PB95-156592
Information to our
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT: SLUDGE
DISPOSAL AND LAND RECLAMATION IN FULTON
COUNTY, ILLINOIS
(U.S.) ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY, CHICAGO, IL
JAN 81
national Technical Information
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REPORT DOCUMENTATION PAGE
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9. SPONSORING /MONITORING AGENCY NAME(S) AND ADORE SS(ES)
USBR4
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UasiiutM. DC J0460
i. FUNDING NUMBERS
i. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION
RE POUT NUMBER
10. SPONSORING /MONITORING
AGENCV REPORT NUMBER
11. SUPPLEMENTARY NOTES
12*. DISTRIBUTION /AVAIL ABILITY STATEMENT
lib. DISTRIBUTION CODE
13. AiSTRACT (Mtxirr urn 200 words) ^
An walyils o* th» Mthodol ogles utiliiwl by th» M*tropol!tan Sanitary Olstrict
of Sr»attr Chicago CHSOGCI for ttw application of iludga on s^-Ip-«ina
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FINAL PWHQNMENWL IW»CT STWEWEOT
SLUDGS DISPOSAL WD IAND RECLAMATION
w PULTON ocxwry, ILLINOIS
Prepared by the
UNITED STATES ENVIRDWeWT'tfj PHDTBCTION AGENCY
REGION V, CHICAGO, ILLINOIS
nal Administrator
Environmental Protection Agerxry
Jaruary 1981
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UNITED STATES
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
REGION V
230 SOUTH Of AfttOMN ST
CMKAQO. ILLINOIS MM04
JAN 16 1881
REPLY TO ATTENTION OF:
TO ALL nWSRBSTED AGENCIES, PUBLIC SOUPS
AND CITIZENS
The Final Environmental Inpact Statement (EIS) for Sludge Disposal and
Land Reclamation in Fulton County, Illinois is hereby submitted for
your information and review. This EIS has been prepared in compliance
with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, and the subsequent
regulations prepared by the Council on Environmental Quality and the
Environmental Protection Agency. This EIS presents an analysis of the
methodologies utilized by the Metropolitan Sanitary District of Greater
Chicago for the application of sludge on strip-mined land in Pulton
County, Illinois and concludes after prolonged study, that there are no
significant adverse impacts associated with this project.
Upon publication of a notice in the Federal Register, a 30-day period
will commence during which this Agency will not take any administrative
action on this project.
io ial Administrator
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SUMMARY SHEET
( ) Oraft
CX> Final
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Region V, Chicago
I. (X) Administrative Action
( ) Legislative Action
2. Dascr I pt 1 on of the Act I on
An analysts of the methodologies utilized by the Metropolitan Sanitary District
of Greater Chicago (NSOGCJ for the application of sludge on strip-mined land In
Fulton County, Illinois Is presented. Since the project Is already being Imple-
mented, this statement uniquely presents the observed and projected Impacts of
continued operations. Digested sludge is loaded at MSOGC's West-Southeast Treat-
ment Plant In Stlckney, Illinois and barged approximately 200 miles via the
Illinois River to Liverpool. From the Liverpool dock tha sludge Is pumped 10
miles via underground pipeline to the project holding basins for storage. Dredge
equipment Is used to mix the sludge to a uniform consistency and solids content
of 6 percent or less before pumping from the basins Into the distribution system.
Sludge Is applied to land which had been previously drastically disturbed through
strip-mining activities. The project began using spray application methods.
Howavar, due to odor problems and public input, the current methodology being
utilized Is tandem disk Incorporation. Other methodologies are being explored.
Fields receiving sludge have been contoured to allow collection of runoff due
to storm events or application. Environmental control systems are employed to
nonitor surface and groundwater, soli and sediment, plants and aquatic biota,
and the atmosphere.
'• Environmental Impacts
a.
Some contamination of surface water has occurred at the project site due to runoff
from sludge application to fields and release of affluents from field retantion
basins. Some retention basins Mere found to have Insufficient capacity and mere
therefore Ineffective In removing suspended solids resulting In si Itatlon and
excess dissolved oxygen depletion in receiving waters. Observation of the slta
showed that the situation Is being corrected. Many additional si Itatlon basins
have been added to newer fields. However, runoff from strip-mined areas and
eff lutnts from Improperly maintained septic tanks and the sewage treatment plant
at Canton also contribute to this pollution. Water quality Is not adversely
Impacted by project operations. Groundwater, as sampled at wells and springs,
has not been degraded by the application of sludge.
