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DELAWARE ESTUARY
COMPREHENSIVE STUDY
PRELIMINARY REPORT
AND FINDINGS
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
FEDERAL WATER POLLUTION CONTROL ADMINISTRATION
PHILADELPHIA, PA.
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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
STEWART L. UDALL
SECRETARY
FEDERAL WATER POLLUTION CONTROL ADMINISTRATION
JAMES M. QUIGLEY
COMMISSIONER
DELAWARE ESTUARY COMPREHENSIVE STUDY
STAFF
Everett L. MacLeman, Project Director - To June, 1966
Edward V. Geismar, Acting Project Director
Robert V. Thomann, Technical Director
Alvln R. Morris, Chief, Field
Operations
Wayne A. Blackard
Albert W. Bromberg
Billy L. DePrater
Robert W. Knight
David H. Stoltenberg
Darwin R. Wright
Matthew J. Sobel, Chief, Plans
and Projections
Daniel J. FitzGerald
David H. Marks
George D. Pence, Jr.
William L. Richardson
Ethan T. Smith
Virginia C. Tobin, Adm. Assistant
Carol A. Cilwick
Ruth M. Lipman
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FOREWORD
The Delaware Is a dirty river. This was not always its
fate. In August 1609, Henry Hudson in his log of the voyages of
the "Half Moon" noted that the Delaware is "... one of the finest,
best and pleasantest rivers in the world." Early settlers wrote
home to Europe of the great abundance of sturgeon in the river and
made special note of its fish. As recently as the 1890's,
commercial fishing in the Delaware was a $4 million business. The
massive urbanization and industrialization of the twentieth century
destroyed commercial fish, contaminated municipal water works, and
dosed bathing beaches along the Delaware.
<2
For three gnerations pollution of the Delaware has been self-
evident. However, up to now there has never been available a
detailed analysis of that pollution; what it is, who is responsible
for it, what might be done, and what it would cost to abate it.
In 1957-58, at the request of the Corps of Engineers, the
Public Health Service made a preliminary study of pollution in the
Delaware Estuary. This in turn led to the making of the comprehensive
study covered by this report. The study was begun in 1961 by the
Water Supply and Pollution Control Division of the Public Health
Service, now the Federal Hater Pollution Control Administration, at
the request of the state and Interstate pollution control agencies.
This is a preliminary report of that study. Its authors are
the FWPCA engineers, scientists, and economists who conducted the
study, but it reflects the contributions of numerous local and
state officials as well as hundreds of public spirited citizens.
The cost of the study vas $1.2 million.
This expenditure of money and man power will be a wise and
prudent investment If the purpose of the study is ultimately
achieved. That purpose is to provide a blueprint for the enhance-
ment of the waters of the Delaware.
This preliminary report suggests several alternate pollution
control objectives for the Delaware Estuary. The final report
vill be published in the simmer of 1967. That report will,
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of course, reflect editorial refinements and any additional views
of the reviewing agencies. Hopefully, it will also contain an
agreed upon set of pollution control objectives together with a
cooperative plan for their full and early achievement.
June 27, 1966 James M. Quigley, Commissioner
Washington, D. C. Federal Water Pollution Control
Administration
Department of the Interior
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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
FEDERAL WATER POLLUTION CONTROL ADMINISTRATION
DELAWARE ESTUARY COMPREHENSIVE STUDY
PRELIMINARY REPORT AND FINDINGS
SUMMARY
INTRODUCTION
The water quality of the Delaware Estuary has been a
matter of concern for many years.
During the late 1950's, State and Interstate water pollu-
tion control agencies and the City of Philadelphia became
increasingly concerned with the obvious severe pollution of the
Delaware Estuary. They requested the Public Health Service's
Division of Water Supply and Pollution Control, now the Federal
Water Pollution Control Administration, to undertake a coopera-
tive study to develop a comprehensive program for water pollution
control In the Delaware Estuary under the provisions of the
Federal Water Pollution Control Act. The Delaware Estuary Com-
prehensive Study (DECS) was thus undertaken In late 1961 in
cooperation with the State regulatory agencies of New Jersey,
Pennsylvania, and Delaware, the Delaware River Basin Commission,
the City of Philadelphia, and other Interested parties. The
study area encompasses the Delaware Estuary from Trenton, New
Jersey, to Liston Point, Delaware, including the estuarlne reaches
of its tributaries.
Three advisory committees helped to prepare this report.
The Policy Advisory Committee included representatives of State,
interstate, and Federal agencies having the legal power to abate
pollution. The Technical Advisory Committee included repre-
sentatives from agencies and installations participating in the
work of the study and who were familiar with the technical aspects
of water pollution control. The Water Use Advisory Committee was
composed of four subcommittees: a) General Public, b) Industry,
c) Local Government and Planning Agencies, and d) Recreation, Con-
servation, Fish and Wildlife. On all three committees, over 100
organizations providing over 200 participants cooperated through-
out the study.
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THE ECONOMIC ENVIRONMENT AND ITS WASTE INPUTS
The increase in population of the urbanized areas
from 1950 to 1960 ranged between 24 and 51%, although the
geographical units that make up the urbanized areas showed
considerably greater variability. In the study area, the
bulk of the population is served by municipal waste treat-
ment plants, eight of which discharge over 90% of the area's
discharged municipal oxygen demanding load.
During 1964 about 26,000 people were employed by the
major firms designated as substantial waste dischargers. For
the 18 major industrial waste sources, the estimated dollar
value of output during 1964 was over 2 million dollars. Later
reports will list the sources and magnitude of these discharges.
Organic waste loads are usually characterized by the
amount of oxygen needed to stabilize the waste material. The
total carbonaceous oxygen demanding waste load discharged to
the estuary during 1964 is estimated about 1,000,000 lbs./day.
About 65% of this discharge is from municipal discharges and
35% from direct industrial discharges. Additional oxygen de-
mands result from a discharge of nitrogenous material from
municipal and industrial sources (estimated at about 600,000 lb/
day) and an oxygen demand of about 200,000 lb/day exerted by
bottom deposits of sludge and mud. These bottom deposits appear
to be the result of settleable material discharged from storm-
water overflows and from spoil areas resulting from dredging
operations. They are also caused by municipal and industrial
waste effluents.
The vast majority of the municipal waste effluent flows
are discharged without disinfection and consequently contain
large concentrations of collform bacteria. Overflows from com-
bined sewerage systems also contribute bacteria to the estuary
during times of high rainfall.
Several industrial dischargers are contributing significant
quantities of acidity (estimated at 1,300,000 lb/day during the
summer) to the estuary.
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The major portion of the oxygen demanding loads dis-
charged to the estuary is released after some waste reduction
has taken place. During 1964 all municipal sources along the
estuary gave at least primary waste treatment (about 30 to
40% removal of oxygen demanding load) and ranged up to a 90%
removal level. Since waste reduction at an Industrial plant
may Involve lnplant modification, separation of cooling-process
water, as well as a number of other techniques designed to re-
duce wastes peculiar to a given plant, the amount of industrial
waste reductions along the estuary ranges from none (0% removal)
to a high secondary-tertiary level (92%-98% removal of "raw"
load). During 1964 It was estimated that, overall, the removal
of all waste discharges along the estuary was about 50% of the
"raw" load.
Population projections in the study area indicate increases
of 30% between I960 and L975, and by 135% between 1960 and the
year 2010. Total productivity as measured by dollar value of
output would increase by about 45% between 1964 and 1975 and by
almost 400% between 1964 and 2010. It is estimated that 1964
municipal "raw" waste load (about 1.2 million lb/day) will in-
crease by 2.3 times (to 2.8 million lb/day) in 1975 and by almost
5 times (to 6.1 million lb/day) in 2010.' Industrial "raw" waste
loads in 1964 (about .7 million lb/day) are expected to almost
double by 1975 (to about 1.2 million lb/day) and by 2010 will
increase by greater than 6 times (to 4.6 million lb/day) the
present waste load. Overall, the total municipal and industrial
waste load prior to reduction is expected to more than double by
1975 and to be almost 5-1/2 times the 1964 load by 2010.
WATER QUALITY
The water quality of the estuary at Trenton, New Jersey, is
generally excellent, but begins to deteriorate rapidly below that
point. From Torresdale, Pennsylvania, to below the Pennsylvania-
Delaware State Line the deterioration becomes extreme. As a
result of waste discharges, dissolved oxygen is almost completely
depleted in some locations and gases from anaerobic decomposition
of organic deposits are produced regularly during the summer.
Collform bacteria concentrations are very high in this same
stretch of river. Acid conditions in the river caused by indus-
trial waste discharges have been observed for several miles above
and belew the Pennsylvania-Delaware State Line. Surface dis-
coloration due to the release of oil from vessels and surrounding
refineries Is a common occurrence from Philadelphia to below the
State Line. Overflows from combined sewerage systems result in
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a discharge of fecal matter and other offensive solids,
floating material, and miscellaneous floatsam which would
normally be trapped by the treatment plant. This material
In the estuary represents one of the few remaining types of
discharges that can seriously affect the aesthetics of the
estuary by discharging visible evidence of raw sewage. The
net result Is a polluted waterway which depresses aesthetic
values, reduces recreational, sport and commercial fishing,
and inhibits municipal and industrial water uses.
Intrusion of salt water from the bay, while not caused
by pollutlonal discharges, also imposes a limitation on muni-
cipal and industrial water uses during periods of extended low
flows.
A mathematical modeling of the Delaware Estuary (i.e.,
categorizing the estuary in specific mathematical terms for a
computer) permitted the evaluation of the independent effects
of each of the aforementioned waste discharges on the present
level of quality, and afforded an opportunity to formulate
alternative control programs to achieve specific objectives.
This approach required the development and application of new
techniques of systems analysis, operation research, and com-
puter utilization to provide a rational basis for water quality
improvement.
WATER USE
The amount of surface and ground water withdrawn by the
35 principal municipalities In the study area during 1963 was
approximately 550,000,000 gallons daily. The Torresdale Water
Treatment Plant of the City of Philadelphia was the largest water
user, withdrawing about 200,000,000 gallons a day from the estuary
proper.
Industrial water demand is about 5 billion gallons a day,
of which about 98% comes from surface water. Almost 95% of this
total industrial demand Is used for cooling purposes; the rest is
utilized In processing or for sanitary purposes. Of any single
Industrial type, the electric power generating plants use the
greatest volume of water, about 3 billion gallons per day.
Present recreational uses of the estuary are limited, but
Include water skiing, pleasure boating, sport fishing, and a
small amount of unsanctioned swimming. All of these activities
are severely restricted by poor water quality and limited access.
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During 1964-65, only about 23% of the boating capacity along
the length of the estuary was used, owing to lack of access
ramps and the presence of floating debris. Fishing was esti-
mated at only about 8Z of possible total capacity because the
only locations where the water Is good enought to hold any
promise of successful fishing are at the extreme ends of the
study area and therefore at a considerable distance from the
large centers of population. The upper area between Trenton
and Florence, N.J., a distance of about 8 miles, Is estimated
to support 60,000 activity days annually valued at $135,000.
One activity day is a visit by one person to a recreation area
during any reasonable portion of a 24-hour period. The lower
area from Delaware City, Delaware, to Liston Point, Del., about
7 miles, is estimated to support 70,000 activity days valued
at about $160,000 annually. Sanctioned swimming, as noted,
is entirely absent along the estucry since municipal and in-
dustrial waste discharges make water contact sports hazardous
to health and aesthetically unattractive.
Shad, sturgeon, striped bass, weakfish, and white perch
were once commercially important in the study area. The peak
period for the Delaware Estuary fisheries was between 1885 and
1900; at that time the annual catch by 4,000 fishermen amounted
to 25 million pounds, worth about $4.5 million at today's prices.
Shortly after the turn of the century, the annual harvest plum-
meted and the decline has continued. At present, the annual
harvest is approximately 80,000 pounds, worth only about $14,000.
Reasons for this decline are attributed to (1) Industrial and
municipal waste discharges Into the estuary which resulted in
extremely poor water quality conditions, (2) improper fisheries
management allowing over-fishing, (3) introduction of predaceous
species into the upper river, and (4) siltation (from farmland,
surburban development, and river dredging operations) which
covered spawning areas and limited production of fish food or-
ganisms .
Recently, the Atlantic Menhaden fishery has become extremely
Important as a source of oil, domestic animal feed supplements
and fertilizer. The value of the menhaden from the estuaxy Is
estimated at about $1.4 million annually.
The only wildlife associated with the estuary are water fowl
who use the tidal marshes bordering the river. Virtually all
areas where water fowl could get adequate cover and food have been
eliminated between Trenton and the Pennsylvania-Delaware State
Line because of extensive industrial and municipal development.
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In the lower part of the study area there are still approxi-
mately 21,000 acres of tidal marsh in New Jersey and 18,000 in
Delaware. Water fowl such as ducks, teal, and Canada geese use
these areas primarily as resting grounds during the Spring and
Fall migration flights, although some limited nesting populations
are present.
WATER QUALITY IMPROVEMENT
Members of the Water Use Advisory Committee were queried
concerning possible swimming areas, desirable fishing locations,
community desires on withdrawal of water from the estuary, and
industrial desires on water use. The members of the Committee
were also asked to suggest water quality criteria for the various
water uses. Based in part on their responses, possible alterna-
tives to improve water quality were reduced to five sets of water
use and water quality objectives.
They ranged from maximum feasible enhancement of the river
using current waste treatment technology (designated Objective
Set I) to maintaining present (1964) levels of use and quality
(designated Objective Set V). Objective Sets II, III, and IV
were intermediate. The sets delineate reaches of the river
where various water uses would be made suitable from a water
quality standpoint. TVelve quality parameters were considered
for each set. In summary, the five water use/quality objective
sets are:
Objective Set I. This set would provide the greatest in-
crease in water use and water quality. Water contact recreation
is indicated in the upper and lower reaches of the estuary.
Sport and commercial fishing were placed at relatively high
levels consistent with the make-up of the region. A minimum
daily average dissolved oxygen (DO) goal of 6.0 mg/1 is included
for anadromou8 fish passage during the spring and fall periods.
Thus, anadromous fish passage is included as a definitive part
of the water quality management program. Fresh water inflow con-
trol would be necessary to repulse high chloride concentrations
to Chester, Pa., thereby creating a potential municipal and
industrial water supply use.
Objective Set II. The area of water contact recreation is
reduced somewhat from that of Objective Set I (OS-I). A reduction
in dissolved oxygen (DO) is considered to result in a conconcomi-
tant reduction in sport and commercial fishing. DO goals for
anadromous fish passage remain as in OS-I. Chloride control would
be necessary to prevent salt water intrusion above the Schuylkill
River.
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Objective Set III. This is similar in all respects to
OS-II except for the following three changes. First, the
specific DO crtieria for anadromous fish passage is not im-
posed. However, substantial Increases in anadromous fish
passage will result from the treatment requirements imposed
to control DO during the summer. Second, a general decrease
in the sport and commercial fishing potential is imposed
through a lowering of the DO requirements. Third, the quality
objectives for municipal water supply are reduced.
Objective Set IV. This set represents a slight increase
over present levels in water contact recreation and fishing in
the lower reaches of the estuary. Generally, quality require-
ments are Increased slightly over 1964 conditions, representing
a minimally enhanced environment.
Objective Set V. This set represents a maintenance of
1964 conditions, that is, a prevention of further water quality
deterioration.
Four different waste reduction schemes were evaluated for
each set. These were:
Uniform waste reduction (all sources treat to the
same level).
Two different configurations of equal waste reduction
by estuary zones.
Reduction of wastes by municipalities and industries
as separate categories.
A program of cost minimization where all sources are
required to remove wastes In accordance with loca-
tion, expense and magnitude of load.
Other alternatives such as piping of wastes out of the
estuary area, flow regulation and lnstream aeration were also
evaluated. The costs of achieving the Objectives were evaluated;
the benefits were described and, when possible, were quanti-
tatively evaluated. This information was provided to all membeis
of all comalttees of the DECS, so that, throughout the entire
decision making process, full advantage could be made of all
available technical information during the formation of a final
set of use-quality objectives.
COSTS
To achieve Objective Set I, which calls for a summer average
dissolved oxygen level of about 4.5 mg/1 in tne critical zones
and 6 mg/1 during the spring and fall fish runs would require
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about 92-98% removal of all carbonaceous waste sources plus
instream aeration. An estuary-wlde residual of about 100,000
lb/day of oxygen demanding wastes would be allowed. There is
significant uncertainty as to the ability to achieve these
reductions over the entire estuary. The program requires large
scale utilization of advanced waste treatment and reduction pro-
cesses , which is not deemed technically feasible at this time.
The estimated total (capital and operation and maintenance)
cost of removal to achieve and maintain this Objective Set (to
1975-1980) is about $490 million. This includes the reduction
of oxygen demanding wastes as well as disinfection for bacterial
control, but excludes any cost associated with reservoir storage
for chloride control.
The achievement and maintenance of Objective Set 11 (e.g.
summer average dissolved oxygen of A mg/1 in the critical sec-
tions of the estuary) to the period 1975-1980 is estimated to
cost between about $230 and $330 million depending on the par-
ticular type of waste reduction program. An overall residual
load of about 200,000 lb/day would be allowed resulting in
approximately 90% removal of the present waste load with the
distribution of the load depending on the control program (e.g.
uniform treatment, zoned treatment, or cost minimization).
Objective Set III, which is similar in many respects to
Objective Set II, calls for a sumner average dissolved oxygen
of 3 mg/1 in the critical sections. To achieve and maintain such
water quality objectives to 1975-1980 would cost between $130 and
$180 million. About 500,000 lb/day of organic material would be
the allowable total discharge. This would represent an overall
removal of about 75% of the present load. The actual removals
for each source would again depend on the control program.
Objective Set IV, which represents a minimal enhancement over
present water quality conditions calls for a summer average dis-
solved oxygen In the critical section of 2.5 mg/1. The estimated
total cost of this objective, Including the achievement of all
water quality parameters, ranges from $100 to about $150 million.
It is estimated that the maintenance of present conditions,
0S-V, in the face of increasing industrial and population growth
would cost about $30 million. These total costs are summarized
in the following table:
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TABLE 1
Objective Set
Estimated Cost*
Millions of Dollars (1975-1980)
I
460
II
200-300
III
100-150
IV
70-120
*Does not include maintenance
of present conditions --
$30 million.
After the costs and benefits of the Objective Sets were evaluated
the Water Use Advisory Committee held numerous meetings and dis-
cussions; and circulated correspondence among all members of each
of the four subcommittees. Each subcommittee chairman was able
to arrive at a consensus which represented at least the general
attitudes and desires of his group. The members of the WUAC then
met and arrived at a consensus of Objective Set III as the final
recommendation of the WUAC to the Delaware Estuary Comprehensive
A major concern was the role of anadromous fish passage in
Objective Sets II and III. At this point an intensive investiga-
tion of the waste control programs of OS-II and OS-III as related
to anadromous fish passage was carried out. Elements considered
were passage period, time and distribution of passage, estimated
survival rate6 at different dissolved oxygen levels, fish gender,
forecasted dissolved oxygen profiles, and time series under vari-
ous flow conditions with various waste loadings. These analyses
indicate that during drought conditions (a one in 25 year lou
flow condition) the migrating shad currently have 20 per cent
chance of survival. Under Objective Set III and a similar drought
condition, it is estimated that the total upstream migrating shad
would have about 80% chance of survival. Under OS-II this would
increase to about a 90% chance of survival. For an average flow
year, and present quality conditions, it is estimated that the
shad have approximately a 60% survival rate while under Objective
Set III this would increase to 85% and under Objective Set II to
approximately 95% survival.
Study.
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To maintain any of the water quality objectives for the
period 1975 to 1985, it is estimated that the region would have
to spend an additional 5 to 7-1/2 million dollars per year.
These funds would be required to offset the increases in waste
loading as a result of population growth and industrial expansion.
By 1975 overall treatment levels to maintain Objective Set III
would approach 90%, and for Objective Set II would approach 93%,
of the estimated raw waste loads. By the year 2010, the estimates
of waste loadings before treatment or reduction are so large that
96 to 99% waste removal would be necessary to maintain the objec-
tives. It appears then, that by about 1990 additional waste
treatment or reduction by present technology to maintain a specific
objective may become prohibitively expensive and other schemes
would have to be examined* These would include, for example,
water recycling and reuse, the piping of wastes out of the critical
areas, and the large scale use of mechanical instream aerators,
all of which may become more feasible alternatives during the
period 1985-1990 than attempting to achieve even higher waste
reduction levels by classical means. New technology in waste
reduction, however, would aid in alleviating the situation.
BENEFITS
The benefits from improved water quality will be substan-
tial. The protection of the area's water resources, including
the preservation and enhancement of fish and wildlife, and pro-
tection of the region's general health and welfare through ex-
pansion of recreational facilities would be directly related to
the level of water quality improvement. At the present time it
is not possible to quantify in monetary terms all of the benefits
that would accrue to a region as a result of a water quality
improvement program. However, every attempt was made as part of
the DECS to determine those portions of the total benefits that
are quantifiable; the remaining benefits are described in quali-
tative terms.
In the area of recreational benefits, three general categories
were considered: 1) swimming, 2) boating, and 3) sport fishing.
The analyses indicate a tremendous latent recreational demand in
the estuary region that to some extent could be satisfied by
improved water quality. It is estimated that during the period
1975-1980 the increase in total demand for the whole region over
the present demand would be about 43 million activity days per
year and by the year 2010 would increase to almost 100 million
activity days per year.
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Demand analyses have shown that the estuary could absorb
a significant portion of this demand. With improved water
quality, new areas would be made suitable for swimming, for other
forms of water contact recreation, and for such non-water con-
tact recreation as sports fishing.
In order to compute the monetary value associated with the
demand under each objective set, a number of factors were con-
sidered (e.g., capacity of the estuary, the part of the total
demand that the estuary could be expected to fulfill, and the
application of monetary unit values to the total participating
demand). Increases in anadrotnous fish passage would provide an
outstanding sport fishing opportunity in the basin above Trenton.
The size of the adult migrating shad (4-5 pounds) that reaches
the upper headwaters makes it an excellent game fish for sporting
enthusiasts; water quality improvement in the estuary therefore
affects a highly desirable use over 100 miles from the point of
control. The analyses indicate that the increase in direct quan-
tifiable recreational benefit in present dollars for Objective
Set I would range between 160 and 350 million; for Objective Set
II between 140 and 320 million; for Objective Set III between 130
and 310 million; and for Objective Set IV between 120 and 280
million. The relatively wide range of benefit estimates results
from the difficulty of accurately evaluating their dollar values.
A6 the water quality improves, a concurrent improvement in
commercial fishing opportunity is expected to occur. It is esti-
mated, especially for Objective Sets I, II and III, that there
will be a substantial increase in the number of anadromous fish,
thereby providing an opportunity for increased commercial fishing.
Xhe catch of menhaden is expected to increase along with other
finfish such as striped bass, weakfish, and bluefish. Two capa-
cities of the lower portion of the area will be improved: a) as
a nursery area for young fish which subsequently migrate into
Delaware Bay and form a large part of the sport and commercial
fishing activity there, and b) as protection for aquatic organisms
which serve directly and Indirectly as food for fish which are
harvested in abundance elsewhere. For the three categories of
commercial fishing: a) shad, b) menhaden, and c) other finfish,
estimated were made of the direct monetary benefits. These show
incremental benefits ranging from about 5 million dollars (present
value) under Objective Set IV to over 10 million dollars under
Objective Set I.
In regard to municipal water supplies, the major source that
would benefit from improved quality is the Torresdale Water Treat-
ment Plant of Philadelphia. It is probable, however, that mone-
tary benefits in terms of dollar savings and treatment costs at
-------
this plant will be relatively small at all Objective Sets.
