NERC-Corvallis
Laboratories
Office of Research and Development
Summary of Missions, Needs, Resources,
Accomplishments, and Trends
June, 1974
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NERC-Corvallis
Laboratories
Office of Research and Development
A Summary of Missions, Needs, Resources,
Accomplishments, and Trends
June, 1974
-------
Compiled by the Program Coordination Staff of the National Environmental
Research Center at Corvallis» Oregon. Free copies are available through:
Director of Program Coordination
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
National Environmental Research Center
200 S.W. 35th Street
Corvallis, Oregon 97330
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COMTS
Page
Introduction 1
Arctic Environmental Research Laboratory 4
Grosse lie Laboratory 8
Large Lakes Branch 8
Hydrologic Modification 13
Heavy Industrial Sources Branch 15
Gulf Breeze Environmental Research Laboratory 18
National Ecological Research Laboratory 22
Ecological Effects of Air Pollution 22
Pesticide Effects on Terrestrial Environments 26
Ecological Effects of Energy-Producing Activities 28
National Marine Water Quality Laboratory 30
National Water Quality Laboratory 34
Pacific Northwest Environmental Research Laboratory 41
Industrial Wastes Branch 41
Coastal Pollution Branch 48
Eutrophication Survey Branch 52
CONTINUED
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(MENIS
Page
Pacific Northwest Environmental Research Laboratory (continued)
Thermal Pollution Branch 56
Eutrophication and Lake Restoration Branch 62
Laboratory Services Branch 68
Robert S. Kerr Environmental Research Laboratory 71
Water Quality Control Branch 71
Subsurface Environment Branch 74
Treatment and Control Technology Branch 77
Southeast Environmental Research Laboratory 88
Agro-Environmental Systems Branch 88
Heavy Industrial Sources Research 93
Freshwater Ecosystems Branch 97
Analytical Chemistry Branch 102
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Missions of NERC-Corvallis
The National Environmental Research Center at Corvallis, Oregon,
carries out research programs on the ecological effects of pollution.
Emphasis is on developing scientific information for establishment of
standards to protect the environment.
In efforts to broaden its scope, NERC-Corvallis is increasingly
carrying out research on a total environmental scale to develop the
scientific basis for determining the ecological consequences of all
aspects of environmental pollution.
The mission is to develop a full and thorough understanding of
the many complex interrelationships among specific components of the
ecological system. Major programs of the nine NERC-Corvallis associated
laboratories are designed to:
-- Conduct research and development programs on eutrophication and
lake restoration, and on the fate of pollutants in marine waters.
-- Provide support on whole-system ecology research to increase
the understanding of environmental stress relationships among
the life-supporting media of air, land, and water.
-- Develop the scientific basis for establishment of water quality
standards for fresh waters.
-- Develop the scientific basis for establishment of water quality
standards for marine waters.
-- Investigate the effects of organic chemicals on aquatic life.
-- Develop the scientific basis for establishment of water
quality standards for cold climates.
— Develop the scientific basis for predicting the fate of
pollutants that enter fresh surface waters and for assessing
the potential exposure of human and aquatic life to these
pollutants.
-- Develop fundamental scientific information for the treatment,
control, and prevention of pollution from wastewater.
-- Develop the scientific basis for establishment of water quality
standards for the Great Lakes.
Facility and Budget
The Center's management offices, located in Corvallis, Oregon,
direct the research of nine associated laboratories in eight states.
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Laboratories are located in Corvallis, Oregon; Duluth, Minnesota;
Narragansett, Rhode Island; Gulf Breeze, Florida; College, Alaska;
Athens, Georgia; Ada, Oklahoma; and Grosse lie, Michigan.
The current annual NERC-Corvallis budget of approximately $32
million covers in-house research programs at the associated laboratories
and field stations, contracts, grants, and interagency agreements (see
following table).
Summary of Funded Research for FY-74 (By Laboratory)
In-House
Extramural*
Total
Laboratory
($K)
($K)
($K)
AERL
651
671
1,322
GIL
506
1,942
2,448
GBERL
679
512
1,191
NERL
879
1,466
2,345
NMWQL
1,434
1,279
2,713
NWQL
2,058
531
2,589
PNERL
2,970
3,743
6,713
RSKERL
992
3,401
4,393
SERL
1,667
2,135
3,802
Total
11,836
15,680
27,516
*Grants, Contracts and Interagency Agreements
Professional Research Staff
The Center's professional research staff, which comprises individuals
from varied disciplines, currently numbers approximately 350. The staff
is particularly strong in the biological sciences, enabling NERC-Corvallis
to carry out research into the effects and processes of environmental
pollution (see chart on following page).
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Professional Staff
Disci piine
B.S.
B.A.
M.S.
M.A.
Sc.D. Ph.D.
Total
Biological & Agricultural
Sciences
63
17
34
5
1 41
161
Chemistry
40
9
13
27
89
Engineering
27
26
1 12
66
Health Fields
4
2
6
Mathematical Sciences
2
1
3
Physical Sciences
6
4
2
3
15
Other
2
2
3
2
9
Total
140
34
81
7
2 85
349
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Arctic Environmental Research Laboratory
College/ Alaska
Director: fto. Richard W. Latimer
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Arctic Environmental Research Laboratory
Director: Mr. Richard W. Latimer
Mission
The laboratory has the responsibility for providing the data
necessary for environmental protection in cold climate areas. This
includes: (A) conducting research on the interrelationships between
cold-dominated environments and their indigenous organisms and
conducting studies relating to the effects of man-induced factors
on arctic and subarctic ecosystems. (B) conducting research including
development and demonstration of technology, necessary for the
control of environmental pollution in cold climates.
Need and Supporting Legislation
AERL was one of seven laboratories authorized by Congress in the
Federal Water Pollution Control Act Amendments of 1961 (PL 87-88)
and reauthorized as Sec. 104 (e) (PL 92-500) in 1972. The
legislation recognizes that there are unique problems associated with
environmental protection in cold climate areas that can best be solved
through a laboratory program in Alaska.
Sec. 113 (PL 92-500) authorized the "Alaska Village Demonstration
Projects to "demonstrate methods to provide for central
community facilities for safe water and elimination or control
of pollution in those native villages of Alaska without such
It!^es" • j These projects require a wide range of environmental
health considerations and provide the basis for technology research
application in Alaska.
The generally pristine environments_in Alaska and the technological
inovations necessary to protect these environments while developing
needed resources makes it imperative that the Agency maintain a viable
research program in Alaska.
Capabilities and Program Implementation Approach
AERL has strong expertise in freshwater aquatic ecology and environmental
engineering in cold climates.
Research is implemented by a blend of intramural and extramural resources.
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FY-74 Resources by Task Type
C E F A Total
Number 11 4 0 16 21
$1000s 391 280 0
651 1 ,322
% Funds 30 21 0
49 100
Current Program and Resources
FY-74 Funds
($1000s)
Freshwater Ecology
346
Marine Ecology
100
Muncipal Technology
876
Total
1 ,322
Major Accomplishments to Date
— Developed design criteria for biological waste treatment processes
under cold climate conditions.
-- Identified the phenomena of low winter dissolved oxygen in
Alaskan rivers; the extent and environmental implications.
-- Evaluated wastewater disinfection at low temperatures using
chlorine and lime.
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-- Developed toxicity data for crude oil on some indigenous
Alaskan organisms at low temperatures.
-- Identified automotive emissions produced at sub-zero temperatures
from various types of fuels and emission control devices.
-- Developed aquatic ecosystem model for subarctic streams.
-- Demonstrated the central facility concept for providing a safe
water supply, toilets, bathing, laundry, and waste disposal for
Alaskan native villages.
-- Enhanced understanding of the role of microorganisms in cold
climate ecology including the survival of enteric bacteria in
rivers under low temperature conditions.
Program Trends
The research program at the Arctic Environmental Research Laboratory
has in the past been oriented towards meeting immediate waste treatment
needs in Alaska and baseline data collection for an understanding of the
unique arctic and subarctic ecosystems. The present program has
emphasized fate and effect studies of various pollutants from man's
activities in cold climates and applied State-of-the-Art technology to
meet environmental health problems in remote rural communities.
Future research will be heavily oriented towards the environmental
impact of resource development (oil, gas, lumber, metals, etc.) in
the arctic and subarctic. Ecological research will have to move into
the predictive mode in order to properly assess environmental impact
before it occurs. Environmental engineering will continue to play an
important role in applying technological advancement to cold climate
areas.
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Arctic Environmental Research Laboratory
Professional Staff
Discipline
B.S.
B.A.
M.S.
M.A.
Ph.D.
Total
Biological Sciences
1
1
1
3
Chemistry
2
1
3
Engineering
5
5
Physical Sciences
1
1
Other
2
2
Total
7
1
2
2
2
14
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Grosse Ile Laboratory
Grosse IlE/ Michigan
Director: Dr, Tudor T, Davies
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Gros&e lie Laboratory
Director: Dr. Tudor T. Davies
One of the Grosse He Laboratory's primary missions is planning,
managing and conducting a research program to evaluate the impact of
human activity on large lakes.
Large Lakes Branch
Chief: Nelson A. Thomas
The Large Lakes Branch plans and conducts field, laboratory and
extramural studies to define the behavior and the effect of pollutants
on large lake systems. Studies describe the system processes and
problems pertinent to the Great Lakes in order to establish a scientific
basis for the establishment of Great Lakes water quality criteria and
waste discharge control.
This includes: (a) Predictive models of chemical, physical and
biological processes affecting pollution of large lakes, (b) Assessment
of pollution problems in the Great Lakes, (c) Determination of ecolog-
ical stresses caused by power generating plants in large lakes, (d)
Development of guidelines for dredging operations and spoil disposal.
Another important function is the laboratory's association with the
International Joint Commission Research Advisory Board and upper lakes
reference studies.
Need and Support Legislation
--The primary basis for large lakes research is the need to protect and
enhance water quality, especially the Great Lakes:
--Section 104 (A) (1) "...conduct and promote the coordination and
acceleration of research, investigations, ...surveys, and studies relat-
ing to the causes, effects, extent, prevention, reduction, and elimination
of pollution..."
--Section 104 (A) (2) "...render technical services to pollution control
agencies..."
--Section 104 (A) (3) "Conduct...public investigations concerning the
pollution of any navigable waters and report on the results of such
investigations..."
--Section 104 (B) (6) "Collect and disseminate...basic data on chemical,
physical, and biological effects of varying water quality..."
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--Section 104 (F) "The Administrator shall conduct research and technical
development work, and make studies, with respect to the quality of the
waters of the Great Lakes, including an analysis of the present and
projected future water quality of the Great Lakes under varying conditions
of waste treatment and disposal."
--Technical support is provided under Section 108 (A) and (D) which
provide for demonstration of pollution control programs on the Great
Lakes.
--In addition, the need to protect and enhance Great Lakes research is
further emphasized in "Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement between the
United States and Canada" signed by President Nixon and Prime Minister
Trudeau on April 15, 1972.
Sections supporting large lakes research:
1. Annex 2 Control PF Phosphorus
10 - "...shall continue to monitor the extent of eutrophication
in the Great Lakes system and the progress being made in
reducing or preventing it. They shall consult periodically to
exchange the result of research and to pursue proposals for
additional programs to control eutrophication."
2. Text of reference to the International Joint Commission to
study pollution problems of Lake Huron and Lake Superior.
3. Terms of reference for the establishment of a research advisory
board.
Capabilities and Program Implementation Approach
The Large Lakes Branch provides strong expertise in research on
physical, chemical and biological processes in large lakes, especially
the fate of pollutants.
Research is implemented through cooperative studies with Canadian
and United States agencies. The large lakes research is mainly an
extramural program with a small but important in-house activity.
FY-74 Resources by Task Type
See attached chart.
Major Accomplishments
IFYGL
--Published annual reports (2/30/74).
--All field work completed (7/1/73).
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--Data 50% analyzed (1/1/74).
—Coarse grid nutrient-chlorophyll model (1/1/74).
Thermal
—Issued fish egg entrainment report for two power plants (5/1/72).
--Issued zooplankton entrainment report on Monroe, Michigan, power plant
(9/1/73).
Dredging
—Final report on impact (3/1/74).
--Annual report on chemistry (3/1/74).
Nutrients
--Algal assay, Lake Michigan (10/1/73).
--Transmitted dissolved oxygen and water temperature data via satellite
from Lake Erie (12/1/73).
IJC
--Research Advisory Board annual report (1/15/74).
--Prepared 1973 Lake Erie Water Quality Section of the Quality Board
report (1/25/74).
ICMSE
--Issued proceedings (12/1/73).
Upper Lakes Reference Study
--Prepared local effects reports and project summaries (1/8/74).
Program Trends
The research conducted by the Large Lakes Program has produced data
for the formulation of an eutrophication mathematical model for Lake
Ontario. These models will be modified to simulate changes in waste
discharges and the resultant effect for the other Great Lakes.
Studies will be conducted to provide verification of the simulations
and to provide more definititive kinetic data for the models.
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Programs will be maintained on Lake Erie and developed for the
other lakes to assess the effectiveness of nutrient control measures
implemented on the Great Lakes. An increased emphasis will be placed on
the study of the fate and effect of hazardous materials and the determin-
ation and significance of rural and diffuse source pollutant inputs.
Activities will be continued on developing criteria for thermal
discharges to large lakes. The program will continue to conduct research
on the impact of dredging and dredged spoils disposal.
Large Lakes Branch
Professional Staff
Discipline
B.S.
Ph.D.
Total
Biological Sciences
1
1
Chemistry
1
1
Engineering
1
1
Physical Sciences
1
1
Total
2
2
4
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FY-74 Resources by Task Type
Total of All
Program Area
Man Years
Inhouse
$ %
Contracts Grants
$ % $ %
Resources
$ %
25ADS Thermal
1.0
27
34
52
66
79
4
25ADX Dredging
1.0
25
23
85
77
110
6
25ADR Nutrient
1.0
30
6
419
94
449
24
21AKP Modeling
1.7
223
43
300
57
523
28
21BAZ Ref. Studies
Tech. Services
0
.3
106
13
15
100
50
7
556
78
712
13
38
424
22
50
3
1,412
75
1,886
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Hydro!ogic Modification
Program Element Director: Dr. Tudor T. Davies
Mission
The mission of the Hydrologic Modification Program is to define the
national significance of major hydrologic modifications including construc-
tion, dredging, landfill, and water resources development. The program
will provide the required control technology required to meet the 1983
water quality goals. Control technology will be demonstrated in the
four climate areas of the United States.
Need and Supporting Legislation
The need to demonstrate control technology for construction activities
is supported by Section 105 (B):
"(B) The Administrator is authorized to make grants to any state,
or states or interstate agency to demonstrate, in river basins or
portions thereof, advanced treatment and environmental enhancement
techniques to control pollution from all sources, within such
basins or portions thereof, including non-point sources, together
with instream water quality improvement techniques."
The need to determine the significance of hydrologic modification
and a determination of the State-of-the-Art in the effectiveness of
available control is covered by Section 104 (1):
"(1) In cooperation with other Federal, state, and local agencies,
conduct and promote the coordination and acceleration of, research,
investigations, experiments, training, demonstrations, surveys, and
studies relating to the causes, effects, extent, prevention, reduction
and elimination of pollution."
Capabilities and Program Implementation Approach
Capability of program design and implementation with expertise in
geological and engineering practices. The research is through a mixture
of grants and contracts.
FY-74 Resources by Task Type
C
RG
IA
IH
Total
Number
2
$1000s
230
20
250
% Funds
92
8
100
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Current Programs and Resources
FY-74 Funds
$1000s
Field demonstration of effect erosion control 230
Program development 20
Total 250
Major Accomplishments
--Initiated sediment erosion control demonstration at Columbia, Maryland
(5/73).
--Intitiated comprehensive assessment of national hydrologic modification
(10/73).
Program Trends
The Hydrologic Modification Program is proceeding to define the
signifiance of construction, dredging, landfill, and water resources
development activities, including an evaluation of cost effectiveness,
applicability and new technology required.
