CLARK FORK RIVER STUDY MONTANA JULY-AUGUST, 1973 TECHNICAL INVESTIGATIONS BRANCH 'IRVEILLANCE AND ANALYSIS DIVISION .S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY REGION VIII JANUARY,1974 ------- S&A/TIB-27 CLARK FORK RIVER STUDY MONTANA JULY-AUGUST, 1973 TECHNICAL INVESTIGATIONS BRANCH SURVEILLANCE AND ANALYSIS DIVISION U. S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY REGION VIII JANUARY, 197*+ Document is available from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region VIII, Denver, CO, 80203 ------- TABLE OF CONTENTS PAGE INTRODUCTION....... . . ...... . . •.. . . . •1 •. • • • • • • . . . . ... . ... •1 • 1 DESCRIPTION OF STUDY AREA... . • . . . •1 •I• •1IS •I • . . . . . 1•• •• ... . . 2 I • General . . . , . . . . . . . . . . . . . • . • . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . • . . . . . . . 2 II. WaterQualityStandards............................. 2 SURVEY METHODS... . . . . • . . . . . . . . . . . ..•.. . • . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . 14 I. Water Quality Evaluation............................ 14 II. Biological Evaluation............................... 14 RESULTS AND DISCUSSION. . . . . . • . . . . . • . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 I • Water Quality...... . . . . • . . . . . . .•.....• . ...••••..•••• 7 II • Biological Qual i ty. . . . . • . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . • . • . . . . . • 114 SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS... . . . . . . . . ... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . • 214 APPENDIXA_.STREAMCLASSIFICATION...........................Al APPENDIX B — SURVEY DATA. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . • . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B—i —i— ------- LIST OF FIGURES PAGE 1. WATER QUALITY SAMPLING STATION LOCATION MAP............I.. 5 2. AVERAGE DISSOLVED OXYGEN VS RIVER MILES................... 8 3. AVERAGE 5—DAY BIOCHEMICAL OXYGEN DEMAND...............O... 9 14• MEANTOTALCOLIFORMVSRIVERMILES.........,.....,, ... .... 11 5. MEAN FECAL COLIFORMVSRIVERMILES......S...S... . ..,.... .. 12 6. AVERAGECOLORVSRIVERMILES...........I...,. .. ...,., .. . .. 15 7. CONDUCTIVITY CROSS SECTION — STATION CF—3................ 16 8. CONDUCTIVITY CROSS SECTION — STATION CF—3.5............... 17 9. PERCENT OF SENSITIVE, INTERMEDIATE AND TOLERANT INVERTEBRATES COLLECTED AT EACH STATION................... 19 10. AVERAGE CHLOROPHYLL a CONCENTRATIONS VS RIVER MILES..S.... 23 — 11 — ------- LIST OF TABLES PAGE 1. KLEBSIELLAPNEUMONIAEISOL.ATIONS.....................,,.... 13 2. BENTHIC ORGANISMS COLLECTED FROM THE CLARK FORK RIVER, JULY27 TO AUGUST 2, 1973................................,. 20 — 11 1 — ------- INTRODUCTION This report on the quality of the waters of the Clark Fork River in the vicinity of Missoula, Montana is based on information obtained during the July 23 — August 3, 1973 field investigation conducted by personnel of Region VIII, Environmental Protection Agency. The study was initiated in response to the request by the Montana Department of Health and Environmental Sciences for assistance in identifying existing water quality conditions in the river and any damage to aquatic life or degradation of water quality resulting from seepage or surface discharges from the Hoerner Waldorf Corporation paper mill located west of Missoula, Montana. The water quality and biological study was requested to cover specifically the reach of river extending from the City of Missoula to an area approximately 30 miles (L,8 km) downstream. ------- DESCRIPTION OF STUDY AREA I. General The Clark Fork of the Columbia River is located in the western portion of the State of Montana. The river originates in the hills near the City of Butte, and flows in a generally northwest direction for about 520 miles (832 km) where it terminates at Pend Oreille Lake in Northern Idaho. From its origin, to Warm Springs, Montana, the stream is known as Silver Bow Creek. In the reach of the Clark Fork River from Warm Springs to Garrison, Montana, the river flows through Deer Lodge Valley, a north—south valley bordered on the east by the Continental Divide and on the west by the Flint Creek Range. The river then flows northwesterly through another valley bordered by the Garret Range and Sapphire Mountains, toward Missoula, Montana. The t9ver continues on its northwesterly path from Missoula to the Montana— Idaho border through the valley bordered by the Bitterroot Range and Cabinet Mountains. The flood plain in this reach is underlain by alluvial silt, sand and gravel, with the river presently cutting into bedrock in numerous places. This latter reach contains the section of river covered by this investigation. The area is characterized by long, cold winters and low precipitation. The precipitation, most of which usually occurs during the spring and sumer months, was considerably below average this year. As a result the river was at a low flow condition during the study. During the course of the investigation, the river stage was observed to drop about 6 inches (0.15 m). There is one major tributary to the Clark Fork River in the study area. This is the Bitterroot River which flows in a northerly direction entering the Clark Fork just downstream from Missoula. Agriculture is Montana’s leading consumptive water user and principle source of income. The tourist industry, petroleum production, lumbering, mining, and manufacturing are secondary to agriculture as income producers. The major industry in the study area is the paper mill operated by the Hoerner Waldorf Corporation, located just west of Missoula. The City of Missoula itsel,f has grown to become western Montana’s comerical, industrial, educational and transportation center. II. Water Quality Standards The Montana Department of Health and Environmental Sciences has adopted water quality standards for the Clark Fork River. These standards classified the reach from the Little Blackfoot River, which is located about 6L, miles (103 km) upstream from —2— ------- Missoula, to the Montana—Idaho border as B—0 1 . This reach includes the study area. These standards consist of specified water quality criteria designed to protect specified water uses. These criteria are surmiarized in Appendix A. The standards applicable to the study area call for the quality of the water to be maintained suitable for drinking, cullinary, and food processing purposes after adequate treatment equal to coagulation, sedimentation, filtration, disinfection, and any additional treatment necessary to remove naturally present impurities; bathing, swinniing and recreation; growth and propagation of salmonid fish and associated aquatic life, waterfowl, and furbearers; agri- cultural and industrial water supply. —3— ------- SURVEY METHODS I. Water Quality Evaluation To determine existing water quality and biological conditions in the Clark Fork River, a short—term, intensive field investigation was conducted during the period July 23 — August 3, 1973. Twelve sampling stations were established on the river within the study area (Figure 1), and sampling was conducted for two 5—day periods. Samplers made field determinations at each station for dissolved oxygen, temperature, pH and conductivity, and collected additional water samples for laboratory determinations. All water quality samples collected were “grab” type samples, with sampling times staggered throughout the sampling day. The laboratory determinations included 5—day biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), total