
be extensive. The welfare of some species such as the great blue heron was
endangered. The production of many other species was threatened. Although
the reproductive season for most species was over, the success of rearing
the young in these impacted marshes was questionable. The cleanup process
brought continued human activity to the bays and marshes which undoubtedly
was a major disturbance factor to the remaining fish and wildlife residents.
It should be kept in mind that these results relate to a Bunker C oil
spill that occurred in mid-summer of a year when water levels and the flow
rate were higher than normal and that was followed by a thorough cleanup. A
different oil, a different time of year, a lower water level or a less
thorough cleanup could have led to different results.
It was difficult to isolate and quantify specific long term effects of
the oil spill on fish and wildlife under these circumstances. The lack of
prior data became more important as the ecological differences between the
seemingly similar study areas became better understood.
The data suggest that losses went beyond the initial direct mortality
of individuals, and that reproduction and survival was reduced for some
species. As an example, the number of young yellow perch increased greatly
in 1978 on the heavily oiled areas, following two years of low production or
survival. At the same time, both the golden shiner and spottail shiner were
still low in the heavily oiled areas in 1978. These species may be more
sensitive to the oil and may require a longer period for recovery.
The number of fish species remained about the same in all study areas,
with the pumpkinseed being a dominant species. No changes in its popula-
tions could be definitely attributed to the oil spill. The young of all
fish species were influenced by the distribution of submerged vegetation.
Adult waterfowl increased in numbers in 1978 in the heavily oiled areas,
but their production of young remained the same as the previous year.
Success of breeding pairs to produce broods declined in the heavily oiled
areas and increased in the unoiled areas. The high water of 1978 may have
reduced suitable nesting sites or placed them close to the upland where
predators were common.
8
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No relationship could be found between the abundance of oil and
populations of muskrats, songbirds or reptiles.
It is not known how long the oil residuals will remain in the marshes
and influence fish and wildlife populations. An oil spill catastrophy com-
pares in its ecological effects with those of natural catastrophies such as
fire and flood. In each, the losses are great and the recovery is slow.
However, fish and wildlife can overcome these adversities. The question be-
comes one of evaluating the loss of a resource to the using public and the
local economy for a period of one to several years.
Areas important to the fish and wildlife resource, such as bays and
marshes that serve as breeding and nursery areas, should receive high
priority in any developed response plan.
POLYNUCLEAR AROMATIC HYDROCARBONS
The data from this study clearly established the presence of Polynuclear
Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAH) in the marshes of the St. Lawrence River. They
also indicate a movement from the bottom sediments (mud) into the cattail
plants and to a more limited extent into the fish and wildlife. However,
since PAH was found in unoiled areas, other sources must exist. The
separation of PAHs derived from the oil spill and finally entering the fish
and wildlife could not be done in a quantitative manner. Other factors that
compounded the data include 1) the uneven distribution of PAHs in a given
marsh, 2) the reintroduction of stranded oil at each high water period, 3)
the movement of young animals in their feeding activities, and 4) the
reliability of analytical procedures.
Some oil was still detectable in the impacted marshes and therefore the
component PAHs were present in the mud. There was considerable uptake and
accumulation of PAH in the cattail roots. The amounts could generally
be associated with the level of oil impact. However, it must be kept in
mind that the moderately and heavily impacted areas were quite thoroughly
cleaned, whereas the slightly oiled areas were not. This action may have
reduced the difference between the extremes.
There is a need to utilize greater cleanup procedures in preparing the
extracts from the samples, particularly when animal tissues are involved.
Although High 'Pressure Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) is an effective
technique, other methods should be used to verify the results and determine
if false positive peaks are occurring. This is important in this study to
help determine if the reported presence of naphthalene and biphenyl is true,
and if the other PAHs are exaggerated in their amounts.
Some of the individual PAHs were almost seasonal in their presence in
cattail roots as determined by HPLC. Naphthalene, which was not found in the
oil and was scarce in the mud, was present in the cattail roots during the
summer period. Biphenyl, which was lost from the oil early and was rarely
found in the mud, was most abundant in the cattail roots during the winter
period, although found during the summer in some areas. It seems evident that
the plants are accumulating some PAHs in marsh ecosystems, whether derived
-------
from oil or not. Most individual PAHs occurred in a sporadic fashion in the
mud and cattail roots, although at times in large amounts. The exception was
Benzo (a) Pyrene which was almost universally present in mud and cattail
roots.
PAH was found to be much lower and more irregular in fish and wildlife
species. Only young pumpkinseed data gave an apparent relationship between
PAH and the degree of oiling. PAH was greater but more uniform in young
yellow perch. This again suggests other sources besides oil. Benzo (a)
Pyrene was fairly rare in fish and wildlife. Although young ducklings and
young muskrat tissues contained some large amounts of PAHs,these were irregu-
lar in their occurrence and were largely naphthalene and biphenyl as deter-
mined by HPLC.
There was no evidence of plant mortaility resulting from the oil or its
PAH. Cattail growth increased along the heavily impacted edges the year
following the spill. These cattail plants did not flower. Growth and flower-
ing was normal the second year. This one-year response may have been a
reaction to nutrients contained in the oil, or it could have been a response
to the cutting of the plants along the edge during the cleanup.
It became apparent during the study that there is a great need to gain a
better understanding of the normal growth and reproduction of plants and
animals in these marsh environments. There is need to study the distribution
of PAHs in the river proper, the bays, marshes, creeks and small ditches.
Experimentation to determine the effects of PAH on specific species of
plants and animals are needed. Field areas most sensitive and most suscep-
table to oil spills should be monitored on a continual basis so that the
effect of any future spill in the River can be accurately evaluated.
ECONOMIC IMPACT
Residential
Impacts to residential property owners were primarily losses of recrea-
tion days and costs incurred in cleaning their shoreline and boats. Since
these impacts were numerous and frequently dispersed, little could be done
from a preventive point of view to eliminate the impact after a spill occurs.
In order to reduce the impact it is recommended that an educational effort be
undertaken to advise the property owners about low cost efforts they could
undertake in the event of a spill. Further, a review of the river and its
characteristics with respect to the location of concentrations of residential
properties may allow identification of areas where containment devices may be
implemented in a cost effective manner. It is recommended that both of these
actions be undertaken.
Commerci a!/1ndustri a1
Data gathered through the economic impact survey were limited in some
areas due to the lack of response. In general the severe impacts that were
expected to occur did not. There were immediate cancellantions of reserva-
tions and minor losses of employment in the tourism/recreation sector. How-
ever these were short term. Some losses were compensated for by the
10
-------
increased demands of the labor force involved in the clean-up operation.
The distribution of the impact was throughout the impacted area. In
many cases it was not a physical impact to the particular establishment that
caused the problem but the impact to the natural resources of the river that
made it a less desirable place to recreate. Due to this it is recommended
that efforts be undertaken to refine the contingency plan so that the
information required to ensure the optional containment procedures is
readily available to the on-scene commander. Following this and based upon
a pre established "sensitivity scheme" cleanup should be undertaken quickly
in order,to prevent the press from reporting an "end to the recreation
season."
Other Riparian Properties
No impacts were reported by power producers or operators of public or
private water supplies. Delays were experienced in Seaway shipping which
resulted in an estimated $171,448 increase in operating costs for the
vessels involved.
State Parks
Impacts at state parks occurred in the form of physical impacts and
deprivation of use due to the physical impacts. Attendance data substanti-
ate this as attendance was 18.1 percent less in the two weeks following
the spill than during the comparable time the preceeding year. Overall
attendance was 5.1 percent less in the impacted area as compared to a 1.6
percent decrease state wide.
From attendance data it appears that there was a shift in attendance
and thus the economic impact. From a state or national point of view the
impact was very small. However from a local point of view it could be
significant.
Other Sources
Insurance claims reflect that 13.3 percent of the U.S. riparian owners
filed a claim. This indicates again that the impact was widespread. Since
the claimants are widely dispersed it is difficult to prevent all impacts.
Contingency planning could determine from an economic and engineering point
of view those places where oil containment devices are cost effective.
Analyses of cleanup cost reflect that cleanup is a labor intensive
operation. A large portion of the labor force was from the spill area.
Wages tended to be higher than those of service-oriented employees. Equip-
ment costs were also a significant portion of the cleanup costs. Data was
not available to derive an estimate of what portion of this was rented or
purchased through local agents.
The expenditure of $8.6 million in the impact area has to result in
positive economic impacts. In terms of labor employment and wages it is
11
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estimated it exceeded the losses incurred in the recreation/tourism sector.
Total impact was not determined due to the lack of adequate data.
CONCLUDING REMARKS
The study concluded that there were impacts to both the economy and the
natural resources of the St. Lawrence River. The reported data explores
these impacts and attempts to define the magnitude and incidence of these,
given the contraints of both time and money.
Overall, the study indicated that the impacts were high in the short
term, a few weeks or months. The economy appeared to recover following this
without suffering long term impact. The natural resource base suffered
severe short term impacts. The longer term impacts were largely overcome in
two years.
Both short and long term impacts on the natural resource base have
definite influence on the economy of the study area. The longer these
impacts continue, the greater the total influence on the economy.
12
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SECTION 3
CLEANUP OPERATIONS
INTRODUCTION
Shortly after the oil spill occurred the United States Environmental
Protection Agency contracted with URS Research Company "to conduct an
environmental assessment of the spill and to make recommendations for future
cleanup action" (URS, 1976).1 The purpose of the effort was to provide the
Regional Response Team and Cm-Scene Commander with information with respect
to environmental priorities of future cleanup efforts. This assessment
began on July 19, 1976. Discussed below is a summary of the findings and
methodology set forth in this report along with a summary of the chronology
of the actual cleanup operation.
These two sections provide the background information necessary to
allow a comparison to be made between the priority of cleanup recommended
by URS and that which actually took place. This comparison is undertaken to
fulfill the terms of Task A as set forth in the Detailed Work Schedule for
Grant Agreement R-805031-01-1 between United States Environmental Protection
Agency and the Commission.
SUMMARY OF URS REPORT 7505-4000
The methodology developed and used was first to delineate the areas
within the impacted area that were contaminated. Areas "cleaned" and "not
yet cleaned" were distinguished. Second, a composite graphic entitled
"Spill Area Sensitivity" was developed. Three levels of sensitivity were
presented on this composite. Levels of sensitivity were based on a combina-
tion of natural and human amenities. The three levels were:
S-1 - Denoted areas of highest social and/or natural productivity.
Such areas included emergent cattail marshlands, game refuges and reserves,
and highly used and demanded public lands.
S-2 - Pertained to areas of medium productivity. Areas falling in the
S-2 classification included private lands having direct access to the St.
Lawrence River waterfront as indicated by the presence of private docks and
Number in ( ) refer to references listed on pages 154 - 158.
13
-------
launching ramps. Also included were private harbors and piers and any other
access areas of restricted use. The S-2 system was infrequently used when
dealing with the natural systems within the spill impact area. In general
the aquatic systems were either of a highly productive marsh type (S-l) or
minimally productive areas (S-3) such as rock/water interface.
S-3 - Applied to those areas of lowest productivity. These included
low-intensity use natural areas, industrial river frontage, and all other
areas on the river where human use was restricted.
The determination of the priority of cleanup that should be followed
was accomplished by comparing the cleaned up/not yet cleaned up areas with
the area's sensitivity as described above. The determination of priority
graphically displayed was limited to areas not yet cleaned up.
The priority levels developed by URS are reflected in Figures 3-12. TheP-1
classification denotes areas of highest cleanup priority and includes
sensitivity S-l sites as well as oil pockets which could potentially contami-
nate unaffected or cleaned up sites downstream. The latter could not be
shown graphically. The P-2 classification denotes a lower cleanup priority.
The P-2 areas include all "not yet cleaned up" S-2 areas and "cleaned up"
S-l areas. "Cleaned up" S-l areas should undergo a reconnaissance follow-
ed by any necessary action to prevent recontamination of these highly
sensitive areas. Areas classed as P-3 have the lowest clearup priority.
In reviewing the URS Report the following limitations with respect to
comparison between the proposed and actual cleanjp were noted. First in
significance is the fact that the URS Report did not extend downstream past
Sparrowhawk Point in the Town of Lisbon (see Figure 1). Second, many
islands that were contaminated were not included in the analyses and thus
not included in the sensitivity scheme. Among the islands not included were
Ironside, Clouds Rest, Watch, St. Margarettes, Jug, Atlantis, Wyanoke,
Manzanti, Schrooner, Birch, Resort and East Mary's. In addition, but of
lesser significance, Alexandria Bay area was not included since it was
"cleaned up" prior to the URS study.
CHRONOLOGY OF CLEAN-UP OPERATIONS
Background
Immediately after the spill, efforts were concentrated on containment
of the oil and removal of that found floating or contained in larger pools.
Extensive effort was also given to the cleanup of the Alexandria Bay area
and final cleanup was completed by July 4(+12).2 Additional efforts were
given to protecting such areas as Wilson Hill Wildlife Management Area,
Chippewa Bay, and other sensitive areas (see Figures 3-12).
2
Number in brackets preceded by a + refers to the days that elapsed after
the oil spill. Figure 2 relates these to calendar days.
14
-------
JUN
5
12
19
26
4
6
13
20
27
5
E
7
14
21
28
6
1
8
5
22
29
7
2
9
16
23
I
30
8
SEPTEMBE
4
74
II
84
18
88
25
95
5
75
12
85
19
89
26
96
6
76
13
86
20
90
97
7
77
14
87
21
9f
28
98
1
71
8
78
15
88
22
92
29
99
3
10
17
24
2
4
II
18
25
3
^
2
72
9
79
16
89
23
93
30
too
3
73
10
80
17
90
24
94
^
•
.^m^. — -
a ]\*-//r °
ij)7o
AUGUST
7
14
21
46
53
60
28
67
1
40
8
47
15
54
22
61
29
68
2
41
9
48
16
55
23
62
30
69
3
42
10
49
17
56
24
63
31
70
4
43
II
50
18
57
25
64
5
44
12
51
19
58
26
65
6
45
13
52
20
59
27
66
J
3
;;
10
18
17
25
24
32
31
39
ULY
4
II
19
18
26
25
33
5
/3
12
20
19
27
26
34
6
14
13
21
20
28
27
35
7
/5
14
22
21
29
28
36
1
9
8
/6
15
23
22
30
29
37
2
10
9
17
16
24
23
3/
30
38
OCTOBER
2
102
9
/09
16
IK
25»23
2k
i
3O
3
/03
10
IK)
17
117
31 ,3,
4
II
18
25
/25
5
105
12
19
119
26
126
6
/06
13
113
20
120
27
/27
7
/07
14
114
21
121
28
128
1
101
8
108
15
22
/22
29
/29
Figure 2. Calendar Days Related to Time Elapsed after June 23, 1976 Oil Spill
-------
CLEAN-UP SCHEDULE: PROPOSED AND ACTUAL
ACTUAL
"5T
Figure 3. Chronology of Cleanup: River Section 1
-------
OEAN-UP SCHEDULE: PROfOSfD AND ACTUAL
~
Figure 4. Chronology of Cleanup: River Section 2
-------
aEAN-UP SCHEDULE PROPOSED AND ACTUAl
«,-
Operational ttJL f\S>
^"WfiMrfft
^ 4l B/4
Figure 5. Chronology of Cleanup: River Section 3
-------
,? s**^****^'
z* >»MU^
j*.^-> -***-**-*-
Figure 6. Chronology of Cleanup: River Section 4
-------
^Openifkxio/
r „ _
Area
87
front of yonge /elizal>ethtown
township' township ^_
17
U> <$
r-
aEAN UP SCHEDULE
PW03CD
[ UBS KSCUKM COMMNY )
'
IILIII* n.t«v
PROPOSED
"^*
a!M
'
AND ACTUAL
•rvfioM*! ATM
*Md kx*t«* y
•VIM etaOT-w wtiwiy
• •nri «fMi««Hfrt
a»»-^m mi
' *>~^J ( \
^
\^^
: Opera t tonal
Area #3
~~^^-
Figure 7. Chronology of Cleanup: River Section 5
OEAN-UP SCHEDULE: PROPOSED AND ACTUAL
Figure 8. Chronology of Cleanup: River Section 6
-------
LEEDS COUNTY/ GRENVILLE COUNTY
elizabethtown township ' augusta township
ro
CLEAN-UP SCHEDULE: PROPOSED AND ACTUAL
ACTUAL
Figure 9. Chronology of Cleanup: River Section 7
O IAN UP SCHEDULE PROPOSED AND ACTUA1
jcnrtL
"5T
Figure 10. Chronology of Cleanup: River Section 8
-------
CLEAN-UP SCHEDULE PROPOSED AND ACTUAL
• «.«.». MOT, ^
Figure 11. Chronology of Cleanup: River Section 9
aEAN-UP SCHEDULE: PROPOSED AND ACTUAL
>
,13 /
Operational . Operational
— - Area #3 »JI ^ Area #4
- j^
NO URS PRIORITIEsV
DOWNSTREAM OF THIS POINT *
_^
town of Lisbon -\ town of waddington
Figure 12. Chronology of Cleanup: River Section 10
-------
The URS study was initiated on July 14(+22) and completed July ]9(+27).
No priority of cleanup was assigned to areas cleaned up before the initia-
tion of this assessment. Thus the emphasis of this section will be on those
areas where cleanup efforts occurred after July 19 or 27 days after the
spill.
The cleanup effort was allocated among several contractors, each
working a specific reach of the River. Figure 13 reflects the reaches
assigned by the On-Scene Commander, and Table 4 reflects those contractors
working in each reach.
TABLE 4. OPERATIONAL AREAS ASSIGNED TO CLEANUP CONTRACTORS
Operational Areas
No. Description Contractor
1 Mason Point to Goose Bay Sealand Restoration Inc.
2 Goose Bay to Oak Point Coastal Services
3 Oak Point to Bouy 113 Marine Pollution Control Company
4 Bouy 113 to American Locks New England Pollution Control Company
5 Canadian Shoreline Canadian Coast Guard
Sub-contractor to St. Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation up to 30 July
1976. Designated prime contractor at that time upon withdrawal of the
Corporation.
Financial considerations necessitated a cutback in operations, and
Coastal Services and Marine Pollution Control Company were released on
August 12, 1976(+51). At that point, Sealand Restoration Inc. was assigned
to finish all remaining work up river from Bouy 113. New England Pollution
Control Company was released on September 10(+80) and the Canadian Coast
Guard on September 17(+87). The cleanup was terminated on October 22, 1976
(+122).
The chronological deployment of manpower and equipment is reflected in
Figures 4-12. Dates of completion of cleanup in various areas are also shown.
In addition, the priority scheme set forth in the URS Report is portrayed on
the same figure.
The following is a comparison of the priority scheme and the actual
cleanup. The approach used first reviews the entire impacted area and
second, each of the five operational areas assigned to subcontractors.
23
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clean-up
operational areas
C>perafiona/
Area #5
Operofiona/ Area #3
Oil Spill Contamination
Opera tional
Area #2
Operofiona/
Area # I
Figure 13. Cleanup Operational Areas
-------
Overview of Impact Areas
As reflected in Figure 5, the area around the Village of Alexandria Bay
was the first to be classified "cleaned up." This was accomplished on July 4.
The second area reported cleaned was the entire stretch from Oak Point to
Ogdensburg which was considered cleaned up on July 13. Small sections at
Fishers Landing and Point Vivian were completed on July 16 and at Collins
Landing on August 5. The area from Ogdensburg to Bouy 113 was completed on
August 16. Downstream areas from Alexandria Bay to Watch Island were
completed by August 26 with the exception of Morgan Island and part of Goose
Bay. Cleanup efforts on the remainder of the shoreline continued throughout
the rest of the cleanup period which ended October 22.
Included in those areas that were completed last are portions of Goose
Bay and Chippewa Bay and many of the islands in these bays. As can be seen
in Figures 5-6, work was started early in the cleanup period and continued
throughout in these areas. However, primarily due to the complexity of the
task in these areas, completion of cleanup occurred toward the end of the
cleanup period. This will be discussed in greater detail under the following
section, Operational Areas.
Operational Areas
The five operational areas will be examined in order starting from the
upstream end of the study area and proceeding downstream. Efforts will be
made to relate the actual cleanup in specific areas to the priorities set
forth by URS in their report.
Operational Area 1 - (Mason Point to Goose Bay)
Within this area there were two shoreline stretches classed as priority
one (P-l). They both were upstream of the Village of Alexandria Bay and
included Keewaydin State Park and the Edgewood Park area (see Figures 3-5).
Priority two areas (P-2) included Grass Point State Park, upstream
portions of Collins Landing, and Anthony Point on the mainland plus a small
portion of Wellesley Island upstream from Alexandria Bay. Four islands down-
stream of Alexandria Bay - Steamboat, Manhattan, Harbor and Maple - were
partially or totally classed as P-2.
Several small stretches of both the mainland and Wellesley Island were
classed as P-3 areas. These are depicted on Figures 4 and 5.
Within operational area 1 the only areas classed P-l were considered
cleaned up on day 12. The next section termed cleaned up was completed on
day 24 and included only P-3 areas. This area was around Point Vivian. The
area around Collins Landing was termed cleaned up on day 44. It included
two P-2 stretches. The remainder of the area in operational area 1 classed
as P-2 was not cleaned up until day 65.
It should be noted that the date reported when cleanup was completed
is for a stretch of shoreline. The dates cleanup was completed at specific
25
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points within that stretch were not available. Since many stretches of
shoreline contained more than one priority classification it is not always
possible to determine at what time a given priority-classed stretch of shore-
line was actually cleaned up. However, when an entire area was of one
priority such as the reach downstream of Alexandria Bay that was completed on
day 65 a comparison with other areas can be made. Although the area down-
stream of Alexandria Bay with P-2 areas was not reported cleaned up earlier
than other areas of P-3 priority, references to cleanup efforts indicate
that all P-2 areas were being cleaned on day 13.
In summary, in Operational Area 1 the P-l areas were cleaned early.
Some of the P-2 areas were not cleaned until after some of the P-3 areas
were completed.3
Operational Area 2 - (Goose Bay to Oak Point)
Within this area, six stretches were classed as P-l. They included the
settlement of Goose Bay, Kring Point State Park, Outlet of Chippewa Creek
into Goose Bay, Allen's Point, Outlet of Sheepshead Creek into Goose Bay and
part of Blind Bay.
Extensive areas classed as P-2 and P-3 exist in the area. They are
reflected on Figures 5-7.
A portion of Goose Bay was considered cleaned up on day 16. Since
there was one P-l location in this stretch it is logical to assume this was
the one cleaned at that time. The area from Chippewa Point to Oak Point was
cleaned by day 61. This was all classed as P-3 except a portion of Blind
Bay which was classed P-l.
Kring Point State Park, classed P-l, was cleaned up by day 11. The
areas downstream from operational area 1 to Watch Island outside Goose Bay
proper was reported cleaned on day 65. This area included several stretches
classed P-2. Morgan Island, classed P-2, is in this stretch and was not
cleaned up until day 79.
Cleanup of the interiors of Goose and Chippewa Bays required an exten-
sive effort that continued over a period of 64 days and 115 days respective-
ly. References to cleanup efforts are made starting with day 2 in both
bays and terminating with day 65 in Goose Bay and day 116 in Chippewa Bay.
Operational Area 3 - (Oak Point to Bouy 113)
Within this operational area there were no class P-l areas identified.
Five P-2 areas were located between Oak Point and Morristown. P-3 stretches
were identified throughout the area.
It should be noted that the Alexandria Bay area which was cleaned up immedi-
ately would have been classed as S-l due to its high level of "social produc-
tivity." The extensive effort expended there was due to this and not its
environmental sensitivity.
26
-------
The entire area from Oak Point to Ogdensburg was reported cleaned up by
day 21. The area from Ogdensburg to Bouy 113 was reported cleaned up by day
51. Reference was made to work being done on day 8 and day 17 in this area
also. Within the operational area the stretch with P-2 areas was completed
before the stretch with P-3 areas.
Operational Area 4 - (Bouy 113 to American Locks)
This area was not assessed by URS.
Operational Area 5 - (Canadian Shoreline)
This area was not assessed by URS.
Summary
The strategy implemented by the On-Scene Commander of assigning specific
areas to various contractors allowed a cleanup effort to be exerted through-
out the entire impacted area. This was an important consideration in main-
taining public support regarding the cleanup effort. In terms of placing
emphasis on areas based upon their priority class as identified by URS, this
strategy was not entirely compatible.
Within each operational area the priority system was generally followed.
Between operational areas it appears that it was not as closely followed.
For example, all the P-3 areas in operational area 3 (Ogdensburg to Bouy 113)
were cleaned up before the P-2 areas on the Cedar Islands, Morgan Island and
other P-2 areas at the upstream end of operational area 2 (Goose Bay to Oak
Point). More effort (both manpower and equipment) was expended in operation-
al area 2 than in operational area 3 due to the assignment of contractors and
decisions on their expenditure levels. However, this increased effort was
not sufficient to overcome the differences in effort required to clean up
operational area 2, with its extensive wetlands in Goose and Chippewa Bays,
compared to operational area 3 where few wetlands exist. The cleanup
efforts were not able to follow the priority designation set forth in the
URS Report completely, because it was impossible to allocate manpower and
equipment among operational areas in the exact ratio of the efforts that
would be required.
In sunmary it is not possible to tell how closely the URS priority
system was followed since stretches classed P-l were reported finished at the
same time as stretches classed P-2 or P-3. References to the deployment of
men and equipment do indicate that the effort was continuous over the entire
operational area (see Figure 3).
Allocations of manpower and equipment appear to have been made based on
perceived sensitivity of an area to ecological and economic impact, modified
by public pressures. These pressures basically required that an effort be
made throughout the entire impacted area immediately.
27
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Examples of the criteria used and decisions resulting in determining
actual cleanup priorities are reflected in Toxin Sitreps.4 in these
messages the following references were made to cleanup priorities:
26 June 1976 - Highest priority will be given Wilson Hill Wildlife Area as
situation dictates.
7 July 1976 - Cleanup crews working to relieve sensitive areas first.
9 July 1976 - Special emphasis being placed on Stracham Island (gull rookery)
and public beach areas.
22 October 1976 - Completed cleanup of that oil which the OSC determined
was necessary to minimize and/or mitigate damage to the public health
and welfare, including fish, shellfish, wildlife, and public and
private property shoreline and beaches. Some oil, which can generally
be characterized as a stain and which is neither reasonable nor practi-
cal to remove will be left to degrade naturally.