Research is continuing under an evaluation of available effective
technology to control pollution from construction activities. The
control of pollution resulting from construction activities through the
application of new technology will be demonstrated in the East, Southeast,
Southwest and Northern Plains. An evaluation of these demonstrations
will provide for determination of the effectiveness of techniques from a
scientific and economic viewpoint.
Hydrologic Modification
Professional Staff
Disci piine
Ph.D.
Total
Physical Sciences
.2
.2
Total
.2
.2
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Heavy Industrial Sources Branch
Chief: Dr. Hugh B. Durham
Mission
The Heavy Industrial Sources Branch at the Grosse lie Laboratory
has national responsibility for the implementation and/or support
activities related to a research, development and demonstration program
for the abatement of water pollution caused by the discharge of wastes
from the following industries:
--Iron and steel.
--Ferroalloy.
--Machinery and transportation equipment manufacture.
--Fabricated metal products.
The primary goal of the program is to obtain proven methods of
treatment or abatement for all waste discharges from these industries at
reasonable costs.
The ultimate goal of the program is to develop alternate economical
treatment techniques and waste treatment or abatement systems directed
toward closed loop systems having maximum water reuse and by-product
recovery.
Need and Supporting Legislation
Congress and the Executive Branch have placed the primary burden
upon industry to control its pollution. However, the Industrial Pollution
Control Program was established by Congress to assist industry toward
developing and refining the operational treatment technology necessary
to prevent pollution by industry.
Section 105 (C) of PL 92-500/1972 states that in order to carry out
the purposes of Section 301 (effluent limitations) of this act, the
Administrator is authorized to make grants and enter into contracts with
persons for research and demonstration projects for the prevention of
pollution of any waters by industry including, but not limited to, the
prevention, reduction and elimination of the discharge of pollutants.
Major Accomplishments
--Pilot study of sulfuric acid pickle liquor waste treatment by continuous
ion exchange (9/69).
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--A full scale treatment of wastewater - waste oil mixtures from steel
strip cold mills (2/70).
--Demonstration of a full scale treatment facility for the lime treatment
of rinse waters from hydrochloric acid pickling of steel strip (2/71).
--A pilot demonstration of an electromembrane process for regenerating
acid from spent sulfuric acid pickling liquor (3/71).
--A pilot demonstration on the biological removal of carbon and nitrogen
compounds from coke plant waste ammonia liquor (4/73).
--A full scale demonstration for recovery of sulfuric acid and ferrous
sulfate from waste pickle liquor including rinse water (11/73).
--A survey of water pollution control practices in the carbon and alloy
steel industry (2/73).
--A pilot scale demonstration on the treatment and recovery of fluoride
industrial wastes (12/73).
--A pilot scale demonstration on the regeneration of chromated aluminum
deoxizer solutions (12/73).
--Initiated a full scale demonstration on the complete treatment of coke
plant waste ammonia liquor - project to be completed 2/75 (6/71).
— Initiated a full scale demonstration of a closed-loop system for the
regeneration of spent hydrochloric acid pickle liquor (3/73).
Capabilities and Program Implementation Approach
The Heavy Industrial Sources Program provides strong expertise in
chemical and engineering processes where a systems approach must be
taken in connection with environmental matters. Research is implemented
through extramural grant resources with primary emphasis toward closed
loop water systems.
FY-74 Resources by Task Type
Program Area In-House Contract Grants Total
1BB036 Man Years $K % $K % $K % $K
21AZN 2.0 50 14 — -- 300 86 350
Technical Assistance 0.5 12 -- -- -- -- — ]_2_
2.5 $62 14% $300 86% $362 K
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Program Trends
A full scale demonstration of a closed water recirculating system
for an integrated steel mill of intermediate size (resulting in zero
discharge) is possible in the next five to six years. The major bar
to this accomplishment is the lack of sufficient grant funds for a
project of this magnitude.
A pilot scale demonstration of aircraft wastewater recycling is
probable in two years.
A full scale system to eliminate waterborne discharges from a
steel mill-high speed halogen tin line is probable in two years.
Heavy Industrial Sources Branch
Professional Staff
Discipline
M.S.
Ph.D.
Total
Chemistry
1
1
Engineering
1
1
Total
1
1
2
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Gulf Breeze Environmental Research Laboratory
Gulf Breeze/ Florida
Director: Dr. Thomas W. Duke
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Gulf Breeze Environmental Research Laboratory
Director: Dr. Thomas W. Duke
Mission
The Gulf Breeze Environmental Research Laboratory plans and
conducts research on the ecological effects on the marine environment
of biological and synthetic pesticides, other synthetic hazardous
organics and chlorine. Specific responsibilities include the
development of information essential for the registration and
control program in supporting data for the development of water
quality criteria to protect the aquatic life in marine and estuarine
envi ronments.
Need
Research on the ecological effects of toxic pollutants on
marine environment.
Supporting Legislation
Federal Water Pollution Control Act PL 92-500:
--Section 101(a)(2) -- One of the primary objectives of
this Act is to attain "water quality which provides for
the protection and propagation of fish, shellfish and
wi Idli fe "
— Section 104(a)(1) -- "... conduct and promote the
coordination and acceleration of research, investigation,
experiments, training, demonstrations, surveys, and
studies relating to the causes, effects, extent, prevention,
reduction and elimination of pollution.
-- Section 104(e) -- "The Administrator shall establish,
equip and maintain field laboratories and research facilities
... for the conduct of research."
-- Section 104(n)(1) -- "The Administrator shall ...
conduct and promote, and encourage contributions to,
comprehensive studies of the effects of pollution, including
sedimentation in the estuaries and estuarine zones of the
United States on fish and wildlife..."
-- Section 403(c)(b) "... the effect of (ocean) disposal of
pollutants on marine life including the transfer, concentration
and disperssal of their by-products through biological, physical,
and chemical processes; changes in marine ecosystem diversity,
productivity, and stability; and species and community
population changes."
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Marine Protection, Research and Sanctuary Act of 1972. PL 92-532:
-- Section 102(a)(d) -- (Consider) "the effect of (ocean)
dumping on marine ecosystems..."
Federal Environmental Pesticide Control Act of 1972. PL 92-516:
-- Section 20(a) — "The Administrator shall undertake research,
including research by grant or contracts with other Federal
Agencies, University, or others as may be necessary to carry out
the purpose of this Act.
Capabilities and Program Implementation Approach
GBERL has strong expertise in marine toxicology, ecology, physiology
and chemistry of pesticides, and bioassay.
FY-74 Resources by Task Type
C RG IH Total
Number 3 5 34 42
$1000s 200 312
679 1191
% Fund 17 26
57 100
Current Proqram and Resources
Effects of Hazardous Organics
FY-74 Funds
($1000s)
858
Effects of Specific Biotic and Abiotic
Factors on Estuarine Ecosystem
183
Dynamics of an Estuary as a Natural
Ecosystem
150
Total
1191
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Major Accomplishments to Date
-- Determination in 1968 that mirex (a chlorinated hydrocarbon
used as a fire ant bait) was toxic to crabs and extensive bioassays
showed its toxicity to young or adult of many estuarine organisms.
-- Discovery in 1969 of a polychlorinate biphenyl, Arocloi^l254
(PCBs are organic compounds used in industrial processes) in the
biota, sediment and water of estuarine areas near Pensacola,
Fla., and subsequent studies documented the toxicity of this
and other PCBs to marine life.
-- Measurement of acetylcholinesterase activity in the central
nervous system of fishes is used routinely to indicate the extent
of poisoning by organophosphates.
-- Investigated the role of microorganisms in the degradation of
various chemicals in estuarine environments, as well as the
role of these chemicals in the inhibition of microbial growth.
-- Discovered nuclear polyhedrosis virus in Florida pink shrimp
in August, 1972.
-- Two chronic bioassays on all life history stages of the sheeps-
head minnow and two chronic tests on communities developed from
planktonic larvae have been completed in flowing seawater systems.
-- Two scientists presented testimony (Oct., 1973) at the Aldrin/
Dieldrin hearings before EPA's Administrative Law Judge, H. L.
Perlman. Six investigators presented testimony (Jan. and Mar.,
1974) at the Mirex hearings before Judge D. H. Harris in Washington,
D. C.
Program Trends
-- Development of water quality data for use in setting water quality
criteria, particularly in litigation for the Office of Enforcement
and General Counsel.
-- Methodology to determine microbial metabolism of pesticides in
the marine environment.
-- Refine bioassay techniques and broaden the knowledge of inter-
active effects of other pollutants and that of pesticides.
-- Make a thorough assessment of alternate approaches for controlling
pests such as use of synthetic and natural juvenile mimicking hormones
and use of viruses.
-- Development of strong programs on the effect of chlorination of
domestic and industrial sewage on estuarine organisms.
-- Define natural ecosystems for structure or function and predict
the effect of perturbation by pollutants.
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Gulf Breeze Environmental Research Laboratory
Professional Staff
Discipline
B.S.
B.A.
M.S.
Ph.D.
Total
Biological Sciences
9
1
3
6
19
Chemistry
1
1
2
Total
9
1
4
7
21
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National Ecological Research Laboratory
Corvallis, Oregon
Director: Dr. Norman R. Glass
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National Ecological Research Laboratory
Director: Dr. Norman R. Glass
The National Ecological Research Laboratory is responsible for a
wide range of research on the effects of air, water, and terrestrial
pollutants on total ecosystems. It is also EPA1s primary laboratory for
ecological studies in support of secondary air quality standards.
Ecological Effects of Air Pollution
Project Leader: Dr. Lawrence C. Raniere
Mission
The mission of this program is to conduct, coordinate and monitor
air pollution effects research needed to support scientific basis of
national secondary air quality standards and control of other air pollu-
tants. Effects of specific gaseous and particulate air pollutants on
vegetation, animal, soils and whole ecosystems are investigated through:
Ambient field studies and surveys.
Controlled field studies.
Greenhouse screening.
Controlled growth chamber exposures.
Physiological and biochemical analysis.
Need and Supporting Legislation
Section 103(f)(1) of the Clean Air Act states that "The Administrator
shall give special emphasis to research on the short- and long-term
effects of air pollutants on public health and welfare."
Section 103(f)(1)(B) further adds that "He shall conduct an accele-
rated research program - to improve knowledge of the short-and long-term
effects of air pollutants on welfare." "Welfare" is defined explicitly
in the Clean Air Act Title III -- General, under Section 302(h) as
"Including, but is not limited to, effect on soils, water, crops, vege-
tation, manmade materials, animals, wildlife, weather, visibility, and
climate, damage to and deterioration of property and hazards to transport-
ation, as well as effects on economic values and on personal comfort and
well-being."
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A systematic approach to assuring the adequacy of environmental
standards requires assessment of specific and pollutant interaction
effects on single biotic communities, as well as whole ecosystems popu-
lation indices.
Capabilities and Program
Implementation Approach
This program has professional strength in whole systems research,
biological sciences, and ambient (field) ecological studies.
Emphasis is placed upon inhouse activities in field, greenhouse and
laboratory research dealing with parts of and whole bioenvironmental
systems.
FY-75 Resources By ROAP/Task Type
21ALR
in
RG
IA
c
Total
NUMBER
8
5
5
2
20
$1000s
288
212
190
155
845
% Funds
34
25
22
19
100
21 ALU
IH
RG
IA
C
Total
Number
11
4
1
7
23
$1000s
196
200
20
153
569
% Funds
35
35
3
27
100
21ALS
in
RG
IA
C
Total
Number
3
1
1
2
8
$1000s
44
60
30
246
380
% Funds
12
16
8
64
100
21BBK
in
RG
IA
C
Total
Number
7
1
0
0
8
$1000s
101
50
0
0
151
1 Funds
67
33
0
0
100
-23-
-------
P.E. Totals
in
RG
IA
C
Total
Number
29
11
7
11
58
$1000s
629
522
240
554
1945
% Funds
32
26
15
27
100
Major Accomplishments To Date
--Established the significance of air pollution effects on important
agricultural crops (1955-1968).
--Developed data base and documentation on scientific basis for particu-
late matter secondary air quality standards (1/69).
--Developed data base and dcoumentation on scientific basis for sulfur
secondary air quality standards (3/69).
--Developed data base and documentation on scientific basis for hydro-
carbons secondary air quality standards (3/70).
—Developed data base and documentation on scientific basis for photo-
chemical oxidants secondary air quality standards (3/70).
--Developed data base and documentation on scientific basis for carbon
monoxide secondary air quality standards (3/70).
—Developed data base and documentation on scientific basis for nitrogen
oxides secondary air quality standards (1/71).
--Established National Ecological Research Laboratory (1/73).
--Contributed to revision of secondary air quality standard for sulfur
oxides (9/73).
—Published more than 80 scientific papers on air pollution effects.
Program Trends
—Delineation of gaseous air pollutant interaction effects.
--Expansion of work in whole systems impact (soils, plant, animals) of
gaseous and particulate pollutants.
—Improvement of knowledge on biological consequences, fate and transfor-
mation of common gaseous and fine particulate air pollutants.
-24-
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--Quantification of national crop losses attributable to air pollution.
--Development of predictive models for determining long-term impacts of
air pollutants on terrestrial ecosystems.
-25-
-------
National Ecological Research Laboratory
Pesticide Effects on Terrestrial Environments
Project Leader: Dr. Allen S. Lefohn
Mission
The primary mission of this program is establishment of suitable
data gathering protocols and assays to determine the ecological effects
and transport of selected pesticide compounds in simulated plant/animal
ecosystems and models.
Need and Supporting Legislation
Under FIFRA, as amended, the Environmental Protection Agency must
provide testing protocols to the manufacturers of pesticides for the
specific purpose of assessing the ecological impact of these chemicals
on man and his environment.
Capabilities and Program Implementation Approach
This program has experience and profession strength in microcosm
design and operation and in biological sciences.
Emphasis is on the use of laboratory microcosms to simulate trophic
levels in natural ecosystems.
FY-75 Resources By ROAP/Task Type
21BCJ
IH
RG
IA
C
Total
Number
3
10
0
0
13
$1000s
45
80
0
0
125
% Funds
36
64
0
0
100
21BCK
IH
RG
IA
C
Total
Number
3
10
0
0
13
$1000s
35
40
0
0
75
% Funds
45
55
0
0
170
-26-
-------
21BCL
in
RG
IA
C
Total
Number
15
2
0
0
7
$1000s
190
130
0
0
320
% Funds
60
40
0
0
100
Major Accomplishments
To Date
As of March, 1974, the program has designed and tested one microcosm.
Program Trends
--Development of standard simulation systems.
--Testing of a series of representative alternate pesticide compound
types.
--Prediction of bioaccumulation in ecosystem components (soils, animals,
and vegetation).
--Following transport of a stressant through a simulated ecosystem.
--Identification of by-products.
--Idenification of degradation rates.
—Identification of where to look for effect anomalies.
-27-
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National Ecological Research Laboratory
Ecological Effects of Energy Producing Activities
Project Leader: Dr. Allen S. Lefohn
Mission
The primary goal of this program is to provide a scientific basis
for minimizing the bioenvironmental impact associated with energy produ-
cing activities. Initial thrust will focus on the assessment of air
pollution effects of proposed coal fired power plant on: (1) energy
flow; (2) nutrient cycling; (3) species composition and diversity; and
(4) physiologic and behavioral response.
Need and Supporting Legislation
New pending legislation related to national energy production will
require associated safeguards to assure that optimal decisions are made
which take into account crucial environmental impacts. Work accomplished
by NERL will document the bioenvironmental aspects of these decisions.
Capabilities and Program Implementation Approach
This program has professional strength in whole systems research,
biological sciences, and field ecological studies. Emphasis is placed
upon inhouse conduct of field study at a proposed coal-fired power plant
site in eastern Montana.
FY-74 Resources By ROAP/Task Type
21BCI
in
RG
IA
C
Total
Number
7
3
0
1
11
$1000s
250
100
0
50
400
% Funds
63
25
0
12
100
Major Accomplishments To Date
—Design and assemblage of mobile laboratory facility.