coliform, fecal coliform, and fecal streptococcous. Laboratory facilities for use by EPA personnel were provided by the University of Montana and the City of Missoula. A detailed description of station locations and results of all analyses appear in Appendix B. II. Biological Evaluation Sampling was performed in riffle areas at approximately the same locations as the water quality sampling stations (Appendix Table B—i). Several methods were used to collect qualitative samples of aquatic invertebrates. Organisms were handpicked with tweezers from selected rocks and debris. They were also captured by holding a dip net close to the bottom of the river and dislodging and stirring up the substrate immediately upstream from the net. Quantitative samples were collected with a Surber square foot sampler and with multi—plate artificial substrates. Two or three square foot samples were collected from each sampling area where water depth didn’t exceed 0.305 meters (one foot). Samples were sieved with a U.S. Standard No. 30 sieve and organisms remaining on the sieve were placed in pint jars with 10 percent formalin and transported to the EPA lab in Denver for processing. Multi—plate artificial substrates were placed at eight selected sampling sites and collected at the end of 12 days exposure. The substrates were constructed of 0.6k x 10.2 x 10.2 cm (¼ x 1+ x 1+ inch) masonite plates. Nine plates were mounted on a cadmium plated rod and were separated by 0.6k cm (¼ inch) layers of 1.9 cm (3/k inch) diameter washers, thus exposing approximately 0.186 sq. meters (two square feet) of substrate for attachment by aquatic organisms. — ------- CF-S Albsrtn cc-S Frinchtow n CF-4 Figure I CLARK FORK RIVER Water Qudity Sampling Station Location Mop HOERNER WALDORF MU.L SITE MIssoiiI. STp DsIIsy PackIng PIai CF-US 2 3 4 M 1 1s t _ .L 2 5 4 Kilo •t •rS ‘0 Prl s• S. CF-Sb ------- At the beginning of the survey all the substrates were submerged in riffle areas having approximately the same current. The depth of water over the top plate of each sampler was between 7.6 — 22.9 cm (3 and 9 inches). Macroinvertebrates collected on the substrates were removed and preserved in 10 percent formalin for later identi- fication. For periphyton (attached algae) studies, a 0.6k x 10.2 x 12.7 cm ( 1 i x 1 x 5 inch) plate was placed at the top of each substrate rod about 7.6 cm (3 inches) above the top 10.2 x 10.2 cm (k x k inch) plate. Four clear glass, precleaned 2.5k x 10.2 cm (1 x 3 inch) microscope slides were attached to the longer plate with metal clips. Two slides from each substrate were selected for periphyton counts and were preserved in 10 percent formalin. The remaining two slides were collected for chlorophyll analysis. Samples for chlorophyll were preserved in 90 percent acetone buffered with sodium carbonate, and stored in the dark on wet ice until transported to Denver for analysis. —6— ------- RESULTS & DISCUSSION I. Water Quality The organic matter contained in municipal and many industrial wastes, when introduced into the receiving waters, exerts, through the process of biochemical degradation, an oxygen demand, resulting in a reduction of the dissolved oxygen resources of the waters. If the concentrations of such oxygen—demanding wastes cause excessive dissolved oxygen depletion, the reduction of desirable aquatic life, including fish, and the creation of unpleasant odors can result. The dissolved oxygen requirement applicable to the section of the Clark Fork River included in this investigation calls for a dissolved oxygen concentration of 7.0 mg/i to be maintained for the growth and propagation of salmonid fishes and associated aquatic life, water fowl and furbearers. Results of the grab samples indicated that at no time during thestudy did the dissolved oxygen concentrations in the Clark Fork River fall below the 7.0 mg/l criteria. The plot of average dissolved oxygen concentrations at each sampling station (Figure 2) indicates a fairly uniform dissolved oxygen concentration throughout the study reach with a variation of only 1.3 mg/i from upstream of all sources of wastes (Station CF—US) to the downstream limit of the study (Station CF—8). A variation of only 0.14 mg/i occurred in the reach from upstream of the Hoerner—Waldorf ponds (Station CF—i) to the furthermost downstream station (Station CF.-8). The results of the biochemical oxygen demand test which measures the relative oxygen requirements of municipal and indus- trial wastes, indicated the concentrations in the Clark Fork River from Missoula to the station downstream of Alberton, a distance of 62.6 km (39.1 miles), to be within a relatively narrow range of 1.3 — 3.0 mg/i (Figure 3). Although the BOD concentrations in the side channel near the Hoerner—Waldorf ponds reached an average of 5.1 mg/i (maximum 16.2 mg/i), only a slight increase from 1.3 to 1.8 mg/i was evident in the river. The largest in—stream increase in BOO (from 1.3 to 3.0 mg/i) occurred at Station CF—DS, downstream from the wastewater effluents of the Dailey Meat Packing Plant and the Missoula Wastewater Treatment Plant. The density of coliform organisms in a water environment has been established as a criteria of the degree of pollution and the sanitary quality of the water under test. Coliform criteria applicable to the reach of the Clark Fork River included in this study require that the average density of total coliform organisms be less than iooo/ioo ml. Results of the study indicated that the total coliform densities remained less —7— ------- Figure 2 CLARK FORK RIVER Average Dissolved Oxygen vs River Miles 1-loerner Waldorf Ponds • Saturation Level --Class “D—l” Limit - -Class “0—2” Limit - —-Class “0—3” Limit - a- (D ---‘ rP 0 10 - 9- 8- 7. D U) c U) 6 . (D 0 to (D 3 — 3- 2- 0- 40 D 0I -a. ---rn (D w - - a, - - _I. -a- U) U)— 00i -rP a, C l , -1 -u Side Channel -it--- — — — — — w — -.. — — — -‘ — — 0 — — — — — S — m — — — — (D — — U) — — — — — — 10 5 35 30 I I I 25 20 15 Approx. River Miles From Russell St. 0 ------- Figure 3 CLARK FORK RIVER Average 5—Day Biochemical Oxygen Demand ‘ 0 0 (D rP 0 ‘ ii , D a) 0 n (D . 5 n a) 0 x to (D c 3 (D a) Hoerner Waldorf Ponds - D a) (D 4—Side Channel (D a) rP 0 - a) n to 0) rP (D 0 0 . x (I l U) 0 C a) C , ) -I -v 35 30 25 20 15 ‘I I 5 0 Approx. River Miles From Russell St. ------- than this limit throughout the study reach (Figure 4)• Two peak densities did occur in the river which can be attributed to wastes from the Dailey Meat Packing Plant and Missoula Wastewater Treatment Plant (66 ’ 4/iOO ml at Station CF—os) and from the coninunity of Alberton (115/100 ml at Station CF—8), however both peak concen- trations were less than the 1000/100 ml criteria. Fecal coliform organisms, indicators of recent pollution, were found at all sampling locations (Figure 5). Mean densities were less than 100/100 ml at all river locations with the exception of Station CF—DS, downstream of the discharges from the Missoula Wastewater Treatment Plant and the Dailey Packing Plant, where the mean density was i1+1+/iO0 ml (maximum 7,300/100 ml). A high density of fecal organisms (mean 190/100 ml) was present in the side channel of the river containing seepage from the Hoerner Waldorf ponds, however no increase in coliform densities in the river could be attributed to the pond seepage. These fecal coliform organisms were further identified to species. The IMViC classification, indole, methyl, red, Voges— Pasbauer, and citrate utilization, which are a combination of bio-. chemical tests were