In the Joint Response Team/National Response Team messages the follow-
ing references were made to priority of cleanup:
23 June 1976 - Although many affected local areas have received the atten-
tion of the joint effort, Alexandria Bay, Goose Bay, Chippewa Bay and
the Wilson Hill Wildlife Management Area were and remain focal points
of major interest and effort.
23 July 1976 - There was general agreement among the National Response Team,
Joint Response Team, and On-Scene Commander that since the emergency
had passed and the situation had stabilized, the level of effort could
be gradually and systematically reduced while continuing to expedi-
tiously clean up environmentally sensitive areas such as marshes and
high contact areas including beaches, boat houses, and the other
seriously contaminated waterfront properties.
12 August 1976 - The following three recommendations were set forth:
1. that the following specified areas of high ecological sensitivity
receive first priority for cleanup:
a. Oak Island
b. Northeast Chippewa Bay
c. Croil Island
d. Bradford Island
e. Nichols Island
f. Long Sault Island
g. Long Sault Parkway
h. Brockville Narrows
Toxin Sitreps were messages sent by the Commander, Ninth Coast Guard
District, to advise the addressees of the status of the pollution incident.
On-Scene Commander.
28
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2. That high human contact areas of Chippewa Bay, Brockville Narrows
and other areas as identified receive the next lower level of priority.
3. Little justification exists for cleanup of localities such as low
human contact areas, industrial river frontage and low natural use areas, and
the On-Scene Commander should continue to make careful determinations so
related possible sources of recontamination, of course, are not included.
2 August 1976 - Prudent management of the pollution fund demands that the
level of effort for this incident be reduced to practical limits. Para
2.E. of Ref (E) is apparently being interpreted that every drop of oil
must be cleaned up. Language of this para (i.e. . . . removal may be
considered complete...) is discretionary, not mandatory and should be
interpreted to mean that the OSC should make pragmatic judgements
concerning cleanup priorities. The NRT6 agreed that the order of
priorities for this incident should be:
A. Floating oil, oil in marshlands, heavy accumulations that could
migrate to and recontaminate cleaned areas. Based on observations and
briefings, NRT concluded that there were not many such areas remaining.
B. Oil in areas which experience high human contact such as beaches,
docks, piers, boat houses and developed property frontage. Once the heavy
accumulations have been removed from these areas, the remaining effort is
principally for aesthetics and can be done over a long period of time. The
rock cleaning operations should be curtailed and restricted to only those
properties where people contact is probable. In all cases the cleanup
should not leave a property in better condition than it was before the spill,
such as reconditioning or replacing dilapidated docks merely to remove the
oil. Low human contact shorelines that are merely oil stained should not
ordinarily be cleaned even if these shorelines are in developed areas.
CONCLUDING REMARKS
It appears that the cleanup efforts were directed generally according
to priorities derived from the URS report.7 These were modified to the
extent required by the strategy of segmenting the area into five operational
areas and by the extent of public pressures.
In addition, it should be pointed out that 22 percent (27 of 122 days)
of actual cleanup time had elapsed prior to completion of the URS Research
Corporation report. It is surmised that during this period a large portion
of the cleanup effort was spent on what would have been classed as P-l
areas. Since the report was not completed and no priorities were assigned
National Response Team.
This is not to infer that the priorities determined by URS were followed.
It is possible that those responsible for the cleanup established their own
priorities separately and by coincidence the two sets of priorities were
similar.
29
-------
to areas cleaned up during this period, it is impossible to compare actual
cleanup efforts to the priority scheme without missing some efforts
directed at some of the most sensitive areas.
30
-------
SECTION 4
FIELD SURVEY
Efforts were undertaken to determine the effects of time and the
elements on residual hydrocarbons. Included were field surveys of the
impacted area in the Fall of 1976 and again in the Spring of 1977. Compari-
sons of the residual oil observed during these surveys permits this evalua-
tion.
PROCEDURES
The initial effort in carrying out the field survey was an attempt to
review the shoreline from the water using either a flatbottom boat with a
small outboard motor or a canoe. However, due to the decrease in the water
level (about 2 to 3 feet) between June 23 and mid-September, it became
readily apparent that access to many areas was not possible. This was true
in the majority of the ecologically sensitive areas such as wetlands due to
their gradually sloping shorelines. This problem was further compounded by
the presence of weed growth that occurred during the latter portion of the
summer season.
Attempts were made to conduct the survey by walking the shoreline. This
was found to be satisfactory on most of the mainland shoreline except where
bluffs and extensive wetlands were encountered. Survey of the islands was
conducted primarily by boat. However, some portions of the larger islands
were surveyed by walking. In wetland areas access was gained either by small
boat, walking or canoe.
The visual findings of the survey were recorded on "Description of
Residual Contaminants" forms (see Appendix B). National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) hydrologic charts and New York State
Department of Transportation planimetric maps were used to record observa-
tions. In order that comparisons could be made between the fall and spring
surveys, specific sites were identified and "Description of Residual Contami-
nants" forms were completed. During the fall field survey 89 of these forms
were completed for specific points. Another 195 forms provide descriptions
of residual contaminants found over various segments surveyed. During the
spring field survey 70 of these forms were completed for specific points.
Another 130 forms provide descriptions of residual contaminants found over
various segments surveyed. These observations are summarized and discussed
below.
31
-------
PROBLEMS ENCOUNTERED
Three major problems were encountered in conducting the fall field
survey. The first, access, 1s described above and was almost totally over-
come by adopting various modes of transportation to the local conditions.
The second problem was the weather encountered during the survey period.
Early heavy snowfall combined with early ice formation periodically delayed
and, finally on December 3, 1976, caused the termination of the survey.
(Palm, 1977)
The third problem relates to depiction of survey results and the presen-
tation of those results in this report. In conducting the survey, a wide
range of residuals was encountered. They varied from light traces and almost
unnoticeable spots of oil to heavy pockets and coatings. In order to display
and discuss the residuals, three categories were defined. They are described
in the next section. However, it should be kept in mind that within these
categories there is extreme variation in the amount of residual contaminants.
ANALYSES OF FINDINGS
Discussed below is a general overview of the findings and a town-by-town
summary of the two field surveys.
General Overview
A total of 279.04 km (173.39 mi) of shoreline was field surveyed in the
fall prior to ice formation.1 Of these kilometers, 132.79 km (82.51 mi) or
47.6 percent were found to be contaminated to varying degrees. A total of
389.38 km (241.95 mi) of shoreline was field surveyed in the Spring of 1977.
Contamination of varying degrees was found on 141.41 km (87.87 mi) or 32.3
percent of the shoreline surveyed. The contaminated areas were classified
as follows:
Scattered Oil
Areas described by this term contained oil mixed with vegetation or
other debris observable without disturbing the vegetation or debris. The
vegetation or debris was either contaminated in place or contaminated else-
where but deposited at its observed location by winds or currents. Also
included are areas where the shore had been contaminated, but the residuals
were evidenced in forms other than bands or pockets as described below.
Bands of Oil
Areas described by this term consisted of primarily hard surfaced shore
features, either natural or man-made, that were discolored and/or coated
with oil.
Numbers in ( ) indicate U.S. equivalent units.
32
-------
Pockets of Oil
Areas described by this term were those where residual oil was trapped
in pockets or pools of water as the water levels fell subsequent to the oil
spill. Generally these areas were less than 270 square meters (3,000 square
feet) in area with oil .3 to 5 cm (1/8 to 2 inches) thick.
An overview of the findings of the field surveys is presented in Table
5. Also reflected in this table.of the 279.04 km (173.39 mi) surveyed in
the fall, 198.74 km (123.49 mi) were surveyed by walking the shoreline and
80.31 km (49.90 mi) were surveyed from a boat. In the spring these
distances were 169.37 km (105.24 mi) and 220.01 km (136.71 mi) respectively.
Most of the area surveyed from a boat was in the Thousand Islands area
(Hammond, Alexandria, Orleans, Clayton). The lower islands were not
surveyed in the fall due to the onset of winter. However, they were
surveyed in the spring.
The survey teams reported that there were residual contaminants along
132.64 km (82.42 mi) of the surveyed area in the fall. This was 47.6 percent
of the area surveyed. Of this, 89.27 km (55.47 mi) were classed as having
"scattered oil"; 40.52 km (25.18 mi) as having "bands of oil"; and 2.99 km
(1.86 mi) as having "pockets of oil." The incidence of residual contaminants
increased going downstream from the spill area until the lower extremity of
the study area was reached. In particular, Clayton and Orleans at the upper
end and Massena and Louisville at the lower end of the impacted area had less
than 20 percent of the surveyed area classified as having "residual contami-
nants." The towns between ranged from 28.5 percent in Alexandria to 95.5
percent in Morristown.
In the Spring, residual contaminants were reported along 141.41 km
(87.87 mi) of the surveyed area. This was 32.3 percent of the area surveyed.
Of this, 214.18 km (77.16 mi) were classed as "scattered oil"; 15.68 km
(9.74 mi) as "bands of oil"; and 1.56 km (0.97 mi) as "pockets of oil."
Of the additional 110.34 km (68.56 mi) surveyed in the Spring that were
not covered in the Fall, only an additional 8.77 km (5.45 mi) were reported
as contaminated. This is 7.9 percent as compared to 47.6 percent for the
autumn survey.
Analysis by Town
A brief summary of the findings of the field surveys is given below for
each town that experienced oil contamination. The summaries start with the
town farthest upstream that was impacted, the Town of Clayton, and progress
downstream to the Town of Massena.
Town of Clayton - (Section 1. Figures 14 and 28)
Fall - Only 0.42 km (0.26 mi) of shoreline in the Town of Clayton were
surveyed. Of these, 0.13 km (0.08 mi) (30.7 percent) were found to have
33
-------
Table 5 Shoreline Surveyed end Irtent of HMJdual fv»»*»-t njnt»
lle»een» Louieville
»»ddin»ton
O»vegatchie
Morriftovn
Clayton
SHORELINE SURVEYED
Hi let by Baiting
rmll 1976
Spring 1977
22.98
16.38
-6.60
JO. 05
17.. 57
-2.48
16.14
13.19
-J.15
11.48
12.38
14.35
14.7S
*0.40
4.63
5.57
+ .94
10.02
4.38
19.52
17.2O
-2.32
3.97
3.67
-0.30
0.15
0.15
0
123.49
105.24
CT By Malting
Fell 1976
Spring 1977
% of Shoreline Surveyed
Br Malting
Fall 1976
Spring 1977
Mil«» by Boat
Tall 1976
Spring 1*77
KM By Boat
Fall 1976
Spring 1977
CO t of Shoreline Surveyed
•4^ by Boat
Fall 1976
Spring 1977
Total Miles
Fall 1976
Spring 1977
Total CT
Fall 1976
Spring 1977
EXTENT OT RES I Dim. COMTjmiMATIOM
Miles of Scattered Qgl
Fall 1976
Spring 1977
KM of Scattered oil
Fall 1976
Spring 1977
% of Surveyed Shoreline
Contaminated by Scattered Oil
Fall 1976
Spring. 1977
36.98
26.36
-10.62
100.0
48.2
0
17.57
+17.57
0
28.28
4.28.28
0
51.8
22.98
33.95
36.98
54.64
+17.68
nile» ol »and» of oil
r»ll 1976
Spring 1977
19.1
15.1
32.27
28.28
-3.99
1OO.O
58.7
0
12.38
0
19.92
+19.92
0
41.3
20.05
29.95
12.27
48.20
+15.93
2.68
5.00
+2.32
4.31
8.05
+1.74
13.4
16,7
26.30
21.23
-5.07
100.0
63.5
0
36.5
16.34
20.76
+4.42
26.30
33.41
+7.11
12.67
8.38
-4.29
20.19
13.49
-6.90
78.1
40.4
0.64
0
18.48
19.92
+ 1.44
100.0
52.1
0
11.38
0
IB.31
+18.31
O
47.9
11.48
23.76
+12.28
18.48
3B.24
+19.76
51.7
57.1
1.38
0
-1.18
23.09
23.74
+ 0.65
100.0
100.0
14.35
14.7S
+0.40
23.09
23.74
-0.65
10.75
13.19
+2.44
17.30
21.23
+ 3.91
74.9
89.4
0.07
0
-O.07
7.45
8.96
+ 1.51
100.0
49.2
0
9.25
+9.25
0
50.8
4.63
11.32
7.45
18.22
+10.77
4.42
5.38
+0.96
7.11
8.66
+I7sT
95.5
47.S
0
0.15
16.13
7.05
-9.08
13.2
11.5
20.19
33.75
+13.56
32.49
54.32
+21.83
66. 8
88.S
30.21
39.13
+ 7.92
48.62
61.36
+1277T
8.61
9.38
+0.77
13.86
15.10
+1.24
28.5
24. G
11.95
6.75
-S.20
31.41
27.68
43.9
31.6
24.99
37.20
+12.21
40.22
59.87
56.1
68.40
44.51
54.40
+9.»9
71.63
87.55
+15.92
5.60
16.38
+10.78
9.01
26.16
•17.15
12.6
10.1
10.9*
2.76
6.39
5.91
-0.48
46.3
30.0
4.61
B.S7
+3.96
7.42
13.79
53.7
70.0
0.09
0. 50
+0.41
0.14
0.80
+ 0.66
0.24
0.24
0
57.7
5.6
0.11
2.54
+ 2.43
0.18
4.09
+3.91
42.3
94.4
0.26
2.69
+ 2.43
0.42
4.33
+ 3.91
198.74
169.37
71.2
43.5
49.90
136.71
+86.81
8O. 31
220.01
28.8
56. S
173.39
241.95
279.05
399-39
+110.34
55.38
77.16
+ 21.78
89.12
124.19
+ 35.07
32.0
31.9
0.10
_o
-0.10
-------
OJ
en
•"" — — vcpininucui
KM of Bands of Oil
Pall 1976
Spring 1977
% of Surveyed shoreline
Contaminated By Bands of Oil
Fall 1976
Spring 1977
Miles of Pockets of Oil
Fall 1976
Spring 1977
KM of Pockets of Oil
Fall 1976
Spring 1977
% of Surveyed Shoreline
Contaminated By Pockets of Oil
Fall 1976
Spring 1977
Total Miles
Fall 1976
Spring 1977
Total KM
Fall 1976
Spring 1977
Total « of Surveyed shoreline
Contaminated
Fall 1976
Spring 1977
Massena
O
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
4.39
5.38
+ .99
7.07
8.66
+1.59
19.1
15.8
Louisville
0
0
O
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
2.68
5.00
4.31
8.05
+ 3774
13.4
16.7
Wadding ton
1.03
0
-1.03
3.9
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
13.31
8.38
-4.93
21.42
13.49
-7.93
82.0
40.4
Lisbon
2.22
0
-2.22
12.0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
7.55
13.57
+6.02
12.15
21.84
+9.69
65.7
57.1
0.11
0
-0.11
0.4
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
10.82
13.19
+2.37
17.41
21.23
+ 3.82
75.3
89.4
Morristown
0
0.24
+ 0.24
0
1.3
0
0
0
O
0
0
0
0
4.42
5.53
+1.11
7.11
8.90
»1.79
95.5
48.8
Hammond
19.23
10.86
-8.37
39.6
17.7
1.30
0.52
-0.78
2.09
0.84
-1.25
4.3
1.7
21.86
16.65
-5.21
35.18
26. SO
-8.38
72.4
44.0
Alexandria
17.64
4.44
-13.20
24.6
5.1
0.56
0.45
-0.11
0.90
0.72
-0.18
1.3
0.83
17.12
19.59
+2.47
27.55
31.52
+ 3.97
38.5
36.0
Orleans Clayton
0.16 0.13
O 0.13
-0.16 0
1.2 30.7
0 2.9
0 0
0 0
0 0
0 0
0 0
0 0
0 0
0 0
0.19 0.08
0.50 0.08
+0.31 0
0.30 0.13
0.80 0.13
+ 0.50 0
1.2 30.7
4.0 2.9
40.52
15.67
-24.85
14.5
0.4
1.86
0.97
-0.89
2.99
1.56
-1.43
1.1
a
82.42
87.87
+ 5.45
132.63
141.42
+ 8.79
47.6
32.3
Less than 0.1 percent.
-------
residual contaminants. These were in the form of bands of oil located at
the extreme downstream portion of the Town.
Spring - A total of 3.52 km (2.19 mi) was surveyed. Again only 0.13 km
(0.08 mi) were found to have residual contaminants. These were in the form
of bands of oil.
Town of Orleans - (Section 1, Figures 14 and 28)
Fall - Of the 13.81 km (8.58 mi) surveyed in the Town of Orleans 6.39 km
(3.97 mi) were surveyed by walking and 7.42 km (4.61 mi) by boat. Little
evidence of residual contamination was found, with only 0.16 km (0.1 mi)
classed as "bands of oil" and 0.14 km (0.09 mi) as "scattered oil."
Spring - An additional 5.89 km (3.66 mi) were surveyed with an addition-
al 0.50 km (0.31 mi) being classed as having residual contaminants. All
0.80 km (0.50 mi) of contaminated shoreline were classed as "bands of oil."
Town of Alexandria - (Sections 2 and 3. Figures 15, 16. 29. and 30)
Fall - The largest number of miles surveyed in any of the impacted towns
was completed in the Town of Alexandria. This totaled 71.63 km (44.51 mi)
with 31.41 km (19.52 mi) completed by walking and 40.22 km (24.99 mi)
completed by boat. Visual residual contaminants were found on 27.55 km
(17.12 mi) of the shoreline (38.5 percent of the total surveyed). Of these,
9.01 km (5.60 mi) were classed as "scattered oil"; 17.64 km (10.96 mi) as
"bands of oil"; and 0.90 km (0.56 mi) as "pockets of oil." Most of the
residual contaminants were found on the mainland shoreline with very little
found on Wellesley Island and a few of the islands upstream of the Village of
Alexandria Bay. Most of Goose Bay was surveyed and residual contaminants
classed as "scattered oil" were found in the downstream portion of the bay.
Spring - An additional 15.92 km (9.89 mi) were surveyed with an
additional 3.98 km (2.47 mi) classed as having residual contaminants.
Thirteen and two tenths km (8.2 mi) fewer miles were classed as
"bands of oil" and 13.20 km (10.78 mi) were classed as "scattered oil."
Town of Hammond - (Section 4, 5 and 6, Figures 17, 18. 19. 31, 32 and
Fall - A total of 48.62 km (30.21 mi) of shoreline in the Town of
Hammond was surveyed with 32.49 km (20.19 mi) covered by boat and 16.13 km
(10.02 mi) by walking. Of this mileage, 13.86 km (8.61 mi) were classed
as "scattered oil"; 19.23 km (11.95 mi) as "bands of oil"; and 2.09 km
(1.30 mi) as "pockets of oil." A stretch downstream of Chippewa Bay did not
have visible residual contaminants present. However, in the Chippewa Bay
area, both the mainland shoreline and the island shoreline were almost
completely classed as having visible residual contaminants present. Pockets
of oil -were found primarily at the lower end of Chippewa Bay. Most of the
islands*, except Oak which was not fully surveyed, were classed as
"bands of oil.1 The area upstream from Chippewa Bay to the Town of Alexan-
dria line was primarily classed as "scattered oil."
36
-------
Spring - An additional 12.75 kmi;(7.92 mi) were surveyed with a total of
8.38 km (5.21 mi) having residual contaminants. This reduced from 72.4 to
44.0 the percent of surveyed shoreline that was classed as contaminated.
Town of Morristown - (Sections 6 and 7. Figures 19, 20, 33 and 34)
Fall - Of the 7.45 km (4.63 mi) surveyed by walking, 7.11 km (4.42 mi)
were classed as "scattered oil." The survey of the shoreline of the Town of
Morristown was limited to access points between the Village of Morristown and
the Town of Harrmond line.2 At most survey points, ten of fourteen,
scattered oil was found. Of the other four, three were just downstream of
the Town of Hammond line. It could be expected that the intervening shore-
line also was contaminated to the same degree.
Spring - An additional 10.77 km (6.69 mi) were surveyed and an addition-
al 1.79 km (1.11 mi) were contaminated. Scattered oil was found in the
portion of the shoreline upstream of the Village of Morristown between those
isolated points surveyed in the Fall.
o
Town of Oswegatchie - (Sections 7. 8 and 9. Figures 20. 21. 22. 34,
35 and 36)
Fall - Of the 23.09 km (14.35 mi) surveyed in the Town of Oswegatchie,
17.30 km (10.75 mi) were classed as "scattered oil" and 0.11 km (0.07 mi)
as "bands of oil." Residual contaminants were not observed at the mouth of
the Oswegatchie River nor for a stretch of mainland shoreline downstream of
the Port facilities. The small area where bands of oil were observed was
near the base of the Ogdensburg-Prescott Bridge.
Spring - Only 0.64 additional km (0.40.mi) were surveyed. However,
3.81 additional km (2.37 mi) of shoreline were classed as contaminated. The
majority of the additional contamination occurred along the downstream
portion of the City of Ogdensburg's shoreline.
Town of Lisbon (Section 9 and 10. Figures 22, 23. 36 and 37)
Fall - The survey parties walked 18.48 km (11.48 mi) of the shoreline
in the Town of Lisbon and classed 9.93 km (6.17 mi) of the shoreline as
"scattered oil" and 2.22 km (1.38 mi) as "bands of oil." The bands of oil
were observed in the Red Mills area while most of the rest of the Town's
shoreline had scattered oil. The area was the only extensive area classed
as not having residual contaminants.
Spring - An additional 19.76 km (12.28 mi) were surveyed with an
additional 9.69 km (6.02 mi) classed as having residual contaminants. The
majority of these additional miles were on Gallop Island where the head
and north shore were classed as scattered oil."
2The onset of winter precluded surveying the remainder of the shoreline by
boat.
3The Town of Oswegatchie description includes the City of Ogdensburg.
37
-------
Town of Waddington - (Sections 11 and 12, Figures 24, 25. 38 and 39)
Fall - A total of 26.30 km (16.34 mi) of shoreline were surveyed in the
Town of Waddington by walking. Classed as "scattered oil" were 20.54 km
{12.76 mi). A small portion, 1.03 km (0.64 mi) were classed as "bands of
oil." White House Bay was the only significant area surveyed where residual
contaminants were not observed. The area where bands of oil were observed
was on Leishman Point.
Spring - An additional 7.11 km (4.42 mi) of shoreline were surveyed.
A net decrease of 7.93 km (4.93 mi) of shoreline classed as contaminated
occurred. The majority of the decrease occurred just below the Village of
Waddington.
Town of Louisville - (Sections 12, 13 and 14, Figures 25. 26, 27, 39,
40 and 41"P
Fall - A total of 32.27 km (20.05 mi) of shoreline were surveyed in the
Town of Louisville by walking. Of this, 4.31 km (2.68 mi) were classed as
"scattered oil." The primary area where residuals were found was on the
north side of Wilson Hill Island. A few short segments were found in other
areas of the Town.
Spring - An additional 15.93 km (9.90 mi) of shoreline were surveyed.
An additional 3.73 km (2.32 mi) were classed as "scattered oil." The
majority of this was on the islands which were not surveyed in the Fall due
to weather.
Town of Massena - (Sections 13 and 14, Figures 26, 27, 40 and 41)
Fall - All 36.98 km (22.98 mi) surveyed in the Town of Massena were
surveyed by walking the shoreline. Of the area surveyed, 7.07 km (4.39 mi)
were classed as "scattered oil." The primary areas where the residual
contaminants were observable were on the north shore of Barnhart Island
immediately upstream of the Moses-Saunders Power Dam and at the head of Long
Sault Island. Other small areas were scattered along the mainland shoreline.
Spring - An additional 17.65 km (10.97 mi) were surveyed with an
additional 1.59 km (0.99 mi) of contaminated shoreline recorded. Again
additional contaminated shoreline was found on the islands not previously
surveyed.
Comparison of Survey Findings
The Spring survey covered 110.34 km (68.56 mi) more shoreline than the
Fall survey. A total of 29.37 km (18.25 mi) less of shoreline were surveyed
by walking while a total of 139.71 km (86.81 mi) more were surveyed by boat.
Much of the additional shoreline surveyed was on islands in the down-
stream portions of the impact area which were not surveyed in the Fall due
to weather conditions.
The extent of residuals observed varied between the two surveys. An
38
-------
LOCATION OF RESIDUAL CONTAMINANTS
Figure 14. Section 1, Autumn Survey, 1976
-------
LOCATION Of RESIDUAL CONTAMINANTS
Figure 15. Section 2, Autumn Survey, 1976.
-------
LOCATION Of RESIDUAL CONTAMINANTS
Figure 16. Section 3, Autumn Survey, 1976.
-------
LOCATION Of RESIDUAL CONTAMINANTS
Figure 17. Section 4, Autumn Survey, 1976.
-------
front of yonge/eliz.abethtown
township' township
LOCATION OF RESIDUAL CONTAMINANTS
Ui
Figure 18. Section 5, Autumn Survey, 1976.
LOCATION OF RESIDUAL CONTAMINANTS
Figure 19. Section 6, Autumn Survey, 1976.
-------
LEEDS COUNTY/GRENVILLE COUNTY
eli/.abethtown township ' augusta township
LOCATION Of RESIDUAL CONTAMINANTS
Figure 20. Section 7, Autumn Survey, 1976.
LOCATION Of RESIDUAL CONTAMINANTS
eufunt
Figure 21. Section 8, Autumn Survey, 1976,
-------
LOCATION Of RESIDUAL CONTAMINANTS
turamm *mr\tt
Figure 22. Section 9, Autumn Survey, 1976.
LOCATION Of RESIDUAL CONTAMINANTS
lisbon -t town of wadding
Figure 23. Section 10, Autumn Survey, 1976.
-------
LOCATION Of RESIDUAL CONTAMINANTS
Figure 24. Section 11, Autumn Survey, 1976.
-------
LOCATION Of RESIDUAL CONTAMINANTS
DUNDUS COUNTY ,STORMONT COUNTY
williamsburgh township 1 osnabruck.^ township
\, ^f
Figure 25. Section 12, Autumn Survey, 1976.
-------
DQ
LOCATION Of RESIDUAL CONTAMINANTS
ttixm* tun-el
Figure 26. Section 13, Autumn Survey, 1976.
-------
LOCATION Of RESIDUAL CONTAMINANTS
Figure 27. Section 14, Autumn Survey, 1976.
-------
LOCATION OF RESIDUAL CONTAMINANTS
Figure 28. Section 1, Spring Survey, 1977.