The MSOGC has been In violation of water quality standards on numerous occasions
du* to breaks In the surface pipeline that carries sludge to the application fields.
The MSDGC has entered Into a program to strengthen the pipeline In critical a< eas
where a break would cause serious water quality problems. The primary cause of the
breaks has been expansion and contraction from changes In th* temperature. This
program will continue as an Integral part of th» project operation.
I
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b. Sgljs
Sludge has had a beneficial effect upon the physical properties of spoil soils,
The high organic content of sludge provides a matrix for formation of a stable
soil structure. Incorporation of sludge Into soils by disking has decreased
the chance for runoff and erosion. Increases In soil organic content and
Increased crop productivity have created beneficial economic and land use Impacts.
c. Odors and No Ise
Complaints of offensive odors have arisen from citizens within a 4 to 5 mile area
surrounding the sludge application sites and holding basins during the current
operations. A reduction In malodorants has occurred due to the modification of
application to soil Incorporation.
Noise generated at the Liverpool dock includes the noise associated with barge
maneuvering and booster pumping. These activities Increase the ambient noise
levels around the community of Liverpool. Noise levels at the site are attributed
to tractors and sludge sprayers. These noise levels can be detected at the perl-
meter of the project site. The noise levels are similar to existing agricultural
noises in magnitude and duration.
d. Hea]th_Effects
Among all methods of sludge application, pressurized spraying offered the greaiest
potential for direct transfer of hazardous components to humans or animals.
Inhalation of sludge aerosols, possibly containing pathogens or toxic substances,
presents an opportunity for protracted and repetitive exposure. The lack of
reported cases of health effects from Fulton County operations indicates that the
level of risk associated with sludge application has been minimal. As the project
developed, MSOGC has taken measures to avoid any potential health Impact. They
have abandoned pressurized spray application practices In favor of Incorporating
the sludge Into the soil utilizing tractor drawn disking and chisel plow equipment.
A distribution system and hoses allow the sludge to be placed in the furrow.
Indirect effects are caused by the consumption of plants or animals that have been
contaminated by heavy metals. The Interactions among sludge components and the
food chain are complex and Information concerning the ability of each trophic
level to accumulate toxic compounds and pass them on to succeeding trophic levels
Is sparse and qualitative at best. The mos+ likely suspects for potential hazard
are arsenic, cadmium, lead, mercury, and selenium. 3oth sludge and soli at the
project site are high In cadmium, especially In relation to zinc. Crop monitoring
by the MSOGC should decrease the risk that contaminated crops would reach the
market place. Row cropping with grain crops reduces the risk that human health
would b* affected. Risk could be further reduced by using grain crops to produce
alcohol for gasohol. U. S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) regulations
40 CFR 257.3-5 further outline a program to mlnlmlie th» effect of sludge disposal
upon human health where cadmium levels may be a problem.
The actual Indirect hazard to humans would stem from the future use of reclaimed
strip-mined land for cropping or livestock, grazing, possibly resulting In a
majority of a family's food Intake being contaminated by trace elements. This
appears unlikely to occur due to land use constraints and availability of better-
suited property. Once again, compliance with 40 CFR 257 will Minimize this
problem because future land owners wilt be aware of sludge application sites
because of a stipulation In the land record or property deed.
II
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e. Soclo-economlc Effects
The TKJS+ obvious short-term I scat tconotiic effect of the project- has been ta
create Jobs far approximately 120 skilled and unsKllled laborers who average
6 to 8 >noriths of employment yearly.
The sludge application project has also affected tne local public economy by
Increasing future market value of the land and the tax base.
f. Land Lisa
Leveling and grading of strIp-nlned sections of the project site to prepare the
sludge application fields have Increased the suitability of the land for agricul-
ture. The renoval of surface racks and labeling of steep slopes have also
conslderaaly increased the area's suitability for recreational use Including
playgrounds, campsites, roads and trails. The project has put former agricul-
tural land back into productivity.
The Fulton County project has In essence reduced the area's recreational acreage
by some 15,000 acres, as the district restricts access ;o property which was
originally open for public and private recreation. This restriction is done In
order to protect District equipment and pipelines.