There will undoubtedly, however, be a substantial reduction of
taste and odor problems which will greatly increase the
ability of the plant to produce a more palatable drinking
water. For industrial water use, positive benefits will re-
sult primarily from chloride reduction which accompanies in-
creased fresh water inflow. These benefits are not included
in this summary. In general, the industrial community indi-
cates a low degree of sensitivity to water quality except for
chlorides and dissolved oxygen. For both of these variables,
the location of the industry, the quality of the estuarine
intake water, and the industrial type are all important con-
siderations. The results indicate an increase in benefits
because of chloride control which is not, however, a function
of any waste reduction programs. The response from the indus-
trial community relative to oxygen indicated that if the DO
goes up (usually a benefit for most other water uses), the cost
to industry Increases. This is primarily due to corrosion at
higher DO levels. Therefore, the results indicate a negative
benefit (cost) to industrial water users associated with in-
creased DO. These negative benefits (costs) range from 5 million
dollars for Objective Set IV to 15 million dollars for Objective
Set I.
In addition to the preceding estimates of measurable bene-
fits, there are numerous other uses that will be improved as a
result of increased water quality. However, the nature of these
increases in use is such that monetary estimates of the benefits
cannot be made. Increased water quality will improve the value
of property adjacent to the estuary by providing a watercourse
that is more aesthetically pleasing. Similarly, picnic areas and
parks along the river will be enhanced due to the presence of a
more desirable body of water. Increased water quality reduces
the risk of damage to piers, bridge abutments and vessels.
Finally, the quantitative analyses in this Summary do not include
the influence of secondary effects on the regional economy. For
example, a unit of monetary benefit associated with commercial
fishing use might be expected to generate at least an extra 157,
in other benefits due to the interrelationship between the com-
mercial fisherman and the remainder of the economy. This may
occur in the form of increased wages, additional capital invest-
ment or increased use of trades and services.
The above benefit analyses can be summarized as follows:
For Objective Set IV, which represents a relatively slight
Increase in water quality, the range of estimated increase in
quantifiable benefits is from 120 to 280 million dollars. As the
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objective is raised to Set III, the estimated range in benefits
is from 130 to 310 million dollars. A further increase in
water quality to Objective Set II results in a relatively small
increase in benefits; from 140 to 320 million dollars. Finally,
the water uses that are associated with Objective Set 1 are
estimated to have a range of quantifiable benefits from 160 to
350 million dollars.
GUIDELINES FOR IMPLEMENTATION
The successful achievement of any of the water quality
objectives requires a large scale, well budgeted, clearly out-
lined implementation program. The effort should include 1) an
up-to-date inventory of the various waste loads to the system
as a means of checking compliance with the requirements of the
program, 2) a continuing estimate of future trends, and 3) a
continuing determination of the costs and benefits of the con-
trol program. The physical processes that govern the cause and
effect relationships between waste inputs and water quality
should be continually re-examined. Knowledge of existing water
quality and water use conditions is extremely important as a
measure of program success and as a warning of long or short
term conditions that might impair proposed uses and thus require
additional waste control measures. A continual evaluation of the
various waste water alternatives that are available is necessary.
This requires a thorough investigation and knowledge of the types
of water quality control mechanisms that are available, including
costs and difficulty of administration. The evaluation of the
effects of these mechanisms on the present and future economy of
the region may require investigations.
Implementation can best be accomplished through the continued
cooperation of all concerned, with the DRBC assuming the primary
coordination and decision-making functions for the region. The
FWPCA will continue to provide forecasting services and evaluation
of water quality control alternatives, including costs and bene-
fits and other analytical procedures, passing on recommendations
to the DRBC through its advisory committees on policy and tech-
nical matters. Similarly, the States through the DRBC advisory
committees can provide a policy and technical input as well as
bear the burden of obtaining the basic data on water quality and
waste loads.
ADDITIONAL STUDY REQUIREMENTS
Although a considerable amount of detailed investigation was
carried out as part of the DECS, several areas that were uncovered
during the Project could not be fully pursued because of time and
-------
resource constraints. Investigations of some of these areas
were limited to the specific needs of the study, and they re-
quire further evaluation to fully understand the particular
phenomena.
There are numerous indications at the present time that
additional effort should be directed to:
1) Determine the interaction between the estuary
and the bay so the effect of proposed control
schemes in the estuary area on the bay could be
determined.
2) To develop a plan of protection for present and
future commercial and recreational uses of the bay.
Many water quality problems are relatively short term and
transient in nature. As indicated throughout the study, there
is a pressing need for specific DO control during times of ana-
dromous fish passage to counteract periodic undesirable water
quality conditions. The feasibility of large scale aeration
should be evaluated. This should include, investigation into
its costs, effectiveness, possible nuisance effects as well as
oxygen transfer rates. Other transient water quality control
problems arise from the accidental dumping of waste material.
Additional study is required to determine the most effective
control measure or combination of measures that can be employed
under that type of situation.
Since overflows from combined sewerage systems are one of the
last remaining violations of the aesthetics of the estuary, efforts
should be made to initiate a stormwater overflow control project
to experiment with new methods for intercepting the objectionable
material discharged as a part of the combined sewer overflow.
The region should therefore avail itself of the opportunities
under Section 6 of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, as
amended.
Further detailed study should be made of the allocation of
the costs of the water pollution control program, including in-
vestigation of effluent charges as a means of distributing costs
and as a means of providing a constant incentive for the reduc-
tion of wastes. Because of the relatively sensitive nature of
a study of this type, a thorough exposition of all opinions and
facts should be an integral part of the investigation.
-------
Study is also required to insure that better water uses
made possible by improved water quality would indeed be rea-
lized - for example, close coordination to plan and construct
necessary peripheral facilities (access points, parking areas).
Finally, further study is required concerning the benefits,
direct and indirect, monetarily quantifiable and qualitatively
descriptive of improved water quality. These studies should
include possible increases in land valuations as a result of
increased water quality, and values accruing to the region from
expanded recreational facilities and higher levels of conmer-
cial water based economic activity.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
FOREWORD i
SUMMARY iii
CHAPTER 1 - INTRODUCTION
Background and Authorization for Study I
Scope of Report 2
Objectives of Delaware Estuary Comprehensive
Study 2
Acknowledgment 5
CHAPTER 2 - DESCRIPTION OF STUDY AREA
Location and Boundaries 7
Geography and Topography 7
Geology 9
Climate 9
Principal Communities and Industries 10
Hydrology 11
CHAPTER 3 - THE ECONOMIC ENIVORNMENT AND ITS WASTE
INPUTS
Population 15
Employment, Production, Industry Types 18
Present Waste Loads 20
Economic Trends and Outlooks 25
Future Waste Loads Before Reduction 28
CHAPTER 4 - WATER QUALITY
Present Water Quality 33
Mathematical Analysis of Cause and Effect
Relationships 38
CHAPTER 5 - WATER USES
Municipal Water Supply 43
Industrial Water Supply 45
Recreation 48
Fish and Wildlife 50
CHAPTER 6 - WATER QUALITY IMPROVEMENT
Water Use and Water Quality Goals 53
Alternative Programs to Secure Desired
Water Quality Objectives 61
Costs of Alternate Programs 62
Maintenance of Objectives 69
-------
TABLE OF CONTENTS (Cont'd)
Page
CHAPTER 7 - IMPLEMENTATION
Guidelines for Implementation J3
Delaware River Basin Commission Sii
Federal Uater Pollution Control Administration 86
State., S3
CHAPTER 8 - ADDITIONAL STUDY REQUIREMENTS
Delaware Day Study 91
Investigation of Transient Control Measures 92
Stormwater Overflows 92
Investigation of Secondary Effects 93
Cost Allocation 93
Management of the Contiguous Environment 93
Benefits Analysis 94
APPENDICES
I - DECS COMMITTEE STRUCTURE
II - WATER USE ADVISORY COMMITTEE TO THE DELAWARE
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LIST OF FIGURES
Page
1 The Delaware Estuary and Location of the
Delaware River Basin 3
2 The DECS Advisory Committee Structure 4
3 The Study Area of the DECS 8
4 Estimated Monthly Flow Distributions for
Delaware River at Trenton, N. J. 11
5 Example of Current Velocities in the Delaware
Estuary at Tacony-Palmyra Bridge 13
6 Delaware Estuary Urbanized Areas in 1960 .... 16
7 Urbanized Area Populations, 1950-1960 17
8 Identification of Industries by SIC Number ... .19
9 1964 Employment in Two-Digit SIC's for Direct
Discharging Industries 20
10 1964 Dollar Value of Output in Two-Digit SIC1s
for Direct Discharging Industries 21
11 Carbonaceous Oxygen Demand Discharges to the
Delaware Estuary - 1964 . . 22
12 Municipal and Industrial Carbonaceous Oxygen
Demand Discharges Along the Delaware Estuary -
1964 23
13 Simulated Stormwater Overflow Distribution
Over Time 25
14 Economic Functional Dependence in the Delaware
Estuary Region 26
15 Estimated Population Tributary to Major Water
Pollution Control Plants Along the Delaware
Estuary, 1960-2010 26
16 Estimated Employment in Major Direct Discharging
Industries Along the Delaware Estuary, 1964-
-------
FIGURES (Cont'd)
Page
17 Estimated Value of Output for Major Director
Discharging Industries Along the Delaware
Estuary, 1964-2010 28
18 Projected Waste Loads Before Reduction -
Carbonaceous Oxygen Demand (i>l/Day) 29
19 Systems Diagram of Industrial Production -
l.'aste Discharge Process 31
20 Map of Delaware Estuary Showing Section
Breakdown 34
21 Profile of Average Summer (June-August 1964)
Dissolved Oxygen (rag/1) 30
22 Profile of Geometric Iiean Summer (June-August
1964) Coliform Bacteria (ir/100 ml) 36
23 Profile of Average Sui.aner (June-August 1964)
Alkalinity (mg/1) 37
24 Maximur.. Chloride (nig/1) Intrusion During 1964 . 37
25 Dissolved Oxygen System 33
26 Effect on Stream BOD of 100,000,£ of BOD Dis-
charged into Section 10 39
27 Effect on DO of 100,000; of BOD Discharged
into Section 10 40
28 Effect on DO in Section 13 of Removal of
Carbonaceous Oxygen Demand 40
29 Effect on DO of 200,000# of BOD Discharged
at One Time into Section 15 41
30 System for Chlorides 42
31 Effect on Chlorides in Section 18 of Simulated
Input of 15,000 cfs at Trenton, N. J. for
8 Days 42
32 Distribution of Municipal Uater Supply by
-------
FIGURES (Cont'd)
Page
33 Municipal Water Supply Points and Origins of
Withdrawals . 44
34 Distribution of Industrial Water Demand Along
the Delaware Estuary 4i
35 Total Industrial Water Use in Study Area .... 46
36 Industrial Water Use in Study Area Excluding
Electrical Utilities 40
37 Historical Variation in Finfish and Shad
Harvests 30
38 Information Flow Between DECS and Advisory t
Committees 54
39 Water Uses for Objective Sets I-V . 55
40 Estimated Total (Male & Female) Upstream Shad
Passage for OS-II, III & V (Present Con-
ditions) 60
41 A-Zone and B-Zone Configuration Used for Evalu-
ation of Alternative Programs 64
42 Index of Industrial Self Supplied \."ater Use
From Surface Sources 73
43 Industrial Dissolved Oxygen Incremental Negative
Benefit (Cost) in 1964 Dollars 74
/
44 Estiuatcd Future Recreation Deiuand in the Delaware
Estuary Region 75
45 Present Value (1904) of Recreation Benefits frou
Demand Satisfied by the Delaware Estuary ... 73
-------
LIST OF TABLES
Page
1 Tons of Commodities Shipped from Trenton,
Philadelphia, and Wilmington Areas (1963) .... 10
2 Major Gaged Tributaries 12
3 Tidal Height Ranges 13
4 Characteristics of Municipal Sewerage Systems,
1957-1960 18
5 Dissolved Oxygen Data for 1964 .......... 35
6 Industrial water Use Comparison in Study Area -
1963 47
7 Comparison of Present Capacity and Use - 1965 ... 48
8 l^ater Quality Goals for Objective Set I 56
9 Water Quality Goals for Objective Set II 57
10 Uater Quality Goals for Objective Set III 57
11 l/ater Quality Goals for Objective Set IV ..... 58
12 Present t.'ater Ouality - Objective Set V 56
13 Estimated Total (Male & Female) Upstream Shad Pas-
sage 60
14 Summary of Total Costs of Dissolved Oxygen Objec-
tives 63
15 Summary of Waste Reduction Requirements to Meet
Dissolved Oxygen Objectives 65
16 Estimated Total Costs of Objective Sets ...... 66
17 Capital Costs for Attainment of Objectives 1) By
Piping of Wastes out of the Estuary, 2) By Treat-
-------
LIST OF TALLES (Cont'd)
13 Estimated Total Cost to Reach DO jLjCctives
By Mechanical Aeration blj
19 Average Allowable Carbonaceous Oxygen Demand . . bcJ
20 Estimated Recreational Benefits (1975-1980) . . 77
-------
CHAPTER 1
INTRODUCTION
BACKGROUND AND AUTHORIZATION FOR STUDY
The water quality of the Delaware Estuary has been a natter
of concern for many years. In 1957 and 1958 the Public Health
Service, Department of Health, Education, and Welfare, conducted
several field studies and wrote a water quality report describing
the Delaware River. This study was part of the Corps of Engineers'
comprehensive water resources investigation of the Delaware River
Basin. The report, entitled "Report on the Comprehensive Survey
of the Delaware Basin, Appendix C, Municipal and Industrial Water
Use and Stream Quality", recognized that the quality of the
estuary portion of the Delaware was undesirable. Time and funds
were not sufficient for a proper detailed water quality study of
the estuary.
It was evident, however, from the available data that the
quality of the water in the estuary, particularly the strech from
Philadelphia, Penna. to the Pennsylvania-Delaware state line was
poor, especially during the warmer summer months. State and
interstate water pollution control agencies concerned with the
obvious severe pollution of the estuaryasked the Public Health
Service, in accordance with Section 3(a) of Public Law 660, the
Federal Water Pollution Control Act, as amended, to undertake a
cooperative study, to develop a comprehensive program for water
pollution control in the Delaware Estuary.
Section 3(a), Comprehensive Programs for Water Pollution
Control, states that:
"The Secretary shall, after careful Investigation, and
in cooperation with other Federal agencies, with state
water pollution control agencies and Interstate agencies,
and with the municipalities and industries involved,
prepare or develop comprehensive programs for eliminating
or reducing the pollution of interstate waters and tri-
butaries thereof and improving the sanitary condition
of surface and underground waters. In the development
of such comprehensive programs due regard shall be
given to the Improvements which are necessary to conserve
such waters for public water s'upplies, propagation of
fish and aquatic life and wildlife, recreational purposes,
agricultural, industrial, and other legitimate uses...."
-------
In late 1961, the Delaware Estuary Comprehensive Study (DECS)
was undertaken in cooperation with the Interstate Commission on
the Delaware and its subsequent successor, the Delaware River
Basin Commission, the Delaware Hater Pollution Commission, the
New Jersey Department of Health, the Pennsylvania Department of
Health, the City of Philadelphia Water Department and several
other agencies. On January 1, 1966, the water pollution control
activities of the Public Health Service of the Department of
Health, Education, and Welfare were transferred to the Federal
Water Pollution Control Administration, which during Hay, 1966,
became an agency of the Department of the Interior.
SCOPE OF REPORT
The study covers the length of the Delaware River from Trenton,
New Jersey, to Liston Point, Delaware. This 86 mile stwteh of
river, known as the estuary because of the influence of astro-
nomically caused tidal motions, is encompassed by one of the most
heavily populated and industrialized areas in the country.
Figure 1 is a map of the estuary and location of the Delaware
River Basin.
This preliminary report consists of a general review of the
study, together with the alternative water quality goals, costs
and benefits and control schemes that were considered. A ^nore
detailed technical report is being prepared presenting the various
analyses that were performed during the development of the
Comprehensive Program.
OBJECTIVES OF THE DELAWARE ESTUARY COMPREHENSIVE STUDY
The objectives of the study are as follows:
a) Determine the cause and effect relationships between
pollution from any source and the present deteriorated
quality of water in the estuary.
b) Develop methods of water quality management including
the development of techniques of forecasting the
variations In water quality due to natural man-made
causes.
c) Prepare a comprehensive program for the improvement
and maintenance of water quality in the estuary
including the waste removals and other control devices
necessary to manage the quality of water in the estuary
for municipal, industrial and agricultural water use,
and for fisheries, recreation and wildlife propagation.
-------
«I
FIGURE I. - TJie Delaware Estuary and location of the Delaware
River Basin,, river mile 0.0 = mouth of Delaware Bay.
-------
The results of the study provide a set-of operational pro-
cedures to be followed in the achievement of a specified water
quality objective. In the maintenance of the objective, cognizance
is given to the expected growth of the municipal and industrial
sectors of the region in the immediate future (1975-80) and the
longer range (year 2010).
In order to more fully carry out the requirements of the
Federal Water Pollution Control Act as amended, the DECS formed
three advisory committees (Figure 2). The Policy Advisory
Or*
mum tp
o\ ,/o
/* ^ A
/ ?©MM(niS3 \
d b
o, — «o
a/
o\ So o\ [o
O* <0 arm
o o
FIGURE 2. - The DECS Advisory Committee structure.
Committee (PAC) i icludes representatives of state, interstate and
federal agencier that have the legal power to abate pollution.
Membership of t ie Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) includes
personnel from agencies and installations participating in the
work of thq work of the study and who are familiar with the
technical aspects of water pollution control. The Water Use
Advisory Committee (WUAC) is composed of four subcommittees repre-
senting the major water using interests in the estuary study area:
9) General Public, b) Industry, c) Local Governments and Planning
Agencies, and d) Recreation, Conservation, Fish and Wildlife. The
details of the Advisory Committee structure are given in Appendix I
to this report.
-------
The functions of the PAC Include the attainment of a consensus
among the agencies on pollution abatement policy and plans and the
assurance of full coordination of effort and understanding. The
TAC provides for agency appraisal of the technical development of
the investigation as well as providing a direct technical assistance
in the organization of various projects and providing additional
qualified personnel for special phases of the study. The WUAC
indicates the needs and the desires of the people of the study
area relative to water use with water quality as a criterion.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
Any report that deals with complex environmental regional pro-
blems such as surround the Delaware Estuary is never successfully
completed without the wholehearted cooperation of numerous
individuals. It is Impossible to list all who gave of their time
and energy to contribute so much-valuable knowledge and advice.
However, the members of the Policy Advisory, Technical Advisory,
and Water Use Advisory Committees of the DECS deserve specific
mention for proving, in practice, that our system of governmental
structure can operate harmoniously with the industrial sector
and the general public to produce a meaningful and rational water
quality Improvement program.
-------
CHAPTER 2
DESCRIPTION OF STUDY AREA
LOCATION AND BOUNDARIES
The Delaware River Is a major watercourse draining a narrow
section of northeastern United States. The drainage basin of the
Delaware River totals 12,765 square miles covering a five state
area: New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, and a small
section of Maryland. The drainage area above Trenton, New Jersey,
(6,780 square miles) is commonly referred to as the Central and
Upper Regions of the Delaware River Basin. The drainage area below
Trenton, New Jersey, is referred to as the Lower Region of the
Delaware River Basin. The Lower Region of the basin encompasses the
estuary portion of the Delaware River.
The Delaware Estuary is bordered by the states of Pennsylvania
and Delaware on the western shore and by the state of New Jersey on
the eastern shore. The Delaware Estuary begins at Trenton, New
Jersey, and extends 86 miles downstream to Delaware Bay at Liston
Point, Delaware. The study area is defined by the service areas of
the major water users and waste dischargers (Figure 3). The width
of the study area is variable, but is limited to approximately ten
miles from the estuary proper and the estuarine reaches of its
tributaries. The drainage area of the Delaware River Basin above the
lowest point of the study area is approximately 11,330 square miles.
GEOGRAPHY AND TOPOGRAPHY
The headwaters of the Delaware River are in the Appalachian
Plateau Province and drain the western slopes of the Catskill
Mountains of New York state. Mountain peaks extend to 4000 feet
above sea level, though most are in the 2500-3500 feet range.
At Trenton, New Jersey, the Delaware River Bed becomes an out-
crop of exposed rock (Fall Line) that dips toward the coast of New
Jersey. From this point (head of tide), the Delaware Estuary flows
along the eastern side of the Fall Line which divides the Piedmont
Province and the Coastal Plain Province. In the Piedmont Province
are the less rugged Pocono Mountains with few peaks as high as 2000
feet above sea level. The terrain changes from the Appalacian Plateau
Province of heavily wooded hills to broad forested valleys in the
Piedmont lowlands.
The area of the Coastal Plain Province is generally composed of
moderate rolling hills; however, swampy areas are found in southern
-------
PENNSYLVANIA
lUtllNCTi
J5CA1
>£».
cnestei
lk^ \ ll IIITV
W111'
UK I
[lllfl
C«
Sui|
I 4« 3
tC All Mill ft
FIGURE 3. - 27ie study area of the DECS.
-------
New Jersey. Basically, the Coastal Plain Province is flat land with
sand soils suitable for produce farming. The soils near the Fall
Line are more adaptable to farming than those nearer the coast or
bay.
GEOLOGY
The Delaware River Basin is mainly composed of two provinces
separated by the Fall Line extending from Wilmington, Delaware, to
Trenton, New Jersey. The Appalachian Plateau, northwest of the Fall
Line, is characterized by glaciated ridges and valleys. The bedrock
is consolidated, complex in composition and structure, and generally
yields little water to wellB. Exposed rock In this part of the basin
is ooarse hard sandstone that does not normally dissolve or erode.
The sparsely populated area is primarily an agricultural and
tecreatlonal area.
The northwestern boundary of the Coastal Plain Province is an
outcrop of bedrock extending above the Fall Line from Trenton, New
Jersey, to Wilmington, Delaware. The bedrock nearer the Fall Line
is approximately at sea level, dipping to 3500 feet below sea level
at Lis ton Point, Delaware. The bedrock dipping toward the New Jersey
Coast is a wedge of unconsolidated deposits of alternating permeable
aquifers composed of sand and gravel bounded by aqulcludes of clay
and silt. These aquifers can generally be developed for ground water
supplies almost anywhere in the Coastal Plain Province.
CLIMATE
The Delaware River Basin is in the temperate zone and the climate
is generally mild. Sustained periods of very high or low temperatures
seldom last more than 3 or h days. Mean air temperature ranges from
50°F In the upper basin to 54°F at Wilmington, Delaware.
Precipitation is fairly evenly distributed throughout the year
with maximum amounts falling In the summer months. Average annual
precipitation in the basin ranges from 42 inches per year in the
Wilmington, Delaware area to 60 inches per year for the upper basin.
Heavy snows are not uncommon in the upper basin; however, the
Philadelphia area has a mean of only 21 Inches. Single storms of
10 Inches or more occur about every five years In the Philadelphia
area.
The prevailing wind direction for the sunmer months is from the
southwest, while during the winter months north westerly winds are
more conmon. The annual prevailing wind is from the west southwest.
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PRINCIPAL COMMUNITIES AND INDUSTRIES
The most heavily populated area of the Delaware River Basin is
that area bounding the estuary from Trenton, New Jersey* to
Wilmington, Delaware. The basin above Trenton is relatively sparsely
populated and undeveloped, except for the lower Lehigh Valley area.
The principal municipal complexes along the main reach of the
estuary are: Trenton, N. J., Philadelphia, Pa., Camden, N.J.,
Chester, Pa., and Wilmington, Delaware. These cities represent one
of the most densely populated areas of the country and encompass more
than 4,000,000 people.
An extensive complex of industrial plants also lines the Delaware
Estuary. Industries distributed on each side of the estuary produce
chemicals and allied products, petroleum, primary metals, paper and
allied products, processed food and electric power. Table 1 lists
the tonnage of various commodities produced in the Trenton, Phila-
delphia, and Wilmington Metropolitan areas. These figures represent
4.7% of the U. S. total. The most heavily Industrialized area is the
Camden-Philadelphia-Chester region of the estuary.