-------
LOCATION OF RESIDUAL CONTAMINANTS
Figure 29. Section 2, Spring Survey, 1977,
-------
M
LOCATION OF RESIDUAL CONTAMINANTS
Figure 30. Section 3, Spring Survey, 1977.
-------
tfl
u
LOCATION OF RESIDUAL CONTAMINANTS
Figure 31. Section 4, Spring Survey, 1977.
-------
front of yonge /elizal>etniown
. township '' township
Figure 32. Section 5, Spring Survey, 1977.
BROCWILLE fR\
IOCATION OF RESIDUAL CONTAMINANTS
Figure 33. Section 6, Spring Survey, 1977.
-------
LEEDS COUN1Y/GRENVILLE COUNTY
• elizabethtown township ' augusta township
LOCATION Of RESIDUAL CONTAMINANTS
Figure 34. Section 7, Spring Survey, 1977.
LOCATION OF RESIDUAL CONTAMINANTS
Figure 35. Section 8, Spring Survey, 1977
-------
LOCATION Of RESIDUAL CONTAMINANTS
cr> Figure 36. Section 9, Spring Survey, 1977.
LOCATION Of RESIDUAL CONTAMINANTS
•»r,M .irrtrt
town of lisbon -} town of waddington
Figure 37. Section 10, Spring Survey, 1971.
-------
LOCATION Of RESIDUAL CONTAMINANTS
Figure 38. Section 11, Spring Survey, 1977.
-------
PJLJNDUS COUNTY , STORMONT COUNTY
williamsburgh township osnabruck^, township
LOCATION OF RESIDUAL CONTAMINANTS
Figure 39. Section 12, Spring Survey, 1977.
-------
LOCATION OF RESIDUAL CONTAMINANTS
Figure 40. Section 13, Spring Survey, 1977.
-------
B
LOCATION Of RESIDUAL CONTAMINANTS
Figure 41. Section 14, Spring Survey, 1977.
-------
increase of 35.05 km (21.78 mi) of scattered oil was observed in the
Spring as compared to the Fall, while there was-a decrease of 24.85 km
(15.44 mi) of bands of oil. The extent of pockets of oil decreased from
2.99 km (1.86 mi) in the Fall to 1.56 km (0.97 mi) in the Spring. Over all,
8.77 km (5.45 mi) more were classed as contaminated in Hie Spring than in the
Fall. In terms of the area surveyed, there was a decrease from 47.6 percent
to 32.3 percent that was contaminated in the Spring as compared to the Fall.
The Towns of Hammond and Alexandria accounted for 21.57 km (13.40 mi)
of the 24.85 km (15.44 mi) decrease in shoreline classed as "bands of oil."
As is indicated in Figures 15,16,29 and 30 for the Town of Alexandria, and
17,18,31 and 32 for the Town of Hammond. Extensive areas classed as "bands
of oil" in the Fall were classed as "scattered oil" in the Spring. The
majority of the remainder of the additional shoreline that was classed as
"scattered oil" was on islands not previously surveyed.
Observations of specific points on the shoreline indicated that the
primary changes that occurred between the two surveys were as follows:
"Bands of Oil"—Hardening of the residual and a decrease in reflective-
ness; no observed reduction in thickness or width; little, if any, scouring
or sloughing off of the residual; less visible due to the decrease in
reflectiveness; and little evidence of running or dripping of the bands.
"Scattered Oil"—Reduction in quantity that is visible due to covering
up by dead vegetation; some relocation caused by movement of material
(vegetation, debris, etc.) that the oil is trapped in; hardening of the
residual and a decrease in reflectiveness where it is on solid objects;
evidence of transport as small amounts were found submerged at water levels
below those of the day of the spill; and vegetation growing through and
around the scattered residual.
"Pockets of Oil"--Reduced visibility as old vegetation covered them and
new vegetation grew around and through these pockets; and reducton in
viscosity.
Table 6 sets forth a comparison of residuals between the fall and spring
survey for a limited number of sites. The description of residual is
generalized based upon the detail provided on the survey forms and is
presented to reflect general changes that occurred.
Summary Appraisal
The major observation of the Spring survey was that the residual
appeared to be less visible than during the previous Fall. This was re-
flected in the reported observations for specific sites and from the
classification of the shoreline. For example, several areas where the resi-
dual was classed as "bands of oil" in the Fall were classed as "scattered
oil" in the Spring. In other areas where scattered oil was found in the
Fall, no residual was reported in the Spring. Again, fewer miles of pockets
of oil were found in the Spring than in the Fall.
61
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TABLE 6. RESIDUAL CONTAMINANTS COMPARISON
Location9
Seawall at Grass Point
State Park
Rocks at Snow Bay
(inhabited section)
Swan Bay (inhabited
section)
Rocks at Edgewood
Resort
Hutchinson's Boat Work
docks
Village Water Department
rocks
Iroquois Island Bridge
Abutment
Residual
Fall 1976
2.54 cm (1 in) by
24.38 m (80 ft) band
scattered—prevalent
scattered
scattered
bands
scattered
band
Goose Bay Inn docks and cribs scattered—prevalent
Turkey Point rocks
Kring Point (rocks in small
cove)
Cloud's Rest Island
Cottage area near Lumsley
cottage and downstream
Augsbury Oil and Acco
Ogdensburg Bridge
Upstream of Red Mills
(inhabited section)
Red Mills rocks
band
band on rocks
band
scattered
large quantity
prevalent
continuous band
prevalent
Spring 1977
band—scattered
scattered
scattered—very little
scattered--very little
bands—scattered
scattered
band
scattered
band—less prevalent
band on rocks
band
little oil—no oil at
one cottage but new
breakwall had been
constructed
large quantity
slight decrease
band—prevalent
slight decrease
Details of location are available on the Description of Residual
Contaminants Form.
62
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This decrease in visibility was more noticeable in areas where the
shoreline was vegetated. In these areas, dead vegetation covered or
partially covered the residual and in many areas new growth screened the
residual from view. It was observed that vegetation grew through the
scattered oil and pockets of oil in many cases.4
However, it should be noted that close observation revealed there was
little change in the quantity of residual in the Spring as compared to the
Fall. The degree of visibility was reduced during that period but not the
amount of residual.
From field observations it appears that the effect of the elements was
minimal for the period between the spill and the Spring survey. As noted,
little, if any, evidence of the oil becoming viscous enough to cause it to
"run" was noted. The water levels during this period did not reach the
height of the water on June 23, 1976, the day of the spill. During the
Spring survey they were 0.61 m (2 ft) to 0.76 m (2.5 ft) below this
level. Thus, opportunity for ice scour was limited. Observations at the
heads of islands and other places where scour was expected to occur did not
reflect any great amount of scouring.
In summary, the three significant effects of time and the elements that
were observed were 1) the hardening of the residual caused primarily by the
loss of more volatile residuals, 2) a decrease in visibility due primarily
to the dying of vegetation and the growth of new which provided screening
and covering or partial covering of the residual, and 3) substantial amounts
of residual were not removed by ice scouring due to the lower water levels.
5
Canadian Survey
During the period from May 9 to May 12, 1977, approximately 32.18 km
(20 mi) of shoreline in Canada were surveyed. Included was the mainland
shoreline between Lily Bay and the dike at Cornwall. This was surveyed by
walking at selected spots. The islands and the mainland between Myers and
McNair Islands were surveyed by boat and in some areas by walking.
Described below is a summary of the findings of that survey. It is
presented by map section.
Section 6—Brockvllle Narrows (Figure 33)—Stovin Island, Royal Island
and Prince Alfred Island were the most heavily contaminated. Bands of oil
up to 3.81 cm (1.5 in) thick and 0.61 m (2 ft) wide covered the heads of
The impact of the residual on vegetation will be discussed in more detail
in the section dealing with environmental impacts.
The survey was conducted by Clarence Muisiner, Robert Michen and John
Allen of Ontario Ministry of the Environment; Thomas Walton of Parks Canada;
and Janet Heuhn of the Department of Fisheries and the Environment,
Environment Canada.
63
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Royal and Alfred Islands and a bay on Stoven Island. Other areas had
scattered oil or bands of oil 5.08 cm (2 in) wide; 13.84 km (8.6 mi) of the
shore were surveyed and 1.29 km (0.8 mi)were found to have residual contami-
nants.
Section 6—Town of Brockville (Figure33 )—The municipal dock at
Brockville had wide bands of oil stains. Narrow bands of oil and stains were
observed on rocky shoreline and private docks. Six and twenty-eight
hundredths km (3.9 mi) of shore were surveyed, with 1.77 km (1.1 mi) being
classed as having residual contaminants present.
Section 7--Main1and (Figure 34)—Scattered oil was found at Brockville
Chemicals. One mile was surveyed,with 0.13 km(.08mi) being found contaminated.
Section 8--Prescott (Figure 35)--No residual contaminant was observed
in the 2.41 km (1.5 mi) surveyed.
Section 9-12->-Prescott to Crysler Memorial Park (Figure 36-39)—No
residual contaminant was observed in the area.
Section 12—Crysler Memorial Park (Figure 39)--Two and forty one
hundredths km (1.5 mi) were surveyed with 1.93 km (1.2 mi) being classed as
contaminated by scattered oil. The shoreine in this section consists of
sto y beaches and minor vegetation.
Section 13--Woodland Islands (Figure 40)--The upstream sides of the
islands of Long Sault were contaminated with scattered oil along 1.77 km
(1.1 mi) of the 2.41 km (1.5 mi) surveyed.
Section 14--Long Sault (Figure 41)--Scattered oil was found in isolated
places. At the Cornwall Municipal Park oil patches were observed on the
bottom in 15.24 cm (6 in) to 0.46 m (1.5 ft) of water. Of the 2.09 km
(1.3 mi) of shore surveyed, 0.80 km (0.5 mi) were classed as having residual
contaminants.
The Canadian shoreline was surveyed only in the spring of 1977. Thus,
comparisons between survey periods can not be made. The data relating to
the Canadian survey is included to reflect that the problems related to oil
spills are truly international in nature, thus requiring cooperative action
by parties on both shores of the River. Secondly, it is set forth to reflect
that even though extensive efforts were undertaken by the Canadian Ministry
of Transport to clean up the Canadian shoreline, contaminants were not
totally removed. This is similar to the situation on the United States
shoreline.
64
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SECTION 5
BACKGROUND TO ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES
PETROLEUM IN THE ENVIRONMENT
Natural Seeps
The introduction of large amounts of petroleum hydrocarbons into the
environment has led to great concern about their potential effects on plants
and animals, natural communities, and man. It is realized that there are
natural seeps and that these have a long history of occurrence in coastal
marine and inland wetland environments. The communities of living organisms
in these environments have adjusted, if not become specially adapted, to
chronic levels of oil input. Since petroleum has its origin in living
organisms, it cannot be regarded strictly as a foreign substance.
The amount of petroleum hydrocarbons being introduced by natural seeps
is difficult to estimate. Wilson et al. (1973) places the amount at some-
where between 200,000 and 1,000,000 metric tons per year in marine environ-
ments with a "best" estimate at 600,000 metric tons per year. Koons and
Monaghan (1976) confirm this estimate. Grossling (1976) suggests that
natural seeps on land could be four times as great as those off shore. It
has been further estimated that natural seeps have totalled 50 to 100 times
the volume that currently exists in the earth's reservoirs (Nat. Acad. Sci.
1975). Therefore, we need not regard petroleum hydrocarbons as new
environmental additives. However, like the other natural components of our
environments, there must be a limit to the amount that can be tolerated by a
healthy natural community. Even oxygen, carbon dioxide, and sodium chloride
can become toxic while existing in still rather small amounts. Our concern
then is to know the response of organisms and communities to sudden and
massive introductions of petroleum hydrocarbons, as occur at the time of a
major oil spill.
Means of Introduction
There are several means by which petroleum in its various forms becomes
introduced into the environment. As explained by the National Academy of
Sciences (1975) for marine environments, this includes all activities
beginning with production, refining and transportation, and ending with use.
Even for transportation the means are numerous. Major spills resulting from
tanker accidents vary from year to year depending on their frequence and the
amounts and kinds of oil involved. The extensive and highly publicized
spills, such as the Torrey Canyon, Argo Merchant, and Amoco Cadiz have
generally occurred in coastal marine environments.
65
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The effects of freshwater spills are limited in part by the tonnage of
the tankers capable of navigation in rivers and lakes. However, the spilled
oil may be highly concentrated in the impacted areas, and the effects may be
long lasting.
The Nature of Petroleum
Petroleum is a highly complex mixture of thousands of hydrocarbons that
vary with the source, refinery product, and time. Therefore, every tanker
load is different as is every spill in its physical and chemical character-
istics.
Major groups of hydrocarbons are the aliphatics, alicyclics, and
aromatics. The aliphatic hydrocarbons are largely the saturated alkanes or
paraffins. The alicyclic hydrocarbons are largely the saturated cycloalkanes
and unsaturated olefins. The aromatic hydrocarbons are largely unsaturated
mono-, di-, and polynuclear aromatics. In addition, there are numerous non-
hydrocarbons in petroleum. These include compounds which may contain
nitrogen, sulfur, oxygen, (NSO), and various metals.
The products of petroleum refining range from natural gas, gasoline,
kerosene, No. 2 fuel oil, lubricating oils, Bunker C (No. 6) fuel oil to
asphalts. Bunker C fuel oil is one of the heaviest distillate fractions of
petroleum. As reported by the National Academy of Sciences (1975), it has an
average specific gravity near 1.00, a viscosity of 1,000 centipoises at 38 C,
and a pour point of 21 C. Most of its hydrocarbon components are 030 or
higher. On the average, it contains about 15 percent paraffins, 45 percent
naphthenes, 25 percent aromatics, and 15 percent polar NSO's.
Transformation Processes
Crude petroleum and petroleum products begin transformation immediately
upon entering the environment. These changes involve physical, chemical, and
biological processes. In general, these processes include evaporation,
spreading, emulsification, solution, photochemical oxidation, tar lump
formation, sedimentation, microbial degradation, and consumption by organisms
(Nat. Acad. Sci. 1975).
Bunker C oil generally spreads slowly, loses less than 10 percent by
evaporation, loses other light weight aromatic hydrocarbons and polar NSO's
into solution and partially emulsifies in heavy waves or surf action. It
undergoes some photochemical oxidation, is broken down by some microorganisms,
and is consumed by others. Tar lumps containing some NSO compounds and poly-
nuclear aromatics are frequently formed. Bunker C oil may combine with
various suspended particulate material and settle to the bottom as small
droplets.
Specific information on the fate of Bunker C oil is not available, since
it would be different for each spill. One of the better long-range studies
involving Bunker C oil is that associated with the grounding of the Arrow in
Chedabucto Bay, Nova Scotia (Vandermeulen 1977).
66
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Polynuclear Aromatic Hydrocarbons
Polynuclear (or polycyclic) aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) are multi-ring
compounds found in many substances including petroleum. They contain two or
more benzene rings, unsaturated and arranged in various configurations. In
general, they are comparatively stable. Some, such as benzo (a) pyrene, have
been determined to be carcinogenic.
PAHs are found in plant and animal tissues, in soils and sediments, and
in fossil fuels. Blumer (1976) has given us his views on their formation and
distribution. Most PAHs appear to be found where organic compounds are sub-
jected to high temperatures. However, extreme high temperatures are not
necessary. In petroleum they are formed in sediments at temperatures of 100
to 150° Celsius over long periods of time. The specific temperature helps to
determine the type of PAHs being formed and also the substitution of
alkylated rings. In petroleum where PAHs are formed under low temperatures,
the amount of alkylated PAHs exceedsthe unsubstituted carbon rings. In soil
the unsubstituted carbon rings are most abundant, indicating their formation
at higher temperatures. PAHs in air which is polluted with emissions from
high temperature furnaces have even fewer substituted carbon rings.
Blumer and Youngblood (1975) theorize that PAH found in soils and
sediments originated from forest and prairie fires and then became univer-
sally distributed by world-wide patterns of air circulation. With an
increase in the rate of incomplete combustion of fossil fuels, the amount of
PAH entering the environment has increased greatly. Oil spills have become
an acute additional source of PAH in localized areas.
It has been suggested that plants may have the ability to form PAHs
(Borneff et al. 1968). However, specific determinations have not been made
to date. The metabolism of PAHs by some organic functions has been studied
by Philpot et al. (1976). The functioning of metabolic activity in the
carcinogenicity of some PAHs has been investigated by Gibson (1976).
Bunker C Oil From NEPCO #140
The Bunker C fuel oil (No. 6) spilled from the barge NEPCO #140 was
analyzed by E. W. Saybolt and Co., Inc. as a routine procedure for all oil
shipments. Table 7 lists the tests and results for that particular load of
oil, as taken on June 27, 1976, at the Niagara Mohawk terminal in Oswego, NY.
A sample of the oil was also taken by the U.S. Coast Guard and finger-
printed by gas chromatography. Their chromatogram is included here (Figure
42).
The U.S. Coast Guard provided a sample of the oil which was then
analysed for polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons using high pressure liquid
chromatography. The results of this analysis will be Included in a later
section of this report.
67
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o
oo
Figure 42. Gas Chromatogram of Bunker C Oil From NEPCO #140 Made By U.S. Coast Guard C]2-C34
-------
TABLE 7. SAYBOLT TEST RESULTS OF NEPCO 140 OIL SAMPLE
Tests Results
Gravity, API at 60°F 13.5 g/ml
Flash, PM CC 168°F
Vise, SF at 122°F 269 sec.
Pour, Point, ASTM 30°F
Carbon Res., Con. 12.4%
Sulfur, ASTM 2.40%
Water and Sediment 0.2%
Sediment, Extraction 0.03%
Water Distillation Trace
B.T.U. Per Pound 18375
B.T.U. Per Gallon 149333
Ash 0.07%
Vanadium 390 PPM
Sodium 14 PPM
Source: Data provided by E. W. Saybolt and Co., Inc.
THE STUDY AREA
The St. Lawrence River marshes have received very little biological
study. A recent preliminary study (Geis 1977) further emphasized the lack of
baseline data. There were no specific data available on fish and wildlife
for the impacted bays and marshes. Since prior data were not available, a
system of comparing seemingly similar marshes was designed.
Seven study areas were selected to include a replication of slightly,
moderately and heavily oiled marshes in each of the two major bays, and also
to include a control area upstream from the spill site. Additional control
or sample sites were added for particular function or emphasis.
Goose Bay
Goose Bay is about 4 km (2.5 mi) long, 1.6 km (1 mi) wide, elliptical
in shape, and has one basic channel to the River. It has extensive cattail
marshes at each end as well as near the River where an old channel has
filled. The Bay is shallow and almost entirely occupied with submerged
vegetation. Its channel is located about 8 km (5 mi) downstream from the
initial grounding or 16 km (10 mi) from the point of anchorage of the NEPCO
#140.
Point Marguerite Marsh—
This is the heavily oiled marsh in the Goose Bay complex (Figure 43).
It occupies a depression that begins near the River proper and extends
69
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Point Marguerite
Number Nine Island
Scale 1 1n. = 1000 ft.
-
Marsh Island
Figure 43. Point Marguerite and Cranberry Creek marshes.
-------
toward the southwest end of the Bay and the mouth of Cranberry Creek. If the
water were somewhat higher, it could become a second channel into the Bay.
There is an embayment of about 10 ha (25 ac) before the marsh which contains
a heavy growth of submerged vegetation, including sago pondweed, water celery
and pond lilies. An opening exists in the center of the marsh edge. This
extends into the marsh and branches to form several subunits.
The placing of booms across the River and between islands of the
Excelsior Group introduced additional oil into the area. The small inlets
permitted the oil to move back into the marsh. The area of the extent of
maximum oil penetration of the marsh may have been 15 ha (38 ac). It is a
mixture of emergent plant species with cattail being dominant. Some
European frogbit exists along the edge of the marsh. The bottom substrate
in the marsh and in front of it is rather firm with the cattail solidly
fastened to it. One can wade through the marsh on rather firm footing
amongst the emergent plants.
Hereafter this study area will be referred to as Marguerite.
Kring Point Marshes--
There are two marshes at the downstream end of Goose Bay which were
moderately oiled (Figure 44). The one nearest to the State Park is about
8 ha (20 ac) in size and the other is about 14 ha (35 ac) in size. Single
channels enter into each marsh but are often clogged with submerged vegeta-
tion, mud, floating debris, and extraneous materials of unknown origin.
Submerged vegetation is abundant in front of the marsh with limited amounts
of European frogbit at the edge. The marsh vegetation is dominated by
cattail.
The oil was driven into the area by the prevailing winds after entering
the Bay. The boom across the entrance was often opened to permit boats to
pass.
There is a zone of deep muck at the edge of the cattail zone which makes
walking difficult for the first several meters.
Hereafter this study area will be referred to as Kring.
Cranberry Creek Marsh—
An extensive cattail marsh exists at the mouth of the creek and extends
along the creek for some distance (Figure 43). This marsh was slightly
oiled when a shift in the wind direction occurred for a brief period. The
marsh to the crossing point of Route 12 approximates 40 ha (100 ac).
The entire southwest end of the Bay is very shallow, and so submerged
vegetation is common including coontail, sago pondweed, water celery and
pond lilies. However, the creek is rather deep and wide and the bottom at
the marsh edge is very soft. This marsh seems not to be solidly fastened to
the substrate. The cattail sod appears to float on a layer of thin mud,
71
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rv
Scale 1n. = 1000 ft.
N
St. Lawrence River
Figure 44. Kring Point Marshes
-------
with a considerable amount of European frogbit at the edge. This results in
an appearance of a high marsh easy to walk in. However, walking is
hazardous since the mat can be broken through.
Hereafter this study area will be referred to as Cranberry.
Chippewa Bay
Chippewa Bay is about 7 km (4.2 mi) long and in places nearly 1.5 km
(0.6 mi) wide, with one large island and several small ones that create two
major openings to the River. Like Goose Bay, there are extensive cattail
marshes at each end, primarily, but not entirely, associated with the mouths
of large creeks. The Bay is shallow and supports submerged vegetation
throughout. The upstream opening to the Bay is located about 13.5 km (8 mi)
downstream from the initial grounding or 22 km (13 mi) from the point of
anchorage of the NEPCO #140.
Sheepshead Point Marshes—
Two marshes, separated by Little Chippewa Point, were heavily oiled
(Figure 45). They are near the downstream lip (Chippewa Point) of the Bay
where much material floating downstream and driven to the shore by the
prevailing winds is trapped. Because of this washing effect the shore zone
is very shallow and the bottom is sandy with little, if any, submerged
vegetation. The zone of cattail growth is very narrow, perhaps 15 meters.
In that distance the marsh exists in a water depth of about 30 cm to
land about 50 cm above water, depending on the water level of the River.
The two marshes are referred to as Sheepshead North and Sheepshead
South. The North marsh exists at the end of a narrow rocksided embayment.
The cattail marsh changes to a reed-sedge growth on land, flooded only
during high water periods. A causeway crosses the area about 100 meters
back from the water which separates it from the marshes associated with
Blind Bay. The cattail marsh in this area total about 0.5 ha (1 ac)
with three-quarters of it above water.
The South marsh extends southeast of Sheepshead Point proper in a
narrow fringe about 0.5 km (0.3 mi) long. Behind the cattail zone is a
rather open area strewn with debris washed ashore by high spring waves
before the cattails developed. This gives way to herbaceous and shrub growth.
About 1 ha (2.5 ac) of cattails are in the area studied.
Hereafter this study area will be referred to as Sheepshead.
Chippewa Creek Marsh—
This is a large marsh at the mouth of Chippewa Creek which was
moderately oiled (Figure 46). A boom was placed across the mouth of the
creek which concentrated the impact at the outer edge. However, the study
involved the marsh along the creek and side channels for a distance of over
500 meters. This created a study area of over 40 ha (100 ac).
This marsh is also impacted by the prevailing wind. However, unlike
Sheepshead, there is no sandy shoreline. The edge of the marsh is abrupt.
73
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St. Lawrence River
Chippewa
Point
Littie Chippewa
Point
Chippewa Bay
Scale 1 in. = 1000 ft,
Figure 45. Sheepshead Point Marshes.
-------
Scale 1 in. = 1000 ft,
Chlppewa Bay
Chippewa
Creek
Figure 46. Chlppewa Creek Marshes.
75
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In many places one can stand at the water's edge before a platform of
cattail roots which may be just above or below the water level. Much of the
marsh can be walked through without great difficulty. It is attached
solidly to the substrate, unlike the equally large marsh at Cranberry Creek
which tends to be a floating mat.
There are several small channels or inlets where lesser amounts of
oil moved after passing the boom.
Submerged vegetation includes stonewart, water celery, sago pondweed,
waterweed, flexible m'ad, and pond lilies. European frogbit is common
along the edge.
Hereafter this study area will be referred to as Chippewa.
Crooked Creek Marshes--
There are two groups of marshes in this area (Figure 47). There is a
rather well-defined marsh at the mouth of the Creek, similar in many ways,
but smaller than that at the mouth of Chippewa Creek. The cattail zone
extends several miles upstream, but the area at the mouth below Route 12
totals no more than 5 ha (7.5 ac).
Adjacent to and west of this area are two small marshes, on either side
of Indian Point. These marshes, of approximately 5 ha (7.5 ac) each, are
associated with narrow water channels each draining a small area of wooded
upland. These were used in the waterfowl study.
The entire area was only slightly oiled. Although a boom was placed
across the mouth of the Creek, there was little need for it.
Submerged vegetation included waterweed, water celery, bladderwort,
and coontail. Some European frogbit occurred along the edges.
Hereafter this study area will be referred to as Crooked.
French Creek Marsh
This is the principal control area for the project (Figure 48). The
marsh continues for several miles upstream from the River at Clayton. • How-
ever, only the wide area above the French Creek Marina was used in this
study, an area of about 28 ha (70 ac).
The vegetation is primarily cattail in the marshes with extensive sub-
merged vegetation in the open area. This includes water milfoil, bladder-
wort, coontail and pond lilies. A large central open area exists which also
has many floating leaved pond lilies. This opening is about 20 ha (50 ac).
The bottom is of deep mud making walking in the marsh somewhat
difficult, although quite possible.
Hereafter this study area will be referred to as French.
76
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Scale 1 in. = 1000 ft,
St. Margarettes Island
Chippewa Bay
Indian Point
Crooked
Creek
Figure 47. Crooked Creek marshes.
77
-------
Scale 1 1n. = 1000 ft.
N
St. Lawrence
River
Clayton
NJ
DC
Figure 48. French Creek marshes.
