Environmental Protection Agency
Office of Enforcement
EPA-330/2-77-016
IMPACT OF CREOSOTE DEPOSITS IN THE
LITTLE MENOMONEE RIVER, WISCONSIN
(April 1977)
June 1977
National Enforcement Investigations Center
Denver, Colorado
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CONTENTS
I INTRODUCTION 1
II SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS 3
III HISTORICAL OVERVIEW 5
IV DESCRIPTION OF STUDY AREA 11
V ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS 30
REFERENCES
APPENDICES
A FIELD INVESTIGATION TECHNIQUES
B LABORATORY ANALYTICAL TECHNIQUES
FIGURES
1 Little Menornonee and Menomoriee Rivers ... 12
2 Intensive Sampling Sites 14
3 Bottom Topography - Mile 6.9 16
4 Bottom Topography - Mile 6.0 18
5 Bottom Topography - Mile 5.8 20
6 Bottom Topography - Mile 5.1 21
7 Bottom Topography - Mile 4.2 22
8 Bottom Topography - Mile 2.6 24
9 Bottom Topography - Mile 2.0 25
10 Bottom Topography - Mile 1.0 26
11 Bottom Topography - Mile 7.6 28
12 Bottom Topography - Mile 7.5 29
13 Profile of Creosote Deposits 33
TABLES
1 Creosote Deposits 31
2 Summary of Physical and Chemical Conditions. 37
3 Aquatic Plants in the
Little Menornonee River 39
4 Macroinvertebrates in the
Little Menornonee River 42
5 Fish in the Little Menornonee River 47
ii
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I. INTRODUCTION
Early in 1971 a group of environmentalists in Milwaukee, Wisconsin
organized a group called the Scientific Committee of the Citizens for
Menomonee River Restoration (CMRR) to spearhead a cleanup project on the
Menomonee River which flows through metropolitan Milwaukee. Within four
months, June 1971, field action was underway. Headquarters for the
project was set up in a park overlooking a section of the Menomonee
River. Biologists, engineers, and chemists were among the group leaders
assigned to supervise the river cleanup activities, and volunteers from
schools and youth groups in the greater Milwaukee area participated.
Supervising adults held special briefings to inform the young people
about river areas to be cleaned and health hazards that might be en-
countered.
By coincidence, another youth group working without adult super-
vision endeavored on June 5, 1971 to clean up a branch of the river
system known as the Little Menomonee River. These youngsters encoun-
tered a sticky, oily, black substance in the river bottom muds which
caused chemical burns to exposed skin areas. Some of the youngsters
received first aid and others were hospitalized with swelling, painful
burns and related systemic effects.1
The incident was brought to the attention of lawmakers and public
officials by the CMRR, and the hazardous area was posted with appropriate
warning signs. The incident was brought to the attention of the Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA) which, after investigating, found the hazardous
material to be creosote. Subsequently, the EPA filed a suit against the
Kerr-McGee Chemical Corporation for discharging creosote wastes into the
Little Menomonee River.
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2
On March 31, 1977 the Enforcement Director of EPA, Region V,
requested technical assistance from EPA's National Enforcement
Investigations Center (NEIC) in determining the current environmental
quality of the Little Menomonee River. Specific study objectives were
to:
1. Determine the approximate amount and general location of
creosote deposits in the Little Menomonee River.
2. Evaluate the effects of creosote deposition on the quality
of natural sediments, flowing water and aquatic biota in the
river.
A field survey was performed by the NEIC in April, 1977; methods
and procedures used in the study were those published as standarized
methods2'3^ or developed and routinely used by the NEIC.
I
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'II. SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS
1. A ten-day investigation of the Little Menomonee River near
Milwaukee, Wisconsin, was performed from April 18 to 27, 1977.
The purpose of the study was to determine the presence of
creosote deposits in the river and the ecological degradation
caused by them.
2. Thirty-eight sampling stations were established in the lower 12.8
km (8 mi) of the river; from these, 60 water and 59 sediment samples
were collected for chemical analyses. Eight of these stations
in the Little Menomonee River and two in the Menomonee River were
selected for intensive physical, chemical and biological study.
3. No creosote deposits were detected in sediments collected from the
one-mile river reach upstream of the abandoned Kerr-McGee creosoting
plant site. From the abandoned plant site to the confluence with
the Menomonee River, the sediments of the Little Menomonee River
contained unevenly distributed deposits of creosote. From the
Kerr-McGee site to a wooden bridge approximately 1.1 km (0.7 mi)
downstream, the creosote-bearing sediments averaged 6 to 10 cm
thick with creosote concentrations as high as 13.5 g/kg. From the
wooden bridge to Leon Terrace (2.5 mi downstream) the creosote-
contaminated sediments measured 45 cm or more in thickness and
detectable concentrations ranged from 1.5 to 40.0 g/kg. The
highest creosote concentration of 40.0 g/kg was found in a 65 cm
core of river mud collected near the Leon Terrace Bridge. Minor
creosote deposits were evident in river muds of the lower 4.2 km
(2.6 mi) of the Little Menomonee River.
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4
4. Creosote concentrations from 1.5 to 40.0 g/kg in the river mud
appeared to adversely affect certain communities of aquatic plants
and animals. In the stream reach where creosote-bearing sediments
were present, rooted aquatic plants were found least often and the
variety of burrowing and bottom-dwelling invertebrates was reduced
by about 50%.
5. Creosote deposits did not appear to affect water quality, algae, or
fish. Apparently, the stream bed had a sufficient overburden of
clean (no creosote contamination) silt, sand, and detritus to
isolate the overlying aquatic habitats from the creosote-contaminated
sediments.
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III. HISTORICAL OVERVIEW
CHRONOLOGY OF THE KERR-MCGEE CREOSOTE PLANT AND ASSOCIATED
ENVIRONMENTAL PROBLEMS
In 1921 the T. J. Moss Tie Company established a wood-preserving
plant at a 36-ha (88-acre) site along the western bank of the Little
Menomonee River (mile 5.8 ). This plant preserved wooden railroad ties,
**
poles, and fence posts with creosote. Briefly, creosote processing
consisted of impregnating the wood products with a mixture of equal
parts of #6 fuel oil and creosote. Impregnation was done at a pressure
of about 12.7 kg/cm^ (180 psi) and a temperature of 93.3°C (200°F).5
Initially, wastewater disposal facilities at the creosote plant con-
sisted of a series of ditches which collected spilled oil, creosote and
rain or snowmelt runoff, and discharged them to the Little Menomonee
River. Sanitary wastes were discharged into septic tanks with sub-
surface drain fields. Creosote-treated railroad ties were stored in
several areas within the plant yard, including along the river bank.5
Prior to 1941, the system of ditches was modified by the construc-
tion of a series of 8 ponds and an oil separator system. Wastes from
the creosote processing were collected by tile drains and discharged
into the oil separator basin. A series of 6 over-and-under baffles
served to skim off oil and scums from wastewater prior to discharge into
settling ponds. Each of the 8 ponds was about 4.5 m (15 ft) wide and 12
to 18 m (40 to 60 ft) long with an average depth of 1.8 m (6 ft). The
ponds were interconnected with subsurface pipe. The last in the series
of ponds was ditched directly to the Little Menomonee River.5
* As measured from the mouth of the Little Menomonee River.
** A mixture of 200 or more chemical compounds derived from coal tar;
the majority are polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons.
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6
In 1952, the T. J. Moss Tie Company surfaced about 12 of the 36 ha
(30 of the 88 acres) of the plant yard and installed tile drains and
slit trenches to collect rain and snowmelt runoff. About 8 ha (20
acres) were covered with 15 to 20 cm (6 to 8 in) of gravel. These areas
were used to store untreated lumber, mostly railroad ties. Creosote-
treated ties were stored on 4 ha (10 acres) covered with 15 to 20 cm (6
to 8 in) of cinders. The subsurface tile drain system extended under
the newly surfaced yard and emptied into an open ditch. The ditch
paralleled the railroad tracks north of the Company property line for
several hundred feet to its junction with the Little Menomonee River.5
In June 1954, a Public Health Engineer with the City of Milwaukee,
inspected the creosote treatment facilities at the T. J. Moss Tie
Company. He found the creosote plant disposal facility to be inadequate.