--Field site selection.
--Experimental design.
-28-
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Program Trends
--Incorporation and integration of physical sciences and monitoring
input capabilities within EPA.
--Coordination with regional, state and local government and educational/
research institutions.
--Plans for, and selection of, second field study site.
-29-
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National Marine Water Quality Laboratory
Narragansett/ Rhode Island
Director: Dr. Eric D. Schneider
-------
National Marine Water Quality Laboratory
Director: Dr. Eric D. Schneider
Mission
NMWQL is charged with the responsibility for developing legally
defensible and enforceable criteria for protection of marine and
estuarine ecosystems. The mandate is a broad one covering all
classes of pollutants alone and in combinations that might be
introduced into the territorial waters of the United States and
its possessions. This requires:
—Development of reliable and meaningful measures of organism
and community response.
-- Determination of desirable ranges of major environmental
variables.
-- Standardization of bioassay methodology.
-- Measurement of response to pollutants.
-- Application of the above to formulation of criteria and
monitoring methods in response to long-term EPA objectives
and enforcement problems of immediate concern.
Capabilities and Program Implementation Approach
NMWQL has strong expertise in chemistry, biology, oceanography, and
biometrics.
In-house primary programs are strongly supported by closely supervised
extramural effort.
FY-74 Resources by Task Type
C
RG IA IH Total
Number
3
19
26
49
$1000s
330
936 13 1 ,434 2,713
% Funds
11
34
4 51
100
-30-
-------
Current Programs and Resources
FY-74 Funding
C $1OQOs)
Criteria for Heavy Metals
Effect of Oils
362
519
Ecological Requirements
Biological Techniques
Ecological Assessment of Ocean Disposal
1,175
350
307
Total
2,713
Need and Supporting Legislation
The programs of the laboratory are mandated and supported by Section
104 of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act by, and Section 102a
Ocean Dumping Bill PL 92-532.
Major Accomplishments to Date
-- Demonstration of harmful effects of nitrilotriacetic acid in
marine waters (12/70).
-- Publication of methods for assessment of relative toxicity of
oil dispersant materials (8/71).
-- Successful support of several actions to prevent environmental
damage by thermoelectric generating plants such as Turkey Point,
Cedar Bayou and Rome Point (6/71 to 3/74).
-- Report to Congress on effects of waste oils (1/74).
-- Demonstration of the feasibility of control of bioassay
conditions in real time or delayed concert with environmental
variations (8/73).
-- Instituted standard collection techniques and quality control
procedures for experimental organisms (8/72).
-- Determined temperature requirements for Mytilus edulis,
-- Demonstrated previously undocumented damage to biota at
DuPont dump site (3/74).
-- Published temperature and dissolved oxygen criteria for marine
waters and reviewed criteria document (4/74).
Acartia tonsa, Acartia clausi, and Pseudopleuronectes Americanus
(6/73).
-31-
-------
-- Published method for using adenasine triphosphate as an indicator
of stress on plankton populations (2/74).
-- Published report on effects of chlorine on marine plankton
during power plant passage (6/74).
Program Trends
The onset of the energy crisis demands research on ecological
effects of expansion of use of fossil and nuclear fuels. New NMWQL
emphasis in this area will involve all teams.
Increasing pressures for use of the oceans as disposal sites will
call for greatly expanded efforts in documentation of effects and
fate of disposed materials and in validating enforceable monitoring
and siting methods.
Research in support of criteria for various hazardous materials
and effluents will continue unabated, but will probably emphasize
applicable methodology and quality control because of the great number
of materials which are of concern.
As the Agency becomes increasingly aggressive in pursuing its
enforcement mandate, we expect to be called upon more frequently to
testify in support of criteria and to develop data in support of
specific actions.
Expanded demands such as projected above cannot be met by a no-
growth agency. Increasingly effective communication with NOAA and
AEC will be required in order to carry out our mandate. In addition
to intra-NERC cooperation being assured by the "lead lab" approach,
expertise in other NERCs related to chemical methodology and quality
control will have to be available.
Probable Outputs
— Report on short-term effects of water-soluble oil fractions (FY-75).
— Bioassay methods for ocean disposal permit program revised (FY-75).
— Report on biological availability of contaminants in sewage sludge
and dredge spoil (FY-75).
LIBRARY / 'A
National I]:-, " - ---> • .
200 S W 2'oL-i ..re,,
CorvalJis, Oregon S/330
-32-
-------
— Publication of interim methods for assessing in situ effects of spoil
disposal (FY-75).
— Complete contribution to national estuary study (FY-75).
-- Publish report of conference/workshop to reassess ocean disposal
criteria and methods manual (FY-76).
-- Complete evaluation of applicability of short-term bioassay methods
to mixed wastes (FY-76).
National Marine Water Quality Laboratory
Professional Staff
Disci piine
B.S.
B.A.
M.S.
M.A.
Ph.D.
Total
Biological Sciences
6
5
3
7
2
10
33
Chemistry
1
3
4
Health Fields
1
1
Mathematical Sciences
1
1
2
Other
3
1
4
Total
10
6
5
7
2
14
44
-33-
-------
National Water Quality Laboratory
DulutW/ Minnesota
Director: Dr, Donald I. Mount
-------
National Water Quality Laboratory
Director: Dr. Donald I. Mount
Mission
The National Water Quality Laboratory generates water quality
criteria data, through research, to establish water quality standards
for the protection of freshwater uses. These uses include
agricultural, industrial, recreational, public water supply and
freshwater aquatic life.
NWQL also provides technical assistance to Federal and state
agencies for the interpretation and inclusion of these data into
appropriate water quality standards for the protection of water use.
Need and Supporting Legislation
Need for research on the effects of pollutants and environmental
requirements of freshwater fish, other freshwater life and wildlife
are reflected in PL 92-500:
-- "It is the national goal that whenever attainable, an interim
goal of water quality which provides for the protection and
propagation of fish, shellfish, and wildlife and provides for
recreation in and on the water be achieved by July 1 1983"-
(Section 101(a)(2)).
— "It is the national policy that the discharge of toxic
pollutants in toxic amounts be prohibited"; (Section 101(a)(3)).
PL 92-500 states the following responsibilities of the Administrator:
-- ... In the development of such comprehensive programs due
regard shall be given to the improvements which are necessary to
conserve such waters for the protection and propagation of fish
and aquatic life and wildlife, recreational purposes, and the
withdrawal of such waters for public water supply, agricultural,
industrial and other purposes (Section 102(a)).
-34-
-------
-- Establish national programs for the prevention, reduction, and
elimination of pollution (1)... including studies relating
to the causes, effects and extent... of pollution (Section 102(a)(1)).
-- Provide improved methods and procedures to identify and measure
the effects of pollutants (Section 104(d)(2)).
-- Develop...the...scientific knowledge...indicating the kind
and effects...expected from the presence of pesticides in the
water in varying quantities. (Section 104(1)(1)).
-- ...Conduct...studies of the effects and methods of control of
thermal discharges (Section 104(t)).
— Shall publish a proposed effluent standard for such pollutant
or combination of pollutants which shall take into account the
toxicity of the pollutant...(Section 307(a)(2)).
The need for providing research findings and technical assistance to
Federal and state agencies is also outlined in PL 92-500. It states
that the Administrator shall:
-- Collect and disseminate...basic data on chemical, physical,
and biological effects of varying water quality...(Section 104(b)(6)).
— At least once every three years states shall hold public hearings
to review and modify water quality standards (Section 303(c)(1)).
-- Such standards shall be established taking into consideration
their use and value for public water supplies, propagation of fish
and wildlife, recreational, agricultural, industrial and other
purposes...(Section 303 (c)(1)).
-- Shall develop... and from time to thereafter revise criteria for
water quality accurately reflecting the latest scientific
knowledge (Section 304(2)(1)).
-- Shall develop...information on the factors necessary for the
protection and propagation of shellfish, fish, and wildlife for
classes and categories of receiving water...(Section 304(a)(2)(B)).
-35-
-------
FY-74 Resources by Task Type
C RG IA jm Total
Number 5 8 0 51 64
$1000s 255 276 0 2058 2589
% Funds 10 11 0 79 100
Current Programs and Resources
FY-74 Funds
FY-74 MY ($1000)
Effects of synthetic organics 12.4 397.2
Short cut methods for criteria 12.1 366.0
Biological test methods development 3.4 176.2
Bioassay technical support 4.5 290.2
Effects of oil(s) 2.8 88.4
Temperature and dissolved oxygen 10.1 556.0
Air supersaturation effects 6.0 180.0
Effects of heavy metals 9.7 283.0
Tolerance levels of ammonia 0.0 40.0
Complex effluent criteria 6.5 212.0
Technical assistance 5.5 170.5
-36-
-------
Major Accomplishments to Date
-- Developed laboratory procedures and culture techniques for
testing through one generation freshwater fish and other
freshwater organisms including: brook trout, bluegill and
green sunfish, fathead minnows, flagfish, Gammarus, Daphnia,
and midge (Tanytarsus).
-- Developed culture and testing procedures for the different
life stages of several additional aquatic life species.
-- Determined the effects of toxicants on and environmental
requirements of one or more aquatic life species through a
complete life cycle for copper; cadmium; nickel; chromium III
and VI ; mercury (HgCl? and H.CHgCl); lead; zinc; DDT; malathion;
parathion; diazinon; guthion? lindane; captan; sevin; 2, 4-D B;
methoxychlor; PCB 1242, 48, 54, 60; atrazine; toxaphene;
mi rex; treflan; phthalates; pesticide solvents; chlordane; endosulfan;
heptachlor; acrolein; waste oil; flocculants and flotation
reagents; NTA; dissolved gasses including oxygen, air, hydrogen
sulfide, ammonia, sulfur dioxide, chloramines; and temperature.
-- Completed laboratory and field tests showing the extreme toxicity
of chlorinated municipal and industrial effluents. Identified and
measured the toxicity of 25 compounds formed by the chlorination of
wastes.
-- Determined that selected persistent toxicants are bioaccumulated
directly from water at concentrations which have no observable
effect on the organism but result in residues which are toxic
to consumers.
-- Determined the presence and quantities of toxicants at previously
unmeasurable concentrations.
-- Conducted validation tests for laboratory determined criteria
data showing the laboratory one-generation toxicity tests for
copper are valid in a natural stream.
-37-
-------
-- Determined that certain physiological and biochemical
responses recorded during short-term exposures (changes in activity,
respiratory rate, couqh frequency, blood constituents, enzyme
activity levels, etc.) can be correlated with effects observed
during long-term, chronic exposures.
— Developed techniques and apparatus necessary to expose adult
Pacific salmon for long periods to regionally important pollutants,
such as supersaturated water, heavy metals, and high water temperatures.
-- Provided technical support 1n the Reserve Mining case, which
involved many field studies in Lake Superior, laboratory research,
report writing and various aspects of the court activity. NWQL
has contributed 9.1 man-years of effort during the past 18 months.
Ecological damage was shown to result from this single discharge
into Lake Superior and a serious public health menace (asbestos)
uncovered.
-- At the request of Region V (Chicago), NWQL completed a
comprehensive review of the literature on chlorine toxicity and
developed criteria for intermittent and continuous discharge of
chlorinated effluents. These criteria are used in the design and
operation of antifouling systems for many of the new power generating
systems. These recommendations have also resulted in the
establishment of the Disinfection Policy Task Force to develop
short- and long-term EPA policy.
-- NWQL has been assigned important responsibilities in recent
EPA functions:
1. The review of the freshwater section of the proposed USEPA
Criteria for Water Quality, and
2. The direct participation in court hearings on the
effluent standards for toxic substances.
3. The preparation of criteria documents.
-- NWQL reviewed and summarized the very cumbersome temperature
criteria put together by the National Academy of Science (Blue Book)
committee in order to recommend requirements for many species of
fish and other freshwater life. These criteria have been
incorporated into the USEPA proposed water quality criteria document.
-38-
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Program Trends
-- Development of additional test methods for the rapid evaluation
of toxicant effects on economically important freshwater fish.
-- Development of testing of toxicants to more closely simulate
environmental exposures and stresses. This includes mixtures of toxicants,
pulsating concentrations, avoidance, effluents, and combinations of
adverse environmental requirements with pollutants.
-- Increased emphasis on bioaccumulation of toxic persistent compounds
by freshwater aquatic life and the effects on final consumers.
-- Striving for field verification of criteria data through establishment
of data bank where valid water quality monitoring data may be compared
with natural population data, and through studies utilizing limited
ecosystem field sites.
-- Predictive modeling of toxicity and bioaccumulation in order that
fewer tests may be performed in order to characterize chemical compounds.
-- Increased emphasis on economically important fish, particularly
salmon, to further investigate the effects and extent of heavy metal,
air supersaturation and temperature pollution.
-- The development of biological criteria for receiving waters, mixing
zones, and effluents will require more attention not only in generating
these criteria but in the necessary support of them.
-- Many state and Federal agencies are developing the capability of
conducting various types of bioassay testing under laboratory, industrial,
and mobile trailer conditions. Requests for assistance and training
are becoming more frequent and will require preparation of manuals and
probably increased training program participation.
-- With the adoption of standards, court challenges have increased
dramatically. Technical assistance to EPA attorneys will determine
whether or not these standards are upheld. Renumeration for providing
this technical assistance must be provided to the laboratory since
the scientists who are actually involved in research are now being
assigned to these non-research activities.
-39-
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National Water Quality Laboratory
Professional Staff
Discipline
B.S.
M.S.
Ph.D.
Total
Biological Sciences
20
15
11
46
Chemistry
7
1
5
13
Engineering
2
2
Mathematical Sciences
1
1
Other
1
1
Total
29
17
17
63
-40-
-------
Pacific Northwest Environmental Research Laboratory
CorvalliS/ Oregon
Director: Dr. Norbert A. Jaworski
-------
Pacific Northwest Environmental Research Laboratory
Director: Dr. Norbert A. Jaworski
The Pacific Northwest Environmental Research Laboratory is a multi-
purpose facility responsible for research in five major areas:
—Coastal Pollution
--Eutrophication and Lake Restoration
--Eutrophication Survey
--Thermal Pollution
--Industrial Wastes
PNERL also has a centralized Laboratory Services Branch which
provides analytical and computer services to the laboratory's other
research programs.
Industrial Wastes Branch
Chief: James R. Boydston
Mission
The Industrial Wastes Branch of the Pacific Northwest Environmental
Research Laboratory has the responsibility for directing and implementing
all field, laboratory, and extramural research activities of Program
Element 1BB037 (Food, Paper, and Other Industrial Sources).
The Branch is organizationally allied with the Industrial Pollution
Control Division, Office of Environmental Engineering, Office of Research
and Development.
The major goal of this program is the development and demonstration
of new or improved methods for the treatment and/or abatement of water
pollution and other environmental stresses caused by discharge of waste
from a variety of "soft" industrial sources.
These sources include, but are not limited to, paper and allied
products, food and kindred products, stone, clay, and glass products,
wood products, and other miscellaneous industrial sources. The ultimate
in waste control will be complete recycle and reuse at minimum cost of
nonconsumptive water used in industrial processes.
In the immediate past, the Branch has been primarily concerned with
the development and demonstration of secondary treatment processes.
This technology has now been advanced to the state where present research
efforts are concentrated on the development of tertiary treatment processes
to permit waste recycling and the development of process modifications
-41-
-------
to reduce or eliminate waste discharges and to develop useful by-
products.
The Branch also provides technical assistance relating to the
effect of industrial waste on water quality and industrial pollution
abatement through advice for in-plant control and/or treatment of indus-
trial effluents to other research programs and regulatory sections of
EPA, to other Federal agencies, state and municipal governments, and to
private firms and industries.
A special effort by program personnel is technical assistance in
the development of effluent guidelines as part of the Refuse Act Permit
Program.
Need and Supporting Legislation
The need for research activities by the Industrial Wastes Branch is
outlined in the Federal Water Pollution Control Act as amended (PL 92-
500):
Sec 101(a): It is the national goal that the discharge of
pollutants into the navigable waters be
eliminated by 1985.