-------
Canadian Marshes
Two Canadian marshes were visited with a Canadian biologist for the
purpose of securing samples. One was a very small remnant of a cattail
marsh in Church Bay, downstream from the effluent of a DuPont plant. This
marsh was about to disappear with the rebuilding of Route 2 along the shore.
The other marsh was a rather large cattail community in a channel
behind Spencer Island and downstream from the Ogdensburg-Prescott Bridge.
Other Control Areas
The French Creek control area, although satisfactory in most respects,
still had two disadvantages. First, there was a considerable amount of
motor boat traffic in the Creek and so an unknown amount of oil may have
entered the environment from boats. Second, it did not receive any water
from the River and therefore had not developed a background of oil or other
contaminants similar to the other study areas. There was a need to know
what this background of petroleum compounds might be.
A remnant of a marsh was found along the River shore between Clayton
and Cape Vincent where background samples could be taken.
A small marsh of about 1 ha (2.5 ac) with a 0.2 ha (0.5 ac) opening in
its middle was used as a control where no oil could possibly have entered
it. It was north of Rt. 26 about 0.75 km (0.5 mi) south of Alexandria Bay
village. A duck brood also used this location.
79
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SECTION 6
THE WILDLIFE COMMUNITY
GENERAL
Emphasis was placed on the fish and waterfowl populations as specified
in the proposal. However, the wildlife community is made up of a wide
variety of animal groups closely related in many ecological ways. Although
time and personnel did not permit thorough studies of other groups, some
lesser studies were made, and incidental observations were recorded. These
included a count of songbirds, a productivity study of muskrats, a survey of
amphibians and reptiles, and experiments on the effects of oil on frog
tadpoles.
Some adult fish have been found capable of avoiding petroleum compounds
while others can not (Shelford 1917, Summerfelt and Lewis 1967). There are
indications that some fish may utilize oiled invertebrates as food since they
are easier to catch (Blackman and Mackie 1974). On the other hand, the oil
may reduce the feeding response of some fish (Korn et al. 1976). Most of the
research on the effect of oil on eggs, larvae and juvenile fish has been done
under laboratory experimental conditions (Kuhnhold 1970).
Previous investigations involving oil and waterfowl have indicated
incompacitation and/or death from loss of buoyancy and insulation due to
physical contamination of feathers (Hartung 1965, McEwan and Koelink 1973),
embryonic mortality resulting from possible contamination of eggs by oiled
hens (Albers 1977, Szaro and Albers 1977, Szaro and Albers 1978), and
toxication when oil or oiled foods were ingested (Hartung 1964, Hartung and
Hunt 1966, Snyder et al. 1973). Many of these studies were conducted in the
laboratory using experimental administration of various types and concentra-
tions of oil, although a few compared results with those from wild birds oiled
by an actual spill.
This study began after early mortaliities due to the oiling of feathers
and toxication from ingesting the oil were past. Since most of the eggs had
hatched before the spill occurred, the loss of embryos could have been minor.
However, in spite of a thorough cleaning of the environment, it can be
assumed that contact with residual oil components would continue in the
marshes for some time, perhaps years.
this study investigates the effect of Bunker C oil on fish
and waterfowl in a freshwater marsh environment under natural conditions for
which no prior data exist.
80
-------
FISH DIVERSITY AND ABUNDANCE^
Materials and Methods
Fish were sampled through the use of several types of nets and traps.
These included minnow traps, gill nets of various mesh sizes, a South
Dakota trap net and a modified Alaskan trap net. The gill nets were 1.83 m
(6 ft) deep and 7.62 m (25 ft) long. Mesh sizes included 1.27, 2.54, 3.81
and 5.08 cm (1/2, 1, 1-1/2 and 2 in). The square mesh on the South Dakota
trap net was 1.27 cm (1/2 in). It had a 15.24 m (50 ft) leader and 7.62 m
(25 ft) wings. The square mesh on the modified Alaskan trap net was 0.63 cm
(1/4 in). It had a 22.86 m (75 ft) leader and 10.67 m (35 ft) wings.
In 1977 the minnow traps, gill nets and South Dakota trap net were set
as they became available in the arrangement shown in Figure 49 at each of the
seven sites. The nets were fished for 8-12 hours and then moved. Each area
was fished uniformly during the season. All fish were identified, measured
and marked before releasing.
A different sampling design was used in 1978. This was to obtain more
data from fewer sites, from which better estimates of some species' popula-
tions could be calculated. It also was designed to optimize the use of
available manpower and equipment. The design concentrated on French, Cran-
berry, Chippewa and Marguerite. Each of these four areas had moderate to
heavy submerged vegetation in front of the marsh edge. Because of the
higher water levels in 1978 it was possible to set the nets closer to the
marsh edge. It also was believed that the modified Alaskan trap net pro-
vided a more representative sample of the younger fish.
Sheepshead was not used because of the general lack of submerged
vegetation and the difficulty in setting nets in this exposed site. Kring
was not used because of the presence of a thick crust that covered the
surface of the shallow water. Crooked was omitted as a slightly oiled area
in favor of Cranberry since the latter was more similar to the other three
sites. The minnow traps, the South Dakota and the modified Alaskan trap nets
were set (Fig. 50) for two days at each of the four sites and then moved.
Six series of samples were completed by early August. The positioning of the
nets at the four sites used in 1978 are shown in Figures 51, 52, 53, and
54.
In addition to the identification, measurement and marking of the fish,
they were also weighed and a representative sample of scales was taken. A
system of fin clipping was used to separate the trapping periods. Impres-
sions of the scales were placed on acetate slides through the use of an Ann
Arbor roll press. The slides were then projected for reading in a Tri-
Simplex Bausch and Lomb projector.
Based on data secured by David M. Phillips and assistants.
81
-------
00
ro
BAY
Y
Figure 49. 1977 Arrangements of Fish Nets.
-------
CO
A/IARSM
8AY
Figure 50. 1978 Arrangement of Fish Nets. NOTE: The two trap nets and six minnow traps were rotated
through the three stations during the six sampling periods.
-------
Clayton
fish net sites
duck trap sites
Figure 51. Positioning of nets and traps at French Creek marsh.
-------
* = fish net sites
# = duck trap sites
Figure 52. Positioning of nets and traps at Point Marguerite marsh, Cranberry Creek marsh and Kring
Point marsh.
-------
I = duck trap sites
:1gure 53. Positioning of nets and traps at Crooked Creek marshes
-------
* = fish net sites
= duck trap sites
Figure 54. Positioning of nets and traps at Sheepshead Point marshes.
and CMppewa Creek marshes.
87
-------
Results
Over 20,000 fish were handled in the two years of the study, 3,728 in
1977 and 17,479 in 1978 (Table 8). The increase in the catch for 1978
reflects an increase in the use of trap nets and the longer fishing period.
However, the average catch of the South Dakota trap net did increase from
about 80 per day in 1977 to about 150 per day in 1978. Since the areas were
uniformly sampled within each study year, comparative magnifications of the
catches between the two years are of interest. French, the control area,
increased six times; Cranberry, the slightly oiled area, increased five
times; Chippewa, the moderately oiled area, increased four times; and
Marguerite, the heavily oiled area, increased fifteen times. However, the?
large figure for Marguerite reflects a massive catch of young yellow perch
in that area during late summer of 1978. Excluding these young yellow perch,
the increase would have been about four times, the same as for Chippewa. In
this case it could suggest that the fish populations were more rapidly
increasing in the unoiled or slightly oiled areas in contrast to the
moderately or heavily oiled areas.
There does not appear to be any correlation between the numbers caught
in 1977 in the gill and trap nets and the degree of oil impact. However,
the minnow trap data (Table 9) suggest that the heavily oiled areas may
have had reduced populations of young fish. The 1977 data also suggest
that the number of young fish caught may have been influenced by the
relative abundance of submerged vegetation. However, the numbers of young
fish caught were not sufficient to test that theory statistically.
TABLE 8. FISH CATCH - ST. LAWRENCE RIVER MARSHES
Area
Condition
Numbers Caught
1977* 197813
French
Cranberry
Crooked
Kri ng
Chippewa
Marguerite
Sheepshead
Control
Slightly Oiled
Slightly Oiled
Moderately Oiled
Moderately Oiled
Heavily Oiled
Heavily Oiled
616
589
471
505
686
520
341
17728"
3,989
2,863
2,595
8,032
17,479
.12 minnow traps, 4 gill nets and a South Dakota trap net.
6 minnow traps, a South Dakota trap net and a modified Alaskan trap net,
"Fish scientific names are given in association with Table 12.
-------
TABLE 9. CATCH IN MINNOU TRAPS. 1977
Area
French
Cranberry
Crooked
Kring
Chippewa
Marguerite
Sheepshead
Condition
Control
Slightly Oiled
Slightly Oiled
Moderately Oiled
Moderately Oiled
Heavily Oiled
Heavily Oiled
Catch
164
201
125
143
232
58
26
Submerged
Vegetation
Abundant
Abundant
Common
Common
Very Abundant
Abundant
Scarce
949
Table 10 lists the species diversity of the fish catch for both years.
The numbers of species obtained from each study area were not significantly
different for either 1977 or 1978. However, when the species diversity
indices were calculated, a significant difference was found for Sheepshead
in 1977. This was due to a greater evenness in the distribution of
individuals among the various species present. Primarily, this reflected a
distinctly lower population of the still dominant pumpkinseeds in this
heavily oiled area. This was attributed to the ecological differences of
this area.
In 1978 each of the four sampled areas had significantly different di-
versity indices at the 95% confidence level. Marguerite, the heavily oiled
representative, had the lowest index with French and Cranberry nearly twice
as great. However, Chippewa had the greatest diversity index of all due to
its having the greatest number of species (S) and the most even distribu-
tion (J1) among the species.
TABLE 10. FISH SPECIES DIVERSITIES - ST. LAWRENCE RIVER MARSHES
Area
J'D
H-t
J1
H1
French
Cranberry
Crooked
Kring
Chippewa
Marguertie
Sheepshead
15
16
16
13
19
13
16
.606
.563
.598
.539
.608
.634
.730
1.641
1.560
1.659
1.383
1.791
1.626.
2.023°
17
15
23
19
.542
.497
.589
.292
1.535°
1.346d
A
1.845J
0.858°
?S = Richness = number of species present
°J'= Evenness = H'/HMax (Pielou 1966)
CH'= Diversity = .§ pi log pi (Mac Arthur and Mac Arthur 1961)
Significant at the 95% confidence level
89
-------
There was an increase of species at three of the four areas in 1978.
The greater catches of smaller fish included a few new ones that were not
captured in 1977. The capture of the more scarce species also tended to re-
duce the evenness values. Species caught in 1977 were taken again in 1978
at the same sites.
Table 11 breaks down the 1978 fish species diversity data for each of
the six sampling periods. Close examination of changes in the diversity
indices for each area as the season progresses is of interest. In compar-
ing the more heavily oiled areas, Chippewa and Marguerite, it is seen that
they are rather similar during May and June. The index for Marguerite begins
to decrease in early July and declines at a rapid rate into August. Chippewa
at the same time continues with similar indices until August, when it declines
somewhat. The catches were of the same general size range for the two areas,
increasing as time passed. However, the abrupt increase in numbers taken
(young yellow perch) in Marguerite during the last of July and early August
did not occur in Chippewa.
Both French and Cranberry started out in May with somewhat low indices
but after that remained rather uniform until August when French declined and
Cranberry increased. Other than in August, Cranberry maintained a lower
index than French. The changes that occurred in August seemed to once again
reflect changes in evenness of distribution at that time. French had an
increase in pumpkinseed whereas Cranberry had a decrease in pumpkinseed.
It should be kept in mind that the pumkinseed was the most abundant
adult species in all the areas. Therefore, it still remains as a dominant
species even after experiencing a decline. Differences in pumpkinseed
numbers in late summer were associated with changes in numbers of the smaller
individuals. The larger fish were caught in greater numbers during the early
part of the season. It is suspected that these fish move into deeper water
as the water levels decline, the submerged vegetation increases, and the
water becomes warmer. Similar movements have been frequently reported by
others.
It is believed that the 1978 catch for the four study areas is a good
representation of the fish community in each for comparative purposes, since
the sampling procedure was uniform throughout the season. If there were any
groups not adequately represented, it would be the older individuals of the
larger sized species, (such as northern pike) inasmuch as they were not
readily taken in the trap nets. Nevertheless, the data for the four areas
are considered comparable.
The total catch by species and area is presented in Table 12 for 1978.
Twelve species were common to all four areas. All other species are shared
by two or three of the areas, except longnose gar which was found only in
Chippewa .and white perch which was found only in French. The data showaconsid-
erable similarity in species composition for the four areas, in spite of
significant differences in the diversity indices, The differences are
caused by changes in the evenness component for the more dominant species.
90
-------
TABLE 11. CHANGES IN FISH SPECIES DIVERSITY - 1978
Sampling
Period
1
May 23
to
May 31
2
June 5
to
June 12
3
June 20
to
June 28
4
July 5
to
July 13
5
July 20
to
July 28
6
Aug. 2
to
Aug. 10
Total
No.
S
J1
H'
No.
S
J1
H1
No.
S
J1
H1
No.
S
J1
H'
No.
S
J1
H1
No.
S
J1
H'
No.
S
J1
H1
French
376
11
0.501
1.202
312
11
0.641
1.537
475
11
0.642
1.540
1,095
17
0.578
1.636
541
12
0.612
1.520
1,218
11
0.368
0.884
3,989
17
0.542
1.535
Cranberry
591
9
0.368
0.809
779
10
0.482
1.111
383
9
0.549
1.206
557
9
0.624
1.371
427
11
0.571
1.370
120
11
0.710
1.701
2,863
15
0.497
1.346
Chippewa
174
10
0.669
1.540
270
12
0.656
1.631
254
10
0.640
1.473
537
15
0.577
1.562
710
14
0.633
1.670
650
16
0.492
1.364
2,595
23
0.589
1.845
Marguerite
128
7
0.744
1.449
94
11
0.709
1.700
469
13
0.559
1.433
427
11
0.506
1.214
2,601
14
0.254
0.671
4,316
13
0.173
0.445
8,032
19
0.292
0.858
91
-------
TABLE 12.
SPECIES OF FtSH CAUGHT IN EACH STUCK AREA, 1978
RANKED BY LUMBERS CAPTURED
Rank
French
Species
a Cranberry
No. Rank Species
Chippewa
No. Rank Species Mo. Ra ik
Marguerite
Species NO.
vo
ro
] Pumpkinseed 2215 1
(tSfiPfPLi. gJbbqsujO
2 Largembuth bass 62) 2
(Mu:rqpte£u^ salmpides)
3 Golden shiner373 3
(No_temicjpru.i£ crysoleucas)
4 BTack'crappie " 224 4
(Pomoxjjs mjiromaon ajtus)
5 Brown" bullhead " ~~ 151 5
(Ictal_urus nebulpsus)
6 Ye'llow perch * " 111 6
(Perca f lavescens)
7 Spottail shiner 110 7
(.Npjtrojm hods_pnjus)
8 Blue" gill " 75 8
(Lepomis macrochirus)
9 Rock bass 53 9
(Ambloplites rupestris)
10 GTzTard~THad ~ 26 10
(Dorosoma cepedianum)
11 Bowfin " 15 11
(AnvM calva)
12 American" eel 5 12
(Angirilla rostrata)
13 Northern pTke4 13
(Esox lucjjjs )
14 Carp 2 14
(Cyprinus c_arpip)
15 Yellow bullhead " 2 15
(Ictalurus natal is)
16 Banded YTTlifYsh"" 1
(Fundulus di_ap_han_us)
17 White perch" 1
(Horone araericana)
Pumpkinseed
(Lepomi^ jibbosus)
' "
(Lepomijj, macrochirus)
Black crappie
(Pomoxis pijjrpma
YelloVbYflhead"
(IctaUjrus natal is)
Larciemouth bass ~
(Microoterus salmoides)
Golden s'hiner
(Notemijjpnus
Brown"bull head
(I_c taj u rus nebu l_os_u s)
Rock" bass
(AmblopJ_itej> rupes_t_ris)
Spottail shiner
(Notroois hudsonius)
Bowfin
(Anvja cal_va)
Central mudminnow
(Umbra limi)
Northern pike
(|3_5? ly_cJ us)
RaTidedTilYifish
(Fundujuj_s djaphanus)
American eel
(AnojrTUa rostrata)
Smallmouth bass
(Mi_crontej"us dplomieui)
1823 1 Pumpkinseed 989 i
(Lepomis gibbosus)
300 2 Ye'l'kwper'ch" 638 2
(Perca flavesc_ens)
199 3 BluVgill 239 3
(Lepomis macrochirus)
166 4 Largemo'uth bass 172 4
(Micrppterus salmoides)
150 5 Un'k'nbwn " 166 5
6 Black crappie 162
112 (Pornoxis nijjromaculatujij 6
7 RocY b"a"ss 89
44 (AmblopJHe_s rupes^tjjs) 7
8 Brown bullhead 46
24 (ktalurus nebujo_sus) 8
9 Golden shiner 36
19 (Notemigon_us crysoleucas) 9
10 Bowfin" " 10
17 (Amia calva) 10
11 Gizzard shad 10
4 (Do_rospma cepedianum) 11
12 NoYt'hern" pi"ke 8
2 (Esox lucius) 12
13 Spo'ttai'l sh'iner 5
1 (Notropjs hudspmus) 13
14 whYte" suckeV " " '' 5
1 (Catostomas cotmersoni) 14
15 American eel 5
1 (Anguilla_ rostratji) 15
16 Longno'se gar 4
(Lejii_so_steus os_seus) 16
17 Ye"llbw"buYlhea"d""" 3
(IctaUirus nataljs^) 17
18 Grass" pYckerel 2 18
(Esso^ am
-------
The golden shiner and the spottail shiner were found to increase in
numbers and rank as the degree of oiling decreased (Fig. 55). The abundance
of this species possibly could be associated with the abundance of yellow
perch, since their numbers were inverse to each other. Several interspecific
relationships, such as predation and competition, could be involved. How-
ever, the complexities of the fish food webs and the lack of prior data makes
speculation on such associations uncertain.
Age data for yellow perch and largemouth bass are given in Tables 13 and
14. It was intended that pumpkinseed be treated in the same manner.
However, the great variation in lengths for each age class reduced the data's
accuracy and hence usefulness. This variation within an age class was re-
ported by Scott and Grossman (1973). Therefore, age class distributions for
the populations of pumpkinseed were not calculated.
The age distribution for yellow perch (Table 13) shows an increase in
young-of-the-year age class (0+) that seems positively correlated to the
increase in degree of oil impact. Percentages of the total catch in each
age class were calculated (Fig. 56). The increase in percentage of the total
catch in the 0+ age class strengthens the correlation.
TABLE 13. AGE DISTRIBUTION OF YELLOW PERCH
May 23 to August 10, 1978
Age-Year-Class
Area
French
Cranberry
Chippewa
Marguerite
0+
(1978)
4
64
468
5303
4%
38%
69%
96%
1 +
(1977)
31
38
48
69
28%
23%
7%
1%
2+
(1976)
8
10
10
32
7%
6%
2%
1%
3+
(1975
68
54
142
116
and older
and older)
en
33%
22%
2%
111
166
638
5520
Total
100%
100%
100%
100%
The reason for the increase in the 0+ age class can only be speculated
upon at this time. It is possible that the yellow perch population is only
now recovering from great losseswhich occurred during the spill. It also is
possible that with an increase in the abundance of golden shiner and spot-
tail shiner, which may have been reduced by the spill, there was an increase
in the food supply for the yellow perch. In addition, it may be possible
that with a reduction in predatory species of older ages the survival of
yellow perch was greater. And then again, it is entirely possible that this
was due to factors that had no relationship to the spill.
93
-------
Pumpkinseed was the most abundant species in all areas except
Marguerite, where it ranked second. Yellow perch was most abundant in
Marguerite and progressively declined in rank and abundance to its lowest
level in French (Fig. 55).
Largemouth bass was in the top five species everywhere, but most
abundant in French. Rock bass, black crappie, bluegill and brown bullhead
were all in the top ten for all areas. None of these species showed any
trend that could be associated with the oil. Rock bass was most abundant in
Marguerite, black crappie and bluegill in Cranberry and brown bullhead in
French.
10,000
i.ooo-
100
10
Tell cm perch
Golden shiner
\
\
Spottall shiner
\
French Cranberry Chlppewa Marguerite
Study Area
Figure 55. Comparative catches of yellow perch, golden shiner and
spottall shiner.
94
-------
Populations of yellow perch were significantly different from those of
pumpkinseed for all areas. In this case Marguerite seemed to have the
largest population and Cranberry the smallest.
Discussion
Several potential effects of oil spills on fish have been given by
various researchers. These include direct mortality, mortality of eggs
and larvae, destruction of breeding sites and loss of normal food source.
100
75-
4)
O)
0)
o>
a.
50-
25-
French
Cranberry
Chippewa
- Marguerite
3+
or older
Age
Figure 56. Percentage of total catch of yellow perch In each age class.
95
-------
TABLE 14. AGE DISTRIBUTION OF LARGEMOUTH BASS
May 23 to August 10, 1978a
Age-Year-Class
Area 0+ 1+ 2+ 3+ and older
(1978) (1977) (1976) (1975 and older) Total
French 530 2 1 14
97% 1% 0% 2%
Cranberry 149 0 3 4
96% 0% 2% 2%
Chippewa 167 0 0 24
87% 0% 0% 13%
Marguerite 222 20 4
97% 1% 0% 2%
547
100%
156
100%
191
100%
228
100%
aBass older than young of the year seemed not to be sampled reliably by the
trap nets.
In examining the older age classes of yellow perch, one finds a decline
in percentages with increased oil impaction. This suggests the possibility
that young yellow perch were reduced by the oil in 1976, started to recover
in the lesser oiled areas in 1977, and are coming back strong in the heavily
oiled areas in 1978. The low level of production in 1978 at French cannot be
explained. Further data from these and other impacted areas are needed to
verify the suggestion.
Largemouth bass occurred in smaller numbers than yellow perch. The 1977
data suggested a relationship between the younq-of-the-year bass and the
degree of oil impaction (Alexander et al. 1978). The greatest production of
young was recorded in the unoiled areas. However, the data were meager and
the suggestion of relationship was not found in the larger body of data for
1978 (Table 14).
The percentage of the catch of largemouth bass for the four areas in the
0+ age class was quite uniform. It showed a proportionate level of produc-
tion on all areas. However, the older age classes were not represented ad-
equately in the samples because of the nature of the trap nets used.
Population estimates for yellow perch and pumpkinseed were calculated
by the Schnabel method (Table 15) based on limited returns of markable fish
(1+ and older). The calculated population limits at the 95% level of confi-
dence are very broad because of the low numbers of recaptures.
The estimates indicate that there were very large populations of pump-
kinseed in all areas, with the largest population in French and the smallest
in Chippewa. Without having prior data to compare with these figures, it
is difficult to interpret their meaning.
96
-------
This study investigates the effect of Bunker C oil on fish
in a freshwater marsh environment under natural conditions for which no
prior data exist.
The sampling procedures for 1977 and 1978 were different as were the
time periods. This caused a considerable increase in the catch for 1978,
although the populations were considered to be comparable. However, the in-
crease in sample size did appear to be greater for the unoiled areas, except
for Marguerite which experienced an increase in yellow perch catch at the
end of the season.
There were no significant differences in species diversity among
the four areas in 1977. However, with a greater data base in 1978, all four
areas were significantly different from each other. Since the numbers of
species were about equal for each area, the evenness component had the
greatest influence on the diversity index. Changes in the level of produc-
tion of young seemed to be an important factor. Because of this, along with
behavioral characteristics and size variation among the several species of
fish present, the utility of species diversity indices in measuring the
effect of oil spills on fish communities in these marshes may be questioned.
TABLE 15. FISH POPULATION ESTIMATES,3 1978
Area
French
Cranberry
Chippewa
Marguerite
Yellow Perch
684
364 < N < 5,540
, 661
309 IN 1 5,020
1,423
790 < N 1 7,127
1,879
1,879 < N < 11,619
Pumpkinseed
333,142
139,682 < N < 863,185
120,781
73,053 IN 1 348,407
68,067
31,392 < N < 517,063
164,481
68,938 < N < 426,185
Estimates calculated by Schnabel method (Ricker 1975). Based on fish one
year and older (all markable fish).
The catch of yellow perch increased in direct relation to the increased
level of oil. In contrast the golden shiner and the spottail shiner de-
creased in relation to the increased level of oil. There may be some inter-
specific relationship such as predation operating here. Similar inverse
relationships have been found between the alewife and the yellow perch in
Lake Michigan (Wells 1977), although the specific interaction of the two
species was not known.
97
-------
The species composition in all four areas was similar with most species
occurring everywhere. Pumpkinseed and yellow perch were dominant
throughout the season, followed by largemouth bass, bluegill, black crappie,
golden shiner, rock bass and brown bullhead.
The age distribution for yellow perch suggests an increase in the pro-
duction of young in 1978 on the heavily oiled areas after possible low
production since the oil spill. There are many complex factors other than
oil that could have caused this. However, the timing of the shift in age
classes is worthy of further study.
A drop in largemouth bass production was suspected in 1977. However, if
it did occur, there appeared to be a rather uniform production in all areas
in 1978.
No definite population trends that could be related to the oil were
found for pumpkinseed in 1978. Pumpkinseed had its highest population at
French in contrast to yellow perch which had its highest population at
Marguerite. Whether these differences in population size and age distribu-
tion can be attributed to the oil is uncertain. Disturbances of other types
that could have caused these changes are quite possible.
This study investigated the potential effects of oil on fish such as
reductions in populations, destruction of habitat and loss of food sources.
In spite of not having baseline data for these areas, there were indications
that the oil spill did have its impact on the fish communities. However,
this impact was difficult to isolate and quantify since it was only one of
several factors that were affecting the fish community at that time.
WATERFOWL DIVERSITY AND ABUNDANCE3
Methods and Materials
Data on waterfowl for the various study areas were gathered by using
two methods. These were trapping and visual observations.
Funnel duck traps (Fig. 57) were constructed and two were placed at
each area as they became available in 1977. Each trap was 1.83 x 1.83 x
1.22 m high (6 x 6 x 4 ft), made of 2.5 x 5.1 cm (1 x 2 in) wire mesh with
a floor and roof of nylon netting. The latter material prevented serious
injury to the birds. The traps were prebaited before setting and kept
baited with cracked corn during their operation.
Site selection was based on the availability of water depth suitable
for duck feeding activity (approx. 0.3 m). Consideration also was given
to type of substrates that would hold the corn used as bait at its surface.