used to differentiate the coliforms of fecal origin. Two species were identified, these were Eschericra coli and Kiebsiella pneumoniae , - The species E. coli Variety II was found in water samples taken at all the sampling stations (Table 1). The K. pneumoniae organisms were detected at several locations, Stations CF—OS, CF—i, CF—2A, CF—6, CF—8 and CF—il (Table 1). The Klebsiella pneumoniae organism is found in the intestinal tract of humans and animals at approximately 30 percent for humans and ‘40 percent for animals. It can be pathogenic and is a coliform by definition. Klebsiella pneumoniae is more often a cause of septicemia, pneumonia, and post—operative infections. It is the second most coninon, next to E. coli , as a causative organism in urinary tract infections, and has a propensity to become resistant * to antibiotics and could be a serious source of antibiotic resistant pathogens that might reach downstream recreational areas. Klebsiella pneumoniae organisms were not detected at the up- stream Station CF—US, the Russell Street Bridge on the Clark Fork River, however K. pneumoniae were isolated and identified from water samples taken at Stations CF—OS and CF—i. These stations were located downstream of the Dailey Meat Packing Plant and the Missoula Wastewater Treatment Plant effluents. K. pneumoniae were also isolated in the side channel of the Clark Fork River containing strong pond waste seepage (Station CF—2A). This organism will survive in certain industrial wastes such as pulp and paper because of the high nutrient levels in these wastes. In addition, these nutrient—rich wastes can provide the capability for bacterial re—growth in the receiving stream. — 10 — ------- Figure 4 - CLARK FORK RIVER Mean Total Coliform vs River Miles !40 35 30 25 20 15 10 5 0 Approx. River Miles From Russell St. Class “B” Limit = 0 CD CD 1 1,000 100 a, _______Q_ 0 0 -a. -I , —. 0 -‘ 3 w a, 0 ft CD -‘ a, C 3 CD -o CD C 3 - 0 0 . U) Side Channel a, CD -a. I -f. ft CD -I 0 0 I-P S m I-l- CD -I U) ------- 1 ,000 100 C-., 0 .1. -h 3 C., CD -‘ 10 C- CD -‘ 0 Figure 5 CLARK FORK RIVER Mean Fecal Coliform vs River Miles Hoerner Waldorf Ponds Ei—Side Channel 15 Approx. River Miles From Russell St. 0I 1 -a. I-p I-P CD 1 -‘ 0 0 S rn CD 1 U) 10 5 0 ------- TABLE I KLEBSIELLA PNEUMONIAE ISOLATIONS CLARK FORK RIVER Total Fecal Fecal Species Date Station Coliform Coliform Strept. Identified per 100 ml. per 100 ml. per 100 ml. 7—26—73 CF—US 100 70 E. coli var. II CF—DS 1+90 8 1 + E. coli var. II, K. pneumoniae CF—i 850 230 42 E. coli var. II, K. pneumoniae CF—2A 570 200 220 E. coli var.II, K. pneumoniae CF—3 270 144 32 E. coli var. II CF—k 320 16 300 E. coli var. II CF—5 52 6 E. coli var. II CF—6 120 12 E. coli var. II K. pneumoniae CF—7 160 6 E. coil var. II CF—8 180 10 E. coli var. II, K. pneumoniae 8—2—73 CF—B 3700 1000 1100 E. coli var. II, K. pneumoniae ------- At Stations CF—3, CF— and CF—5 K. pneumoniae organisms were not detected, however, downstream from Huson, Montana at Station CF—6, K. pneumoniae was again detected, the probable source of these organisms being municipal wastes from this coninunity. Upstream of Alberton, Montana (Station CF—7), K. pneumoniae organisms were not isolated, but downstream of this connunity these organisms were detected indicating municipal wastes were the probable source. A grab sample taken from the Hoerner—Waldorf pond on 8—2—73, indicated total and fecal coliform counts of 3700/100 ml and 1000/100 ml respectively. Two species, Eschericia coli and Kiebsiella neumoniae , were isolated and identified from colonies from this sample. Although color determinations in the reach of the Clark Fork River did not exceed 5 units above background (that found at the upstream control station), it can be seen that wastes entering the river in the vicinity of the Hoerner—Waldorf ponds produced an incremental increase of 5 units to a color intensity of about 10 units, This condition persisted downstream to the limit of the study reach (Figure 6). Conductivity measurements showed a small increase in the average conductivity from 309 to 316 umhos (Station CF—i to Station CF—3) within the reach of river which receives wastes from the Hoerner— Waldorf ponds. A conductivity cross—section made at Station CF—3, opposite the Hoerner—Waldorf ponds, showed that the conductivity progressively increased from the west bank of the river to the east bank where the ponds are located (Figure 7). Another conductivity cross—section made approximately 1 mile (1.61 km) further downstream at about the most downstream limit of the Hoerner—Waldorf ponds, showed that the conductivity was uniform over most of the cross—section at the higher level (360 umhos) found at the upstream station opposite the ponds (Figure 8). At this station the conductivity also increased from the west bank to the east bank nearer the ponds. At the next regular water qua1it ’ sampling station, Station CF—4 5.8 km (3.6 miles) down- stream from Station CF—3, the conductivity averaged 319 umhos and remained at this level to the downstream limit of the study. II. Biological Quality Benthic Organisms Aquatic invertebrates have life spans of a few months to several years and reflect long—term as well as short—term changes in water quality. A non—polluted environment supports a large number of kinds of aquatic invertebrates with each kind represented — 1 + — ------- 0 0 V) D a) CD x (D a) rn a) -“ Il ) I In 00 C— —a (-p -I - 50 L 0 30 Figure 6 CLARK FORK RIVER Average Color vs River Miles Hoerner Waldorf Ponds de Channel 0 CD -‘ rP 0 10 5 0 0 (-p CD -‘ 0 0 . m (-p CD -‘ In 35 25 20 15 10 5 0 Approx. River Miles From Russell St. ------- Figure 7 CLARK FORK RIVER Conductivity Cross Section — Station CF—3 I I I I 0 50 100 150 200 250 300 Stream Width — Feet 25 50 75 100 Stream Width — Meters 1 , a, (A a, 370 360 350 340 330 320 310 300 0 0. C n < r 1 C 0 U , CD a, -I 0 0. U, z CD U, a, 0 ------- Figure 8 CLARK FORK RIVER Conductivity Cross Section — Station CF—3.5 0 50 100 150 200 250 300 Stream Width — Feet 25 50 Stream Width — Meters 0 75 1 00 m 0 , (n 0) 2 (D 0, -‘ 370 360 g 350 a- C n 30 -I. 330 320 310 300 (D In I-P 0 a- In ------- by a small number of individuals. When low concentrations of organic pollution occur invertebrates intolerant of such pollution decrease in number and in some cases disappear from the comunity. Organisms intermediate and tolerant in their sensitivities to organic pollution tend to increase in number; thus the total number of organisms may increase while numbers of kinds may decrease. As organic pollution increases, both sensitive and intermediate organisms are reduced in number. When sensitive organisms, such as stonefly and mayfly larvae, are removed from the aquatic comunity predation and competition for food are lessened for the remaining intermediate and pollution tolerant organisms, such as some forms of caddis larvae, midges and blackflies, which respond with an increase in numbers. Large discharges of organic materials usually result in excessive amounts of settleable solids which blanket stream bottoms, reduce dissolved oxygen concentrations •and render a body of water uninhabitable to all but a few tolerant organisms such as blood worms and sludgeworms. Toxic materials reduce both numbers of kinds and total numbers of organisms irrinediately downstream from the point of discharge. As the toxic material proceeds downstream and is diluted or other- wise rendered harmless the benthic coninunity increases in kinds and numbers. Slight amounts of organic or toxic