TABLE 1
TONS OF COMMODITIES SHIPPED FROM
TRENTON, PHILADELPHIA, AND WIIMINGTON AREAS (1963)
BIC
Coda
COBBOdlCT ClMt
Total Tons
(thousands)
20
rood and kind reJ product*
4,1^9
22
Dasic textiles
4fcP
23
Apparel, loeludlnR knit Apparel, a-nd other
finished textile products
334
26
Pulp, paper, and allied products
] ,0?fi
28
Chealcel* and allied products
4,3\4
29
Petrolawi asd coal produce*
47.1R2
30
Rubber and alacellentous plastics products
696
32
Stone, clay, and glass produces
826
33
Primary aetal producta
4,365
M
fabricated natal products
1,164
33
Machinery, except electrical
433
36
Electrlcel machinery tad equlpnent
216
3T
Transportation equlpcaant
946
All other coraaodlty claeees
TOTAL .
67,84?
81C ¦ Standard loduatrlal Claaalflcatlon
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HYDROLOGY
The fi£sh water inflow to the Delaware Estuary Is primarily
from the drainage of the Central and Upper Regions of the basin
(area above Trenton). The river flows over a series of rock
ledges at the Fall Line and enters the estuary at Trenton, New
Jersey. The annual average flow at Trenton is 11,680 cubic feet
per second (cfs), for the 52 year period of record ending in 1964.
In conjunction with studies of fish passage, monthly distri-
butions of the annual Trenton flows were investigated. The
estimated monly distributions of the Trenton mean flow and the
one in 25 year low flow are presented in Figure 4.
~
AVCKAOC ANNUAl HOW
15 YKAI IOW FLOW
w
m
m
o
Jliutf
Jill
FIGURE 4. - Estimated monthly flow distributions for Delaware
River at Trenton, N.J.
In the Lower Region of the basin, additional fresh water in-
flow to the estuary results from approximately 100 tributaries,
most of which are relatively small. The major tributary discharging
to the Delaware Estuary Is the'Schuylkill River with an average
annual discharge of 2900 cfs, (1931 to 1964, 33 years). Other
gaged tributary flows are presented In Table 2.
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TABLE 2
MAJOR GAGED TRIBUTARIES
A*irt|i Avaraja Annua 1
Straaa 6 Station Batuary Dralnaja Axm ftrlod of Ruooff Flow
Location Sactloo (8q. Hllaa) Record (cfa/aq.al.) (c£<)
Dalavara Rlvar
(Trantoo, N.J.) 1 6780 1912*64 1.72 11,680
Aaaunplnk Craak
(Trantoo, N.J ) 1 S9.4 1923-64 1.33 119
Croaavlcka Craak
(Bxtonvllle, ti J ) 2 93.6 1940-31 1,31 126
1932-64
Naahaaloy Craek
(Langborna, Pa.) 3 210 1934-64 1.31 274
torch Branch
fcancocaa Craak
(Panbarton, H.J ) 6 111 1921-64 1,32 169
Schuylkill Klvar
(Phlla., pa.) 13 1893 1931-64 1.33 2,900
Chaatar Craak
(CSwit.r, F. ) 18 61 1 1931-64 1 32 go.8
Braodjrvlna Craak
(Ullnlnicon, D.1.) 21 314 1946-64 1.44 433
Chxlatlna Klvar
(Cooeh. Brldg., D.1 ) 21 20.3 1943-63 1.2a 26.2
Whit. Cl.y CTMk
0»m«.rk, D.1.) 21 87.8 1931-63 1.23 108
R.d Cl.jr cr..k
(Voodrf.l., HI.) 21 47.0 1943-6) 1.3* 63 1
The shipping channel of the estuary from Trenton to the Hay
ranges from 300-1000 feet in width and 35-45 feet in depth.
Associated volumes per 1000 feet of estuary length increase from
15 million cubic feet at Trenton to 250 million cubic feet at the
entrance to Delaware Bay.
The Delaware Estuary is responsive primarily to an approximate
semi-diurnal lunar tide with a period of about 12 hours and 25
minutes. Other solar and lunar periodic phenomena are also present
resulting in a range of period responses in the estuary. Some re-
presentative tidal height variations in the Delaware Estuary are
presented in Table 3. Figure 5 is an example of current velocities
recorded at the Tacony-Palmyra Bridge by a current meter installed
by the DECS. Tidal velocities in the estuary average about 1.5
feet per second with maximum velocities of almost 4.0 feet per
second.
-------
TABLE 3
TIDAL HEIGHT RANGES
Location
Miles from
Delaware Bay
Mouth
Tide Range (feet)
Mean Spring
Liston Point, Del.
Philadelphia, Pa.
Trenton, N. J.
48.3
100.0
132.0
5.7
5.9
6.8
6.4
6.2
7.1
Tidal flows in the Delaware Estuary have been investigated
at the Delaware Memorial Bridge (mile 68.70). The maximum
downstrean and upstream flows on August 21, 1957 were approximately
500,000 cfs. In contrast, tidal flows recorded on August 16, 1956
at the Burlington-Bristol Bridge (Mile 117.81) were approximately
60,000-65,000 cfs.
40
3.0
20
UPSTREAM
00
2.0
3.0
40
10 11 NOON 123456789 10
" TIME (EST)
FIGURE 5. - Example of current velocities in the Delaware
Estuary at Tacony-Palmyra Bridge, May llt 1964.
-------
'CHAPTER 3
THE ECONOMIC ENVIRONMENT
AND ITS WASTE INPUTS
populatio:i
In order to more readily separate urban and rural population
in the vicinity of the larger cities along the estuary, urbanized
areas have been delineated. These include not only the lar^e
central city, but also an urban fringe composed of surrounding
incorporated and unincorporated areas. All persons residinn in
an urbanized area are included in the urban population. Since
the criteria for inclusion in the urbanized area are based
primarily on density of settlement, it nay be expected that the
included area will change rather rapidly as larger populations
arise in the suburbs. The urbanized areas as finally detpmined
often include only parts of outlying counties and just fractions
of townships. These areas have the advantage of being much uore
homoegeneous than a breakdown of population along, for exartnle,
county lines. An urbanized area thus constitutes a contiguous
region characterized by a central city and an urban fringe. It
probably corresponds most closely to the qualitative ideas of
"city" and suburb". The 1960 urbanized areas in the Delaware
Estuary region are shown in Figure 6.
Urbanized areas of the type bordering the Delaware are assum-
ing an increasingly important role in the United States. This
process has been in evidence since the beginning of the century.
The nation as a whole was about 40% urban in 1900 and is over 60Z
urban today. While the entire nation has grown at about 15% per
decade, the urban population has increased about 25% per decade.
Between 1950 and 1960, the U. S. overall increase in population
was somewhat less than 19%, while the corresponding urban popula-
tion increased by about 27%. These increments are due, of course,
not only to increasing population in some older urban areas, but
also to the physical extension of such areas over larger regions.
Specific increases in the population of urbanized areas are
given in Figure 7. In the 1950-1960 period, population increments
ranged between 24-51%, although the componentsthat make up the
urbanized areas showed considerably more variability. The classic
pattern of central city decrease and suburban increase is evident.
The cities of Philadelphia, Trenton, and Wilmington all decrease
slightly over the decade, while the urbanized portions of surround-
ing counties increase. In one case (Bucks County) this amounts to
a spectacular 1100%.
-------
NEW JERSEY
FIGURE 6,
-------
PKIimiMU
5-
- *¦
3-
-> 2-
I-
J1
O
»n
o
o
¦o
TRENTON WILMINGTON
_n
o
o
-
©
«n
0-lf>CO.
In the Delaware F,stuary region, the bull: of the population
is served by municipal water pollution control Dlants. Although
there are a number of these plants alon^, the estuarv of various
sizes, over 90'A of the discharged municipal load may 1>p attributed
to just a few sources. For this reason attention has !>eon focusrd
on tliese plants in order to determine their present and future
effect on the estuary. This neans that fro-i the standpoint of
water quality the entire DHCS urbanised area has hern resolved
into a number of treatment plants. T^e^e 7)1 ants serve -sot < oi.ior.tic
purposes and industry in the area.
The following municipal water pollution control plants were
considered as waste sources in this study:
Wilmington-New Castle Co. Philadelphia, Pa. (Northeast)
Wilmington, Delaware
Philadelphia, Pa. (Southeast)
Trenton, K. J.
Philadelphia, Pa. (wouthwast)
Camden, N. J.
Central Delaware Count"
Chester, Pa. Authority, Ridley "arh, Pa.
-------
Subsequent to the resolution of the urbanized area into these
eiftht waste sources, it became necessary to determine the extent
of their service. The served population associated with a plant
in 1957 was estimated from inventories of municipal waste facilities.
Each of these populations is a function of a particular waste
collection system which extended into specific areas at that tine.
These completely served areas are in turn contained within n number
of minor civil divisions (townships, etc.) which are of necessity
only partly served. The tributary population is defined as the
total population residing in the partly-served minor civil divisions.
The service structure is presented in Table 4 for each municipal
plant. For each plant, the served/tributary ratio was computed.
These ratios are also given in Table 4.
TABLE 4
CHARACTERISTICS OF MUNICIPAL SEWERAGE SYSTEMS
1957-1960
Water Pollution Population Served
Control Plant Tributary Served Tributary
Trenton, N. J. 215,000 142,000 0.66
Camden, N. J. 118,000 120,000 1.00
Chester, Pa. 81,000 70,000 0.86
Central Delaware
County Authority
Ridley Park, Pa. 59,000 50,000 0.85
Philadelphia, Pa.
Northeast 728,000 669,000 0.92
Southeast 761,000 678,000 0.89
Southwest 718,000 731,000 1.00
Wilmington -
New Castle Co.
Wilmington, Del. 153.000 150,000 0.98
2,834,000 2,610,000
EMPLOYMENT, PRODUCTION, INDUSTRY TYPES
The orientation of the Delaware Estuary Study is a very
specialized one in that it is directed toward the relationship
-------
between industry and water quality. The industries treated here
are the so-called "heavy" or "basic" industries. These basic
industries teod to be operated on a large scale and usually require
individual plant access to the estuary primarily for transportation
but also for water supply or waste discharge, although there are
exceptions. Specifically, the two classes of industry dealt with
are: 1) industries whose waste loading constitutes the major
portion of Industrial load to the estuary; 2) industries whose
surface water use exceeds 1.0 MGD. Obviously, there is a certain
amount of overlap between these classes. These industries are
denoted by their code numbers as given in the Standard Industrial
Classification (SIC) which are identified in Figure 8.
From the standpoint
of water quality some
measure of industrial
production is most closely
related to the waste by-
products of operation.
Two variables associated
with production are:
1) employment, 2) dollar
value of output. These
variables are used to
describe the present
(1964) industrial economic
structure along the
estuary.
Employment is a
variable which appears to
possess considerable
stability over time. For
1964 numerous local
sources were consulted FIGURE 8. - Identification of industries
in order to determine
employment for individual fa, SIC number.
firms. These firms are
classified by SIC. In addition, 18 of the firms are designated
as substantial waste discharges directly to the estuary, on the
basis of the DECS sampling program. The employment data are pre-
sented in Figure 9.
The best available measure of production for the industries
in the Delaware Estuary region is dollar value of output. It is
possible to make statistical estimates of value of output for
industries along the estuary. The twofold breakdown into industries
primarily discharging waste and those simply using large volumes
lit
-------
KM OR INDUSTRIAL
WASTE SOURCES
MAJOR WATER USERS EXCLUDING
WASTE SOURCES
FIGURE 9. - 1964 employment in two-digit SIC's for direct
discharging industries.
of water is continued for this parameter very much as it was
utilized for employment. Comparison nav also be nade between
value of output and cost of treatment under various treatment
policy constraints. The value of output data are presented in
Figure 10 for the IS major industrial waste sources and other
industries that use at least 1.0 IIGD of estuary water.
PRESE11T WASTE LOADS
'Jaste discharges to the Delaware Estuary are principally
municipal and industrial in origin. The municipalities represent
the most significant waste sources and generally cover the
spectrum of conditions which may exist within a municipal system.
Many represent communities which have combined sewerage collection
systems (storm water runoff plus domestic and industrial waste).
The large city discharges tend to include significant industrial
was te loads.
-------
1300
1200
1100
1000
900
800
700
600
500
400
300
200
100
29
*55
m
1
Hflft
ss
MAUI INDUSTRIAL
WASTE SOURCES
MAJOR WATER USERS EXCLUDING
WASTE SOURCES
FIGURE 10. - 1964 dollar value of output in two-digit SIC's
for direct discharging industries.
Direct industrial effluents contain a variety of complex and
unusual organic and inorganic compounds. Also, a broad spectrum
of waste concentrations is encountered; this is often due to mix-
ing of waste material with some quantity of cooling water.
Numerous other differences due to production processes are found
in the industrial effluents.
Two other factors contribute to the overall water quality
situation, but both result from the two principal Bourtes indicated
above. Storm water overflows from combined sewerage collection
systems are basically municipal in origin, and are of importance
since they contain untreated diluted municipal waste. Bottom sludge
deposits are generally the result of settleable solids discharged
from municipal and Industrial effluents, as well as storm water
overflow and return from dredging spoil areas.
-------
Sampling and analysis programs were undertaken to assess the
contribution from each of these sources to the total pollutional
loading to the estuary. The programs consisted of the collection
of 24-hour composite samples approximately once each month for
one year from the major waste sources to the estuary. The results
of these programs in terns of carbonaceous oxygen demand load are
shown in Figure 11. It
will be noted that the
waste discharge is
approximately 65%
municipal and 35%
industrial. On the
other hand, the
municipal discharges
appear much less vari-
able in flow and waste
concentration than
their industrial
counterparts.
The geographical
distribution of dis-
charged load is pre-
sented in Figure 12.
The breakdown between
municipal and industrial
direct discharge can be
examined along the
length of the estuary.
At certain times of 7. , „ ,
the year in specific Sir.charrjes to the Delaware F.c.buavij - 19C>4.
areas of the estuary, a
nitrogenous oxygen
demand fro.i municipal
and industrial sources is estimated at about 600,000 /-'/day.
An additional oxygen deuand is exerted on the estuary bv bntto'i
deposits of sludge. This defam1 is not shor*n in Figure ll because
deposits are not subject to flow transport phenomena in the same
manner as discharged loads. The magnitude of the bottom deposit
load is approximately 200,000 ///day. Contributing to the sludge
and bottom deposits in the estuary is 740,000 /'/day of suspended
solids from municipal, industrial and stornuatcr discharges, of
wiich about 260,000 ///day is estimated scttleable.
Aside from the oxygen demand characteristics, several industrial
discharges are contributing significant quantities of acidity to the
estuary. These discharges average 1,300,000 /'/day as CaC03 during
the summer.
M U N iCjp
OTHER
210.000 #/•»'
FIGURE 11. - Carbonaceous oxitqw dera-
-------
o
200
180
160
2 140
120
100
(0
>¦
x
I 1 INDUSTRIAL
' ' OISCHARGE
MUNICIPAL
DISCHARGE
PHILADELPHIA
CAMDEN
V)
FIGURE 12. - Municipal and industrial carbonaceous oxygen
demand discharges along the Delaware Estuary -
1964.
-------
The waste loads that have been presented are dischcr^cc!
in the form of effluent flows. The total waste flow for all
eight major municipal sources is about 500 ir,0; the three
Philadelphia water pollution control plants all have flows
in the range of 100 - 150 MGD. The industrial effluent flc s
are so variable that any generalization is vcr' difficult.
For all types of industry the mean flows are between 3 - A 1
¦'1GD. I'owever, the variability around those niei^s is very
great. Industrial effluent flows (includinr coolinf, vter)
as ui«h as 300 .\0D have been recorded.
The major portion of the loads are dischnr^.--' -o r''2
estuary after some waste reduction has t-ir. >.] ;y . '\n-
f>tantial differences may a^?in be found .vioiv T,aste sources.
On the one nand, the municipal treatment proc-.sses are
relatively well defined. All municipal sources along the
estuary possess at least primary treatment (."bout 30-39',J
removal of oxygen Jenandirir load). T.o industrial situ'.Lir.i,
is not ns wt'll defi.'ic!. The process that constitutes
'reduction' i^ay co,ror in-p la.it modification, separation of
cooling and process water, as well as a nunber or tecir i '|i"\s
designed to rccuce wastes peculiar to n r^var i a duo try .ill
these nrocesse . . :ay lie subsumed under the c.'to-ory of '/.v,':c
reduction. Usin^ this definition, industrial /asti. reduetinr
along the estuary ranges fror. none (zero percent removal) te
hi'-li secondary-tertiary ('J'"1-0!}/ removal). ''eeo^ rizin;" r" ¦
highly variable nature of treatment, it is still no^sibli.
to evaluate an effective system percent re ".oval of row
waste for the sources aIon? the estuary tal en as a whole.
*\t present (lVnA) this estimated system percent removal is
about 507.
Tne stormwatcr overflow discharges were found to onssess
a distinctly individual character. In terns of absolute
magnitude, the load does not appear large. However, thn in-
put to the estuary is through a series of impulses approxi-
mately random in both magnitude and interval of recurrence..
Hence it may be responsible for some oxy°,en decletion for
short periods of time. The nature of these discharges is
depicted in Figure 13. The storm water discharge contains
high concentrations of coliform bacteria that are also
discharged on an intermittent basis. Another more important
factor, which is not readily quantified, is the esthetic
effect attributable to these overflows. Tne occurrence of
overflows results in the discharge of solids, floating
material, and miscellaneous flotsam which are normally trapped
by the treatment plant. Although this material may not con-
stitute a large source of oxygen demanding pollution, its
presence is quite objectionable and certainly may be termed
pollution by the general public.
-------
300-
2«0-
260-
240-
220-
200-
100-
160-
140-
120-
100-
80 -J
60-
40-
20-
JANUARY
JUNE
DECEMBER
FIGURE 13. - Simulated stdimuater overflow distribution over
tine. Dashed line represents mean load over
year.
ECONOMIC TRENDS & OUTLOOKS
This section presents the components of economic growth
affecting water quality in the Delaware Estuary region.
Trends are projected on the assumption that there will be
no major inflationary trends or severe economic depressions,
and that the economy will continue to grow roughly at the
same rate as it has in the past. For concise presentation,
only a few of the projections that are detailed in Part Two
are given; these are Municipal Projection 1 (Production),
and Industrial Projection 2 (Employment). They constitute
an approximately "medium" condition.
In a highly integrated metropolitan economy such as
surrounds the Delaware Estuary, there is a considerable
amount of interdependence between economic components. A
simple diagram showing functional dependence among projected
variables is given in Figure 14. Change in part of the system
affects other portions. The regional economy is closely
bound together, and advances as a whole. The projections
cover only a fraction of this economy, specifically the part
closely connected with water quality in the estuary. Thus,
for example, the population considered is that which is
tributary to eight municipal water pollution control plants.
-------
Siuilarly, '>roduction and e- laloy^ent are proj-cteu onl" for
najor iru'astries (.'is charging directly to the estuary.
MIGRATION
POPULATION
EMPLOYMENT
CONSUMPTION
INTERNAL
MARKET
FIGURE 14. - '¦¦'aonorrtic functional repenoence in the Delaware
r,r>tun.mj veqion.
Tlio population projection is shown in Figure 15. These
values are thp result of considering natural increase ('jirtl>
¦ninus death rote.) tIus ui"ration in "uul out of the rot ion.
900
800
600
400
300
e 700
>00
2000 2010
1980 1990
6
3
a
4
e
2
2020
1990 2000 2010
1980
FIGURE 15. - Estimated population tributary to major water
pollution control plants along the Delaware
Estuary3 1960-2010.
-------
Population is an extremely fundamental variahla, but it is
partly dependent on the general economic life (e.g. employ-
ment opportunities) of the region. The population forms
the pool from which are drawn employees and consumers for
the major industries, as well as for the tremendous
metropolitan service structure. In this sense it may be
regarded as an economic driving force. The population in
the three-state area considered in Figure 15 is estimated
to increase by about 30% between 1960 and 1975, and by about
135% between 1960 and 2010
The employment projection for directly discharging
industries is given in Figure 16. These values are dependent
on industrial activity in the region, and simultaneously
constitute part of the local market on which'industries
depend. The total employment is estimated to increase about
25% between 1964 and 1975, and approximately 140% between
1964 and 2010.
SIC 29
20
SIC 28
O
m
o
—J
SIC 26
1960 1970 1980 1 99 0 2000 2010 2020
FIGURE 16. - Estimated Employment in major direct discharging
industries along the Delaware Estuary, 1964-2010.
The productivity of directly discharging industries can
be measured by the dollar value of output and is projected
in Figure 17. The dollar inflow due to this activity is
considerable; in 1964 it is estimated at some two billion
dollars. This inflow is derived from both national and
regional markets, and is partly disbursed within the region
in various forms. The total productivity as measured is
estimated to increase by about 45" between 1964 and 1975,
and by 395% between 1964 and 2010.
-------
SIC 28
1000
SIC 29
a
o
4000
¦
1000
2000
SIC 26
1000
I960 <970 I960 1990 2000 20\0 2020
FIGURE 17. - Estimated value of output for major direct dis-
charging industries along the Delaware Estuary> '
1964-2010.
FUTURE l.'ASTE LOADS Ttr.FOnr. REJUCTKW
This section presents projected waste loads to the
Delaware tistuary, and compares then to present (1%4)
conditions. The forecasts are selected fron a scries of
projections and represent a ''medium ' condition — neither
the lowest nor the highest obtained. The municipal and
industrial loads are separately forecast and the resultant
loads combined to give the total estimated waste load. The
results are presented in Figure IB in the form of oxygen de-
manding load before reduction. The 1964 values are those
obtained as part of the DECS sampling program.
The future municipal loads are principally caused bv
the discharges fron eight waste treatment plants alonr; the
estuary. The municipal population projection provides the
basis for estimating the increased load over tine. Certain
municipal trends are assumed to exist. For cxarinle, the
service area of the plants is assumed to expand over the
years; in addition, it is postulated that at irregular, but
distinct intervals in time, new political subdivions will
be added to the municipalities. Such considerations lead
to a dynamic concept of the ratio of served to total popula-
tion.
Consideration is also given to two effects which cause
an increase per capita domestic load over tine. One of these
-------
is the growing use of domestic garbage
disposal units, and the second is the trend
toward more utilization of significant
water-using home appliances such as dish-
washers and automatic washers by the
general public.
Finally, account is taken of the
increasing numbers of municipally-served
industries. The load from these is also
reflected in the municipal projections as
a factor acting to increase per capita
daily load.
It will be noted from Figure 18 that
the municioal portion of the total load
before reduction is estimated to increase
from about 657 in 1964 to about 70% in
19 75, and then drops to about 60% by 2010.
An indc:. for municipal load based on 1964 =
1"«0 vields 232 in 1975 and 497 in 2010.
/ 2010
INDUSTRIAL!
4,600.000|
#/o*1
The future industrial loads were ob-
tained from an analysis using Standard
1964
[INDUSTRIAL!
700.000#/lAT|
MUNICIPAL!
1.200.000
#/in
1975
INDUSTRIAI
1,200.000
#/0*T
MUNICIPAL
2.800.000
#/dm
MUNICIPAL
6.1 00.000
#/>»*
FIGURE 18. -
Projected waste loads before reduction
carbonaceous oxygen demand (#/day).
-------
Industrial Classifications (SIC's) represented by Industries
along the estuary in the major groups 26 (paper manufacturing),
28 (chemical industries), and 29 (petroleum refining). These
major sources of load were determined by the DECS sampling
program.
Statistical estimates of production in dollars/year have
been made for industries discharging directly to the estuary.
The future production for direct discharging industries in the
SIC's is then projected over time. A further consideration is
the change over time of waste load per unit of production due
to many factors affecting trends in technology. From this
trend the future waste load before treatment was derived.