4* A|ternati ves Considered
The ^330 considered the following sludge handling systems prior to beginning
operations In Fulton County. The residents of Fulton County were exploring
ways to return the disturbed land back to some level at productivity. * few
early attempts had been made to restore the land prior to tne MSDSC project,
a • SI udge DI sposa I Subsyste?ns
(I) Sanitary landfill
(2) Lagoon Ing
(3) Ocean dumping
b• Sludge Uti||zat|on_Subsystems
(I) Fertilizer production
(2) Composting
(3> Soil reclamation
c• SIudge Transpgrtat Ion Subsystems
(I) Truck transportation
(2> Rail transportation
(3) 3arge transportation
(4) Plp»IIn» transportation
III
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In ccincljsion, sljdge Is applied to land >»hl:h had 'jeen previously drastically
disturbed throojh strlp--nlning activities. Tho project Segan using spray appli-
cation rtethods. Howsvar, due to odor problems and public input, trte current
mathodaIagy being utilized Is tandam disk incorporation. Nelds racelvlng sludga
hava been contaurad ta allow collection of runoff due ta storn avants or applica-
tion. Snvtronmentil control systams ara amployad to monitor surface and ground
*at9r, soil and rack, plants and aquatic biota, «nd the atTosphare.
Iv
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TA3LE OF CONTENTS
gage
Summary I
List of Tables xi
List of -igures xv
Symbols and Aobreviations xlx
I. SUVMA^r AiJD CONCLUSIONS I-I
A. Drojoct History 1-2
3. Pra-existing Conditions 1-3
I . Climate 1-3
2. Topography 1-3
3. 3eology and Soils 1-4
4. Hydrology and rtatar Duality 1-4
5. Land Use and Economic Conditions 1-5
C. Existing Project Conditions 1-5
9. Alternatives to the °roject 1-9
i_. Existing Policies and Recommendation of Federal
Agencies 1-3
I. Food and Drug Admlnlstartion 1-3
2. U.S. Oepart.ment of *gr I culture 1-10
3. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency 1-12
4. Council for Agricultural Science and
Technology 1-15
f. Environmental Impacts 1-16
I. Land 1-16
2. rtater 1-17
3. Mr 1-13
4. Health 1-19
5. Noise 1-20
6. Land Use 1-20
7. Economics 1-20
G. Mltlgatlve Measures Needed to Ensure Environmental
Compatibility 1-21
I. Land Management Measures 1-21
2. Air Duality Management Measures 1-22
3. Health Management Measures 1-23
4. Plans and Records 1-23
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Table of Contents Cont»d>
I!. BACKGROUND MD IST-W-") JCT I DM
A, Project Background and Over view
I . Benefits
2. PDtanttal Problems
3. Project History and Issues 1 1 -4
I, History and Policy Matters 11-4
2. Envlronmantal Litigation M-4
C. Salated Activities 11-5
I. The 3ig 3luest9m °rogram and ^acreatianai 3enaflts 11-5
2. The Fulton County Steering Committee 11-5
5. Recreational Areas li-5
0. The Study Area 1 1-5
I. Basis for the Study Area 11-5
2. Pollution Control Standards 11-5
£. Description of '-fiiDGC Treatnent Systems
I. MSOGC Sewage Treatment ° I ants
2, West-Southwsst Treatnant °lants
3. Sludge Processing and Disposal
III. EXISTIM3 CONDITIONS
A. Climate and Topography Ill-l
I. General Meteorolagy Ill-l
2. General Topography 111-9
3. Seology and Soils 111-9
I. Geological Characteristics