Sec 301(b): ...There shall be achieved...by July 1, 1977...
application of the best practicable control
technology currently available.
Sec 105(c): The Administrator is authorized to...make grants
and enter into contracts with persons for research
and demonstration projects for prevention of
pollution of any waters by industry.
-42-
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FY-74 Budget
Food, Paper, and Other Industrial Sources
ROAP
Ti tl e
In-House
-$-
Extramural
-$-
Total
-$-
Man
Years
AZX
Pulping Processes
74.0
628.0
702.0
2.5
AZY
Paper & Paperboard
31.0
44.0
75.0
1.0
AZZ
Lumber & Wood Prod.
43.0
45.0
88.0
1.5
BAA
Meat Processing
69.0
99.0
168.0
1.5
BAB
Fruits & Veg. Proc.
72.0
368.0
440.0
2.0
BAC
Grain & Beverages
34.0
91.0
125.0
1.0
BAD
Dairy, Seafood, Misc
;. 47.0
310.0
357.0
1.5
AXL
Tech. Assistance
100.0
0.0
100.0
4.0
AAG
Tech. Transfer
24.0
0.0
24.0
1.0
BAE
Misc. Industries
42.0
0.0
42.0
0.6
BAF
Joint Munic./Ind.
36.0
0.0
36.0
0.6
$572.0
$1585.0
$2157.0
$17.2
NOTE: The program is totally extramural. Research and demonstration
grants are used exclusively to develop technology to meet
program objectives. In-house funds listed are solely for the
support of program staff engaged in grants monitoring and
technical assistance.
-43-
-------
$K
20
308
300
34
10
45
49
50
70
80
88
40
60
30
91
123
168
19
Approved Extramural Tasks for FY-74
Tasks
Estimating water quality requirements for pulping processes.
Demonstrate closed loop kraft process.
Demonstrate complete sulfite pulping recycle.
Research - removal of dyes from paper wastes.
Estimating water quality requirements for paper manu-
facturing.
Developing treatment systems for wood preserving wastes.
Inplant reduction of wastes from meat packing processes.
Paunch waste recovery or utilization in meat packing plants.
Develop by-products from vegetable processing solid wastes.
Demonstrate low waste generation blanching - white potatoes.
Demonstrate low liquid waste blanching - vegetables.
Demonstrate low water cleaning process - leafy green
vegetables.
Demonstrate low water cleaning processes - root crops.
Develop unit process water quality requirements - beet
sugar.
Demonstrate treatment and reuse - wine production.
Demonstrate dissolved air flotation - seafood processing
wastes.
Demonstrate enzymatic column conversion - cheese whey.
State of art study on miscellaneous foods.
-44-
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Major Accomplishments (Food Processing)
State of the Art Reports on:
Potato Processing 10/69
Sugarbeet Processing 7/71
Seafood Processing 4/70
Fruit & Vegetable Processing 8/71
Dairy Wastes 3/71
--Activated Sludge - Fruit Processing (Snokist) 10/69
--Activated Sludge - Potato Processing (R. T. French) 12/70
— "Dry Caustic" Peeling of Tree Fruit (Pilot Plant) 12/70
—"Dry Caustic" Peeling of Potato (Full-Scale) 4/74
—"Dry Caustic" Peeling of Peaches (Full-Scale) 5/74
--U. F. & R. 0. on Cheese Whey (Pilot Plant) 7/71
(Full-Scale) 4/74
--Fermentation (Fungal) of Cheese Whey (Pilot Plant) 5/74
(Animal Feed)
--Food Symposia FY-70
—"Waterless" Vegetable Blanching (Pilot Plant) NCA 3/74
University of Wisconsin
Major Accomplishments (Paper and Forest Industries)
--Reverse Osmosis Processing of Dilute Pulp & Paper 2/72
—Pulp and Paper Mill Sludge Utilization and Disposal 5/73
--A Color Removal and Fibrous Sludge Disposal Process 9/73
for the Kraft Paper Industry
--State of the Art Review of Pulp and Paper Industry 4/73
—Ultrafiltration Processes for Color Removal from 11/73
Kraft Mill Effluents
--Influence of Log Rafting on Water Quality 2/73
-45-
-------
--Joint Treatment of Municipal Sewage and Pulp Mill 7/70
Effluent
Program Trends (Food Processing)
--Demonstrate Best Available Treatment (BAT) - Meat Packing.
--Demonstrate BAT - Fruit & Vegetable Processing.
--Demonstrate Zero Discharge - Cane Sugar Processing.
--Demonstrate BAT - Grain Milling.
--Demonstrate BAT - Beverage Industry.
--Demonstrate Best Practicable Treatment (BPT) - Seafood Processing.
--Demonstrate BAT - Dairy Products.
Program Trends (Paper and Forest Industries)
--Demonstrate BAT - Sulfite Pulping.
--Demonstrate BAT - Kraft Pulping.
--Demonstrate BAT - Neutral Sulfite - Semi-Chemical Pulping.
--Demonstrate - Paper & Paperboard
—Demonstrate BPT - Wood Products.
Much of the required waste strength reduction will be accomplished
by changes in unit processes rather than effluent treatment. No major
technical difficulties are expected in achieving BAT, but the accomplish-
ment of closed cycle processing will require a greatly expanded research
effort.
The technology required keeps changing as new processes are developed,
new products marketed, and the value of by-products recovered changes.
Most present funding is in the area of technology refinement and demon-
stration. More basic research needs to be supported to develop the
required new technology.
Funding levels will have to be significantly increased if the
legislated deadlines are to be met. Coordination with municipal and
industrial programs at NERC-Cincinnati is highly desirable.
-46-
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Industrial Wastes Branch
Professional Staff
Discipline
B.S.
M.S.
Ph.D.
Total
Biological Sciences
1
1
2
Engineering
1
10
1
12
Total
2
10
2
14
-47-
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Pacific Northwest Environmental Research Laboratory
Coastal Pollution Branch
Chief: Dr. Donald Baumgartner
Mission
Research on the behavior and effects of pollutants in the marine
environment is the primary mission of PNERL's Coastal Pollution Branch.
Major research areas are related to:
--Effluent criteria for ocean outfalls.
--Marine water quality effects caused by ocean outfall discharges
nonpoint sources.
--Assessment of ecosystem alterations caused by pollutants.
--Predictive techniques and models for pollutant dynamics and
resulting ecosystem alterations.
--Water pollution problems especially related to marine coastal
areas of the Pacific and Arctic Oceans.
Need and Supporting Legislation
--Public Law 92-500, the "Federal Water Pollution Control Act
Amendments of 1972."
--Public Law 92-532, the "Marine Protection Research and Sanctuaries
Act of 1972."
FY-74 Resources
Technical Assistance
In-House (K) Contracts (K) Extramural (K)
$110
ROAP 21AIS
328
$357
ROAP 21AIS-A
20
$130
ROAP 21 AIT
75
140
TOTALS
% of Totals
$533(K)
46%
$130
11%
43%
-48-
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Primary Program Thrust for FY-74
--The development and establishment of scientific criteria for ocean
dumping and discharge of waste effluents through ocean outfalls. These
criteria are those necessary to preclude detectable detrimental impact
on the marine biota and on any of man's use of the marine resource.
--The development of monitoring concepts for ocean dumping and outfall
discharges to coastal waters to insure compliance with the established
criteria and regulations. Primary attention is directed to development
of quantitative methods for assessing alteration to benthic communities.
--The development and testing of predictive models and mechanisms which
quantitatively describe the physical, chemical, and ecological interac-
tions between polluting substances and environmental factors of marine
ecosystems.
These models and mechanisms will describe and predict the polluting
source, the routes and rates of movement, storage points, rates of
accumulation, transformations and transformation rates, as well as
climatologically- and geographically-affected ecological interactions.
Polluting substances include organic compounds, inorganic species such
as heavy metals, and pathogenic organisms.
Polluting sources include: (1) municipal and industrial wastes;
(2) dredge spoils and other solids; (3) atmospheric gasses, aerosols,
and particles; (4) accidental spills; and (5) terrestrial drainage.
Major Accomplishments
Demonstration of the widespread distribution of taconite tailings
in Lake Superior as a result of Reserve Mining Company discharge.
Reports prepared as testimony in the Federal court case.
Application of the techniques developed in the taconite study
(above) to the analysis of trace elements in tar balls, a persistent
residue from petroleum pollution of the sea to demonstrate the possibil-
ities of this technique to subsequent ecological research and monitoring
activities; NAA was also applied to nanogram levels of molybdenum in
lake waters (10/73).
Development of a procedure for following kraft mill effluents in
marine waters based on fluorescence procedures (7/71).
Development of an aerial technique for the analysis of outfall
discharges.
-49-
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Preparation of sections of the EPA Ocean Dumping Analytical Methods
Manual. Sections prepared wholly or in part by this Program include:
a. Chemical methods.
b. Bioassay procedures.
c. Particle size analyses.
d. Marine macrobenthos; methods for sampling and analysis.
e. Sampling methods for trace metal-trace organics analyses
of marine waters and sediments.
Development of a computer model to predict dilution and height of
rise of buoyant wastes discharged to quiescent marine waters (9/71).
Development of a mathematical simulation model for predicting the
physical fate of barged liquid and particulate wastes (10/73).
Development of a two-layer coastal circulation model for the New
York Bight Area, including coverage of both inner and outer harbor
areas.
Partial completion of baseline study at proposed experimental
sludge dumping site in the New York Bight. Progress reports cover the
development of analytical methodology, an assessment of chemical parameters
of source material and deposition site sediments, and the quantitative
characterization of the biota of the site which represent a "healthy"
benthic community and a good indicator for monitoring and assessing the
effect of dumping. Physical data, i.e., currents, salinity, temperature,
etc., will be covered in subsequent reports.
Development of highly sensitive procedures, based on neutron activa-
tion analysis, to analyze trace materials in marine sediments resulting
from discharge of sewage sludge. A report has been prepared (10/73).
Program Trends
Program objectives change slightly in FY-75, with an increased
emphasis on pipeline discharges and marine phytoplankton dynamics. New
work will be initiated to determine the best use of bio-mathematical
indices of community structure and population dynamics as criteria for
determining the "health" of marine ecosystems.
Coastal circulation mathematical models will be refined and applied
to new geographical areas such as the east coast of Florida, the Los
Angeles Bight, and Valdez, Alaska. Where possible, the model's capability
to simulate sedimentation and biochemical interactions will be advanced.
-50-
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The barged discharge simulation model will be evaluated 1n the
field for three types of wastes--sewage sludge, dredge spoils, and
liquid industrial wastes. The latter two field evaluations will be
joint interagency effects with Corps of Engineers and NOAA groups.
Criteria related work will include a continued effort to determine
the chemical behavior of sludge, biotic uptake rates of heavy metals and
other trace compounds; ionic and organic Interactions; general behavior
of heavy metals in coastal ecosystems; and the movement and accumulation
of chlorinated hydrocarbons with ecological significance in Puget Sound
and in the Los Angeles and New York Bights. The objectives and approach
defined and outlined in FY-75 ROAP's include specific pollutants that
could not be supported in past years.
A good start on describing the dynamics of fjords - circulation and
flushing times - will have been made. This work is presently being
performed with Puget Sound as the verification base, but the results
will be applicable to Alaskan and New England fjords as well. Concurrently,
the dynamics of ecosystems are being investigated with a view as to what
factors control or initiate plankton blooms.
Coastal Pollution Branch
Professional Staff
Discipline
B.S.
B.A.
M.S.
Ph.D.
Total
Biological Sciences
1
1
1
3
Chemistry
1
2
3
Engineering
4
1
5
Mathematical Sciences
1
1
Physical Sciences
3
3
Total
5
1
5
"4
15
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Pacific Northwest Environmental Research Laboratory
Eutrophication Survey Branch
Chief: Dr. Jack H. Gakstatter
Mission
When the Survey was established in late 1971, the mission was to
determine the location, severity and extent of eutrophication in the
nation's lakes and impoundments which act as receiving waters for waste
water treatment plant effluents and to assist states and municipalities
in implementing effective controls for phosphate-induced eutrophication
where such controls have not already been instituted.
However, the passage of the 1972 Federal Water Pollution Control
Act Amendments during October 1972 dramatically altered the complexion
of the Survey's critical premises.
Of greatest importance, states were given the responsibility under
Sec. 106 reports, Sec. 303(e) basin plans, and Sec. 314(a) lake restoration
to classify lakes, identify eutrophic lakes, define the causes and
nature of lake pollution and develop procedures for eutrophication
control.
This newly designated state responsibility usurped the singular
responsibility of the Survey and its related program to perform these
functions.
For this reason, the goals and objectives of the Survey were rewrit-
ten during December, 1972, to be directly supportive of the newly amended
Water Bill.
The objective of the Survey then became development of knowledge on
nutrient sources, concentration, and threat to selected fresh-water
lakes as a basis for recommendations leading to comprehensive national,
regional and state management practices relating to nutrient controls
from point and non-point sources.
Needs and Supporting Legislation
Supporting legislation for the program is primarily Sec. 104(a)(3)
"conduct in cooperation with State Water Pollution Control Agencies and
other interested agencies, organizations and persons, public investi-
gations concerning the pollution of any navigable waters, and report on
the results of such investigations."
-52-
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Syrvev data will be useful 1n satisfying needs of State Water
Pollution Agencies and EPA in-several areas specifically designated in
the Water Bill; Sec. 106 reports, Sec. 202(3) basin plans, Sec. 208 non-
point source control plans, Sec. 303(c)(e) basin plans and water quality
standards revisions, Sec. 305(b) non-point source assessment, and Sec.
314(a) lake classification.
Financial Resources
ROAP# In-House (K) Interagency Agreement (K) Other
25AJX $529 450 0
(Nutrient
Loading)
25AKM 107 62 0
(Limiting
Nutrient)
25ALP 41 0 0
(Land Use)
25ALD " 1,000 0 0
(Lake Survey
NERC-Las
Vegas)
Totals $1,677 K {77%) 512 K (23%)
Primary Program Thrust in FY-74
Data evaluation—A large portion of the program effort will be
devoted to analyzing and evaluating data collected from 220 lakes and
associated watersheds sampled during 1972-73 in ten states east of the
Mississippi River.
Sample analysis—Significant effort will be devoted towards analy-
zing stream, sewage plant effluent and lake samples generated by on-
going sampling programs in the eastern portion of the United States.
Initiating new sampling programs--NERC-Las Vegas will initiate lake
sampling in ten states between the Mississippi River and the Rocky
Mountains. PNERL will initiate stream and sewage treatment plant
sampling in all 21 states (except Hawaii and Alaska) during FY-1974 and
early FY-1975.
Program responsibilities are divided between NERC-Corvallis (PNERL)
and NERC-Las Vegas.
-53-
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Major Accomplishments
--Lake sampling initiated by NERC-Las Vegas in New York State (May, 1972).
--Stream sampling by the National Guard initiated in Vermont by PNERL
(July, 1972).
--National Guard stream sampling programs initiated in all 27 states
east of the Mississippi River (July, 1973).
--Algal assay analysis completed for 202 lakes sampled in 1972 (September,
1973).
--Lake sampling program completed by NERC-LV in all 27 states east of
the Mississippi River (November, 1973).
--Analysis completed for 29,000 lake samples and 25,000 stream and
sewage plant effluent samples from sampling program in eastern United
States (January, 1974).
—Preliminary reports completed for 36 lakes and their associated water-
sheds (January, 1974).
Program Trends (Projected Accomplishments)
Completion of approximately 650 individual reports on lakes and
reservoirs throughout the contiguous United States. Each report addresses
itself to trophic states, nutrient loadings, limiting nutrient and
vulnerability to eutrophication.
Completion of 18 regional reports which are overviews of all indivi-
dual reports within geographical areas with similar characteristics.
Each report will address itself to common characteristics of trophic
condition, non-point source nutrients, land use, limiting nutrients and
vulnerability to eutrophication within a specific area.
