CLARK FORK RIVER STUDY
MONTANA
JULY-AUGUST, 1973
TECHNICAL INVESTIGATIONS BRANCH
'IRVEILLANCE AND ANALYSIS DIVISION
.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
REGION VIII
JANUARY,1974
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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
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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—
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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
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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 —
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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.
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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—
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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—
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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.
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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
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CF-Sb
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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—
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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—
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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 -
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Approx. River Miles From Russell St.
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Figure 3
CLARK FORK RIVER
Average 5—Day Biochemical Oxygen Demand
‘ 0
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Approx. River Miles From Russell St.
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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 —
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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
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1
1,000
100
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Figure 5
CLARK FORK RIVER
Mean Fecal Coliform vs River Miles
Hoerner Waldorf Ponds
Ei—Side Channel
15
Approx. River Miles From Russell St.
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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
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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 + —
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0
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Figure 6
CLARK FORK RIVER
Average Color vs River Miles
Hoerner Waldorf Ponds
de Channel
0
CD
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5
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0
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35
25
20
15
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Approx. River Miles From Russell St.
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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
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-------
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
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-‘
370
360
g 350
a-
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320
310
300
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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 —
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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
—
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CF—Bio CF—US CF—OS
CF—i CF—2 CF—2A CF—3
CF— 1 + CF—5 CF—6 CF—7 CF—9
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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
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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 —
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