materials discharged to a stream may effect a chronic or insidiou change on an invertebrate comunity that may be difficult to detect with conventional sampling methods used over a short time span. Benthic organisms collected at a control station (CF—Bio) upstream from Missoula were predominantly pollution sensitive and intermediate organisms totaling 3767 organisms per meter 2 (350 organisms per ft. 2 ), (Appendix Table B—3). Proceeding downstream from the control station the effect of materials discharged to the Clark Fork River was not great enough to completely remove all pollution sensitive organisms from the sections of river sampled. Instead, the primary effect of either discharged or seeped wastes was to change the predominant group of organisms in the benthic comunity from intermediate organisms to pollution tolerant forms and to reduce in numbers the pollution sensitive organisms. Figure 9 depicts the percent of sensitive, intermediate and pollution tolerant organisms collected at each station. The Clark Fork River downstream from Missoula (CF—US) and upstream from the STP was also in good condition with only 17 percent of the benthic comunity composed of tolerant organisms (Table 2). Such an increase in tolerant organisms as compared to the control station probably resulted from the discharge of small amounts of nutrients from the metropolitan area. Downstream from the Missoula SIP the percentage — 18 — ------- -D C) 4- I U C) 0 U U) E U) — .o o L 0 U -c 4 -I C a, (5 4-I 0 ‘4- 0 4 3 C C) U L C) a, C) 4-’ •> (5 4-’ -o -.- a) U E C L C ) C) (I) 4-’ C ‘ -I 4- I C (5 L a) 0 I — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — 100 So Figure 9 CLARK FORK RIVER I-, — II — II — II — II — II — II — II — II — LJ Percent of Sensitive, Intermediate and Tolerant invertebrates collected at each station 60 — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — 20 — — — — — — — — — — — — — — 0 CF—Bio CF—US CF—OS CF—i CF—2 CF—2A CF—3 CF— 1 + CF—5 CF—6 CF—7 CF—9 ------- Table 2 Benthic Organisms Collected From The Clark Fork River, July 27 to August 2, 1973 Avg. Avg Station Avg Number/M 2 Avg Number/Ft 2 CF—Bio 3767 350 CF—US 7211 670 CF—OS 12173 1131 CF—i 5758 535 CF—2A 18L 8o 1717 CF—2 k294 399 CF—3 358L, 333 CF—k 131 k2 1221 CF—5 11021 102k CF—6 k929 1 +58 CF—7 1121+4 101+5 CF—9 8277 769 — 20 — ------- of pollution tolerant organisms increased threefold over the control station (29 percent compared to 9 percent), indicating enrichment from the upstream area. Just upstream of the Harper Road Bridge (CF—i) pollution tolerant organisms comprised 70 percent of the 5758 organisms per meter 2 (535/ft 2 ) collected. The maximum effect of nutrients discharged upstream was evident in this reach. Water quality in the Clark Fork, near the upstream end of the pulp mill waste lagoons (CF—2) had improved as indicated by a 20 percent reduction in pollution tolerant organisms and a threefold increase in pollution sensitive organisms as compared to the Harper Bridge reach (Figure 9). A small side channel near the waste lagoons carried dark brown waste that had evidently seeped from the lagoons. Rocks on the bottom were covered with grey brown slime—like material. The benthic community in this area averaged 18,L+80 organisms per M 2 (1717/ft 2 ), 75 percent being pollution tolerant blackfly and midge larvae. Downstream from the side channel (CF—3) the Clark Fork supported a benthic community that was predominantly intermediate organisms (Figure 9). Wastes seeping from the ponds had not completely mixed with the river water at this point and water quality appeared to be similar to that just upstream of the Missoula STP (CF—Us). In the reach of river downstream of the ponds, where river water and seepage was thoroughly mixed, the benthic community increased from 358L per M (333 per ftz) at CF—3 to 13,lL 2 per M 2 (1221 per ft 2 ) at CF— . The invertebrate corTulunity shifted from 20 percent pollution tolerant organisms to 76 percent, indicating a degraded water quality compared to Station CF—3. Conditions favoring pollution tolerant organisms extended downstream for another 2.25 km (1.1+ miles) with only a slight improvement near Frenchtown (CF—5). The benthic cocrvm.lnity was predominantly pollution tolerant organisms (Figure 9). At Huson (CF—6), 7.7 km ( e.8 miles) downstream from Station CF—5, the Clark Fork River recovered sufficiently to support a benthic community similar to that upstream from the influence of the waste ponds (Station CF—3). Sensitive and intermediate organisms comprised 31 and 53 percent of the aquatic invertebrates collected from the area. Tolerant species comprised only 16 percent of the total population. Downstream near Alberton (CF—7) the river showed signs of slight enrichment. There was an increase in tolerant organisms and a decrease in intermediate. Also, the total number of organisms collected doubled from L 929 per M 2 (k58 per ft 2 ) at CF—6 to ll,2k1 per M 2 (1045 per ft 2 ) at CF—7 (Appendix Table B—3). The source of nutrients that caused the increase in numbers of organisms was not located. — 21 — ------- Approximately 5.6 km (3.5 miles) downstream of Alberton the Clark Fork had completely recovered. The benthic coniTlunity was similar in composition to that upstream from the Missoula SIP. Sensitive and intermediate organisms were the predominant inverte- brates. Pollution tolerant midges and blackflies comprised only 9 percent of the organisms collected. Per i phyton Samples of the periphyton cormiunity, growing on glass slides after 12 days exposure (7/20 — 8/i) were tested for chlorophyll a content and the results are shown in Figure 10. The amount of chlorophyll a present in a known amount of periphyton is used as an indicator of coninunity size and well being, and is usually related to the amount of nutrients available to the comunity. The amounts of chlorophyll a collected at each station indicate that except for Stations CF—i and CF—2A at 22 and 2L 5 km (river miles 13.7 and 15.2), there are no excessive periphyton growths in the surveyed reach of the Clark Fork River (Figure 10). At the Harper Road Bridge 1 Station CF—i, the greater amount of chlorophyll a (Le65 .ug/cmL) compared to downstream stations probably resulted from the upstream discharge of nutrients from Missoula’s sewage treatment plant and the Dailey Packing Plant. Periphyton growths in a small side channel containing dark colored waste water (CF—2A) supported 9.63 g/cm 2 of chlorophyll a indicating a highly enriched environment. However, after the waste flow was diluted by the Clark Fork River main flow the periphyton coninunity in the Clark Fork downstream from the waste ponds showed no apparent increase in growth attributable to pulp mill wastes. Actual counts of periphyton supported the results of the chlorophyll analysis. Pennate diatoms made up the majority of the periphyton co miunity at all sampling sites with Stations CF—i and CF—2A again showing the highest counts of cells per imn 2 of 39L 3 and 5622 respectively (Appendix Table B_LI). These two stations were also the only ones to show any substantial filamentous bacteria counts (116/rn 2 and 768/rn). In both cases however, natural variation and dilution offset any detrimental affects to the river. — 22 — ------- Figure 10 CLARK FORK RIVER Avg. Chlorophyll a concentrations vs River Miles a) C C 4..’ c..J _C C l5- L) o a) F’, C . ’) C 3 I I a) 0 I > I .— 0 — 0 4—’ 4 ) C . ’) ( -c - 0 1) 0 o 1 — L L o 0 00 4-’ IJ)_ 4-) (fl•.