U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY PACIFIC NORTHWEST ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH LABORATORY QUARTERLY PROGRESS REPORT July 1 - September 30, 1973 PACIFIC NORTHWEST ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH LABORATORY An Associate Laboratory of National Environmental Research Center—Corvallis ------- PACIFIC NORTHWEST ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH LABORATORY QUARTERLY PROGRESS REPORT July 1 - September 30, 1973 N. A. Jaworski, Director I P Spvb Dpnutu Di rprtnr PACIFIC NORTHWEST ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH LABORATORY NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH CENTER OFFICE OF RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY 200 S.W. 35th ST. CORVALLIS, OREGON 97330 FTS 503-752-4571 503-752-4211 ------- INTRODUCTION The purpose of this report is to present a quarterly view of the activities, both intramural and extramural, of the Pacific Northwest Environmental Research Laboratory (PNERL). The research branches at PNERL include: Coastal Pollution Branch (CPB), involving research on the behavior of pollutants in the marine environment. Eutrophication and Lake Restoration Branch (ELRB), involving research on the eutrophication (premature aging) process in polluted water and development of methods and technology for the control and restoration of eutrophic waters. Eutrophication Survey Branch (ESB), a study to identify and analyze approximately 800 bodies of water in the United States with potential or actual eutrophication problems brought on by the discharge of excessive amounts of nutrients into them. Thermal Pollution Branch (TPB), involving the study of causes, effects, controls, and prevention of thermal pollution in streams, lakes, reservoirs, estuaries, and coastal waters. Industrial Wastes Branch (IWB), involving research on treatment of wastes from the pulp and paper industry, wood products industry, forestry and logging, and the food processing industry. Laboratory Services Branch (LSB), a centralized laboratory providing analytical and computer services to the five branches of PNERL. The reporting of the research activities focus around the Research Objective Achievement Plan (ROAP). Included in the presentation are the ROAP approach, intramural activities, and extramural activities. i ------- TABLE OF CONTENTS Item Page Coastal Pollution Branch 1 Eutrophication and Lake Restoration Branch 7 Eutrophication Survey Branch 22 Thermal Pollution Branch 27 Industrial Wastes Branch 32 Laboratory Services Branch , 55 i i ------- COASTAL POLLUTION BRANCH Program Element 1BA025 I. RESEARCH ACTIVITIES A. SCIENTIFIC CRITERIA FOR OCEAN DISPOSAL--21 AIS Approach General: Determine behavior of pollutants in the marine environment and the ecosystem responses they elicit, singly and in combination, through controlled laboratory and field experiments and through analytical measurement and observations in polluted natural environments. Field experiments in controlled tidal ponds will be correlated with laboratory simulator studies and full-scale observational and demonstration programs. Studies of a more generally applicable nature will be conducted in-house, while specific location-oriented studies will make extensive use of grants and contracts. Specific: Study the following: (1) uptake of mercury in Dungeness crabs, (2) PCB's in Puget Sound, Los Angeles Bight, and New York Bight, and in laboratory simulators, (3) nature and significance of surface films near municipal ocean outfalls (California Coast), (4) dynamical response of ecosystems to environmental stresses (New York and Los Angeles Bights), (5) mechanisms of heavy metal accumulation in Southeastern Atlantic and Gulf Coast coastal ecosystems, (6) behavior of microbial pollutions in marine systems, and (7) relationship of particulate pollutants in dredge spoil and treated wastewater discharges on marine water quality. Intramural Activities (1) New York Bight Study: The current meters deployed in May were retrieved and redeployed. The films recovered, coupled with adequate past deployment checks, give the indication of a good data record. The films are currently being processed. 1 ------- Two large volume sediment trap stations were established close to the center of the area. Retrieval of these devices is scheduled for mi d-October. The fourth benthic survey of the proposed New York Bight experimental dump site was conducted in August. Specimens collected during the first three cruises (December 1972, February and May 1973) have been identified to the species level and enumerated. The macrobenthos at the site is very diverse: 105 species have been collected in 63 0.1 m2 Smith-McIntyre grabs. In terms of species richness, the polychaetes (47 species) and amphipods (21 species) are the dominant phylogenetic groups. The sand dollar (Echinarchinius parma) accounts for most of the biomass, and an unidentified arenaceous foraminiferan is the most numerous species. Most of the dominant organisms in our samples are common throughout the Bight except in the existing sludge disposal area. Thus, the structure of this assemblage appears to be a good biological criterion of the effects of sludge dumping on the environment. A number of New York Sewage Treatment Plant sludges and some sediments from the 3 nautical mile grid around buoy NB in New York Bight have been analyzed for PCB. The sludges have in the order of 5-17 ppm PCB-1254 (dry weight basis) and the sediments in the order of .05-.13 ppm PCB-1254; additional samples are to be analyzed. There is thus some reasonable probability of following the sludge and its chemical behavior in the New York Bight experiment. However, there is still the practical problem of how to get a sludge rich sample (equal to 20 grams dry basis) from the bottom when the experimental material has been dispersed. (2) Trace Metals: A scientific report has been drafted showing results of neutron activation laboratory work on New York Bight samples. Very small amounts of sludge can be analyzed for certain trace metals in the presence of excess sediment. Samples of persistent petroleum pollutant (tar balls) have been subjected to preliminary neutron activation analysis. Based on the fact that only about half of the persistent material is actually analyzed by typical G.C. procedures it was shown that substantial additional information could be obtained about the more persistent heavy polar molecules which contain the trace elements. This methodology is useful for monitoring and research purposes and will be reported at the EPA seminar on monitoring the marine environment, Seattle, October 17, 1973. 2 ------- Extramural Activities In August, the Southern California Coastal Water Research Project submitted the first annual progress report for their grant entitled "Quantitative Response Characteristics of Coastal Fish and Benthic Invertebrate Communities of the Los Angeles Bight." SCCWRP has designed and implemented a major biological data storage, retrieval, and analysis system to handle the large quantities of historic information on the biota of the Bight. The species composition, biomass, disease frequency, and abiotic station data for 2700 demersal samples are being entered into the system. Studies of the effects of pollution on the incidence of disease in fishes have shown that fin erosion in the dover sole (Microstomas pacificus) is very high in the vicinity of major wastewater discharge sites. This disease may be a consequence of direct contact with contaminated sediments. Progress reported by Dr. Selleck - The significance and control of wastewater floatables has shown a possible mechanism for slick tracing through the use of hexane extractable concentrations. Slick samples analyzed for PCB's are showing positive results. Scheduled field operations were conducted and staff from both EPA and the Hyperion plant were on board to observe and learn the procedures for sample collection. The grant is on schedule and a final report should be received prior to the end of the calendar year. The final report on project 16070EKZ "Oxidation of Organic Matter in Sediments" by Mario Pamatmat, R. S. Jones, H. Sanborn and A. Bhazwat, (EPA 660/3-73-005, June 1973 - Project Officer, Dr. Milton H. Feldman), is being printed and will be available for distribution. The information generated in this three year program on procedures and equipment for the detailed evaluation of organic accumulation will be of interest to those with the need to make decisions with regard to such suspected accumulation or where dredging or ocean disposal practices are to be regulated. In addition to the detailed procedures developed for oxygen demand, biological and chemical, short and long term, Dr. Pamatmat has shown the importance of the anaerobic layer underneath the oxygen consuming surface layers, a previously neglected part of the organics accumulation problem. B. PREDICTIVE MODELS FOR POLLUTANTS IN THE OCEAN ENVIRONMENT— 21 AIT Approach General: To develop and test predictive models which quantitatively describe the physical, chemical, and ecological interactions of added polluting substances and pathogenic organisms. Such models describe and predict the pollution sources, their routes and rates of movement, the storage points and rates of accumulation, the transformations and their rates, and the ecological interactions which occur in climatologically and geographically distinct regions. 3 ------- Specific: A series of predictive models for categories of pollutants in ecologically-distinct ocean reaches. These models would be built from the physical aspects--circulation, mixing, and diffusion—and extended to include geological and geochemical processes and finally to incorporate the biological and ecological relationships with extension to management models. Intramural Activities Some minor delays have occurred in our Navy Interagency Agreement on modeling of coastal circulation and pollutant flushing, however, it is anticipated that the final report will be completed next quarter. In the verification stage of the model, instruments placed in the Bight last June were recovered -- with one exception. The meter off the Hudson Canyon was lost. Possible reasons for the loss are extreme currents, failure of the sonic device, or interference by draggers which were reported as operating in the area. The records of the recovered meters were plotted, visually edited, and sent to NOAA for further processing. This is the first time that records of offshore tides have been made in the Bight. More important, it is an example which shows that obtaining input data to large scale models can be accomplished. During our last trip to the experimental sludge dump site (ESDS) samples were collected en route at the surface, mid-depth, and near-bottom for suspended sediment and particle size analysis. Stations were located at the Harbor entrance, the established sludge dumping area, and the ESDS. On the average the concentration of suspended matter increases from the surface to the bottom although there are differences at individual stations. The highest concentrations were found in the sludge dumping area, as would be expected. Computer runs were made to simulate the vertical distribution of sediment with distance offshore. Input to the model consists of a horizontal velocity, vertical diffusion, depth, and settling velocity. Based on the model and sampling results another cruise is scheduled to sample intensively around the sludge dump area for suspended sediment and particle size analysis. One purpose of this cruise is to determine the effectiveness of the Coulter Counter technique in monitoring barge dumps. Extramural Activities A final report on "Dispersion in the Hydrologic and Coastal Environment" was reviewed and forwarded to Washington for printing. The report summarizes five years of research by Dr. Norman Brooks and his associates at Cal Tech on various flow phenomena of importance to the transport and dispersion of pollutants. During the course of this grant, 32 publications, reports, and technical memoranda were issued. 4 ------- The final report for Dr. David A. Bella's project on "Tidal Flats in Estuarine Water Quality Analysis" was received. The initial phase of this study concerned mixing processes and tidal hydraulics. Later, emphasis shifted to estuarine benthic systems and, in particular, the sulfur cycle. The report is presently being reviewed. The continuation for Dr. Winters' grant at the University of Washington on circulation in fiords was received. The second year of this study will: 1) continue to develop an improved general computer model for deep fiord circulation; 2) demonstrate the use of circulation models in the numerical assessment of fiord biological activity; and 3) continue studies of Puget Sound circulation using the University's hydraulic model of the Sound. The final report on our Interagency Agreement with the U.S. Navy Environmental Prediction Research Facility was initiated. The first draft on "Development and Testing of Numerical Models of Pollution of the New York Bight Area" with Dr. T. Laevastu as principal investigator, will be completed in the next quarter. Our grant with Dr. D. Harleman, MIT, is continuing on schedule. Arrangements are being made to extend Dr. Francois Morel's stay in the U.S. in order to work on our MIT grant. Dr. Morel has been working at Cal Tech with Professor Morgan on certain chemical problems. II. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE A. Operation Quicksilver Cooperation was again the order of the day with EPA's Annapolis Field Office, Coastal Pollution Branch, and the U.S. Coast Guard pooling manpower and resources in an attempt to recover seven sediment traps deployed at the Region's interim sludge dumping site. The U.S. Coast Guard supplied the services of the cutter Sassafras backed up with helicopter support. No traps were recovered but sediment samples were collected and forwarded to PNERL's Laboratory Services Branch for analysis. III. PRESENTATIONS, TRIPS AND REPORTS 1. Dr. Feldman has written an ecological series report entitled "Petroleum Weathering: Some Pathways, Fate and Disposition on Marine Waters" EPA 660/3-73-013. September 1973. 2. Mr. Callaway served as co-coordinator with Oregon State University on a short course on numerical modeling of estuarine pollution. Mr. Callaway gave a seminar on coastal pollution and modeling to the OSU Oceanography Department and the Coastal Upwelling Ecosystem Analysis group of the International Decade of Oceanographic Exploration. An abstract of the talk will be published in the final report of the CUEA Theoretical Workshop. 5 ------- Mr. W. Rittall, a CPB staff engineer served as a member of an official EPA delegation to the Soviet Union under the 1972 USSR-US Environmental agreement. The trip included four days of technical discussions in Moscow with field visits to research facilities and industrial plants in the vicinity of Lake Baikal in Eastern Siberia. The following places were visited. 1. Irkutsk 2. Listvennichnoe City a. Limnology Institute of Academy of Sciences of the USSR 3. Baikalsk a. Baikalsk Cellulose Factory b. Hydromet Hydrological and geochemical expedition 4. Bolshie Koty Settlement a. Irkutsk State University Biological Station A set of publications (in Russian) representing the recent research findings of both the Irkutsk State University Biological Station staff and the Academy of Sciences Limnology Station were obtained and are on file in EPA's library at PNERL. 