Subsequently, the City of Milwaukee requested the Company to install a
filtering system. The recommended system consisted of straw filters
(bundles of straw), placed at the lower end of the settling pond system.
It was felt that these straw filters would serve to collect floating oil
slicks and scum before the effluent was discharged into the Little
Menomonee River. The T. J. Moss Tie Company complied.6
In 1963, the Kerr-McGee Chemical Corporation purchased the T. J.
Moss Tie Company. The following year Kerr-McGee purchased American
Creosote Company. In 1965, the two companies were consolidated and the
facility at Milwaukee became known as the Moss American Company, Inc.
From 1954 to 1965, there were no major changes in the treatment facilities
at this creosote processing plant.5
In August 1966, the Moss American Company was advised by the Mil-
waukee Sewage Commission that the creosote plant disposal facility was
not satisfactory.7 It was alleged that oil was leaking through the
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7
wall of the waste treatment pond nearest the Little Menomonee River.
The Milwaukee Sewage Commission recommended that the pond be dredged and
the wall nearest the stream be rebuilt using clean clay (free of creosote).
The Moss American Company complied.
Several months later a building materials dump, about 3 km (1.8 mi)
upstream of the Moss American Company plant, caught fire. The dump
burned out of control for 15 to 18 months, and millions of gallons of
water were poured onto the fire. Runoff from the dump caused the Little
Menomonee River to become anaerobic for several miles downstream.8 Much
public attention was directed toward the situation. State, county and
city regulatory agencies subsequently conducted water quality surveys in
the river. During these investigations, the Moss American Company
effluent was also evaluated. It was found that the treatment system at
Moss American was inadequate and that the effluent discharged into the
river was of an undesirable quality. The City of Milwaukee advised the
Moss American Company of this situation and ordered a cleanup.9 To
comply with this order, the Company installed a series of coke filters
to pretreat wastes. In April 1971, all the pretreated industrial and
domestic wastes from Moss American Company were diverted into the Mil-
waukee Metropolitan sewerage system for final treatment.5 Two months
later, the following incident occurred in the Little Menomonee River
which brought State and national attention to the Moss American Company.
On June 5, 1971, several youngsters embarked on a campaign to clean
up a portion of the Little Menomonee River in Milwaukee County. In the
process of retrieving debris from the river bed, 23 youngsters sustained
what appeared to be chemical burns to exposed skin areas. Affected arm
and leg areas were coated with a dark-colored, oily substance which was
also observed floating on the water and seeping up from the river sedi-
ments. Nine of the youngsters required extensive first-aid treatment.
One child required hospitalization for systemic effects. Another re-
quired outpatient care for tissue swelling and painful burns. City,
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8
county and state officials conducted an investigation of the incident,
which took place approximately 5.6 km (3.5 mi) downstream from the Moss
American discharge. Water and sediment samples from the incident site
were collected and sent to private and government laboratories for
analyses. The black, oily substance which appeared to cause the chemi-
cal burns on the youngsters' skin was identified tentatively as creosote
The Moss American Company was notified of this incident.
Moss American representatives stated that their Company had not
discharged any liquid wastes to the Little Menomonee since April 1971,
when all wastewaters were diverted to the Milwaukee Sewage Treatment
System. However, the Company took immediate steps to correct conditions
at the plant site. The 8 ponds that previously served as settling
basins for treatment of oil and creosote-contaminated waters were
dredged and filled with uncontaminated soils. The creosote-contaminated
sediments from the ponds were hauled to a sanitary landfill or adjacent
Moss American property for final disposal. The pipe that led from the
final pond directly to the Little Menomonee River was removed, and the
bank was reinforced with uncontaminated soil.
A group of local citizens organized a committee called the Scien-
tific Committee of the Citizens for Menomonee River Restoration, Inc.
This Committee was organized to bring to the attention of city, county
and state officials the indiscriminant discharge of harmful industrial
wastes into the Little Menomonee River. The Committee emphasized that
the Little Menomonee was a parkland waterway transversing a highly
populated area. They prepared a technical paper1 which described the
injuries to local youths who worked in the river on June 5, 1971. As a
result of community pressures, the Milwaukee Park Commission posted the
river with signs that read DANGER - POLLUTED WATER.
In the wake of this public attention, the Moss American Company
dredged 520 m (1,700 ft) of the Little Menomonee River adjacent to their
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9
property and trucked the collected sediments to a local sanitary land-
fill for disposal. The Company also dug a slit trench along the bank
between their yard and the river and filled the trench with 3.6 m (12
ft) of clean clay to form a curtain.
Parents of the youths involved in the incident on June 5 filed suit
against the Moss American Company. Apparently all suits were settled
out of court. The Scientific Committee of the Citizens for the Menomonee
River Restoration requested that Wisconsin Congressman Henry S. Reuss
investigate the Little Menomonee River problem. Congressman Reuss
complied and a professional environmental survey was made of the area.
The survey report stated that significant amounts of creosote were
present in the Little Menomonee River. The citizen's group then petitioned
the Environmental Protection Agency for help in funding a pilot project
designed to remove residual creosote and oils from the river.
In 1972, the EPA awarded two contracts for demonstration of removal
and treatment of creosote-contaminated river bottom muds. Each contractor
was assigned a 180 m (500 ft) segment of the creosote-contaminated
river. Within this river stretch, the contractor set up a small scale
feasibility demonstration using radically different removal devices.
One method proved more satisfactory in removing creosote. This contractor
was awarded additional money by the EPA and agreed to remove creosote
from a segment of the Little Menomonee River beginning at Brown Deer
Road (mile 5.9) and extending 4 km (2.5 mi) downstream. The contract
extension called for a cleanup which would reduce concentrations of
creosote in stream sediments to environmentally safe levels. These
special projects resulted in a partial cleanup of about 1,200 m (4,000
ft) of the Little Menomonee River. They ended in November 1973 when the
$320,000 in EPA funds was exhausted.10
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10
In 1974, the Moss American Company's name was changed to the Kerr-
McGee Chemical Corporation-Forest Products Division. Later that year
the EPA filed an enforcement action against the Kerr-McGee Chemical
Corporation. The action was filed pursuant to: Refuse Act of 1899,
Federal Water Pollution Control Act of 1972 (FWPCA), and nuisance theory.
Relief sought by the USEPA included reimbursement for the experimental
projects, actual damages to the river and an injunction to force Kerr-
McGee to cleanup the river, as well as civil penalties for discharge
after the passage of FWPCA.
In June 1976, the Kerr-McGee plant in Milwaukee ceased operation.
During the next several months (July through October 1976) treated
railroad ties were removed and buildings and equipment partially dismantled.
The Kerr-McGee Chemical Corporation filed a motion to dismiss the EPA
action. The motion was denied and the U. S. Attorney requested the EPA
Region V to finalize preparation for the pending litigations against
Kerr-McGee. Based on the foregoing, EPA Region V requested that NEIC
conduct the investigations described in this document.
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IV. DESCRIPTION OF STUDY AREA
The Little Menomonee River has a drainage basin of about 32 km (20
mi).11 The river originates in central Ozaukee County, Wisconsin and
flows approximately 9.6 km (6 mi) south before entering Milwaukee County.
From this point, it meanders an additional 11.2 km (7 mi) to join the
Menomonee River which flows southeasterly through metropolitan Milwaukee
and discharges into Lake Michigan [Figure 1]. The stream is fed by a
number of springs in Ozaukee County and by one major tributary, Little
Menomonee Creek. In its entire reach, the Little Menomonee River
occupies a distinct and limited flood plain. A few marsh-like zones are
found adjacent to the stream near the Ozaukee and Milwaukee County line.
The banks of the river are low, gently sloping, and generally
covered with heavy foliage. Several reaches of the stream are partially
obstructed by trees, decaying vegetation and debris which has fallen or
been discarded into the river.
Major land use within the Little Menomonee River watershed includes
48$ agricultural, 13% woodland, and 10% industrial. The remainder is
used for recreational parkland and residences.1 The rural to urban land
use transition is occurring in a southerly direction. Land adjacent to
the lower reach of the river has been designated for park and recreational
use by the Milwaukee County Park District.12,13 Some areas have been
cleared and improved with shrubbery, plantings and paved bicycle paths.