2. Soil Characteristics
C. Hydrology and Water Duality 111-13
I. Surface Water Hydrology 111-16
2. Sroundwater Hydrology 111-16
3. Water Quality 111-19
0. aiology and Ecosystems 111-24
I. Fish and Wildlife 111-24
2. Natural Vegetation 111-25
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Table of Con+ants (Con+»d)
Page
E. Population and Economics lli-25
I. Demographic Character Is*Ics llf-25
2. Economic .Characteristics 111-29
F. Land USB Development 111-30
I. Established Uses of Land 111-30
2. Projected Uses of Land 111-35
3. Land Development Potential It 1-35
G, Environmentally Sensitive Areas 111-35
I. Water Resources 111-38
2. Land Resources 111-38
3. Cultural Resources 111-38
IV. THE CHOSEN ALTERNATIVE
A. Description of Project Features IV-I
I. Sludge Shipment and Supernatant Return IV-I
2, Sludge Storage IV-I2
3. Sludge Application IV-13
4. Supernatant at +he Gale Farm IV-28
5. Land Purchases IV-28
B. Environmental Control and Man I tor Ing Systems IV-31
I, Holding and Runoff Basins IV-31
2, Environmental Monl+orlng Systems IV-33
V. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS OF THE PROJECT
A. Soils V-l
I. Background V-2
2. Erosion of the Project Site V-5
3. Chemical Effects on Soils at the Project Site V-6
8, *fa tar V-8
I, Surface Wat«- Quality V-6
2. Groundwater Quality V-50
C. Air V-36
D. Health Effects V-38
I. Direct Health Effects V-38
vll
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Table of Contents (Cont'd)
E. Noise ¥-42
F. Significant Socio-economic and Land Use lupacts V-46
I. Socio-economic Impacts V-46
2. Land Use V-51
VI. ALTERNATIVES TO THE PROJECT
A. Disposal or Utilization Alternatives Vl-l
I. Incineration Vl-l
2. Heat Drying for Soil Conditions VI-3
3. Sanitary Landfill VI-4
4, Lagoon Ing VI-5
5. Ocean Dumping VI-6
6. Fertilizer Production VI-6
7. Composting VI-7
3. Soil Reclamation VI-8
3. Transporatton VI-12
I. Truck Transportation VI-12
2. Rail Transportation VI-15
3. Barge Transportation ¥1-15
4. °lpellne Transportation VI-17
C. System Alternatives VI-18
VII. MITIGATIVE MEASURES
A. Land Vll-l
3. Water VI1-2
C, Air VI1-4
0. Health Effects VI1-4
E. Recommended Nit I gat Ive Measures VII-5
I. Sludge Application Rates VI1-5
2. Land VI1-6
3. Water VI1-6
4, Air VI1-7
5, Health Aspects VI1-8
6, Plans and Records VI1-8
vlll
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Table of Contents (^ont'd)
facg
VIII. ENVIRONMENTAL CONSEQUENCES OF THE
VIII-I
A. 'jnavoidaSle Adverse Impacts VIII-I
I. Olstrioution Systems Vlll-l
2. ^econtourtng VI I l-l
5. Human Health Vlll-l
•3. .Relationship Between Short-tern Use and Lang-tern
Productivity VII 1-2
C. Irreversible and Irretr isva&le Commitment of Resources VI 1 1-2
9I3LIOG1APHY I
GLOSSARY 3
LIST OF PREPARED 15
DISTSI3UTION LIST 17
APPEND I < A, IEPA mater Pollution Control ?9rmit
APPENDIX 3, Comments Received on the 3raft EiS
APPENDIX C, Response to Comments
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UST OF TALES
Max I mum Cumulative Sludge Metal Applications
for Privately Owned Land
Composition of Frash, AnaeroSlcal ly Digested
Se*aga S I udge 1 1 -2
11-2 <
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List of Tables Hont'd)
123?