6 ------- EUTROPHICATION AND LAKE RESTORATION BRANCH Program Element 1BA031 I. RESEARCH ACTIVITIES A. THE DETERMINATION OF EFFECTIVENESS OF LAKE RESTORATION PROCEDURES - 21 AIY Approach General: Demonstrate and evaluate lake restoration procedures at laboratory pilot and full-scale levels. Specific: Many existing or newly developed preventive and remedial processes that have proven successful at the laboratory level will be brought to operating levels capable of broad practical application. Some of these processes will be advanced waste treatment, dredging, in situ phosphorus precipitation, nutrient exclusion, aeration, sediment drying, and nutrient flushing. Intramural Activities Shagawa Lake Studies: Conduct limnological investigation to determine the effect of advanced waste treatment (phosphorus removal) of municipal wastewater on the eutrophication process in Shagawa Lake, Minnesota. The advanced wastewater treatment plant at Ely is operating well. Total phosphorus in the effluent averaged about 0.05 mg/1 during the quarter. There has been no significant decrease in the total phosphorus or chlorophyll ^concentration within the lake this growing season when compared to recent years. There was the usual, although smaller, blooms of the blue-greem algae Aphanizomenon and Anabaena occurring in August and September. Field work on several special limnological studies were completed which included an : 1) aerial and ground survey of higher aquatic plants; 2) assessment of N? fixation; 3) estimate of zooplankton migration, biomass and grazing rates; 4) a sediment survey; 5) measurements of sediment oxygen demand and nutrient regeneration potential; and 6) seston sedimentation rate. Diamond Lake Nutrient Diversion Studies: Monthly field studies to evaluate the effectiveness of nutrient diversion on Diamond Lake, Oregon, was continued for the third annual field season. All campground waste disposal facilities have now been intercepted, but septic tanks remain operational at the lodge complex. Complete interception is still planned, however. 7 ------- In addition to the usual physical, chemical, and biological measurements in the lake, qualitative and quantitative measurements of macrophyte beds were made by SCUBA. Weeds were harvested by hand in measured areas at four different locations in July, August, and September, and were analyzed for dry weight and taxonomic identification. Aerial photographs of the lake were taken from a chartered light aircraft in August in an effort to map, visually, the areal extent of the macrophyte beds. Analysis of results, which include overlapping pictures made with three different types of film is continuing. Extramural Activities "Monitoring and nutrient inactivation studies on two glacial lakes (Ohio) before and after nutrient diversion." G. Dennis Cooke, Kent State University Ohio, 801936. The objectives are: 1) to determine the effect of sewage diversion (installation of sewer lines) on indices of eutrophication, 2) to determine a base-line reference for a full-scale experiment of lake restoration (with one lake serving as a control), and 3) to conduct a full-scale restoration experiment of nutrient inactivation of phosphorus. Both lakes showed some measurable change in comparison to periods of time prior to diversion. Nutrient inactivation using aluminum sulfate in columns in the lakes was encouraging as a restoration technique. Results of mathematical modeling efforts were presented at the Utah Modeling Workshop. "The effectiveness of advanced waste treatment methods and the recovery rate of enriched lake following nutrient cut-off." Winston C. Larson, Consulting Engineer, Detroit Lakes, Minnesota, 800490. This project will divert the wastewater treatment plant effluent from Lake Sal lie in an attempt to reduce the nutrient input to this lake and retard its rate of eutrophication. The diverted wastewater will be treated experimentally by three processes: 1) chemical precipitation and sedimentation; 2) spray applications to crops and soils, and 3) periodic discharge to soil adsoprtion galleries. The objectives of the project are to determine the effectiveness of the three techniques cited above in removing nutrients from the wastewater effluent and to document the response and rate of recovery of Lake Sal lie following the elimination of its primary nutrient source. 8 ------- Sallie Lake, its tributaries, and groundwater wells in future treatment areas were monitored to establish baseline conditions prior to advanced wastewater treatment. "Eutrophic lake reclamation by physical and chemical manipulations." Don A. Linger, University of Notre Dame, 801245. The project involves a demonstration of water quality parameter changes in a eutrophic lake (Stone Lake, Cassopolis, Michigan) following complete domestic pollution abatement. During this study particular emphasis will be placed on the investigation and field demonstration of external manipulation procedures which will hopefully accelerate the return of human uses to existing lakes which are seriously polluted. The recovery of Stone Lake continues to be evaluated. Nutrient inactivation studies emphasized biological effects. Results of mathematical modeling efforts were presented at the Utah Modeling Workshop. "Survey of lake rehabilitation techniques and experiences." S. M. Born, University of Wisconsin, 802242. This grant will produce a state-of-the-art review of lake restoration activities in the world and determine past experience and the existing state-of-knowledge associated with each technique. Draft of the final report is being reviewed. "National lake inventory." Paul D. Uttormark, University of Wisconsin, 801363. The goal of this project is to compile factual information describing the quality of lakes larger than 100 acres in size as a basis for assessing: 1) the magnitude of the eutrophication problem in this country, 2) the need for lake rehabilitation, and 3) the need for protective action to maintain satisfactory lake quality. Efforts have been on the compilation of factual information describing the quality of lakes as a basis for assessing the magnitude of the eutrophication problem in this country and the need for rehabilitative projects or maintenance programs. "Eutrophication information program." Paul D. Uttormark, University of Wisconsin, 801365. 9 ------- The objective is to publish the following materials: 1. Eutrophication: A Bimonthly Summary of Current Literature. 2. Two critical literature reviews of selected areas of eutrophication. 3. Annual Index of Eutrophication Literature. The bimonthly surmiary of current eutrophi cation literature continues to be printed and distributed. "Lake drawdown: A method of improving water quality." Jackson L. Fox, University of Florida, 800305. The overall objective of this project is to quantitatively and qualitatively define the effects of drawdown and refilling on Lake Apopka, Florida, water quality in physical, biological, and chemical terms. Emphasis has been on evaluating pilot scale sediment drying and reflooding under conditions approaching those found in the field. "Reduction of eutrophication of lower St. Regis Lake by point source phosphorus removal." G. Wolfgang Fuhs, Health Research Inc., and New York State Health Dept. 801529. The objective is to demonstrate whether phosphorus removal alone at the Paul Smith College wastewater treatment plant during tha growing season will greatly lessen the recurring algal blooms in lower St. Regis Lake. Two methods of phosphorus removal-alum precipitation and effluent recharge-will be studied at the treatment plant. The phosphorus removal system has operated smoothly at 80 percent removal or better. Lake response to lower phosphorus loading has become apparent this summer with a decreased algal density and improved dissolved oxygen. "Nutrient diversion effects on eutrophication." Eugene B. Welch, University of Washington, 800512. The objective is to evaluate the rate of return of nutrient and plankton algal content to a pre-enrichment level in Lake Sammamish Washington. The rate of return will be computed with that following a similar diversion from Lake Washington. Emphasis will be to determine the role of sediments in controlling the recovery rate in the two lakes. 10 ------- Monitoring of Lake Sammamish has shown only slight changes in response to a reduction in nutrient income. Emphasis has been placed on evaluating sediments as a nutrient source during anoxic conditions. Simulation modeling results of Lake Sammamish were presented at the Utah Modeling Workshop. B. PREDICTIVE MODELS FOR THE EUTROPHICATION PROCESS - 21 AJA Approach General: Develop a series of predictive models which define the chemical, physical and biological components and their effect on the eutrophication of lakes and estuaries. Specific: Develop and test a predictive model or models which quantitatively describe and define the significant ecological (chemical, physical and biological) phenomena which relate to eutrophication in freshwater and estuarine water bodies. Such models should include numerical terms for: 1) cycling of nutrients in ecosystems including nutrient uptake and release from bottom sediments; 2) relationship of algal species to available nutrients; 3) community level response to specific nutrient increases and decreases; 4) effects of physical and chemical factors such as light, temperature, pH and salinity on growth of individual species; and 5) the metabolic processes involving nutrients and then cycling. Intramural Activities Develop systematic software directed toward Shagawa Lake data analysis. Test software against data to provide preliminary assessments of the validity and completeness of the terms in the model formulation. Prepare statement of data need and an estimate of confidence levels for models developed. A mathematical model was developed and presented at the Utah Modeling Workshop which related algal growth to solar radiation and concentration of nitrogen and phosphorus in Shagawa Lake. Extramural Activities "Systems studies of water and nutrient transport." Dale Huff, University of Wisconsin, 801366. This project will assemble and document a package of computer programs that can be used to explore the effects of land-water interactions on lake quality. A second related goal is to use the collection of computer programs to examine potential points for applying management plans for improving lake quality. 11 ------- A combined model was presented at the Utah Modeling Workshop coupling a mechanistic model of hydrology of a lake's drainage basin, prediction of nutrient loading and biotic response. "Aqueous environmental chemistry of nitrogen and phosphorus in Lake Mendota." Wm. Boyle, University of Wisconsin, 801360. The objectives are: 1) to estimate nutrient flux to and from lake sediments; 2) assess ways in which nutrients are transported to the lake from the watershed; and 3) define the role of the thermocline as a barrier to nutrient transport. Model development continued on the phosphorus dynamics in Lake Mendota. C. DEVELOPMENT OF TECHNIQUES TO MEASURE NUTRIENTS FROM DIFFUSE SOURCES - 21 AJE Approach General: The development of laboratory and/or field methods for quantitatively describing the nutrient contribution of diffuse sources, such as agricultural and urban runoff and rainfall to bodies of water and of procedures to assess their significance in terms of the total nutrient input to a given water body. Specific: Evaluate the sediment-water nutrient exchange capacity of various lake sediments. Initiate field studies to determine subsurface nutrient input, including that from septic tanks, to test sites and develop methods for quantifying such inputs. Evaluate impact and significance of other diffuse sources, including precipitation. Intramural Activities Eighteen test wells in and about septic tank drain field areas at two sites on a lake in the Cascades were examined for plant nutrient content. These wells are located such that changing nutrient content of the subsurface discharges might be followed in the suspected direction of flow toward the adjacent lake. In July, one liter of Rhodamine WT fluorescent dye was introduced into the septic system to trace the flow route of effluent in the drain field. Data at this point appears to be inconclusive with regard to the movement of wastewater discharge in the saturated soil zone. The dye studies indicate that lateral movement from the point of discharge has been minimal; chemical data tend to confirm this. Water tables in this area have been very low this year and may have affected the rate of tracer and nutrient movement away from the discharge point. A more thorough examination of the existing data is in prograss. 12 ------- In the latter half of FY 1973 a wide variety of nutrient complexing compounds were tested to detect 1) their ability to render plant nutrients unavailable to algae and other aquatic plants, 2) their effects on aquatic animals, and 3) the longevity of such inactivant-nutrient complexes. The most promising of those condidates screened to date include zirconium tetrachloride, zirconium oxychloride, alum, sodium aluminate, and Wah Chang waste. All have proven to be relatively efficient phosphorus strippers. The Wah Chang waste product is somewhat less efficient than the others but has the advantage of low cost. The presence of heavy metals in this material, however, poses a serious question as to its use. Laboratory experiments have shown that aluminum concentrations of 5 mg/1 or greater will remove all traces of phosphorus from NAAM algal culture medium containing a phosphorus concentration of 0.15 mg/1. Zirconium concentrations of 2-3 mg/1 will also remove all phosphorus from the NAAM medium. Algal assay tests (AAP) of the nutrient inactivated medium demonstrate that one or more essential nutrients are rendered unavailable to the test species (Selenastrum capricornutum); growth rate and biomass production were severely reduced. Since zirconium tetrachloride in solution is extremely acidic, while sodium aluminate is basic, we are investigating the possibility of using the two substances in combination thereby achieving the pH control without addition of a buffer. The combination should extend the effective pH range over which the inactivant will be operative. Tests to determine whether candidate inactivants would exert detrimental effects on aquatic animals have consisted of 96 hour static bioassays using coho and chinook salmon fingerlings and water fleas (Daphnia magna). Ninety-six bioassays with fish demonstrated nearly 100 percent survival with all substances at all concentrations tested (up to 40 mg/1). The only exception was lanthanum rare earth chloride which killed fish at all concentrations. Daphnia survived 96 hour tests with Wah Chang waste product at all concentrations tested. Daphnia also showed good survival in zirconium oxychloride and lanthaum rare earth chloride when concentrations did not exceed 5 mg/1. One set of tests has been run to determine the long range effects of potential inactivants on zooplankton. The tests were conducted with Daphnia using zirconium tetrachloride