Trap sites were distributed so that the resulting data would be representa-
tive of the duck population using the total marsh. Whenever possible,
sites were selected that would minimize both human and predator interference.
Based on data secured by Patricia Longabucco and assistants.
98
-------
Figure 57. Sketch of funnel duck trap.
Ducks and other large marsh birds that were captured were driven into a
holding cage attached to the rear of the trap. This facilitated catching
the birds for study. The ducks were marked with plastic nasal saddles, the
color and number on the saddles having been assigned by the U.S. Fish and
Wildlife Service for each species (Fig. 58). This made easier the identifi-
cation of birds at a distance and also was useful in the recognition of
broods accompanying a marked hen. Each bird was sexed and aged. The age
class of juveniles was determined according to a system developed by
Gollop and Marshall (1954).
The time required to travel between the seven areas and operate the
traps proved greater than expected. Therefore, all areas were not trapped
at all times in 1977. In 1978 the number of areas was reduced to four by
eliminating three areas where trapping was considered unsuccessful. At
least three traps were used at each of the four areas in 1978. They were
kept in near continuous operation from the time the broods hatched until
early August when population shifts began.
The locations of the duck traps for each year are shown in Figures 51,
52, 53 and 54.
The number and species observed, plus sex and age whenever possible,
were recorded each time a study area was visited. Observations were made
along a standardized route used in reaching the trap sites. These observa-
tions taken from a canoe were combined with those taken from the motor boat
used to enter the marsh. Although two persons were needed to handle boats
99
-------
and trapping equipment, the observations were recorded by a single person,
and in most cases by the same individual throughout the two-year period.
There were some differences between the observation data for 1977 and
1978. In 1977 there was no record kept of days when ducks were not seen
(zero-duck days). In 1978 zero-duck days were included. The observations
for 1977 were taken largely during July and August since the time spent in
constructing duck traps in the spring of 1977 precluded the taking of many
duck observations until late June. In contrast, observations began in mid-
May for 1978. Therefore for 1977, the data on breeding pairs and brood
production were incomplete. Estimates may be high for 1977 since they could
Figure 58. Sketch of nasal saddle on mallard duck.
100
-------
have included juveniles that were congregating in the marshes or otherwise
moving. The 1978 observations not only began earlier but were concentrated
in four areas instead of seven. Phenologically the 1978 season was about two
weeks later than in 1977.
Results
Three times as many observations of ducks were recorded in 1978 as in
1977 for the same four study areas, as shown in Table 16. This was largely
due to an increase in the number of times each area was visited. However,
when the zero-duck days were subtracted from the 1978 data to make a better
comparison between the two years, there were no significant differences for
any area except Marguerite. This area experienced a 60% increase in 1978
for the average number of ducks recorded per day (5/da in 1977 and 8+/da in
1978). French had the largest number recorded per day (about 12/da); and
because of the large number of ducks there, the number of zero-duck days was
very low. Crooked and Chippewa were both low in ducks recorded (about 5/da),
but Crooked had many more zero-duck days than Chippewa, the latter being
about the same as Marguerite.
There were differences noted in the species composition for each study
area, as well as some shifts from 1977 to 1978.
The two dominant duck species in French were mallard and blue-winged
teal. There appeared to be a decrease in mallards between the two years
and a considerable increase in blue-winged teal. High water at the begin-
ning of the 1978 season may have caused this since some of the suitable
mallard nesting sites were flooded. The number of teal may have been
magnified by their tendency to congregate early. Many of those seen or
trapped were flying juveniles possibly from adjacent areas. The teal may
not have actually increased in 1978. Wood duck remained low both years due
to a lack of nesting cavities.
Wood duck and mallard were the principal species in Crooked; the
former increased and the latter remained the same in 1978.
Observations of mallard and black duck were reduced at Chippewa in
1978. At the same time blue-winged teal and wood duck increased. Mallards
may have lost nesting sites due to the high water, as could be the case for
black ducks.
Observations more than doubled for mallards in 1978 at Marguerite,
whereas wood duck Increased slightly and blue-winged teal remained the same.
There were differences also within each species in their choice of
sites, as reflected by their population levels.
Wood ducks were most abundant in Chippewa and least abundant in French.
On the other hand, mallards were most abundant in French and least abundant
in Chippewa and Crooked. Blue-winged teal were also most abundant in French
but least abundant in Crooked. Taken as a whole, mallard was the most
abundant species, and was found everywhere. Wood ducks were widely
101
-------
distributed, even though much reduced in French. Blue-winged teal observa-
tions were numerous only because of the large number seen in French. The
blue-winged teal observed per visit at French was the largest number for any
species anywhere in 1978.
The number of ducks observed per unit of area was about the same for all
study areas in 1977 (Table 16). However, in 1978 many more duck observations
were recorded for each area per hectare. French and Marguerite had equally
high densities with Crooked and Chippewa somewhat lower. Although the
marshes are considerably different in their ecological characteristics they
are believed to be about equal in their use by ducks per unit of area.
The waterfowl diversity indices given in Table 17 were based on obser-
vational counts for each year. Late spring migrants were excluded but
summer transients were included. Only small differences exist in the
species seen each year at a particular area.
The highest index for 1977 occurred at Sheepshead where both richness
and evenness were high. In contrast the lowest index for 1977 occurred at
French where both richness and evenness were low.
Species diversity indices for the four areas studied in both years
were somewhat lower for 1978 than 1977, except at French. In 1978 the
highest index was found at Marguerite due to an increase in the number of
species seen. The lowest index was again at French although there had been
an increase in both richness and evenness.
In general, there was a greater species diversity index for the heavily
and moderately oiled areas in contrast to the unoiled or slightly oiled
areas. However, this difference was not found to be statistically signifi-
cant at the 95% level. Differences in the distribution of waterfowl species
could be explained by inherent differences in the marsh environments.
Waterfowl trapping was not considered successful at three study areas
in 1977, although the birds were regularly observed at these locations. The
ducks did not respond to bait at Cranberry. At Kring the surface crust that
developed at the marsh edge congested the channels and prevented the opera-
tion of funnel traps. The exposure to the wind at Sheepshead either
collapsed the traps or filled their funnels with debris. Because of these
features, only four areas were trapped in 1978.
A total of 138 ducks was captured in 1977 as given in Table 18.
Unoiled French was the last area to have the duck traps installed, but it
still gave the greatest trapping success per trap day, due largely to the
congregation of juvenile ducks at that time. However, Marguerite, which had
been heavily oiled, gave about the same level of success. Chippewa and
Crooked were less successful but equal.
A total of only 77 ducks was captured in 1978 (Table 19) in spite of
a doubling of the trap days. Trapping was started earlier in the season
with more traps per site. However, the increase in human activity in the
areas may have influenced the trapping success. Also from the standpoint of
102
-------
o
CO
,
Area I
French :
Crooked
Chippev;? ;
Marguerite :
Total
.
Year
1977
1978
1978
1977
1978
1978
1977
1978
1978
1977
1978
1978
1977
1978
1978
Obs.
Days
n!
38?
42J
~
10
28
51
17
32
49
16
32
48
56
130
190
TABLE
--
1 Zero •
; Duck ;
! Days i
: 4 ;
: 23 ,
'
: 17 ;
: 16 ;
i
. 60 ;
16. WATERFOWL OBSERVED
— •
Wood Duck
No. Av/Da
2 0.15
11 0.29
11 0.26
10 1.00
62 2.21
62 1.22
39 2.29
87 2.72
87 1.78
15 0.94
45 1.41
45 0.94
66 1.18
205 1.58
205 ' 1.08
Mallard
No. Av/Da •
128 9.85 ;
221 5.82 :
221 5.26 ;
26 2.60 ;
82 2.93 '
82 1.61 '
48 2.82 :
58 1.81 '
58 1.18 :
34 2.13
163 5.09 '
163 3.40
236 4.21 '
524 4.03
524 2.76 .
1977 and 1978 - ST. LAWRENCE RIVER MARSHES
Blue- Green-
winged winged ' Other • Un-
Teal Teal ' Black Duck1 Identified identified Total
No. Av/Da' fio. Av/Da • No. Av/Da Mo. Av/Da. Mo. Av/Da No. Av/Da • No/Ha
22 1 69 ; : • . : 152 11.69 5.63
234 6 16 • • • 1 0.03 11 0.29 • 478 12.58
234 5.57: ; 1 0-02 : 11 0.26 j 478 11.38 17.70
1 0 10 ! : 7 0.70 : : 7 0.70 : 51 5.10 4.22
6 0.21 • ' 1 0.04 • • '151 5.39
6 0.12 ; : i 3.02 : : . 151 2.96 12.47
1 0.06 : 1 O.ne' 9 0.53 ' : : 98 5.76 5. OS
19 0.59 ' 2 0.06 • 9 0.28 175 5.47
19 0.39 : 2 0.04 • ; 9 0.18 175 3.57 10.86
20 1.25 ' 1 0.06 ' , '10 0.63 SO 5.00 5.35
37 1.16 6 0.19 1 O.C3 • 5 0.16 ' 6 0.19 '263 8.22
37 0.77 6 0.13; 1 0.02 5 0.10 : 6 0.13 '263 5.48 17.63
44 0.79 1 0.02; 17 0.30 , ' 17 0.30 : 381 6.80
296 2.28 6 0.05 4 0.03 • 6 0.05 • 26 0.20 1067 8.21
296 1.56 6 0.03; 4 0.02 • 6 0.03 • 26 0.14 1067 5.62
Izero-duck days not recorded
^Zero duck days not included
fzero duck days included
^Redhead
sPintail
-------
TABLE 17. WATERFOWL SPECIES DIVERSITY - ST. LAWRENCE RIVER MARSHES
Area
French
Cranberry
Crooked
Kring
Chippewa
Marguerite
Sheepshead
Sa
3
4
4
2
6
4
6
1977
J'D
.438
.663
.740
.845
.618
.793
.817
1978
H'C
.482
.919
1.026
.586
1.107
1.100
1.463
S
5
4
4
6
J'
.519
.619
.727
.591
H1
.835
.858
1.007
1.059
?S = Richness = Number of species present
V= Evenness = Hi/HMax (Pielou 1966)
H'= Diversity= _| pi log pi (MacArthur
and MacArthur 1961)
capture per trap-day, it may be possible that three traps would catch no
more ducks than two traps (or even one) in these sites where the ducks can
move throughout the entire study area. However, the higher water levels at
the beginning of 1978 forced the placing of traps in less than ideal loca-
tions. This also meant that the traps were closer to the upland and
raccoons became a greater problem than in 1977. Even snapping turtles
occasionally occupied the traps. For some reason adult ducks were difficult
to capture at all sites.
More of the marshes were flooded in 1978 which gave the ducks greater
areas to feed in and therefore did not limit their movements to the vicinity
of the traps. Natural foods may have been more abundant in 1978.
Hens with their broods were captured in 1977, though rarely in 1978.
At the time trapping began in 1977, hens were regularly seen with their
broods. In 1978 trapping began as soon as the first broods were seen. The
earlier trapping in 1978 may have created a wariness in the adult birds.
Still at some trap locations ducks were regularly flushed while feeding on
the cracked corn outside of the traps.
The collection of trapping data stopped somewhat earlier in 1978 than
it did in 1977 in order that the report could be completed on schedule.
This meant that the congregating juveniles did not enter into the sample,
except in French Creek where some early-maturing blue-winged teal
occurred in greater numbers.
The number of breeding pairs of waterfowl by species was determined for
each of the four principal study areas for 1977 and 1978 (Table 20). In
1977 there was a similar number of breeding pairs at the beginning of the
season in each area. However, in 1978 there were increases in all areas,
even a doubling in French and Marguerite. Some of these increases reflect
the earlier field work which gave a better determination of the correct
104
-------
TABLE 18. WATERFOWL CAPTURE, 1977, ST. LAURENCE RIVER MARSHES
o
en
Area
French
Cranberry
Crooked
Kring3 .
Chippewa
Marguerite
Sheepshead
Totals
Wood
Duck
5/3d
0/2
7/8
1/0
9/5
7/7
9/9
29/25
54
Mallard
13/3
2/0
6/2
0/0
3/0
11/3
I/O
36/8
44
Blue-winged
Teal
12/3
0/0
4/0
0/0
6/0
10/1
0/0
32/4
36
Black
Duck
1/0
0/0
0/0
0/0
3/0
0/0
0/0
4/0
4
Total
31/9 = 40
2/2 = 4
17/10= 27
1/0 = 1
21/5 = 26
28/11= 39
1/0 = 1
101/37=
138
Trap
Days
44
37
52
33
52
54
50
322
Birds per
trap day
0.91
0.11
0.52
0.03
0.50
0.72
0.02
0.57
?Encrusted surface layer due to pollution.
Most extensive submerged vegetation.
*jLeast amount of submerged vegetation.
Juvenile/adults.
TABLE 19. WATERFOWL CAPTURE. 1978. ST. LAWRENCE RIVER MARSHES
Area
French
Crooked
Chippewa
Marguerite
Total
Condition
Control
Slightly oiled
Moderately oiled
Heavily oiled
Wood
Duck
0/0
14/1
7/1
15/0
36/2
38
Mallard
4/0
0/0
5/1
7/0
16/1
17
Blue-winged
Teal
14/0
0/0
8/0
0/0
22/0
22
Total
18/0 =
14/1 =
20/2 =
22/0 =
74/3 =
77
18
15
22
22
77
Trap
Days
111
100
101
124
436
Birds per
trap day
0.162
0.150
0.218
0.253
0.176
-------
TABLE 20. WATERFOWL PAIRS, 1977 and 1978 - ST. LAWRENCE RIVER MARSHES
Area
French
(27.1 ha)
Crooked
(12.1 ha)
Chippewa
(16.2 ha)
Marguerite
(14.9 ha)
Total
Year
1977
1978
1977
1978
1977
1978
1977
1978
1977
1978
Wood Duck
No. ha/pr
*
1 27.1
3 4.0
3 4.0
2 8.1
5 3.2
2 7.5
6 2.5
7+
15
Mallard
No. ha/pr
5 5.4
9 3.0
4 3.0
5 2.4
3 5.4
3 5.4
3 4.9
5 2.9
15
23
Blue-winged
Teal
No. ha/pr
1 27.1
2 13.5
0
0
1 16.2
2 8.1
2 7.5
2 7.5
4
6
Green-winged
Teal
No. ha/pr
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1 14.9
0
1
Black
Duck
No. ha/pr
0
0
0
0
1 16.2
0
0
0
1
0
Total
No. ha/pr
6+ 4.5
12 2.3
7 1.7
8 1.5
7 2.3
10 1.6
7 2.1
14 1.1
27+
45
insufficient data to determine.
-------
numbers. Because there were considerable differences in the size of each
area, densities were calculated on the basis of hectares (2.5 acres) per
pair.
The highest density of breeding pairs for all species was found in
Marguerite with Crooked second, both in 1978. Crooked also had the highest
density in 1977. The lowest density was found in French in both 1977 and
1978.
When the data for breeding pairs were examined for each separate species
mallards had the greatest densities overall for each year. They were most
dense in Crooked for both 1977 and 1978, whereas they were least dense in
French and Chippewa in 1977 and in Chippewa in 1978.
The second most dense species was the wood duck which was most dense in
Crooked in 1977 and in Marguerite in 1978. Its lowest densities were in
French for both 1977 and 1978.
Blue-winged teal were most dense in Marguerite for both years and least
dense in French for both years, of those areas having the species.
The number of pairs in each area did not always agree with the overall
frequency of observations made of ducks during the two years. Whereas the
greatest number of observations per day were recorded for French, this area
had the lowest densities of pairs each year. Crooked, on the other hand,
gave some close correlation between numbers observed per day and breeding
pair densities. One factor that influenced this relationship had to be the
differences in the sizes of the study areas.
The breeding pairs of waterfowl in an area are the first factor that
shapes the level of production for that area. Table 21 gives the number of
broods encountered in the field during the study. These are broods that
could be identified as being separate from others or could be determined by
trapping records.
Marguerite had the greatest density of broods each year, although it was
essentially the same as that at Crooked in 1977 and at Chippewa in 1978.
The lowest densities were found at French.
The average brood size at hatching for each species as given by Bellrose
(1976) was used to calculate total potential production. A maximum of 75
ducklings could have been hatched at Marguerite in 1977. This high produc-
tion was equalled or exceeded in 1978. Chippewa also experienced a slight
increase in production from 1977 to 1978, in this case primarily due to an
increase in wood duck broods. At the same time, Crooked experienced a
definite decline in production, due to decrease in successful mallard nests.
High water flooded some of the suitable nesting habitat for mallards in this
area. Although insufficient data were obtained in 1977 for French, it was
assumed to be about the same as in 1978, which was low with most of the
production being mallards.
107
-------
TABLE 21. WATERFOWL BROODS, 1977 and 1978 - ST. LAWRENCE RIVER MARSHES
Area I
French
(27.1 ha) !
Crooked
(12.1 ha)
Chippewa
(16.2 ha)
Marguerite
(14.9 ha)
Total
Year
1977
1978
1977
1978
1977
1978
1977
1978
1977
1978
No. ha/brood
*
1 27.1
3 4.1
2 6.0
1-2 16.2-8.1
4-5 4.1-3.2
3 4.9
4-6 3.7-2.5
7-8
(77-88)
11-14
(121-154)
No. ha/brood
2 13.5
5-6 5.4-4.5
3-4 4.1-3.0
1 12.1
3 5.4
1 16.2
3 4.9
2 7.4
11-12
(92-101)
9-10
(76-84)
No. ha/brood
*
1 27.1
0
0
1 16.2
2 8.1
1-2 14.9-7.4
1 14.9
2-3
(17-25+)
4
(34)
No. ha/brood
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
No. ha/brood
0
0
0
0
1 16.2
0
0
0
1
(8)
0
No. ha/brood
2+ 13.5
(17+)**
7-8 3.9-3.4
(61-70)
6-7 2.0-1.7
(58-67)
3 4.0
(30)
5-6 3.2-2.7
(52-63)
7-8 2.3-2.0
(69-80)
7-8 2.1-1.9
(67-75)
7-9 2.1-1.7
(69-91)
20-23
(194-222)
24-28
(230-271)
insufficient data to determine
**Number of individuals produced at hatching
-------
Taken as a whole, it was determined that duck production in the St.
Lawrence River marshes increased slightly in 1978.
Discussion
Every attempt was made to measure the characteristics of the duck popula-
tions one and two years after the spill. Diversity of species and their
relative abundance were investigated. In addition, the numbers of breeding
pairs and their success in producing young were studied.
There were no significant differences in species diversity among the
areas impacted with oil of varying amounts. The availability of suitable
nesting sites was a strong factor in dictating the presence of the different
species. French, the control area, had the lowest species diversity each of
the two years because of this, in spite of its large size and lack of oil.
The species, when analysed separately, indicate that each resides where
its natural niche is available and not crowded.
In 1977 the number of ducks observed per visit was much lower in the
oiled areas than in the control, although it appeared that all areas were
good duck habitats. Marguerite, the most heavily oiled area, had the fewest
recorded observations of ducks in 1977, one year after the spill. In 1978
Marguerite experienced the greatest increase in ducks recorded. Whether this
can be attributed to a recovery to some former level after two years is
unknown due to the lack of prior data. The possibility cannot be ignored.
Careful observation of the ducks in each marsh gave a good indication of
the breeding pairs using the areas during the nesting season. All areas had
an increase in breeding pairs between 1977 and 1978, with the greatest
increase occurring at Marguerite and French (about double). The increase at
Chippewa was greater than at Crooked.
If there are any features of these various duck populations that would
have potential meaning in respect to level of oiling, it would seem that it
should be the breeding duck pairs and broods per unit of area.
The production of young ducklings in 1977 was greatest at Marguerite
followed by Crooked, Chippewa and French. In 1978 Marguerite repeated with
about the same number of ducklings but was equalled at Chippewa and French,
with Crooked being the least productive. French had the greatest increase
because of its low production in 1977. Chippewa had a slight increase,
Marguerite remained the same, and Crooked declined.
It is perhaps most important to compare the success of breeding pairs
to produce young.
In general 1978 was a poorer year for producing ducklings.possibly
because of the high water. The success of breeding pairs to produce broods
declined from 80% in 1977 to 50£ in 1978. Success at Crooked declined 60%,
Marguerite declined 47%, Chippewa declined 5%, whereas French increased 76%.
109
-------
It is of interest to compare the most heavily oiled area (Marguerite)
with the control area (French). Marguerite had the greatest increase in
ducks recorded per visit, although French had the largest actual number.
Marguerite and French were the same in their increase of breeding pairs,
although Marguerite had the greatest number per unit of area. French had the
greater increase in production, although the two were about equal in 1978.
Success of breeding pairs to nest and produce young declined at Marguerite
and increased at French.
In summary, the most heavily oiled area experienced a large increase in
ducks and breeding pairs but the production remained the same. At the same
time the control area experienced a slight increase in ducks, a large
increase in breeding pairs and a great increase in production. The fact that
the heavily oiled area had the increase in ducks and breeding pairs but did
experience the production increase that was experienced at most other loca-
tions may suggest that this was the effect of the oil. However, the density
of a brood per 2 ha may be the carrying capacity of the St. Lawrence River
marshes for broods, since some other areas were approaching that density but
none exceeded it. It seems clear that in the absence of pre-spill data, more
data are needed over a longer period of time before one can evaluate duck
production changes in these marshes and determine whether such changes can
be attributed to the spill.
OTHER WILDLIFE STUDIES
Amphibians and Reptiles
No formal study was planned for the amphibians and reptiles since
reliable indices of abundance are not available for this group. However,
data were gathered whenever possible. A recent survey of the amphibians and
reptiles had been conducted along the River including many of the same
marshes (Alexander 1976). Therefore, a basic understanding of this group's
distribution was in hand.
Little if any apparent differences in frog populations were observed
among the seven study areas either in 1977 or 1978. A general progression
of frog activity was observed along the marsh front during the season. Bull-
frogs were predominant prior to July 1st. Green frogs existed along with the
bullfrogs during the month of July. About August 1st the leopard frogs
replaced the bullfrogs and coexisted with the green frogs throughout August.
All frogs became scarce at the marsh edge by the end of August.
Few snakes were seen at the marsh edges except where rocks were exposed
above the water. Only water snakes were seen at these sites.
Turtles were found at all seven sites. Because of their secrecy, they
had to be trapped to determine the species present. Snapping turtles and
painted turtles were the two universally present species. However, snapping
turtles were scarce and painted turtles were infrequent in the Sheepshead
4
Based on data secured by Peter J. Petokas and Elizabeth A. McGrath.
110
-------
area. The rock ledges along the sides of Sheepshead North and along the
north shore of Chippewa were the only locations where map turtles were found.
Blanding's turtles and stinkpots, although present at most sites, were found
in their usual low numbers and no differences could be attributable to the oil.
An intensive study of turtles was conducted in the Cranberry Creek area
in 1977 (Petokas 1979). Since this area was slightly, if at all, impacted
by oil and since the study was conducted in the marshes of the Creek
proper, this study of turtle population furnishes an excellent baseline study
for the River with emphasis on the two primary species, the snapping turtle
and the midland painted turtle.
It would appear that the amphibians with their soft glandular skin
should be very sensitive to oil in the environment. Therefore, a new and
associated study was started in 1978. The bullfrog was selected for the
study, although other species of frogs were used at times. The study was
made possible by a fellowship sponsored jointly by the American Petroleum
Institute and the National Wildlife Federation.
Tadpoles (larvae) of the bullfrog are being exposed in the laboratory
to varying concentrations of Bunker C oil (No. 6 fuel oil) for a period of 96
hours. This experimental work will continue as long as bullfrog tadpoles
can be obtained this fall.
Preliminary results indicate that tadpoles in advanced stages when ex-
posed to the oil in concentrations exceeding 1% have a 75% mortality rate
within 24 hours, and all die before the end of 96 hours. Tadpoles in early
developmental stages are more tolerant of the oil than tadpoles in late
developmental stages.
Tadpoles exposed to 1% or higher concentrations of oil are observed
leaving their normal position at the bottom of the tanks and appearing at or
near the surface within four hours. They develop a "bulging" appearance.
Through autopsies, it is found that the lungs are over-inflated. This
causes them to rise to the surface where direct exposure to the oil increases
and some oil is ingested. The oil also is found in their digestive tracts.
Bunker C and most other oils float on the surface of the water where
adult amphibians spend most of their time while in water. The young (tad-
poles) on the contrary spend most of this time near the bottom. However,
now it is known that the oil components in the water column cause stressful
reactions in the tadpoles, they rise to the surface where direct oiling adds
its impact. The next step will be to determine the impact of oil on the
adult frogs.
Birds5
Bird counts were not made in 1977 although the species present in each
area were recorded. Time-area counts were made in 1978. The bird species
Based on data secured by Patricia Longabucco.
Ill
-------
shown in Table 22 are those that were recorded during the actual counts. It
is known that other species were present in the marshes such as the Virginia
rail, sora, green heron and belted kingfisher. At the edges of the marshes
where the uplands begin other species such as the woodcock, red-tailed hawk,
yellow warbler and grackle were seen on occasion. Some of the more open
water species such as the herring gull, ring-billed gull, common tern and
common loon were seen in the vicinity of the marshes. The great blue heron,
bank swallow, tree swallow, rough-winged swallow and barn swallow came to
feed in or adjacent to the marshes. Turkey vultures and ospreys were
occasionally seen above the marshes. Several migrating waterfowl were seen
in the spring, including lesser scaup, bufflehead, canvasback and Canada
goose. The resident waterfowl species are included in the calculations of
species diversity given in Table 23.
The redwing blackbird was the most abundant species recorded in the
count, ranging from one to three pairs per hectare. The greatest densities
occurred in French and Marguerite with the lowest in Chippewa. The long-
billed marsh wren was abundant only in French were many nests with eggs
were found. The swamp sparrow was also abundant in French.
Gallinules were common everywhere but were very abundant in Marguerite.
American and least bitterns were present in all marshes. Black tern were
common in Marguerite where eight pairs nested with considerable success. A
few had been seen there in 1977 with one successful nest. In 1978, 16 young
were seen in mid-summer. Why this marsh was the only one having pairs
cannot be explained.
There were no significant differences in the four areas for their bird
species diversity as given in Table 23. Marguerite was high and Chippewa was
low. It does not appear that the bird life in the marshes can be related
to the degree of oiling. The differences in the habitat and the availability
of food seem dominant in determining the make-up of the bird community.