Development of nutrient runoff factors which can be applied to
various land use types and which take into consideration soil type,
climate, slope, etc. The factors would be used to predict non-point
source nutrient contributions.
Development of regional water quality criteria (loadings or concen-
trations) for nutrients based upon data accumulated by the Survey.
Development or substantiation of the relationship between nutrient
loadings, nutrient concentration, lake morphometry and lake trophic
conditions.
-54-
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The existing program depends upon continued cooperative efforts
between NERC-Corvallis, NERC-Las Vegas and Headquarters staff, each of
which plays a specific role in accomplishing overall program objectives.
Eutrophication Survey Branch
Professional Staff
Discipline
B.S.
M.S.
Ph.D.
Total
Biological Sciences
7
4
2
13
Chemistry
7
1
8
Engineering
1
1
2
Mathematical Sciences
2
2
Physical Sciences
2
2
Total
19
6
2
27
-55-
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Pacific Northwest Environmental Research Laboratory
Thermal Pollution Branch
Chief: Frank H. Rainwater
Thermal Pollution Technology
Mission
The mission of PNERL's Thermal Pollution Technology Program is
development of viable pollution control technology for the electric
power industry to provide (industry wide) a basis for establishing,
improving and implementing required effluent standards. The approach
involves water recycle/reuse and terminal waste stream treatment.
Need and Supporting Legislation
Section 301 requires that the Administrator promulgate effluent
limitation for point sources, other than publicly owned treatment works.
Section 306 requires that the Administrator promulgate Federal
standards of performance for new sources, requiring best available
demonstrated control technology, processes, operating methods, or other
alternatives.
Section 316(c) stipulates that the thermal specifications of a
discharge permit are valid for ten years.
FY-74 Resources
IH (K)
Technical Assistance $40
ROAP 21AZU 93
ROAP 58AAK 10
3ltl~(K)
Primary Program Thrust for FY-74
Meet immediate demands of PL 92-500, external to primary PE mission,
in respect to (a) engineering and economic feasibility of backfitting
various cooling devices to existing power plants and (b) engineering and
economic assessment of once-through discharge modification for adverse
impact control.
CW (K) EM (K) DP (K)
94 64 109
-56-
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Develop advanced methodology for blowdown reduction and/or quality
control, including, potentials for recycle/reuse.
Characterize SO scrubber water effluents and investigate potential
handling and treatment.
Major Accomplishments To Date
--Determined and/or demonstrated engineering feasibility and associated
economic, energy, land water resource penalties of a variety of alterna-
tives to once-through cooling (1971).
--Explored long range potentials of advanced power generating systems,
including thermoelectric generators, gas turbines for central stations
and submerged nuclear plant (June, 1971).
--Demonstrated agricultural use of waste heat including frost protection,
row and spray irrigation, subsoil heating and greenhouse horticulture
(August, 1973).
--Developed and demonstrated low-level drift measurement instrumentation
(October, 1971).
--Provided substantial support to the Agency in formulating decisions
and policy regarding control of pollutants in power industry. Exemplified
through review of 90 + EIS, and assistance to Permits Branch and Effluent
Guidelines Division.
--Characterized liquid waste streams in electric power generation and
started development of effluent quality control and recycle/reuse
systems. Continuing.
--Surveyed the water related implications of geothermal steam development
and coal gasification.
Program Trends
The major trend is downward, with FY-75 positions reduced from five
to three, and extramural commitments limited to one possible demon-
stration. Trends include:
--Demonstrate engineering and economic feasibility of dry cooling towers
for relatively small electric generating plants.
--Assess potential water recycle/reuse systems in power generation,
hopefully leading to demonstration. Continue cooperation with RTP or
stack gas technology.
-57-
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—Have in hand selected examples of proven technology for recycle/reuse.
--Initiate research for elimination of discharge of pollutants from the
Water Supply Industry — a new ROAP for FY-75 in PE 1BB036. Extramural
funding from Joint Municipal/Industrial program at RSKERL.
--Energy needs and effort still uncertain.
Thermal Pollution Technology
Professional Staff
Discipline
B.S.
M.S.
M.A.
Total
Engineering
2
1
3
Other
%
Total
2
1
H.
3h
-58-
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Thermal Pollution Research
Mission
The mission of PNERL's Thermal Pollution Research Program is to
provide the scientific-engineering-economic base for control of thermal
pollution.
Need and Supporting Legislation
Section 104(t) directs the Administrator to "...conduct continuing
comprehensive studies of the effects and methods of control of thermal
discharges...available technology, economic feasibility...total impact
on environment considering...water quality, air quality, land use, and
effective utilization and conservation of freshwater and other natural
resources...minimizing adverse effects and maximizing beneficial effects..."
Section 303D requires a determination of max daily thermal load for
waters for which compliance with effluent standards will not meet water
quality standards. This necessitates improvements in sophistication of
heat budget treatment.
Section 316(a) provides for case-by-case exemption to effluent
standards for heat if it can be demonstrated that such standards are
more stringent than necessary to protect biota. This requires hydraulic
and heat budget modeling.
Section 316(b) requires that location, design, construction, and
capacity of cooling water intake structures reflect best technology
available for minimizing environmental impact.
FY-74 Resources
IH (K)
Technical Assistance $27
ROAP 21AJH 106
$133 (K)
Primary Program Thrust FY-74
FY-74 is a year of wrap-up and new starts. Primary program thrust
include:
--Complete analytical-lab development of fluid dynamic models for predic-
ting thermal plume behavior, culminating in reports (1) Workbook on
Thermal Plume Prediction, Volume II, Surface Discharges (IH), and (2)
EM (K) CW (K)
65 35
-59-
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Critical Analysis of Temperature Prediction Models for Large Hydrologic
Systems (Grant).
--Start evaluation and perfection of cooling tower vapor plume models,
with emphasis on field verification. Involves in-house project at Turkey
Point, Florida, and grant to U. of Colorado.
--Satisfy Section 303D need through contract to improve statistical
reliability of stream temperature prediction.
--Start fluid dynamic research on cooling water intake design and oper-
ation for Section 316(a).
Major Accomplishments
--Provided scientific and engineering expertise in waste heat management
to regulatory arms of EPA and state environmental agencies needed in
support of adversary proceedings and promulgation of water quality and
effluent standards. Continuing.
--Developed and perfected predictive models for thermal behavior in
freshwater and marine environment. Submerged discharges July, 1972;
surface discharges March, 1974.
--Assessed the potentials for beneficial uses of waste heat (September,
1970) and (under PE 1BB392) demonstrated agricultural uses including
frost protection, row and spray irrigation, subsoil heating, and green-
house horticulture (August, 1973).
--Developed guidelines for biological surveys at proposed heat discharge
sites (April, 1970).
Program Trends
--Quantify secondary environmental effects of cooling systems (continue
coordination with RTP on meteorology and NERL on drift).
--Report(s) on water use alternatives in coal conversion facilities
(continue coordination with Region VIII, NGPRP).
--Develop design and operating criteria for large scale (cooling) water
intake structures (coordinate with NWQL).
--Field verify predictive plume models and assess water quality impacts
of alternative large scale heat control systems (Section 316(a) data).
--Impact ecological modeling in math, statistics, and fluid dynamics
(NWQL & NMWQL)
-60-
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--Support Toxic and Hazardous Materials program and 0E6C in litigation
involving water quality and effluent criteria.
--Periodic submission of reports to the Congress required by Section
104(t).
—Energy needs and effort still uncertain.
Thermal Pollution Research
Professional Staff
Discipline
M.S.
M.A.
Ph.D.
Total
Engineering
3
3
Physical Sciences
h
h
Other
%
h
Total
h
%
3
4
-61-
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Pacific Northwest Environmental Research Laboratory
Eutrophication and Lake Restoration Branch
Chief: Thomas E. Maloney
Mission
The Eutrophication and Lake Restoration Branch is responsible for
the development, direction, coordination and review of research and
development programs on a National scale to provide for the control of
accelerated eutrophication and methodology for lake restoration. Its
primary objectives are to:
--Develop an understanding of the eutrophication process.
--Develop methods for monitoring eutrophication conditions and for
predicting the impact of nutrient sources on eutrophication.
--Develop technology to control and reverse eutrophication processes.
--Establish the practicability of using this technology through pilot
and demonstration scale application.
The Branch also provides consultation and technical assistance to
other research programs and regulatory sections of EPA; other Federal
agencies; state and municipal governments; and to universities, private
firms, and industries.
Supporting Legislation
The supporting legislation for the intra-extramural research are
Sections 104(a); 106, Appendix A; and 314(a) of the Federal Water Pollu-
tion Control Act Amendments of 1972 (PL 92-500).
Resources
A. ROAP 21AIY - The determination of Lake Restoration Procedures:
Allowance Cat.
Funding (K)
% of Total
PMY
AA-3
$572
53
--
EA-3
461
43
—
CA-3
15
1
—
FA-3
35
3
—
Totals
$1083K
100
16.0
-62-
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Implementation
ERLB will evaluate effectiveness of various manipulations as lake
restoration procedures. These include research and demonstrations on
point source nutrient removal, nutrient diversion, nutrient inactivation
aeration and weed harvest.
B. ROAP 21AJA - Predictive Models for the Eutrophication Process:
Allowance Cat. Funding (K) % of Total PMY
AA-3 $99 92
CA-3 5 4
EA-3 4 4
Totals $108 (K) 100 0.3
Implementation
Emphasis has been placed upon development of an adequate, readily
accessible data file for Shagawa Lake and upon development of mathematical
models to simulate biological (particularly algal) activity in the lake
and to simulate recovery of the lake.
C. ROAP 21AJE - Development of Techniques to Measure Nutrients
from Diffuse Sources:
Allowance Cat. Funding (K) % of Total PMY
AA-3 $52 60
EA-3 35 40
Totals $87 (K) 100 1.0
Implementation
Emphasis is on the development of laboratory and/or field methods
for quantitatively describing the nutrient contribution from diffuse
sources.
D. ROAP 21AJF - Development of Methods for Assessing and Categor-
izing the Potential Eutrophication of Natural Waters.
-63-
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Allowance Cat.
Funding (K) % of Total
PMY
AA-3
$189
66
EA-3
97
34
Totals
$286
100
6.3
Implementation
Emphasis is on the development, evaluation and promulgation of
laboratory and field techniques for measuring, predicting and categori-
zing the response of aquatic ecosystems to specific additions or reductions
of nutrients.
Major Accomplishments
--Developed provisional algal assay procedure (2/69).
--Conducted eutrophication - biostimulation assessment workshop (6/69).
--Conducted workshop on modeling the eutrophication process (10/69).
--Evaluated impact of nitrilotriacetic acid (NTA) on the eutrophication
process (10/70).
--Completed evaluation of phosphorus removal pilot plant at Ely, Minnesota
--Established significance of phosphorus in the eutrophication process
—Evaluated aeration as a lake restoration procedure (5/71).
--Developed cooperative project with U.S. Forest Service to restore
Diamond Lake, Oregon (5/71).
--Completed design of advanced waste treatment plant at Ely, Minnesota
--Completed standardization of algal assay procedure for studying eutro-
phication problems (8/71).
--Completed evaluation of induced soil percolation to remove nutrients
from wastewater (5/72).
--Completed evaluation of weed harvesting as a lake restoration technique
(12/72).
(10/70).
(2/71).
(6/71).
-64-
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--Completed evaluation of potential effects of campground wastes on
ultra-oligotrophic Waldo Lake, Oregon (2/73).
--Prepared report to Administration, Region X, on the predicted effect
of elimination of smelter wastes upon the growth of algae 1n the Spokane
River Basin (2/73).
--Reviewed revised phosphorus control goals and criteria for Region V
(3/73).
--Full-scale advanced waste treatment plant at Ely, Minnesota became'
operational (4/73).
--Completed preliminary mathematical model for Shagawa Lake, Minnesota
(8/73).
--Conducted workshop on modeling the eutrophication process (9/73).
--Completed reduction of limnological data on Shagawa Lake, Minnesota,
prior to point source phosphorus removal (12/73).
Program Trends
In the next two to five years, the following will probably be
accomplished:
--Evaluation of the effects of the advanced waste treatment (phosphorus
removal) plant at Ely, Minnesota, upon the recovery of Shagawa Lake will
be completed.
--A final report summarizing the state-of-the-art of all lake restoration
methods will be published.
--Evaluation of alum, a nutrient inactivant, to restore Twin Lakes,
Ohio, will be completed.
--Evaluation of nutrient diversion as a method to restore Lake Sal lie,
Minnesota, will be completed.
--The present mathematical model for Shagawa Lake will be expanded and
revised and the results applied to other lake systems.
--The capability for prediction of time course for the restoration of
lakes will be refined.
--Sediment - water nutrient interchange models will be developed.
--Testing and evaluation of model development aimed at an increased
understanding of lake metabolism and the effects of manipulation will be
continued.
-65-
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--A final report on the laboratory evaluation of nutrient inactivation
will be completed.
--Reports on the field testing of several of the most promising nutrient
inactivants will be completed. These will include the effectiveness and
practicability of specific inactivants as well as methodology for opera-
tional use.
--Management alternatives for eutrophic ecosystems where nutrients
cannot be controlled will be developed.
--The effect of nutrient interception and diversion on Diamond Lake,
Oregon will be evaluated.
--It will be demonstrated how algal assays can be used to aid enactment
of realistic critical nutrient criteria in river systems.
--Interaction of industrial, agricultural and domestic waste effluents
upon the growth of plankton algae in a multiple use river system will be
evaluated.
--Development and laboratory and field evaluation of a marine assay
procedure to study eutrophication problems will be completed.
--The practical utilization of the algal assay procedure in predicting
the enrichment or inhibitory characteristics of wastewater from non-
point sources will be evaluated.
There are certain technical bars to the accomplishment of some of
the above. In general, for example, mathematical models require (1)
formulation of relationships between compartments or elements and (2)
estimation of the magnitude of forcing functions and values of coeffi-
cients .
The more complex the model, the greater the number of relationships
and coefficients necessary. There have always been technical barriers
to obtaining the necessary data for complete validation of the relation-
ships and coefficients.
The projection of funds on the FY-75 EROS's do not allocate resources
for extramural support of ROAP 21AJA, which is concerned with modeling.
This will cause delay in the development of mathematical models.
Development of management alternatives for eutrophic ecosystems
when nutrients cannot be controlled will not be carried out unless ROAP
21AIZ is approved.
-66-
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A major problem exists in developing full-scale restoration programs.
While we are able to develop and evaluate lake restoration techniques
through the laboratory and pilot-sale level, resources are not available
to carry out full-scale demonstrations.
Section 314(a) of PL 92-500 provides funds to States for lake
restoration. It is unlikely that these funds will become available in
the near future. Even if they do, however, there is no provision to
obtain good baseline data prior to a manipulation or to continue to
obtain data after the manipulation is carried out. Without such data, a
restorative procedure cannot be properly scientifically evaluated.
Coordination with other NERC-Corvallis laboratories and other
government agencies would aid in the achievement of our goals. For
example, we are highly dependent upon interagency agreements with the
U.S. Geological Survey to obtain necessary hydrologic data for Shagawa
Waldo and Diamond Lakes.
Also, cooperative effort with the Army Corps of Engineers would be
most helpful in evaluating the use of dredging as a lake restoration
procedure. This is already being investigated.
The utilization of the mathematical modeling capability at SERL as
well as the financial resources available at the Grosse lie Laboratory
would hasten our accomplishments in mathematical modeling.
Eutrophication and Lake Restoration Branch
Professional Staff
Discipline
B.S.
B.A.
M.S.
M.A.
Ph.D.
Total
Biological Sciences
3
2
3
3
3
14
Chemistry
2
1
3
Engineering
1
1
2
Mathematical Sciences
1
1
2
Total
7
3
5
3
3
21
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Pacific Northwest Environmental Research Laboratory
Laboratory Services Branch
Chief: Daniel F. Krawczyk
Mission
Services is the mission of the Laboratory Services Branch. Routine
chemical analyses, computer assistance, electronic repair—modification,
and routine glass repair -- glassblowing are the areas of service within
the realm of LSB.