The results in Figure 18 indicate that of the total load
before reduction, about 35% is due to industry directly dis-
charging to the estuary in 1964, about 30% in 1975 and greater
than 40% in 2010. An index for industrial load based on
1964 ° 100 gives values of 187 in 1975 and 685 in 2010.
For the combined municipal and industrial loads, a similar
index based on 1964 = 100 yields 216 in 1975 and 564 in 2010.
The loads in Figure 18 are directly related to those
employed in the estimates of cost to improve estuary water
quality. However, the nature of this relationship must be
viewed in terms of the economic interaction between industrial
production revenues and the construction cost of waste treat-
ment facilities. A systems diagram of this Interaction is
shown In Figure 19.
Cost information was requested by DECS from the individual
waste sources. These data reflect the potential of Increasing
load over time, as well as the economic interactions of
Figure 19. When all factors are considered, the responses
fall generally into two classes: 1) the industries that
anticipate no economic change in their net load removal costs;
2) a few industries and all municipalities that expect an
increase in their net costs to maintain 1964 waste discharges.
For most of the industries considered, cost data are
based on 1964 loads, although they reflect consideration of
possible future load increments. However, an increase in
these loads over time is projected, which implies greater
cost to maintain a specified discharge than may be indicated
by the cost curves. The difference in cost can be accounted
for by reduction of waste through plant modification, and by
revenue obtained through product recovery. It is assumed
-------
that these two considerations will offset the cost of treat-
ing larger future loads, at least through 1975. Estuary
industries are in the process of carrying out just such
programs at present. In an economic sense, therefore, the
"effective raw loads" for most industries should be regarded
as the 1964 values in Figure 18 since the net cost of a
specific discharge remains constant over time.
MANUFACTURES
NOT SUBJECT TO
RECOVERY
(TO MARKET)
WASTE INPUT
TO
TREATMENT PLANT
S FROM
SALE OF MATERIAL
PRODUCTION
MARKET
RECOVERED
MATERIAL
PROCESS
RESIDUAL
PRODUCT
RECOVERY
EXECUT
RESIDUE
> FOR
MODIFICATION
WASTE
TREATMENT
ANT
$ FOR TREATMENT
PLANT CONSTRUCTION
WASTE
DISCHARGED
WASTE
REMOVEO
ESTUARY
FIGURE 19. - Systeme diagram of industrial production
waste diapharge prooeee.
For a few industries and for all municipalities, a
different situation prevails. These sources have supplied
cost data that Indicate consideration of larger future loads.
L.^'y , , -..juioWW
31 > .i' l""_
USOI,
200 S vr -W-' q7^0
-------
The industries Indicate a cost Increase due to 1975 loads, a
cost which cannot be completely offset according to their plans.
Therefore, the "effective raw loads" for these sources are the
1975 values of Figure 18; these loads might be somewhat less,
depending on the efficiency of ln-plant waste reduction pro-
grams. The economic constraint states that any further treat-
ment costs must be offset by product recovery credits.
The municipalities of course do not possess the mechanism
in Figure 19. Their cost data are based directly on larger
anticipated future loads; consequently the "effective raw loads"
for municipalities are taken to be the future values in Figure 18.
-------
CHAPTER 4
WATER QUALITY
PRESENT WATER QUALITY
The present (1964) water quality of the Delaware Estuary was
determined from a series of weekly sampling runs, made by the DECS
staff, together with data collected by the U. S. Geological Survey,
the city of Philadelphia, and the state of Delaware. A number of
water quality parameters were investigated, including water tempera-
ture, dissolved oxygen, nitrogen constituents, alkalinity and con-
form bacteria.
On the basis of these data, a summary of present water quality
is given below. For purposes of this summary, dissolved oxygen,
coliform bacteria, chlorides, and alkalinity are used as primary
indicators of water quality.
A map of the estuary is presented in Figure 20. The sections
into which the estuary was divided for various computational pro-
cedures are shown to aid in the orientation of the sampling locations.
In general, the water quality at the head of tide at Trenton,
N. J., is excellent, but begins to deteriorate immediately. From
Torresdale, Pa., Section 7, to below the Pennsylvania-Delaware state
line, Section 19, the deterioration is extreme; as a result of waste
discharges, dissolved oxygen is almost completely depleted in some
locations and production of gases from anaerobic organic deposits
is sometimes noted. The concentration of coliform bacteria resulting
primarily from unchlorinated municipal wastes is very high in the
same stretch of river. Surface discoloration due to the release
of oil from vessels and surrounding refineries is a common occurrence
from Philadelphia to below the state line. Acid conditions due to
industrial waste discharges have been observed for several miles
above and below the Pennsylvania-Delaware state line. The net result
is a polluted waterway which (lepresses aesthetic values and reduces
recreational, sport and commercial fishing, and decreases its utility
for municipal water uses. Intrusion of salt water, while not caused
by pollution, also Imposes a limitation on municipal and industrial
water uses during periods of extended low flows.
Dissolved Oxygen
Table 5 presents the average dissolved oxygen concentration for
several of the sampling stations for four three-month periods in 1964.
-------
.OCA I
CNISTtt
(II Willi
1111*111
utii
¦hi «t j
FIGURE 20. - Map of Delaware Estuary showing seotion breakdown.
-------
TABLE 5
DISSOLVED OXYGEN DATA FOR 1964
Station NameAve. Dissolved Oxygen (mg/1)
Approximate Location Jan-Mar Apr-June July-Sept Oct-Dec
Fleldsboro, N.J. 12.2 9.6 6.7 9.5
Section 2
Burlington, N.J. 12.0 8.3 5.2 8.2
Section 4
Torresdale, Pa. 12.1 8.3 6.4 7.8
Section 6
Tacony-Palroyra Br. 11.9 7.7 4.7 6.6
Section 8
Ben. Franklin Br. 10.5 5.5 1.2 2.9
Section 12
Phlla. Navy Yard 9.7 5.2 0.7 1.6
Section 15
Eddystone, Pa. 8.7 5.1 1.0 1.8
Section 17
Marcus Hook, Pa. 9.0 3.4 1.7 3.2
Section 19
Del. Mem< Br* 9.8 4.6 4.5 7.4
Section 22
Reedy I., Del. 11.8 7.7 7.2 9.8
Section 29
The most critical period is the July*September summer months during
which the average dissolved oxygen was below 4.0 mg/1 from about
Section 8 to Section 20 and below 3.0 mg/1 between Section 10 and
Section 19. A plot of the summer dissolved oxygen level is given
in Figure 21. On any given day, the dissolved oxygen can be con-
siderably below these averages: the continuous water quality monitor
records of the U.S.G.S. indicate that complete exhaustion of the
oxygen often results during this period in the critical sections.
The DO variability both within a day and throughout the year is due
to many factors including tidal and wind phenomena which can cause
-------
short term changes of up to 1.5*2*0 rag/1 and the seasonal variation
of water temperature. This latter variation is most important and
comparison of the seasonal averages in Table 5 show differences of
up to 9.0 mg/1 between winter and summer.
3- '20
z
s 100
tal
» an
2 4 I I tin 14 tl II 20HJ47W M
tSTUMY SECTION
FIGURE 21. - Profile of average summer (June-August, 1.964)
dissolved oxygen (mg/l).
Coliform Bacteria
Geometric mean coliform bacteria counts for the summer period
are given in Figure 22. The coliform group is used as a general
bacterial indicator and is composed of usually nonpathogenic organisms
always found in sewage. Coliform bacteria are also found in soil
and vegetation, so that the presence of this group does not necessarily
indicate that disease producing organisms are present, but that they
may be. High counts are generally found in the same 40 mile stretch
from Torresdale to the Delaware Memorial Bridge in which the major
DO problem exists.
60000
50000
a
UJ
u
*
m
o 40000
¦
Of
o
CD
m
3
m
10000
> 4 i i itim n ii n 222471a »
ESTtllT SECTION
FIGURE 22. - Profile of geometric mean summer (June-August, 1964)
coliform bacteria (ft/100 ml).
-------
Alkalinity
Figure 23 shows the average summer alkalinity observed In the
river compared to the estimated normal alkalinity. The discrepancy
is due to the utilization of the alkalinity by acid discharges.
The deficit is especially critical in the area above and below the
Delaware Memorial Bridge where on any given day the alkalinity may
be as low as 9 or 10 mg/1.
U
^ 60n
" 50-
JJ 40-
>- 30
ESTIMATED, NORMAL
ACTUAL PtOFIlC
*
i i io ii m ii it n n m n n jo
i
4
ESTUARY SECTIONS
FIGURE 23. - Profile of average summer (June-August, 1064)
alkalinity (mg/l).
Chlorides
The curve 6hown in Figure 24 represents the maximum chloride
intrusion in 1964. Salt water intrusion which limits the use of
water in the portion of the estuary below Philadelphia is a serious
problem whenever low flow conditions persist for relatively long
periods of time.
6000
5000
¦
4000
3000
a
2000
¦
1000
1 4 I I 10 U M II II 10 II14II II 10
IST8II1 SICTIIRS
FIGURE 24. - Maximum chloride (mg/l) intrusion during 1964. .
-------
MATHEMATICAL ANALYSIS OF CAUSE & EFFECT RELATIONSHIPS
The need for a rigorous mathematical representation of the cause
and effect relationships relevant to water quality was realized early
in the Study. This representation is necessary in order to give a
sound basis to the techniques for effective management of the estuary.
The formulation of this representation requires a knowledge of the
physical characteristics of the estuary as well as the biological
and chemical transformations involved.
The basic system for dissolved oxygen is shown in Figure 25,
and is composed of two subsystems: 1.) the biochemical oxygen
demand (BOD) system, and 2.) the dissolved oxygen system. These
systems were mathematically modeled for the Delaware Estuary. The
models were modified to permit the description of other water quality
parameters such as chlorides, pH, alkalinity, and the nitrogen cycle.
PHYSICAL 1 HYORAUIIC
CHARACTERISTICS
BOD SYSTEM
effluent
WASTE LOADS
SUNLIGHT
RELATIVE
PHOTOSYNTHESIS
SYSTCM
WATER
PHOTOSYNTHETIC
PRODUCTION
SYSTEM
TEMPERATURE
WATER
TEMPERATURE
ORGANIC
MATERIAL
WATER TEMPERATURE
DECAY SYSTEM
STREAM 100
SYSTEM
PHYSICAL & HYDRAULIC
CHARACTERISTICS
*
PttOTOSVNTHETIC
SOURCE SYSTEM
OXYGEN
ItVEl
•OTTOM
DEPOSIT
SYSTEM
R E AC RATION
SYSTEM
WATER
TEMPEtATURE
OTHER SQOICEI
I SINRS
DISSOLVED OXYGEN SYSTEM
SATURATION
WATCH
SYSTEM
TEMPERATURE
FIGURE 25. - Dissolved oxygen systen.
-------
In order to mathematically represent the estuary, it was divided
into 30 sections (Fig. 20) with the lengths representing a compromise
between accuracy and computational efficiency. For each of these
sections a mass balance equation was written for the biochemical
oxygen demand system. A similar equation was written for the dis-
solved oxygen system. This resulted in two linear differential
equations based on the physical, hydrological and biochemical
characteristics. Once all thirty sections were modeled, the result
was two systems of thirty simultaneous equations each.
If the simplifying assumption is made that the equations do
not vary with time, matrix manipulation techniques can be utilized
to obtain a set of transfer functions from the coefficients of the
equations. The set of transfer relationships details the trans-
formation from a waste load input in any section to the stream
quality output in any other section; for example, from effluent
waste load to stream BOD, from stream BOD to dissolved oxygen, and
directly from effluent waste load to dissolved oxygen. Numerous
sets of these transfer functions were computed for various fresh
water inflow conditions, tidal diffusion constants, decay rates,
and reaeration rates. Figure 26 presents a typical cause and effect
relationship; the increase in stream BOD caused by a steady load
of 100,000# of BOD discharged per day into Section 10, during low
flow summer conditions. Figure 27 shows the effect on dissolved
oxygen resulting from this same input.
¦ 2.0
O
OD
OK
U
ESTUARY SECTION
FIGURE 26. - Effect on stream BOD of 100,000:! of oxyqen den and
discharged into section 10.
It is a property of these types of equations that several solu-
tions can be added to one another* Therefore, if the total effect
at any section is desired, it can be found by sunmiing each of the
effects in 'that section caused by inputs anywhere in the estuary.
-------
u o
2.0-
1.0
2 4 6 1 ^ 12 14 20 22 24 26 21 30
[STUART SECTION
FIGURE 27. - Effect cm DO of ZOO^OOOH of oxygen demand
discharged into section 10.
If the problem is of a time varying nature, the equations can
be solved using analog or digital computers. The time varying solu-
tion allows the verification of the model with past data which do
not usually conform to steady state conditions. Numerous com-
parisons were made between the model results and the prototype and
all indicate that the model can be used with a sufficient degree of
accuracy. Once the verifications have been made, thus setting the
parameters in the equations more accurately, simulations can be made
of countless hypothetical situations such as the effect of flow
regulation, effluent load regulation, and the additions of supple-
mental oxygen against a background of changing temperature and
natural flows. As an example, Figure 28 shows a typical dissolved
oxygen profile at Section 13 as it appears under normal flows and
loads over the year and again as it appears under the same flow but
with 95% of the major carbonaceous oxygen demanding effluents removed.
95% OF MAJOR EFFLUENT LOADS REMOVED
NORMAL LOADS
IIUIIV
llll
otcimii
FIGURE 28.
Effect on DO in section 13 of removal of
carbonaceous oxygen demand.
-------
Figure 29 shows Che effect of
an intense short duration dis-
charge such as an accidental
spill. The input in this
example is 200,000# of BOD
discharged at one time into
Section 15.
There is an important
need to model other water
quality variables as well
as dissolved oxygen, and
fortunately, the models de-
veloped for BOD and DO can
readily be modified for other
uses. If only those parts of
the system used for BOD (Figure
25) are solved, and if the
proper decay rates and variable
names are substituted, the
cause and effect relation-
ships for such non-conservative
variables as bacteria con-
centrations can be obtained.
These are, in form, exactly
the same as the BOD system.
Simplifying further, if
the decay mechanism is elimi-
nated in the BOD system, the
model is suitable for use with
such conservative variables
as alkalinity-pH, and chlo-
rides. The simplified system
for chlorides is shown in
Figure 30.
Verification of the model
using past chloride records
is very useful since there is
but one' source, at the bay,
and only the physical and
hydrological parameters are
present to be "tuned". Since
these parameters are the same
for all quality variables,
they can then be used in simu-
lations other than salinity.
.2
.1
.2
CD
tn
.2
.1
0
.2
SECTION 12
SECTION 15
SECTION 18
SECTION 20
SECTION 24
10
20 30
TIME AFTER IMPULSE LOAD (OATS)
FIGURE 29. - Effect on DO of 200,000ft
of oxygen demand discharged at one time
into section IS.
-------
PHYSICAL ( HYDRAULIC
CHARACTERISTICS
FROM BAY \ SYSTEM
IHPUT Of SALT /DISTRIBUTION \ CHLORIDE
-M I — *-
LEVEL
FIGURE 30. - System for chlorides.
The first practical use of the model took place during the
summer drought of 1965 when many simulations were used to forecast
both the short-term and long-term effects of various flows on
salinity Intrusion. These forecasts proved to be of significant
value in the decision making process relating to control of
releases from upstream reservoirs. Figure 31 shows the effect on
chlorides in Section 18 of a hypothetical upstream release of
15,000 cfs at Trenton, N. J. for a period of 8 days.
1J00'
CO 1000-
500 ¦
^ 1964 FLOW WITH
ISOOO CFS AUGMENTATION
FOR 8 DAYS 8/12 — B/20
OECIMIE*
JUNE
FIGURE 31. - Effect on chlorides in section 18 of simulated
input of 15,000 cfs at Trenton, N.J. for 8 days.
Many simulations were made on the effect of both steady state
and transient fresh water inflow control schemes on dissolved oxygen.
The steady state control schemes showed no definitive improvement
with increased flow; the DO profile was displaced slightly downstream.
Therefore, the DO was increased in the upper reaches of the estuary
but decreased in the lower reaches. However, transient fresh water
flow releases of significant magnitude (e.g. 10,000 cfs for 30 days)
can be useful in affecting short-term dissolved oxygen improvements.
-------
CHAPTER 5
WATER USES
MUNICIPAL WATER SUPPLY
The combined utilization of surface and ground water by the 35
principal municipal water systems in the study area during 1963 was
approximately 550 million gallons daily (MGD). Surface water sources
supply about 90% of the total municipal demand. Withdrawals directly
from the estuary account for 37% of the total, all of which are
utilized by municipalities in Pennsylvania. Ground water accounts
for about 60% and 20% of the water used in New Jersey and Delaware
respectively, while in Pennsylvania, ground water is the source of
less than 2% (see Figure 32). Figure 33 shows the locations of the
municipal withdrawal points and the origins of the withdrawals.
There is a significant
difference in quality among the
available water sources in the
area ranging from highly pol-
luted estuarine water to excel-
lent quality ground water. The
much higher quality of the lat-
ter generally requires less treat-
ment prior to use. However, while
ground water is usually more
desirable as a municipal water
source, sufficient quantity may
not be available. Municipalities
will then be forced to utilize
water and bear the associated
higher treatment cost.
Potential users of the
estuary have the dual problem
of possible contamination from
salinity and from municipal
and industrial waste. These
300
400
300
200
100
I I GROUND WATER
W//A non-estuarine water
ESTUARINE WATER
PEMSTUMIft
«¦ leaser
oiiitm
FIGURE 32. - Distribution of
municipal water supply by state
and source.
potential problems are minimal in the uppermost sections of the
estuary. Presently three municipal agencies utilize the estuary
as a water source; all are in the upper portion of the estuary
with the Torresdale facility of the city of Philadelphia being
the lowermost u6er. With a dally withdrawal demand of about 200
million gallons, the Torresdale plant alone accounts for 35% of
the total municipal withdrawal in the study area.
-------
TRENTON
¦ItC 134.
(NISTIR
mi
ElMfl
SOURCE OF WATER SUPPLY
ESTUARY
citsimii
Hiiiiii
(•mi
NON ESTUARINE SURFACE
GROUND WATER
OUT OF BASIN
¦ III 413
utiii mif
FIGURE 33. - Municipal water supply points and origins of
withdrawals.
-------
INDUSTRIAL WATER SUPPLY
The Philadelphia-Camden region is the center of the diverse
industrial complex within the study area. Daily industrial water
demand is approximately 5 billion gallons of which about 98% is
satisfied by surface water sourceB. The relationship between the
volume and geographical location of the industrial water demand
along the estuary is presented in Figure 34. Nearly 95% of the
industrial demand is used for cooling with the remainder being
utilized in processing or for sanitary purposes.
_ 700
FIGURE 34.
*6 8 10 12 14 16 IB 20 22 24 26 28 30
ESTUARY SECTIONS
Distribution of industrial water demand along
the Delaware Estuary.
-------
Among the several water
quality characteristics that
affect industrial water use,
dissolved oxygen and salinity
are of major importance, al-
though other characteristics
may be important in specific
processes. The quality re-
quirements for cooling water
are considerably less stringent
than those for municipal sup-
ply. Even though some treat-
ment is usually required for
cooling water, when using a
large volume it becomes more
economical to develop a pri-
vate supply than to purchase
municipal water. As a general
practice, industry on the
estuary has elected private
water supply development.
OTHEtS '
7 IILLION qulons/oav
r ELECTRIC ^
UTILITIES
: IILLION GALLONS/DAY
FIGURE 35. - Total industrial water»
use in study area.
Among the types of
industries located on the
estuary the electric power
generating plants use the
greatest volume of water,
about 3 billion gallons per
day. This volume represents
about 66% of the total
industrial demand (see Figure
35) although only 97. of the
industries are electric
utilities. The remaining 347.
of the total water use is
divided as illustrated in
Figure 36.
Table 6 shows a com-
parison of water use by the
various industrial types as
defined by the Standard Indus-
trial Classification. Com-
parisons are given separately
for cooling and process water
as well as for total volume
used.
PETROLEUM
V
I*
["ODUCTS
CHEMICALS
METALS
n
FIGURE 36. - Industrial water use in
study area excluding electrical
utilities.
-------
TABLE 6
INDUSTRIAL WATER USE COMPARISON
IN STUDY AREA
1V63
SIC Industrial
Code Type
14 Mining and Quarrying of
Non-Metals
20 Food & Kindred Products
22 Textile Mill Products
26 Paper Products
28 Chemical Products
29 Petroleum Products
30 Rubber & Plastics
32 Stone, Clay, Glass
33 Primary Metals Industries
34 Fabricated Metal Products
35 Non Electrical Machinery
36 Electrical Machinery
37 Transportation Equipment
49 Utility Companies
Process Water Cooling Water Total
(1000 GPD) (1000 GPD) Volume
per Employee per Employee (MGD)
98.0 - 16.8
6.1 10.3 102.1
2.9 - .9
8.4 3.5 41.4
2.4 14.7 398.2
5.3 50.6 717.0
0.9 .7 2.2
1.6 0.5 3.6
3.8 18.0 301.1
0.1 0.1 3.0
7.0 50.8
0.2 1.3 21.7
0.2 0.2 1.0
12.1 2282.3 3230.9
4890.7
-------
RECREATION
Historically, recreation In and along the Delaware Estuary
has received a relatively low priority compared to the many pos-
sible uses which the estuary can serve. Industrial and urban
development along many miles of estuary have eliminated the pos-
sibility of developing many types of recreational facilities in
certain parts of the estuary.
Present recreational uses of the estuary for swimming, water
skiing, pleasure boating, sport fishing and crabbing is but a small
fraction of its potential. The present use of the estuary for
mo6t of the foregoing activities is severely limited by both poor
water quality and limited access.
Boating and fishing are the major non water contact recre-
ational activities in the estuary. The more than 80 marinas and
yacht clubs which are located along the estuary berth approximately
10,000 boats. An additional 3,000 individual boats presently
(1965) utilize the Delaware Estuary.
The bacterial concentration in the estuary prohibits officially
sanctioned use of estuarine water for water contact recreation in
many locations. However, many persons disregard this lack of
official sanction and some swimming and water skiing occurs through-
out the entire length of the estuary.
Table 7 compares the present capacity of the estuary for the
listed activities with the present usage. The present capacity of
an area results from a calculation of how much officially sanctioned
recreational activity can be accommodated in certain locations with
the existing facilities. Factors which enter the calculations are,
physical size of the area, existing water quality, space required
per person for the type of recreation in question, and the length
of the recreation season. Recreational capacity and usage are
commonly expressed in the units of "activity days", which is defined
as a visit by one Individual to a recreation area during any
reasonable portion of a 24 hour period.
TABLE 7
COMPARISON OF PRESENT CAPACITY AND USE - 1964-65
Capacity
Activity Day/Yr
Usage
Activity Day/Yr
%
Utilization
Boating
Fishing
Swimming
8,120,000
1,620,000
0
1,800,000
130,000
0
23
8
0
-------
A number of factors combine to affect the full utilization of
the river, some are general, some are specific to the type of
recreational activity. Some general usage factors are the portion
of population that is interested in participation in these specific
recreational activities, the portion of the population who would
rather participate in areas other than the estuary (e.g. the New Jer-
sey Coast, or the Poconos), and the distance people are willing to
travel to recreate in the estuary. Other factors affect specific
activities. Boating is restricted by the lack of access ramps and
the presence of floating debris. Fishing utilization is depressed
because the only locations where there is any promise of reasonable
sport fishing success are at the extreme ends of the study area.
Thus, the satisfactory fishing is a considerable distance from the
large centers of population. Swimming is restricted by the presence
of municipal waste causing the water in most of the study area to
be considered a health hazard from the standpoint of water contact
recreation. It is estimated that during 1964-65, there were about
50,000 activity days of unsanctioned swimming. Although available
data indicate that the waters of Section #30 may be suitable for
water contact recreation, state water pollution control officials
have restricted use in that area due to apparently local sanitary
conditions.