as the inactivant. Duration of the tests was 9 weeks, which included several generations of Daphnia. The Daphnia survived these tests and reproduced as long as the zirconium concentration was less than 10 mg/1. The most promising feature of zirconium as an inactivant is its tenacious bonding with phosphorus. Laboratory experiments to determine the time span over which a zirconium-phosphate complex will be maintained 13 ------- under both aerobic and anaerobic condition have been delayed pending development of micro-techniques applicable to small experimental containers (modified Jenkins coring tubes). Methods for determining phosphorus on 2.5 ml samples are now accurately reproducible. Special pH and redox probe adapters have been constructed and tested and an oxygen analyzer has been modified so that samples as small as 0.25 ml can be analyzed to ± 0.1 mg 0^/1. Calibration curves have been established on a liauid scintillation counter for 33p and 3^P which will be used in the sediment and water phases, respectively, in the columns. This phase of the inactivation studies will begin in November. Extramural Activities "Determine the release of inorganic organic forms of phosphorus from sediments." R. E. Wildung, Battelle-Northwest, Contract 14-12-508. The final report has been published (EPA-R3-73-024, April 1973). Methods were developed for the characterization of inorganic and organic P components and/or laboratory measurement of release from sediments and subsequent availability to algae. Lake systems studied were Upper Klamath, Agency, Diamond, Erie, and Shagawa. Sufficient data were obtained to detect seasonal changes in P concentration in Upper Klamath Lake sediments. Release of and resorption of P associated with the solid phase occurred. Release appeared to be largely from non-occluded Fe-P whereas resorption was primarily in the form of non-occluded Al-P. Algal growth response to released P during dialysis in laboratory experiments was approximately equivalent to the response to orthophosphate. "Determine nitrogen transformation in lake sediments." D. R. Keeney, University of Wisconsin, 801362. The final report has been approved for publication. It will consist principally of a protocol for the determination of sorption and release of nitrogen by lake sediments. Other results of the research under this grant have been published in technical journals. Nitrogen fixation in sediments from hard and soft water lakes has been investigated, and work was carried out on the effects of certain additives, such as alum and calcium carbonate, or nitrogen, or nitrogen transformations in sediments. Determine the role of phosphorus-sediment interactions in eutrophication and quantify the potential release from sediments." Armstrong, University of Wisconsin, 801364. The final report is in preparation. Initial phases of the work consisted of characterization of phosphorus types from a number 14 ------- of Wisconsin lakes. Phosphorus transformations were investigated in the laboratory under aerobic and anaerobic conditions, particularly with respect to iron and manganese. Sediment-water systems to simulate the effect of ground water percolation on transport of P from sediments were developed. "Determine nitrate removal from water at the water-mud interface in swamps." W. H. Patrick, Jr., Louisiana State University, 800428. This project was approved for continuation during the fourth quarter, FY-73. Emphasis continues to be oriented toward an understanding of the mechanisms involved in nitrate removal from the overlying flooded soils and sediments. Two components have been intensified: 1) a dilution effect of the nitrate in the overlying flood water diffusing into the water phase of the sediment, and 2) denitrification of nitrate after diffusion into the reduced sediments. Mathematical expressions have been developed to describe both processes. Another series of studies is being conducted to determine the effect of oxygen on the denitrification processes. D. METHODS TO INHIBIT ALGAE AND AQUATIC WEED GROWTH WHERE NUTRIENTS CANNOT BE CONTROLLED - 21 AIZ This ROAP was terminated at the end of FY 1973, but contained four extramural activities for which funding was complete but which had not yet been concluded. Extramural Activittes "Nutrient dynamics in an artifically enriched lake." J. K. Neel , University of North Dakota, 16010 DFI. The final report has been published (EPA-660/3-73-001 , July 1973). This study was designed to determine the effects of macrophyte harvesting on the nutrient dynamics of the lake, It was found that harvest had a definite imDact on macrophyte growth the following season. After one year's harvest, density of weeds was about one- fourth as great the following year and phytoplankton density increased. However, macrophyte removal by harvest took out only insignificant amounts of nitrogen and phosphorus when compared with the amounts of nitrogen and phosphorus brought in annually by the lake's major tributary, the highly enriched Pelican river. 15 ------- "Nitrogen sources and cycling in natural waters." P. L. Brezonik, University of Florida, 16010 DCK. The final report has been published (EPA-660/3-73-002. July 1973). Sources of nitrogen were reviewed to determine their significance in lake nitrogen budgets. Nutrients in rainfall were found to be significant. N & P budgets were calculated for 55 Florida Lakes and critical loading rates established. Nitrogen fixation by bacteria in sediments was described and evidence for the role of lake sediment as an ammonia buffer was found. "Eutrophication of surface waters — Lake Tahoe (Indian Creek Reservoir)." P. H. McGauhey, Lake Tahoe Area Council, 16010 DNY. The general purpose of this study has been to determine whether advanced waste treatment processes at the upper limit of current technology are adequate to reduce nutrients below the level at which they may seriously accelerate the rate of eutrophication of surface waters. Indian Creek Reservoir is the terminus of a system designed to export from the Lake Tahoe basin the final effluent from the AWT of the South Tahoe Public Utility District. The reservoir has been monitored under this grant for three years. It is presently in its terminal year, and the final report is in preparation. "Research and development of a selective algicide to control nuisance algal growth." W. F. Mcllhenny, Dow Chemical Co., Contract 68-01-0076. The objective of this project is to develop a compound to effectively and economically control the growth of nuisance species of blue-green algae with a minimum impact on desirable forms of life in the aquatic environment. The final report for Phase II of the study has been published (EPA-660/3- 73-006, August 1973). Two compounds were selected as final candidates for field testing in Phase III. Tests were carried out during the first quarter FY-74 in Lake Sal lie, Minnesota; Chowan River, North Carolina; and Diamond Lake, Oregon. Results of these tests are pendi ng. D. THE DEVELOPMENT OF METHODS FOR ASSESSING AND CATEGORIZING THE POTENTIAL EUTROPHICATION OF NATURAL WATERS - 21 AJF Approach General: The trophic state and productivity response of freshwater and estuarine organisms to change in nutrient levels must be known in order to predict the consequences of eutrophication control measures. 16 ------- To meet this need, it is necessary to develop, evaluate, and standardize laboratory and in situ assays which will allow an accurate and rapid assessment of organism-nutrient relationships. Another need is to be able to rapidly classify a lake on the basis of a single set of observations. This is necessary in order to identify problem lakes and set priorities for implementing control measures. Specific: Develop, refine, evaluate, standardize, and conduct laboratory and field bioassays (in situ) to measure, predict and categorize the response(s) of aquatic organisms, both freshwater and estuarine, to specific additions or reductions of nutrients. Define critical nutrient levels (phosphorus, nitrogen, etc.,) responsible for buisance "blooms" of algae. Design a simple, reliable lake classification system to aid scientific, regulatory and planning agencies to identify problem lakes and set priorities for implementing control measures. Intramural Activities Evaluate and predict the effects of individual and known nutrients on the growth of nuisance algae and aquatic plants using both lab and field (in situ) bioassay techniques in fresh and estuarine waters. Freshwater algal assay studies: Development and evaluation of methods to count the filamentous blue-green alga, Anabaena figs aquae with an electronic particle counter have been completed. Efforts have been devoted to the use of the sonicator as a tool for breaking up the algal filaments prior to counting. The results show that untreated (sonicated) filaments grown in algal assay medium (AAM) gave varying ratios of cell volume to gravimetric dry weight. Therefore, no constant conversion factor could be obtained during the log phase of growth. Sonication treatment of the filamentous cells grown in AAM enable the calculation of the following conversion factor; cells/mg/1 x mean cell colume x 5.4 x 10 equals mg dry wt/1 of Anabaena flos aquae. This conversion factor will be evaluated for cells grown in natural waters. Field samples of varying salinity and nutrient content have been obtained from the Yaquina Estuary, Newport, Oregon and Puget Sound, Washington, on cooperation with EPA Region X. Batch "Bottle Test" assays using Dunaliella tertiolecta indicate nitrogen to be the predominate limiting nutrient. Phosphorus was growth limiting in several low salinity (2,8 to 5.0 0/00) water samples. Inoculum studies were undertaken to determine the level at which minteral nutrient carryover from cells grown in Burkholders artifical seawater containing AAM nutrient content occurs. Initial concentration levels of 100, 250, 1000 cells/ml of Dunaliella were evaluated. Similar growth response was obtained at each inoculum level. However, to insure minimum nutrient carryover, 100 cells/ml has been chosen as the standard inoculum for Dunaliella. 17 ------- Extramural Activities "Evaluate continous-flow and field (in situ) bioassay results with those obtained with the AAP bottle Test, August 1971, in fresh waters." Dr. Charles M. Weiss, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, 800399. This study deals with four phases of research concerning the algal assay procedure. One phase is to conduct a series of systematic studies in which random block designs will be evaluated to establish the best arrangement of test design in order to increase the reliability of the algal assay among laboratories. Another phase will be concerned with investigating an experimental design, whereby, samples are brought into the laboratory and primary productivity of the natural phytoplankton determined. The effect of change in temperature will be particularly studied. The adaption of the algal assay procedure to estuarine waters will also be studied. Finally, the relationship of in situ productivity to productivity in laboratory assays will be studied. "Design assay techniques, both lab and field, to evaluate and define the nutritional ecology of aquatic plants." Dr. Gerloff, University of Wisconsin, Madison, 800504. This research is part of a continuing program of laboratory studies to establish the nutritional requirements, and to some extent other environmental requirements, of nuisance aquatic plants and to apply the results in reducing nuisance growths of the plants in lakes and streams. This specific project involves further refinement and evaluation of a bioassay technique known as "plant or tissue analysis" for assessing nutrient supplies and specific limiting nutrients for growth of the nuisance aquatic plants. Studies will be carried out in the laboratory to compare the capacities of various types of nuisance aquatic plants, both algae and macrophytes, to take up and compete for nutrients in the presence of very low concentrations of the elements comparable to the concentrations in lakes of Wisconsin. It is anticipated the results will be applicable in explaining differences in the relative abundance of different nuisance plants with variations in lake fertility, including the effects of nutrient pollution. "Describe and quantify—including the use of bioassays the various physical, chemical, and limnological interrelationships responsible for the succession (changes) in species composition relative to the trophic state of a body of water." Dr. Morton, WARF Institute, 801168. The objective of this project is to determine the conditions favorable for maintaining a high green algae, or diatom, to blue-green algae ratio in natural waters. 18 ------- The succession and predominance of algal types will be determined as a function of manganese, iron, carbon, oxygen, rate of aeration and mixing, light intensity and temperature. Mixtures of green and blue-green algae and diatoms will be cultured under varying conditions and the rate of growth and final cell yields of each growth and the variations in the chemical and physical system in which they are grown will be determined. University of Wisconsin biological and chemical data on Lake Mendota will be used to correlate green to blue green algae ratios observed in the field to experimental results obtained by the proposed laboratory research. "Application of bioassay and chemical analysis to evaluation of the ecological implications of nutrient control projects." Dr. George Fitzgerald, University of Wisconsin, Madison, 801361. The specific objectives of this project are to apply bioassay and chemical analyses to the evaluation of the ecological implications of nutrient control projects: 1. To apply the standard Algal Assay Procedures (AAP) based on cell growth to record changes in the maximum biomass of algae supported by lake water samples and the role of N, P, and Fe as limiting factors throughout the growing season. AAP assays will continue to be carried out in cooperation with the Inland Lake Renewal and Management Demonstration Program supported by the Upper Great Lakes Regional Commission. Basic and applied studies of the use of the carbon-14 limiting nutrient technique as one alternative to the AAP will also be continued. 2. To record changes in the N, P, and Fe nutritional status of in situ algae from key sampling stations throughout theTlgal growing season by the use of enzymatic and chemical fraction analyses as evidence of practical changes taking place. 3. To conduct comparative chemical analyses and 24-hour algal sorption tests on selected water samples to record the concentrations of soluble PO4-P, total P, and available P in lake samples throughout the algal growing season. 4. To critically evaluate the data generated by the different techniques on a cost-results basis for rationally interpreting results and the selection of methods most appropriate for particular purposes. 