Throughout its reach, the Little Menomonee River varies in width
from about 1.5 to 12 m (5 to 40 ft). River depth varies from a few
inches to approximately 1.2 m (4 ft). The average slope of the river is
estimated to be 1 m/km (3.5 ft/mi).12 The river bed is comprised
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12
WISCONSIN
Milwaukee Co.
Ozaukee Co
Milwaukee Co.
Figure 1. Little Menomonee and Menomonee Rivers
Milwaukee County, Wisconsin
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13
of rock, coarse to fine gravel, silt, and in many places, leaf detritus.
During storm runoff the sediment load carried by the stream is high.
Erosion problems, however, have been minimized by a large amount of
adjacent woodland cover as landscaping. Along the river course there
are 18 bridges and culverts. Major channelization has been done on 0.5
km (0.31 mi) of the Little Menomonee while minor channelization exists
along 14.9 km (9.31 mi).12'13
Flow records for the Little Menomonee River are available from two
gaging stations: US Geological Survey (USGS) recording gages at Donges
Bay Road in Ozaukee County (mile 7.9), and in Milwaukee County, near
Appleton Road (mile 1.5). For the composited 19 years of records
(1958 to 1977), flow extremes at Donges Bay Road ranged from nearly no
flow at times to 612 m /min (360 cfs) during a runoff event on April 21,
1973. The record from the gage in Milwaukee County showed the average
discharge was 17.4 cfs during the period November 1974 through September
1976.11
Records of suspended sediment concentrations at the two USGS gaging
stations indicate a rapid stream response to rainfall or snowmelt events.
Sediment concentrations during base flow conditions were 30 mg/1 or less,
but rose rapidly to concentrations as high as 500 mg/1 during high flows.
SAMPLING SITES
The comprehensive study of the Little Menomonee River was limited
to the lower 11.2 km (7 mi) reach, between the Milwaukee County line
and the confluence of the Little Menomonee and Menomonee Rivers near
Hampton Road [Figure 2]. A team of biologists traveled the study reach
in a small boat to inspect the river, and to select areas with compar-
able habitats for intensive ecological investigation. During the float
trip, the team collected river sediment samples; each sample was examined
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6.0
Kerr McGee
O'
5,7
Pf/
NOT TO SCALE
7.6
Figure 2. Intensivo Sampling Silos
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15
and a record was made of sediment characteristics. Also, areas of ob-
vious sedimentation, general stream contours, river-bed stability and
locations of deposits of creosote-like material were recorded. With
this information, ten sites were selected for intensive study.
Each of the ten sampling sites consisted of approximately a 10-m
long, cross-section of the river. Six transects were established at
each site. At intervals along each transect line, soundings were made
for water depth and the depth of the soft sediment bed. Additionally,
water quality samples and biota were collected at each site; methods and
chain-of-custody procedures are described in Appendices A and D of this
report, respectively. Areas selected for intensive study are described
below. Except as indicated, river miles are measured from the mouth of
the Little Menomonee River.
Little Menomonee River - Mile 6.9
This sampling site was selected to serve as a reference station.
It was located in Ozaukee County, approximately 100 m upstream of
the Milwaukee County line. This reach was upstream of all known
sources of industrial waste discharge (oil storage yards of Union 76;
Clark Oil; Center Fuel and Quick Flash Heating Oils; and Kerr-McGee
Chemical Corporation).
The river channel was nearly straight in this reach with an average
width of 6.0 m. Mid-channel depth was approximately 30 cm [Figure 3].
The upstream limit of the study site was marked by a small riffle area
which traversed a portion of the stream; its downstream portion was a
shallow pool.
The wooded area that bordered the river, 100 m upstream of the
sampling site, gave way to a shoreline cover of shrubs and grasses
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on
30-
60-
I f!^ I1'
90-J
I
I
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17
Interspersed with clumps of willows at the study site. The stream
bottom consisted of coarse sand and clay with an overburden of fine
sand, silt and vegetative detritus. In the pool area, approximately 50
cm of silt and vegetative detritus had accumulated over the harder
substrate.
Little Menomonee River - Mile 6.0
This site was selected to evaluate the impact of periodic runoff
discharges from the oil storage yards into the river. It was located in
Milwaukee County approximately 100 m upstream from the Brown Deer Road
bridge crossing.
River banks were poorly defined and covered with large stands of
cattails and a few scattered clumps of willows. The stream bottom
consisted of muck, silt and vegetative detritus [Figure 4].
Little Menomonee River - Mile 5.8 to 1.0
Six sampling sites were selected in this reach to determine the
profile of creosote-like deposits in the river, and to show changes in
the existing types of aquatic life present.
These intensive study sites were established at approximately river
mile 5.8, 5.1, 4.2, 2.6 and 2.0, and 1.0.
Downstream from the mile 6.0 sampling site, the Little Menomonee
River was restricted to a narrow channel (1.5 m wide), which passed
under Brown Deer Road and the Chicago and Northwestern Railroad Bridges.
Along the west bank, downstream from the railroad bridge, a small storm
drainage ditch joined the river. From this point, the Little Menomonee
bent southeast as it channeled through the abandoned Kerr-McGee creo-
soting plant property [Figure 2].
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- -
~ -
g 30-
o
60H
90-J
x X >¦"-~s---'7
NV N ^ / ~
S .. "¦ / / * '
x ~~c-'
/ ---
N-. ~
/ -
11m
Figure 4. Bottom Topograp hy - Mile 6.0 _.
00
Little Menomonee River
i
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19
Approximately 30 m downstream from the railroad bridge (mile 5.8),
the third intensive study site was established. The river in this reach
was divided into two channels by a small island. The major portion of
the stream flowed through the eastern channel which was approximately a
meter wide with a mid-channel depth of 10 cm. The bank along the west
channel was relatively steep and had been cleared to the water's edge.
Adjacent land, owned by Kerr-McGee Company, previously served as a
storage yard for creosote-treated railroad ties. The bank along the
east channel had a narrow shoal of coarse sand elevating to a cover of
shrubs, grasses and small clumps of trees. Elsewhere the stream bottom
consisted of rock, gravel, sand and clay with an overburden of silt and
detritus 0.5 to 1.3 m (1.5 to 4.2 ft) thick [Figure 5].
The fourth intensive study site was established at mile 5.1. In
this reach the river channel was nearly straight, with an average width
of 4 m and maximum, mid-channel depth of 50 cm. Ash and thorny apple,
as well as various shrubs and grasses covered the banks. The stream
bottom was unevenly contoured and composed of gravel, sand and clay
covered with an average of 0.4 m (1.2 ft) of silt and vegetative de-
tritus [Figure 6].
At mile 4.2, the fifth intensive study site was established. The
river bed contour was relatively uniform with a mid-channel, maximum
depth of 30 cm. Clumps of deciduous trees, shrubs and grasses lined
both stream banks. A few low-lying areas along the water's edge were
inundated and portions of terrestrial plants were submerged. Adjacent
land use appeared to be agricultural and extensive acreage of plowed
land was observed from a river bank vantage point. The stream bottom
consisted of rock, gravel and clay with an overburden of 15 to 90 cm of
silt and leaf detritus [Figure 7].
The sixth intensive study site was established at mile 2.6. This
reach was located in an urbanized area. Land adjacent to the river had
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H I l' I "¦(! I
\ X ^"V X V
x ---- \ >--
I- O
h 15 E
o
- 30
L. 60
1. 5 m
Figure
5. Bottom Topography
Little Menomonee River
Mile 5.8
ro
O
-------
o -1
30 -
E
o
60-
90 -J
Figure 6. Bottom Topography - Mile 5.1
Little Menomonee River
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.
a
«r *
/"¦ /
~ " '
o -I
30 -
60-
90-1
' -
3.5m
Figure
7. Bottom Topography -
Little Alenomonee River
Mile 4.2
iv>
ro
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23
been cleared and landscaped as a park. Beyond was a large residential
development that paralleled both sides of the river and park area.