The unavailability of the estuary for water contact recreation
has had several results:
1. Existing investment in public beaches cannot be
utilized, e.g. Augustine Beach, Delaware, and Fort
Mott State Park, New Jersey, are closed and remain
inactive.
2. Revenues resulting from recreational use of the
estuary by the general public who would utilize
such sites for water contact recreation are lost
to the area.
3. Diversified recreation site6 that could be utilized
for non-water contact recreation (i.e. by individuals
who would simply boat or fish) are lost to the general
public. Their development is not justified because
families cannot also enjoy beaches and swimming.
4. Area parks and recreational facilities are planned
without water oriented recreation as a possible use.
Development of park lands along the estuary has been severely
restricted. At present there are about 400 acres of park land
including historical sites that border the Delaware supporting
-------
almost 100,000 activity days/year. Land is available for future
development and local and state agencies have prepared several
future plans. However, the multi-use character of these proposed
parks would be restricted by present water quality.
FISH AND WILDLIFE
From pre-colonial times until the beginning of the twentieth
century, the Delaware Estuary fisheries were of great importance
to the inhabitants of the region. Indians made substantial use
of the piscine abundance prior to the colonists' arrival. The
first colonists copied the Indian fishing techniques to harvest
fish, utilizing the catch locally. By the mid 1820*8 fish from
the Delaware Basin were being exported by wagon and boat not only
to places like Mew York and Baltimore but also to international
markets as distant as China.
Records of fish catches prior to 1860 are sparce. Available
evidence indicates that good harvests were made in the early 1800*s.
The peak period for the Delaware Estuary fisheries was between
1885 and 1900 during which time the annual catch by 4,000 fisher-
men was in the order of 25 million pounds valued at about $4,500,000
at today's prices. Shortly after the turn of the century the annual
harvest plummeted, reaching about 1.5 million pounds by 1920. The
decline continued to the present annual harvest of approximately
80,000 pounds worth about $14,000. (See Figure 37).
3D —
\ TOTAL" FIN FISH CATCH IN STUDY AREA
\*
SHAD CATCH DELAWARE RIVER 4 BAY
It
0
YEAtS
FTGWlh 67. - Historical variation in fin fish and shad harvests.
-------
Shad, sturgeon, striped bass, weakfish, and white perch are
examples of the fish which were formerly very important commercially.
Of these, the Delaware River sturgeon, reported to have once sup-
plied much of the world's caviar market, is virtually non-existent
in the Delaware Basin.
Specific reasons for this sharp decline in the estuarine
fisheries are unknown. Promulgated as sharing responsibility for
the decrease are such factors as: (1) industrial and municipal
waste discharge into the estuary resulting in poor water quality;
(2) improper fisheries management allowing overfishing which in
turn lowered the existing populations below effective breeding
levels; (3) introduction of predaceous fish species into the
upper river, thus affecting shad production, an important part
of the regional fishery; (4) siltation from farmland, suburban
development, and river dredging operations covering spawning
areas and reducing the natural production of the aquatic organisms
upon which fish feed. Parts of the estuary possess water quality
inimical to fish survival, and are therefore quite beyond any con-
sideration being suitable for successful completion of the entire
life cycle.
Because of recent changes in technology and processing methods,
the Atlantic Menhaden fishery has become extremely important as a
source of oil, domestic animal feed supplements, and fertilizer.
The value attributable to the menhaden from the estuary is estimated
at $1,400,000 annually under present conditions.
There are two areas in the estuary where reasonable good
sport fishing is now available; neither area is heavily utilized.
The upper estuarine area is between Trenton and Florence, N. J.,
a distance of eight miles. Presently, sport fishing in this
upper area is estimated at approximately 60,000 activity days
annually valued at $40,000.
The lower sports fishing area is from Delaware City, Delaware,
to Liston Point, Delaware, a distance of about 7 miles. Presently
sports fishing in this lower -area is estimated at 70,000 activity
days valued at $160,000 annually.
The wildlife associated with the estuary are those types which
utilize the tidal marshes bordering the river. Virtually all areas
where waterfowl could get adequate cover and food have been eliminated
between Trenton, N. J., and the Pennsylvania-Delaware state line.
In the lower part of the study area, there are approximately 21,000
acres of tidal marsh in New Jersey and 18,000 in Delaware. Waterfowl
utilize these areas primarily as resting grounds during the spring
and fall migration flights, although limited nesting populations
are present. Examples of the birds which frequent these areas are:
-------
black ducks, teal, pintails, canada geese, herons, egrets, rails,
and gallinules. While these tidal marsh areas provide very good
waterfowl hunting, the maximum commercial use presently is muskrat
trapping. The estimated annual return from muskrat pelts is
$230,000 which is divided into approximately $130,000 in New Jersey
and $100,000 in Delaware.
-------
CHAPTER 6
WATER QUALITY IMPROVEMENT
HATER USE AND WATER QUALITY GOALS
The philosophy in establishing water use and water quality
objectives for the estuary was to first investigate all feasible
water uses; second, determine water quality criteria to assure
these uses; and last, assign water quality goals to the various
sections of the estuary according to where the uses were designated.
The controlling factor in this procedure is the feasibility of mak-
ing reaches of the estuary suitable for each of the uses. Literally
thousands of combinations of uses versus location could have been
investigated for the estuary; but obviously a different approacn had
to be worked out to limit the number of alternatives.
The method was to elicit a realistic range of water use objec-
tives from the people of the region as represented on the TTater Use
Advisory Committee. (See Appendix I to t'lis Part). Through this
committee, discussions were held concerning possible swimming areas,
desirable fishing locations, cot muni ty desires on withdrawal of
water from the estuary, and industrial desires as to water use. The
committee was also askcJ to surest quality criteria for the various
uatcr uses. Based op this work of the IRJAC, the alternatives were
reduced to five sets of possible water use and associated water
quality objectives. Even among these five objectives, different
combinations of uses could be deviser!. It was felt, however, that
the five objective sets ranging from rraximrr feasible en'.jncenent
of the r^vcr under present technology down to maintenance of present
levels of use and quality would, provide a sufficient span so that a
final set of use/quality objectives could be chosen. It was not
necessarily required that the final objective be any one of the
individual sets but could be composed of various features from each
of the objective sets. For each set, the costs were evaluated and
the benefits were described, and where possible, were also quantita-
tively evaluated. Hence, through a healthy decision making process
taking full advantage of all available technical information
throughout the discussions, a final set of use/quality objectives
could be established. The information flow in this process is
depicted in the diagram in Figure 38.
Thus, the water use and water quality goals used in the develop-
ment of a water pollution control program for the estuary were
ascertained through a technical, quasi-political decision making
process involving the community of water users and water pollution
control administrators in the region.
-------
FIGURE 38. - Information flow between DECS and Advisory
Committees.
In sunmary, the five water use/quality objective sets arc as
follows:
Objective Set I. This set represents the greatest increase in
water use and water quality among all of the objective sets. Water
contact recreation is indicated in the upper anJ lower reaches of
the estuary. Sport and commercial fishing was set at relatively
high levels consistent with the nake-up of the region. A minimum
daily average DO goal of 6.0 ng/1 is included for anadromous fish
passage during the passage periods. Thus anadromous fish passage
is included as a definitive part of the water quality management
program. Fresh water inflow control will be necessary to repulse
high chloride concentrations to Chester, Pa., thereby creating a
potential municipal and industrial water supply use.
Objective Set II. The area of water contact recreation is
reduced somewhat from that of Objective Set I (OS-I). A reduction
in dissolved oxygen (DO) is considered to result in a concomitant
reduction in sport and commercial fishing. DO goals for anadromous
fish passage remain as in OS-I. Chloride control would be necessary
to prevent salt water intrusion above the Schuylkill River.
Objective Set III. This set is similar in all respects to
OS-II except for the following three changes. First, the specific
DO criteria for anadromous fish passage is not imposed. However,
substantial increases in anadromous fish passage will result from
the treatment requirements imposed to control DO during the summer
assuming that the waste load reductions are carried out during the
anadromous fish run periods. Second, a general decrease in the
sport and commercial fishing potential is imposed through a lower-
ing of the DO requirements. Third, the quality at points of
municipal water supply were reduced.
-------
Objective Set IV. This set represents a slight increase over
present levels in water contact recreaLion and fishing in the lower
reaches of the estuary. Generally, nualitv requirements are in-
creased slightly over l°6/» conditions (OS-V) representing a
mininallv enhanced environment.
Qbiective 3et V. This set represents a maintenance of 1964
conditions, i.e., a prevention of further "ater qualit" deteriora-
tion .
Tly eac'i objective .^et are presented
graphically in Figure 39. This chart indicates the sections of
Philadelphia
Camden
——-2™?
1 | 2 | 3 | « | i | 6 |t|• |*|ia|ll|l2|l] m| IS | 1* | IT | 18 | U | 20 |2l^»|aja|77jaj 291 10
MUNICIPAL WATER SUPPLY
INDUSTRIAL
WATER
SUPPLY
PROCESS &
BOILER FEED
IIMHtlllMIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIMHHHIIIIHIHtllllllllllltlllfllllllllllllltlllllltlllllMIIMIIIIIHII
COOLING
"Ml IIIMMIIMMIIIMIMIIMMIIMMIIMMHIMIIIMMMMKMIOMIIIMMIIMIIIMIMMIIIMHMtHIMMM
POTENTIAL
SPORT &
COMMERCIAL
FISHING
HIGH USAGE
IMIMMIIIIMIIIIMMIIIIIMMIIMMtlllM MIIIMIIMIIMM
MEDIUM USAGE
IIIIIMI IIHIMHItlHIIIH
LOW USAGE
IIIMMIMtlllMIIIMMMIIIIMIIIIMIIIMKIMIIIMMIMMIMI
WATER CONTACT RECREATION
III till 1IIIIHIIIIIHIHII Mil MMIIIII 11(11 III!
WILDLIFE POTENTIAL,NAVIGATION
WASTE ASSIMILATION, NON-
WATER CONTACT RECREATION
IIMIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIMIMIIIMMIMIMIIIIIMIIIIIMIIIMIIIIIIIIIMIIIMMIMIIIMIIMIIIIMMIMIIMMIIMIIMIIIIIIIIMIIIMIIIMIIIIIIIMIIII
OBJECTIVE SETS Q
L) ©
FIGURE 39. - Water uses for Objective Sets I-V.
the estuary (see Figure 2D) for which the various water uses were
considered. The associated waiter quality ^oals for each objective
set have been selected on the basis of the designated uses in each
section or group of sections. The most stringent criteria was
selected where several uses were designated for the same section.
In all, twelve pririary parnr.ctcrs were considered in the
development of these objective sets:
-------
1) Dissolved Oxygen (DO)(mg/1)
2) Chlorides (mg/1)
3) Coliform bacteria (Mo. of organisms/100 ml)
4) Turbidity (Turbidity Units)
5) pH (pH units)
6) Total Alkalinity (mg/1)
7) Phenols (mg/1)
3) Synthetic detergents (ng/1)
9) Total Hardness (ng/1)
10) Temperature (mg/1)
11) Floating Debris, Oils, Grease
12) Toxic Chemicals
The ranges and values of these parameters for each objective set
are presented in Tables 3-12.
TABLE 8
WATER QUALITY GOALS FOR OBJECTIVE SET I
5 i 5
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4. Hartm IS wo a. Hum Iml f. ItartWjf (acaatrle M |. Daalnfeia ranja 0. Heotfely Nmo
1. innf tfuisf period
-------
TABLE 9
WATER QUALITY GOALS FOR OBJECTIVE SET II
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$000*
5000*
S000r
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6.5J.5 | T.M.5
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20-50
20-50
20-120
20-liO
Bardnog#h
95
95
150 isoj
Taaparatora® (°P)
Pr»Mat Ur.1.
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.001
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d. Nuira 1$ daj wi a. ftaxlma latal f. Monthly gaoaatrlc nu g. Daalrabla rmnga b. Monthly nan
1. AT«raf« during parlod at* tad
TABLE 10
WATER QUALITY GOALS FOR OBJECTIVE SET III
• § •
« Phlladilphli b t •*
I '• 1 s I ; S|
1 J; £ ™ u »l 3°
Qo.Uty *,b s"tl<"
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50 ?50
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-------
TABLE 11
WATER QUALITY GOALS FOR OBJECTIVE SET IV
- i
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Collforu 5/JO-9A5
Socxf
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Tnrbldlty (To)
Bitml
Lavala
~ JO
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Turbidity 5/30-9A5
Hitart]
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• 30
Natural Larala ~ 30J
I lataml
I 1st*la
pH* (pH Unit.)
6.5-5.5
i.s-e.s
Presast UrUltr* S/30-9/15
23
28
29 21i
22 Ih
27
27
37 Ii3
li3
m ' (ffl Ikilta)
7.0-8.2
6.9-7.6
6.6-7J1
5.S-7.2
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6.1-7.0
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7.0-8.7
6.9-7.6
6.6-7.3
6J1-7.O
5.6-7.6
6.1-18
f
Alkalinity
25-51
33-M
3li-S0
13-U
li-2S
1Wi9
Ta^aratara '
35.6-86J3
3i.7-86.0
37 .Mb .2
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.20
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Haitinasa*
83
122
I167
70 lip. II
9 L( LI L^lj IS
«. ag/1 ml«s8 apaelflad b. 196b "Preatnt Ccndltiflu" e. Smaar *v*r«c* d
«. HitIot ltnl f. Praaent iu|« g. Mnthl; n*c h. irtnp during period «UUd
15 «•» 1
-------
One general feature of these goals is"that in no case is the
objective for a water quality parameter less than present conditions.
A noteworthy point is that each objective set specifics tlie reduc-
tion of floating oils, grease, and floating debris and potentially
toxic chemicals to negligible levels. Another important feature is
that levels of quality parameters specifically designated for
seasonal water use activities may also vary with the season. This
is tne case for parameters associated with water contact recreation
and anadromous fish passage.
Thus eacli objective set consists of a number of water uses
designated at various locations in the estuary. Associated with
each of these uses is a list of wat*>r qualitv f.oals which, if
achieved, will satisfy the quality needs of the water uses.
After the costs and benefits of the five objective sets were
evaluated, the iJUAC began the task of deciding on a final recommenda-
tion to the D£CS. This work required numerous meetings, discussions,
and correspondence involving all members of each of the four sub-
conn,littees . If a member was not able to attend a subcommittee
meeting, he was informed of all decisions and asked to make comments
by letter. In the final analysis then, each subcommittee chairman
was able to arrive at a consensus which represented the general
attitudes and desires of this group. The members of the MJAC then
net and arrived at a consensus of OS-III as the committee's final
recommendation to the DECS. (See Appendix II for the 'JUAC final
recommendation.)
During the final phases of the decision making process, efforts
were made to further clarify the differences between Objective
Set II, Objective Set III, and present conditions (OS-V). One
major concern of several parties involved with the decision making
process r.T3s the deletion of anadromous fish passage as a definitive
part of the water quality management program in OS-III. Most persons
agreed that a substantial increase in anadromous fish passage would
result from OS-III with the control of DO during the summer period.
However, a more quantitative description of the differences between
OS-II and OS-III with respect to anadromous fisn passage was desired.
At this point, an intensive investigation of the waste control
programs of OS-II and OS-III as related to anadromous fish was
carried out. The analyses utilized a time varying computer simula-
tion model of the estuary to forecast the DO profiles and tine
series under various flow conditions for oxygen demanding loads
for OS-II, OS-III, and OS-V. The analyses considered the nassage
period, the distribution of nassage over tine, and the estimated
survival rates at different DO levels for both male and female fish.
Tie results are shown in Figure 40, ind summarized In Table 13.
-------
os n
v os m
1.1 III SI 13
X OF TIME THE % SURVIVAL * VALUE SHOWN
—r
1 IN 10 YEARS 1 IN 2 YEARS 24 IN 25 YEARS
RECURRENCE INTERVAL (NUMBER OF YEARS % SURVIVAL » VALUE SHOWN)
FIGURE 40. - Estimated total (male & female) upstream shad
passage for OS-IIt III <8 V (Present conditions).
TABLE 13
ESTIMATED TOTAL (MALE & FEMALE) UPSTREAM SHAD PASSAGE
Minimum 7 Survival
Ob j. \^Recurrencn
Set \JLnterval
1 in 10 Years
1 in 2 Years
24 in 25 Years
OS-II
95
95
90
OS-III
fi 5
85
80
Present - OS-V
65
60
20
-------
Figure 40 shows that under present waste loading conditions
(OS-V) the estinatcd survival 24 out of 25 years is at least 20%:
once out of every 2 years, at least 60"; and 1 out of 10 years,
at least C>5"'. Under the waste loading conditions envisioned for
OS-III the estimated survival 24 in 25 years would be at least 80%,
i.e. once in 25 years the survival would be less than 80%. This
reveals that the estinatcd maximum difference of total shad passage
between OS-II and OS-III is about 10% expected survival for both
the 24 in 25 years case and in 1 in 10 year flow. A substantial
increase in potential shad passage will occur with OS-III over
OS-V. This increase in % survival amounts to 60% for 24 out of
25 years.
ALTERNATIVE PROGRAMS TO SECURE DESIRED IJATER QUALITY OBJECTIVES
The methods by which water qualitv may be improved include:
1) limiting effluent discharge to the estuary by requiring reduc-
tion of wastes before discharge, 2) piping of the wastes to a
place or places where the discharges will have a reduced economic
and/or social effect, 3) flow regulation, 4) removal of benthic
sludge deposits, 5) in-stream aeration, and 6) control of storm-
water discharges. A successful comprehensive program to achieve
a particular water use and water quality objective set might
incorporate several of these possibilities, but in the final
analysis should depend primarily on reduction of waste at the
source since this has a higher assurance of successful control.
Piping of wastes creates chloride control problems by diverting
flow from the estuary and new pollution problems in the discharge
area. Maintenance of minimum flow: has important chloride control
effects but does not significantly alter surimer average dissolved
oxygen levels. However, transient releases of significant amounts
of freshwater inflow can be beneficial in specific instances.
Little is known of the practicability of the in-stream aeration
of an estuary. The size of the operation may cause difficulties
in terns of other uses of the estuary (i.e. navigation, recreation)
and in any event would only improve DO without improving other water
quality parameters. In-stream aeration can be considered however
as a transient supolement to effluent waste removal. Sludge removal
and stornwater overflow control also fall into the category of
supplemental control measures to oc considered in conjunction with
affluent control.
'LTierc are many wavs of controlling the discharge of waste to
the estuary to satisfy a specified water quality objective. The
problem is to choose a scheme that balances the apparent equity of
the solution to the individual waste discharger, the economic cost
to the region and the means of administering the water quality
management prograri. Several different categories have been investi-
gated. All relate primarily to the control of waste sources to im-
prove DO. If the control scheme to meet a specific DO objective did
-------
not iieet all other variables (c.",. bacteria) separate control pro-
cedures (e.g. disinfection) were then imposed. The control programs
investigated are:
1. Uniform treatment - each waste discharger must remove the
sane percent of the ''raw" load (the load before any '/ante
reduction).
2. Zoned-Uniform treatment - The rstuary is divided into a
scries of zones and a uniform treatment level (sane
percentage reduction of the ''raw11 load) is found for
each of the zones that will satisfy the DO goal at least
cost to tiie region.
3. Municipal-Industrial Category - A uniform treatment level
is found for all municipalities and another is found for
all industries that will satisy the 00 objective at
least cost to the region.
4. Cost Minimization - This program computes the amount of
waste to be removed at individual effluent sources so as
to secure the DO objective at least cost to the region.
In all of these nrograms it is assumed that no source will
discharge any more waste than is presently being discharged and
that all sources vnich are now below primary treatment (35% removal)
will be raised to at least that level.
COSTS OF ALTERNATE PROGRAMS
Forty-four industries and municipalities which comprise approxi-
mately 97% of the 1964 carbonaceous oxygen demand waste discharge to
the estuary were included in the evaluation of the alternative pro-
grams. The underlying systems on which these analyses were based
are for steady state flows of 3000 cfs at Trenton. Some additional
estimates were made for flows of 4000 and 6000 cfs at Trenton. Best
estimates of the decay, reaeration and diffusion rates as well as
other physical parameters were supplied by extensive investigation
of the physical system. Waste loadings were based on the best estimates
available and for the most part were based on actual DECS sampling
data. Estimates of costs to reduce waste loadings to the estuary
were supplied cooperatively by most of the major dischargers. The
dischargers were requested to reflect load increases for about a
10 year period (1975-1980) by estimating the cost of treatment to
maintain certain levels of discharge through that time period.
Table 14 shows the estimated costs (construction cost plus the
present value of operation and maintenance costs at a 3% discount
-------
TABLE 14
1,2
SUMMARY OF TOTAL COSTS OF DISSOLVED OXYGEN OBJECTIVES
Flow at Trenton ** 3000 cfs
ESTIMATED COSTS If' MILLION'S OP DOLLARS (PRESENT VALUE)
Uniform Treat.
K
-Zoned
B-Zoitsd
Municipal
Industrial
Category
Cost
H initiation
Obj.
Set
Cap.*
Ottl**
Total
Cap.
06H
Total
Cap.
04M
Total
Cap.
out
Tota
Cap.
OW
Total
I
180
200 m
(19.0)U)
180
280
tiy.o]
lt60
ISO
280
(19.0;
U60
180
280
(i?.o
Ii60
180
280
(19.0
Ii60
II
135
100
(12.0)
315tS)
125
150
do.o;
275
105
1U5
(io.o;
250
135
160
(12.0
315
)
115
100
(7.0)
215
III
75
80
(5.5)
155l!"
55
75
(5.0)
130
50
70
(u.s:
120
7 i
43
(3.0)
120
SO
35
(2.5)
85
IV
55
75
(5.0)
130
!'OTES* I. Costs include cost of Maintaining preaer.t (l?6b) conditions.
2. Costs reflect waste load conditions projected to 1975—1980.
3* Annual operation and maintenance costs In nillions of dollars/year.
U. HISEC-TER r«iw*al) for all vastt sources for all programa.
Includes in-strum aerttion cost of $20 .nillion.
5>* OS-II & OS-Ill for all programs Include $1-2 million for either sludge removal
or aeration to meet goala In Sections #3 and #1*.
• Capital Costa
** Operation arid Maintenance Costa - Discounted to Present Value at y% - 20 yr.
rate and a 20 year time horizon) to reach the DO objectives under
each of the alternative control programs. Table 15 shows the waste
reduction reauircnents for reaching the DO objectives. The A-zone
configuration is exactly the same as the present Delaware River
Basin Connission zones in the estuary; Zone A-I extends fron
Trenton, LI. J., to Pennypack Creek, Zone A-II extends fron Pennypack
Creek to the Pennsylvania-Delaware state line and Zone A-III from the
state line to Liston Point, Delaware. The P-Zone configuration divides
Zone A-II into two zones: Zone )~1 extends from Trenton, to
Pennypack Creek, Zone B-II from Pennypack Creek to the confluence
with the Schuylkill River, Zone TJ—III from the Schuylkill to the
Pennsylvania-Delaware state line and Zone 3-IV from the state line
to Liston Point, Delaware. These zones are s'-'own on the r.inp in
Figure 41. Since the waste removal programs were based on DO improve-
ment, the pll and bacterial objectives were not met in all cases. The
additional cost of neutralization and chlorination in these cases was
also calculated. However, the cost of additional reservoir storage
for flow regulation to control chloride levels in the estuary is not
included. Table 16 shows the total costs of the alternatives when the
costs of chlorination and pll control are added.
-------
TCEMTOH
¦III 13,
(TON
zone;
MM
ZONE A
'(AMI
ci
» *J 'i *-i* ' 4
iiU'M ¦
IWII
C»
NEW I EISE T
:»«r
ZONE B-l
Aim
• II
4t 3
FIGURE 41. - A-Zone and. B-Zone configuration used for
evaluation of alternative programs.
-------
TABLE 15
SUMMARY OF WASTE REDUCTION REQUIREMENTS TO MEET DISSOLVED OXYGEN OBJECTIVES
Flow at Trenton ° 3000 cfs
% REMOVAL BASED ON 1964 WASTE LOADS
Ob).