19 ------- "Determine relationship between interspecies effect of algal extracellular metabolites and bloom sequence in freshwater." Dr. Luigi Provasoli, Yale University, 801387. In vitro metabolite effects involving organisms isolated from the same body of fresh water will provide a basis for discerning in situ events of possible relevance to metabolite activity; i.e., in vitro effects which correlate with bloom sequence will be used as indicators of possible in situ involvement of extracellular metabolite activity in bloom sequence. Bioassays of waters taken before, during and after blooms will be used to establish the relative activities of such waters. Activity which reasonably suggests itself as a contributor to sequential events will be studied in greater detail. "Investigation of the aspects of blue-green algal growth and phosphate concentration in relation to available phosphate." Dr. Jensen, Herbert Lehman College, New York, New York, 800431. This research study will investigate three different aspects of the blue-green algal growth and phosphate concentration in relation to the available phosphate in the environment. First, the effect of the varying amounts of available phosphate on the formation of the polyphosphate bodies under different environmental conditions will be determined. Second, an attempt will be made to develop new methods of observing polyphosphate bodies. Third, an analysis will be made to determine if a correlation exists in nature between available phosphate and total volume of polyphosphate bodies in a certain number of blue-green algal cells. II. PRESENTATIONS, REPORTS, TRIPS A. PRESENTATIONS 1. Phillips Larsen presented a paper entitled "Modeling Algal Growth Dynamics in Shagawa Lake, Minnesota with Comments Concerning Projected Recovery of the Lake" at the workshop Modeling of the Eutrophication Process held at Logan, Utah. 2. Spencer Peterson presented a paper entitled "Full Scale Harvest of Aquatic Plants: How it Affects the Nutrient Budget of and Artifically Enriched Lake" at the annual meeting of the Water Pollution Control Federation at Cleveland, Ohio, in September. B. REPORTS 1. Schults, D. W. and K. W. Malueg. "Uptake of Radiophosphorus by Aquatic Plants." Proc. 3rd National Symposium on Radiecology Oak Ridge, Tenn., May 1971. 20 ------- 2. Maloney, T. E. , W. E. Miller and N. L. Band. "Use of Algal Assays in Studying Eutrophication Problems" Advances in Water Pollution Research. Proc. 6th International Conference, Jerusalem, June 8-23, 1972. S. H. Jenkins, Editor. C. TRIPS 1. Donald Schults attended the 13th Annual Hyacinth Control Meeting, New Orleans, July 16-19. 2. Phillips Larsen, Thomas Maloney, Kenneth Malueg and Spencer Peterson attended a workshop, co-sponsored by ELRB and the Utah State Department of Civil Engineering at Logan, Utah, September 5-7 entitled "Modeling of the Eutrophication Process." 3. Thomas Maloney and Kenneth Malueg visited the Shagawa LAKE Restoration Project at Ely, Minnesotat and the National Water Quality Laboratory, Duluth, July 31-August 3. 4. Thomas Maloney attended a meeting held by the Organizationa fro Economic Cooperation and Development, Paris, France of the Water Management Section Group, Cooperative Projects for Monitoring Inland Waters on September 17. 5. Thomas Maloney met with Tunisian Government Officials in Tunis, Tunisia, September 18-21 in connection with a PL 480 Project on the restoration of the Lake of Tunis. III. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE 1. C. F. Powers prepared testimony for the presentation in the Reserve Mining Case. 2. William E. Miller attended a meeting in Cheney, Washington to discuss further assistance to EPA Region X in evaluating the effects of proposed waste treatment on the Spokane River system. 3. Cultures of algal assay test species were sent to several institutions. 21 ------- EUTROPHICATION SURVEY BRANCH Program Element 1BA029 I. RESEARCH ACTIVITIES The portion of the Eutrophication Survey Branch (ESB) for which the Pacific Northwest Environmental Research Laboratory (PNERL) is responsible includes three interrelated Research Objective Achieve- ment Plans which are: 1. A Survey of Nutrient Loadings to Lakes - 25 AJX 2. A Survey of Rate-Limiting Nutrients in Lakes - 25 AKM 3. A Survey of Watershed Land Use Influence on Nutrient Input to Lakes - 25 ALP. Primarily, the survey is limited to lakes or impoundments larger than 100 acres which receive effluent from one or more municipal sewage treatment plants discharging directly to the lake or to a tributary stream within 25 miles of the lake. The primary program objective is to determine which of the study lakes would be benefited by nutrient removal from the municipal sewage treatment plant effluents. A secondary objective is to determine the magnitude and effect of diffuse nutrient sources on the trophic state of the lakes and impoundments sampled. The survey is tentatively scheduled for completion by mid-1976; and, by that time, selected lakes in all of the contiguous 48 states will have been surveyed. A. ROAP 25 AJX - SURVEY OF NUTRIENT LOADINGS TO LAKES Approach The objective of 25 AJX is to determine the total nitrogen and phosphorus input to each surveyed lake and the percentage of the total which originates from municipal sewage treatment plants. For each lake, sampling sites are selected for each major inlet and outlet stream, and monthly samples are collected from each site over a one year period. This sampling is designed to determine the contribution from diffuse sources. The samples are shipped to the PNERL where they are analyzed for phosphorus and nitrogen content. 22 ------- A second phase of the study involves the collection of monthly effluent samples from each municipal sewage treatment plant influencing a given lake. The effluent samples are collected on a voluntary basis by each plant operator and are shipped to PNERL for nutrient analysis. Intramural Activities During the first quarter of FY 74, program efforts were directed to the following areas: 1. Completion of selection and description of tributary sampling sites in the states of New Jersey, Virginia, and West Virginia and thus completing this task for the 1383 sampling sites in the 17'states'in which sampling was initiated in CY 1973. 2. In the states of New Jersey, Virginia, and West Virginia, instructing National Guard sampling teams during the initial sampling round as to proper methods of sample collection and arranging for collection of samples from municipal sewage treatment plants in the three states. 3. Completion of tributary sampling in all of the states initially sampled in CY 1972 with the exception of New York. 4. Development of lake report format and content through preparation of preliminary reports on four selected lakes in the states of Georgia, Michigan, New York, and Wisconsin prior to completion of sampling on those lakes. The preliminary reports were submitted to the states involved and to various EPA offices for review; on the basis of comments received, a final report format has been prepared. 5. Preparation of final reports on the seven Vermont water bodies studied and submission of the reports to the Vermont Department of Water Resources for review and comments. 6. Initiation of report preparation for New Hampshire and Rhode Island water bodies studied. 7. Continuing analyses of stream and effluent sample and verification and computer storage data. By way of review, the number of study waters, tributary sites, and treatment plants in each of the states thus far involved in the Survey are listed below: 23 ------- Number of Number of Number of Stream MSTP's Month Stream Surveyed Samp!ing Being Sampling was State Lakes Sites Sampled Initiated Vermont 7 52 23 July, 1972 Connecticut 8 74 17 August, 1972 Rhode Island 3 28 1 August, 1972 New Hampshire 4 52 5 August, 1972 Massachusetts 8 37 15 September, 1972 Maine 9 59 5 September, 1972 Wisconsin 46 170 16 September, 1972 Minnesota 74 231 56 October, 1972 Michigan 37 170 51 October, 1972 New York 25 242 36 November, 1972 South Carolina 14 97 59 February, 1973 Alabama 11 115 33 March, 1973 Georgia 17 100 46 March, 1973 Florida 42 112 46 March, 1973 North Carolina 18 99 38 March, 1973 Kentucky 5 47 14 March, 1973 Tennessee 18 218 44 April, 1973 Delaware 6 16 7 April, 1973 Ohio 20 95 14 May, 1973 Maryland 4 20 9 May, 1973 Pennsylvania 17 78 52 May, 1973 Illinois 32 110 32 June, 1973 Indiana 26 97 34 June, 1973 Virginia 9 57 26 July, 1973 New Jersey 14 51 34 July, 1973 West Virginia 5 33 16 July, 1973 Mississippi 5 35 12 August, 1973 Thus far, then, 484 water bodies in 27 states are involved in Survey and sampling is in progress or completed at 2495 tributary sites; and as of this writing, 741 municipal sewage treatment plants (MSTP) were providing effluent samples. During the past quarter, a computer program was prepared to compute nutrient loadings using ESB concentration data and actual and "normalized" flows provided by USGS. Also, additional effort during the quarter was directed to programming and retrieval of survey data in formats to be used directly in the final reports on Survey water bodies and thus reduce the work load required for report preparation. B. ROAP 25 AKM - SURVEY OF RATE LIMITING NUTRIENTS IN LAKES Approach From each of the ESB study lakes, at least one five gallon sample, composited from all stations, is collected and shipped to PNERL. A 24 ------- series of algal assay tests are then performed on each sample using a selected green algae, Selenastrum capricornutum. The purpose of the test is to determine the existing potential of each lake water to support algal growth and to determine whether algal growth is limited by phosphorus, nitrogen, or some other constituent. Intramural Activates During this quarter, the last two 1972 samples were assayed and 99 of the 1972 samples were assayed a second time as a check on methodology and for quality control. Since March, 1973, over 300 assay samples have been received from the study waters being surveyed by the NERC-Las Vegas in CY 1973. Algal assays on 14 of these samples were completed this quarter, and an additional 14 samples are in progress. When the latter are completed, all of the samples from the Alabama and South Carolina study waters will have been assayed. C. ROAP 25 ALP - SURVEY OF WATERSHED LAND USE INFLUENCE ON NUTRIENT INPUT TO LAKES Approach The purpose of 25 ALP is to develop nutrient runoff coefficients for different land use types. These coefficients can then be used in the future for estimating nutrient input to lakes. Of the approximately 750 lakes to be studied by the ESB, about 155 will be selected for detailed land use studies of each watershed. Lake selections will be based on (1) availability of high altitude photo- graphic coverage and/or existing land use studies, (2) availability of good topographic maps for accurate drainage area delineation, (3) sufficient watershed relief to render surface runoff a significant factor and (4) a diversity of geographical area coverage so that regional runoff coefficients can be developed. Following the selection of lakes to be so analyzed, (1) drainage areas and sub-drainage areas are delineated on US6S topographic maps and the areas are measured by planimetry, (2) land use identifications are made from aerial photographs and transferred to map overlays, (3) the percent of each land use type is computed, and (4) the tabulated land use data is related to data from the tributary and lake sampling data to develop nutrient runoff coefficients. Intramural Activities Land use types were identified for CY 1972 lake drainage and sub- drainage areas in the land use study and their extent, as a percent of 25 ------- drainage or sub-drainage areas, has been computed. Preliminary graphs of land use versus nutrient concentrations were prepared for the 128 subdrainage areas involved. Nutrients related to land use were total phosphorus, orthophosphorus, total nitrogen, and inorganic nitrogen. Research and selection of CY 1973 ESB lakes for land use analysis were completed during this quarter. Forty-one lakes were selected from the approximately 240 ESB lakes being sampled in 17 states during CY 1973. Included in the study are 30 drainage areas and 201 subdrainage areas. The "state-of-the-art" in remote sensing, as it applies to water quality has been of interest to this program. The land use section of the ESB has kept abreast of developments in the remote sensing field for possible "quick and dirty" methods of trophic state assessment. On of the two part-time college students assisting in the land use studies is also investigating the possibilities of using ERTS (Earth Resources Technology Satellite) imagery as a tool in eutrophication assessment. ERTS computer compatible tapes of several ESB study lakes have been procured from NASA-Goddard for this investigation. II. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE One and one-half man days were spent in assisting the Montana Department of Health and Environmental Sciences in acquiring equipment and methodology for algal bioassays. III. TRIPS 1. Mr. Dominquez participated in the first round of tributary sampling in Virginia, July 13-15. 2. Mr. Austin participated in the first round of tributary sampling in New Jersey, July 20-23. 3. Mr. Lauer participated in the first round of tributary sampling in West Virginia, July 27-29. 4. Messrs. Omernik and Jackson travelled to several ESB study areas in New York, Wisconsin and Minnesota to conduct ground truth collection for Land Use vs. Nutrient Runoff Study, August 20-30. 26 ------- THERMAL POLLUTION BRANCH Program Elements 1BA032/1BB392 RESEARCH OBJECTIVE ACHIEVEMENT PLANS I. RESEARCH ACTIVITIES A. PREDICTIVE MODELS FOR THERMAL POLLUTION—1BA032-21 AJH Approach General: Provide composite of three kinds of predictive models. (1) Thermal plume behavior and heat dissipation; (2) chemical- biological response; and (3) local meteorologic impact. Finish analytical development and field verify aqueous plume models, and apply output to the applicable fluid dynamics to the atmospheric plume problems. By grant and contract explore the amenability of chemical and biological response to stochastic or multivariate regression treatment. Specific: (1) Analytical and plume development of workbook and/or manual on plume prediction models for shallow and submerged surface discharges; (2) analysis of local meteorologic impact of evaporative cooling systems; (3) study of physico-chemical and biochemical response to temperature changes. Intramural Activities The strategy in TPB thermal plume modeling consists of (a) continued evaluation of current developments and advances in mathematical analyses of heated jet discharges, (b) evaluation of new field and laboratory data, (c) matching these with the needs of the Agency, (d) developing the lacking technology in-house, and (e) presenting the state-of-the-art in a usable form. Activities of this quarter continued to provide progress in meeting each of the strategic goals. Computer programs previously developed for predicting the transport and behavior of heated water discharged at or near the surface are being run in conjunction with a generalized plot routine to generate nomograms for insertion into the workbook. The workbook format has been finalized and writing has begun. In-house work on evaluating the meteorological impacts of evaporative cooling devices has begun. The project is a field study to be conducted in conjunction with the Turkey Point demonstration of salt water cooling. 