Immediately downstream the river course was diverted to the north
and west apparently to accommodate the construction of bridges including
the Fond-du-lac freeway bridge. The artificial channel was U-shaped
with each leg of the U paralleling the Fond-du-lac freeway for about 100
m. This diversion and channelization marked the lower limit of the
cross-section of river selected for the intensive study. The stream
width averaged 8 m and mid-channel depth reached a maximum of 8 cm
within the limits of the study cross-section. Bottom sediments consisted
of gravel, sand and clay with a thick (30 to 60 cm) overburden of silt
and some vegetative detritus [Figure 8].
A few hundred meters downstream from the Fond-du-lac Freeway bridge
crossing, the seventh intensive study site was established (mile 2.0).
The river channel was narrow (4 m) and littered with large rocks, fallen
trees, tree limbs, other vegetative detritus and trash (cans, tires,
paper, etc.). Maximum water depth at this sampling site was 60 cm.
Silt and leaf drift several centimeters thick, covered the harder
natural riverbed of rock, gravel, sand and clay [Figure 9].
The eighth in the series of intensive study sites in the Little
Menomonee River was established at mile 1.0. Urbanization was evident;
the shoreline was partially cleared and landscaped as a park area.
Private residences paralleled this park area.
The river was narrow (6.5 m) and shallow (6 cm) with a stream bed
composed of rock, gravel, sand and clay and an overburden of silt and
vegetative litter [Figure 10].
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ufc
11« Vx
/
o—l
15-
fl.i lVX-- ii U_ i-7
(,— ''"'I rr~< ¦"
Vl'Ulftf,/ y>" /
¦ <- -"i
E
u
30-
8m
Figure 8. Bottom Topography - Mile 2.6
Little Menomonee River
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Figure
9. Bottom Topography -
Little Menomonee River
Mile 2.0
ro
Ol
-------
o
15
30
45
6.5m
Figure
10. Bottom Topography
Little Alenomonee River
Mile, 1.0
ro
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27
*
Menomonee River - Mile 7.6 and 7.5
Two sampling stations were established in the Menomonee River to
determine the impact of the Little Menomonee. The upstream or reference
station on the Menomonee River was located at mile 7.5 (approximately
150 m upstream of the Menomonee-Little Menomonee confluence). The wind-
ing river channel in this reach had an average width of 11 m and a mid-
channel depth of approximately 15 cm. A small deciduous forest bordered
the river; the banks were covered by smaller shrubs and grasses. The
stream bottom consisted of coarse gravel and sand covered with a thin
overburden of softer deposits, mostly silt and vegetative detritus
[Figure 11].
The second station in the Menomonee River was located approximately
10 m downstream from the Little Menomonee confluence at mile 7.5. The
river channel was nearly straight in this reach with an average width of
11 m. Mid-channel depth was approximately 4.5 cm. The shoreline and
stream bottom appeared similar to that found upstream in the Menomonee
at mile 7.6 [Figure 12].
* As measured from the mouth of the Menomonee River.
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V! 1
!*
f
11m
Figure 11. Bottom Topography - Mile 7.6
Menomonee River
ro
oo
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Figure 12. Bottom Topography - Mile 7.5
Menomonee River
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V. ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS
RIVER SEDIMENTS
Along most of the lower 12.8 km (8 mi) of the Little Menomonee
River, the stream bottom was composed of rock, coarse gravel, sand and
clay with a varying amount of overburden consisting of fine sand, silt
and vegetative debris. There were a few small reaches where the river
flood plain widened and the stream overflowed into marshes. In these
areas, the stream bed consisted mostly of silt and vegetative detritus.
Upstream of the abandoned Kerr-McGee creosoting plant site at river
mile 6.9, 6.5, 6.1 and 6.0, bottom deposits were collected along tran-
sects of the river. Sediment samples were examined on-site for extra-
neous materials resembling oil and creosote. No creosote-like deposits
were observed and later laboratory analyses confirmed that none were
present [Table 1].
From the Kerr-McGee creosoting plant site at approximately river
mile 5.8, downstream to the Leon Street bridge crossing at mile 2.6, the
stream bed was very irregular. Depressions along the river bottom often
had accumulated more than 60 cm of silt. Four intensive study sites
were established in the reach (mile 5.8, 5.1, 4.2 and 2.6). Bottom
deposits were collected from each site in the same manner as described
previously.
On-site examination of the sediment revealed extensive deposits of
tar-like and oily substances in the soft river muds. In the upper
portion of this stream reach (mile 5.8 to 5.1) the oily deposits ap-
peared to be in layers approximately 6 to 10 cm thick, covered by
-------
Table 1
CREOSOTE DEPOSITS
LITTLE MENOMONEE RIVER, WISCONSIN
April 1977
4.
Methylene Chloride Extractables'
River West Middle East
Mile River River River
Bank Channel Bank
g/kg
6.9
6.8
6.5
6.1
6.0
5.8
5.8
5.7
5.4
5.3
5.1
5.0
4.7
4.7
4.5
4.4
4.3
4.2
4.0
3.7
3.5
2.9
2.6
2.3
2.1
2.0
1.9
1.5
1.2
1.0
0.7
0.5
0.1
7.6
7.5
tt
ND
ND
ND
24.5
ND
12.0
40.0
ND
2.5
ND
ND
tt
ND
HD
ND
ND
ND
3.0
8.0
7.0
9.0
13.5
10.5
9.0
9.5
ND
3.0
3.0
5.5
2.5
5.0
2.5
11.0
3.5
22.0
ND
ND
2.5
ND
7.0
ND
4.5-6.5
ND
ND
5.0
ND
ND
ND
ND
7.5
ND
ND
1.5
2.5
2.0
4.5
ND
ND
t Creosote detected by gas chromatograph analysis.
Values rounded to nearest 0.5 g/kg.
tt None detected (creosote).
ttt Menomonee River.
-------
32
several centimeters of silt. This layer of oily material was believed
to be the residue of a larger deposit of creosote dredged from this
river reach in 1972 by the Kerr-McGee Chemical Company and in 1973 by
EPA-sponsored private contractors.
Laboratory analyses of the sediment deposits from mile 5.8 revealed
*
creosote in concentrations as high as 7.5 g/kg. At mile 5.1, concen-
trations of 10.5 and 24.5 g/kg were found [Figure 13 and Table 1]. Gas
chromatography and mass spectrometry methods that were used to identify
creosote in the river sediments are described in Appendix B. It is
important to note that creosote values reported herein are methylene
chloride extractable materials and may have up to 1 g/kg of naturally
occurring organic materials in addition to creosotic materials.
From mile 5.0 downstream to 2.6, tar-like and oily deposits were
observed frequently. Deposits appeared to be thicker (_> 45 cm) than
those recorded upstream, nearer the Kerr-McGee creosoting plant site.
Typically, these oily deposits were mixed with soft stream sediments and
often confined to stream-bed depressions or quiescent shoreline areas.
Much of the stream shoreline was coated with an oily sheen and when
disturbed, oil slicks appeared on the water surface. Similar slicks
occurred when river muds were disturbed.
Analyses of sediment cores collected between mile 5.1 and 2.6
revealed that creosote deposits were unevenly distributed in the river
muds, both horizontally and vertically [Figure 13, Table 1]. The
largest concentration of creosote (40.0 g/kg) found in the river mud was
at mile 2.6, just upstream of the Leon Street bridge. In this general
area the river course was diverted to the north and west to accommodate
the construction of bridges, including the Fond-du-lac Freeway bridge.
The diversion and channelization caused a ponding effect at river mile
* Equivalent to parts per thousand (PPT).
-------
6.9
7 0
74 5
KEER-McGEE
13 5
10 5/
12 0
2 y..
40 0
II O
22 0
2.6
7 0
50
40
30
20
0i«/
NOT TO SCAIE
Figure 13 Profile of Creoiole Dopoiili
In Ihe IHllo Menomonto River, Wisconsin (April 1977)
-------
34
2.6. Apparently, the ponded area acted as a sink for silt and creosote.
Examination of the deposits revealed that creosote-bearing sediments
measured as thick as 65 cm.