Since the Agency does not have unlimited resources to provide an
unlimited supply of analytical chemical, computer, and electronic techni-
cians, specialists are available to each of the programs that require an
intermittent use of these special services.
This pooling of resources into a manageable unit is the other
alternative to each program operating independently. This type of an
approach is not new in the "Industrial World" but is used frequently in
governmental operations.
This methodology used by the Laboratory Services Branch is that
which has been documented in the literature. Our purpose is not research
in methodology, but the use of accepted and modified techniques in
support of research needs.
Resources and Program Implementation
The Laboratory Services Branch has nine professional and four
technical permanent positions as well as one clerical permanent position.
The work force also includes a variable level of work study, stay in
school, and temporary employees. The work load generated by the various
research programs governs the number of non-permanent employees.
There are 40 people working in the Laboratory Services Branch at
this time; this is equivalent to 21.5 man weeks of effort per week. The
total budget for FY-73 was 406 thousand dollars. The total budget for
FY-74 is 381 thousand dollars.
One of the tools for managing, tracking and scheduling samples and
reporting data is the SHAVES system. SHAVES is a sampling-handling and
verification system that combines routine chemical and microbiological
analysis with a programmed computer operation to achieve a businesslike
approach in laboratory management.
-68-
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The computer is used as a tool to produce bench sheets to catalog
data and to provide data summaries, weekly production information,
schedules, and backlog information. The SHAVES program enables the
laboratory manager to monitor production and costs. SHAVES is very
flexible and rarely goes more than a month without some change to improve
some phase of operation. The more routine the operation becomes, the
more valuable SHAVES is as a tool.
A modified version of SHAVES is now being used by the Shagawa Lake
Eutrophication Control Project. Copies of the basic data are mailed to
Corvallis. The keypunching, verification, correction of errors, and
input into the computer file are done at Corvallis.
The staff located in Corvallis who are responsible for the Shagawa
Lake study can then assist the personnel on site at Ely, Minnesota, in
evaluating and modeling the data output.
In the case of the Shagawa Lake study where a minimum number of
people is involved in the collection and analysis of data, the verifica-
tion, input, and cataloging phases of SHAVES have been found to be of
value.
Major Accomplishments
Corvallis analyzed approximately 30,000 samples from all sources
conducting approximately 220,000 analyses during calendar year 1973.
When comparing calendar year 1972 with 1973, the sample load has approxi-
mately tripled and the analytical load has approximately quadrupled.
Production in the automated section continues to increase from 15.2
analyses per man hour in the first quarter of FY-74, to 19.4 per man
hour in the second quarter to 21.9 per man hour thru the first seven
weeks of the third quarter.
The use of production line techniques has brought down the average
cost of an average analysis from $5.93 per test in FY-72 to $1.75 per
test thru the first half of FY-74.
The computer section provides service to other programs, and,
excepting the development of SHAVES for the Laboratory Services Branch,
its accomplishments are achievements in behalf of others. The computer
section has:
--generated data reduction and reporting systems for algal assays.
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—participated 1n building models of thermal pollution, along with
extensive plot programs for their output; participated similarly with
models for coastal pollution.
—assisted the administrative programs of the NERC in operating or
developing administrative support systems in areas of financial manage-
ment, property and personnel.
--represented NERC-Corvallis on agency-wide task forces.
--performed countless data reduction tasks for the staff of
NERC-Corvallis.
A major accomplishment as reported in a Program Highlights Newsletter
is the "Automated, Computer-Controlled, Chemical Analytical System."
This unique scheduling system including data capture and monitoring of
AQC information has been provided for the automated section of LSB by
the computer section.
SHAVES has been just as valuable for the Ely operation as for the
Corvallis unit. During calendar year 1973 at Ely, approximately 2,300
samples were collected on which 29,000 analyses were run.
Laboratory Services Branch
Professional Staff
Discipline
B.S.
M.S.
Total
Chemi stry
4
1
5
Engineering
2
2
Other
2
2
Total
6
3
9
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Robert S. Kerr Environmental Research Laboratory
Ada, Oklahoma
Director: Mr. William C. Galegar
-------
Robert S. Kerr Environmental Research Laboratory
Director: William C. Galegar
The Robert S. Kerr Environmental Research Laboratory is a multi-
purpose laboratory conducting in-depth research in three primary areas:
--Treatment and control of wastes related to petroleum and petro-
chemical Industries, agriculture, and mining.
--Ground water pollution.
--Water quality control research.
Water Quality Control Branch
Chief: Dr. Curtis C. Harlln, Jr.
Mission
The mission of the Robert S. Kerr Environmental Research Laboratory's
Water Quality Control Branch is research to develop and demonstrate
technology for controlling water pollution by means other than conven-
tional treatment. Primary objectives are:
--Development of design and operating criteria for treatment and
disposal of wastewaters using soil systems.
--Development and demonstration of unique, non-conventional bio-
logical systems for treatment of point-source pollutants.
--Reduction or elimination of the effects of non-point source
pollutants.
--Development of engineering systems for use in streams, lakes and
reservoirs to improve water quality.
--Research to control pollution from industries by non-treated
methods.
Need and Supporting Legislation
Soil Treatment Research and Development - PL 92-500, Sec. 101(a)(1),
Sec. 104(a)(1), Sec. 104(d)(1), Sec. 105(a)(2), Sec. 105(d)(2), Sec.
304(b)(1).
Develop Biological Systems - PL 92-500, Sec. 104(a)(1), Sec. 104(d)(1),
Sec. 105(a)(2), Sec. 105(d)(2), Sec. 318.
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Stream, Lake and Reservoir Water Quality Research - PL 92-500, Sec.
104(a)(1), Sec. 104(d)(3), Sec. 104(n)(l), Sec. 104(S), Sec. 105(b),
Sec. 105(d)(1), Sec. 115.
Control of Pollutants from Industry - PL 92-500, Sec. 104(a)(1),
Sec. 104(b)(2), Sec. 104(b)(3), Sec. 104(b)(4), Sec. 104(b)(7).
FY-74 Resources Summary
Task Type Amount (K) % of Total
In-House $ 275 21.2
Contracts 35 2.7
Grants 988 76.1
Total $1,298 (K) 100.0
Primary Program Thrust, FY-74
--Research, development, and demonstration of soil systems for wastewater
treatment.
--Development of biological systems for control of water quality.
Major Accomplishments To Date
--Developed design and operating data for treatment of cannery wastewaters
by soil treatment (October, 1970).
--Developed reservoir destratification systems (additional work sponsored
since this date) (December, 1970).
--Developed engineering methodology for river and stream reaeration
(February, 1972).
--Developed model phosphate-free home laundry detergents (June, 1972).
--Laboratory development of methods for controlling mercury in bottom
deposits (March, 1973).
--Published a catalog of manufactured products having water pollution
potential (June, 1973).
--Compiled existing design and operating information for wastewater
treatment and reuse by land application (November, 1973).
—Assisted 0WP0 in preparation of guidelines for soil treatment systems
(January, 1974).
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--Disseminated information on soil treatment systems through workshops,
seminars, and conferences (July, 1968; September, 1971; June, 1972;
August, 1972; May, 1973).
Program Trends
The major emphasis in the program 1n the next two to five years
will undoubtedly be research and development of land application systems.
During this period, design and operating criteria should be completed
for the crop irrigation mode, development of criteria for the infiltration-
percolation mode should be well advanced, and the overland flow mode
should be in the full-scale development phase.
The single, most important barrier to achieving these objectives is
the lack of information on public health effects. This can be overcome
by greatly increasing EPA commitment of resources to this program,
through EPA's health effects programs, or by cooperative arrangement
with other Governmental agencies (i.e., Department of Agriculture, Corps
of Engineers, National Institute of Health).
There is a developing interest in utilization of wastewater for
beneficial uses for the production of food and fiber by such means as
crop irrigation, aquaculture, and hydroponics. The program has had a
small funding in these areas which, from present Indications, will see a
modest increase in FY-75.
Within the next five years, a good start can be made in aquaculture
if funds become available. The Office of Water Program Operations is
interested in this technology as a possible means of upgrading lagoon
effluents.
Professional Staff
Discipline
B.S.
M.S.
Sc.D.
Ph.D.
Total
Biological Sciences
1
1
2
Chemistry
1
1
Engineering
1
1
1
3
Physical Sciences
1
1
Total
2
2
1
2
7
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Robert S. Kerr Environmental Research Laboratory
Subsurface Environment Branch
Chief: Jack W. Keeley
Mission
The mission of RSKERL's Subsurface Environment Branch is research
for developing technical Information and technology applicable to the
protection or restoration of groundwater resources. Primary objectives
are:
--To define national groundwater pollution problems.
--To advance the state of knowledge relating to the transport
process of pollutants in the subsurface environment.
--To develop decision criteria relating to waste disposal practices
including subsurface waste injection.
--To prepare models for groundwater basin management.
Need and Supporting Legislation
Comprehensive Programs, Investigations, and Guidelines - PL 92-500,
Sec. 102(a), Sec. 104(a), Sec. 304(a)(2), Sec. 304(e).
Groundwater Monitoring - PL 92-500, Sec. 104(a)(5).
Groundwater Protection - PL 92-500, Sec. 105(e)(2), Sec. 202(b)(2);
Pending Safe Drinking Water Act, Sec. 1206.
FY-74 Resources Summary
Task Type Amount (K) % of Total
In-House $199.4 54.5
Grant 100.6 27.5
Contract 66.0 18.0
Total $366.0 (K) 100.0
Primary Program Thrust FY-74
--National groundwater utilization and pollution problems report.
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--Septic tank design criteria.
--Subsurface environmental measuring techniques.
--Second National Groundwater Quality Symposium.
Major Accomplishments To Date
From the Branch's bibliography containing 31 items, the following
were selected as significant accomplishments:
--Design and construction of groundwater sampling equipment which has
been duplicated several times (March, 1968).
--Developed new technique to determine aquifer storage (January, 1969).
--Evaluated Corps of Engineers saltwater detention structures using
radiotracers (December, 1969).
--Research relating to revised state statutes regulating saltwater
disposal (June, 1970).
--Groundwater reclamation by selective pumping (1971).
--Testimony before the Senate Subcommittee on Air and Water Pollution
covering subsurface waste disposal (April, 1971).
--Research relating to EPA's position on NTA (November, 1971).
--First National Groundwater Quality Symposium (August, 1971).
--New techniques to identify groundwater pollution sources (1973).
--A definition of subsurface biological activity (September, 1973).
--Groundwater pollution problems defined for the southwestern (1971),
south central (1973), North Atlantic (1974), and northwestern (1974)
states.
Program Trends
Major emphasis in the Branch for the next few years will include a
continuing effort to outline groundwater utilization and pollution
problems until the continental United States and Hawaii and Alaska are
adequately discussed in report form.
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A major thrust will continue and will be increased to define the
subsurface environment as a pollution receptor. This will include both
the development of new drilling and sampling techniques and investigations
of the transport processes of pollutants in this environment.
Considerable effort will be given to the recalcitrants of pollutants
moving from waste treatment facilities to groundwater. This work will
result on design and construction criteria.
A strong working relationship has developed between our Branch and
the Air and Water Programs. This relationship will be strengthened in
the future by working closely together on common goals.
Subsurface Environment Branch
Professional Staff
Disci piine
B.S.
M.S.
Ph.D.
Total
Biological Sciences
1
1
Chemistry
1
2
3
Engineering
2
2
Total
1
3
2
6
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Robert S. Kerr Environmental Research Laboratory
Treatment and Control Technology Branch
Chief: Marvin L. Wood
Mining Sources Section
Mission
The Mining Wastes Section of the Treatment and Control Technology
Branch of the Robert S. Kerr Environmental Research Laboratory is respon-
sible for the conductance of intra- and extramural research efforts
under Program Element 1BB040, EROS-ROAP No. 21BDV, Problem Assessment
and Plan Development for Active Ores, Minerals, and Non-Coal Fuel Mining
Operations.
Areas of national environmental concern included under ROAP 21BDV
are the determination of the extent and magnitude of pollution occurrence
from non-coal mining operations, and the development of successful
mining waste treatment technologies in the following categories: minerals,
ores, non-coal fuels, oil shale, and off-shore operations.
Need and Supporting Legislation: Public Law 92-500
Sediment pollution control—Section 104,(n)(l).
Grants for R&D—Section 105.
Mine water pollution control demonstrations—Section 107.
Mine-related sources of pollution—Section 208(G).
Best practical (1977) and best available control technology-
Section 301.
Mining Waste guidelines—Section 304{e)(B).
FY-74 Resources Summary
Task Type MY Amount % of Total
In-House 4.0 $100K 100
\
Primary Program Thrust, FY-74
Due to the great number of minerals, ores, and non-coal fuels
currently being mined in the United States, a study comprising 60 of
these substances was conducted to establish a priority rationale matrix
for the expenditure of research monies. A more detailed study will be
initiated in FY-74 to determine the magnitude of pollution occurrence
for each of the top 12 elements.
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Completion of FY-73 State-of-the-Art documents delayed due to the
assignment of section personnel to higher-priority projects within EPA.
Major Accomplishments To Date (Extramural)
--14010 ENW - Microbiological Removal of Iron from Mine Waters. EPA
Report (9/72).
--14020 EHW - North Fork Alluvial Decontamination Project. Final report
is under review.
--14020 FVW - Brine Disposal Treatment Practices Relating to the Oil
Production Industry. Report under final review.
--14030 EDB - Water Pollution Potential of Spent Oil Shale Residues.
EPA Report (12/71).
Major Accomplishments To Date (In-House)
--Oil Production—Research Needs and Priorities Report - Forwarded to
Headquarters for review.
--Pollutional Problems and Research Needs for an Oil Shale Industry -
Report is being updated prior to submission for publication.
--State-of-the-Art: Sand and Gravel - Report is under initial review.
--State-of-the-Art: Uranium Mining, Milling, and Refining Industry -
Report has been completed and is ready for publication.
--Sealants for Mine Tailings Pond - Report has been written and is under
initial review.
--Report: Priority Rationale Matrix for Minerals, Ores, and Fuels -
Study has been completed and circulated within EPA confines (9/73).
Program Trends
—Report: Research Priority Rationale Matrix for Minerals, Ores, and
Non-Coal Fuels.
—Report: Magnitude of Pollution Occurrence for Ores, Minerals, and
Non-Coal Fuels.
—Report: R&D Control Technology Plan for Mining.
--Report: Current Treatment Technologies for Non-Metallic Minerals.
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--Report: Pollution Potential of Off-Shore Mining Operations.
--Report: R&D Control Technology Plan for Off-Shore Mining Operations.
--Coordination: Inte»NERC coordination with Cincinnati would be bene-
ficial .
Mining Sources Section
Professional Staff
Disci piine
B.S.
M.S.
Ph.D.
Total
Biological Sciences
1
1
Chemistry
1
1
2
Total
1
1
1
3
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Agricultural Wastes Section
Mission
The Agricultural Wastes Section, Treatment and Control Technology
Branch, has the responsibility for implementing and directing intramural,
field, and extramural research activities in the National Animal Feedlot
Wastes and National Irrigation Return Flow Programs.
Animal Feedlot Wastes
Major goals of the National Animal Feedlot Wastes R&D Program are
to define the animal waste problem and its real and potential pollutional
effects; to determine technically deficient areas of control; to conduct
and stimulate research, development and demonstration of practical and
to disseminate available and new pollution control technology to other
EPA programs, other federal and state agencies, and to the industry.
The program is designed to meet immediate as well as long range
needs for the application and evaluation of techniques, equipment,
recycle and reuse systems, and for ultimate waste disposal. The program
recognizes the interrelationship of solid, liquid, and gaseous wastes
and their treatment/control and disposal technology.