27 ------- Data will be collected to describe the vapor plume emanating from a single cell mechanical draft cooling tower. A radiosonde will be used to measure vertical temperature and humidity profiles at several distances downwind from the tower. The radiosonde will be taken aloft by a large "blimp like" balloon (kitoon) or an inflatable kite. Investigations on the feasibility of these lifting devices has begun, and several "test flights" have been made. A checkout of the measuring system prior to the field study at Turkey Point will occur locally. Sites for this checkout are under investigation. Extramural Activities Task 35 of ROAP 21 AJH will be conducted via a negotiated contract. The Cincinnati Negotiated Contracts Branch has published a call for proposals in the Commerce Business Daily. The research project will be entitled "Improving the Statistical Reliability of Stream Heat Assimilation Prediction" and will provide technical information needed to implement Section 303(d) of PL 92-500. "Mixing and dispersion in a warm water outlet," University of Minnesota, 800435. Objective is to develop experimental and analytical results for prediction of the surface spread of heated water discharges. In this quarter, extensive effort was devoted to the prediction of plume characteristics within the development region of the jet. Experimental analysis of this particular problem is continuing. "Studies on the effects of heated water from power plants on the physico-chemical and biochemical processes occurring in free-flowing waters and their influence on water quality," Water Econoiny Research Institute, Poland, PL 480 project. The project is on schedule, and equipment and laboratory supplies have been obtained. First set of data was received and reviewed during this quarter. The data were preliminary in nature and consisted mainly of minimums, maximums and means of selected parameters at several points in the Vistula River below the power plant discharge. More comprehensive, synoptic data are required. The three top investigators on the project visited the U.S. B. INDUSTRIAL WATER CONTROL TECHNOLOGY; ELECTRIC POWER GENERATION— 1BB392 - 21 AZU Approach General: Develop industry wide applicable, and viable, pollution control technology for the industry which will provide a basis for establishing, improving, and implementing required effluent standards. 28 ------- The standards sought, levels of control desired, and implied technology research (TR) leadtime requirements are as follows: 1. Best practicable control technology currently available (BPT) - by 1/75. 2. Best available control technology economically achievable (BAT) - by 1/79. 3. Elimination of the discharge of pollutants (ZERO) - by 1983. 4. Elimination of multi-media pollution discharges (TOT) - by 1985. Specific: Thoroughly evaluate and, if practicable, eliminate all secondary environmental hazards associated with existing cooling systems. To be accomplished primarily by engineering-economic analysis of alternative systems, field measurement programs, and incentive support for demonstration projects. Budget limitations preclude major support of the costly and large new systems within this industry. Intramural Activities In-house efforts are oriented toward the above approach. Considerable effort has been provided in formulating the Agency's requirements for implementing the 1972 FWPCA, particularly in the area of effluent standards. Associated research and development work is being defined and pursued to enable meeting the future technological requirements of the Act. This involves recycle/treatment/reuse programs for all power generation effluents, possibility of backfitting treatment devices, and related areas defined by Agency needs. Extramural Activities "Thermal Water Demonstration Project," Eugene Water and Electric Board, 802032. Field work on this project is completed. Final report currently is in draft review form. This project provides a significant contribution in defining and demonstrating benefits from warm water (waste heat) use in agriculture, especially for undersoil heating. "A Critical State-of-the-art Review of the Engineering Aspects of Power Plant Thermal Discharges," State of Maryland, Power Plant Siting Program, R-801433. 29 ------- This grant is progressing satisfactorily. Data acquisition is complete, covering in depth the Installations in Maryland. Thorough analysis of engineering and economic data on control of the various power plant wastes is underway. "Technical and Economic Evaluations of Cooling System Blowdown Techniques," Wapora, Inc., 68-03-0233. Final report on this contract was received, reviewed, and approved for publication. This report documents advanced SOA technology for handling and controlling blowdown. This is a useful and significant contribution toward effluent control. Attempts are currently being made to fund three important extramural projects. II. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE 1. Technical assistance provided to Region II for the review of a thermal model for a power plant in Great Egg Harbor Bay, New Jersey. 2. Technical assistance on EIS Review-Report and Thermal Pollution Workshop. 3. Technical assistance provided to Region II concerning water quality standards for New York State. 4. Technical assistance provided to Headquarters concerning the Technology Transfer Manual covering the power industry. 5. Technical assistance provided to Oregon State University for instruction on cooling tower program. 6. Technical assistance to Region IV concerning salt drift data. 7. Technical assistance provided to Region VI for the review of Commanche Peak Stream Electric Station Environmental Report. 8. Preparation and participation in the Thermal Pollution Workshop in Atlanta, provided technical assistance to EPA Headquarters, Office of Air & Water Programs. 9.' The Thermal Pollution Branch staff reviewed one environmental impact statement relating to nuclear fueled power plants during the quarter. 10. The following report, "Reviewing Environmental Impact Statements--Power Plant Cooling Systems Engineering Aspects" was prepared to assist the EPA Regional Offices in evaluating environmental impact statements for nuclear power plants. 30 ------- 11. Technical assistance provided to a water quality management conference held by the United Nations Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) in Paris France. 12. Technical assistance provided to EPA Headquarters, Office of Technical Analysis and Office of Water Programs for report preparation related to Section 316 of PL 92-500. 13. Technical assistance provided to Region IV for the review of a technical report on the Anclote Power Plant. III. PRESENTATIONS, TRIPS, AND REPORTS 1. Dr. Mostafa Shirazi attended and presented the paper, "An Evaluation of Ambient Turbulence Effects on a Buoyant Plume Model" at the 1973 Summer Computer Simulation Conference in Montreal, Canada on July 17-19, 1973. 2. Dr. Bruce Tichenor participated in the Symposium on the Modeling of Eutrophication Processes on September 4-7 in Logan, Utah. 3. Mr. Frank Rainwater traveled to Berkeley, California, to present a lecture on "Non-radiological Effluents of Cooling Systems" as part of University of California's Continuing Education in Engineering program "Environmental Impact Assessment of Nuclear River Generation" on September 11, 1973. 4. Mr. Alden Christianson presented a paper, "A Demonstration of Waste Heat Use in Agriculture," and cochaired a thermal pollution session at the First World Congress on Water Resources in Chicago, Illinois, on September 24-28, 1973. 5. Dr. Mostafa Shirazi presented a paper, "A Critical Review of Laboratory and Some Field Experimental Data on Surface Jet Discharge of Heated Water," at the First World Congress on Water Resources in Chicago, Illinois, on September 24-28, 1973. 6. Mr. Frank Rainwater, attended the meeting of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development in Paris, France on September 26-28, 1973 as the U.S. expert on thermal pollution. The objective of the meeting was to discuss water management problems in relation to thermal discharges to the water. 31 ------- INDUSTRIAL WASTES BRANCH Program Element 1BB037 I. RESEARCH ACTIVITIES The overall objective is the development and full-scale demonstration of technically and economically feasible methods of processing food and kindred products, and paper and forest industries products without discharge of liquid wastes to the environment and with adequate control of solid residuals and air pollution. Extramural RD&D grants are used to: A. Characterize wastes by unit operations, B. Minimize wates by process modification, C. Optimize product and by-product recovery, D. Demonstrate new and improved treatment technology, and E. Demonstrate complete or unit process water recycle. In-house efforts are devoted to evaluating grant applications, monitoring ongoing projects, and assisting in the dissemination of information through meetings, presentations, and symposia. A. INDUSTRIAL MULTIPLE LEVEL CONTROL WOOD PULPING - 21 AZX Approach General: The ultimate in waste control from the industry will be complete recyle and reuse of nonconsumptive water used. Interim needs must be satisfied by increasing degrees of treatment and control. Extramural efforts will be directed toward new treatment and improved control technology to satisfy near term needs and develop background for complete pulping process recyle. The demonstration projects will provide data on design, performance, and costs. Specific: The specific grants now active in this program are aimed at separating soluble, colored organic wastes from their carrier liquid. Since these materials include non-biodegradable organics as well as biodegradables advanced waste treatment and internal systems are being employed. The advanced waste separation processes include ultrafiltration, reverse osmosis, carbon, air stripping, and coagulation while one project substitutes oxygen for the normal bleaching agent. Several projects are involved with the chemistry of compounds and hazardous materials and their separation. Intramural Activities All in-house research has been completed at this time. The final write up of two projects involving sulfite pulping is in progress. The first, 32 ------- "Significance of Klebsiella in Pulp Mill Effluents," is in the first draft while the second, "Suspended Solids Removal by Filtration," is being prepared for an industry technical slide presentation. Extramural Activities "Production and Use of Activated Carbon for Water Renovation in Kraft Pulp and Paper Mills." St. Regis Paper Company, New York, N.Y. 12040 EJU. This project is a program for development of an economical carbon based system for maximum water reuse in the kraft pulp industry. The first phase is an effluent treatment cycle using activated carbon and the second is on-site production and activation from readily available raw materials with full integration into the mill recovery and power systems to achieve the lowest net cost. The second phase is now under construction. "Coliform Growth and Control in Aerated Stabilization Basins." Crown- Zellerbach Corporation, San Francisco, California. 12040 GQD. This is a cooperative project to study the growth and control of coliform organisms in an aerated stabilization basin treating effluent from an ammonia-based sulfite pulp and paper mill. Production and treatment system manipulations, together with treated effluent dis- infection by various agents, will be utilized to obtain the highest possible BOD removal and the lowest levels of coliform growth rate and densities. Final report approved for publication. "Mercury Recovery from Sediments and Sludges." Georgia-Pacific Corporation, Bellingham, Washington. 12040 HDU. Project objectives are devoted to minimizing losses of Hg from chlor-alkali plants both as to liquid wastes containing traces of Hg, and to processing of brine sludge. Processing of previously lagooned brine sludge is also planned. A sodium sulfide precipitation system will be used. Sludges will be roasted in a furnace with Hg condensed for recovery. Final polishing for minimum discharge is planned. The project is now in final construction stage. "Ultrafiltration Processes for Color Removal from Kraft Mill Effluents." Champion Papers Division of U.S. Plywood-Champion Papers Inc., Hamilton, Ohio 800261. The project investigated the merits of ultrafiltration to remove color bodies from kraft caustic extract and decker wastes. Spiral-wound 33 ------- membranes were employed. Considerable difficulty was experienced in filtration pretreatment to avoid membrane blinding in this type of equipment. Subsequent results indicate a substantial reduction in color and production of re-usable water by this means. The final report is being printed. "Closed Process Water-Loop in NSSC Pulp Production" Green Bay Packaging Inc., Green Bay, Wisconsin. 800520. This project will employ reverse osmosis to dewater surplus white water in a closed process water loop. Retained dissolved solids are returned to the Whitewater loop to be eventually removed in the recovery furnace, or through retention in product. The R.O. plant is presently being installed. This is a full scale system employing tubular type equipment. The plant should be in operation by January 1, 1974. "Minimizing the Pollutional Impact of Kraft Pulping through Oxygen Bleaching." The Chesapeake Corporation of Virginia, West Point, Virginia. 800740. This project is not only investigating oxygen bleaching for kraft pulp, but also investigating use of oxygen for black liquor oxidation as well as constructing a secondary waste treatment system which will employ the UN0X system of waste treatment. A 100 T/D oxygen plant will be operated at the mill. The oxygen bleach system is in quite continuous operation. The UN0X system is under construction. "Chemical and Physical Nature of Color Bodies in Kraft Mill Effluents Before and After Lime Treatment." Institute of Paper Chemistry, Appleton, Wisconsin. 800853. The objectives of the project are to identify the nature of color bodies removed by the several color removal projects operating in the kraft industry. Interest is also directed toward nature of color bodies remaining after lime treatment. The project period was extended to investigate efficiency of several metal ions in color removal. "A Test Method for Volatile Component Stripping of Wastewater in Cooling Towers." University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, Arkansas. 801876. Develop a quick and simple laboratory test method for determining the volatile component stripping potential of industrial waste- waters. Laboratory apparatus and procedures will be developed to measure the upper limit of stripping potential and the relative ease of volatile component removal. Industrial samples are being tested. Project completion date extended to April, 1974. 34 ------- "Organic Compounds in Pulp Mill Lagoon Discharge." University of Washington, Seattle, Washington. 802084. Volatile organic compounds in kraft wastewater before and after biological waste treatment are being analyzed. Identification of the volatile materials are being carried out on a G.C.M.S. unit while other compounds are being measured by routine analysis. This project is in the final months of the investigation. "Treatment of Sulfite Evaporator Condensates for Recovery of Volatile Components." The Institute of Paper Chemistry, Appleton, Wisconsin. 