A few hundred meters downstream from the Fond-du-lac Freeway bridge
crossing, another intensive study site was established (mile 2.0). This
was the general area where several local youngsters sustained chemical
burns from skin contact with creosote-contaminated sediments while
wading in the river in June 1971. The narrow river channel was littered
with large rocks, fallen trees, tree limbs, other vegetative detritus
and trash (cans, tires, paper, etc.). Core samples collected from the
river bottom in this reach contained as much as 2.5 g/kg of creosote.
Examination of the sediment revealed that the creosote collected in
pockets or deeper depressions along the irregularly contoured bottom.
The creosote-contaminated sediments were up to 35 cm in thickness.
The stream bottom at about mile 1.5 (just upstream of the Appleton
Road bridge) had a deposit of creosote (7.0 g/kg) about 10 to 20 m long.
Elsewhere, between mile 2.0 and 1.0, creosote-like material, oil slicks
and oily muds were seldom observed in the river.
The final in the series of intensive study sites in the Little
Menomonee River was established at mile 1.0. The shore line in this
river reach was partially cleared for use as a park. Private residences
paralleled this park area and the Milwaukee Park District posted the
areas with signs stating DANGER - POLLUTED WATER.
Core samples of the river sediment from mile 1.0 revealed creosote
in concentrations ranging from 2.5 to 6.5 g/kg. Chemical analysis of
the top and bottom halves of a 75 cm core collected from mid-channel
showed that the surface sediment contained a creosote concentration of
4.5 g/kg while the deeper sediment contained 6.5 g/kg. Whether this
trend exists elsewhere in the river is unknown.
-------
35
The reach from Silver Springs bridge (mile 1.0) to the mouth of the
Little Menomonee River was examined by the team of NEIC biologists. The
only creosote-like deposit found in this lower reach was in the river
muds at about mile 0.1. A core from this deposit revealed the presence
of creosote (5.0 g/kg) in the river sediment to depth of at least 65 cm.
In several other areas along this lower stream reach, oil slicks and oil
sheens were observed near or in the river banks.
In the Menomonee River, one station was located approximately 150 m
upstream of the Little Menomonee confluence. In this reach, the banks
of the winding river were covered by deciduous trees, shrubs and various
grasses. The stream bottom was comprised primarily of coarse gravel and
sand. A sediment core revealed a deposit (0.5 g/kg) of creosote along
the northeast river bank.
A second station in the Menomonee River was located approximately
10 m downstream from the Little Menomonee confluence. The river channel
was nearly straight in this reach and the shoreline and stream bottom
appeared similar to that found upstream in the Menomonee. When a core
sample of the sediment was obtained, an oil slick appeared on the river
surface. Additional probing along the bank and river bottom produced
011 slicks also. No creosote-like deposits were observed and laboratory
analysis showed no measurable amount of creosote in the sediment
[Table 1].
WATER QUALITY
The Little Menomonee River is a shallow stream that occasionally
carries a heavy silt load. Records from a USGS gaging station at mile
1.5 showed that the sediment discharge can range from 0.7 to 269
m. tons/day; highest values were recorded following heavy rainfalls or
snowmelt events.11
r
-------
36
During the stream survey in April, light rainfalls occurred and
storm runoff entering the stream resuspended sediments causing the water
to become extremely turbid. At these times, light penetration as
measured with a Secchi disc was a few centimeters along most of the
stream course. The silt load appeared to settle rapidly and turbidity
decreased so that within two days after a rainfall, light penetration
extended to the river bottom in most reaches.
Along the river from mile 5.8 to 2.6, where creosote-bearing sedi-
ments were common, occasional oil slicks were observed on the water
surface. As mentioned earlier, similar slicks were produced when the
river banks and bottom were probed sufficiently to release trapped oil
and creosote-like globules from the sediment. The effect of these
slicks is discussed in the AQUATIC LIFE subsection below.
Average surface water temperature along the course of the Little
Menomonee varied only slightly during the survey (13.0 to 15.5°C) and
the river was too shallow for vertical stratification. In a few shallow
reaches between mile 4.2 and 2.6, the water temperature decreased
slightly [Table 2] indicating groundwater inflow.
According to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources,22
limestone outcrops occur along the river bed in Ozaukee County. Al-
though none were observed along the study reach in Milwaukee County, the
pH of the river was apparently affected. Along the reach studied (mile
7.9 to the mouth), the river was slightly alkaline with a pH of 7.5 to
8.5 [Table 2]. The range of pH values recorded in the Little Menomonee
was typical for clean rivers that drain into the western shore of Lake
Michigan.11
Nutrient levels were adequate to support growths of aquatic vege-
tation in most areas of the Little Menomonee River [Table 2]. In turn,
-------
37
Table 2
SUMMARY OF PHYSICAL AND CHFMICAL CONDITIONS IN
THE LITTLE MENOMONEE RIVFR, "ILWAUKEE COUNTY, WISCONSIN
ADril 1977
Water Temperature nH Dissolved Oxygen Total
Bjver Range 5-day 5-day Ranae 5-day Max % Inoraamc Total
un. ' Avg. Ranqe Avq. Saturation Nitroqen-N Phosphorus-P
*C mq/1 mq/1 mg/1
6.9
11.0-15.0
13.0
7.5-7.9
7.5-12.5
11.1
120
3.85
0.02
6.0
12.0-18.5
15.0
7.6-8.0
8.0-12.0
11.0
130
2.53
0.05
5.8
12.0-16.5
14.8
7.6-8.1
8.0-13.0
10 1
120
2.52
0.06
5.1
13.0-15.5
15.5
7.6-8.1
9.0-15.0
11.9
120
2.42
0.06
4.2
12.5-17.0
14.9
7.6-8.3
9.5-13.5
11.8
135
2.13
0.04
2.6
12.0-17.0
14.3
7.6-8.3
8.5-13.0
11.0
125
1.84
0.03
2.0
12.5-19.9
15.4
7.6-8.2
9.5-15.0
12.3
160
1.68
0.05
1.0
12.0-20.0
14.6
7.6-8.2
9.5-15.0
12.5
160
1.36
0.45
MR 7.6+
13.0-20.0
15.7
7.6-8.5
8.0-15.0
12.0
160
2.92
0.37
MR 7.5
13.5-21.5
15.8
7.6-8.3
8.5-16.5
12.5
170
2.78
0.22
t Menomonee River.
-------
38
the vegetative growth apparently supplemented the river's oxygen supply.
Dissolved oxygen concentrations were measured during daylight hours and
ranged from 7.5 to 15.0 mg/1. This constituted a supersaturation level
as high as 160%. Diel conditions were not determined but evidence that
the dissolved oxygen content never declined to unsuitable levels was
obtained from fish survival studies performed at 8 locations in the
river.
In summary, other than oil slicks and occasional high levels of
turbidity, physical and chemical conditions described above indicated
that the Little Menomonee River in Milwaukee County had an acceptable
water quality [Appendix C],
AQUATIC LIFE
Vegetation
The Little Menomonee River varied only slightly in depth (<150 cm)
in the lower 7-mile reach that was studied. Consequently, the littoral
zone, or area where aquatic plants could grow, was quite large.
In reaches of negligible gradient, the river often overflowed into
marshes of cattails (Typha), reeds (Phragmites) and bull rushes (Scirpus).
Elsewhere the river margin and banks were covered with sparse to heavy
growths of terrestrial grasses, shrubs and deciduous trees.
At mile 6.0, upstream of the abandoned creosoting plant, shallow
water and debris provided an adequate habitat for a diverse diatom flora
(12 kinds). Additionally, small growths of el odea {Anaoharis) and three
types of filamentous green algae were present [Table 3].
In another reach (mile 6.0) upstream of the creosoting plant site,
-------
39
Table 3
AQUATIC PLANTS IN THE LITTLE HENOMONEE RIVER
April 1977
Little Menomonce River at Rivei Mile
O T0 5~8 5~l
"777 O 2 6 2 d nr
Henonionee River
~t~6 rr~
Phylum Chlorophyta
Order Chlorococcales
Family Sceticdcsmaceae
SCiHCdClttllltt vp.
Family Hydrodtctyaceae
Vc^iaKlv m .p.
Order Ulotrfchales
Family Ulotrichaceae
Bit ualearta ep. X
Ulcthrix a; X
Order Chaetophorales
Family Chaetophoraceae
Micro tharmi n c-p X
Order Sfphonocladales
Family Cladophoraceae
Clcdophrm sp.