Muskrats
Since muskrats were the primary mammalian herbivore living in these
marshes and since any effects of the Bunker C fuel oil on the vegetation
should be reflected in the herbivore population, an attempt was made in 1977
to sample the muskrat populations. A trapping period of three nights was
used for each of the seven study sites. This was done in late July and
early August.
At Marguerite, Cranberry and Kring 50 small (5" x 5" x 16") and 25
medium (7" x 7" x 20") Tomahawk live traps were used. At the other sites
only 25 small and 25 medium traps were used. The traps were set at inter-
vals of about 15 meters along the marsh edge wherever runs or other signs
were observed. They were all baited with fresh pieces of apple and carrot.
The results are given in Table 24.
TJased on data secured by Lewis M. Smith.
112
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LAWRENCE RIVER MARSHES
IMBLt £.£.. DlKU IxUUrtlO, 13/0 - 01. unn™_nv,i_ i\i.i_i\ i inn~.i n-w __ .
French
Species
Redwing Blackbird
Long-billed Marsh Wren
Swamp Sparrow
Gallinule
American Bittern
Least Bittern
Black Tern
Harrier
Snipe
No.
Pairs
74h
35h
12b
6
3
4
0
1
0
Pairs/ha
2.73
1.29
0.44
0.22
0.11
0.15
0
0.04
0
Crooked
No.
Pairs
21
0
1
3
0
2
0
0
0
Pairs/ha
1.74
0
0.08
0.25
0
0.17
0
0
0
Chippewa
No.
Pairs
68
10
8
2
5
9
0
0
0
Pairs/ha
0.99
0.15
0.12
0.03
0.07
0.13
0
0
0
Marguerite
No.
Pairs
35
5
0
7
2
4
8
1
Pairs/ha
2.36
0.34
0
0.47
0.14
0.27
0.54
0.07
aNumber of Redwing Blackbird pairs determined by averaging the number of males and females counted,
bNumber of singing males used rather than number of pairs.
-------
TABLE 23. BIRD SPECIES DIVERSITY, INCLUDING WATERFOWL, 1978
ST. LAWRENCE RIVER MARSHES
French
Crooked
Chippewa
Marguerite
Richness
S
10
8
10
13
Evenness
J'
0.736
0.695
0.731
0.742
Diversity
H1
1.695
1.445
1.682
1.902
Individuals
364
79
274
178
TABLE 24. MUSKRATS CAPTURED 1977 - ST. LAWRENCE RIVER MARSHES
French
Cranberry
Crooked
Kring
Chippewa
Marguerite
Sheepshead
No.
traps
50
75
50
75
50
75
50
No.
muskrats
3
7
0
13
4
3
10
No./lOO
trap-nights
2.0
3.1
0.0
5.8
2.7
1.3
6.7
Based on this limited sample there appears to be no clear relationship
between the catch of muskrats and the degree of oil impact. Since all
marshes appeared to be productive and all muskrats handled were healthy and
vigorous, the sampling was considered inadequate in 1977 and the results
inconclusive.
A more thorough investigation of the Goose Bay complex was begun early
in the 1978 season. Muskrats were live-trapped at the Cranberry, Kring and
Marguerite study areas beginning in mid-May. A total of 150 small and
medium live traps were used, 50 at each area. Trapping was simultaneous at
all three areas. However, an encrusted mat that developed in the Kring area
forced the elimination of that area from the study after a few days.
Data on litters were obtained by opening houses while the young were
still in the nest. These were marked by toe clipping. However, this
activity was successful only in Marguerite where the muskrat houses were
accessible. In Cranberry, which was a floating mat, the houses were not to
be found anywhere near the edge where they could be reached by canoe or by
.wading.
The live trapping, tagging and release program involved in each cycle
eight days of tagging, followed by eight days of rest and finally eight
114
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days of recapture. The first such cycle began May 23 and ended on June 15.
The second cycle began August 10 and ended September 1. All muskrats
captured were tagged in both ears with numbered size 1 monel fingerling tags.
The results of this study to date are given in Table 25. It would
appear that muskrats exist in much greater density in Marguerite than in
Cranberry. Although Cranberry may actually have a greater productivity for
cattail, the floating nature of the marsh seemed to have prevented it from
being fully utilized by the muskrats. The houses were remote and isolated
and there appeared to be but one litter produced in Cranberry in contrast to
three litters in Marguerite. It seems that the heavily oiled Marguerite
marsh was as productive of muskrats as could be expected two years after the
spill. Undoubtedly influenced by the higher density of muskrats in
Marguerite and the greater linearity of the creek in Cranberry, the ranging
movements of the muskrats in Cranberry were far greater than in
Marguerite.
TABLE 25. MUSKRAT TRAPPING DATA - ST. LAWRENCE RIVER MARSHES
Marguerite
Cranberry
Trap nights
Number caught
Catch/100 trap nights
Houses examined
Houses with litters
Kits marked at houses
Population estimate
68% limits
Population density
Sex Ratios (M:F)
Age Ratios (Y:A)
Average young/litter
Initial
Period
800
41
5.1
15
7
30
84
42
-------
other factors. Nature does not replicate itself in an exact manner. These
differences in the areas had their effects on the data collected during the
study.
The long history of shipping on the St. Lawrence River includes a few
smaller spills along with chronic introduction of petroleum products from
ships, motor boats and industrial equipment. A background of petroleum
hydrocarbons must exist in the River and its associated marshes. How uniform
this background of hydrocarbons is in the marshes is unknown, but it is
suspected to vary greatly depending upon movements of the water carrying
the compounds and the movement of bottom sediments by currents and wave
action.
It would appear from the data gathered during the two-year study that
the fish and wildlife communities in these marshes are recovering from the
extensive losses that occurred at the time of the spill. This is based on
the fact that the fundamental ecological differences among the areas studied
seem to have greater influence on the fish and wildlife community than
influences which could be attributed to the oil spill. This in no way means
that there were not important and probably long term effects of the oil on
the fish and wildlife. Some of these effects are noted in the discussion
of the fish study and the waterfowl study.
It should be kept in mind that these results relate only to this parti-
cular spill. The oil was Bunker C, the time was mid-summer after many
reproductive processes were over, the water was higher than normal and the
cleanup was as thorough as possible. A lighter oil, a different time of
year, a lower water level or a less extensive cleanup could have changed the
results considerably. Even so, we do not know just how much is still left
in the environment, how long it will stay there, or how many more such
spills the marsh biota can tolerate.
It is believed that the age structure of the more dominant fish species
such as yellow perch and pumpkinseed along with selected other species such
as the largemouth bass should be monitored to further establish the charac-
ertisties of these species over the next few years.
It is also believed that the collection of data on density of breeding
pairs of waterfowl and their success in producing young should be continued
in order to clarify the comparative productivity of these marshes.
The danger from future spills is still great, in spite of the favorable
report on this one. A survey of sensitive areas should be made throughout
the length of the International section of the River. A plan to protect
them through appropriate immediate response should be developed.
116
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SECTION 7
POLYNUCLEAR AROMATIC HYDROCARBONS
GENERAL
Several petroleum hydrocarbons were known or suspected to have entered the
food webs in marine communities. Some studies have been conducted to deter-
mine this movement, using crude or refined oils while others have used
specific petroleum hydrocarbons. The subjects of uptake, accumulation and
transformation have been reviewed recently by the National Academy of
Sciences (1975, p. 58-67), Teal (1977) and Varanasi and Malins (1977). Much
work has been done in the laboratory under controlled conditions. Anderson
(1975) reported on his work with clams, oysters and grass shrimp. Stainken
(1977) worked with the soft-shelled clam. Lee (1975, 1977) studied copepods,
amphipods and other marine zooplankters as they metabolized some aromatic
hydrocarbons. Stegeman and Teal (1973) observed the uptake of various hydro-
carbons from No. 2 fuel oil by oysters and related this to the fat content of
the organisms. Clark et al. (1974) studied the uptake of outboard motor
effluents by oysters and clams.
Few studies have been conducted under field conditions. Conover (1971)
found that zooplankton utilized and accumulated Bunker C oil after the wreck
of the Arrow. Clark et al. (1973) found that some algae and crustaceans
utilized the fuel oil from the wreck of the General M. C. Meigs. Blumer et
al. (1970) studied the levels of hydrocarbons in oysters and scallops follow-
ing the spill of No. 2 fuel oil from the barge Florida.
No attempt is made here to review the work done by others. The
reader is referred to the excellent reviews mentioned above. Most
petroleum hydrocarbons studied to date have been the water soluble fractions
that could be extracted by filter feeders. The alkanes, paraffins and
some naphthalenes have been the leading hydrocarbons studied. It is recog-
nized that greater emphasis should be placed on polynuclear aromatic hydro-
carbons (PAHs), particularly since some of these are known carcinogens. The
importance of this group of hydrocarbons is emphasized by the series of
annual International Symposia on Polynuclear Aromatic Hydrocarbons held
at Battelle's Columbus Laboratories. Papers presented cover the measurement,
chemistry, metabolism and carcinogenesis of PAHs. Benzo (a) pyrene has
received much attention as have other PAHs and their simple and multialkylated
associates.
117
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The present study attempts to document the presence of polynuclear
aromatic hydrocarbons in the substrate, vegetation and animal tissues of
marsh communities impacted with Bunker C fuel oil from the barge NEPCO #140.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Samples were taken of bottom mud and selected components of the biologi-
cal communities at the various study sites for PAH analysis. The analyses
were performed by Go!lob Analytical Service using high pressure liquid
chromatography (HPLC).
Samples were collected and placed in glass jars with aluminum foil
covering beneath the screw-top lids. All instruments and containers were
washed with cyclohexane. The samples were then frozen and shipped by air
to the laboratory.
At the laboratory the samples were homogenized, weighed and Soxhlet
extracted for 8 hours in 250 ml of spectroanalysed cyclohexane. The solvent
was then removed at room temperature under a stream of dry nitrogen. A
measured quantity of acetonitrile was added to each sample and then they were
placed in an ultrasonic bath for approximately 2 minutes. They were then
filtered. In some cases it was necessary to centrifuge a sample before fil-
tration. All samples were brought to volume in a 5 ml volumetric flask,
mixed, and an aliquot (100 ul) was injected into the high pressure liquid
chromatograph.
The instrument was a Waters model ALC 202 liquid chromatograph equipped
with a 30 cm x 4 mm i.d. - Muro-Bondopak Ci8 column. The mobile phase was
water and methanol using a gradient from 60% to 100% methanol in 20 minutes.
The flow rate was 1.2 ml per minute. The detector was a Schoeffel-variable',
and the wavelength used was 290 nm (ultraviolet). There were times when the
nature of the sample required some changes in the gradient and the flow rate.
Retention times between 2 and 14 minutes were usually recorded, although
there were times when the flow was continued for 30 minutes or more. The
instrument was calibrated using a PAH standard including known amounts of
naphthalene, biphenyl, phenanthrene, anthracene, fluoranthene, 2-3 benzan-
thacene, chrysene, pyrene, and benzo (a) pyrene. The amounts of these and
any unknowns were calculated and expressed in parts per billion (ppb) by
weight.
This procedure was selected in the belief that it would give quantita-
tive data for specific PAHs. Early samples of mud and cattail roots gave
encouraging results for the method. However, when later data for animal
tissues were analysed for final interpretation, some uncertainties about the
procedure developed. To resolve these.the extracts of several samples were
sent to the Residue Analysis and Methods Investigation Branch of the Food and
Drug Administration. Their evaluation indicated that there was need for
greater cleanup procedure if false positiveswere to be avoided. An attempt
was made to substitute gas-liquid chromatography (GLC) but false positives
were still obtained. A third method was then tried by the FDA laboratory,
118
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this being ultra violet-visible analysis (UV-Vis). This was considered more
reliable although the 2-ring PAHs were lost by the procedure.
The basic results given in this report are founded on the HPLC analysis
described above. Additional comments will be made on the GLC and UV-Vis data
wherever appropriate. The possibility of false positives appearing in the
data should be kept in mind.
THE SAMPLING PERIODS
Five sampling periods were used in the study. These included a limited
sample in the late fall of 1976 before the project was funded, followed by
some winter samples taken at all seven study areas, and a repeat of this in
late spring at high water. Only bottom sediments ("mud") and cattail
rhizomes and shoots ("roots") were taken at these times. These were con-
sidered important since it was recognized that this could be one of the major
avenues of PAH entry into the food webs of the marsh ecosystems. Further,
the frequent sampling during the first year would show changes in concentra-
tions if they were found to exist. No animal life was sampled because of its
near absence in late fall and winter and because the spring populations were
entirely adults having unknown exposure to the oil. One adult muskrat
obtained from a trapper at the mouth of Crooked Creek gave no results for
PAH.
The August 1977 sampling was more extensive. It included mud and cat-
tail roots at the wannest time of the year and also the young (or their
tissues) of a variety of animal life. This was the first opportunity to
sample young individuals that had been produced and had spent all their
short life in the immediate vicinity of the impacted marsh. Their high rate
of tissue formation would give a greater indication of accumulation of PAH,
if it occurred. Adults that had greater mobility were not sampled.
Problems with obtaining representative samples were evident. The bottom
sediments at the edge of the marshes contained much light-weight partially-
decomposed plant material. This material moved about readily in response to
currents and wave action. It was difficult and often impossible to get mud
from amongst the cattail roots since this was a near-solid mat of root hairs.
An attempt was made to get a mixture of the dead organic sediments and the
inorganic substrate in each such sample. Five samples of mud were taken at
Marguerite in August 1977 as a test of variability. Benzo (a) Pyrene, the
principal PAH found varied from 0 to 4,650 ppb. The sample having no benzo
(a) pyrene was the only one to have traces of other PAHs. Since this was
heavily oiled and had been thoroughly cleaned by personnel cutting the
cattail, there were many footprint depressions which could have caused uneven
distribution of oil in the sediments.
Winter sampling required the drilling of holes through 75 cm (30 in) of
ice with a power auger. Extra care had to be taken to avoid contamination of
the sample. The selection of specific sample sites was difficult because of
the snow and ice. In addition, the mud and roots were sometimes in the
frozen zone, with unfrozen mud located several meters away from the edge. At
Sheepshead both frozen and unfrozen mud were sampled and tested. The frozen
119
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sample taken close to the cattail contained nearly three times the PAH that
was present in the more silty sample farther away. The frozen cattail roots
taken at Sheepshead had lower PAH than expected. The difficulty of selecting
appropriate sample sites and the low water conditions in winter could have
introduced some sampling error.
The spring 1977 samples were taken under what were thought to be rather
ideal conditions. PAH levels were generally higher but more variable.
Whether the high spring waters caused some uneven redistribution of oil from
depressions that had been above the water level since the preceeding summer
could not be determined, but was suspected.
The summer 1977 data were also quite variable. However, they were
extremely important because of the inclusion of young animal life. Two sites
in Canada and two additional control areas were included during this period.
In 1978 only late July samples were taken. This avoided the uncertain-
ties of locating proper winter sampling stations and the problems of the
redistribution of small quantities of oil during the spring high water period.
The spring 1978 water levels were higher than those for 1977 and some tar
lumps that had been stranded since the spill were seen floating in the
marshes. Frequent small oil sheen areas were seen in the marshes during the
early summer of 1978. The taking of a summer sample did permit once again a
look at the PAH content of young animals.
RESULTS
A total of 197 samples was analysed for polynuclear aromatic hydro-
carbons (PWs) between the fall of 1976 and the summer of 1978. The distribu-
tion of these samples is given in Table 26.
The PAHs used as standards in the chromatograph were purchased by the
laboratory as pure chemicals. Since PAHs in petroleum include many substi-
tuted alkylated rings (Blumer 1976), the precision of the chromatogram peaks
from petroleum PAHs cannot be as accurate as that from purchased standards.
The column was standardized after about every three samples to avoid changes
due to "loading" on the column. Therefore, an appropriate zone on the chroma-
tograph was determined for each PAH and its isomers. In general, any peak
that occurred within 0.5 minutes on either side of the standard was consi-
dered an isomer of the PAH. This left four groups of peaks not included.
These corresponded to those eluting prior to naphthalene or after benzo (a)
pyrene, and two areas of unknowns—all of which were classed as phthalate
esters or hydrocarbon oils, not PAHs). A few of the PAH zones were too close
to accurately separate, and so were combined.
The PAH regions on the chromatograms that were separated are-
Naphthalene Fluoranthene/2, 3 Benzanthracene
Biphenyl Chrysene/Pyrene
Phenanthrene/Anthracene Benzo (a) Pyrene
120
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Three samples of oil were analysed during the study. These included a
sample that had been collected by the U.S. Coast Guard, a one-year-old sample
from an oil pool in Sheepshead North, and a two-year-old sample of tar lumps
from Chippewa. The oil pool found in 1977 could not be relocated in 1978.
Whether it degraded or floated away in the high water of the spring is
unknown. The analyses of the three samples taken are given in Table 27.
TABLE 26. SAMPLES TAKEN FOR PAH ANALYSIS - ST. LAWRENCE RIVER MARSHES
Sample Type
Oil
Mud
Cattail Roots
Cattail Tops
Young Fish
Tadpole
Turtle- liver
Turtle-muscle
Turtle-fat
Duckling-skin
Duckling-fat
Duckling-liver
Duckling-muscle
Duckling-brain
Muskrat-carcass
Muskrat-fat
Muskrat- liver
Muskrat-muscle
Muskrat- kidney
Muskrat-brain
Muskrat-skin
Date
11/76
3
3
6
2/77
8
7
15
4/77
1
1
2
5/77
9
7
16
8/77
1
16
12
2
23
1
6
6
6
6
3
7
6
1
1
1
98
7/78
1
9
9
8
2
2
2
5
2
5
5
4
2
2
2
60
Total
3
45
38
2
31
1
2
2
2
11
8
11
11
4
1
3
9
8
1
1
3
197
The lack of naphthalene in the original oil agrees with Pancirov (1974)
who analysed a Bunker C oil. However, he found methyl naphthalene and very
small amounts of other PAHs.
By the time the oil had weathered for one year, all of the lighter PAHs
had disappeared. This resulted in the increased concentration of others
such as pyrene/chrysene. However, benzo (a) pyrene underwent considerable
reduction.
After two years of being stranded above water, the tar lumps were
further degraded or otherwise changed.
121
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TABLE 27. ANALYSIS OF BUNKER C OIL FROM NEPCO #140
Original Oil Tar
Oil Pool Lumps
PAH 1976*19773
Naphthalene
Biphenyl
Phenanthrene
Anthracene
Unidentified
Fluoranthene/2,3 Benzanthracene
Pyrene/Chrysene
Unidentified
Benzo (a) Pyrene
Unidentified
? Amounts in parts per million by
Amounts in parts per billion by
CMD = Non detectable.
ND
6750
75
ND
310
ND
260
40
25
15
weight.
weight.
1000
3100
68
12
30
400
590
1600
150
160
Mud and Cattail Roots
A primary route for PAH to enter the food webs would be through the
soils or sediments and the plant roots, as mentioned earlier. These were
the first and most regularly sampled materials. Therefore, the results of
their analyses will be considered separately.
A total of 45 samples of "mud" and 38 samples of cattail "roots" were
taken.
Tables28 and 29 give data in parts per billion by weight for the five
sampling periods and the various areas where taken. The quantities are the
total for the six PAH regions named above on the chromatograms.
Only three areas could be sampled in late fall (November) of 1976
because of ice conditions. Crooked served as the control, being only
slightly oiled. Although the sample of mud from Marguerite contained no
PAH, the later samples indicated the presence of considerable amounts of
PAH in this heavily oiled area. Further, the data definitely showed that
there was a concentration of PAH in the cattail roots.
The February 1977 data came from the seven basic areas. The samples
from French, the control, contained the highest levels of PAH. Sampling
errors may be involved in this "blind" sampling through the ice. However,
there was a rather uniform increase in concentration from mud to cattail
roots.
122
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TABLE 28. TOTAL PAH IN MUD SAMPLES - ST.
(ppb by weight)
LAWRENCE RIVER MARSHES
Sampling Date
Site
French
Cranberry
Crooked
Kri ng
Chippewa
Marguerite
Sheepshead S
Sheepshead N
Church Bay
Spencer Island
Rt. 26
Cape Vincent
11/76 2/77
1930
38
32 150
50
20
0 80
2180 85
5/77
150
530
25
710
150
180
b
8/77
775
370
550
710
60a
1929
95
1445
2570
1400
1815
30
7/78
200
565
360
3705
140
70
355
27970
470
^Average of five samples.
Not determined by laboratory—too concentrated.
TABLE 29. TOTAL PAH IN CATTAIL ROOTS - ST. LAWRENCE RIVER MARSHES
(ppb by weight)
Site
French
Cranberry
Crooked
Kring
Chippewa
Marguerite
Sheepshead S
Sheepshead N
Church Bay
Spencer. Island
Rt. 26
Cape Vincent
11/76 2/77
16,300
2,375
1,012 4,840
380
1,950
2,900 3,600
3,905 560
Sampli
5/77
415
2,600
2,800
15,985
1,400
900
17,300
nq Date
8/77
17,100
855
18,000
1,100
400
16,860
5,190
3,840
4,150
20,300
15,540
6,690
7/78
3,400
7,400
4,020
4,150
2,180
10,265
1,070
8,130
800
The May 1977 samples, although taken at carefully selected representa-
tive locations, still resulted in some irregularities. There did appear to
be some relationship between the level of oiling and PAH in the cattail
roots. However, the mud gave few trends. The magnitude of PAH quantities
remained about the same as in earlier samples.
123
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The August 1977 samples included new sampling areas, some in Canada,
others as new controls. The data from the mud samples indicated heavy loads
of PAH at Marguerite, Sheepshead North, Church Bay (below a Canadian Dupont
factory) and Spencer Is land,also in Canada. Unexpectedly, the Route 26 marsh
which was a new control isolated from the River, had about as much PAH as
Marguerite. In contrast the sample of mud from the River above the spill was
very low in PAH. The cattail roots from French, Crooked, Marguerite, Spencer
Island and Route 26 marshes were all high in PAH. Where all the PAH came from
at French, Crooked and Route 26 is uncertain. These areas had considerably
more agricultural activities around them than the other areas. The PAH
quantities again were generally higher for cattail roots than for mud.
The mid-summer 1978 data were sporadic with no detectable trends.
Marguerite had the lowest quantity of PAH in the mud and the highest in the
cattail roots. There appeared to be some average reductions in PAH, particu-
larly in mud. However, the largest quantity ever taken in mud came from
Sheepshead North.
Cattail tops were sampled only in August 1977 at Chippewa. This was
done because it had been noted that where the oil impacted the most, the
cattail growth was considerably more (about 0.5 m additional height) and that
flowering did not occur there. A sample was taken at the edge where the
increased growth was found and another inland where growth was normal. The
only PAHsfound we re in the biphenyl region totaling 33,000 ppb at the
impacted edge and 136,000 ppb inland.
It was necessary to breakdown these PAH values to their PAH components
in order to gain a better understanding of their meaning. Naphthalene was
present largely in cattail roots in the summer periods, with basically none
in the mud. This is of interest since naphthalene was not reported in the
original oil. The highest concentration was in August 1977 for Crooked
which had 18,000 ppb.
Biphenyl on the other hand was most common in the cattail roots during
winter and spring. French had 16,000 ppb in February and Kring and Sheeps-
head South had 15,000 and 16,000 ppb respectively in May. However,
Marguerite did have moderate levels in the surrmer.
There was no phenanthrene/anthracene in the mud. It was most abundant
in the cattail roots in summer. Highest concentrations were found in
Marguerite and Route 26 marsh during the summer of 1977, when 15,000 ppb were
found in each.
There also was not much fluoranthene/2, 3 benzanthracene in either mud
or cattail roots. Highest amount was 440 ppb found in Marguerite cattail
roots in the fall of 1976.
Chrysene/Pyrene was the only PAH that occurred in larger amounts in the
mud than in the cattail roots. Its highest quantity was found in Sheepshead
North in the summer of 1978.
124
-------
Benzo (a) Pyrene is the PAH most regularly found in the mud and cattail
roots (Table 30). These data also are the most useful in correlating the
degree of oil impaction to PAH presence. Realizing that there is a problem
of selecting an average or typical place to sample in each marsh, the data
still indicate that there is 1) an increase in BaP with increased oil impac-
tion, and 2) a definite accumulation in the cattail roots. These tendencies
held best for the fall of 1976 and the winter of 1977. However, they
weakened in the early summer of 1977 when high water may have reintroduced
some of the stranded oil. The values for May 1977 are generally higher but
more uneven. It is at this time that plant growth might have been diluting
any concentrations in the roots. However samples of cattail tops taken in
August contained no BaP.
The samples taken in August 1977 had about the same level of BaP in the
mud but there was a general decline in the cattail roots, except at Kring and
Marguerite where the effect of BaP may have been more lasting. Although it
was found in Route 26 mud, none was found in the cattail roots. There was a
particularly high level at Church Bay, with mud (2300 ppb) exceeding cattail
roots (1900 ppb). At Spencer Island both cattail roots and mud were equal
at 1400 ppb--about the same as Marguerite.
The July 1978 samples indicated a complete collapse of all trends. Only
Kring had high values (3,400 and 3,000 ppb). Whether this indicates the
effect of the very high spring water levels and flow, or the fact that BaP
was degrading is unknown.
Fish and Aquatic
The uptake of PAH by aquatic or semi-aquatic animal life in a marsh
should be influenced by its presence in the water or plant food materials.
Since there is a rather rapid exchange of water in this riverine environment,
it is assumed that the most common source would be the plants. However, many
of these animals are carnivorous or omnivorous in their feeding habits. Many
feed upon aquatic invertebrates which themselves may be carnivores or
herbivores. Those that are herbivores may be feeding upon phytoplankton.
It was impossible to sample the needed quantities of every member of
these complex communities. In analysing fish and wildlife, the question
became one of whether PAH reached these organisms, whatever the pathway.
A total of 31 samples of young fish were analysed for PAH, including
five species. The total PAH found is given by species and area in Table 31.
It was not possible to collect young of every species in every area, although
such an attempt was made while conducting the field studies. Based on total
PAH, trends that could be related to the oil spill were seen only for the
pumpkinseed in 1977. Therefore, they were sampled again in 1978 along with
yellow perch, another dominant fish species. The pumpkinseed data for 1978
showed the same trend as in 1977. The yellow perch data gave higher levels
of PAH than the pumpkinseed, but any correlation to the presence of oil was
not as definite. Largemouth bass of the four-inch class had much less PAH
than the two-inch class. This had been suspected.