801207. This project is concluded and the final report submitted for printing. Findings indicate steam stripping of condensates and activated carbon treatment is capable of recovering sulfur dioxide, furfural, methanol and acetic acid. Acetic acid may be converted to ethyl acetate. Product purity is high for all derivatives. Condensate BOD load is reduced 90 percent for uncontaminated condensates and 60 percent for those condensates employed for wash 1iquor. "Pulping Chemicals Recovery and External Waste Treatment Comparison." EKN0N, Bellevue, Washington. Contract 68-01-0765. Recovery schemes are described for each of the major pulping processes with flow, solids, and chemical balances given for example kraft, sulfite, and NSSC mills. External waste treatment processes are described and cost data given for several example mills. A comparison of internal and external waste treatment is also given for several examples. This project has been completed and the report accepted for printing. B. INDUSTRIAL MULTIPLE LEVEL CONTROL PAPER AND PAPERBOARD - 21AZY Approach General: The implementation of complete recycle and reuse of noncon- sumptive water is the ultimate objective in water pollution abatement in the paper and paperboard industry. Specific: The trend towards higher quality effluents will make it necessary to continue studying methods of improving discharge charac- teristics. Dry forming is a possible alternative to conventional produc- tion that may help in achieving the general goal of zero discharge. A two year grant has been awarded to demonstrate the dry forming of paperboard. Another segment of this industry is represented in an ongoing grant to demonstrate zero discharge from a paper reprocessing plant producing construction grade papers and felts. 35 ------- Intramural Activities Project monitoring and control continued during the quarter. One new grant was funded and two project reports were published. Extramural Activities "Water Reuse in a Paper Reprocessing Plant." Big Chief Roofing, Ardmore, Oklahoma. 801206. Full scale demonstration of zero discharge through increasing reuse of process water while decreasing fresh water input. Effluent discharge to surface waters shall be eliminated by reducing effluent flow to a level which can be solar evaporated. Savings resulting from decreased stock losses, fresh water use, and effluent treatment shall be determined along with increased costs of slime and corrosion control and operation changes. Effects on product quality also shall be determined. Corrosion and slime problems have been controllable with very good progress towards minimal fresh water consumption. "Dry-Forming Process for Paperboard from Recycled Waste without the Use of Water." Paris-Worcester Corporation, Lawrence, Massachusetts. 802572 Demonstrate the feasibility of dry-forming paperboard by a process developed in Denmark which has been used for non-woven textiles. If the feasibility results are promising, a paperboard production unit shall be constructed. Project recently funded. "Treatment for Flocculation and Microstraining of Whitewater." Strathmore Paper Company, Turner Falls, Massachusetts. 12040 FDE. Demonstrate the applicability of microscreening of paper mill wastes from two adjacent paper mills. Polyelectrolytes shall be evaluated for removal of turbidity remaining in the microstrainer effluent. Final report to be amended to include recent developments/ "Ozone Treatment of Wastewater for Reuse in Fine Paper Reprocessing." State of Vermont, Montpelier, Vermont. 802157. Wastewater from a small tissue mill which runs on 100 percent recycled wastepaper has been treated in a trailer mounted treatment plant. 36 ------- Biological treatment followed by ozone treatment has been studied in an effort to determine a system which will produce water quality acceptable for reuse in the tissue process. The experimental work has been completed and the final reports being prepared. C. INDUSTRIAL MULTIPLE LEVEL CONTROL LUMBER AND WOOD PRODUCTS - 21 AZZ Approach General: Reports are needed which clearly trace the nature of this pollution by quantitative identification and provide direct guidance for future EPA-sponsored control projects, and immediate implementation of known improved management practices by the industry. Specific: Former activities in this area centered on the ecological impact of logging practices on water quality due to various harvest methods and on road construction practice. Current efforts now are expanded to include the environmental effects of forest farming including fertilization with nitrogen, sulfur, and phosphorus as well as thinning programs. Minimal funding permits only limited extramural activities. Extramural Activities "Treatment of Wood Preserving Wastewater by Chemical and Biological Methods." Koppers Company Incorporated, Carbondale, Illinois. 12100 HIG. Demonstrate a chemical-biological wastewater treatment system for creosote and pentachlorophenol wood preserving wastes. The waste- water shall be characterized and process parameters necessary to properly treat the waste shall be defined. Activated sludge plant with pre and post chlorination in operation/ evaluation phase. "Fate of Nitrogen Fertilizers in Forest Soils: Conversion, Movement and Losses." Crown Zellerbach Corporation, Camas, Washington. R-800915. A series of investigations will determine relationships of fertilizer structure, interaction with forest soils and floor, climate and the interaction of these factors to volatilization losses, conversion of fertilizer to other nitrogen compounds, and downward movement of nitrogen forms in the soil. The possibility exists that nitrogen volatilized from forest soil may be reabsorbed by various components of the forest ecosystem, thereby decreasing potential losses. Therefore, tests will be made 37 ------- of the capacity of water, soil, forest floor, understory vegetation, and coniferous seedlings for adsorption of ammonia and nitrogen oxides. Plant uptake is an influential factor in leaching losses. For treatments having substantial leaching losses, tests will be made with green plants in the system. Preliminary reports 1-5 on the first phase of the project have been submitted and planning is being finalized for the second phase of the study. "Pyrolysis of Industrial Wastes for Oil and Activated Carbon Recovery." Garrett Research and Development Company, LaVerne, California. S-801202. The objective of this research project is to demonstrate the economic and technical effectiveness of the flash pyrolysis process to dispose of industrial wastes, principally bark with the production of acti- vated carbon and heating oil as by-products. A modified four ton/day pilot plant will be operated utilizing bark, rice hulls, and cattle feedlot wastes to provide process engineering data for the design of commercial scale demonstration plants. The pilot plant operations on the pyrolysis of rice hulls are presently underway. D. INDUSTRIAL MULTIPLE LEVEL CONTROL - MEAT AND EDIBLE OILS - 21 BAA Approach Historically the emphasis has been on full-scale demonstration projects aimed at upgrading available treatment technology. Recent efforts have been devoted to by-product recovery. Extramural Activities "Egg Breaking and Processing Wastes." Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, 802174. Determine the magnitude of the shell egg and egg breaking and processing waste problems on a regional and national basis and indicate waste management methods that are applicable to these wastes. Specific objectives include: define size of industries and future growth trends, characterize typical wastes, identify in-plant waste reduction and water reuse opportunities, and develop feasible treatment alternatives. Data collection is currently underway. 38 ------- "Protein Recovery from Meat Packing Effluent." Armour and Company, Nampa, Idaho, 802253. Full-scale demonstration of the technical and economic feasibility of precipitating and recovering proteinaceous nitrogen from a meat packing plant effluent. Dissolved air flotation will be used in conjunction with the addition of lignosulfonic acid to treat the 300-400 gpm flow. The system will be operated and evaluated for a minimum of six months. Design of the facilities has been completed and construction will be initiated in the near future. "Industrial Water Reuse." Maryland State Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, Baltimore, Maryland, 801970. Demonstrate the feasibility of reclaiming poultry eviscerating plant wastewater for potable water reuse. The treatment facilities will consist of aerated lagoons, microstraining, flocculation and settling, filtration through diatomaceous earth and sterilization using either ozone or ultra-violet light. A draft of the final report has been received. Some additions and changes are necessary. "Recycling of Water In Poultry Processing Plants." Pacific Egg and Poultry Association, Los Angeles, California, 800930. Evaluate the technical and economic feasibility of recycling poultry chill water. Prior to recycle the water will be passed through a traveling screen, a cyclonic desludger for removal of suspended solids down to a particle size of lOOy, and an ultra-violet sterilizer. The evaluation phase of the project is behind schedule due to delays in equipment delivery. "Small Meatpacker Waste Treatment System." W.E. Reeves Packinghouse, Ada, Oklahoma, 12060 GPP. Full-scale evaluation of various biological systems for the treatment of a small meat packing plant's effluent. Compare efficiencies and economics of an anaerobic-aerobic lagoon system versus an aerated-aerobic lagoon system. Additional pilot plant work will be done on a spray-runoff soil treatment system for upgrading the effluents from the lagoon systems, including the removal of nitrogen and phosphorus. 39 ------- The contract for analytical service was let and the second phase of the project was initiated. "Evaluation of the Rotating Biological Surface System on Meat Packing Wastes." Iowa Beef Packers, Inc., Dakota City, Nebraska, 12060 FMF. Full-scale (3 mgd) evaluation of an anaerobic lagoon followed by eight two-stage rotating biological surface units. Design, operational and economic data, including the existing pretreatment operations, will be documented. The major equipment has mechanically failed. A new supplier's equipment is being tested at pilot plant scale for possible re- placement of the rotating biological surface units. "Water and Waste Management in Poultry Processing." Gold Kist Poultry Division, Atlanta, Georgia, 12060 EGV. Evaluate changes in poultry processing operations for demonstration of effective in-plant control of water use as well as reuse. A draft of the final report was received. Considerable effort remains to prepare a publishable report. "Waste Treatment Facility, Farmbest, Inc., Denison, Iowa." 12060 DFF. One-year full-scale demonstration of the use of anaerobic lagoons and two-stage trickling filters for the treatment of wastes resulting from the slaughtering and processing of hogs. An average flow of 0.85 mgd results from the processing of about 500 hogs. Evaluation will include determining efficiencies of individual treatment units under various loadings. The final report is being rewritten in line with review comments. "Construction and Study of a Demonstration Plant Utilizing the Aerobic Channel Method for Treating Packinghouse Wastes." John Morrell and Company, Ottuma, Iowa, 12060 EUB. The parallel, circular, oxidation channels with separate settling basins and sludge recycle will be evaluated for treatment of packinghouse waste. Estimated loads on the treatment system are 3.5 mgd and 20,000 pounds BOD/day. Excess sludge will be centrifuged or evaporated and dried. The dried solids will be evaluated as a possible animal-feed supplement. The final report draft is currently being reviewed. 40 ------- "Membrane Separation of Soybean Whey for Product Recovery and Waste Treatment." Central Soya Co., Chicago, Illinois, 12060 FUR. Pilot scale membrane separation followed by evaporation will be used to establish scale-up design factors and the economic feasi- bility of a commercial scale soybean whey facility. The termination date on this project was July 27, 1972, A draft of the final report has not been received. "Utilization of Paunch Manure as a by-product Feed for Channel Catfish and Its Effects on Water Quality." Oklamhoma State University, Stillwater, Oklahoma, 12060 HVD. Determine utilization of feed comprised of various amounts of dried paunch manure for open pond and cage culture of channel catfish. Fish growth will be measured and pond effluents will be monitored. The final report is being revised prior to publication. E. INDUSTRIAL MULTIPLE LEVEL CONTROL - FRUITS, VEGETABLES, SUGAR AND BAKERY PRODUCTS - 21 BAB Approach Federal R&D grant monies were first awarded to the fruit and vegetable segment of the food industry during FY 68. The objective of the first few grants sponsored was the demonstration of secondary treatment. State-of-art grants were awarded subsequent to the secondary treatment demonstration grants. As a result of these state-of-art grants this grant program is currently emphasizing in-plant process modifications for the reduction of wastes. Developing low waste generating industrial processes is one of the first steps in "closing up" the water use practices of this industrial segment. Future grants will continue to emphasize process modification and establish water quality requirements for specific industrial processes. The latter will provide a base for setting up a systematic approach for the demonstrating of closed-loop water use systems. Developing by-products from the wastes generated by this segment of the food industry will also be an objective of future grants. Closed-loop recycle of sugar beet fluming waters was the objective of the first few grants awarded in this segment of the food industry. 41 ------- State-of-art papers were then funded to obtain an overview of the waste problems associated with the processing of sugar. As a result, current grant objectives deal with developing new low wastes generating unit processes, and resolving problems associated with flume mud dewatering and disposal. Future grants will tackle problems concerning the reuse of condenser blowdown, and then utilization of processing wastes. Only one project has been funded in the bakery segment and it was terminated prematurely when the grantee filed for bankruptcy. This is a minor problem area compared to the rest of the food processing industry thus additional work in this area is unlikely. Extramural Activities "Full-Scale Demonstration and Evaluation of Potato Dry and Wet Caustic Peeling Processes." Western Potato Service, Inc., Grand Forks, North Dakota, 12060 EI6. Three commercial scale low liquid waste dry "caustic" peelers have been installed in a potato processing plant at Grand Forks, North Dakota. Conventional Caustic Peelers, located at a Presque Isle, Maine, potato plant, will be studied as a control. For comparative purposes, equivalent primary waste treatment equipment has been installed at both processing plants. Specific grant objectives are 1) to determine total capital expenditures and operational and maintenance costs of the dry caustic process and the conventional caustic process; 2) to compare the quantity and quality of the waste generated by the two systems; 3) to compare the treatment efficiency of the silt removal systems and final clarifier and primary treatment systems at both plant locations; 4) to determine whether the dry caustic sludge would be accepted or rejected during cattle feeding operations. The final report is currently being revised for the third and last time prior to publication. "Low Water Volume Enzyme Deactivation of Vegetables Before Preservation." National Canners Association, Berkeley, California, 12060 PAV. The objectives of this grant are to develop and evaluate two low waste generating, vegetable blanching systems (microwave and hot-gas). These low waste blanchers will be evaluated by comparing them to models of two current commercial blanchers (hot-water and steam). Comparisons will be made on wastewater volumes and strengths generated during blanching of seven different vegetables. The seven vegetables utilized during this grant will be corn, peas, green beans, beets, pumpkin, spinach, and asparagus. 