Order Zygnematales
Family Zygnemataceae
Spirogyra s->.
Family Desmidiaceae
Clceterium so.
Phylum Euglenophyta
Order Euglenales
Family Euglenaceae
Lcpocinclie ep
PhaauB ep.
Phylum Chrysophyta
Order Centrales
Family Coscinodiscaceae
Heloeira sp. X
Cyclotella ep X
Family Rhlzosolemaceae
Rhizoeolcniz ep.
Order Pennales
Family Fragilariaceae
Fragilaria sp.
Meridxon ep
Synedra ep.
Family Achnanthaceae
Cocconcie sp
Rhoicoephenia ep.
Family Navlculaceae
Caloneie ep.
Gyroeigaa ep.
Navicula ep.
tteidium ep
Stauroneis sp.
Family Gomphonemaceae
Girphonema sp
Family Cymbellaceae
Cy-bella ep. X
Family N!tzschiaceae
Nttzechia CD. X
Family Surirellaceae
CyratopHcurv sp.
Surirclla C2.
Phylum Cyanophyta
Order Osc11 la tori ales
Family Osci1latoriaceae
OecilUitovia ep.
Sckirothrtr ep.
Spiruhw rz.
Phylum Spermatophyta
Order Honocotylcdonales
Family Potamogetonaceae
f'otamojc t-i m cp.
Family Hydrocharitaceae
Elodi n i p. X
Family Lemnaeeae
l.CThl Cp.
Order Dicotyledonales
Family Ccratophyllaceae
t'crat'iffajl I tri i.['.
Number of Types (35 total) 16
X X
X
X
X X
X X
X
X X
X X
X X
X X
X X
X X
X
10
14
15 12
1? 12
12 14
15
14
-------
40
the flora of a marsh was studied. The poorly-defined river margin was
covered with large stands of cattails and a few scattered clumps of
willows, reeds and bull rushes. Attached to these plants were peri phytic
diatoms (5 kinds) and a growth of green algae (ulothrix). Sparse
growths of blue-green algae, Schizothrix were present also. Quiescent
surface water of the marsh had growths of duckweed (Lenma) and portions
of the stream bed provided habitat for such vascular plants as Certo-
phyllum and Potamogeton [Table 3].
The abundance and diversity of aquatic plant life at mile 6.9 and
5.9 indicated the river had good quality water.
Downstream from the Kerr-McGee plant site (mile 5.8) to the con-
fluence with the Menomonee River, green (4 types) and blue-green algae
(3 types) were common. Areas with large quantities of creosote (mile
5.0 to 2.6) in river muds appeared to have a sufficient overburden of
clean silt, sand, gravel and detritus to isolate the algal habitat from
the contaminated sediment. The pattern and community structures of
periphyton were similar to growths found in the uncontaminated upstream
reach of the Little Menomonee River (mile 6.0 and 6.9).
Rooted aquatic plants were found less often downstream from mile
5.0 than upstream. Although this correlated with creosote deposits,
there may have been other factors such as bottom type, siltation or flow
conditions that precluded establishment of these types of plants.
Oust upstream of the Leon Terrace bridge crossing at mile 2.6, the
roots, stems and leaves of cattails and other wetland vegetation were
coated with tar-like material. Chemical analyses of this vegetation
sample revealed the plants were heavily coated with creosote (30% by
weight).
r*
-------
41
In summary, creosote deposits in river muds may preclude the
establishment of rooted aquatic plants. However, most of the floral
communities did not seem adversely affected by underlying creosote
deposits in the river muds.
Macroi nvertebrates
The Little Menomonee River provided a habitat for 54 kinds of
aquatic macroinvertebrates [Table 4]. Distribution of these organisms
reflected changing environmental conditions in the river, both natural
and pollutional.
Upstream of the abandoned Kerr-McGee creosoting plant, macroinverte-
brates were collected from two reaches. At mile 6.9 the collections
were made from a small riffle and pool area. As is usually characteristic
in good quality water, the riffle was populated with immature caddisflies,
mayflies, beetles and midges as well as crustaceans and various kinds of
mollusks. Surface-dwelling water bugs were observed and collected from
quiescent shoreline areas. Bottom mud in the pool was inhabited by a
variety of midge larvae, aquatic worms, snails and clams.
The second sampling area was at the lower end of a marsh (mile 6.0)
just upstream of the Brown Deer Road bridge crossing and the abandoned
creosoting plant. Of the habitats examined, the submerged roots, stems
and leaves of cattails were the richest in macroinvertebrates. When
washed in a dipnet, these plants yielded mayfly and damsel fly nymphs,
midge larvae, water bugs, beetle larvae and adults, along with other
kinds of insects, crustaceans, and a few mollusks. Bottom mud contained
a lesser variety; organisms collected from the mud included aquatic
worms, crustaceans, clams, snails, midge larvae and a few immature
mayflies and dragon flies.
-------
Table 4
MACROINVERTEBRATES IN THE LITTLE MENOMONEE RIVER
April 1977
Kenomonee River
Little Menomonee River at River Mile at River Kile
"O O O §7T^ O Th O TTJ 776 TJ~
Phylum tiematoda
Phylum AnnelIda
Class Oligochaeta
Order Pleslopora
Family (earthworms)
Family LumbriculIdae
Family Tubificidae
Lirv-xlril^a mi^ustipcnie
Lir-t odr I <3 crrutx
L. Clai'iridccnuB
L. I oj j-t .atert
L. SDirilia
L. ikuo
UT&ture wthout
a pilhfnm ehaataa
Tu "/\-r tuo.fex
trritur<> uith
cu:-~ LI iforr* chaatae
Class Hirudlnea
Order Rhyncobdel1 Ida
Family Glossiphonildae
rltzc'ccrUa ep.
Phylum Arthropoda
Class Crustacea
Order Isopoda
Family Asellidae
Ac-iliuc Jp.
Order Arphipoda
Family Talltridae
-_u ellj czteea
Order Decopoda
Family Astacldae
Class Insecta
Order Collembola
Order Her.lptera
Family Corixldae
Family Saldidae
Order Odonata
Family Coenagrlonldae
Izcrurn Bp.
Family Llbellulldae
Ortt'vfio op.
22*
43
(43)*
*(258)
(43)
(43)
(43)
258
(129) 258
(43)
(43)
85 (129)
32 (43)
22
11
32
X
X
(43)
X
X
X
X
43
(43)
(301)
(387)
(43)
(43)
(301)
(86)
X
11
21
11
(258) 22
X
(215) 32.
22
(516)
X
(43)
32
ro
-------
Table 4 (Cont.)
MACROINVERTEBRATES IN THE LITTLE MENOMONEE RIVER
April 1977
"O"
T75~
Little Henomonee River at River Mile
571
578
~TO~
TT"
"O"
"TTff
Menomonee River
at River HIle
—775
Family Elmldae
Cj.-.3t0csrj IB Bp.
r;; hla ap.
Hicro7jlloepu8 ap.
Phylum Hoilusca
Class Gastropoda
Order Pulmonata
Family Physidae
ho J 1 ~'i.
Family Lyirnaedae
Ljr-rzzn zp.
Class Pelecypoda
Order Eulamel 1 ibrancMa
Family Sphaerndae
Cfnntr. c rp.
Pieidiu-n sp.
Total t/m^
226
22 (172)
22 (43)
(43)
22
11
(43)
(129) 43
2770 (2107)
86
(2452) 7360
(258)
(13)
(473)
(645)
43
32 (258)
345 (559)
(774)
(2.451)
21
128
(«)
(602)
206
(258)
(989)
Total types
27
31
17
13
15
17
11
18
14
t
tt
ttt
o
Rurbaro of orjanioria/n in camp la from pool habitat J.
2
Ihcii/ere of organiems/m in samp le from rxffle habitat.
Indicaiea presence.
-------
Table 4 (Cont.)
MACROINVERTEBRATES IN THE LITTLE HENOMONEE RIVER
April 1977
Little Henomonee River at River Hlle
T75 O 575 571 O O"
"O"
Henomonee River
at River Mile
"T75 —775 rr~
Order Ephemeroptera
Family Caenidae
Caema sp.