125
-------
ro
TABLE 30. BENZO (A) PYRENE - ST. LAWRENCE RIVER MARSHES
(ppb by weight)
Site
French
Cranberry
Crooked
Kri ng
Chippewa
Marguerite
Sheepshead S
Sheepshead N
Route 26
Cl ay ton
Church Bay
Spencer Island
11/76
Mud Cattail Mud
40
38
25 200 150
50
20
0 2200 80
2000 3000 85
2/77
Cattai 1
300
405
540
380
420
1500
560
Mud
150
530
25
710
150
180
--
5/77
Cattail
415
2600
2800
130
1400
220
1300
8/77
Mud Cattai 1
670
370
500
710
60
1484
0
1300
1700
0
2300
1400
100
115
0
1100
0
1500
90
340
0
160
1900
1400
Mud
200
530
10
3400
140
0
85
1900
470
7/78
Cattail
0
0
20
3000
260
650
400
200
100
-------
ro
TABLE 31. PAH IN YOUNG FISH - ST. LAWRENCE RIVER MARSHES
(ppb by weight)
Fish
Pumpklnseed
Pumpkinseed
Bullhead
Largemouth Bass (small)
Largemouth Bass (medium)
Golden Shiner
Yellow Perch
Yellow Perch
Year
1977
1978
1977
1977
1977
1977
1977
1978
French
0
2,580
12,170
2,270
0
5,770
8,826
Cranberry
630
1,397
0
0
585
2,285
2,800
16,035
Chippewa
2,160
5,354
9,845
17,090
12,520
15,590
Site
Marguerite
4,780
6,452
2,030
575
6,000
360
14,760
Sheepshead
North
1,890
29,310
Sheepshead
South
4,020
-------
Of the various PAHs in fish, the phenanthrene/anthracene group was found
to contribute substantially to the trend in the pumpkinseed. Chrysene/Pyrene
also added to this trend in lesser amounts.
In general naphthalene and biphenyl were frequent but showed few, if any,
trends. Naphthalene seemed to be relatively abundant in the yellow perch and
golden shiner from all areas. Biphenyl was abundant only in the yellow
perch.
Benzo (a) Pyrene was found only occasionally in fish and then in very
low amounts. The other PAHs were low and scattered.
Extracts of five fish samples were analysed by GLC with little change
except the loss of naphthalene and biphenyl. UV-Vis gave reduced amounts of
pyrene but did find some phenanthrene. There was no relationship to the
degree of oiling.
It would appear that fish may be deriving some of their PAHs from other
sources than the oil.
Only one tadpole was sent in for analysis. This came from Marguerite
and contained 81,000 ppb of biphenyl.
Snapping turtles were collected in 1978 from Cranberry and Marguerite.
Liver, fat and muscle tissues were analysed. Biphenyl was found in the
liver (26,000 ppb) and fat (40,000 ppb) from Cranberry. Nothing was found
in the tissues from Marguerite. It had been expected that a scavenger like
the snapping turtle would concentrate some of these compounds, particularly
in its fat.
Wildlife
Ducks and muskrats were considered the appropriate representatives of
the birds and mammals found in these marshes. Tissues of 11 ducklings and
9 muskrats were analysed, totalling 45 samples from ducklings and 24
samples from muskrats.
In 1977 the duckling tissues analysed were skin, fat, liver with gall
bladder and breast muscle. Some of the 1978 analyses included brains. Most
of the tissues came from mallards and wood ducks. One blue-winged teal was
analysed. The results of these analyses are included in Table 32.
It is difficult to determine differences in the species because of the
variations that are seen between tissues, years and areas. It appears that
the wood duck may have the larger concentration of PAH. However, some of
the exceptional quantities are found in the mallard, such as the 3,497,500
ppb measured in fat from Sheepshead. The feeding habits of each individual
bird may have great influence here.
Most of the PAHs found in ducklingswere in the regions of naphthalene and
biphenyl. On the average they were more abundant in the heavily oiled areas
128
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TABLE 32. PAH IN DUCKLINGS - ST. LAWRENCE RIVER MARSHES
(ppb by weight)
Area
French
Cranberry
Crooked
Chippewa
Marguerite
Sheepshead S.
Species
Mallard
and
Wood
Teal
Mallard
Mood
Mallard
Wood
Mood
Mood
Mallard
Wood
Mallard
Year
1977
1978
1977
1977
1978
1977
1978
1977
1978
1978
1977
Tissue
Skin
551 ,400
3,200
8,500
38,000
230
6,400
2,650
72,670
6,550
22,800
500,000
Fat
5,400
195,100
252,700
0
38,000
800
0
13,700
3,497,500
Liver
8,040
0
55,670
2,800
9,300
2,960
5,920
380
21 ,200
3,030
Muscle
1,805
11,000
253,130
2,135
1,600
0
0
101,800
1,000
3,000
6,200
Brain
0
2,000
0
1,200
ro
lO
-------
than in the slightly oiled areas. It was not possible to arrange the
different tissues in order to reflect the presence of oil.
Extracts of six duck samples were analysed by GLC which showed no
naphthalene or biphenyl but did show pyrene and benzo (a) pyrene although
this was not related to oil concentration. UV-Vis gave fewer and smaller
amounts for these PAHs.
Fat was a difficult tissue to find in young growing wildlife and this
was particularly true for the muskrat. Liver and muscle were the primary
tissues studied. Other tissues tested at least once were skin, kidney and
brain. Table 33 gives the results of these analyses for total PAH.
Some trends that could be associated with the oil were seen in the
1977 data and these were strengthened when Marguerite was specifically
contrasted to Cranberry. The contents of skin were about the same, but liver
and muscle had many times more PAH in Marguerite than in Cranberry. As
with ducklings, most of the PAHs were in the areas of naphthalene and
biphenyl. Both of these were quite common in Marguerite cattail roots during
the summer period.
Extracts of two muskrat samples were analysed by GLC which produced no
naphthalene or biphenyl but pyrene and benzo (a) pyrene were present in both
extracts in near equal amounts. UV-Vis gave small amounts for only pyrene.
The presence of PAHsin ducklings and muskrats does not lead to any firm
conclusions about their relationship to the oil spill.
Concluding Discussion
The determination of uptake, movement and accumulation of polynuclear
aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) by biota in the marsh ecosystems of the St.
Lawrence River that have flowthrough character!'sties was difficult. This was
because -
1. there was found to be a considerable variation in the samples of similar
materials taken at a given time in a particular marsh.
2. there was a reintroduction of stranded oil whenever water levels in-
creased.
3. there was considerable movement of even the young animals, associated
with their feeding activities.
4. therewereno accepted standard methods of analysis available that had
been thoroughly tested.
Based on the experience gained in this study, the fall season is prob-
ably the best time to sample the bottom sediments and plant roots. This is
because -
130
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TABLE 33. PAH IN YOUNG MUSKRATS - ST. LAWRENCE RIVER MARSHES
/._._•_ !_.. .._£_L.^\
*0ne adult liver also analysed having 76,690 ppb PAH.
y*pa
rench
ranberry
rina
hi nnpwa
argueri te
heepshead No.
heepshead So.
Year
1977
1978
1977
1977
1977
1978
1977
1977
Tissue
Liver
1 ,020a
597
2,460
345a
l,100a
73,970
58,000
575
Muscle
2,584
2,613
7,790
3,500
0
35 ,090
1,900
630
Fat
966,800
45,000
626,000
Skin
3,000
2,600
0
Kidney
8,200
Brain
7,500
-------
1. it gives the maximum time after the high water of spring and prior to
the freeze up.
2. most of the living plant materials are located in the roots and under-
water shoots at that time.
3. the selection of sampling sites can be made with greater ease.
4. other activities on and along the River are much reduced.
5. tributary streams are low and should carry less new material into the
marshes.
Animals, however, are full grown by fall and are highly mobile. There-
fore, they still must be sampled in later summer while they are actively
feeding within the area being studied. Late summer also gives them the
maximum time to accumulate materials while growing.
This two-year study followed the introduction of Bunker C oil into
marsh environments. A thorough cleanup of the oil followed the spill. The
removal of contaminated vegetation was a time consuming task, one that should
have given time for various transformation processes to have had their
effect. It seems safe to assume that some components of the oil, including
PAHs, remained in the ecosystems after completion of the cleanup, although
unevenly distributed.
What happened to them? Were any PAHs present in the mud and, if so,
were they taken up by the cattail plants? It seems clear there was a con-
siderable amount of PAH that had entered the marsh and its sediments. It
would also appear that these materials were being taken up by the cattail
roots. Since PAH was also present in the control areas, the presence of
other sources complicates the results.
There are some strong suggestions that therewasan increase in PAH in
the mud that can be associated with an increase in the level of oil
impact This association also seems to exist for the cattail plants. How-
ever, it must be kept in mind that the moderately and heavily impacted areas
were quite thoroughly cleaned, whereas many, if not most, of the slightly
oiled areas were not. This may have reduced the difference between the two
extremes.
Some of the individual PAHs were quite seasonal in their occurrence.
This suggests the role of plants in accumulating and later releasing this
material back into the environment. Many other PAHs occurred in sporadic
although sometimes large amounts in the bottom mud and cattail roots. How-
ever, benzo (a) pyrene was almost universally present in mud and roots,
although not usually in high amounts.
PAH in fish and wildlife was rouch lower and more irregular than in the
sediments or cattail roots. Only young pumpkinseed showed an apparent corre
lation with the degree of oiling. Although yellow perch had more PAH than
132
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the pumpkinseed, there was no trend in the data. It was also found that
young largemouth bass contained more PAH- than older individuals of the same
species. The principal PAHs in pumpkinseed that could be related to the oil
were phenanthrene/anthracene and chrysene/pyrene.
Coimion, and sometimes abundant, PAHs in fish and wildlife were naphtha-
lene and biphenyl, as reported by HPLC. These had been fairly common in cat-
tail roots but not in the mud. Benzo (a) Pyrene which had been the most
regular constituent in mud and cattail, was fairly rare in all fish and
wildlife.
For the duckling, it was difficult to determine which tissue was most
useful in relating PAH. to the impact of oil. However, in the muskrat, it
appeared that liver and muscle might possibly be used in this manner. Fat
was often not available for testing since little was deposited in these
rapidly growing young animals.
It should be kept in mind that the cleanup procedure may not have been
adequate to prevent false positives, such as the high values for naphthalene
and biphenyl shown in the HPLC analysis. GLC showed little improvement
except for the loss of these two PAHs. The characteristics of UV-Vis
analysis eliminate the 2-ring PAHs from the analysis. However, all HPLC
results seem high, indicating a need for further refinement of the cleanup
and analysis procedures if PAH evaluation is to become accurate, particularly
from animal tissues.
The data clearly establish the presence of PAH in the marshes of the
St. Lawrence River. They also indicate a movement from the mud into the
cattail and also to a more limited extent into the fish and wildlife. How-
ever, the data from such an open ended system include the effects of all
sources of PAH not oil alone. Therefore the exact relationship of the PAH
found in fish and wildlife to the degree of impact of Bunker C oil can-
not be specifically isolated in a quantitative manner.
Field studies, including the sampling of components of marsh communi-
ties, are needed to better understand the practical application of the
results of laboratory experiments. Field sampling determines the presence
of petroleum components, their duration in an open-ended system and their
physical and chemical changes. However, it is important that similar data
be available for a period prior to the introduction of oil. Other sources
of PAH to the environment should be known, if possible.
Field studies should provide for a continuous monitoring of the environ-
ment through which shipping moves. If laboratory experiments can determine
the limits of tolerance of various organisms to the several PAHs, the
monitoring process can give warning of critical conditions. Such monitoring
may be limited to bottom sediments, the water column and plant materials.
133
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SECTION 8
ECONOMIC IMPACT
INTRODUCTION
Efforts in this portion of the report are directed toward setting forth
the net impact of the oil spill on the economy of the impact area. This net
takes into consideration both shifts in costs and benefits (incidence) bet-
ween various sectors of the economy and the size of these shifts (magnitude).
Determination of both factors, magnitude and incidence, is required to
evaluate the economic impact.
In order to derive this impact each sector was examined as a separate
entity. Upon completion of this examination the separate sectoral impacts
were totaled to derive the net economic impact. Discussed below, by sector,
are the impacts determined to have occurred following the June 23, 1976 oil
spill.
DIRECT IMPACT
Survey Results
The findings of the survey of riparian owners and operators of commer-
cial enterprise in the area are detailed below. The methodology used in
conducting the survey is summarized in Appendix C.
Residential —
Due to differences in duration of use of residential property, two
classes were defined. Those properties that are used as permanent residences
were differentiated from those that were used as seasonal residences. Due to
the level of use it was expected that the impact of the oil spill would be
different for each class of residential property.
Permanent—The distribution of the 213 United States and 246 Canadian
permanent home owners is reflected in Table 34. Of these 155 U.S. or 72.8
percent and 209 Canadian or 85.0 percent returned the survey form.^ Overall
79.3 percent of the permanent residence property owners responded.
Analyses of the returned questionnaires reflect that of the 148 U.S.
owners who responded to this question, 32.4 percent, and of the 197 Canadian4
Each of the 364 respondents provided enough information to permit analyses
of his questionnaire.
134
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TABLE 34. DISTRIBUTION OF ECONOMIC IMPACT QUESTIONNAIRES
Area/
Property
Type
United States
Permanent
Orleans
Alexandria
Hammond
Morris town
Oswegatchie
Ogdensburg
Lisbon
Waddington
Louisville
Massena
Total
Seasonal
Orleans
Alexandria
Hammond
Morris town
Oswegatchie
Louisville
Total
Commercial
Fishing Guides
Commercial
Total
Canada
Permanent
Seasonal
Commercial
Total Surveyed
Number of
Contacts
1,084
14
37
7
23
29
26
14
2
30
31
213
79
74
123
90
56
75
497
24
350
374
388
246
135
7
1,472
Number of
Responses
736
10
24
7
19
23
19
10
0
23
20
155
70
60
112
71
47
66
426
8
147
155
319
209
107
3
1,055
Percent
Response
67.9
71.4
64.9
100
82.6
79.3
73.1
71.4
0
76.7
64.5
72.8
88.6
81.1
91.1
78.9
83.9
88.0
85.7
33.3
42.0
41.4
82.2
85.0
79.3
42.2
71.7
135
-------
42.6 percent indicated they incurred a cost in clean-up efforts after the
June 23 spill.2 The costs reported were either in terms of dollars or hours
of labor expended.
U.S. owners reported a total of 432 hours of labor and $7,588 expended
in cleanup efforts. The Canadian owners reported 881 hours and $2,246. This
totals 1313 hours and $9,834. These expenses were primarily incurred
in efforts to remove oil from boats, docks and from the shoreline.
3
A total of 60 of the 281 respondents indicated they filed insurance
claims foil owing the spill. The total amount of the claims was $86,562 with
$82,400 submitted by U.S. property owners and $4,162 by Canadian property
owners.
Table 35 reflects the degree to which water related recreational
activities were disrupted by the spill. Reflected is the fact that 1930
people lost 15,611 recreation days following the spill.
TABLE 35. RECREATIONAL ACTIVITY IMPACT ON PERMANENT
RESIDENCE OWNERS AND THEIR FAMILIES
Number of Estimated Total
Persons Unable Recreation
Activity To Participate Days Lost
Swimming
Boating
Fishing
Water Skiing
Other
Total
735
586
302
225
82
1,930
2,517
10,234
1,605
929
326
15,611
Ninety-three of the 321 respondents, or 30.5 percent, reported
inconveniences other than loss of recreation following the spill. The major
ones reported were the presence of smells and repeated tracking of oil into
the home by children and pets.
Data regarding the impact of the spill on prices of homes for sale
during or after the spill were not sufficient to allow analysis. Of the 341
respondents only 3 had their homes for sale during the period.
2
Since the Canadian survey was limited to that portion of the St. Lawrence
River where impact was known to have occurred it was expected that the per-
centage would exceed the U.S. where the entire area downstream of the spill
was surveyed.
3
Respondents refers to those persons answering the specific question being
addressed in the text. This number varies by question.
136
-------
In terms of other impacts not covered by the questionnaire the following
were mentioned: damage to natural environment; effect on wildlife and impact
on business. The latter is covered under the following sections of this
chapter.
Total impact to permanent residents is summarized in Table 37. It
totals to $168,542 plus an indeterminate amount caused by inconvenience.
Seasonal—Table 37 reflects the distribution of the location of
seasonal residences whose owners were surveyed. Overall 84.3 percent or 533
of 632, responded. Of these 426 were U.S. Owners and 107 Canadian owners.
When asked if any costs were incurred in clean-up efforts 247 of 281,
or 87.9 percent, of the respondents indicated they were. The distribution
was 205 of 208 in the U.S. and 39 of 76 in Canada.
Expenditures reported included 3,067 hours of labor and $25,186 by U.S.
owners and 647 hours of labor and $2,274 by Canadian owners. This totals
3,714 hours of labor and $27,410. These expenses were primarily incurred in
efforts to clean boats and docks and to replace boat lines on boats.
Of the 293 U.S. respondents, 131 filed insurance claims totaling
$405,301. Of the Canadian respondents, 11 of 102 filed claims totaling
$1,856. Overall 142 of 395, or 35.9 percent, filed claims that totaled
$407,157.
It was reported that 113 of the 415 respondents did not use their
seasonal homes due to the oil spill for a period of time subsequent to the
spill. The distribution was 103 of 312 U.S. owners and 10 of 103 Canadian
owners or 27.2 percent of the total. Respondents indicated that there were
20,407 days of use lost by 4,507 family members in the U.S. and 1,414 days
of use lost by 411 family members in Canada. This amounts to 21,821 days of
recreation lost by 4,918 people.
As with permanent home sales, adequate data were not available to
quantify the effect of the oil spill on the saleability or price of seasonal
homes along the river. The limited data obtained indicate that of the 10
houses for sale which were not sold, the reason given by the owner in 7
cases was the effect of the oil spill. This reflects what those owners
perceived as the reason but is not sufficient to statistically verify it as
the cause of homes not selling.
The impact of the oil spill on recreation activities of seasonal pro-
perty owners and their families is reflected in Table 36. Overall, 4,918
people lost 21,821 recreation days following the spill.
When asked if any inconveniences, other than those discussed above,
resulted from the oil spill, 175 indicated they did. This accounted for
56.6 percent of the respondents. The major inconveniences reported were the
presence of smells, inability to travel to and from the mainland, effect on
water supplies and children getting into the oil.
137
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TABLE 36. RECREATIONAL ACTIVITY IMPACT ON SEASONAL
RESIDENCE OWNERS AND THEIR FAMILIES
Number of Persons Estimated Total
Activity Unable to Participate Recreation Days Lost
Swimming
Boating
Fishing
Water Skiing
Other
Total
1,392
1,446
900
934
246
4,918
6,276
5,196
5,254
3,748
1,347
21,821
A summary of the impacts to seasonal residences is also shown in
Table 37. The total dollar impact reported was $68,326 plus inconvenience
to 175 people.
Commercial/Industrial Properties--
In order to determine the impact of the oil spill on this sector of the
economy a series of questionnaires were developed. Similar questions were
asked but were oriented specifically toward each type of enterprise that was
felt to have a potential for suffering impact. This included not only those
enterprises immediately adjacent to the River but also those inland and
dependent upon business generated by persons recreating on the River. In-
cluded were guide boats, tour boats, marinas, hotels and motels, restaurants,
bait and tackle shops, private campgrounds, and gasoline stations.
Guide Boats—There were 24 fishing guides identified and contacted in
the impact area. However only 8 responded to the economic impact question-
naire.
When asked to compare the number of parties guided and the length of
the season in 1975 and 1976 no significant differences overall were noted.
An average of 1.56 parties per week in 1975 as compared to 1.61 in 1976 were
reported. Four guides reported no differences while the other four felt
there were differences. Two of these felt the cool rainy summer was
responsible while one felt the oil spill impacted business.
When the question was asked regarding the number of parties guided
during the period June 10-June 23 and June 23-July 7 1975 and 1976 no
significant changes were reported. Based upon these limited data it appears
as if there was not a significant economic impact on the fishing guides in
the area.
Tour Boats—Six tour boat operators were contacted with four respond-
ing. The data they provided indicated that there was a slight increase in
tour passengers in 1976 compared to 1975. However, data were not provided,
as requested, to indicate if there was any change in the number of passen-
gers in the period immediately after the oil spill.
138
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SUMMARY OF RESIDENTIAL IMPACTS
—
Residential
Permanent
Type of Impact
Clean-up Costs
Self Supplied Labor
Cost of Item
Purchased Total
Recreation Days Lostb
_, Other Income
CO
10
Total
United States
Hours Value
432 1 ,728
7,588
$9,316
United States
Days Value
15^5Tl $15J~4T6
United States
Canada
Hours Value
881 3,524
2,246
$5,770
Canada
Canada
93 Indeterminate
$168,542 plus inconvenience to
93 people
Property Owners
Seasonal
United States
Hours a Value
3,067 12,268
25,186
$37,454
United States
Days Value
2"W1 $2T4^500
United States
Canada
Hours Value
647 2,588
2,274
$4,862
Canada
Canada
175 Indeterminate
$68,326 plus inconvenience to
175 people
Total
Residential
57,202
367,956
268 People
$452,158
plus incon-
venience to
268 people
aThese hours reflect the amount of hours of labor the respondent or his family expended. A rate of
$4.00 an hour was used to convert the hours reported to dollars. This rate is cormiensurate with the
rate paid to persons working on the clean-up.
bA value of $9.83 per day is used to derive a value for recreation days lost. This is based upon data
provided regarding expenditures reported in Characteristics, Perceptions and Attitudes of Resource
Users in the St. Lawrence-Eastern Ontario Commission's Service Area. St. Lawrence-Eastern Ontario
Commission, 1978.
-------
Marinas—Fifteen marinas in the impacted area were surveyed. Responses
were received from four. Sales of gas, oil and other supplies decreased
between the 1975 and 1976 tourist season (June 15-Sept. 15) from $62,720 to
$52,771 or 15.9 percent. All of the respondents had boat launching facili-
ties at their marinas. They reported a slight increase in the number of
launches that occurred between the 1975 and the 1976 season. This increase
was about 7 percent.
When the operators were asked what they felt was the reason for the
differences in sales between 1975 and 1976 two indicated the oil spill and
two the cool rainy summer. One operator also indicated that his plan for
expansion was delayed due to the impact of the oil spill.
It should be noted that the data reported were from a limited number of
operators. Even these reported only a small portion of the data requested.
Thus, as indicated before, quantitative analyses are not possible.
Hotels and Motels--To determine the impact of the oil spill on this
class 170 operators were contacted. Of these, 78 or 45.9 percent responded.
The respondents indicated that their occupancy rate averaged 80.5 percent in
1975 and 71.0 percent in 1976 during the tourist season. The primary reasons
cited for this difference and the number of respondents giving those reasons
were: oil spill impacts, 18: cool rainy weather, 8; and state of the economy,
4. Eight other operators indicated that the oil spill and the state of the
economy were the second most significant reasons for the difference. Twenty-
eight operators indicated no difference between the two seasons.
Overall the average percentage of businesses that were dependent on tou-
rists and recreation was 74.9 percent for those operators who responded.
They indicated that the average rate per person per night was $10.55.
Rates ranged from $6.33 to $13.62.
When asked if they had planned to physically enlarge, modify or change
their establishment during the 1976 year 12 responded in the affirmative and
51 in the negative. Of the 12, five completed their plans and five can-
celled or postponed them. Three of the five who postponed or cancelled
their plans sighted the impact of the oil spill as the reason for their
action.
Occupancy during the period June 24-July 7, 1976 was reported to be
62.8 percent. During the same period in 1975 the occupancy rate was 74.0
percent. During the period June 10-June 23, 1976 the rate was 64.8 percent
and in 1975 for the same period it was 61.5 percent. This reflects that the
1976 season had a higher occupancy rate immediately prior to the oil spill
than the same period the previous year,followed by a rapid decline to a
level below that of the previous year immediately after the oil spill.
Respondents reported a total of 240 cancellations with the oil spill
given as the reason. This was for the 30 establishments reporting cancella-
tions. An additional 32 operators did not report any cancellations. Based
on the average rate these cancellations reduced revenue by $2,532.
140
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Ten establishments provided 472 nights of lodging to personnel working
on the cleanup of the spilled oil. Another 51 establishments did not
provide such lodging on an extended basis. Based on the average rate these
472 nights of lodging increased revenue $4,980.
In obtaining data relative to employment changes brought about by the
spill, operators reported they hired 3 additional people for a total of ten
weeks additional employment while 10 others were laid off for a total of 24
weeks employment. Twenty employees had their hours of employment reduced
for an average of ten hours per week for four weeks. Their average wage was
$2.83 per hour. It was also reported that four employees' working hours
were increased a total of 44 hours per week for eight weeks. Their average
wage was $2.75 per hour. In addition six employees had their number of
working days reduced while none were reported to have their number of
working days increased.
Restaurants—A total of 82 restaurant operators were contacted with
only 10 responding. Gross receipts for these operators were reported to
increase from $114,365 in 1975 to $142,430 in 1976. Three operators indi-
cated the oil spill decreased their receipts while two indicated the
Olympics increased their receipts.
When asked if they had plans to physically enlarge, modify or change
their establishment during the 1976 tourist year, four indicated they had. Of
these four, three cancelled their plans.
Gross receipts for the period June 24-July 7, 1975 were reported as
$3,909 while they were $2,661 for the period June 10-June 23, 1975. In 1976
for the same periods they were $9,447 and $5,569 respectively. As is
reflected they followed the same trend in both years. After the spill they
increased similar to the previous year but were higher in magnitude in 1976.
Again it should be noted that no data were provided by the respondents
relative to employment. The data provided and described above is of
limited nature and not sufficient to allow detailed quantitative analyses.
Bait and Tackle Shops—Only one of the four bait and tackle shop
operators provided information in response to the survey. In general the
data reflected an increase in sales in 1976 over 1975. Also an increase in
sales was recorded in both years for the period June 23-July 7 as compared
to June 10-June 23. No data were provided regarding impacts on employment.
Private Campsites—Forty-two private campground operators were
identified and contacted. Thirty-two responded. They indicated that the
overall occupany rate for 1975 was 86.3 percent while it was 77.5 percent
for the 1976 tourist season. The primary reason provided by four respon-
dents for the change was the oil spill while four others felt it was the
cool rainy summer.
The average charge per campsite per day was reported as $4.64. This
covered 914 campsites. All four of the respondents who had plans to
physically enlarge, modify or change the operation of their establishment
carried out their plans.