42 ------- Subsequent to blanching, all seven vegetable commodities will be canned, retorted, and stored. Product quality will be evaluated, on all vegetable commodities at the end of a six month storage period. Quality evaluation includes vitamin and mineral analyses, organoleptic rankings, and USDA product quality grading. Based on these, quality evaluation comparisons will be made between final product quality and blanching method. The final report was published. Title is the same as the grant title and the number is EPA-R2-73-198. "Continuous Hot Gas Blanching of Vegetables." National Canners Assoc., Berkeley, California, 800250. The primary objective of this grant is to demonstrate the technical and economic feasibility of the hot gas blanching process in the vegetable preserving industry for reducing a major source of pollution. Continuous hot gas blanching runs will be conducted on five vegetable commodities (spinach, corn, peas, green beans and beets). Five separate 8 hour continuous runs, per vegetable commodity, will be conducted after preliminary short runs to determine optimum process variables. Hot gas and commercial blancher effluents will be monitored and wastewater quality will be evaluated. Final canned product quality, after storage, will be evaluated on the basis of vitamin and mineral content, and consumer taste evaluations. A second draft of the final report is currently being prepared. "Dry Caustic Peeling of Clingstone Peaches on a Commercial Scale." Del Monte Corp., San Jose, California, 12060 HFY. A commerical scale (15 tons/hour) low liquid waste peeler, "dry caustic" peeler, will be demonstrated for peeling Clingstone peaches. Comparisons will be made between the dry caustic peeler and the current commercial "wet caustic" peeling process. Comparisons will include water use, wastewater characteristics product yield and process economics. The grantee is revising the final report. 43 ------- "Evaluation of a New Blanching Process (IQB) for Wastewater Abatement In Canning Vegetables." University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin, 801484. This grant is evaluating a low water volume blanching process in the canning of vegetables called the Individual Quick Blanch (IQB). Several varieties of vegetables (peas, corn, green beans, lima beans, carrots, potatoes, and beets), including different species of the same vegetables, will be blanched using IQB and commercial steam and hot water blanching systems. Blancher effluent volume will be measured and various water quality parameters will be analyzed for each blanching run. Quality of the blanched commodities will be evaluated after storage by objective and subjective tests. Design recommendations for a full-scale IQB unit will result if process expectations are fulfilled. The first draft og the final report is currently being reviewed. "Treatment of Concentrated Wastewater from the Citrus Processing Industry." Winter Garden Citrus Products Co-op, Winter Garden, Florida, 801432. The objective is to process waste activated sludge using gravity thickening, centrifugation and rotary kiln drying and evaluate its potential as a feed supplement through chicken feeding tests. Sludge thickening study has been completed and the feeding tests are currently underway. "Wastewater Characterization for the Specialty Food Industry." American Frozen Food Institute, Washington, D.C. 801684. The objectives are to categorize and then characterize the wastewaters generated by the speciality food industry which includes: frozen dinners; canned and frozen precooked fish, beef and poultry dishes; frozen and canned soups and stews; frozen and canned ethnic/nationality foods; and frozen vegetables in sauce. Characterization will include measurement of: flow, temperature, pH, BOD, COD, Kjeldahl nitrogen, total phosphorus as well as grease and oi1. 44 ------- Data collection has been completed. The first draft of the final report is being prepared. "Separation, Dewatering and Disposal of Sugarbeet Transport Water Solids." American Crystal Sugar Corp. , Crookston, Minnesota, 12060 ESC. This study is divided into two phases. Phase I is a pilot scale and laboratory study during which time the optimum clarification environment will be determined. If Phase I is found to be an economical method of dewatering solids from the transport wastewater, Phase II will be initiated. Phase II will consist of the design, construction, and operation of a full-scale solids dewatering system (vacuum filtration). The full-scale facility will be operated for one processing season so as to establish a good data base for industry-wide recommendations. The third draft of the final report is currently being reviewed. "Ecostatic Cane Processing System-Pilot Phase." County of Hawaii, Hilo, Hawaii, 801221. The objective of this grant is to develop on a pilot scale, an economical system which will eliminate liquid-borne wastes from sugar cane processing plants. This system will incorporate a harvest cleaner system, a dry cleaner soil remover, a juice wet cleaner, a recycled water cleaner, and a stabilized slope disposal system. All fibrous solid wastes including leaf and bagasse will ultimately be used in low emission boilers for electric power generation. Data collection has been completed and the first draft of the final report is being prepared. "Ecostatic Cane Processing System-Prototype Phase." Hilo Coast Processing Company, Pepeeker, Hawaii, 802420. This project will demonstrate on full-scale systems - field cane harvester system, a dry cleaner soil remover, juice wet cleaner and a trash cleaner with the trash and bagasse used for electric power generation. The project will last at least 2.5 years. Construction of the full-scale systems is underway. 45 ------- F. INDUSTRIAL MULTIPLE LEVEL CONTROL - GRAIN MILLS AND BEVERAGES 21 - BAC Approach Emphasis to date has been the development and demonstration of technically and economically feasible methods of waste treatment and by-products development. "Winery Wastewater-Characterization and Treatment." Widmer's Wine Cellars, Inc., Naples, New York, 12060 EUZ. Project objectives include characterization of winery wastewater and documentation of the extended aeration process for treating winery wastewater. Data collection on the full-scale treatment system has been completed and the final report is being written. "Activated Sludge-Bio Disc Treatment of Distillery Wastes." The American Distilling Co., Pekin, Illinois, 12060 FLL. Investigations involve comparative operating and economic evaluations of the two biological treatment processes. The first draft of the final report following review was returned to the grantee for revision. "State-of-the-art Study of Water Pollution Control from the Beverage Industry." Environmental Research and Applications, Inc., Wilton, Connecticut, 12060 FTC. Objectives of this study were to investigate the impact on water pollution by the Beverage Industry and to estimate the capital, operating, and manpower requirements to meet state water quality regulations. Work on revision of the final report was terminated before completion since the contractor's expenses had considerably exceeded the award. The final revision will probably have to be done in-house. "Pilot Scale Treatment of Wine Stillage." California Department of Agriculture, San Francisco, California, 12060 HPC. Objectives require both aerobic and anaerobic pilot plant scale studies to determine design and cost data for the treatment of brandy stillage. Following a review the final report was returned to the grantee for revision. 46 ------- "Rum Distillery Waste Treatment by Anaerobic Digestion." Bacardi Corp., San Juan, Puerto Rico, 800935 (12060 HRU). Project objectives include the operation of a pilot plant to anaerobically treat distillery wastes. This operation will produce preliminary design information for plant scale construction. The 500 gallon anaerobic digestor is still in operation with routine data being collected. "Submerged Combustion Evaporation System for Concentration of Brewery Spent Grain Liquors." Anheuser-Busch, Inc., St. Louis, Missouri, 12060 HCW. The primary objective of this project is to demonstrate the feasibility of concentrating spent grain liquors. In addition to eliminating a significant wastewater source the system will provide a saleable by-product. A severe gas shortage problem in Houston, Texas has resulted in premature termination of the project. A final report covering the completed work will be prepared. "Treatment of Wastes from the Wet-Milling Industry." Corn Products Company International, Pekin, Illinois, 12060 DPE. The three plus year project entails the design, construction and operation of a full-scale complete mix activated sludge system for treatment of corn refining wastes. A detailed technical and economic evaluation will follow the one-year period of operation: The final report is still being written. G. INDUSTRIAL MULTIPLE LEVEL CONTROL - DAIRY PRODUCTS AND MISCELLA- NEOUS FOODS - 21 BAD Approach The principal emphasis in the dairy segment has been and continues to be the development and demonstration of technically and economically feasible methods of converting whey into by-products for use in human and animal foods. Approximately 25 billion pounds of whey are generated annually with less than one-half of it currently being utili zed. 47 ------- Some limited work has been done on seafoods processing waste characters zation and pilot plant treatment. Additional emphasis is needed on both treatment and by-product recovery. Extramural Activities "Seafoods Processing Wastewater Characterization." Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon, 8001007 (12060 HUQ). The primary objective of this grant is to develop waste profiles on the Pacific Northwest Seafood Processing Industry. A total of six processing plants wi71 be monitored. This study will include characterization of tuna, bottom fish, crab, clams, shrimp, salmon wastes, and by-products. Waste profiles will include, but not be limited to: flow, temperature, dissolved oxygen, pH, total solids, dissolved solids, volatile solids, settleable solids, suspended solids, chemical oxygen demand, oil, grease, and complete nitrogen and phosphorus analysis. This grant was expanded to include characterization of wastes from the processing of South Atlantic menhaden, and South Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico shrimp. Preparation of the final report is still underway. "Shrimp Canning Waste Treatment Study." American Shrimp Canner Assoc., New Orleans, Louisiana, 800904. The general objective of this grant is to conduct a study, on a pilot scale, of wastewater treatment for the Gulf Coast Shrimp processing industry. With this general objective there are the following specific objectives: (a) Monitor and characterize the wastewater from a shrimp canning plant. (b) Evaluate and recommend changes in the canning process to minimize water usage. (c) Perform pilot scale studies on typical shrimp canning wastes in order to develop specific design and operational criteria for selected treatment methods. (d) Determine the economics of various alternative procedures to capture and dispose of the solid wastes. 48 ------- Data collection and pilot plant operation were completed and the final report is being drafted. "Development and Demonstration of an Ultrafiltration Plant for the Abatement of Pollution from Cottage Cheese Whey." Crowley Foods, Inc., Binghamton, New York, 12060 DXF. Recover edible protein and lactose by ultrafiltration and reverse osmosis thereby reducing influent BOD by 99 percent, perform operation, technical, and economic evaluation of both a 10,000 lb/day pilot plant and a 300,000 lb/day full-scale system. The final report on the full-scale system is undergoing revision. "Acid Whey Fermentation Demonstration Pilot Plant." Juneau, Wisconsin, 800747 (12060 HRR). Pilot plant (500 gallon reactor) demonstration of acid whey fermentation process with recovery of protein by-products. Fermentation will be done on whole and deproteinized whey. Evaluate the recovered protein for potential use as an animal feed supplement and as a human food supplement. The final report is being rewritten for a second time. "Kent Cheese Co - Waste Treatment Facility." Melrose Park, Illinois 12060 EKQ. This grant is to demonstrate the effectiveness of aerated lagoons for treatment of cheese whey process rinse water. Determine effectiveness of Helixor submerged aeration system by showing uniformity of dissolved oxygen, bottom velocities and sludge settling rate, and oxygen transfer rate in two aerobic lagoons in series. Determine BOD removal rate for this type of waste and determine the allowable loadings as a function of lagoon volume. A third and final revision of the final report is nearing completion. "Elimination of Pollution by Utilization of Protein Concentrates (Dried Whey) from Milk Residues of Cheese Making." Dairy Research and Development Corp., New York, New York, 12060 DEQ. 49 ------- Development of demonstration of a system for evaporating and spray drying cottage cheese whey. Demonstrate elimination of pollution from cottage cheese manufacturing by conversion of acid whey waste to a non-hygroscopic edible powder. Demonstrate utilization of powder for food purposes. Design and construction of full-scale concentration and drying equipment and operation adjustment period completed. Preparation of the final report is currently underway. "Vermont Cheese Industry Pollution Abatement Project." Vermont Whey Pollution Abatement Authority, Montpelier, Vermont, 12130 ENF. Demonstrate a comprehensive program in the State of Vermont for conversion of cheese whey to a non-hygroscopic edible powder. Design, construct, and operate a central whey drying plant that will handle 90 percent of the whey in the State of Vermont. Development and demonstration of the marketing of whey powder from the central drying plant. Various contracts and sub-contracts are still being reviewed prior to initiation of construction. "Continuous Enzymatic Conversion of Whey (Cottage & Cheddar)." LeHi The Farmers' Dairy, Allentown, Pennsylvania, 802615. Pilot plant demonstration using bonded enzymes to convert lactose (from whey) to glucose and galactose, by-products with better marketing potential. The lactose stream will be the permeate from an ultrafiltration unit. The