Family Baetidae
Baeiic cr>
Order Trichoptera
Family Hydropsychidae
Hy^/opCjcre op.
Family PsvchomyfIdae
Orotr Uiptera
Family SimuliIdae
Family Stratiomyildae
ep
Family CulIcidae
Aeua sp
Family Ceratopogonldae
Family Tabanidae
Family Chirononndae
Atw/tirrue op.
Curjiocljdiun ep.
Chr Ltochirononue ep.
Corvizilopia Cp.
Cri?otopjR sp.
Dictate* aipes ep.
Endocb \ *oritym8 ep,
Eu>~ej\r^r~ell
-------
45
The macroinvertebrate communities at mile 6.9 and 6.0 comprised of
o
41 kinds of organisms with relatively few individuals (11 to 1,076/m )
representing a particular species, were considered typical for small
streams like the Little Menomonee. Therefore, downstream communities of
invertebrates were compared with the communities present within this
reference reach.
Macroinvertebrates were collected in riffles, pools or marsh-like
areas from near the abandoned creosoting plant at mile 5.8 to the stream
confluence with the Menomonee River. Compared with the reference reach,
a decrease in diversity of organisms was evident. Water bugs and
aquatic stages of mayflies, dragonflies and blackflies were not found
downstream from the creosoting plant site. Collections from several
locations in this lower reach that seemed ecologically suited for im-
mature caddisflies, damselflies and aquatic beetles did not yield them
either [Table 4].
Creosote deposits and related oil slicks appeared to be responsible
for at least part of the reduction in the macroinvertebrate community.
Invertebrate populations were sparse to absent in submerged vegetation
and other aquatic niches that were coated with oily residue. Mud bur-
rowing and sediment-browsing organisms (benthos) appeared to avoid river
mud that was polluted with creosote. The macroinvertebrate collection
from river mile 5.1 seemed to demonstrate the avoidance best.
Creosote concentrations of 10.5 and 24.5 g/kg were found at mile
5.1 in the soft river muds. Aquatic worms (oligochaetes) normally
burrow in these type stream muds but were not found there. An intensive
study revealed that only a few fly larvae, snails and crayfish inhabited
this reach, mostly the eastern shoreline which was apparently free from
creosote contamination [Table 4].
-------
Factors such as other pollutants, variable flow conditions, etc.
may have influenced the invertebrate populations in the lower river but
creosote pollution appeared to be a contributing factor also.
Fish
Seven river reaches were selected for electrofishing studies to
determine the native fish population in the Little Menomonee River.
Additionally, two reaches in the Menomonee River near the mouth of the
Little Menomonee were studied.
At the time of the spring survey, the fish fauna of the river
system was composed of 10 species. The most common species collected
were white sucker (Catostomus commersoni), northern creek chub (Semo-
tilus atromaculatus) and brown bullhead (Iotalurus nebulosus).
Electrofishing study sites upstream of the abandoned Kerr-McGee
creosoting plant included a small riffle area (mile 7.9) and a marshland
pool (mile 6.5). White sucker, creek chubs, and darters inhabited the
riffle while brown bullhead were common in the pool area [Table 5].
Similar fish communities were found downstream from the abandoned creo-
soting plant site (mile 5.6 to 0.4), indicating that creosote residues
in river muds had little or no effect upon the fish population.
Further evidence that the creosote deposits in the Little Menomonee
River did not impart toxic substances into the water was obtained from
insitu fish survival studies performed at 9 locations in the river.
Caged river chub survived the one-week exposure test both upstream (6.9
and 6.0) and downstream (7 locations between mile 5.8 and 1.0) from the
Kerr-McGee plant site. Daily examination of these test fish revealed no
signs of stress or unhealthy conditions attributed to creosote con-
tamination.
-------
47
Table 5
FISH IN THE LITTLE MENOMONEE RIVER
April 1977
Little Henomonee River at River Mile Menomonee River
7.9 6.5 5.6f 5.0 3.6 2 0 0.4 7.6 7 5
FISH
Class Ostelchthyes
Order Salmonlformes
Family Umbridge
Itaorc lim - Central Mudminnow 1
Order Cyprlnlformes
Family Cyprinldae
Cyprinua c^rpio . carp 1 1
Botrcpi8 eornutue . Common Shiner 1
Pimephalea promaias . Fathead Minnow 3 1
Rhinichthys atrazulus - Blacknose Dace 2
Semotilue ctromacAatua . Creek Chub 3 1 1 10 6
Family Catostomidae
CaiostCHxus cormerBont. . white Sucke. 3 8 4 19
Order Slluriformes
Family Ictaluridae
Iclaluiw neDulosuB . Brown Bullhead 2 18
Order Perclformes
Family Centrarchidae
iejxms cyanellus . Green Sunflsh 1
Family Percldae
Etheostoma flabellare . Fantall Darter 1
t Topographical conditions precluded effective electro fishing.
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APPENDICES
A Field Investigation Techniques
B Laboratory Analytical Techniques
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APPENDIX A
FIELD INVESTIGATION TECHNIQUES
In-situ toxicity tests were performed at ten locations in the
Little Menomonee River. Caged fish were exposed at each of these sites
for approximately one week. Daily, biologists visited each site to
examine the test organisms. Important water quality parameters (tem-
perature, DO, pH) were also recorded during these visits.
The survey team traveled the lower 11.2 km (7 mi) of the Little
Menomonee River in a small boat. Sediments were observed in this reach
for the presence of creosote-like material, and from these observations
sampling stations were selected for subsequent intensive water quality
analyses and sediment profiling. The survey team determined the physi-
cal, chemical and biological conditions at each of these stations.
Physical characteristics were determined within a network grid
established along a 10 m reach at each station. Parameters measured
included stream width and depth, stream bottom and shoreline contour,
water temperature, bottom type, and water transparency. Core samples of
stream sediment were collected systematically from three points within
the network grid at each station. This provided for a stream-wide
analysis of sediment composition at each station. These cores were
grossly examined for oily deposits and subsequently shipped under chain-
of-custody (Appendix D) to the NEIC Denver laboratory for oil and creo-
sote residue analyses.
Chemical conditions (pH and DO) were recorded on-site at each
intensive sampling station. Water samples were also collected from
selected areas within each sampling cross-section for additional labora-
tory examination which included nutrients (inorganic nitrogen and phos-
phorus) and where necessary, oil and creosote analyses.
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A comprehensive biological investigation was conducted at each
intensive station also. This phase of the investigation included the
collection, examination and identification of benthic macroinverte-
brates, periphyton, aquatic vegetation and fish. The purpose of this
collecting was to take representative species which were established in
the various reaches of the Little Menomonee River.
PERIPHYTON AND HIGHER PLANTS
Since the river was shallow, collections were made while wading the
stream. Roots and stems of higher aquatic plants were scraped to col-
lect attached or epiphytic forms. Portions of large mats of filamentous
algae were collected. Key portions or entire higher plants were up-
rooted. Samples were placed in collecting jars, preserved with 5%
formalin and labeled in the field.
Upon returning to the NEIC laboratory the collections were ex-
amined, separated and identified according to standardized techniques.2'3
AQUATIC MACROINVERTEBRATES
The majority of invertebrates were collected from the Little
Menomonee River with a dip net or a No. 30 mesh metal sieve. In this
method, a portion of the habitat to be examined, such as vegetative
detritus, was collected and washed thoroughly to remove all the fine
sediment which will pass through the mesh. The washed residue was
then transferred into some clean water in a white enamel tray and the
invertebrates were picked out with forceps as they move against the
white background. This method was particularly effective with small
insects such as midge larvae which might otherwise be missed.
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In a second method, floating wood, leaves and other debris were
examined directly and insects, crustaceans and other macroinvertebrates
picked off with forceps and placed in collection jars. In some in-
stances part of the substrate material (submerged weeds) was placed into
the jars to preclude missing inconspicuous organisms.
In the field, invertebrates were placed in 70% alcohol for preser-
vation. Subsequently, at the NEIC laboratory the organisms were sep-
arated and identified according to standardized methods.2'3
FISH
Debris, irregular bottom and vegetative snags precluded seining;
thus, all fish collecting was accomplished by use of a portable AC,
pulsed DC, electroshocking equipment.