111-13 Population Projections for Fulton County IN-29
II1-14 Trends In Median Family Income
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List of Tables (Cont'd)
"ages
V-5 Water Quality of Reservoirs V-20
+ NO,-N, MH3-N, Phosphorus, Iron,
al Conform Content of Reservoirs f
V-6 The NO
and Fecal Conform Content of Reservoirs for
1971-1976 V-21
V-7 Effluent Quality of Runoff Retention Basins V-25-29
V-3 Capacity of Runoff Retention 3aslns and Volume of
24-Hour Storm Runoff V-3I-33
V-9 The NO 2 *• MO 3 -N, NH 3 -N, and Fe Content of rtel I s
II, 14, 7, and 17 for 1971-1975 V-35
V-IO Concentrations for Various Constituents In Groundwater V-37
V-lI Composition of Fresh, Heated, Anaeroblcally Digested
Sewage Sludge V-39
V-12 Noise Level In d3a of Various Noise Sources as a
Function of Distance V-42
Vl-l Annual Capital and Operating Costs for Multiple
Hearth Incineration VI-2
VI-2 Digested Sludge Application .Rates Vi-IO
VI-3 Land Spreading Costs Vl-ll
VI-4 System Alternatives, System Requirements, Construction
Phasing, and Life of Facilities VI-20
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°aje
l-l Systam Oparations and Sludge clows 1-9
ll-l 3roject Site and Surroundings
11-2 Available MSOGC Solids Systeti
1 1 l-l Variations in Monthly Mean, Maximum, ind
MinNum Precipitation at Peorla Airport Station 1 1 1-2
1 1 1-2 rtind 3os9 at Meteorological Station 114342,
?9oria, Illinois, January 1964
through December 1973 1 1 1-6
1 1 1-3 *Mnd ^ose at Storayo ?asins, «SDGC
Fulton County project Site 1 1 1-6
I I 1-4 Typical Stratlgrapnic Profile In the °roject Area 111-10
111-5 Spatial listr ibution of Soil Areas 111-12
1 1 1-5 Illinois 3ivar and Tributaries Associated with
the Droject Site 111-17
1 1 1-7 Pattern of 3roundwater Plow 111-13
111-3 Fulton County Township Population Change, 1960-1370 111-23
1 1 1-9 Fulton Ccunty Land Use, 1968 111-33
111-10 tfajor Environmental I y Sensitive Areas In Fulton County 111-37
IV-i Sludge Application Fields at the Project Site and their
Runoff Detention 3asins IV-2
IV-2 Unloading Oock, °ipellne Routing and Holding 3aslns IV-3
IV-3 Past Sludge Shipments between West-Southwest Plant
Lawndale Lagoons, and Holding Basins at Project Site IV-4
IV-4 Total Solids Concentration In Sludge from the lawndala
Lagoons IV-7
IV-5 Volatile Solids Concentrations in Sludge from the
Lawndals Lagoons IV-7
IV-5 Volatile Acids Concentrations in Sludge fro-n the
Lawndale Lagoons IV-3
IV-7 Alkalinity Concentrations In Sludge fron th* Lawndale IV-8
Lagoons
xv
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List of Figures (Cont»d>
IV-3 Tatal Solids Concentrations in Sludge from tne rfSW
Plant l ¥-9
IV-9 Tatal Volatile Solids Concentrations in Sludge fr>-n
the rfSrt *lant ~ IV-9
IV-IO Volatile Acids Concentrations In Sludge fron tne rf3W
3 1 ant IV-IO
IV-II Alkalinity Concentrations In Sludge fron tne ciStf
Plant IV-IO
IV-12 Typical Vertical Prof I las of Characteristics of
Sludge in Holding 3asins I, 2, and 3A, April 1975 IV-I4-I5
IV-13 Traveling Sprayer Applying Liquid Sludge to a Corn Crop
and Disk Incorporation with Trailing Supply Hose IV-IS
IV-14 Injection Unit Showing Three Injectors IV-17
IV-15 Periods of Sludge Application to Fields in Fulton County IV-13
IV-IS Typical Storm Runoff Detention 3asfn lv-32
IV-17 Drainage Control Features of a Typical rield IV-34
IV-13 dater Monitoring Locations in Fulton County IV- 33
V-l Major Interactions of Sludge and Soil Constituents V-3
V-2 Senaral Area Applied with Sludge and Water Monitoring
Stations V-9
V-3 Variation of Fecal Coliform Concentrations with Time
for Stations SI and S2 V-15
V-4 idater Monitoring Locations at Fulton County V-16
V-5 Reservoir Water Temperature and Level of Dissolved
Oxygen V-23
V-6 Sanga of Sound Pressure Levels from Pumps V-43
V-7 Single Vehicle Noise Output as a Function of Vehicle
Speed V-44
V-3 Cownon Indoor and Outdoor Noise Lave Is V-45
xv I
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List of Figures Cont'd)
??3?