Sat
Uniform Treat.
A*£oned
B-Zoned
Hun
Iodustrl
lclpal
al Category
Coat Mlnlaliatlon
No. of
Watt*
Sourest
Involved
HlDtamU)
Treatment
(Computed
X Removal)
No. of
Uaate
Source*
Involved
Minimum (O
Treetment
(Computed
X Removal)
No. of
uaate
Sourcea
lovolvad
Minium'1'
Treatment
(Computed
X Removal)
No. of
Waate
Sourcea
Involved
MlnlmusUJ
Treatment
(Computed
X Remove1)
No. of
uaate
Sourcea
Involved
Treat.
Range
(Computed
X Remove 1)
I
22M-22IU
H1SBC-TBR
(92-98X)W>
22M-22I
All Zonea
tUSBC-TBR
<92-98X)(Q
22M-22I
All Zonae
HISEC-TER
(92-98t)M
22M-22I
H1SBC-TER
(92-9SX)(A)
22M-221
HISBC-TER
(92-981) («
11
22M-24I
HZflIC-TO^
(90X)
1M-1I
14M-141
4M-6I
A-I-SEC(S)
(8SX)
a-ii-hisec-
TIER (901)
A-III-SEC
(8JX)
LM-1I
3M-4I
9M-10I
4M-6I
b-i-sbco;
(BJX)
B-II-SEC
(8JX)
B-III-
USBC-TEB
(»0X)
B-IV-SBC
(8JX)
22M
221
Municipal
HISBC-TER
(90X)
Induetrial
Hissc-m
(90X)
15H-16I
PRIM CO
tsh(J)
(3J-98X)
111
13M-20I
SBC(')
<"*>
1M-1I
llM-UI
4M-41
A-I-SECW
(BJX)
A-II-SEC
(80*)
a-iii-hi-
reiM-u
(SOD
1m-1i
2M-4I
7M-10X
4M-4I
B-I-8ICW
(BJX)
B-II-INT-
LS(70X)
B-III-SBC
(BOX)
B-1V-HI
FUM-LI
(MX)
17M
161
Municipal
SEC (85X)
Induatrlal
HIPRD4(43X)
9M-101
PRIM to
8IC(})
(13-83X)
IV
UM-19I
IHT-LS
(70X)
1M-1I
9M-14I
GH-11
A-I-SEC
(8K)
A-II-INT-
LS (70t)
A-III-PRIM
(331)
1m-Li
3M-41
7M-7I
0M-1I
B-I-SEC
(8JX)
B-II-SEC
(80X)
B-III-IKT"
LS(60X)
B-IV-PRD1
(»*)
17M
31
Municipal
SBC(80X)
Induatrlal
FMM<35X)
7M-10I
PRIM to
SBC
(1S-8SX)
NOTESi 1. Minimum treatjient required by solution but not below present treatment level.
2. Treatment range is for all bit sources. Sources not in solution remain at
present level.
}. H^tunielpal mate source, I-Industrlal waste source (Total # of sources used
• W
li. Also requires additional control oeasure such as stream aeration.
5. Requires aeration or sludge removal to meet DO goal in Sects
The DO objective for Objective Set I can be reached only by
92-98% removal of all carbonaceous waste sources plus in-strearn
aeration and dredging of sludge deposits at an estimated cost of
460 million dollars. However, estimating the cost of removals
above the 85-90% removal level is difficult since only pilot
teritary treatnent plant data exist. Thus a program recommending
92-98% removal would require additional work on large scale ad-
vanced treatment processes and costs. The cost of attaining the
other objective sets differ due to the type of program used. In
OS-II and OS-III about 1 to 2 million dollars were necessary for
stream aeration in some upper sections to cope with natural
undesirable quality conditions. Many sources would have to make
-------
TABLE 16
ESTIMATED TOTAL COSTS OF OBJECTIVE SETS (MILLIONS OF DOLLARS)
Flow = 3000 cfs at Trenton
OS
Uniform
A-Zonad
B-Zonsd
Industrial
Kinioitatioi
1
DO Coat (3)
Baet.
1>60
30
1*60
30
U60
J2
U60
J2
1x60
J£-
Total
1j90
k90
190
U90
U90
II
DO Coat (})
Baet.
315
20
275
20
2SD
20
315
20
215
JO
Total
335
295
275
335
235
III
DO Cost (3)
Baet.
PH
1JS
20
130
20
«»>
120
_Xj(2)
120
g(2)
85
Jlil
Total
175
165
155
165
135
W
DO Coat (3)
Baet.
PH
130
15
90
15
04
15
Ji
90
15
_15
»u>
_1S<2)
Total
liiS
120
110
120
100
DO program,
2. To meet pH goals, pH control needed by several sources not In DO progran.
3. Other water uee goals (except chlorides) assuosd to be cat by DO, pH and bacterial
control measures. Chloride goal nquin fresh water flow regulation. Meeting the
phenol goal for 06-1 in sections 19-22 nay require supplemental phenol control
measures. All DO coots include $30 id 111 on cost of Maintaining OS V
improvenents to *:cen their present level oF discharge as is required
for Objective Set V. This cost is approximately 30 r.illion dollars.
Five sources must raise tneir trcatnent to orinary treatment at a
total cost of l'J 'dllion dollars. These costs of maintaining exist-
ing conditions arc included in the tables. Studies of these alter-
natives at different steady fresh uater inflows showed changes in
costs as the Clow increased. Under certain water quality objectives
and types of waste reduction prolan the cost of achieving the DO
qoal was higher at 6000 cfs than at 3000 cfs. This is basically due
to a "shift" in the DO profile requiring certain waste sources to .
remove additional amounts of waste load at a subsequent additional
cost.
If an assured high level (90-95% survival) of anadromous fish
passage is desired, while all other water uses are satisfied Dy
0S-III quality goals, DO levels must be raised to OS-II goals
approximately 6 months of the year. It is estimated that fbr tifty
percent of the years, this requirement could be met by"fresh water"
inflow controls. 'At most, the level of this augmentation would be
-------
about 10,000 cfs for 30 days. The other fifty percent of the years,
the DO objectives could be met in either of two ways: 1) in-stream
aeration at an estimated total cost (OS-III, ]}-Zone + assured
anadromous fish passage) of 145 million dollars or 2) by requiring
waste reduction facilities that are sufficiently flexible to enable
operation at OS-II levels during the critical periods and at OS-III
levels during the rest of the time at a cost (OS-III, R-Zone +
assured anadromous fish passage) of 195 million dollars.
The cost of piping wastes out of the study area was also
investigated. Two problems are apparent in the design. The first
is that not enough is known of the Delaware Bay environment to
assure that the piping of wastes to that area would not create new
pollution problems.
Thus more time and money would have to be spent to determine
the outfall location. An undesignated area off the coast of New
Jersey was therefore used for design purposes. Second, when ocean
disposal is considered, a pipeline would divert flow from the
estuary which would normally help control chlorides. This would
result in an additional cost for chloride control in the form of
additional storage in upstream reservoirs. Table 17 presents the
capital costs for chloride control as well as for piping of all
wastes to the ocean. No estimates have been made of additional
costs incurred by the increased pollutional load in the ocean
disposal area.
Table 17 indicates that for OS-IV, III and II, waste reduction
at th
-------
would benefit from a regional treatment plant. The industrial waste
discharges consist of a relatively few large waste sources at some
distance from one another thus precluding a regional industrial
treatment plant.
TABLE 17
CAPITAL COSTS FOR ATTAINMENT OF OBJECTIVES
(MILLIONS OF DOLLARS)
1) BY PIPING OF WASTES OUT OF THE ESTUARY
2) BY REDUCTION OF WASTES AT THE SOURCE
Obj .
Set
Estimated^*)
Diverted
Flow
(cfs)
1) Piping of Wastes Out of
the Estuary
Piping Chloride Total
Control**
2) Waste
Removal
1
1200
125
40
165
180
2
1150
120
35
155
115
3
300
90
25
115
50
4
650
65
20
85
40
* It is assumed that industrial waste streams will be
separated to allow cooling water to return to the
stream.
** Estimated Capital Cost of additional storage necessary
to counteract effects of diverted flow.
Rough estimates of the total cost (including capital and opera-
tion and maintenance) of reaching the various DO objectives by
mechanical aeration based on the scale-up of pilot plant data are
shown in Table 18.
It should be noted that this meets DO objectives only and
additional expense would be necessary to meet other parameter objec-
tives. Since a large scale in-stream aeration such as would be
required for the Delaware has never been attempted, considerable
study would have to be devoted to the feasibility of the size of
the system that is required. It is anticipated that some problems
may also develop in interferences with navigation and recreation
as well as the creation of nuisance conditions (foaming, etc.)
-------
TAr.LE IV,
ESTH1ATED TOTAL COST TO REACH DO OBJECTIVES BY MECHANICAL AERATION
Objective Set Cost C'illions of Dollars)
I 70
II
40
III
12
IV 10 '
MAINTENANCE OF OBJECTIVES
If the waste loadings to the stream that arc prescribed for
each objective set are held constant, that particular objective
set will always be maintained. For a particular water quality
objective set, the allowable waste discharges vary with the type
of a waste reduction program chosen to obtain a solution. Sotne
average estimates, however, can be computed. These are shown in
Table 19. Although the total average loads are shovn in Table 19,
it should be recognized that the geographical distribution of the
allowable load is extremely irmortant in achieving the specific
objective. Obviously, if the total load were all discharged in
one location, an entirely different water quality response would
result than if the load were equally distributed along the length
of the estuary.
TABLE 19
AvrrLAC'] alloua;;t - cArjxmc-nnn oxygen irriAr.i
DISCHARGES (tf/DAY) FOR OBJECTIVE SETS
Obj. Set
V
950,ono(1)
•! II
IV
520,000 - 670,00n(?)
.i ir
hi
450,000 - 520,0V,
•t "i
ii
150,000 - 220,000
•i rr
i
ioo,ooo(3^
(1) Tliis represents estimates of the 1964 carbonaceous
oxygen demand discharges to the estuary and differs
slightly from estinates of present uaste loadings
presented in Chapter 3, which represent sanpling
-------
data through 1965. The estimates through 1964
were used in the various investigations since
the supplied cost estimates were based on these
aaste loadings.
(2) Different control programs (e.g. unifort treat-
ment, cost minimization) require different amounts
of waste removal.
(3) This figure represents the net discharge to t'ie
estuary when 92-°3^ removal of present waste load-
ings are practical or, in other words, the minimum
possible ///day discharge. Additional measures suc'i
as in-stream aeration are necossarv to raise tho
DO to meet the OS-I objectives.
The costs shown in Table 14 for achieving the various objec-
tives show estimates of costs of maintaining these discharges for
the time period up to 1975-1°80. Estimates of future loadings
based on economic projections show a substantial increase in './ante
production in the estuary. To maintain the objective under these
increased waste loadings will increase the program cost. To maintain
the objectives from 1975 to 1905, it is estimated that the region
would have to spend an additional 5.0 to 7.5 million dollars/year.
By 1975, over all treatment levels to maintain OS-IV would
approach 80%, for OS-III about 90'' and for OS-II, 93% removal of
the estimated waste loads will be necessary. T.y 2010, the estimates
of waste loadings before treatment or reduction are so large that
96-99% waste removal will be necessary to maintain the objectives.
An estimate of the treatment costs for that time would be misleading
for several reasons. First, as waste removal requirements to meet
the necessary levels of discharge become more stringent and
expensive, other alternatives such as piping of wastes out of the
critical areas (see Table 17) water recycling and reuse and in-stream
aeration may become more economically feasible alternatives than
attempting to achieve higher treatment levels. Second, some
industrial waste sources faced with discharge limits might turn
to in-plant changes, more efficient process due to advanced
technology or perhaps shift production to products which create
less waste load in their manufacture. Thus, the means by which
the objective selected will be maintained will be largely a function
of the future economic alternatives. At the present time the re-
duction of waste at the sources appears to be the least expensive
and most feasible alternative. By 1985-1990 additional treatment to
maintain an objective may be more expensive than some other schemes
and a new look may be needed at the various alternatives available
at that time.
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BENEFITS OF INCREASED WATER USF
Intuititively, there are numerous benefits which arc derived
from water quality enhancement programs. These are realized by a
more economic utilization of natural resources, preservation of
fish and wildlife, and protection of the region's health and
welfare. The value placed upon such general items rests on the
judgement of society at large. These intangible items, in essence,
provided the impetus for a comprehensive study of the Delaware
Estuary. Therefore, one of the basic goals of the DECS has been to
better define and quantify the benefits of enhancing water quality
in the Delaware Estuary.
Quantification of the benefits is an essential part of any
engineering feasibility study, ilouever, in the water pollution
control field, the "state-of-tho-art 1 is new and much methodology
is currently being formulated. The DECS did proceed, however,
with an analysis of quantifying the benefits for several water
uses and for each of the objective sets. It should be noted,
noi'cver, that from the beginning, it was not expected that .ill
the benefits could be quantified. Certain intangibles will
always remain and in those cases value judgments base! on the
costs of achievement and the qualitative social goals of improve-
ment in quality will have to be made.
For example, in several comnlex areas, such as water treat-
ment technology, until further basic research is done which
correlates the physico-chemical treatment procedures with the
quality of the raw water sources, the benefits will remain
unquantifiable. The major source of municipal supply that r:ay
benefit from improved quality is the Torrcsc'ale "'atcr Trcitnent
Tlant of "hi ladel^1' i i. Tna fact that tMr. plant is able to produce
a rotable vater froi in estuarine source of the present quality at
a relatively low cost obscures the benefits picture for water
supply. It iT probable that the net nonetarv benefits in terms
of dollar savings in treatment costs at Philadelphia's Torrosdale
Plant will be relatively small at the alternative levels of water
quality enhancement. IJhat may result, however, after pollution
abatement is carried out, will be a reduction in the taste and
odor problems and therefore an increase in °hiladelphia's ability
to produce a more palatable drinking water.
Tiie estimation of industrial water quality benefits is a
complex process under the influence of many factors. Among
industrial plants, variations in operating policy, type of con-
struction, method of water use, and degree of water treatment
must all be considered.
In an attempt to account for these factors, information was
obtained from the major water using Industries along the estuary.
-------
Data were received on the cost effect of variation of dissolved
oxygen and chloride levels in the intake water. These tvo vari-
ables were found to be the most important quality parameters to
industrial water users. In most industrial plants, the chain of
cause and effect relationships linking river water and monetary
savings had not been previously quantified. In spite of the
difficulty of such estimates, a number of positive replies were
received; many of the non-zero responses were in the petroleum
refining, chemical industry, and paper products categories. Other
industries such as the electric power utilities indicated no
effect for the quality characteristics.
The information supplied by these industries was used to
compute statistical estimates of benefits (or costs) for the major
water using industries, including those unable to determine their
own cost response. For this latter group the annual benefit
(dollars per year) was considered to depend on the following
variables:
1. Dissolved Oxygen or chloride level, each a function of
the Objective Set
2. Location
3. Quantity of estuarine Intake water
4. Industrial type
5. Type of use
In terms of location, benefits (or costs) are considered to
accrue only in those areas of the estuary exhibiting significant
dissolved oxygen Increase or chloride depression. These areas are
determined primarily by the Objective Sets.
Response-surface analyses were carried out to obtain the
statistically best estimate of annual benefit given the input
variables for any industry. The total benefit in annual terms is
then the sum of individual industry values, where some are based
on original interview data and others on the statistical estimates
derived from the response surfaces. In all cases the benefits
(costs) represent a dollar value which would accrue as a result of
steady state (long-term) conditions. The inputs are assumed to be
relatively stable at the levels indicated by the Objective Sets
over a number of years, with the exception of water use. The
latter experiences a secular increase over time projected as shown
in Figure 42. The estimated present (1964) value of the benefits
(costs) of achieving new dissolved oxygen levels are shown in
Figure 43. It will be noted that increased DO results in increased
cost (or negative benefits). This is primarily due to increased
corrosion rates at the higher oxygen levels.
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uo
WILMINGTON-
METROPOLITAN
a
- 200
*
¦PHILADELPHIA
METROPOLITAN
« ISO
Ui
100
KM 1170
II to
WOO
1910
2010
FIGURE 42. • - Index of industrial self
supplied water use'from surface sources.
Tao benefits 'Icrived fron chloride control are not related
as such to a pollution abatement nrojran. Rather these benefits
will result if the rcnuired flows are releaser! fron proposed Corps
of "n^ineers1 reservoirs. Thus chloride costs and benefits can
not be compared to other costs and benefits contained in this re-
port. . It is =istii:ated in a r^nort by the Federal "Tater Pollution
Control Adninistration to the Corps of Engineers entitled, "'Jater
Quality Control Study - Toc'.s Islind ?rscrvoir - Pel aware River
iasin ', June 1966, that a ;.iininui re^uL'ted flow of about <4^00 cfs
at Trenton would r.ect the chloride £oals of Objective Sets II and
III. This flow would ./a achieved tinder the present UD-br.sin
reservoir plan and would result in a benefit to industrial water
users of alnost $4 million per year. An additional 2200 cfs (to
a total nir.L"an regulated flow of 620<'» cfs) won].' bp required to
l.ieet the chloride goal of OS-I. It is estimated that this would
have a direct new quantifiable benefit of $2 million per year over
and above the $4 riillion per year of OR-TI and 03-111.
The quantifiable monetary benefits associated with increasing
recreational possibilities in the Delaware Estuary have been esti-
mated as part of a cooperative study by the D^CS and the bureau of
Outdoor Recreation (BOR) and through a contractual study being
carried out by the Institute for Environmental Studies (IUS),
University of Pennsylvania.
-------
WEm
n
—¦
¦B
UJ
LUJ
ss
•¦Wj/'AWA'!'.'.',
............
111 I.I 11II111 III II11 III l.»
HP
MM
.V.V.W.V
j i i
5 10 15
PRESENT VALUE (MILLION DOLLARS)
FIGURE 43. - Industrial dissolved oxygen incremental
negative benefit (cost) in 1964 dollars.
The general types of recreational activities considered include
swimming, boating, and sport fishing. Recreational boating was
further broken down into three sub-uses: (a) pleasure boating, (b)
pleasure boating associated with fish and (c) pleasure boating
associated with fishing and water contact recreation. The benefits
due to other activities such as picnicing and sightseeing result
from an improved aesthetic surrounding and are non-quantifiable.
Sport fishing for shad in the Delaware Basin above Trenton, N. J.,
was also included since the quality of the estuary directly affects
the supply of this activity.
-------
The analyses estimate the net dollar benefits that would accrue
in tne 1975-CO period fron increased recreational possibilities for
each of the Objective Sets over present conditions. This was
accomplished in general by (1) estimating the total recreation
demand in the Delaware Estuary region by applying average national
participation rates to the region's present and projected popula-
tion, (2) estimating the maximum capacity of the estuary under each
of the objective sets, (3) estimating the part of the total denand
expected to be fulfilled by the estuary, and (4) applying monetary
unit values to the estimated total participation demand in the
estuary to arrive at total estimated recreation benefits.
Figure 44 presents the estimated present and projected recrea-
tional demand in terms of "activity-days" in the Delaware Estuary
region. These results show a substantial demand for these types of
recreational activities. The analyses have also shown that the
estuary has the capacity of a major potential recreation resource
and could absorb much of this total demand if water quality conditions
are improved and recreational parks, facilities, and access routes
constructed.
110-
cs>
90-
50-
10-
2000
1990
1980
1970
1960
FIGURE 44. - Estimated future recreation denand in the
Delaware Estuary region.
The monetary benefits derived from increased recreational usage
for each objective set depend on several factors and assumptions.
The difficulty in specifying these factors is a result of the pre-
sent 'state-of-the-art'1 in describing recreational benefits. Thus
to avoid specifying one monetary value which may be misleading, a
range of values was computed. As additional information is generated
-------
by the Institute of Environmental Studies, better estimates of the
recreational benefits will be available. However, it is expected
that any new estimates will remain within the ranp,e of benefits
reported herein.
The maximum and minimum values of the range of recreational
benefits to 1975-80 were computed on the following basis:
1. Water contact recreation benefits
Maximum — For the maxinum net benefit for OS-I thru IV,
negligible gross benefits are assumed for OS-V on the
basis that no authorized water contact recreation occurs
in the estuary. Present quality conditions restrict
improvement and construction of recreational facilities
and access routes by Federal, state, and local agencies.
Minimum — Water contact recreation benefits are assumed to
accrue under OS-V in an area of marginal water quality
in the lower estuary (Section 30).
2. "oatins Caoacity Estimates
Maximum — 4 activity days per boat
linimum - ?.5 activity days per boat
3. Monetary value Lier activity day based on quidelincs pre-
sented in the document prepared by the Ad Hoc "ater
Resources Council, "TVvaluation Standards for Prinarv
Outdoor Recreation Benefits".
Maximum — 25% of usa^e. ~ $5.00 per activity day
757, of usage C- $1.25 per activity day
Minimum — 25T' of usage $3.00 per activity day
75« of usa^e 0 $0.75 per activity day
In accordance with other economic calculations in this report,
the 1975-80 recreation benefits in terms of 1964 dollars are re-
ported as Present Values calculated with an interest rate of 3%
and a time horizon of 20 years. The results of the analyses are
presented in Table 20 and depicted on Figure 45. Benefits were
ascertained by subtracting the value for OS-V from the gross values
of the other objective sets. The net marginal benefits are of
special importance since they show the change in benefits between
objective sets.
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TABLE 20
ESTIiLVTED RECREATIONAL BENEFITS (1975-1980)
MILLIONS OF DOLLARS (PRESENT VALUE)
Net Benefits^—
Met Marginal Benefits
OS
Max.
Min.
Max.
Min.
I
355
155
35
20
II
320
135
10
10
III
310
125
30
]0
IV
2S0
115
/!_ ilct Benefits above OS-V.
A study was also nade to define and quantify the benefits that
would accrue to the commercial fishing industry. Although the
estuary proper no longer supports a substantial commercial fish
harvest, its water quality does influence commercial fish produc-
tion in adjacent areas.
For shad and other migratory fish, the estuary serves as a
passage between their spawning grounds in fresh water and their
primary habitate in the sea; it is a place of temporary residence
possibly once or twice it) a lifetime. For the menhaden the estuary
is also a temporary residence; as juveniles, the menhaden move from
the ocean into the lower portion of the study area where they prow
substantially during their two to three month stay. Finally, the
study area is important to the large number of other species which
spend most of their lives therein and are considered permanent
residents.
When calculating benefits, a given species was considered to
be beneficially influenced by improved water quality if it r.iust
depend on water within the study area for survival at some period
in its life cycle. The commercial fishery attributable to the
study area contains three components, the menhaden, the shad, and
a composite group of all other commercially harvested species. It
is assumed that an increase in the volume of good quality water will
support an enlargement of the above fish populations which, in turn,
will be reflected in greater commercial fish harvests.
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I I I I I I I I I I I I I 1 I I I
20 40 60 80 100 120 140 160 180 200 220 240 260 280 300 320 340
MILLIONS OF DOLLARS - 1 964
,FIGURE 45. + Present value (1964) of recreation benefits
from demand satisfied by the Delaware Estuary.
Menhaden are the basis of the largest commercial fishery in
the United States. The Delaware and southern New Jersey fishing
industry averages about $4,000,000 annually of which approximately
$1,400,000 is attributable to fish from the Delaware. Virtually
all menhaden caught are teduced to fish meal, condensed solubles,
or oil. Most of the meal and condensed solubles are added to swine
or poultry feed where they supply vitamins, minerals, and growth
factors. Menhaden oil is used in paints, varnishes, and soaps and
is also shipped to Europe where it is used in manufacturing margarine.
As the water quality improves with each Objective Set, the
volume of water inhabitable by menhaden will also increase. For
-------
this estimate, it was assumed that the dollar value of the catch
attributable to the Delaware River would increase in proportion
to the volumetric Increase in inhabitable water. The results are
presented in Table 21.