Irrigation Return Flow
The major goal of the National Irrigation Return Flow R&D Program
is research on practical and economically acceptable means to control
the pollutant (i.e., salinity, nutrients, sediments, pesticides) contribu-
tion of irrigated agriculture to our surface and groundwater resources.
This can be stated in several more specific objectives as follows:
--Gain knowledge relative to prediction techniques, management prac-
tices, and treatment/control measures that may be applied to water
quality problems of irrigation return flow.
--Evaluate the effect of present irrigation practices on salt loads
entering the river systems, particularly through groundwater drainage
systems.
--Demonstrate that improved farm water management offers feasible
means of minimizing salt and nutrient degradation of return flow without
sacrificing crop yields.
--Develop recommendations and guidelines on irrigation practices,
methods, and systems which would have the greatest effect of reducing
pollutant contributions in return flow while maintaining an acceptable
salt balance in the crop root zone.
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Need and Supporting Legislation
Authority for the activities of the Agricultural Wastes Section is
found in the Federal Water Pollution Control Act Amendments of 1972
(PL 92-500).
Section 104(p) specifically refers to "...a comprehensive study and
research program to determine new and improved methods and the better
application of existing methods of preventing, reducing, and eliminating
pollution from agriculture, including the legal, economic, and other
implications of the use of such methods."
Section 105(e) authorizes "...grants for research and demonstration
projects with respect to new and improved methods of preventing, reducing,
and eliminating pollution from agriculture..." as well as the dissemin-
ation of such information to encourage and enable the adoption of such
methods by the agricultural industry.
Information generated by these R&D activities will be additionally
useful to other EPA programs having responsibilities to publish inform-
ation guidelines (Sec. 304), establish effluent limitations and standards
(Sec. 301 and 306), identify and evaluate the nature and extent of
non-point sources of pollutants and the processes, procedures, and methods
to control pollution from such sources (Sec. 304(e)).
FY-74 Resources Summary
Task Type Man Years Amount (K) % of Total
In-House
IRF
AF
Extramural Grants
IRF
AF
Technical Asst.
0.9
3.3
3.3
900
512
22
$88
83
56.1
31.9
1.3
5.5
5.2
Totals
7.5
$1,605 (K)
100.0
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Major Accomplishments To Date (Irrigation Return Flow)
--"Characteristics and Pollution Problems of Irrigation Return Flow."
State-of-the-Art report by Utah State University Foundation (5/69).
--"Research Needs for Irrigation Return Flow Quality Control." Water
Pollution Control Research Series No. 13030 (11/71).
--"National Irrigation Return Flow Research and Development Program."
Water Pollution Control Research Series No. 13030 GJS (12/71).
--"Managing Irrigated Agriculture to Improve Water Quality." Proceedings
of National Conference held at Grand Junction, Colorado (May 16-18,
1972).
--"Evaluation of Canal Lining for Salinity Control in Grand Valley,
Colorado." Environmental Protection Technology Series No. EPA-R2-72-
047 (October, 1972).
--"Techniques for Nitrate Removal from Agricultural Drainage" were
studied at the Interagency Agricultural Wastewater Treatment Center,
Firebaugh, California, during a four-year period from 1968 through June,
1971.
--"Selected Irrigation Return Flow Quality Abstracts 1968-1969." Reports
No. EPA-R2-72-094 (October, 1972), and EPA-R2-73-271 (June, 1973).
--"Prediction Modeling for Salinity Control in Irrigation Return Flows."
EPA-R2-73-168 (March, 1973).
Major Accomplishments (Animal Feedlot Wastes)
--Comprehensive State-of-the-Art report, "Pollution Implications of
Animal Wastes - A Foward Oriented Review" (July, 1968).
--Conference Proceedings, "Agricultural Practices and Water Quality,"
13040 EYX (11/69).
--"Characteristics of Wastes from Southwestern Cattle Feedlots," 13040
DEM (01/71).
--"Closed System Waste Management for Livestock," 13040 DKP (06/71).
--"Evaluation of Beef Cattle Feedlot Waste Management Alternatives"
13040 FXG (11/71).
--"Characteristics of Rainfall Runoff from a Beef Cattle Feedlot" EPA-
R2-72-061 (September, 1972).
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--"Beef Cattle Feedlot Site Selection," EPA-R2-72-129 (November, 1972).
--"Bibliography of Livestock Waste Management," EPA-R2-73-157 (February
1973).
--Conference Proceedings with ANCA "Environment Protecting Concepts of
Beef Cattle Feedlot Wastes Management" (August, 1973).
Program Trends (Irrigation Return Flow)
--Completion and field verification of the prediction model developed by
the Bureau of Reclamation for EPA (Interagency Agreement).
--Workshop to assess the validity and usefulness of the USBR model as a
prediction tool for irrigation return flow quality and quantity.
--Conference on the use of modeling to manage irrigation for salinity
control in return flows (first generation management models and their
usefulness).
--Completion of first "total package salinity control project" in the
upper Colorado River Basin, including evaluation of various salinity
control measures studied (first generation "best practicable control
technology").
--Complete State-of-the-Art report on scientific irrigation scheduling
as a tool to increase water use efficiency and decrease salinity discharges
from irrigated areas.
--Complete evaluation of legal constraints and western water law with
regard to implementation of salinity control technology, including
recommended changes to reduce such constraints.
--Complete studies relating to economic and institutional constraints to
improve management with recommendations on how these may best be overcome.
--First generation management manual for implementation of demonstrated
technology for control of pollutant discharges from irrigated areas.
--Conference on implementation of "best practicable control technology"
for irrigation return flow.
Major Accomplishments (Animal Feedlot Wastes)
--Completion of the R&D work on land disposal of animal waste will
result in a State-of-the-Art and a user's manual for land disposal
management. Additional studies are underway to determine the pollution
potential of the natural runoff from areas of land disposal.
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--Develop reuse process to convert animal wastes into synthesis gas for
use in the production of ammonia. Other reuse systems are also being
investigated at this time and include conversion to various building
materials.
--Develop, with the assistance of the industry, refeeding systems utilizing
animal wastes as roughage and/or a protein source. A major effort will
be evaluating all such systems as to their effect on the environment, as
compared to the more conventional methods of animal waste disposal.
--Develop and publish a series of waste management manuals for animal
producers by species type. The complexity of the industry, climatic
variations, and the wide range of housing and confinement systems dictate
the development of several different management systems to solve the
animal waste problems.
--The problem on non-point source or non-feedlot produced animals will
be investigated in order to establish the potential pollution of range
or pasture animals. The second phase of this program will be the develop-
ment, if necessary, of control and management methods for this problem.
Agricultural Wastes Section
Professional Staff
Discipline
B.S.
M.S.
Ph.D.
Total
Biological Sciences
1
1
2
4
Engineering
1
1
2
Total
1
2
3
6
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Industrial Wastes Section
Mission
The National Petroleum-Organic Chemicals Wastes Section, Treatment
and Control Technology Branch, has responsibility for Implementing and
directing intramural, field and extramural research activities 1n the
subject sub-elements of Program Element 1BB036.
The major goal is total environmental control by identification of
the concerned industries' waste characteristics and the development and
demonstration of applicable, economically feasible treatment methods;
dissemination of collected information, technical assistance efforts to
federal, state, and industrial segments, analyzing "split samples" with
grantees, and participating in effluent guideline meetings are included
in the major goal.
Need and Supporting Legislation
Section 101(a)(6) of PL 92-500 states, "It is the national policy that a
major research and demonstration effort be made to develop technology
necessary to eliminate the discharge of pollutants into the navigable
waters, waters of the contiguous zone, and the oceans."
Section 104(a)(1, 2, 3, 4, 6), summarily establish national programs for
the prevention, reduction and elimination of pollution through research
investigation, demonstration, studies, and technical assistance.
Section 104(B)(6) concerns the collection and dissemination of basic
data on chemical, physical, and biological effects of varying water
quality pertaining to pollution.
Section 105(i)(l) is directed to research studies, experiments, and
demonstrations for the removal of oil from any waters.
Section 104(M)(1) relates to the disposal of waste oil, biological
effects, and potential marketing of such oil.
Section 105(a)(1) is directed to the demonstration of new or improved
methods of preventing, reducing, and eliminating the discharge into
waters of pollutants from sewers which carry storm water or both storm
water and pollutants.
Section 105(c)(1&2) provides for "conduct in the EPA" and research and
demonstration projects for the prevention of pollution of any waters by
industry.
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Section 105(d)(1,2,3) provide for a practical application of waste
management methods, advance waste treatment, and improved identification
methods.
FY-74 Resources Summary
Task Type
Amount (K) Man Years
In-House
Contracts
Grants
$ 225
17
782
9.0
Major Accomplishments To Date
--State-of-the-Art - Refining/Petrochemical Wastewaters.
--Petroleum Refinery Wastewater Characterization.
--Organic Chemicals Wastewater Survey.
--Oily Sludge Disposal by Soil Treatment.
--Solids Disposal by Incineration.
--Multi-Media Filtration for Solids Removal.
--Activated Carbon Treatment of Storm and Refinery Process Water.
--Activated Carbon Treatment of Refinery Process Water.
--Demonstration of Activated Carbon Treatment of API Separator Effluent
and Biological Treatment Effluent.
--Biological Treatment of Refinery and Petrochemical Wastes
--Wastewater Treatment Costs for Petroleum Refinery/Organic Chemicals.
Program Trends
--More extensive wastewater characterization to define problem areas.
--Investigation of process unit treatment schemes.
--Demonstration of physical and chemical treatment systems.
--Dissolved solids removal for wastewater reuse/recycle within the
industrial complex.
--In-plant management techniques.
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Industrial Wastes Section
Professional Staff
Disci piine
B.S.
M.S.
Ph.D.
Total
Chemistry
3
3
Engineering
2
1
3
Total
2
3
1
6
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Southeast Environmental Research Laboratory
Athens/ Georgia
Director: Dr, David W, Duttveiler
-------
Southeast Environmental Research Laboratory
Director: Dr. David W. Duttweller
The Southeast Environmental Research Laboratory 1s responsible for
research programs on methodology for analyzing pollutants, the control
of pollution from agriculture and agriculturally related industries, and
freshwater ecology.
Agro-Environmental Systems Branch
Chief: Dr. H. Page Nicholson
Mission
The primary mission of the Agricultural Sources Pollution Control
Research Program is development of engineering or management systems to
control pollution from poultry production, aquaculture, and runoff from
agricultural and forest lands.
Control technology under development for runoff pollution consists
of mathematical models that describe dynamically the behavior and movement
of agricultural chemicals, biodegradable organlcs, pathogens, heavy
metals and air pollution fallout into surface or ground waters.
Treatment systems integrated with agronomic utilization and complete
recycle technology are being developed for poultry production and aqua-
culture.
Need and Supporting Legislation
P.L. 92-500 authorizes:
--Investigation of methods to control the release of pesticides into the
environment...and alternatives thereto (Sec. 104-1).
--Efforts to determine new and improved methods and better application
of existing methods of preventing, reducing, and eliminating pollution
from agriculture (Sec. 104-p).
--An accelerated effort to develop, refine and achieve practical waste
management methods applicable to non-point sources pollution including
elimination of runoff from in-place or accumulated sources (Sec. 105-d).
The above research will satisfy or support the satisfaction of
needs expressed elsewhere in the law as follows:
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--Area-wide waste treatment management planning is required (Sec. 208)
as are grants to State or interstate agencies for demonstrations, on a
river basin scale, of advanced treatment and environmental enhancement
techniques to control pollution from all sources including non-point
(Sec. 105-b). Sec. 208-b-F specifically calls for a process to identify
agriculturally and silviculturally related non-point sources pollution,
including runoff from manure disposal areas, and from land used for
livestock and crop production and the setting forth of procedures to
control such sources.
--The Administrator is directed to issue guidelines for identifying and
evaluting the nature and extent of non-point sources of pollution and
methods to control pollution resulting from agricultural and silvicultural
activities, including runoff from fields, crops and forest lands (Sec.
304-e-A).
Resources Summary
Authorized
ROAP & Subject 1BB039 $1000 Permanent MY
% Total
FY-74 FY-74 FY-74
21AYP Formulate, Field
Verify Pesticide &
Nutrient Runoff Mathe-
matical Model 677.5
In-house - 8 Tasks 237.5
IAG - 2 140.0
Contracts - 2 185.7
Grants - 3 114.3
21BBV Criteria Develop-
ment for Agricultural
Chemical Usage 45.0
In-house - 1 Task 12.5
IAG - 1 32.5
21AYU Waste Treatment
& Disposal Systems
for Poultry Wastes 165
In-house - 1 Task 5
Demonstration - 2 160
Tech. Asst. - 6 Tasks 13
Totals 900.5
100
35
21
27
17
3.9
100
28
72
0.5
100
3
97
100
0.2
0.5
5.1
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Major Accomplishments To Date
Agricultural Runoff Models:
--Completed pesticide problem evaluation and definition studies, (6/69)
which were precursor to a signficant proportion of EPA's current fate,
effects and control oriented research and operating programs on pesticide
pollution of water.
--Fundamental adsorption-desorption kinetics studies of selected pesticides
on clay minerals and bottom sediments completed (6/70).
--Definition of static pesticide model (6/69).
--Pesticide model revised to incorporate dynamics of single runoff
events (4/72).
--Initial design, installation, and calibration of environmental monitor-
ing and runoff collection equipment to obtain field data for model
development (9/72).
—Computer software development and data reduction, analysis, and distri-
bution of all data to model development contractors (9/73).
—First pesticide model, field tested in the Piedmont (2/74).
--Begin plant nutrient model development data collection (4/74).
—Complete negotiations with ARS for development and criteria for agri-
cultural chemicals usage (12/73).
Waste Treatment and Disposal Systems for Poultry Wastes and Aquaculture:
—National conference on agricultural wastes at Cornell University,
(2/72).
--Final report on development and demonstration of nutrient removal from
animal wastes (7/72).
--Interim report on design parameters for dairy and poultry waste treat-
ment systems (3/74).
--State-of-art on water pollution implications of conmercial catfish
production (3/74).
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Program Trends
Agricultural Runoff Models:
--Agricultural chemicals users manual (6/75), based on available informa-
ti on.
--Cost-benefit analysis of recommended soil erosion control practices
(1/76).
--Verified pesticide runoff model for Piedmont and Great Lakes Basin,
including users manual (9/76); same for nutrients (3/77).
--Model extended to biodegradable organics, pathogens and heavy metals
(6/77).
--Verified pesticide and nutrient watershed models for corn belt and
coastal plains (7/79).
--Initial evaluation of gross basin model in Piedmont (12/77).
--Users manual for pesticide and nutrient (including animal manures)
based on information from watershed models, gross basin model, and
evaluation of management practices (6/78).
—Use completed gross basin model to determine which conservation (manage-
ment) practices should be used (7/79).
--Verified gross basin model in Piedmont (12/79).
Pollution from Silvicultural Activities:
--Guidelines for determining pollutant loading functions for forested
watersheds in the Northwest and Southeast (6/75).
--Develop and test a watershed model to establish loading functions and
to determine effectiveness of control options; integrate into agricultural
runoff models (6/76).
--Develop and test a model for forested basins (6/77).
Treatment/Disposal Poultry Wastes:
--Complete development studies for chemical and physical treatment of
poultry waste (6/74).
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—Complete development studies for biological treatment/land disposal of
poultry wastes (9/74).
--Complete demonstration of refeedlng study (9/74).
—Complete demonstration of biological treatment/land disposal (2/75).
Agro-Environmental Systems Branch
Professional Staff
Discipline
B.S.
B.A.
M.S.
Ph.D.
Total
Biological Sciences 3
1
1
2
7
Chemistry 7
1
3
11
Engineering
2
1
3
Other 2
2
Total 12
2
1
2
6
23
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Southeast Environmental Research Laboratory
Heavy Industrial Sources Research
Project Leader: Dr. Robert R. Swank
Mission
AESB has national responsibility for all waste abatement research
and development activities for the two major industrial categories of PE
1BB036 directly related to agriculture -- specifically, Agricultural
Chemical (Pesticides and Fertilizers) and Textile Mill Products Manufac-
turing.