Yl-l Surface Spreading Costs ^1-13
VI-2 Truck Costs VI-14
VI-3 3ai I Costs in-l:>
VI-4 System Operations and Sludge Flows vi-19
xv II
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SYH3DLS AND
u ^u, nicro, uicro:i
* less than
> greater than
TECHNICAL A331HVI ATIONS
A I A luni nun
3OT 3i3CHemfcal oxygen demand
C Carbon
Ca Calcium
CaCO 3 Calciun carbonate
Cd Cadnlum
CEC Cation exchange capacity
C I Ch I or i ne
Cl- Ionized ch I or ins
Cr Chromium
Cu Copper
d3a Adjusted decibel
0,0. Dissolved oxygen
dt/d Dry tons per day
E.G. Electrical conductivity
FC Fecal col I forms
Fe Iron
HCI Hyrochlorlc acid
Hg Mercury
< Potassium
Ib/ton Pound per ton
•neq *4! 1 1 laqui valent
•ng in 1 1 I i gr am
VG Mil Hon gallons
M30 Million gallons per day
mg/l miligraTi per I I tar
Mn Manganese
N Nitrogen
M Normality (See Glossary)
Ha Sod lull
fW 3 -M Anmon 1 a n I trogen
Vi Nickel
NOj + N03 -N Nitrite and nitrate nitrogen
P Phosphorus
Pb Lead
PC3 Poly chlorinated alphenyls
ppm Parts per million
3&9 Research and development
Se 5el en I um
S0| Sulfate ion
TOS Total dissolved solids
TLffl Mean Tolerance Llwlt
TSS Total suspended solids
TVS Total volatile solids
Zn Zinc
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.. •-jVi •:• - - , - - . t,Tj
-• *-.f-t.* W:-3£
Chapter
Summary and! Concfu:
•» Vir W.
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I- adk44Attf Atto C
Tne Pulton County land reclanution project operated u/ toe iletropolitan dan i tar/
District of Sceatep Cnicajo (&JD3C) is a unique and d/nauuc project. rne pro-
ject oejan in 1)71 and continued today dd an sxatapie of one id of tne J.3.
.nental Protection Ajenc/ (JSEPA) oas«i upon several yeara of evaluation
field observations at the project site. It ia a unique experience to prepare
an Environmental Iinpact Stateivent (dla) on an oajoi.ij project. 3oe to project
data collection and anal/sis, utaui/ in^icta biat would otuier^ise ^e noted as
theoretical are recorded in tai& docui
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*• Project History
The first collective action resulting from the long-standing concern of Fulton
County citizens over the adverse effects of strip mining on the agricultural
economy was taken in 1970, when the County Board of Supervisors and the States
Attorney's office formed a special citizens committee to investigate the feasi-
bility of a strip-mine landfill and leveling project in Pulton County. Mhen
it became apparent that some measures were needed to modify the inorganic mine
spoil covering the landfill, the use of digested sewage sludge solids was pro-
posed by MSDGC as a means of soil rehabilitation and crop fertilization, \fter
many investigations, the County Board approved a resolution proposed by the
•lines and Mining Committee to negotiate for a sludge utilization project.
Fulton County had over 45,000 acres of strip-rained land and was adding to this
at a rate of 1,200 to 2,000 acres per year. The reclamation and productive
agricultural reuse of this land proposed by the MSOGC would be accomDlished at
no cost to the County, and direct involvement of County government in the pro-
ject from its conception would offer strong local environmental controls.
Presumably, a project utilizing wastewater byproducts from an urbanized area
would be tightly controlled by State and Federal agencies having the expertise
and authority to ensure environmental and health safety. The County Board chose
to support the Sanitary District proposal.
During the initial years—in the early seventies—of project construction and
operation, some members of the local community sought injunctions against the
MSOGC and damages for alleged odor nuisance. However, on February 26, 1976,
the Illinois Pollution Control Board rendered its final opinion in favor of the
MSDGC, removing a limitation imposed by the Illinois Environmental Protection
Agency (IEP«0 on the amount of sludge to be stored in the holding basins.
While the outcome of the litigation is still pending, the MSDGC had discontinued
aerial spraying of sludge and substituted surface incorporation using soil
disking machinery. The Pollution Control Board still has the Odor issue under
review.
Although the recent conversion to direct sludge Incorporation into soil has
largely resolved the odor issue, it also caused the reexamination of project
goals for recycling sewage sludge solids through crop fertilization. While
spray operations allowed application of sludge to growing crops, tandem disk
operations pieclude the production of crops during the year of sludge appli-
cation. The normal cropping practice includes one application of sludge prior
to preparing the seed bed. After cropping, the field would lie fallow during
the next year allowing sludge applications of approximately 25 dry tons per
acre. %t six percent solids, this usually means five or six applications
during the year.