Shad fishery benefits were calculated under two primary con-
siderations, (1) the suggested fishway at the propoosed Tocks
Island Dam will not be successful, (2) the fishway will be
successful or alternative spawning grounds will evolve. The
proposed Tocks Island Dam will probably be a hindrance to the
normal migration of shad f.o and from the principal spawning areas
above the dam site. Because of this obstacle, it Is the general
opinion of biologists that shad spawning success will be consider-
ably reduced in the Delaware River. When developing estimates of
the shad fishery under the water quality conditions represented by
the different objective sets, the following items were considered:
probable size of the attainable harvest, the effect of good
fishery management, research into anticipated markets, Opportunity
to develop new markets, water quality under various flow and waste
load combinations, time of year and duration of the annual shad
migration, and the dissolved oxygen tolerance of shad. The esti-
mated value of the annual commercial shad harvest is given in
Table 21.
In the final category of commercial fisheries are all the
remaining species that are harvested on a conmercial basis, e.g.,
croaker, striped bass, weakflsh, blue fish, and white perch. The
value of these fish caught within the study is quite small, being
in the order of $12,000 annually. With pollution abatement pro-
grams, new areas of good'quality water will be available and In
turn should produce more fish. The increased volume of good quality
water under various objective sets is reflected in the anticipated
harvests for "other finish" as given in Table 21.
It is anticipated that commercial fishing within the study
area will be quite limited primarily because of competing uses such
as recreational boating, sport fishing, commercial shipping, and
waste disposal. However, with improved water quality conditions
the lower portion of the study area will increase In value for its
two most important functions (1) a nursery area for juvenile fish
and (2) an area with a very high production of aquatic organisms
which serve directly and indirectly as food for fish which are
harvested in abundance elsewhere.
-------
TABLE 21
ESTIMATED NET COMMERCIAL FISHING BENEFITS
PRESENT VALUE
MILLIONS OF DOLLARS
Menhaden
Shad
Other
TOTAL
Unsuccesful
Flshway
Success ful
Flshway
Flnflsh
Minimum
Maximum
OS-1
7.4
1.3
4.0
.3
9
12
OS-2
7.4
1.3
4.0
.2
9
12
OS-3
3.7
1.1
3.3
.2
5
7
0S-4
1.9
.9
2.5
.1
3
5
Another type of benefit results from the effect of the preced-
ing quantifiable direct benefits on the regional economy. These
benefits including (1) "Induced" benefits that are realized by new
or expanded activities in the region and, (2) secondary benefits
that are realized by a large number of trade and service Industries.
These extra benefits are estimated to be in the range of at least
15Z of the direct quantifiable benefits.
In addition to the measurable benefits there are nimerous other
uses that will be Improved as a result of Increased water quality.
The water quality levels presented in the four objective sets would
reduce the rate of dellgniflcatlon, corrosion, and cavitation of
piers, wharfs, buoys, bridge abutments, and boat engines and hulls.
Debris, silt, oils and grease that settle and block channels and
Intake devices and clog cooling systems in boat engines would be
reduced substantially. The dollar benefits attributable to these
effects, however, remain undefined.
Another Important benefit of increased water quality is the
Improved aesthetic value of the river. Part of these benefits are
reflected In the estimates of Increased recreational value. However,
these estimates do not include the increase in value of property
adjacent to the estuary that will occur by providing a watercourse
that is more aesthetically pleasing; nor do the quantifiable benefits
include the enhancement of parks and picnic areas adjacent to this
watercourse.
-------
The above benefit analyses can be summarized as follows:
For Objective Set IV, which represents a relatively slight
Increase In water quality, the range of estimated Increase in quan-
tifiable benefits is 120 to 280 million dollars. As the objective
is raised to Set III, the estimated range in benefits is 130 to 310
million dollars. A further Increase In water quality to Objective
Set II results in a relatively small Increase In benefits — 140 to
320 million dollars. Finally, the water uses that are associated
with Objective Set I are estimated to have a range of quantifiable
benefits of 160 to 350 million dollars. Further insight is gained
from these figures when the marginal benefits of achieving one
objective set over another are compared to the marginal costs.
To go from OS-IV to OS-III would result In 10 to 30 million
dollars in additional benefits; whereas, the additional costs as
reported in Table 16 of achieving OS-III ove*1 OS-IV is about
35 million dollars (assuming a cost minimization management
procedure). An additional 10 million dollars In benefits would
accrue if OS-II is achieved over OS-III; whereas 100 million
dollars in additional expenditures would have to be made. To
obtain OS-I over OS-II 255 million dollars more would have to be
spent to obtain a 20 to 30 million dollar Increase in benefits.
What Is apparent from the analyses is that once the water quality
reaches a threshold level at which several Important legitimate
activities may or are assumed to occur, only a small amount of new
benefits will result with any additional Increase in water quality.
For example, once the bacterial standard for water contact recreation
is obtained so that swimming and water skiing will be authorized, no
further quantifiable benefits will result If the bacterial levels
obtained are less than the standard. The important factor is that
beaches and facilities may be improved and constructed and recrea-
tional usage will Increase. What does result, however, with lower
bacterial levels in this case is a safety factor In obtaining and
maintaining the goals. This however remains unquantlflable.
Another factor to be recognized is that quantifiable benefits
are not only related to water quality (ie., areas that may be used
for a particular activity) but also the demand for a particular use.
In other words, in certain cases the estuary under the objective
sets has much more capacity than demand. It is assumed that for
all water uses, no quantifiable benefits will accrue from unused
capacity. Thus, there are no sport fishing benefits unless there
is a fisherman, no Industrial benefits without water being pumped, no
swimming benefits without a swimmer, and no boating benefits without
a boater.
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CHAPTER 7
IMPLEMENTATION
GUIDELINES FOR IMPLEMENTATION
A comprehensive water pollution control program is a first
step towards a goal of continual water quality management for the
Delaware Estuary. The bourgeoning metropolitan and industrial
complex which depends on the Delaware for an array of water uses
can only be assured of the continuance of these uses through the
careful maintenance and management of these resources. Using a
sound comprehensive water pollution control program as a basis,
policies may be established which will allow the control of long-
term and short-term factors which affect water quality in the
region. Water quality management for a system such as the Delaware
is represented in Figure 46.
WATER QUALITY
OUTPUT
INPUTS
FEEDBACK
DECISION
MAKING
COMPARISON
SYSTEM
PARAMETERS
AVAILABLE WATER
CONTROL QUALITY
SCHEMES OBIECTIVES
FIGURE 46.' - Water quality management syntem.
Successful water quality management will be achieved by the care-
ful updating and refining of the various components of the system
and subsequent re-evaluations. The activities that must be performed
during implementation to insure the validity of the system are best
presented as they affect each system component.
-------
The following are the necessary implementation functions:
a. Evaluation of Inputs - Inventories of the various
inputs to the system will have to be carefully updated and sources
of wastes monitored as a means of checking compliance with require-
ments of the program, estimating future trends, and determining
the economic effect of the control program. This would include
continuation of the sampling of industrial and municipal waste
sources, stormwater overflows, tributary loads, and bottom
deposits. Special studies of sludge origin and accumulation and
of the biology of the estuary would also help pinpoint additional
quality depleting materials. Computer analysis of data and rapid
addition to a computer aided inventory system such as the Storage
and Retrieval (STORET) system of the FWPCA will make the data
quickly available.
b. Evaluation of System Parameters - The physical
processes that govern the cause and effect relationships between
waste inputs and water quality have been characterized by mathe-
matical models. Knowledge of the various physical parameters
(e.g. reaeratlon rates, decay rates) are necessary to construct
these models. During implementation it will be necessary to con-
tinue investigation of the parameters of the physical system, for
instance, new estimates of tidal diffusion and its relationship
to flow which can be based on salinity data. Better estimates are
needed of flow-runoff relationships. Both analog and digital
computers may be used to help In these investigations by aiding
in calculations and comparing results with actual conditions for
the purpose of verification.
c. Evaluation of Water Quality Output - The knowledge
of existing water quality conditions is important as a measure of
program success, as a warning of long or short term conditions that
might impair existing water uses and thus require control measures,
and as a means of verifying and evaluating parameters of the
physical system. Continuation and expansion of the existing water
quality monitoring system with some means for more rapid availa-
bility of data will be carried out. This will be augmented by
sampling throughout the estuary. The data obtained will be quickly
added to STORET as in the case of input data. Time series analysis
of data will give information concerning the timing of control
measures for different variables.
d. Evaluation of Water Quality Comparisons and Control
Alternatives - Basic policy decisions must be made using the best
technical and economic data available as a means of comparison.
After a water quality goal is specified, a single program must
be chosen from the various control alternatives. This requires
a thorough knowledge of the types of control plans available and
their costs, investigation into a means of administering the
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program and allocating the costs and the evaluation of the present
and future economic effects such a policy would have on the region.
Thus implementation will require continued work on mathematical
models used to determine the effects of proposed control programs
and the anticipated results of more refined control methods. Since
the basis of comparison for these alternatives is economic, it will
be necessary to continually update estimates of economic benefits
and study the effects of water quality on the economy of the region.
The political and administrative arrangements necessary to carry
out such a program are manifold. Special emphasis is required on
the problems of obtaining cooperation among the various participating
agencies and on the dissemination of information to the general
public. Careful examination must be given to the potential economic
effect of a program because a policy decision could have a profound
effect on the future development of the region and on the willing-
ness of water users to go beyond minimum abatement measures.
Periodic discussions with water users will provide necessary informa-
tion concerning the possible need for changing the desired quality
goals.
Implementation will best be accomplished through the continued
cooperation between the various organizations now concerned with
water quality improvement on the Delaware Estuary, the Delaware
River Basin Commission, the states of New Jersey, New York, Penn-
sylvania, and Delaware, and the Federal Water Pollution Control
Administration. The primary responsibility for accomplishing the
necessary waste reductions would, of course, rest with the states.
It is important, however, that there be at least one organization
capable of exerting decisive control over the system. In general,
the DRBC could perform the main policy functions and have the over-
all responsibility for the implementation. The FWPCA will continue
to provide necessary technical information based on the operation
of its mathematical models and other analytical procedures and will
make recomnendations to the DRBC on technical and policy matters
relating to its statutory responsibilities* The states will pro-
vide the water quality and waste input data and also make recom-
mendations to the DRBC on similar matters.
A suggested outline for the operational division of the require-
ments for implementation is as follows:
DELAWARE RIVER BASIN COMMISSION
A. Management and coordination of the Implementation Program
1. Enlist the cooperation of the states in acquiring data
and securing compliance with waste reduction program.
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2. Determination and dissemination of decisions and
information affecting water quality to water users
and the general public.
3. Make requests of the FWPCA concerning the simulations
of proposed management programs.
B* Evaluation and determination of desired water quality
goals through periodic review by DRBC, water users and the various
cooperating agencies.
C* Evaluation of water quality comparisons and control
alternatives.
1* Review and evaluate long range control decisions based
on technical and policy recommendations of FWPCA and states.
2. Review and evaluate short range control decisions based
on technical and policy recommendations of FWPCA and states.
D. Administrative and Fiscal Determinations
1. Investigation and determination of design standards
for carrying out program.
2. Development of legal and fiscal means of implementation.
3. Establishment of a timetable for construction and
operation so as to accomplish a fully integrated
regional plan for water quality management.
FEDERAL WATER POLLUTION CONTROL ADMINISTRATION
A. Receive raw data and process for compilation into simple
statistical summaries.
B. Put requisite data into the STORET information retrieval
system.
C. Updating of previous mathematical model parameter estima-
tions using periodic computer analyses, i.e.
1. Coordination with the U.S.G.S. and/or U.S. Weather
Bureau on better description of flow inputs and
development of a time varying flow model.
2. Re-estimation of tidal diffusion using observed
salinity patterns and development of the relation-
ships between diffusion and flow.
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3. A more thorough definition of the reaeration and decay
parameters which will require special laboratory
studies, field work, and theoretical analyses.
D. Continuation and enlargement of the water quality monitoring
system on the estuary. This would include expansion of present
facilities to a common parameter system and three or four additional
monitoring stations. This would be coordinated with the USGS.
E. Performance of time series analyses to more fully define the
time varying characteristics of the various water quality variables.
F. Continual comparison of the forecasts and hindcasts of
stream quality with the actual occurrences as more recent data is
acquired. Updating computer runs necessary on a 2/month basis.
G. Determination of waste removal performances of all dis-
charges relative to requirements set forth by plans.
H. Computation of optimal short range management programs.
This would require estimates of the cost, effectiveness and benefits
of transient control devices. Desirable schedule: 0-2/month
depending on conditions.
I. Computation of optimal long range management programs. The
factors in this case will be new industrial and municipal growth,
the cost of new programs, the effect of previous actions, and the
benefits to be achieved. Anticipated schedule: 1/year.
J. Modification and expansion of the theoretical basis of the
water quality models.
K. Initiation of requests for special studies, e.g.
1. Acquisition of specific biological information.
2. Date acquisition necessary to further refine the
system parameters as outlined in Section C above.
3. Investigation of the results to be expected from
hypothetical management schemes which may be con-
sidered by the DRBC.
L. Investigations concerning the value of particular benefits
to the region resulting from real and hypothetical management pro-
grams.
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M. Specification of laboratory techniques, sampling methods,
and reliable standards for the agencies supplying raw data used in
the program analyses.
N. Interpretation of results and dissemination to DRBC.
0. Recommendations on technical and policy matters relative
to statutory responsibilities for ensuring improvement in water
quality.
STATES
A. Assure local compliance with waste reduction requirements
of the comprehensive program.
B. Sampling and analysis of the important industrial and
municipal waste effluents. This should include (but not be limited
to) the following variables: temperature, pH, alkalinity, acidity,
conductivity, solids series, nitrate, nitrite, ammonia nitrogen,
Kjeldahl nitrogen, BOD, COD, Warburg analyses (with nitrate series),
flow. Desirable schedule: 1/month each effluent.
C. Sampling of the estuary which will secure data describing
the effect on the estuary of the numerous inputs. Specifically
the following variables should be Included (others may be added
as desired): time, date, water temperature, air temperature, pH,
conductivity, alkalinity, acidity, hardness, chloride, phosphate,
nitrate, nitrite, ammonia nitrogen, total kjeldahl nitrogen, BOD,
Warburg analyses (not necessarily at every station every week),
turbidity, and those biological samples specified in Section G
below.
D. Maintenance of the rain gaging network in the city of
Philadelphia and possible installation of similar networks in
other areas.
E. Continuation of the existing stormwater overflow network
in Philadelphia and institution of similar networks where needed
(i.e. Camden, Wilmington) until sufficient information Is acquired
(possibly 3-5 years).
F. Continuation of work on the origin, movement, and importance
of bottom deposits. Desirable schedule: 4 runs/year with the ex-
pectation that the number will be reduced to 1 or 2 runs/year after
three years.
G. Biological sampling involving determination of chlorophyll
a concentration, fecal streptococci, fecal coliforms, and total
collform. Desirable schedule: 1/week.
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H. Examination of the loadings from the primary tributaries.
Desirable schedule: 1/3 weeks.
I. Assistance on special studies, e.g. periodic examinations
of benthic and planktonic organisms, fishery population studies.
J. Reporting of all raw data to the Delaware River Basin
Commission on a weekly basis.
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CHAPTER 8
AREAS OF ADDITIONAL STUDY
the goal of the Delaware Estuary Comprehensive Study was to
perform as complete an examination of the complex physical and
economic system given specific time and resource allowances.
Because of these constraints, some investigations were limited to
the specific needs of the study while other investigations were
not pursued at all due to a low priority in terms of study needs.
The purpose of this chapter is to point out the fields of investi-
gation where additional study will be necessary to effectively
describe the system for the implementation of water quality manage-
ment and to recommend several new areas for study. Many of these
requirements have been outlined in Chapter 7 as part of the
responsibilities of the implementation program and the reader is
directed to that chapter for a discussion of the scope of the pro-
gram. This chapter amplifies and adds to the functions outlined
there.
DELAWARE BAY STUDY
Because of the pressing water quality problems in the estuary,
all the resources of the study were expended in characterizing the
physical and economic system of the estuarine area. There are many
indications, however, that additional effort should now be directed
towards a comprehensive study of the bay to insure, for the future,
the commercial and recreational uses now enjoyed in the bay. While
there does not now appear to be any widespread pollution problems in
the bay, this does not mean that present water quality levels will
always be maintained. As future needs for waste removal on the
estuary increase, more and more pressure will be exerted to divert
these pollutional loads to the bay. These loads, combined with
future development in the bay area itself, could lead to a curtail-
ment of present water use unless a specific program of preventive
pollution control i6 available. The primary purpose of a bay
study, therefore, would be to inventory present water quality and
water uses and to develop the necessary technical data and methodology
to describe the water quality cause and effect relationships between
the estuary and the bay and in the bay itself.
The procedure to be followed in such a study would generally
follow that used for the study of the estuary. A complete inventory
of existing water uses and waste sources would be necessary. The
various physical parameters of the bay environment would be
evaluated with additional emphasis on wind conditions and current
patterns and on the interaction between the bay and the estuary.
Extension of the mathematical models developed for the estuary into
a two dimensional system would be required to quantify both the
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steady state and dynamic water quality response to inputs in the
bay itself and, also, between the estuary and the bay. Inventories
of water uses and economic benefits derived from them as well as
other pertinent economic data will aid in the evaluation of com-
prehensive water quality control plans.
INVESTIGATION OF TREATMENT CONTROL MEASURES
Many water quality problems are of a short term or transient
nature and little study has been done on methods to affect short-
term quality increases or to protect the water user against the
damages caused by temporarily decreased water quality. One of
the most pressing problems is increasing DO for short periods in
specific areas which would allow fish passage during migratory
periods or to counteract other short-term undesirable conditions
due to pollutional loads caused by dredging, construction, or
treatment plant bypasses• Little research has been done on
the feasibility of large scale mechanical aeration. Many questions
must be answered, for instance: costs, possible nuisance effects,
spacing, oxygen transfer rates, and benefits created.
OtRer transient situations involve accidental dumps of other
wastes such as acids or oils. Investigations would determine the
type of control measures different water users could follow (e.g.
additional treatment, neutralization, or curtailment of water use).
An Important part of any transient load control system should be
a warning network which alerts water users who must take action.
STORMWATER OVERFLOWS
In the requirements for implementation discussed in Chapter
7, one function was a continuation of the stormwater sampling pro-
gram. These data should form a basis for the formulation and
evaluation of new control methods and for a comparison of control
alternatives. It is suggested that the region seriously consider
the advantages of a stormwater demonstration project to counteract
the undesirable aesthetic effects of combined sewer overflows.
Such projects are authorized by Section 6 of the Federal Water Pol-
lution Control Act as amended. These projects may be in the form of
a contract or a grant. In a contract, the Federal Government would
provide funds to conduct field investigations, experiment with new
or improved methods for treating stormwater in combined overflow and
to evaluate the application of theoretical concepts related to this
problem. A grant would use Federal funds matched by state or local
funds in the construction of stormwater treatment facilities.
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INVESTIGATIONS OF SECONDARY EFFECTS
In the event that an abatement program is initiated which
requires a large amount of secondary treatment, the carbonaceous
oxygen demanding load in the river will be drastically reduced
and the nitrogenous oxygen demanding material will constitute
the main source of oxygen demand. It therefore seems important
that an analysis be conducted to determine the effect which
nitrogenous loads have on water quality. This would mean the
development of a working nitrogen cycle mathematical model with
capabilities to compute dissolved oxygen response. This would
provide a means of estimating the shift of the location of
nutrients such as ammonia and nitrate. To develop this working
model it would be necessary to study further the rates of decay
associated with the separate phases of nitrification and to develop
a computer program to handle the computations involved with a four
system model.
COST ALLOCATION
An investigation should be undertaken of the numerous types
of effluent charges which may serve as a means of allocating costs,
a way of allowing new industrial development, and an economic
waste reduction incentive for waste dischargers. Recognizing the
controversial nature of the concept of effluent charges, any study
should allow for a thorough exposition of all opinions on the
subject through cooperative regulatory, municipal, and industrial
endeavor.
MANAGEMENT OF THE CONTIGUOUS ENVIRONMENT
The DECS1 pollution control program describes the procedures
necessary to achieve several different levels of water quality and
use. These determinations tacitly assumed that the contiguous
environment would be managed so as to take full advantage of the
Improved water quality. Thus, for example, although bacterial
levels may be improved for swimming, suitable peripheral facilities
must be provided. Also, while dissolved oxygen levels will be
improved to provide water quality for enhanced fisheries, effective
fish management must accompany the water quality improvement to
guard against overfishing, further needless destruction of spawning
areas, and Inadequate fish passage through dam and reservoir pro-
jects. A need exists, therefore, to investigate the best means of
achieving this total management of the water resource associated
environment so that the estimated water use benefits of the pro-
posed programs are realized. This will require close coordination,
effort, and understanding between many different government agencies
and water users.
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BENEFITS ANALYSIS
Closely related to the above is the need for an analysis of
benefits, especially those benefits derived from recreation. This
will entail development of data defining the amount and distribution
of expenditures by public for specific recreational activities,
the demand for different types of recreation, the factors which
determine the capacity of areas for specific recreational activities,
and the relationships between ease of access and utilization of
recreational activities. This Information could be obtained by
a systematic counting of recreation area participants supplemented
by a public questionnaire*
In order to more reliably estimate the capacity of the estuary
to support commercial and sport fisheries, additional information
is needed on the location, species, and size of the resident fish
population, the potential annual fish harvest, and the important
spawning and nursery areas in both the estuary and bay. Most
importantly, information is required on the link between water
quality, fish populations and catch/unit effort. Market research
is necessary to determine trends in the present markets and
potential markets for edible and non-edible fish products.
The tidal marshes must be studied in relation to their role in
nutrient production, flood control, and the production of micro-
scopic food organisms necessary to the indigenous finflsh and shell-
fish of the upper estuary and bay. Such a study would yield impor-
tant information that will then be available when considering the
utilization of the tidal marshes for industrial expansion, urban
development, or 6ites for dredging spoils.
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APPENDIX I
DELAWARE ESTUARY COMPREHENSIVE STUDY
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APPENDIX I
D.E.C.S. COMMITTEE STRUCTURE
Direction for the formation of the Delaware Estuary Com-
prehensive Study's Advisory Committees was derived initially
from the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (Public Law 660),
Section 3(a):
"The Secretary shall, after careful Investigation
in cooperation with other Federal Agencies, with
other Federal Agencies, with State water pollution
control agencies and interstate agencies, and with
municipalities and industries involved, prepare or
develop comprehensive programs for eliminating or
reducing the pollution of interstate waters..."
Thus, to meet these requirements, of Section 3(a), P.L. 660 as
amended, the DECS with assistance of the states and the Delaware
River Basin Commission (DRBC), developed a supporting Committee
Structure which was designed to meet the requirements of the
estuary region.
The following outline presents the Committee Structure which
has been in operation for essentially the entire developmental
phase of the DECS.
1. Policy Advisory Committee
Criteria for Membership:
Agencies with the legal power to abate water pollution
and to Implement a comprehensive plan.