The principal charge under this responsibility is to develop and
demonstrate in concert with the manufacturers improved or new waste
abatement technologies responsive to the EPA goal of a "clean environment,"
that is, achieving within economically practical limits a multimedia
"zero" pollutant discharge posture, by 1985.
Within the framework of this overall goal, AESB is also responsible
for providing the necessary technology base for legislatively mandated
interim objectives for pesticide, fertilizer, and textile manufacturing
and processing operations to include:
--Process specification and demonstration in support of defining Best
Practicable Control Technology and corresponding Effluent Limits for
July 1977 implementation.
--Develop, demonstrate, and document Best Available Control Technology
--both open and closed cycle -- with its corresponding Effluent Limits
for July 1983 implementation.
--Research, develop, demonstrate, and document multimedia, closed cycle
technologies pursuant to Total Environmental Control objectives for 1985
implementation. These activities' will stress: new production processes
and/or products to avoid pollution; byproduct recovery and reuse (including
wastewater and brines); and waste conversion or energy recovery systems
on the multi-plant, multi-industry, and regional scale.
Other important functions of the AESB industrial research staff
must include:
--Technology Transfer and implementation—not only technology developed
by AESB, but that applicable from other OR&D programs; e.g., inorganic
chemicals, organic chemicals, hazardous material, joint municipal-
industrial, etc.
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—Technical assistance to allied OR&D programs.
--Technical support and "expert" backup for EPA regions, Office of
Enforcement, and all other EPA operating programs.
--Coordinator for "Fate and Effect" studies to quantify and/or verify
the environmental benefits to be achieved from candidate treatment
processes prior to their full-scale implementation.
Need and Supporting Legislation
The primary basis for controlling environmental pollution continues
to be the protection of human health and welfare. The industries for
which AESB has control R&D responsibility are in themselves crucial to
Man's welfare — the production of his food and clothing.
On the other hand, the manufacturing wastes and residues involved
often entail severe environmental hazards — eutrophicants, toxic substances,
and persistent food chain contaminants or inhibitors.
Based upon these observations, the AESB industrial staff recognizes
a special obligation to construct an R&D plan which Insures the proper
balance between "environmental protection" and maximum food and fiber
output.
The authorization for and specific legislative requirements (level
of control and implementation schedule) to be achieved by the AESB
industrial R&D program is delineated in the Clean Water Act as amended
in 1972 (PL 92-500/72).
It is in the overall context of the Act, its various sections and
supporting documents, and the observations above that the AESB Mission
have been derived and is being executed for its assigned industrial
elements.
Capabilities and Program Implementation Approach
Strong expertise in: biological treatment of high strength indus-
trial wastes (Sanitary Engineering); physical-chemical wastewater (brine)
treatment--both removal and in situ degradation for refractory or color
components (Sanitary and Chemical Engineering); and oraanic residue
conversion-degradation-destruction process technology (Chemical Engineer-
ing).
Research is implemented almost entirely via extramural demonstration
grants supported by contracts and research grants to non-profit institu-
tions.
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FY-74 Resources
DG
RG
C
MIRS
jH
Total
Number
5
1
2
1
12
21
$1000s
437.2
55.0
82.8
21.9
155.0
751.9
% Funds
58.2
7.3
11.0
2.9
20.6
100
Current Programs and Resources
FY-74 Funds
($1000s)
Pesticides 255.0
Agricultural Chemicals Manufacturing Fertilizers 150.0
Textile Mill Products Manufacturing 296.9
Technical Assistance Activities 37.0
Technology Transfer Activities 13.0
Total 751.9
Major Accomplishments To Date
--Completion of initial waste survey and treatment process evaluation
studies for the AESB assigned industries.
--Completion of demonstration and process specification and identification
activities for definition of Best Practicable Control Technology for the
assigned industries.
--Identification of candidate Best Available Control Technology processes,
both open and closed cycle, and initiation of development and demonstra-
tion activities in support of final definition and implementation.
--Identification of promising modular treatment processes suitable for
eventual closed cycle Best Available Control Technology application or
accelerated implementation as a result of stringent "hazardous-toxic"
materials regulation and integrable with other media control techniques
to meet Total Environmental Control requirements for the assigned industries.
Research, development, and demonstration activities have been initiated
for these processes and ROAPs restructured to emphasize coordinated
multi-media development and phased development of open cycle processes
suitable for modification to achieve closed loop status.
--Initiation of Technology Transfer activities in assigned industries to
accelerate industrial implementation and make technology available to
allied industrial operations.
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—Initiation of coordinated "Pollutant Identity" and "Fate and Effects"
studies for treated (open cycle BAT processes) effluents during the
waste treatment process development cycle to verify environmental compati-
bility before full-scale implementation is attempted.
Program Trends
The industrial waste abatement R&D program of AESB is currently in
transition from one technology regime to another as indicated by the
Accomplishments List. Early emphasis of the program involved "making
biological treatment work" on a case-by-case basis.
Funding was sporadic, coming often in surges on a supplemental
appropriation, so "idea funding" as opposed to coordinated research was
prevalent. Passage of PL 92-500/72 and initiation of the ROAP system
has stabilized both funding levels and research targets.
Consequently, the AESB effort is shifting to a coordinated research
plan emphasizing advanced physical-chemical systems for closed cycle
Best Available Treatment and/or Total Environmental Control requirements.
By-product recovery and water recycle-reuse are being stressed to
the maximum extent. Residue conversion processes, energy recovery
techniques, integrated multi-media control systems, and even multi-plant
integrated systems are now being investigated.
Processes potentially applicable to achieving an accelerated "zero"
posture for those products coming under the hazardous-toxic substances
regulation have been identified and appropriate process research initiated.
In summary, it is fair to state that the AESB industrial program
will become even more broadly based as efforts to achieve a multi-media
"zero" posture are accelerated in the next five years.
Coordinated efforts with "Air," "Fate and Effects," "Solid Waste,"
and "Hazardous Materials" are now being planned and initiated to insure
the AESB assigned industries can comply with both the general EPA goal
of a clean environment by 1985 and the detailed Congressional compliance
schedules.
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Southeast Environmental Research Laboratory
Freshwater Ecosystems Branch
Chief: Dr. Walter M. Sanders, III
Mission
The Freshwater Ecosystems Branch develops the scientific basis for
predicting the fate of pollutants entering fresh surface waters. The
program examines the distribution, the pathways, and rates of movement,
accumulation and degradation of pollutants including the chemical,
physical, and biological factors which influence these phenomena.
Both physical and mathematical simulation models are used to study
the interrelationships between competing transport and degradation
processes in order to predict the net "fate and impact" of specific
pollutants. Technical assistance is also provided to EPA operating
programs and to OEGC.
Need and Supporting Legislation
Current knowledge within EPA and the scientific community is considered
grossly inadequate to meet the intent of P.L. 92-500 regarding the
transport, distribution, accumulation and persistence of pollutants in
fresh surface waters. Research on the following subjects is required to
meet EPA functional needs:
Specific Mandated Functions (P.L. 92-500):
--Research on improved methods and procedures for identifying and measuring
the effects of pollutants in fresh surface waters (Sec. 104(d)(2)).
--Development of improved methods and procedures to identify and measure
the effects of pollutants on the chemical, physical, and biological
integrity of water (Sec. 105(d)(3)).
--Development and publication of water quality criteria based on pollution
effects of humans, plants, animals; transport processes; and ecological
effects (Sec. 304(a)(1), especially Sec. 304(a)(1)(B)).
--Publication of information on factors necessary to restore and maintain
the chemical, biological, and physical integrity of waters (Sec. 304(a)(2)).
--Publication of a list of toxic pollutants for which effluent standards
will be established (Sec. 307(a)).
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Descretionary research function (P.L. 92-500):
--Grants for basic freshwater ecosystem research (Sec. 104(r)).
--Grant for "River Study Centers" (Sec. 104(s)).
For general water pollution control and water quality management:
--Ability to predict quantitatively the transport, distribution, transform-
ation, and impact of persistent pollutants, or pollutants accidentally
spilled into surface waters.
--Classification of pollutants according to their mode of transport,
persistence, and ecological impact, and identification of processes
characteristic of pollutant classes.
--For water pollutants of greatest significance, information about the
mechanisms, kinetics, and products of their degradation.
--Ability to predict the effects of geographic and climatic variations
on the fate of pollutants in fresh surface waters.
Resources and Program Implementation
In-house expertise exists for conducting research and monitoring
research grants and contracts in the following areas:
--Bacterial degradation.
--Fungal degradation.
—Organo-chemical degradation.
--Photochemical degradation.
--Product identification.
—Ecosystem model development.
—Aquatic ecosystem simulation to determine net effects of competing
transport and degradation processes and evaluating predictive mathematical
models.
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FY-74 Resources
$1000s
% Funds
IH
614.5
52.8
RG
220.0
18.8
IA
30.0
2.6
UF*
300.0
25.8
Total
1164.5
100.0
~Unobligated Funds
Current Resource Allocations
FY-74 Funds
C$1000s)
208.0
195.0
40.0
220.5
95.0
300.0
106.0
1164.5
Biological Degradation Research
Chemical Degradation Research
Transport and Distribution Research
Ecosystem Simulation
Mathematical Model Development
Non-Point Source Modeling
Technical Assistance & Program Management
Total
Major Accomplishments To Date
--Characterization of the role of attached stream-bottle slime bacteria
in the uptake and degradation of organic substances (1969).
--Development of micro-electrode techniques for measuring dissolved
oxygen and micro-turbulence in and near boundary layers and measurement
within a zone of 15 microns (1971).
--Quantification of the carbon and phosphorus requirements of the blue-
green algae, Anac.ystis nidulans (1970).
--Development of a direct method for measuring the reaeration in rivers
and streams (1972).
--Determination of uptake and distribution of ^C-Labeled Dieldrin and
DDT in fish through both diet and direct water routes (1970-1971).
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--Development of method for separating f1sh brain proteins on acrylamide
gel for electrophoretic studies (1968).
--Development of method for in situ embedding attached biological commun-
ities and examination by electron microscopic techniques to determine
community structures, spatial relationships and attaching mechansims
(1969).
--Characterization of carbon cycling through simple autotrophic-
heterotrophic community (1971).
--Development of continuous flow experimental stream channel systems at
AEC, SERL facility for transport and distribution studies for NTA and
mercury (1971).
--Development, installation, and testing of Aquatic Ecosystem Simulator
including automated analytical instrumentation and data processing
(1973).
—Studies of the chemical and photochemical reactions of organomercurials
in water (1972).
—Detailed bacterial degradation studies of Atrazine, Captan, Carbaryl,
Diazinon, Malathion, Methoxychlor (1972).
--Detailed chemical and degradation studies of Carbaryl, Diazinon,
Butoxyethyl Ester of 2,4-D, Malathion, Methoxychlor, and Parathlon
(1974).
—Study of the transport and distribution of two levels of mercuric-ion
added continuously to experimental stream channels for 15 months (1972-
1974).
--Development of ecosystem submodels for phytoplankton growth; chemical
equilibrium; temperature response; heterotrophic growth; zooplankton
growth and predation; fish growth and predation; and nitrification
(1973-1974).
--Assembly and manipulation of third generation aquatic ecosystem models.
Program Trends
This program area is one of several within NERC-Corvallis that is
grossly underdeveloped with respect to Agency need in executing the
Congressional mandates of P.L. 92-500. It is expected that the forthcoming
hearing on Section 307(a) will focus attention on the inadequacy of
existing data and programs on the fate and transport of pollutants.
Thus, this program should receive renewed emphasis within a two-to-five
year period.
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I
The program should maintain its current in-house scientific competence
in biological, organo-chemical and photochemical degradation research
and should add expertise in the areas of physical transport (sorption,
vaporization, water solubilities, etc.) and inorganic speciation and
transformations. In-house activites should be confined to identifications
of significant "fate" processes and interactions of high priority pollu-
tants and the "crank turning" for the growing lists of materials requiring
criteria documents should be done by contract organizations.
Since both the physical and mathematical simulation and modeling
activities serve as integrating functions for "fate" processes dominant
in any environment, these in-house activities must be strengthened.
Also, the capability of field test and evaluate predictive models within
major biomes must be developed.
Since this program is currently working cooperatively with OEGC,
OAWP, OPP, OTS, PE 1BA021, 1BA027, 1EA435, and others, efficient program
coordination at each level is required. The main impediment to the
satisfactory accomplishment of program objectives is "too many demands
with too few resources."
Freshwater Ecosystem Branch
Professional Staff
Disci piine
B.S.
M.S.
Ph.D.
Total
Biological Sciences 1
3
1
2
7
Chemistry 1
3
2
6
Engineering 1
1
2
Mathematical Sciences
1
1
Physical Sciences 2
2
Other 2
2
Total 7
6
1
6
20
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Southeast Environmental Research Laboratory
Analytical Chemistry Branch
Chief: William T. Donaldson
Mission
The Analytical Chemistry Branch plans and conducts research and
development of techniques for identifying and measuring chemical environ-
mental pollutants. Emphasis is on advanced instrumentation having high
sensitivity, specificity, and reliability.
Need and Supporting Legislation
The 1972 Federal Water Pollution Control Act Amendments (Public Law
92-500) contains specific directives, under Section 304(g), to develop
methods for identification and measurement of pollutants in support of
the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination Systems.
The 1972 Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act (Public
Law 92-532) provides for similar action in support of regulations pertain-
ing to ocean dumping.
Throughout the mandates for research under PL-500 there are implied
needs for development of improved methods for identification and measure-
ment of pollutants. The necessity for development of this technology is
obvious to any scientist or engineers engaged in research. Further
elaboration is superfluous.
FY-74 Resources
C
RG
IA
IH
Total
Number
2
9
1
36
48
$1000s
37
259
60
629
985
1 Funds
4
26
6
64
100
The professional staff, listed in the attached summary, provides
expertise in organic mass spectrometry, spark source mass spectrometry,
molecular spectroscopy, neutron activation analysis, gas liquid and
liquid-liquid chromatography, electroanalytical techniques, nuclear
magnetic resonance spectroscopy, and optical emission spectrometry.
Major thrusts of the current program are in:
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— Identification of specific organic compounds.
--Multi-element analysis.
--Speciation.
--Confirmatory techniques.
Major Accomplishments
—Development of a system (gas-chromatograph-mass spectrometry-computer)
that identifies volatile organic compounds in water at concentrations
down to 0.1 yg/I at a cost as low as $10 per identification.
—Establishment of two multi-element techniques that can identify and
quantitate all of the naturally-occurring chemical elements simultaneously
at concentrations as low as 1 yg/I in water and 1 mg/kg in sediments.
--Completed a comprehensive characterization of organic chemicals in
kraft pulp mill waste effluent.
--Demonstrated the applicability of gas chromatography mass spectrometry
and high-pressure ion exchange chromatography to the identification of
organic components in municipal waste.
--Developed a GC-Fourier transform infrared spectrometric technique for
obtaining infrared spectra of compounds as they flow from a gas chroma-
tograph.
--Developed an improved pulse-differential polarographic method for the
measurement of NTA in sewage.
Program Trends
The development of a multi-element technique that can be applied in
field laboratories at moderate cost is a major goal during the next few
years. Plasma-excited optical emission and x-ray fluorescence are prime
candidates for water and sediments respectively.
Comprehensive chemical characterization of waste from petroleum
refineries, textile miles, metal plating plants and pesticide manufactur-
ing plants will provide information to expand spectral libraries for
computer identification of pollutants and provide information for programs
concerned with fate, effects and treatment and control of pollutants.
This program will be coordinated closely with research programs for
those studies listed above.
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Better concentration and separation techniques for organic pollutants
will be developed, and emphasis will be placed on development of techniques
to separate and identify polar organic compounds and less volatile
organic compounds.
Analytical Chemistry Branch
Professional Staff
Disci piine
B.S.
Ph.D.
Total
Chemi stry 2
11
7
20
Other 2
2
Total 4
11
7
22
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