Economic considerations have further altered the original thrust of the Fulton
County sludge utilization project. Instead.of returning all of the surplus
supernatant fraction of sludge stored in the holding basins to Chicago sewage
treatment plants, as in the early years of operation, most of it is now utilized
on the project site by large-scale application through gated pipe to nay crops.
Nitrogen is removed from the sludge application site by cropping hay. Since
1-2
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the sludge supernatant is very low in sludge organic solids (0.1 percent
solids), it contributes considerably less to soils rehabilitation, ^nother
modification to the initial land reclamation and crop fertilization scheme
is the utilization of sludge and supernatant for reestablishing an original
Illinois tallfrass prairie rather than for traditional agriculture, This
effort is presently experimental, as is another activity involving reclamation
of unleveled strip-mine gob and slurry piles by incorporating sludge through
deep trenching and back-filling.
Ml project activities are under the close scrutiny of the Pulton County Steer-
ing Committee which was established in 1971 to provide public participation.
The Committee is comprised of public officials, private citizens, and MSDGC
personnel. Ample surveillance of project development and operations is pro-
vided through Committee membership involving public agencies responsible for
environmental and health safety—the Illinois EPA and Pulton County Health
Department. Organized citizens groups also participate.
9. Pre-existing Conditions
Prior to the strip-mining operations in Pulton County, the existing land use
was row crop production. The site was then gently rolling with rich deep
prairie soils which annually produced corn and soy bean crops. Some cattle
were probably raised in small areas. Several farms were scattered within
the site. The strip-mining operations destroyed these conditions. The follow-
ing description of environment is based upon the drastically disturbed land
that was left behind. Only part of the area was partially reclaimed prior to
purchase by the MSDGC.
1. Climate
The Pulton County land reclamation project site is located in central Pulton
County, which is situated in the upper region of the Spoon River watershed in
west central Illinois (see Figure II-l). The climate of the project area is
typically continental. The most probable weather conditions are a neutral
atmosphere (Pasquill Stability Class D) and southerly winds at 10.2 miles per
hour.
2. Typography
One consequence of the large-scale strip-mining operations in Pulton County is
an extremely rough topography, presenting a large challenge to full land recla-
mation and reuse. Strip mining has left steeply sloping spoil mounds which
may increase the capacity of storm runoff to carry suspended solids into
receiving waters. Mining has also resulted in a number of long, narrow lakes,
which probably have altered the distribution of thermal energy at the site
and, therefore, the microclimate. One early attempt at reclamation was
carried out by Mr. William Sale. He bulldozed several hundreds o£ acres of
land in an effort to run a cattle ranch. Another effort was made to grow
trees on the unreclaimed spoils; neither of these operations greatly modified
the strip-mined land. At the western perimeter of the current site a number
of gob ani slurry piles were left by the United Electric Company at the
termination of mining operations. This area is the only area where acid
mine drainage occurs.
1-3
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3« Geology and Soils
During surface mining, the overburden soils and cao rock were removed, the
subsurface of strip-mined areas consists of cohesive fine-grained soils with
pockets and discontinuous zones of boulder-size rock. The rearranged and re-
distributed overburden soils have extremely low permeability, minimizing the
potential for groundwater contamination from leaching of surface pollutants,
but increasing surface runoff and the potential for surface water contamina-
tion. Nevertheless, some zones or layers may consist of broken shale and
sandstone or blocks arranged in a way that increases permeability to a rate
as high as 10-1 centimeter per second, \lthough such zones are seldom
continuous for more than short distances, they are considered important near
reservoirs.
In areas where strip-mining has occurred, the glacial soils are covered by
loess. This material has low permeability and is subject to erosion, depend-
ing on vegetative cover and other conservation practices. Decomposition of
mineral deposits such as black shale, which are exposed by strip mining, create
high background levels of trace elements, complicating the assessment of water
pollution from sludge.
While most strip-mined areas are characterized by acidic soils and surface
waters, Pulton County's calcareous soils are near-neutral to alkaline. This
characteristic is highly significant because it leads to the immobilization
of many hazardous metals that might otherwise be available for plant uptake
in an acidic environment. Ttds is true both for heavy metals existing in the
place land or mine spoil and for those added when sludge is applied.
4. Hydrologyand Water Quality
Most of the surface water at the project site is drained by Big Creek and Slug
Run to the Spoon River, a tributary of the Illinois River. Steep slopes, -sparse
vegetative cover and poor soil permeability create high runoff volume and
velocity, promoting erosion and stream or lake siltation which can adversely
affect aquatic biota.