Agencies and Members:
Delaware Water Pollution Comnission
Floyd I. Hudson, M.D., Executive Secretary, State
Board of Health
John Bryson, Director, Water Pollution Control
Commission
New Jersey Health Department
Alfred H. Fletcher, Director, Division of Environmental
Health
Robert Shaw, Asst. Director, Division of Environmental
Health
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Pennsylvania Health Department
Karl M. Mason, Director, Bureau of Environmental
Health (deceased)
Halter A. Lyon, Director, Division of Sanitary
Engineering
Delaware River Basin Commission
James F. Wright, Executive Director
Herbert Hewlett, Chief Engineer
Federal Water Pollution Control Admlniatratlon
Earl J. Anderson, Regional Program Director,
Region II (Chairman)
Everett L. MacLeman, Project Director, DECS - 4/66
Edward V. Geismar, Acting Project Director, DECS
Technical Advisory Committee
Criteria for Membership:
I Agencies participating in work of study
II Personnel familiar with technical aspects of water
quality control
Agencies and Members:
Delaware Water Pollution Commission
N. C. Vasuki, Assistant Engineer
New Jersey Health Department
Harry H. Hughes, Principal Health Engineer
Pennsylvania Health Department
Chris Seechwood, Regional Engineer, Region VII
Kenneth Schoener, Asst. Chief, Stream Quality Section
Delaware River Basin
Delaware River Basin Commission
John Egan, Head, Water Quality Branch
City of Philadelphia
Joseph Radziul, Chief, Research & Development Utiit,
Water Department
Industry
Lloyd Falk, Waste Consultant, E.I. DuPont de Nemours
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U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service
George Spinner, Supervisor, Bureau of Sport
Fisheries and Wildlife
Bureau of Outdoor Recreation
Bruce Stewart, Northeast Regional Office
Federal Water Pollution Control Administration
Robert V. Thomann, Technical Director, DECS (Chairman)
3. Water Use Advisory Committee
Agencies and Members:
Recreation^ Conservation, Fish and Wildlife
Edmund H. Harvey, President, Delaware Wildlife
Federation
General Public
Frank W. Dressier, Exec. Director, Water Resources
Assoc./Delaware River Basin
Paul Felton (Replaced Mr. Dressier in 12/65)
Industry
William B. Halladay, Supervisor-Pollution Control,
The Atlantic Refining Co.
Local Governments and Planning Agencies
Carmen F. Guarino, Chief, Sewerage Operations,
City of Philadelphia
Federal Water Pollution Control Administration
Everett L. MacLeman, Project Director, DECS (Chairman)
Edward V« Geismar, Project Director, DECS (Chairman) -
(Replaced Mr. MacLeman 4/66)
Subcommittee Membership
(1) Recreation, Conservation, Fish and Wildlife
A. Shellfish Industry
B. Audubon Society
C. Pennsylvania Pleasure Boat Association
D. Delaware River Yachtsmen League (Corinthian
Yacht Club)
£. Pennsylvania Federation of Sportsmen's Clubs
F. New Jersey Federation of Sportsmen's Clubs
G. Delaware Wildlife Federation
H. Izaac Walton League
I. Philadelphia Conservationists
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J. Outdoor Writers' Association of America
K. Marine Resources Committee
L. Delmarva Ornithological Society
M. Brandywlne Valley Association
N. Wilmington Garden Club
0. Delaware Federation of Garden Clubs
P. Citizen1s Committee for Parks
General Public
A. WRA/DRB
B. League of Women Voters
C. Federation of Women's Clubs
D. Delaware Valley Council
E. Joint Council of Pennsylvania
Farm Organizations
F. New Jersey Farm Bureau Federation
G. New Jersey Stage Grange
H. American Water Works Association
1. Delaware State Grange
J. Water Pollution Control Federation
K. Delaware River Watersheds Assoc.
L. Pennsylvania State Chamber of Commerce
M. New Jersey State Chamber of Commerce
N. Delaware State Chamber of Commerce
0. Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce
P. Pennsylvania Economy League
Q. Forward Lands, Inc.
R. American Society of Civil Engineers
S. Greater Philadelphia Movement
T. Philadelphia Suburban Research Co.
U. Bucks County Health Department
V. Philadelphia Water Department
W. Neshamlny Watersheds Assoc.
X. Gloucester County Citizen's Assoc.
Industry
A. N. J. Manufacturers' Assoc.
B. Pa. Manufacturers' Assoc.
Petroleum
A.
Texaco, Inc.
B.
Gulf Oil Corp.
C.
The Atlantic Refining Co
D.
Mobil Oil Co.
E.
Sinclair Refining Co.
F.
Sun Oil Co.
G.
Tidewater Oil Co.
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Steel
A. U. S. Steel Corp.
B. The Colorado Fuel and Iron Corp.
C. H. K. Porter Co., Inc.
Electric Utilities
A. Public Service Electric and Gas Co.
B. Philadelphia Electric Co.
C. Atlantic City Electric Co.
D. Delaware Power & Light Co.
Paper
A. Paterson Parchment Paper Co.
B. Bestwell Gypsum Co.
C. MacAndrews & Forbes Co.
D. Scott Paper Co.
Food
A. Kind & Knox Gelatin Co.
B. National Sugar Refining Co.
C. Campbell Soup Co.
D. National Dairy Co.
E. Pep6i-Cola Co.
Chemical
A. Hercules Powder Co.
B. Cary Chemical Co.
C. Rohm & Haas Co.
D. Allied Chemical Corp.
E. Harshaw Chemical Co.
F. E. I. DuPont de Nemours & Co.
G. Shell Chemical Co.
H. Pa. Industrial Chemical Corp.
I. The Monsanto Co.
J. Atlas Chemical Ind., Inc.
K. N. J. Zinc Co.
L. FMC Corporation
Miscellaneous
A. Eastern Gas & Fuel Assoc.
B. Radio Corp. of America
C. Westinghouse Electric Co.
D. Linde Co.
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Miscellaneous (Cont'd)
B. Stokely Van Camp Co.
F. California Packing Co.
G. Ruberoid Co.
Distillers
A. Publicker Industries, Inc.
(4) Local Governments and Planning Agencies
A. City of Burlington
B. City of Bristol
C. City of Camden
D. City of Chester
E» City of Dover
F. City of Philadelphia
G. City of Trenton
H. City of Wilmington
I* Regional Conference of Elected Officials
J. Delaware State Planning Commission
K. Delaware River Port Authority
L* N. J. League of Municipalities
M. N. J. Bureau of State & Regional Planning
N. Penn-Jersey Trans. Study
0. Pa. State Planning Branch
P. Pa. State Assoc. of Boroughs
Q. Pa. League of Cities
R. Pa. State Township Supervisors Assoc.
S* Pa. Municipal Authorities Association
T. Lower Bucks County Municipal Authority
The functions of each Advisory Committee have been as follows:
1. Policy Advisory Committee
a. Attain consent among states on pollution abatement policy
and plans and assure full coordination of effort and under-
standing.
b. Coordinate and assist in the inclusion of established
water pollution control plans In the overall comprehensive
water pollution control plan.
c. Relate the DECS to possible interim procedures for pol-
lution abatement.
d. Advise the Federal Water Pollution Control Administration
during the developmental phase of the DECS and during
future phases.
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Members of the Policy Advisory Committee have also been
responsible for representing those state and federal agencies
with related water resources programs.
2. Technical Advisory Committee
a. Keep the agencies represented, appraised of the DECS —
In this manner each agency has one person who has had
a complete understanding of the technical phases of the
DECS.
b. Assist the FWPCA in planning and coordinating DECS.
c. Provide technical assistance.
1. assist in organizing various projects
2. provide supplemental qualified technical personnel
for special phases of the study
3. review preliminary drafts of reports.
4. advise the Policy and Water Use Committees on
technical matters.
3. The Water Use Advisory Committee
a. Advise the DECS on the water use and water quality needs
and desires of the people in the estuary study area.
b. Act as a public relations group.
c. Assist in special non-technical phases of the DECS
The philosophy of organizing advisory conmittees in the
development of comprehensive plans was implied in Section 3(a)
P.L. 660 (see above). The Congress realized that the success
of any pollution control plan, both in its development and
Implementation, depends on the cooperation and participation
of all government agencies, Industry, and civil organizations
whose interests would be affected. In view of the complexity
of the problem the assistance to be secured through such
cooperation and varied participation was immeasurable. The
objective, then, of the DECS was to develop a rational pol-
lution control plan, commensurate with needs and economy of the
region, according to the abatement procedures either in existence
or developed through a cooperative effort. The Intention was to
reveal through the comnittees to all representatives the plans
and ideas, both technical and administrative, for comment and
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criticism. A plan developed In this manner would be most easily
Implemented since those responsible for implementation would have
had a share in the development of the plan.
1. Policy Advisory Committee
The Policy Advisory Committee met seventeen times between
July 25, 1963, and June 1, 1966* The written minutes of these
meetings have been made available to the members of all three
advisory conmlttees and other state and federal governmental
agencies who have an interest in the work of the study.
The committee has functioned extremely well and has carried
out its initial assignments. The success of the committee can
be mainly attributed to the energetic participation of the indi-
vidual members.
One of the important developments evolving from the PAC has
been the establishment of direct working relationships among the
five primary agencies (State of Delaware, State of New Jersey,
Cosmonwealth of Pennsylvania, Delaware River Basin Commission, and
the Federal Water Pollution Control Administration) toward the
main objective of pollution control in the Delaware Estuary.
Specifically, direct Interchanges of ideas and interpretations
have been effective in the development of a rational program
for pollution abatement.
During the meetings since January, 1966, the PAC considered
three important items:
1. Technical requirements associated with the implementa-
tion of a water pollution control plan.
2. Formal mechanism and time required by the state and
interstate agencies in approving a water pollution
control plan for the Delaware Estuary.
3. The establishment of a time schedule for construction
of water pollution control facilities.
The DRBC has assumed much of the responsibility for organizing
and directing the Implementation of a pollution control plan.
The DRBC will proposed a cooperative program to abate pollution
Involving all water resources people having responsibilities
associated with the estuary.
The PAC members have also agreed to reach a consensus at a
staff level to recommend a final set of water quality objectives.
Their rationales will be primarily based on the requirements of
the various state and federal laws and their interpretation of
these laws.
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2. Technical Advisory Committee (TAC)
The TAC has met on the average of once a month since its
first meeting on June 6, 1963. The committee's formal business
has included a review of all the technical programs carried out
by DECS. Suggestions made by TAC members were carefully studied
by all members concerned and, if agreed upon, incorporated into
the work of the study.
The success of this committee was mainly due to the indi-
vidual efforts of the members. Their conscientious review of
DECS reports, procedures, and methodology was a major contri-
bution in development of a technically sound pollution control
program. Through the ZAC major advances were made in the
relationship between industry and the pollution abatement
agencies. Industrialists were Informed at a TAC industrial
subcommittee meeting early in 1963 of the exact Intentions
of the DECS. An industrial waste effluent program was then
initiated in association with a plan to obtain from each
industry the co6ts of treating their wastes to several possible
levels. The industrial conniunity cooperatively hired an out-
side consultant, an expert in the field of water pollution
control, to provide them with an independent appraisal of the
DECS and methodology.
Through the TAC and PAC a cooperative river sampling pro-
gram was developed. The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and State
of New Jersey contributed personnel to carry out bacteriological
analyses and the State of Delaware contributed laboratory assist-
ance. The DECS provided the personnel to make chemical analyses,
directed the sampling program, and helped with the chemical and
biological analyses. The City of Philadelphia and the State of
Delaware provided boats and crews for special DECS bottom sampling
study.
The City of Philadelphia also contributed to the DECS by pro-
viding equipment and personnel to help install and maintain com-
bined sewer sampling and monitoring equipment. The City also
maintained 21 rain gages installed around the City as part of
the precipitation monitoring program.
3. The Water Use Advisory Committee (WUAC)
The work of the WIIAC began with two formal meetings held
with each of the four subcommittees, (Industry; General Public;
Local Government and Planning Agencies; Recreation, Conservation,
Pish & Wildlife). At these meetings the Project Director and
Technical Director outlined the objectives of the study, the
methodology being used, and explained what information the DECS
desired of them. Each group then selected a chairman who would
be their representative on the WUAC.
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The first meeting of the WUAC was held on December 3, 1964.
Since then, the committee has met on the average of once every
2-1/2 months. Usually the industrial subcomnittee has met at
least once and sometimes twice prior to each WUAC meeting.
Meetings of the other subcomnittees varied and much of their
work was accomplished through correspondence.
The subcommittee chairmen spent many hours organizing,
preparing material, reviewing reports, writing letters, making
telephone calls in preparation for meetings, and in arriving at
their final recommendations.
The comnittee's work in extracting water use and quality
desires from their constituents was divided into two phases;
Phase I consisted of eliciting from each organism the water
use and quality needs and desires in a general narrative; they
also specified water quality indicators if possible. The indi-
vidual responses were summarized by the subcomnittee chairmen
and these four responses summarized by the DECS staff. Hie
WUAC Phase 1 Report will be presented in Appendix IX of Part 2
of this report. Phase II of the WUAC work was intended to pro-
vide more information on the specific location of present and
desired future water uses and specific ranges and/or values of
Individual quality parameters associated with each water use*
This was an enormous challenge and was, therefore, divided into
two steps: Step 1, the designation of present and future uses
and the location of these uses along the length of the estuary;
Step 2, associating levels of water quality parameters with the
desired uses. Step 1 presented few problems to the subcommittees.
The only obstacle came in the preparation of "Future Suggested
Possible UBes." To insure that these desired uses were in fact
"Suggested Possible" and that not all of these were approved
by each subcomnittee, it was requested that along with each
desired future use a notation be added to show exactly which
subcommittee was in agreement with it.
A great deal of difficulty was encountered in the preparation
of Phase II-Step 2. Many of the organizations represented were
not expert or even familiar with the language of the water pol-
lution control field. The exceptions, of course, were the indus-
trial subcommittee and Local Governments subcommittee who had
professionals on their staffs. It was agreed on this basis that
the DECS staff act as consultants to the non-technical groups in
selecting ranges and values of quality parameters associated with
water uses. Thus, at the request of the subcommittee chairmen
the DECS staff helped to prepare much of the Phase II-Step 2 work
for both the General Public and the Recreation, Conservation, Fish
& Wildlife Subcommittees. All ranges and values selected, how-
ever, were submitted to all subcommittee members for final review
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and approval.
On Che basis of the WUAC Phase I and Phase II reports, the
DECS staff with the cooperation of the advisory coinnlttees pre-
pared four water use/quality objective sets. These sets are
found in Chapter 5, Page 56, Part 1. These objective sets list
four possible levels of water quality enhancement in the Dela-
ware Estuary. A fifth set was prepared to show the existing
water use and quality conditions. The DECS staff prepared the
costs and quantifiable benefits associated with each objective
set, and reported these results in an interim report entitled
"Report on Alternative Water Quality Improvement Programs".
These reports were submitted to the three DECS advisory
committees and all subcommittee members. Through a long process
involving numerous meetings, conversations, and correspondence,
the chairmen of the WUAC extracted the viewpoints and expressions
from their members and arrived at a consensus for their com-
mittee. At their eleventh meeting on March 28, 1966, the com-
mittee arrived at one compromised objective set as their final
recommendation to the DECS. This final report is found as
Appendix II of Part 1.
Several factors contributed to the lack of direct participa-
tion by many of the subcommittee members of all but the Indus-
trial subcommittee. It should be pointed out that the members
of the Industrial subcoinnittee were being paid while attending
meetings; this was part of their job and their performance was
excellent. Participants of the other subconmittees were mainly
volunteers from various interest groups. In most cases these
persons had to provide their own travel expenses to attend
meetings besides having to take time off from their own jobs.
The numerous citizens who did find time to attend meetings and
review and analyze reports should be commended for their efforts.
The WUAC subcommittee chairmen devoted considerable effort
in obtaining responses from their groups. In the final analysis
it is thought that for the three subconmittees (excluding industry),
the chairmen were able to obtain at least the general desires of
their groups. Meetings of the Industry Subcommittee as indicated
before were well organized, efficiently run, and well attended.
As a result the response obtained from the industrial subcommittee
represents the consensus of the Industrial community. Using the
response from each of the four subcommittees, the subcommittee
chairmen were able to agree to a final set of water use/quality
objectives (see Appendix II).
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Some difficulty was experienced because of the technical
and political complexity of the program. The DECS staff attempted
to make the program objectives as clear as possible, but occasion-
ally these objectives were obscured. One problem was the Inability
of non-technical oriented persons to comprehend many of the tech-
nical aspects of the program. The techniques used by the study
were of such a complex nature that even the industrial community
hired a consultant to verify many of the techniques which were
being used. Another obscuring factor was the changing political
environment relating to water pollution control. As a result of
the interpretations of the legislation recently enacted, many
persons believed that the whole study was merely an academic
exercise and perhaps even the preliminary steps to enforcement
procedures which would inevitably follow.
Most of the conmittee responsibilities are now complete; it
remains to the 6tate, interstate, and federal agencies to decide
on the form and time sequence which implementation will follow.
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APPENDIX II
WATER USE ADVISORY COMMITTEE
TO THE DELAWARE ESTUARY STUDY
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WATER USE ADVISORY COMMITTEE
TO THE DELAWARE ESTUARY STUDY
REPORT ON FINAL WATER USE RECOMMENDATION
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The Water Use Advisory Committee, after many months of
deliberation, analysis, and debate, has arrived at its final
recommendation to the Delaware Estuary Study.
At the eleventh meeting on March 28, 1966, the committee
reached a consensus to recommend OS-Ill to be used by the
DECS in its development of a final water pollution control
plan for the estuarv.
The position taken by each of the WUAC subcommittee chairmen
based on meetings and correspondence with the members of their
subcommittee is indicated as follows:
Subcommittee Objective Set Preferred
Industry III
Local Governments and
Planning Agencies III
Recreation, Conservation,
Fish and Wildlife II
General Public III
The following four summary statements indicate in greater
detail the views of each subcommittee.
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GENERAL PUBLIC SUB-COMMITTEE
OF THE
WATER USE ADVISORY COMMITTEE
OF THE
DELAWARE ESTUARY COMPREHENSIVE STUDY
A SUMMARY STATEMENT
The following statement of water quality objectives chosen by
this committee does not represent a unanimous agreement of the
ten active citizen-group representatives but rather a consensus
of the majority who attended the many meetings and/or othcrvise
responded to correspondence.
FIRST - DECS WATER QUALITY OBJECTIVE SET III (Three) Zoned
is the basic choice from the group of five sets mainly
because It reflects a 1 to 1 cost benefit ratio besides
representing a marked Improvement in the estuary water
quality at a reasonable cost. The committee considers
Objective Set III a "quality floor" below which it will
not go.
SECOND - In addition to Objective Set 111, the committee feels
strongly that passage of anadromous fish would repre-
sent other benefits and standards which are desirable.
To obtain this, Objective Set III plus $30 million to
pay for aeration is sought by the group (rather than
the major financial jump from O.S. Ill to O.S. II.)
THIRD - Water supply-oriented members of the committee although
agreeable to O.S. Ill now, seek O.S. II after 1985 when
fresh water supplies will be needed at Chester.
FOURTH - At the last meeting Committee Chairman was authorized
to compromise with other subcommittee chairmen In
reaching a multl-commlttee single choice of Objective
Sets. However, he was directed not to agree to a
compromise choice of less than Objective Set III.
Paul M. Felton
Chairman
General Public Subcommittee
Member
Water Use Advisory Committee
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INDUSTRY SUBCOMMITTEE
OF THE
WATER USE ADVISORY COMMITTEE
OF THE
DELAWARE ESTUARY COMPREHENSIVE STUDY
A SUMMARY STATEMENT
Throughout the entire Delaware Estuary Comprehensive Study, Industry
has endeavored to cooperate, analyze, develop meaningful costs and
data and factually present their position.
As such, In Phase 1, various Industrial water uses have been described
together with clarifying statements regarding industrial objectives and
water quality indicators. It was clearly established that regardless of
the present water quality of the estuary, Industry has in moat cases
provided waste treatment facilities and has likewise adapted their water
use and treatment to existing sources. In all probability, Industry will
continue to operate existing water (Intake) treating facilities in essen-
tially the same manner despite any estuary upgrading.
In Phase II of the Study, industrial parameters of water quality were
suggested In accordance with industrial needs which likewise expressed
continuity of position with the Phase I Report. Industry so stated in
Phase II that although they were expressing their own operational needs,
it was clearly recognized that the objective of this Study was to determine
the overall needsinterests and benefits of all water use groups. As such,
we have been more than willing to cooperate with all water users to develop
water quality which Is factually sound and economically practical for the
entire Delaware River Estuary.
Although the results of the DECS cost/benefit studies have certainly not
shown an economic driving force for improving the quality of the estuary
waters, Industry realizes that this Is but one facet of consideration.
The need for recreation, fishing, boating, aesthetics and many other
pressures have likewise been considered. As a result of these considera-
tions, therefore, Industry stands ready to accept a zoned approach for
treatment and to depart from their original Objective Set IV position and
accept, as a maximum, the water quality as indicated in Objective Set III.
Although these water quality objectives are not essential to industrial
operations and will require the expenditure of considerable industrial monies,
we are willing to assist in establishing what we consider to be a reasonable
approach. However, Industry, in assuming this position, qualifies it on the
basis that it will lead to a final decision for Objective Set III by the
Water Use Advisory Conmlttee.
We are firmly against any standards higher than Objective Set III because we
believe them to be unjustified and most uneconomical to the best interests
of the entire Estuary Community.
William B. Halladay
Chairman
Industry Subcommittee
Member
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LOCAL GOVERNMENTS AND PLANNING AGENCIES SUBCOMMITTEE
OF THE
WATER USE ADVISORY COMMITTEE
OF THE
DELAWARE ESTUARY COMPREHENSIVE STUDY
A SUMMARY STATEMENT
As requested, Che following statement represents the general consensus
of opinion of the Local Governments and Planning Agencies Subcommittee
relevant to Delaware River Water Quality.
As Chairman of the above committee, I have been in communication with
Mr. Benjamin Feldman, Levittown Municipal Authority, Mr. Victor Appleyard,
City of Chester, Pa., Mr. William C. Henry, Chief Engineer, Public Works,
Wilmington, Delaware, and Mr. Roger Scattergood, N.J. Bureau of State &
Regional Planning, Trenton, N.J.
They have all stated that Objective Set III appears to be a reasonable
Objective at this time. Since this Objective Set does not go beyond
secondary treatment, the group feels that It can be attained. They also
feel that anadromous fish might also survive at this level of water quality
and that it would be foolish to go into Objective Set II at this time when
there Is not sufficient technical knowledge of tertiary treatment and other
processes which would be required. Also, the cost of going from Step III
to Step II would be considerable.
In all fairness to my committee, I should state that two of them mentioned
that Set II could be a long range goal. No particular year mentioned.
As Philadelphia's representative to this committee, I feel that Objective
Set III would be a tremendous stride to take, particularly when one con-
siders that the needs of the City of Philadelphia are being satisfied as
far as water supply and waste assimilation are concerned, relative to
present water quality.
Since Philadelphia will bear a great portion of the cost, I do think their
feelings should be given strong weight in reaching a decision.
Carmen F. Guarlno
Chairman
Local Governments and Planning
Agencies Subcommittee
Member
Water Use Advisory Committee
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RECREATION, CONSERVATION, FISH AND WILDLIFE SUBCOMMITTEE
OF THE
WATER USE ADVISORY COMMITTEE
OF THE
DELAWARE ESTUARY COMPREHENSIVE STUDY
A SUMMARY STATEMENT
As chairman of the Recreation, Conservation, Fish and Wildlife
Subcommittee and as Its representative on the Water Use Advisory
Committee, I Intend to recommend Objective Set II as covering
the objectives which our subcommittee wishes attained.
By recommending Objective Set II, I will not imply that Objective
Set I should not be a long-range goal. My reasons for not insisting
on Objective I are that techniques are not available in the fore-
seeable future which could reasonably guarantee the attainment of
water quality standards as called for in Objective Set I.
The chairmen of the General Public, Industry, and Local Governments
and Planning Agencies subcommittees, as members of the Water Use
Advisory Committee, are recommending Objective Set III. I consider
this to be a step forward, particularly since industry and local
governments are not unhappy with the present water quality in the
estuary.
I feel that by recommending Objective Set II. conservationists are
going on record as recognizing that the vatc- quality standards called
for under that objective are not beyond reason and can be atcained.
If we insist on Objective Set I, we will be asking for something that
cannot be attained under present conditions - at least not until new
concepts in sanitary engineering come about.
Edmund H. Harvey
Chairman
Recreation, Conservation, Fish
and Wildlife Subcommittee
Member
Water Use Advisory Committee
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