- C_) .,- Approx. River Miles From Russell St. I ------- SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS The Montana Department of Health and Environmental Sciences requested that EPA provide assistance in identifying existing water quality conditions in the Clark Fork River and any damage to aquatic life or degradation of water quality resulting from seepage or surface discharges from the Hoerner Waldorf Corporation paper mill located west of Missoula, Montana. A water quality and biological study was conducted by the EPA of the Clark Fork River from the City of Missoula to a point down- stream from the City of Alberton, a distance of approximately 78.9 km (L 9 miles). Detrimental effects of seepage and/or discharges from the Hoerner Waldorf ponds could not be evidenced by the dissolved oxygen and biochemical oxygen demand concentrations present in the Clark Fork River during the study period. Dissolved oxygen concen- trations consistently remained at levels higher than the 7.0 mg/i established for this section of the river. Total coliform densities throughout the study period did not exceed the 1000/100 ml level for this section of the Clark Fork River, with the highest coliform density occurring downstream (Station CF—DS) of the discharges from the Missoula Wastewater Treatment Plant and the Dailey Meat Packing Plant (66L /iOO ml). Mean fecal coliform densities were less than 100/100 ml at all river locations with the exception of the sample station (Station CF—DS) downstream of the Missoula SIP and Dailey Packing Plant discharges (i +i+/iOO ml). Although no increase in coliform densities in the river could be attributed to seepage or discharges from the Hoerner Waldorf ponds, a high density of fecal coliform organisms (190/100 ml) were present in the side channel of the river containing pond seepage. Klebsiella pneumonia , an organism found in the intes— tional tract of humans and animals was isolated from samples at stations downstream from the Missoula Wastewater Treatment Plant, the Dailey Packing Plant, the side channel near the Hoerner Waldorf ponds, and the comunities of Huson and Alberton. As the river progressed downstream past the Hoerner Waldorf ponds, the color in the river increased by 5 units to a color intensity of about 10 units. This increased intensity however did not exceed 5 units above background. This higher color level, attributable to pond seepage, persisted to the downstream limit of the study, a distance of approximately 37 km (23 miles). Like- wise, conductivity increased as the river progressed downstream past the ponds and maintained this higher level to the downstream limit of the study. Conductivity cross—sections made in the vicinity of the ponds indicated that the conductivity progressively increased from the west bank to the east bank of the river where the ponds were located. - 2 i - ------- The biological study indicated that the Clark Fork River in the area from upstream of Missoula to a point approximately 5.6 km (3.5 miles) downstream of Alberton was of good quality. The two main sources of organic enrichment in this reach of river were the Missoula SIP and the seepage from holding ponds owned by the Hoerner Waldorf Corporation. Both operations did alter natural conditions slightly, but at the time of this survey the river evidenced signs of recovery downstream from both waste sources. Pollution sensitive stonef lies and mayf lies were present at all sampling stations. The main affect of the STP waste discharge and seepage from the Hoerner Waldorf ponds was to change the benthic coninunity composition from a predominance of pollution sensitive organisms upstream of the wastes (only 9 percent pollution tolerant) to a predominance of pollution tolerant organisms downstream from waste sources (70 percent downstream of the SIP, 76 percent downstream of the Hoerner Waldorf ponds). However the benthic community evidenced signs of recovery approximately 22.5 km (1k miles) down- stream from the SIP discharge and 9.7 km (6 miles) downstream from Hoerner Waldorf. If additional biological studies are to be conducted on this river, efforts should be expanded to include main tributaries of the Clark Fork River such as the Big Blackfoot River and the Bitterroot River. Also there should be concentrated work on the river in the area around the Missoula SIP and, downstream of the Hoerner Waldorf holding ponds at a time when they are discharging directly into the river. Suggested benthic invertebrate sampling methods should include multiple plate samplers set with a minimum exposure time of twenty days to insure opportunity of habitation by a well balanced comunity.* These results should be supplemented by sampling of the natural substrate. It is also suggested that acclimated fish be placed in live cages and exposed to the effluent from the Hoerner Waldorf plant, then subjected to a taste and odor test by an accredited council. *Results of artificial substrates used in our study were inconclusive. As mentioned in the methods section, substrates were placed in riffles having approximately the same flow in the beginning of the survey. But due to a drought the area was experiencing, the level of the river dropped approximately six inches in less than two weeks forcing us to pull the artificial samplers prior to the desired exposure time. — 25 — ------- APPENDIX A STREAM CLASSIFICATIONS A-i ------- MONTANA STATE WATER POLLUTION CONTROL COUNCIL POLICY STATEMENTS 1. Quality of waters classified for multiple use shall be governed by the most stringent criteria listed for any use. 2. The Council has classified as “A—Closed” only those waters on which access and other activities are presently controlled by the utility owner. If other uses are permitted by the utility owner, these waters shall be reclassified “A—Open” or lower. Conversely, waters in the “A—Open” classification, if shown to meet the “A—Closed” criteria, may be so classified by the Council at the request of the utility owner. Where “A—Open” water is used for swirmiing and other water contact sports, a higher degree of treatment may be required for potable water use. 3. The water quality standards are subject to revision (following public hearings and, in the case of interstate streams, con- currence of the Federal Water Pollution Control Administration) as technical data, surveillance programs, and technological advances make such revisions desirable. There are waters in the state on which little water quality data are presently available. Water quality criteria for these waters were established to protect existing and future water uses on the basis of the most representative information available. In some cases, particularly in eastern Montana, waters have been classified “B” and “C” where the upper ends of the streams will probably be suitable for this use while the lower ends will not. However, not enough data is available to determine where the “B” and “C” designation should be dropped. Whenever a water supply or swirrining area is developed, the regulations and the advice of the State Board of Health should be acquired. As time permits, data will be obtained and the classifications reviewed. L 0 As used in the Water Quality Criteria, the phrases “natural,” “naturally present,” and “naturally occurring” are defined as conditions or material present from runoff or percolation over which man has no control or from developed land where all reasonable land, soil and water conservation practices have been applied. Waters below existing dams will be considered natural. 