141
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Data on occupancy rates reflect that in 1976 occupancy during the
June 24-July 7 period was 74.3 percent while during the June 10-June 23
period it was 69.5 percent. This is similar to 1975 rates which were 82.4
percent and 74.1 percent for the respective periods. These figures are also
consistent with the overall occupancy rates for the two years. Insufficient
data were reported relative to the employment impacts to allow analyses.
Gasoline Stations—Sixteen of 32 gasoline station operators responded.
They reported an increase in total volume from 697,142 gallons in 1975 to
716,869 gallons in 1976. Three operators indicated the reason for the
change was the oil spill. Two of these sold greater amounts in 1976 than
1975 while one sold less. On the other hand an operator indicated his
volume changed due to the cool rainy summer.
In both 1975 and 1976 a larger volume was sold during the period of
June 24-July 7 than the period June 10-June 23. For 1975 the sales were
82,834 and 59,034 gallons respectively and in 1976 they were 97,412 and
76,807 gallons.
As with other types of establishments adequate data were not provided
that would allow analyses of the impact on employment.
Other Commercial--In addition to the above described categories, there
were other riparian commercial property owners that had the potential of
being impacted by the spill. Twenty-one of these were contacted with 13
being in the United States and 8 in Canada. An additional 10 Canadian
property owners could not be contacted by mail or phone.
No impacts were reported by the United States property owners.
Included were oil companies, realty companies and bridge and port authori-
ties. All Canadian property owners except one also reported no impact. The
exception reported inconvenience to customers, many ruined clothes and the
continuing presence of oil residuals. However, no dollar value was attached
to these.
OTHER RIPARIAN PROPERTIES
Efforts were undertaken to determine if other than the above described
users of the St. Lawrence River waters or riparian property owners were
impacted. The extent of the impact to operators of water supply systems,
transportation, power production and users of state parks is discussed
below.
Water Supply Systems
It was expected that those systems using the St. Lawrence River as a
source for municipal water supply would be impacted by the presence of the
spilled oil. Contact with municipal officials indicated that no systems
were forced to change their mode of operation. However, planning for the
use of alternative sources was actively pursued. This did not, however,
result in any identifiable costs.
142
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Transportation
Since the St. Lawrence Seaway is a major transportation system, it was
expected that the oil spill would have a disruptive effect on the operation
of the system. Contact with the St. Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation
verified this as they provided the following data.
A total of 42 ships were delayed as a result of the spill (see Table
38). The total delay of 393.3 hours increased transit costs an estimated
$171,448. The rates used to determine this are set forth in Table 39.
Power Production
Representatives of the power producers on the St. Lawrence River
reported that there were no negative impacts in terms of costs or losses of
production due to the spill. Flows were not reduced and thus no reduction
in generated power occurred. Maintenance in excess of normal was not
experienced either.
TABLE 38. INCREASES IN OPERATING COSTS DUE TO SHIP DELAYS'
Class
2
3
4
5
6
7
Total
Number
of
Ships
12
3
3
7
2
^
42*
Total Length
of Delay (Hours)
107.1
10.5
39.7
81.9
145.9
393^7
Operating Costs h
Per Hours (1976)
$324
380
446
465
490
500
Cost of
Delay
$ 34,700.
3,990.
17,706.
38,084.
4,018.
72,950.
$171,448.
?Does not include 9 ships or tugs of less than 400 feet in length.
See Table 39 for cost determination.
State Parks
Impacts to state parks occurred in the form of physical impact and
deprivation of use due to the physical impacts. The physical impacts and
the costs associated with removal of the spilled oil are discussed later in
this section.
The parks impacted were Keewaydin, Kring Point, Jacques Cartier, Cedar
Island, Coles Creek and Robert Moses. Attempts were undertaken to determine
the man days of recreation activity that were lost due to the spill.
Adequate data upon which to base a statistical analysis were not readily
143
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TABLE 39. HOURLY OPERATING COSTS FOR LAKE VESSELS
Hourly Operating Average Increase Hourly Operating
Costs ($) Per Year(%) Costs ($)a
Class Length 1967 1971 1967-1971 1976
2
3
4
5
6
7
400-499
500-549
550-599
600-649
650-699
700-730
140
155
165
215
230
260
205
233
271
305
324
345
11.63
12.60.
12.90°
10.48
10.23
9.00C
324
380
446
465
490
500
aDerived by inflating 1971 costs by the average yearly increases between 1971 and 1976.
Adjusted downward since the estimated rate of 16.05% results in an hourly rate for this class that is
greater than for the next larger size class.
CAdjusted upward since the estimated rate of 8.18% results in an hourly rate for this class that is less
than that for the next smaller size class.
Source: 1967 and 1971 hourly operating costs are from Table E-13 of Regulation of Great Lakes Water
Levels, Appendix E, International Great Lakes Levels Board, 7 December 1973.
-------
available. Analyses of the data reflected that park attendance decreased
3.5 percent in 1976 as compared to 1975. Statewide the decrease was 1.6
percent.4 in the time of two weeks before the spill to two weeks after the
attendance decreased 18.1 percent as is reflected in Table 40. The decrease
was larger above the spill than below it.
Analysis of park concession revenue reflects an increase both in the
area above and below the spill. The increase above the spill was 6.4
percent as compared to that below the spill of 0.7 percent (see Table 41).
Factors such as weather, pollution problems, economic recession, the
Summer Olympics and others influenced the number of park users. Comparison
within the area below the spill site indicates that there was a redistribu-
tion of park users. Those sustaining a high impact from the spill,
Keewaydin, Kring Point and Jacques Cartier, experienced the greatest
decrease while Robert Moses, which was not significantly impacted, reported
an increase in users.
Expenditures by campers in the area were reported to be $4.38 per
person per day (Palm). It is estimated that the difference in the area
average attendance and the reported attendance below the spill at Keewaydin,
Kring Point, Jacques Cartier resulted in about 20,100 fewer people at these
parks. Their estimated expenditure would have been $88,000.
In the Robert Moses area there were about 17,900 more users than there
would have been if attendance there had been equal to the average for the
area. This increased attendance resulted in an estimated $78,400 increase
in expenditure in the Robert Moses area.
The above analyses are based upon the hypothesis that the decrease in
use of parks physically impacted by the spill were increases experienced at
Robert Moses State Park. This has not and at this point can not be
substantiated.
Table 42 summarizes the above discussed impacts to other riparian
properties.
Other Sources
Insurance Claims--
Following the oil spill numerous claims were filed with the insurer
of the NEPCO 140. The amounts claimed can be used as a proxy to damages
sustained by those who filed them. It must be held in mind though that the
dollar amount of damages claimed-is not an exacting measure of damages
sustained. With this in mind details of both settled and unsettled claims
will be discussed below.
4
If Long Island, New York City and Taconic park systems are excluded park
attendance decreased 0.2 percent between 1975 and 1976.
145
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TABLE 40. PARK ATTENDANCE
Above Oil Spill
Southwick Beach3
Westcott Beach3
Long Point3
Cedar Point
Total
Below Oil Spill
Grass Point3 .
Wellesley Island
Keewaydinb
Kring Point .
Jacques Cartier
Robert Moses3
Total
TOTALS
1975
12,477
43,545
4,733
16,087
76,842
6,720
207,190
35,045
12,069
44,254
49,064
354,342
431,184
1976
8,618
27,539
4,648
12,801
53,606
4,895
179,078
18,865
7,418
30,838
58,350
299,444
353,050
% Change
-30.9
-36.8
- 1.8
-20.4
-30.2
-27.2
-13.6
-46.2
-38.5
-30.3
18.9
-15.5
-18.1
?Daily totals (6-12 through 7-7 for 1975, 6-10 through 7-5 for 1976).
Monthly totals (June, July, August, and September 75-76).
TABLE 41. REVENUE FROM PARK CONCESSIONS1
-~
Above Oil Spill
Southwick Beach
Westcott Beach
Long Point
Cedar Point
Total
Below Oil Spill
Grass Point
Wellesley Island
Keewaydin
Kring Point
Jacques Cartier
Robert Moses
Total
TOTALS
1975
$ 2,046.64
2,068.44
371.50
19,584.33
$24,070.91
$ 5,474.73
12,550.62
2,214.07
2,565.40
379.63
627.97
$23,812.42
$47,883.33
1976
$ 2,974.62
1,982.55
476.00
20,185.89
$25,619.06
$ 5,296.77
13,827.03
1,101.55
2,660.26
390.46
697.28
$23,973.35
$49,592.41
% Change
45.3
- 4.2
28.1
3.1
6.4
- 3.3
10.2
-50.2
3.7
2.9
11.0
~6T4"
3.6
*June through September.
146
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TABLE 42. SUMMARY OF OTHER SECTOR IMPACTS
Sector
Type of Impact
Positive
Negative
Municipal Water
Systems
Transportation
Power Production
State Parks
None Reported None Reported
None Reported
Increase at
Robert Moses
42 ships delayed for 393.3 hours at an
increased operating cost of $171,448.
None Reported None Reported
Decrease at Kring Point, Jacques
Cartier and Keewaydin
Settled Claims—A total of 543 claims amounting to $81,470.42 filed
by individuals have been settled. Table 43 provides details on the geogra-
phic distribution of these claimants. As can be seen the largest number of
claimants were from the towns of Alexandria, Hammond and Louisville. Table
44 reflects these numbers as percentages of the total number of riparian
properties in each town.
It should also be noted that the policy regarding insurance settlements
was to settle small claims as soon as possible. Thus the average settlement
of $150.04 does not include the larger claims which are currently mostly
unsettled.
In addition the State of New York filed a claim for $10,363,800. Of
this $9,010,000 was duplication of the federal government's claim for an
identical amount to cover its costs of clean up; $63,000 for contravention
to water quality standards (Econ Law 71-1941); $1,220,000 for contravention
of purity (Econ Law 17-0501); $10,800 for discharge of material injurious to
fish life; and $40,000 for loss of use of state parks and public lands. A
settlement of $75,000 was agreed upon to cover $15,000 spent by the State in
cleanup, $45,000 for salaries and expenses of regular state employees, and
$15,000 for statutory penalities.
Unsettled Claims—A total of 174 claims amounting to $26,005,351.63
are unsettled (See Table 45). These claims are currently.under litigation.
In all cases except four, property damage is the sole or one of the reasons
given as the basis for the claim.5 Due to the limited extent of the infor-
mation filed it was not feasible to determine the geographic distribution of
the claimants.
A basis for the claim was not specified in four cases.
147
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TABLE 43. NUMBER AND AMOUNT OF SETTLED INSURANCE CLAIMS*
Orleans
Cl ay ton
Alexandria
Hammond
Morris town
Oswegatchie
Ogdensburg
Lisbon
Waddington
Louisville
Massena
Total U.S.
Brockville
Grand Total
Number
of
Claimants
46
20
202
96
19
9
4
2
0
118
1
517
26
543
Percent
of
Claims
8.5
3.7
37.1
17.7
3.5
1.7
.7
.4
--
21.7
.2
4.8
100
Settlement ($)
7,354.73
2,665.27
39,066.69
18,917.24
2,821.83
2,043.74
597.36
296.00
0
2,950.00
228.00
76,940.86
4,529.56
81,470.42
Average
Claim($)
159.88
133.26
193.40
197.05
148.52
227.08
149.34
148.00
0
25.00
228.00
148.82
174.21
150.04
Percent of
Total
Settlement
9.0
3.3
48.0
23.1
3.5
2.5
.7
.4
—
3.6
.3
5.6
100
Includes 543 of 1533 claims for which addresses could be determined. Total
claims were $208,172.33 or $137.78 per claim.
Source: Listing filed by Kernan and Kernan with U.S. District Court,
Northern District of New York on December 30, 1976.
TABLE 44. DISTRIBUTION OF SETTLED INSURANCE CLAIMS
Town
No. of Riparian
Property Owners
No. of Claimants
Percent of
Riparian Owners
Orleans
Clayton
Alexandria
Hammond
Morris town
Oswegatchie
Ogdensburg
Lisbon
Waddington
Louisville
Massena
Total
435
886
771
387
358
267
66
44
370
185
111
3,830
46
20
202
96
19
9
4
2
0
118
1
5T7
10.6
2.3
26.2
24.8
7.4
3.4
6.1
4.5
0
63.8
0.9
T373
148
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TABLE 45. NUMBER AND AMOUNTS OF UNSETTLED INSURANCE CLAIMS
Nature
of
Claim
Property damage
Property damage, invasion of
privacy and mental anquish
Property damage and
privative damage
Property, punitive and
statutory damages
Number
of
Claims
161
1
1
4
Amount
Claimed($)
3,024,479.30
7,500.00
290,000.00
1,300,000.00
Average
Claimed($)
18,785.59
7,500.00
290,000.00
325,000.00
Property damage, statutory
liability and natural
resources and wildlife
damage
Property and punitive
damages
Property damage and credit
against limitation fund
Not stated in claim
Total
1 21,000,000.00 21,000,000.00
1
4
175,000.00
208,172.33
200.00
174 26,005,351.63
175,000.00
208,172.33
50.00
149,456.04
Source: Listing of claims provided by Healy and Baillie, counsel for
Oswego Barge Corporation.
Included in the unsettled claims is a $21,000,000 suit by the U.S.
government. A portion of this (about$8.5 million) is to cover the actual
costs incurred in cleaning up the spill. A suit of $25,000 was brought by
the Nature Conservancy and the Central New York Chapter of the Nature
Conservancy to cover damages to Ironsides Island and to the blue heron popu-
lation residing there. Other claims were filed by marina and resort
operators and owners of seasonal and permanent homes in the impacted area.
Employment--
The net impact on employment is the summation of the impact on employ-
ment in the commercial establishments that are dependent upon the tourism
Ironside Island is an island in the St. Lawrence River owned by the Nature
Conservancy. It is the site of an extensive blue heron rookery.
149
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and recreation trade and the employment generated through efforts to clean-
up the oil. The former is derived primarily from the mail survey conducted.
The latter from information provided by the clean-up contractors. It should
be kept in mind that not only is the level of employment but also the dis-
tribution of employment important in this analysis.
Decreases
The decreases in employment were discussed earlier in this section.
They are summarized below in Table 46. As is evident few respondents pro-
vided the requested data regarding the employment impact of the oil spill.
Thus, little can be stated regarding employment changes in the service-
oriented tourism/recreation sector of the economy. The hotel/motel section
of that sector experienced an estimated decrease in employment equivalent
to 70 work weeks as a result of the spill.
TABLE 46. EMPLOYMENT DECREASES
Type of
Business
Reported
Decrease
Percent
Response
Adjusted
Decrease
Guide Boats No Data Obtained
Tour Boats No Data Obtained
Marinas No Data Obtained
Hotels/Motels 32 weeks 45.9 70 weeks
Restaurants No Data Reported
Bait and Tackle Shops No Data Reported
Private Campsites No Data Reported
Gasoline Stations No Data Reported
Source: Economic impact mail survey conducted by the St. Lawrence-Eastern
Ontario Commission, 1977.
Increases
Employment increases due to the oil spill were created by the labor
intensive operation of cleanup. Data provided by cleanup contractors
indicated that the typical person employed was young with about one half
coming from the local area. Table 47 reflects the place of residence of
these employees.
Employees were categorized into three general groups. They were
supervisors, foremen, equipment and machine operators/laborers. The starting
hourly rates were approximately $8.00, $6.00, and $5.00 respectively. Table
150
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TABLE 47. RESIDENCE OF CLEANUP EMPLOYEES
Home Address
Number of Employees
Clayton
Alexandria Bay
Watertown
DePauville
Remainder of Jefferson County
St. Lawrence County
Remainder of New York State
Out of State
Total
81
16
17
6
18
279
46
432
895
48 reflects the number of employees throughout the cleanup period. A total
of 22,220 days of employment was completed. This amounted to an expendi-
ture of $2,492,952 for labor.7
As stated earlier the average age of the employee was young. This
averaged 22 years for temporary help; 25 for permanent help and 28 for
supervisors.
CLEANUP COSTS
The dollar amount of the cleanup discussed here is that amount paid by
the United States Coast Guard to cleanup contractors. This amounted to
$8,650,242 (see Table 49).
Based on contractors'data, labor and equipment costs were the largest
components of these costs. They amounted to 36 and 31 percent respectively.
Efforts to determine the cost of cleanup per unit length of shoreline
for various types of shoreline were unsuccessful. The data, in the form of
a billing to the USCG, were not in a form that would allow this.
Per personal conversations with representatives of major clean-up
contractors.
151
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TABLE 48. NUMBER OF PERSONS EMPLOYED
Date
(1976)
6/23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
7/1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
8/1
2
3
4
5
6
7
Supervisors
6
7
8
9
9
16
17
19
20
20
21
19
19
21
20
21
22
21
4
20
22
21
21
21
5
2
18
20
20
20
15
5
5
17
17
18
17
14
4
2
16
17
16
15
12
3
Foremen
17
19
20
21
21
27
28
37
41
47
47
49
50
48
48
46
47
44
13
46
45
46
47
47
10
4
44
44
44
44
45
10
4
44
44
43
43
43
11
7
44
43
44
39
33
11
Operators/Laborers
104
116
109
164
154
223
316
328
344
389
418
437
438
441
450
454
443
454
137
449
441
447
443
445
58
25
407
390
395
390
388
42
30
392
354
363
378
367
63
41
384
385
397
334
313
19
Total
127
142
137
194
184
266
361
384
405
456
486
505
507
510
518
521
512
519
154
515
508
514
511
513
73
31
469
454
459
454
448
57
39
453
415
424
438
424
78
50
444
445
457
388
358
33
152
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TABLE 48. NUMBER OF PERSONS EMPLOYED
(Continued)
Date
(1976)
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
9/1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
Supervisors
2
10
12
12
11
9
5
2
8
8
9
9
9
5
2
7
7
6
6
6
4
2
6
4
6
5
5
2
2
2
5
5
6
6
4
1
6
1L - M
Foremen
3
32
32
32
27
25
5
3
24
24
25
25
24
6
6
20
23
23
23
23
7
3
20
19
21
21
21
4
2
3
18
14
18
17
4
4
15
^^^"•••••^
Operators/Laborers
15
120
284
259
253
200
31
18
197
207
225
222
215
19
21
212
217
208
219
215
16
14
193
191
192
183
181
13
13
12
179
118
134
122
9
12
109
Total
20
162
328
303
291
234
41
23
229
239
259
256
248
30
29
239
247
237
248
244
27
19
219
214
219
209
207
19
17
17
202
137
158
145
17
17
130
Total Man-days8"98~ 2,215 19,107 22,220
153
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TABLE 49. CLEANUP COSTS
Contractor
New England Pollution Control Company
Marine Pollution Control Company
Coastal Services, Inc.
Seal and Restoration
McAllister
St. Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation
Canadian Ministry of Transport
Amount Paid
$ 325,116
529,659
3,023,612
3,348,838
51,150
518,696
843,171
$8,650,242
Source: U.S. Coast Guard, 9th District, Cleveland.
154
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158
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159
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APPENDIX A. SCIENTIFIC NAMES
Fish
Listed after Table 6.
Amphibians
Bullfrog
Green Frog
Leopard Frog
Repti1es
1
Snapping Turtle
Stinkpot
Map Turtle
Painted Turtle
Blanding's Turtle
Water Snake
Birds'
Common Loon
Great Blue Heron
Green Heron
Great Egret
American Bittern
Least Bittern
Canada Goose
Mallard
Black Duck
Pintail
Blue-winged Teal
Green-winged Teal
Wood Duck
Canvasback
Redhead
Lesser Scaup
Bufflehead
Turkey Vulture
Red-tailed Hawk
Rana catesbeiana
Rana clamitans^
Rana pi pi ens
Chelydra serpent in a
Sternotherus odoratus
Graptemys geographica
Chrysemys pi eta marginata
Emydoidia blandi
Natrix sipedon
ingi
Gavia immer
Ardea herodias
Butorides striatus
Casmerodfus a!bus~
Botaurus lentiqinosus
£1
TT:
Ixobrychus exilfs
Branta canadensis
Anas platyrhyncho's
Anas rubripes
Anas acuta
Anas discors
Anas crecca
Aix sponsa
Aythya vaTisineria
Aythya americana
Aythya affinis
Bucephala albeola
Cathartes aura
Buteo jamaicensis
^Scientific names of Amphibians and Reptiles from Conant (1975).
Scientific names of Birds from Bull and Farrand (1977).
160
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APPENDIX A (continued)
Birds (continued)
Harrier
Os prey
Virginia Rail
Common Gallinule
Sora
Common Snipe
Woodcock
Black Tern
Common Tern
Herring Gull
Ring-billed Gull
Belted Kingfisher
Tree Swallow
Bank Swallow
Barn Swallow
Rough-winged Swallow
Long-billed Marsh Wren
Yellow Warbler
Red-winged Blackbird
Grackle
Swamp Sparrow
3
Mammals
Muskrat
Plants4
Stonewart
Cattail
Sago Pondweed
Flexible niad
Water weed
Water Celery
European Frogbit
Coontai1
Pond Lilies
Water milfoil
Bladderwort
Circus cyaneus
Pandi on haliaetus
Rail us limicola
Gallinula chloropus
Porzana Carolina
Capella gallinago
Phi lonela minor
Chlidonias nigra
Sterna hTFuncfo
Larus argentatus
Larus delawaren?is
Megaceryle aIcyon
Iridoprocne bicolor
Riparia riparia
Hirundo rustica
Stelgidopteryx ruficollis
Cistothorus palustris
Dendroica petechia
Age1aius~pnoeniceus
Quiscalus guTscala
Melospiza georgiana
Ondatra zibethicus
Chara vulgaris
Typha spp
Patamogeton pectinatus
Naj as flexTlTs"
E1gdea~canadens i s
Vallisneria amerfcana
HydrocharTiT morsus-ranae
CeratophyTTum demersum
Nuphar sp. and~Nymphaea sp.
Myriophyllum sp.
Utricularia vulgaris
^Scientific name from Miller and Kellogg (1955).
Scientific names from Fernald (1950).
161
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APPENDIX B. DESCRIPTION OF RESIDUAL CONTAMINANTS JUNE 23, 1976 OIL SPILL
Date:
Location Description
Map Location Symbol_
Type Shoreform/Structure
Type Vegetation Affected
Residual Description
Band: width length thickness
Coating: area covered x thickness
Globs: area covered thickness
floating or submerged estimate of quantity_
Comments:
162
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APPENDIX C. ECONOMIC IMPACT QUESTIONNAIRE
The following procedures were followed in conducting the mail survey.
Residential Properties
All seasonal and permanent residential properties in the impact area in
the United States were identified from current tax rolls. Each owner was
contacted as follows:
Attempt 1 - A letter, questionnaire and return envelope were mailed.
Attempt 2 - Five days after Attempt 1, a reminder post card was mailed.
Attempt 3 - Ten working days after Attempt 2, a reminder letter,
questionnaire, and return envelope were mailed.
Attempt 4 - Ten working days after Attempt 3, a letter, questionnaire
and return envelope were mailed.
A listing of Canadian owners was provided by Environment Canada
personnel.
Commercial Properties
All U.S. commercial properties in the towns bordering the St. Lawrence
River were identified from tax rolls, Chamber of Conmerce contacts, telephone
directories, and other sources. Environment Canada personnel provided a
listing of Canadian properties. The contact schedule for residential
property owners was followed.
163
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TECHNICAL REPORT DATA
(Please read Instructions on the reverse before completing)
1. REPORT NO.
EPA-600/7-79-256
2.
3. RECIPIENT'S ACCESSIOI*NO.
4. TITLE AND SUBTITLE
Damage Assessment Studies Following the NEPCO 140 Oil
Spill On the St. Lawrence River
5. REPORT DATE
December 1979 issuing date
6. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION CODE
7. AUTHOR(S) _ . i , T, i
Daniel J. Palm
&
M.M. Alexander, D.M. Phillips & P. Longabucco
8. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION REPORT NO.
9. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION NAME AND ADDRESS
St. Lawrence-Eastern Ontario Commission
Watertown, NY 13601
and
Suny College of Environmental Science and Forestry
Syracuse, NY 13210
1O. PROGRAM ELEMENT NO.
INE 623
11. CONTRACT/GRANT NO.
R805031.01.0
12. SPONSORING AGENCY NAME AND ADDRESS
Industrial Environmental Research Laboratory-Cinn, OH
Office of Research & Development
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Cincinnati, OMo 45268
13. TYPE OF REPORT AND PERIOD COVERED
Final Sept. 1976-March 1979
14. SPONSORING AGENCY CODE
EPA/600/12
15. SUPPLEMENTARY NOTES
16.ABSTRACT fhe primary objective of this two-and-one half year research effort was to
determine the environmental and economic impacts of the NEPCO 140 oil spill. This
spill occurred in the freshwater environment of the St. Lawrence River on June 23,
The cleanup operation, which cost about 8.6 million dollars, was reviewed tc
compare it to the priority cleanup scheme prepared by a private consultant at the
request of EPA. In addition, field surveys of residual hydrocarbons were undertaken ir
the fall and spring following the spill to determine the effects of time and the
elements on these residuals.
Upon completion of a short background discussion on petroleum in the
environment and a description of the study area, information is provided regarding the
diversity and abundance of wildlife in the study area. This information was derived
through extensive field survey and is compared to information from areas outside the
influence of the spill. This is followed by a discussion of polynuclear aromatic
hydrocarbons (based on two years of sampling), and their impacts on the various
components of the environment.
The economic impacts of the spill are summarized in terms of direct economic
impact experienced by both residential and commercial property owners as well as other
classes of riparian property owners. Data were gathered primarily through a mail
survey of property owners and review of documents such as insurance claims and cleanup
contractors records.
17.
KEY WORDS AND DOCUMENT ANALYSIS
DESCRIPTORS
b.lDENTIFIERS/OPEN ENDED TERMS
c. COSATI Field/Group
Oil Recovery
Assessments
Environmental Surveys
Wildlife
Economic Analysis
NEPCO 140
Damage Assessment Studies
Oil Spill
Polynuclear Aromatic
Hydrocarbons
Wildlife Impacts
Economic Impacts
18. DISTRIBUTION STATEMENT
19. SECURITY CLASS (ThisReport)
Unclassified
21. NO. OF PAGES
174
Release to Public
L
20. SECURITY CLASS (Thispage)
Unclassified
22. PRICE
EPA Form 2220-1 (9-73)
164
OUS WVlBUMiHT MUHI'HC WFlCt I WO -657- Mb/5 55-4
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