grant was just awarded. "Construction and Operation of a Demonstration Plant for Commercial Production of Protein by the Fermentation of Acid and/or Sweet Whey." Mil brew, Inc., Juneau, Wisconsin, 800747. This project will be a full-scale demonstration of the successful pilot plant work conducted by the same grantee discussed above. The grant was just awarded. H. INDUSTRIAL MULTIPLE LEVEL CONTROL - JOINT LIGHT INDUSTRY INDUSTRIAL AND MUNICIPAL - 21 BAE Approach General: Develop, demonstrate, and optimize to obtain the most effective and economical waste management, treatment, and control system which will 50 ------- permit the discharge and treatment of industrial wastewater into municipal systems. Specific: There exists adequate technology for treatment of joint wastewaters, however, there is a need of pretreatment and in-plant control to enable industry to discharge wastes "equivalent" to domestic wastes for joint treatment. Extramural Activities "Optimization of combined industrial-municipal waste treatment through automation and reuse." Miami Conservancy District, Franklin, Ohio, 12130 GER The project plan is to construct and operate a regional type waste treatment facility which will serve all industrial and municipal users within the service area. The plant will result in the abandonment of the existing City of Franklin sewage treatment plant and four industrial treatment facilities, all of which are grossly inadequate. The project will stress high reliability and performance, flexibility, economy, recovery and recycle of pollutants and treated wastewater, and automation of waste treatment systems. Bids were rejected and new bids called for an automated computer control system. "Controlled Treatment of Combined Potato Processing - Municipal Wastes by Anaerobic Fermentation, Aerobic Stabilization Process." City of Grand Forks, North Dakota, 12130 DJB. A full scale, 4.5 mgd demonstration and evaluation of the joint treatment of municipal sewage in conjunction with potato processing wastes using several pretreatment methods prior to final treatment in existing stabilizations ponds will be undertaken in this project. The pretreatment methods include anaerobic and aerated treatment (in series, anaerobic treatment alone, and aeration alone) under varying seasonal waste load conditions. Final report is being prepared. I. INDUSTRIAL MULTIPLE LEVEL CONTROL - MISCELLANEOUS INDUSTRIES AND STONE, CLAY AND GLASS - 21 BAF Approach Develop, demonstrate and optimize process changes and treatment methods to eliminate the discharge of pollutants to the environment for a wide 51 ------- variety of miscellaneous industries not classified in other industrial categories. The principle activities concern the glass, fiberglass, asbestos, cement, tanneries, photo processing, and water treatment wastes industries. Extramural Activities "Aerobic Biological Treatment, Sludge Dewatering, and Disposal and Effluent Reuse for a Side Leather Tannery." S. B. Foot Tanning Company, Red Wing, Minnesota, 12120 DSG. This project will provide a full-scale demonstration and investigation of primary sedimentation, biological secondary treatment utilizing aerated lagoons, and primary and secondary sludge dewatering and disposal by means of pressure filtration and incineration. The system will treat the total waste flow of 2.1 mgd from the side leather tannery. In addition, an evaluation will be conducted to determine the influence of final treatment plant effluent reuse on hide processing and quality of finished product by reusing it in the "limepaddle" and "wash soak" tanning operations. The period was extended to November 15, 1974, and project objectives are now being met. "Magnesium Carbonate Treatment of Potable Water." Montgomery, Alabama, 12120 HMZ The concept of using MgCO^ as a coagulant stems from the search for a solution to the ever increasing problem of disposing of the alum sludges from municipal water treatment. The concept to be piloted and demonstrated will use MgCO^ as the flocculant with MgCOH)^ precipitated by the addition of lime. A scneme for recycling the magnesium by carbonation with C0? will produce a sludge which is easily dewatered and at the same time recover at least 90 percent of the magnesium for reuse. The project activities will make operational, technical, and cost comparisons between the MgCO^ and conventional alum coagulation systems. Project was amended to include additional studies in Florida, which are now underway. "Renewal and Recovery of Sulfide from Tannery Wastes." Blueside Real Estate, Kansas City, Missouri 12120 EPC The basic objectives of the project are to translate pilot-plant results into the development and demonstration on a plant scale of a process for removing sulfide from the effluent of a chrome tannery and recovering the sulfide in a form reuseable in the tannery. The project will demonstrate the technical feasibility of the sulfide removal method and will determine the economics of the process on a full-scale plant. Final report is in preparation. 52 ------- "Leather Tannery Waste Management Through Process Change, Reuse and Pretreatment." Pfister and Vogel Tanning Co., Milwaukee, Wisconsin, 801037. This project will demonstrate that it is technically and economically feasible to achieve major reductions in the pollution load discharge from a large side leather tannery through process changes, reuse and recovery techniques and pretreatment methods. Conventional batch type tanning operations will be replaced by newly developed hide processing machines in which the hide is not removed from the unit until the tanning step has been completed. This process change will permit a waste volume reduction of approximately 50 percent. Additional major waste reductions will result from the recovery of processing chemicals and the reuse and pretreatment of individual waste streams. Recovery of soluble proteins extracted from the hides will be investigated. Adequate sampling will be performed to achieve parameter weight balances throughout multiple process cycles to characterize the tannery effluent. Studies have been completed and the final report is being prepared. "Elimination of Water Pollution by Recycling Cement Plant Dusts." Portland Cement Association, Skokie, Illinois, 802196. The objective of this proposed research project is the elimination of problems associated with disposal of kiln dust from cement plants. The dust has a relatively high content of alkali-bearing compounds that are a source of water pollution with disposal procedures currently in use. The need for improvement of these procedures is increasing as the efficiency of dust collection and production and use of cement increases. The grant project is well underway and on schedule. II. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE Approach General: Technical assistance is given upon request by other EPA programs to Regions, States, and Headquarters for personal services of information and consultation, review, surveys, and short-term research projects. Specific: The type of assistance rendered involved a) effluent guidelines b) industrial waste effects on water quality c) efficiency and feasibility of external and in-plant processes for pollution abatement. Intramural Activities Effluent Limitation Guidelines Considerable effort was devoted to working with the Effluent Guidelines Division, OAWP, personnel and their contractors in both the pulp and paper, and food processing areas. 53 ------- Technology Transfer Assistance was provided to the Technology Transfer Program in planning and conducting seminars on Dairy and Seafoods. Assistance is being provided Technology Transfer and the contractor in the development of a waste treatment design manual for the pulp and paper industry. Assistance was also given to the Office of Planning and Evaluation, EPA and C.E.Q., on the development of information on a cross-media study involving the pulp and paper industry. A mill survey and evaluation was initiated for the Justice Department and EPA Region I on the Ticonderoga-Lake Champlain court case. Mr. R. H. Scott presented a seminar on a recent visit to Lake Baikal and the Baikal Cellulose Factory in Siberia, to the OSU School of Forestry. III. PRESENTATION, REPORTS, AND TRIPS. 1. The following reports were made available during the quarter: EPA-R2-73-236. "Tertiary Treatment of Combined Domestic and Industrial Wastes." EPA-R2-73-269. "Treatment of Complex Cyanide Compounds for Reuse or Disposal." EPA-R2-73-232. "Methods for Pulp and Paper Mill Sludge Utili- zation and Disposal." EPA-R2-73-255. "Ion Exchange Color, and Mineral Removal from Kraft Bleach Wastes." EPA-R2-73-184. "State-of-the-Art Review of Pulp and Paper Waste Treatment." EPA-R2-73-195. "Aerobic Secondary Treatment of Plywood Glue Wastes." EPA-R2-73-196. "Stream Stripping Odorous Substances from Kraft Effluent Streams." 2. Mr. H. W. Thompson presented "Treatment of Fruit and Vegetable Processing Wastes" at the Symposium on Ecology and Agricultural Production at the University of Tennessee. 54 ------- LABORATORY SERVICES BRANCH GENERAL The exchange of samples collected by the Eutrophication Survey Branch-Field Crew,Las Vegas and the Eutrophication Survey Branch- National Guard operation is continuing. The two laboratories at NERC-Las Vegas and Laboratory Services Branch-Pacific Northwest Environmental Research Laboratory are turning out the same numbers for nutrient constituents. The comparative data for total and orthophosphate phosphorus are extremely close. A study on adsorption of orthophosphate on sample container walls using freshwater was started and the marine water phase was completed. A brief rerun on the freshwater phases is being planned for this next quarter. The purpose of the study is an attempt to document what happens to orthophosphate between collection and analysis. The study on preservation and storage of wastewater samples has been completed and documented. PNERL PROGRAM ELEMENT SUPPORT Coastal Pollution Branch: Nutrient analysis of marine waters, both manual and automated, were documented and provided to the Branch for inclusion in proposed ocean dumping methodology. Computer Services were provided specifically for data reduction of biological data from the New York Bight, and of the data collected by the Yaquina in 1968. Operational support was provided for the barge dumping model. Supervisory support was provided to the three work-study students who were employed by the Coastal Pollution Branch for computer work during the summer. Eutrophication And Lake Restoration Branch: Increased activity in field work has provided a greater sample input. Computer Services were provided as operational support for data collection relating to the Shagawa Lake Project. A simple computerization of the Branch staff's journal article file was begun. 55 ------- Thermal Pollution Branch: Laboratory space and technical assistance was provided for the study on residual chlorine in brackish water. The cooperative sharing of resources between the Thermal Pollution Branch and the Laboratory Services Branch was successful in producing a workable technique. The problem of measurement of chlorine residual was defined, a workable program was worked out and success was achieved. Jan Dojlido, participating in the PL 480 studies in Poland for the Thermal Pollution Branch, was given a briefing on EPA-Laboratory Services Branch methodology for analysis of constituents in water. Extensive computer services were provided to the Branch staff in the development and parameterization of surface discharge plume models. Services included programming, running statistical routines, and plotting. One work-study student was given full-time to the Branch during the summer. Industrial Wastes Branch: The level of assistance to the Industrial Wastes Branch has diminished; in the last two months of the quarter there were no samples submitted for analysis. Minimal computer services were provided to the program. Eutrophication Survey Branch: The major inputs of samples from this Branch continue to be from tributaries, wastewater effluents and lakes. Logistics of sample handling require substantial manpower resources. The computer section continues to provide a significant input of resources to assist the chemistry section in processing data. The data capture and processing systems are operating with minimal difficulties despite the changes that have been made to improve the system. A visit was made to the Eutrophication Survey Branch-Field Crew to observe sample collection and sample handling. The care in collecting, documenting and handling samples is as exacting now as it was during last year's initial year of operation. The enthusiasm and verve of the crew is exemplary. Considerable operations support was provided to the Lake Survey in the computer services area, both directly to program staff and indirectly, in support to Laboratory Services Branch laboratories producing 56 ------- primarily lake survey analyses in the Technicon lab. Inasmuch as the Eutrophication Survey Branch generates a large portion of the programming/keypunching work, a major portion of supervisory overhead, and terminal operation overhead is attributable to the program. National Environmental Research Center - Corvallis Activities: Computer Services continued to provide operations support in areas of financial services, personnel, and property. Occasional programming support was furnished to the Program Operations Office. The Chief continues to act as NERC ADP Coordinator, and met with a new computer specialist from the National Marine Water Quality Laboratory. Statistical program operation was provided to the National Ecological Research Laboratory. Occasional assistance was provided for data reduction at the Western Fish Toxicology Station. PRESENTATIONS, BRIEFINGS, REPORTS, AND TRIPS 1. Briefing was provided to Sid Verner, EPA Headquarters, Quality Assurance Division. 2. Briefing on Laboratory Services Branch operation was given to Laszlo Pinkola from Hungary. 3. Briefing and discussion were conducted on information systems with Ralph Darby, Battelle, Columbus, Ohio; Larry Weiner and Lou Garrett, EPA, Washington, D.C. 4. Discussions were held with Wayne Ott from EPA Washington on SHAVES. 5. Mr. Laszlo Pasztor consultant to the Pollution Control Division of R&D was provided with an in-depth briefing of the Laboratory Services Branch operation. 6. An audiovisual training program purchased from the National Council of the Paper Industry for Air and Stream Improvement, Inc. was used as a review of methodology for suspended solids, settleable solids, turbidity and BOD. 7. A presentation on Laboratory Services Branch quality control aspects was made to visitors from the Manufacturing Chemists Association. 8. A briefing was provided to Russian Scientists Svetlana Shigan and E. A. Mozhaev through an interpreter, John Mailkoff. 9. National Environmental Research Center - Corvallis was represented by the chief at the Quality Control Seminar for Program Managers at National Environmental Research Center - RTP. 57 ------- FY - 74 FIRST QUARTER SUMMARY Samples Tes ts AQC 642 2,122 CPB 26 274 ELRB 1,016 6,381 ESB 7,876 53,128 TPB 34 156 IWB 8Z 268 Total R&D PNERL 9,676 62,329 NERL 59 124 WFTS 27 554 86 678 Total R&D 9,762 63,007 Facilities 36 60 TOTAL, ALL SOURCES 9,798 63,067 58 ------- |