5. It is the intent of the criteria that the increase allowed (temperature for example) above natural conditions is the total allowable from all waste sources along the classified stream. A-2 ------- 6. Although the water quality criteria specify minimum dissolved oxygen concentrations, it shall be the policy of the Council to require the best practicable treatment or control of all oxygen—consuming wastes in order to maintain dissolved oxygen in the receiving waters at the highest possible level above the specified minimums. 7. For treatment plant design purposes, stream flow dilution requirements shall be based on the minimum consecutive 7—day average flow which may be expected to occur on the average once in 10 years. 8. Where sampling stations and points of mixing of discharges with receiving waters as mentioned in the water quality criteria are to be established on interstate waters, the concurrence of the Federal Water P9llution Control Administration will be solicited. 9. It is not the intent of these criteria to provide for a swiming water iniuediately below an existing treated domestic sewage outfall. 10. Where corvinon treatment is practicable, it is the policy of the Council to restrict the number of sewer outfalls to a minimum. 11. Tests or analytical procedures to determine compliance with standards will, insofar as practicable and applicable, be made in accordance with the methods given in the twelfth edition of “Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Waste Water” published by the American Public Health Association, et al, or in accordance with tests or analytical procedures that have been found to be equal or more applicable. 12. Because of conflicting testimony, it is the intent of the Water Pollution Control Council to obtain additional information on temperatures and fisheries on waters below existing steam generating stations at Billings and Sidney on the Yellowstone River. This can probably be best accomplished by a cooperative study between the utility, State Fish and Game Department, Federal Water Pollution Control Administration, and the Montana State Department of Health. 13. Insufficient information is available for establishing fixed sediment criteria at this time. Until standards can be set, reasonable measures, as defined by the Water Pollution Control Council, must be taken to minimize sedimentation from man’s activities. 1L . Waters whose existing quality is better than the established standards as of the date on which such standards become effective will be maintained at that high quality unless it has been A-3 ------- affirmatively demonstrated to the state that a change is justifiable as a result of necessary economic or social development and will not preclude present and anticipated use of such waters. Any industrial, public or private project or development which would constitute a new source of pollution or an increased source of pollution to high quality waters will be required to provide the necessary degree of waste treatment to maintain high water quality. In implementing this policy, the Secretary of the Interior will be kept advised in order to discharge his responsibilities under the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, as amended. Note: A statement with similar meaning is included in the revised Water Pollution Control Act (H. B. No. 85, Chapter 25, Montana Session Laws, 1971.) MINIMUM TREATMENT REQUIREMENTS 1. Domestic sewage —— the minimum treatment required far domestic sewage shall be secondary treatment or its equivalent with the understanding that properly designed and operated sewage lagoons will meet this requirement. 2. Industrial wastes —— the minimum treatment required for industrial wastes shall be secondary treatment or its equivalent. WATER USE DESCRIPTIONS AND APPLICATION Water use classifications assigned to the Columbia and Missouri Basin and the Hudson Bay drainage in Montana are described as follows: “A—Closed”——Water supply for drinking, culinary, and food processing purposes, suitable for use after simple disinfection. Public access and activities such as livestock grazing and timber harvest should be strictly controlled under conditions prescribed by the State Board of Health. The Council has classified as “A—Closed” only those waters on which access is presently controlled by the utility owner. If other uses are permitted by the utility owner, these waters shall be reclassified “A—Open-.Di” or lower. “A—Open—Di”—Water supply for drinking, culinary, and food processing purposes suitable for use after simple disinfection and removal of naturally present impurities. Water quality shall also be maintained suitable for the use of these waters for bathing, swiming and recreation (See uNoteht below), (where these waters are used for swiming and other water contact sports, a higher degree of treatment may be required for potable water use); growth and prop- agation of salmonid fishes and associated aquatic life, ------- waterfowl and furbearers; agricultural and industrial water supply. Therefore, these waters shall be held suitable for “A—Open”, “C”, “0”, “E”, and “F” uses but may not necessarily be used for all such purposes. Waters in this class, if shown to meet the “A—Closed” criteria, may be so classified by the Council at the re- quest of the utility owner. All waters within the boundaries of national parks and nationally designated wilderness, wild, or primitive areas in Montana are classified “A—Open—Di” except those adjacent to developed areas such as Snyder Creek through the connunity of Lake McDonald and Swiftcurrent Creek below the Many Glacier Chalet, both in Glacier National Park. Also, Georgetown, Flathead, and Whitefish Lakes and Lake Mary Ronan are classified as “A—Open—D 1 1 ’ as are some streams presently used for domestic water supply. “B—D 1 ’ The quality of these waters shall be maintained suitable for drinking, culinary and food processing purposes after adequate treatment equal to coagulation, sedi- mentation, filtration, disinfection, and any additional treatment necessary to remove naturally present im- purities; bathing, swi rning, and recreation (see Note under “A—Open—D ”); growth and propagation of salmonid fishes and associated aquatic life, waterfowl and furbearers; agricultural and industrial water supply. Therefore, “B—D 1 ’ equals “B”, “C”, “D 1 ”, “E”, and “F”. “B—D 2 1 ’ The quality of these waters shall be maintained suit- able for the uses described for “B—0 1 ’ waters except that the fisheries use shall be described as follows: “Growth and marginal propagation of salmonid fishes and associated aquatic life, waterfowl and furbearers.” Therefore, “B—D2” equals “B”, “C”, “02”, “E”, and “F”. “B—D3” The quality of these waters shall be maintained suit- able for the uses described for IIB_Dilt waters except that the fisheries use shall be described as follows: “Growth and propagation of non—salmonid fishes and associated aquatic life, waterfowl and fur— bearers.” Therefore, “B—D3’ equals “B”, “C”, “03”, “E”, and “F”. Note: Comon sense dictates that swiming and other water contact sports are inadvisable within a reasonable distance down- stream from sewage treatment facility outfalls. A—5 ------- The quality of these waters shall be maintained suit- able for bathing, swiming, and recreation; growth and marginal propagation of salmonid fishes and associated aquatic life, waterfowl and furbearers; agricultural and industrial water supply. Therefore, “C—02” equals “C”, lID II, “E”, and “F”. “02” The quality of these waters shall be maintained for growth and marginal propagation of salmonid fishes and associated aquatic life, waterfowl and furbearers; agricultural and industrial water supply. Therefore, “02” equals “D 2 ”, “E”, and “F”. The quality of these waters shall be maintained for agricultural and industrial water supply uses and “E” shaH equal “E” and “F” uses. “F” The quality of these waters shall be maintained suit- able for industrial water supply uses, other than food processing. A—6 ------- WATER USE CLASSIFICATION COLUMBIA BASIN Clark Fork River Drainage Clark Fork River : Warm Springs Drainage to Myers Dam A—Open—0 1 Remainder of Warm Springs Drainage B—D 1 Silver Bow Creek (mainstem) from the confluence For indus— of Yankee Doodle and Blacktail Deer Creeks to trial waste Warm Springs Creek use. Yankee Doodle Creek Drainage to and A—Closed including the Butte water supply reservoir Remainder of Yankee Doodle Creek Drainage B—D 1 Blacktail Deer Creek Drainage except portion B—0 1 of Basin Creek listed below: Basin Creek Drainage to and including A—Closed the Butte water supply reservoir Remainder of Basin Creek Drainage B—D 1 All other tributaries to Silver Bow Creek B.