Since the entire fish population can never be collected there will
always be a certain amount of sampling variability. The absence of any
given species from the list presented in this document does not mean
that the species never occurs at the location sampled. Conclusions
developed in this document are based upon the presence of groups of
species in the area rather than the absence of any one species.
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APPENDIX B
LABORATORY ANALYTICAL TECHNIQUES
On April 21 and 26, 1977, 59 sediment, 1 vegetation and 11 water
samples were received at the NEIC laboratory. All samples were handled
according to chain-of-custody procedures developed by the NEIC (Appen-
dix D).
The eleven water samples were analyzed for NO2 + NO^N, NH^-N, and
Total Phosphorus. The other 60 samples were analyzed for moisture and
methylene chloride extractables.
Nutrient samples were preserved with 40 mg/1 HgC^ and cooled with
ice for shipment. Analyses were performed according to appropriate
autoanalyzer procedures as approved by EPA in the Federal Register, Vol
41, No. 232, Dec. 1, 1976.
For moisture analyses, about 10 grams of thoroughly mixed sample
were accurately weighed in a tared 50 ml beaker and dried overnight in an
oven at 105°C. The water loss was determined by reweighing the cooled
and desiccated beakers. Calculations:
Wt. of water loss x 100 = % moisture
Wt. of sample wet
METHYLENE CHLORIDE EXTRACTABLES
To begin preparation for methylene chloride extractable analyses,
ten grams of thoroughly mixed sediment were weighed into a 250 ml
beaker. Large stones, twigs, leaves, etc. were not analyzed. Thirty
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grams of granular anhydrous sodium sulfate was added to the beaker and
the sediment and sodium sulfate was mixed thoroughly to obtain a coarse
granular consistency. The mixture was then transferred to a 33 x 80 mm
cellulose extraction thimble and placed in a Soxhlet extractor. Methy-
lene chloride (200 ml) was placed in a 500 ml flat bottomed flask and
attached to the extractor. The extractor was allowed to cycle for 2-1/2
to 3 hours, with a rate of about 10 cycles per hour. Each flask was
then placed on a rotary evaporator and the solution was concentrated to
a volume of about 20 ml. The remaining solvent was quantitatively
transferred to a tared 50 ml beaker and evaporated to dryness on a warm
hot plate under a gentle stream of carbon-filtered air. Each beaker was
reweighed and the residue determined. Results were calculated on a dry
weight bases using % moisture values.
Wt. of residue in mq x 1000 = mg/kg (wet basis) extractable
Wt. of sediment extracted in g. wet material
mg/kg wet basis x ]qq 1^% m1-st = m9/kg (dry basis) extractable material
OR
Wt. of residue in mq x 1000 = mg/kg dry basis
Wt. of sediment extracted wet x % solids in grams
% solids = 100 - % moisture
CREOSOTE IDENTIFICATION
Methylene chloride was chosen as an extracting solvent because of
its superior ability to extract organic materials; creosote is a coal
tar residue product containing many high-boiling asphaltic materials
soluble in methylene chloride.
Methylene chloride will extract materials other than creosote that
are present in the samples. No solvent is entirely selective for any
one group of compounds. Thus, samples that contained no evidence of
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creosotic materials or petroleum-based products may contain a "natural
background" of extractable organic materials. In general, these
"natural backgrounds" were found to be less than 1000 mg/kg. Therefore,
it was estimated that any reported values of methylene chloride ex-
tractable material may have about 1000 mg/kg of naturally occurring
material in addition to the creosote. An exception to this was a sample
from the Menomonee River at mile 7.6. This sample consisted of rocks
from 20 mm diameter to gravel-sized pieces, plus a small amount of sand
and very little sediment or mud. A large amount of sample (80 g) was
extracted, accounting for a better detection limit. No naturally occur-
ring background material was observed.
Each of the 59 sediments and the vegetation sample were analyzed by
gas chromatography. The methylene chloride extracts were dissolved in
10 ml of acetone and an aliquot was injected on a Hewlett-Packard 7626
gas chromatograph equipped with a flame ionization detector. Chromato-
grams of the sediment extracts were compared to chromatograms of ref-
erence creosote samples. Four sources were used as references for the
sediment chromatogram comparisons. Both reference sample #1 and #2 were
from the Moss American plant site. Reference # 1 is from a holding tank
used to store raw creosote at the plant. Reference #2 was scraped from
the bottom of a creosote recovery tank located on the Kerr-McGee prop-
erty. References #3 and #4 were from two separate sources in the Denver
area.
Examination of the reference chromatograms shows that all four of
these samples exhibited remarkably similar "Fingerprint" tracings.
There are many compounds common to all four references. Ratios of
response of one compound to another are also similar among all four
references.
Most Little Menomonee samples exhibited a "fingerprint" chroma-
togram resembling the reference creosote samples. A number of creosote
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compounds were identified by combined gas chromatography-mass spec-
trometry. Four polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons (anthracene, phe-
nanthrene, fluoranthene, and pyrene) seemed to be the most persistent
creosotic materials. Several samples were quite weathered, but still
exhibited the general creosote pattern including the four compounds
mentioned. The gas chromatograms of the sample extracts were used to
establish the presence of creosote. Typical chromatographs and con-
ditions are presented later in this Appendix. Coincidence of retention
times is the basis for this identification.
Three sediment samples were analyzed by a gas chromatograph mass
spectrometer system. An extract from the river mud collected at mile
5.8 contained 15 compounds indicative of creosote.14 Seventeen con-
stituent compounds of creosote were found in the sediment from river
mile 2.6 and the most weathered sample from river mile 1.5 contained
seven polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons indicative of creosotic ma-
terials. A summary of the mass spectrometry creosote identification is
presented below.
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REFERENCES
1. Hussa, R., H. Hopps, J. McCarthy and T. Rinehart, The Creosote
Problem in the Little Menomonee River. Scientific Committee,
Citizens for Menomonee River Restoration, Inc., 1973.
2. Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater,
American Public Health Association, 1015 Eighteenth Street NW,
Washington, DC 20036, 14th Ed.
3. Biological Field and Laboratory Methods for Measuring the
Quality of Surface Waters and Effluents, National Environmental
Research Center, Office of Research and Development, U.S. EPA
Agency, Cincinnati, Ohio, July 1973
4. Methods for Chemical Analysis of Water and Wastes - QARL Lab -
Cincinnati (EPA Manual), 1974.
5. Johnson, Allen E., 1977, Kerr-McGee Chemical Corporation, Wood
Products Division, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Personal Communication
to Robert Schneider, Environmental Protection Agency, Denver,
Colo. [April 6].
6. Kingsbury, Harold N., 1955. City of Milwaukee, Public Health
Department, Wisconsin, Personal Communication [letter] in files
at EPA Region V, Chicago [June 28].
7. Ernest, L.A., 1966, Milwaukee Sewage Commission, Wisconsin,
Personal Communication [letter] to Moss-American Company in
St. Louis, Mo. [August 11].
8. Schultz, Bernard, 1977, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources,
Milwaukee, Personal Communication to Robert Schneider, Environmental
Protection Agency, Denver, Colo. [April 6].
9. Kroehn, Thomas A., 1970, Wisconsin Division of Environmental
Protection Personal Communication (letter) to R. C. Studebaker,
Moss-American Company [September 2],
10. Demonstration of Removal and Treatment of Contaminated River
Bottom Muds, Phase II, Environmental Sciences Division, Envirex,
Inc., Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
11. Water Resources Data for Wisconsin, Water Year 1975, U.S. Geological
Survey, Water Data Report WI-75-1.
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12. A Comprehensive Plan for the Menomonee River Watershed, Vol.2,
Oct. 1976. Southeastern Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission,
Waukesha, Wisconsin.
13. A Comprehensive Plan for the Menomonee River Watershed, Vol. 1,
Oct. 1976 . Southeastern Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission,
Waukesha, Wisconsin.
14. NESTLE. F. H. Max, "Characterization of Wood-preserving Coal-Tar
Creosote by Gas-Liquid Chromatography," Analytical Chemistry,
Vol. 46, No. 1, Jan. 1974, pp 46-53.
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