-D 1 from the confluence of Yankee Doodle and Blacktail Deer Creeks to Warm Springs Creek Clark Fork River (mainstem) from Warm Springs Creek to C—D 2 the Little Blackfoot River Tin Cup Joe Creek Drainage to the Deer Lodge A—Closed water supply intake Remainder of Tin Cup Joe Drainage B—D 1 Clark Fork River Drainage from the Little Blackfoot B—D 1 River to the Idaho line except those portions of tributaries listed below: Georgetown Lake and tributaries above George— A—Open—D 1 town Dam Flint Creek Drainage from Georgetown Dam to B—D 1 the Farm—to—Market Highway No. 3k8 bridge about one mile west of Philipsburg except those portions of tributaries listed below: Fred Burr Lake and headwaters from source A—Closed to the outlet of the lake A-7 ------- Flint Creek (mainstem) from Farm—to—Market Highway B—D 2 No. 3L+8 bridge about one mile west of Philipsburg to the Clark Fork River South Boulder Creek Drainage to the Philipsburg A—Open—D 1 water supply intake Remainder of South Boulder Drainage B—D 1 All other tributaries to Flint Creek from F—to—M B—0 1 Highway 3k8 bridge to the Clark Fork River Rattlesnake Drainage to the Missoula water supply A—Closed intake Remainder of Rattlesnake Drainage B—D 1 Packer and Silver Creek Drainage (tributaries A—Open—D 1 to the St. Regis River) to the Saltese water supply intakes Remainder of Packer and Silver Creek drainages B—D 1 Ashley Creek Drainage to the Thompson Falls water A—Closed supply intake Remainder of Ashley Creek Drainage B—D 1 Pilgrim Creek Drainage to the Noxon water supply A—Open—D 1 intake Remainder of Pilgrim Creek Drainage B—D 1 All tributaries of Clark Fork River not otherwise B—D 1 mentioned A—8 ------- PAGE NOT AVAILABLE DIGITALLY ------- APPENDIX B SURVEY DATA B—i ------- TABLE B—i WATER QUALITY SAMPLING STATION LOCATIONS CLARK FORK RIVER — MISSOULA, MONTANA Station Approx. Dist. from Russell St. No. miles km Description CF—BIO 6. k —10.2 Clark Fork River upstream biological control station CF—US 0 0 Clark Fork River upstream of SIP at Russell St. Bridge (Upstream Control) DPP—l 0.8 1.3 Dailey Meat Packing Plant EFF SIP—I 1.7 2.7 Missoula, Montana SIP EFF CF—OS 3.2 5.1 Clark Fork River downstream from STP about 1.5 miles — Schmidt Rd. CF—l 13.7 21.9 Clark Fork River at Harper Rd. Bridge CF—2A 15.2 214.3 Side Channel Clark Fork River containing strong pond waste seepage HW—l Hoerner Waldorf Pond CF—3 15.9 25.14 Clark Fork River near pond seepage area about ile downstream from CF—2A CF—3.5 16.9 27.2 Clark Fork River near downstream limit of pond seepage area CF—k 19.5 31.2 Clark Fork River downstream of ponds in complete mix area CF—5 20.9 33.4 Clark Fork River at boat retrieval point off South Side Rd. CF—6 25.8 141.3 Clark Fork River at RR Trestle at Huson CF—7 35.5 56.8 Clark Fork River at bridge upstream from Al berton CF—8 39.1 62.6. Clark Fork River at bridge downstream from Alberton CF—9 142.6 68.2 Clark Fork River approximately 3.5 miles downstream from the Alberton bridge B—2 ------- TABLE B—2 RESULTS OF ANALYSIS CLARK FORK RIVER -- MISSOULA. MONTANA Station No. Date Yr/Mo/Day Time Mtly Temp. Cent. pH SU DO mg/i Cond. umho Color SU BODç mg/i’ T.Coli T/lOOml F.Coli T/lOOml F.Strep. T/lOOml CF-US 73/07/23 1625 19.5 8.6 10.1 5 1.3 30 6 73/07/24 1330 19 8.3 9.8 318 5 1.4 110 90 73/07/25 1350 20 8.5 9.6 313 <.5 1.2 48 38 73/07/26 1420 20 8.5 9.5 318 5 1.1 100 70 73/07/27 1435 21 8.4 9.3 318 5 1.4 56 42 73/07/30 1330 20 8.5 9.35 329 5 1.1 100 ‘2 73/07/31 1330 21 8.3 9.4 339 5 1.4 190 160 73/08/1 1155 20 8.5 8.9 329 5 1.2 370 260 73/08/2 1400 21 8.2 9.4 339 5 1.4 100 88 73/08/3 1150 20 8.3 8.65 329 5 1.2 2,600 110 CF-DS 73/07/24 1400 19.5 8.3 9.5 318 5 2.5 120 82 73/07/25 1430 20 8.4 9.6 318 5 3.2 140 24 73/07/26 1455 20 8.3 9.2 323 5 2.5 490 84 73/07/27 1505 21 8.4 9.1 329 5 3.1 850 300 73/07/30 1400 20 8.3 9.25 318 5 2.5 270 20 73/07/31 1400 20 8.2 9.3 339 5 2.5 830 190 73/08/1 1130 19 8.3 8.7 350 5 3.8 850 220 73/08/2 1500 22 8.3 9.0 350 5 2.6 30,000 7,300 73/08/3 1120 19 8.2 8.45 339 5 4.1 630 86 CF-i 73/07/23 0945 15.5 8.1 9.0 295 5 1.8 180 20 22 73/07/24 1025 15.5 8.0 8.4 297 5 0.3 70 32 360 73/07/25 1040 17 8.1 8.5 302 5 1.6 560 68 45 73/07/26 1045 18 8.1 8.5 313 5 1.0 850 230 42 73/07/27 1045 17 8.1 7.9 313 5 1.4 760 74 400 73/07/30 1050 18 8.1 8.5 318 5 1.3 130 2 220 73/07/31 1050 17.5 8.3 8.5 307 <5 1.2 2,200 690 65 73/08/1 1055 18 8.2 8.5 318 5 1.2 360 28 46 73/08/2 1110 18 8.1 8.7 318 5 1.2 290 24 72 73/08/3 1045 18 8.2 8.6 307 5 1.6 480 68 54 ------- TABLE B—2 continued Station No. Date Yr/Mo/Day Time Mtly Temp. Cent. pH SU DO mg/i Cond. umho Color SLJ B0D mg/T T.Coli T/lOOmI F.Coli T/lOOml F.Strep. T/lOOml CF-2 73/07/23 1030 7.3 8.5 290 ‘ .5 100 20 88 73/08/2 0935 300 CF-2A 73/07/23 1045 7.2 7.0 515 90 240 230 230 73/07/24 0845 14 7.65 6.7 435 65 16.2 340 230 360 73/07/25 0940 7.8 6.9 445 80 14.0 300 210 350 73/07/26 73/07/27 0930 0945 16.5 17 7.8 7.8 7.3 7.8 392 360 35 35 3.2 2.0 570 360 200 210 220 44 73/07/30 73/07/31 0925 1025 16 16.5 7.8 7.9 7.9 8.35 382 382 40 45 3.0 1.2 310 270 180 160 110 230 73/08/1 73/08/2 0950 0905 17.5 17 7.9 7.5 8.3 7.2 398 390 35 40 0.6 3.0 300 260 250 120 320 260 73/08/3 0920 17 7.6 7.8 403 40 3.0 390 150 110 CF-3 73/07/23 1130 7.8 9.2 280 .5 46 10 45 73/07/24 73/07/25 73/07/26 0910 1000 1000 15 16.5 7.7 8.0 7.9 7.6 8.4 8.1 339 297 318 •15 5 7 4.4 1.6 1.5 270 410 270 34 60 44 180 12 32 73/07/27 1010 18 7.6 8.2 313 5 1.0 300 12 430 73/07/30 73/07/31 1000 1030 17.5 16.5 7.9 8.0 7.8 8.2 302 313 5 8 •2.6 130 2,800 14 230 36 35 73/08/1 1250 18 8.1 9.3 323 8 0.4 70 10 28 73/08/2 73/08/3 0955 0945 18 17.5 7.7 7.75 7.75 7.6 340 339 8 8 1.4 1.2 100 760 10 80 64 10 CF—4 73/07/23 73/07/24 73/07/25 73/07/26 73/07/27 73/07/30 73/07/31 73/08/1 73/08/2 73/08/3 1155 0940 1015 1050 1050 1025 1105 1325 1040 1010 16 17.5 18 18 17.5 18.5 18 18 7.5 8.0 7.8 8.0 8.0 8 7.9 8.2 7.9 7.8 8.8 7.9 8.0 8.2 8.2 8.0 8.35 9.5 7.9 7.9 295 318 318 329 313 318 318 329 325 329 10 20 8 10 7 10 8 8 8 15 3.5 4.6 1.7 2.0 2.0 0.6 1.2 1.8 1.1 40 120 370 320 170 92 2,900 52 84 1,800 18 24 36 16 20 8 140 28 12 76 2 290 26 300 380 30 32 12 36 36 ------- TABLE B—2 continued Station No. Date Yr/Mo/Day Time Mtiy Temp. Cent. pH SU DO mg/i Cond. umho Color SU BOD 5 mg/I T.Coli T/lOOmi F.Coli T/lOOml F.StrepT T/lOOml CF-5 73/07/23 1330 19 8.2 9.9 310 8 100 6 73/07/24 1025 17.5 8.1 8.6 309 10 2.8 78 26 73/07/25 1055 8.0 8.2 318 8 2.6 66 26 73/07/26 1130 18 7.9 8.65 313 7 1.9 52 6 73/07/27 1145 19 8.2 8.95 318 7 2.4 70 14 73/07/30 1100 18.5 8.1 8.2 329 8 1.1 110 15 73/07/31 1140 18.0 8.0 8.15 329 10 0.7 50 20 73/08/1 1420 20 8.2 9.8 329 7 0.9 1,500 14 73/08/2 1120 19 8.3 8.35 340 8 1.4 140 8 73/08/3 1050 18 7.9 9.3 329 12 1.4 540 100 CF-6 73/07/23 1715 20 8.3 10.2 315 15 22 10 73/07/24 0950 17 7.7 8.8 318 10 2.0 230 18 73/07/25 0950 17 8.4 8.0 318 8 3.8 130 20 73/07/26 1000 18.5 8.4 7.7 323 7 1.1 120 12 73/07/27 1000 18.5 8.1 8.0 323 10 1.3 100 8 73/07/30 1010 19 8.3 8.0 329 8 1.2 65 2 73/07/31 1010 18 8.2 7.9 318 10 1.1 48 18 73/08/1 1015 19 7.95 334 8 0.5 68 12 73/08/2 1030 19 8.1 7.8 323 8 1.6 56 18 73/08/3 0945 19 8.2 7.5 318 12 1.3 260 60 CF—7 73/07/23 1110 17.5 8.5 8.85 300 8 3.4 36 2 73/07/24 0900 16 8.1 8.6 318 8 2.5 90 6 73/07/25 0910 17 8.1 8.35 313 5 3.3 68 14 73/07/26 0910 18 8.4 8.0 318 5 1.6 160 6 73/07/27 0925 19 8.2 7.75 318 7 1.0 32 2 73/07/30 73/07/31 0935 0940 19 18 8.3 8.3 7.85 8.0 334 318 8 7 1.1 1.2 20 56 c 2 4 73/08/1 73/08/2 0935 0945 19 19.5 8.35 8.1 8.0 8.0 329 329 7 8 1.6 1.6 72 26 8 6 73/08/3 0910 19 8.2 7.7 323 10 1.3 68 8 ------- TABLE B—2 continued Station No. Date Yr/Mo/Day Time Mtly Temp. Cent. pH SU DO mg/i Cond. urnho Color SU BODE mg/T T.Coli If lOOmi F.Coli T/lOOml F.Strep. T/lOOml CF-8 73/07/23 1150 17.5 8.3 9.2 310 7 1.4 46 4 73/07/24 0840 16 8.1 8.3 318 7 1.7 130 25 73/07/25 0845 17 8.1 8.3 313 5 1.5 120 16 73/07/26 0835 18 8.3 8.05 318 7 1.4 180 10 73/07/27 0900 18.5 8.2 8.05 318 7 1.3 120 34 73/07/30 0910 19 8.4 7.7 323 8 1.2 250 5 73/07/31 0920 19 8.4 7.8 329 7 0.9 120 10 73/08/1 0915 19 8.3 7.9 318 7 1.6 110 18 73/08/2 0930 19.5 8.15 8.1 329 7 1.3 88 16 73/08/3 0850 19 8.2 7.8 318 10 1.4 92 20 DDP-1 73/08/2 1515 21 6.5 326 290,000 46,000 56,000 CF-3.5 73/08/2 1015 18 HW-1 73/08/2 0930 3,700 1 ,000 1 ,100 STP-M 73/08/3 1210 18.5 1,800 120 420 ------- TABLE B—3 Benthic Invertebrates Collected using Surber Sq. Ft. Sampler on the Clark Fork River 7/23/73 — 8/3/73. Upstream Upstream Downstream Sta. #1 Sta. #2 Sta. #3 Missoula S.T.P. S.T.P. P1 ecoptera Pteronarcella sp. 9 1 3 Q 3 2 Pteronarcys sp. 19 13 1 6 1 Q Claassen a sp. Q 1 1 Q 1 2 Acroneuria sp. 1 1 Alloperla sp. Q Q IsoQenus sp. Q 2 1 1 Q Isoperla sp. 1 Arcenopteryx sp. 1 1 1 1 2 Ephemeroptera Baetis sp. 25 61. 133 1 1 . 25 16 Ephemerella sp. 10 60 12 10 27 13 Ironsp. L i 1 Q 1 1 RithroQena sp. 1 1 1 1 1 Tricorythodes sp. 1 l + 1 1 Centroptilum sp. 1 Heptacienia sp. 1 1 1 8 Paraleptophlebia sp. 2 Q Heptageniidae (Unknown) 6 8 8 Baetidae (Unknown) 20 18 48 Tr I coptera Hydropsyche sp. 18L . 279 27 87 50 148 ç j patopsyche sp. 3 6 6 2 Q 10 Arctopsyche sp. 58 101 5 19 15 6 Hydropsychtdae (Unknown) 558 31 Glossosoma sp. 1 2 Brachycentrus sp. Q Q 1 1 1 1. Ocecetis sp. 1 1 2 Hydroptila sp. 1 3 Agapetus sp. 1 Leucotrichia sp. Dolophilus sp. 1 Col eoptera E lm idae 4 10 7 1 2 Dyti sci dae Lepidoptera Elophtla sp. Hemi ptera Corixidae 1 Di ptera Atherix sp. 2 1 1 1 2 Simulium sp. 15 9 141 281 134 15 Tipu lidae Q 1 1 1 1 2 Chironomidae 14 100 188 95 64 51 Nematomorpha Gordius sp. 1 Annelida Hirudinea 1 Oligochaeta 1 Avg. No./F . 2 350 670 1131 535 399 333 Avg. No./tt’ 3767 7211 12,173 5758 4294 3584 No. samples collected 2 Sq Ft 2 Sq Ft 3 Sq Ft 3 Sq Ft 5 Sq Ft 2 Sq Ft No. of Kinds 20 25 22 22 28 21 NOTE: Q Organism present in qualitive sample, counted as “1’ in computing No. of kinds. Unknown not counted in No. of kinds. B—7 ------- TABLE •. j (continued) Benthic Invertebrates Collected using Surber Sq. Ft. Sampler on the Clark Fork River 7/23/73 — 8/3/73 Sta.#RA Sta. #4 Sta. #5 Sta. #6 Sta. #7 Sta. #9 Piccoptera Ptcron.,rcclla sp. 7 3 1 1 13 1 Ptcronarcys sp. 1 1 2 1 3 Q C1oa scnia sp. 1 1 1 2 2 1 Acruncurj Sp. 1 1 1 Li Allopcrla sp. 2 IsocicnuS sp. 1 1 4 Isoperla sp. Q ArcenopteryX sp. 1 4 1 1 8 3 Ephcmeroptera Bactis sp. 107 28 57 38 IlL 1 42 Ephemerefla sp. 1 5 9 15 22 8 Ironsp. 1 1 Q Rithroqena sp. 21 6 9 1 1 Tricorythodes sp. 11 1 Centroptilum sp. Heptagenia sp. 9 1 6 5 5 5 Paraleptophlebia sp. 1 1 1 Q Heptageniidae (Unknown) 11 7 18 Baetidae (Unknown) 13 66 47 92 65 Tricoptera Hydropsyche sp. 213 Q 156 Q Q Q Cheumatoesvche sp. Q Q Q Q Q Q Arc opsyche sp. 53 Q 7 Q Q Q Hydropsychidae (Unknown) 225 236 306 565 Glossosoma sp. 3 2 1 L 1 3 Brachycentrus sp. Ocecetis 5p 1 1 13 Hydroptila sp. 1 Aqapetus sp. Leucotrichia sp. 1 1 4 Dolophilus sp. Col eoptera E lmidae 1 2 3 7 2 Dytiscidae 1 Lepi doptera Elophila sp. 1 1 Hemi ptera Corixidae 5 1 1 1 Diptera Ath&rix sp. 1 2 Q 1 10 Simulium 575 834 602 13 127 8 T ipu lidae 1 Q 1 2 Q Chironomjdae 717 82 87 59 305 56 Nematoniorpha Gordius p Q 1 Q Anne I ida Hi iudi nea Oligochacta 1 Avg. No./Ft. 2 1717 1221 1024 458 1045 769 Avg. No./t1 2 18,480 13,142 11,021 4929 11,244 8277 No. samples collected 2 Sq Ft 2 Sq Ft 3 Sq Ft 2 Sq Ft 2 Sq Ft 2 Sq Ft 19 19 24 23 28 22 No. of kinds Note: Q = Organism present in qualitive sample, counted as “1” In computing No. of kinds. Unknown not counted in No. of kinds. B—8 ------- TABLE B 4 CLARK FORK RIVER, MISSOULA, MONTANA. ORGANISMS PERIPIIYTON SLIDES (NO/rn 2 ), EXPOSURE PERIOD 7—20 Centri cs Pennates Chlorophyta (green algae) Scenedesmus sp. Cosmarium sp. Closterium sp. Unknown Cocceid green Ulothrix sp. Zygnema sp. Pediastrum sp. Cyanophyta (blue green algae) Oscillatoria sp. Anabaena sp. Lyngbya sp. Dactyl ococcopsi s sp. Spirulina sp. Total Algae Filamentous Bacteria Fungi Filaments 12 327 12 153 4 2 153 1L, 5622 Station Number COLONIZING to 8-1-73. Organi sms Diatoms 1 2 2A 3 4 5 6. 7 8 1430 109 4820 3 996 4 1485 0 2206 27 3413 292 95 20 27 0 2393 4 1839 51 20 ‘4 10 24 47 22 21 21 17 31 3 ‘4 4 22 23 7 14 14 20 14 7 4. 17 7 14 4 3943 1464 1943 1026 1561 2267 2476 116 8 4 14 11 B—9 ------- TECHNICAL REPORT DATA (Please read Ingi.rucr,ons on the reverse before completing) 1 REPORTNQ 2 EPA_908/2_7L4_00l 3 RECIPIENT’S A CESSION ’NO. 4 TITLE AND SUBTITLE Clark Fork River Study Montana July — August, 1973 5 REPORT DATE January, 197L 6 PERFORMING ORGANIZATION CODE 7 AUTHOR(S) B PERFORMING ORGANIZATION REPORT NO S&/VT1B—27 a PERFORMING ORG \NIZATION NAME AND ADDRESS Technical Investigations Branch Surveillance & Analysis Division U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region VIII Denver, Colorado 80203 10 PROGRAM ELEMENT NO. 11.CONTRACT/GRANTNO 12 SPONSORING AGENCY NAME AND ADDRESS 13. TYPE OF REPORT AND PERIOD COVERED July 23 — August 3, 1973 14 SPONSORING AGENCY CODE, 15 SUPPLEMENTARY NOTES lb. Mb I l1M U The Environmental Protection Agency, Region VIII conducted an intensive field investigation of the Clark Fork River in the vicinity of Missoula, Montana during the period July 23 — August 3, 1973. The water quality and biological study of the 79 km (L 9 mile) reach of the river from Missoula downstream to Alberton, Montana indicated that detrimental effects of seepage and/or discharges from the Hoerner Waldorf paper mill ponds could not be evidenced by the dissolved oxygen and biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) concentrations in the river. A slight color and conductivity increase attributable to pond seepage was evident and persisted to the downstream limit of the study. The benthic comunity evidenced greater effects from the discharges of the Missoula wastewater treatment plant and Dailey Meat Packing plant than from the Hoerner Waldorf pond seepage. 17 KEY WORDS AND DOCUMENT ANALYSIS a DESCRIPTORS b IDENTIFIERS/OPEN ENDED TERMS C COSATI Ficid/Group 18 DISTRIBUTION STATEMENT Release to the Public 19. SECURITY CLASS (Tins Report) Unclassified 21 NO OF PAGES k9 20 SECURITY CLASS (This page) Unclassified 22 PRICE EPA Form 2220.1 (9.73) — 6 — ------- |