Determinations of baseline surface water quality before the sludge utilization
project began show the overwhelming influence of strip mining on the quality
of water in streams and reservoirs at the site. Pre-project levels of sulfate,
copper, lead, iron and manganese in streams and reservoirs, which violated
State standards, reflect the composition of runoff over strip-mined land,
High concentration of ammonia nitrogen and fecal coliforms in Big Creek before
the project began, often in violation of Illinois standards, illustrate the
strong influence of pollutant sources upstream from the project site, includ-
ing effluent from the Canton aewage treatment plant.
Groundwater quality reports for the project area before the project began
operations indicated that concentrations of chromium, copper, iron, lead,
manganese, and nickel were within ranges found elsewhere in the United States.
Baseline ranges of pH and zinc concentrations were close to national values.
1-4
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but those oC chloride, sulfate, calcium, magnesium, and sodium were higher,
indicating high dissolved solids or salt concentrations, at least with refer-
ence to standards for groundwater used as a water supply. The chemical
composition of groundwater was influenced by the geochemical characteristics
of abandoned strip mines, such as heavy metals in exposed black shale. It is
important to add that most municipal groundwater supplies in the project
vicinity are obtained from deep wells unaffected by surface land disturbance.
Mao, low soil permeability makes groundwater resources much less vulnerable
to sludge leachate.
5. Landuse and Economic Conditions
\ccording to present trends, demand for farmland in Pulton County has
remained high. Local agriculture is changing in composition. Dairy, winter
wheat and poultry production is declining, while corn, soybean, swine and beef
cattle production have increased. Thus, future land use in the project area
will probably be centered more on forage crops, pasture and feedlots than on
plant or animal produce.
Suitability of strip-mined land in the project area for various uses is affect-
ed by topography, soils, and drainage. Problems of settlement with unconsoli-
dated soils in the strip-mined sections of the project site could make it more
difficult to build hard-surface roads, underground utilities, and residential
or industrial structures. Nearby developments on similar mined land, however,
demonstrate the feasibility of construction on the MSOGC property. Current levels
of available plant nutrients and organic matter make these soils unsuitable
for intensive agriculture. Without land reclamation utilizing sewage sludge,
any row-crop production on formerly strip-mined fields would depend on liberal
use of costly chemical fertilizers, extensive soil conditioning, and rigorous
conservation practices. Steep slopes and severe problems of access in unreclaimed
strip-mining areas have caused failure of previous attempts to manage timber
crops in Fulton County.
The recreation potential of the project area has been limited by poor accessi-
bility (at legist until the proposed Interstate Highway is completed} and
competition from the diverse attractions in nearby Spoon River Valley, along
the Illinois River, at Dickson Mounds State Park, and in the numerous former
strip-mined areas where recreation uses are of particular interest. Some
hunting and fishing activities have occurred. One area in particular contain-
ed potholes which attracted migratory waterfowl. Recreational potential
for nearly all the MSDGC property is limited by the existence of an extensive
above-ground sludge pipeline system which is subject to vandalism. That
vandalism has prompted the MSOGC to close all of their property other than the
"Fulton County Conservation Area" to public access.
Large tracts of equally available and suitable land in Fulton County are
expected to keep land values low in the project area. According to tax
assessment records, reclaimed strip-mined lands which are used productively
have been valued only 25 percent more than unreclaimed lands.
C. Existing Project Operations
Project construction began in January 1971. Approximately 4,344 acres of the
15,529-acre project site (August 1977) have bean recontoured and graded to
create 43 fields suitable for sludge application and row crop agriculture.
1-5
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Sixty-one retention basins were constructed to contain stor:nwater and erosion
including sludge runoff from application fields. Pour large holding basins
having a combined capacity of 8 million cubic yards were constructed to
provide for the interim storage of liquid sludge and sludge supernatant.
To protect against environmental degradation possibly resulting from the pro-
ject, sludge h3lding basins were lined to prevent seepags to groundwater,
control berms and retention basi.13 were installed on sludga application fields
to contain all field runoff and control basin effluent quality, and the fields
were graded and provided with siltation basins to reduce runoff velocity,
erosion and sedimentation. The effectiveness of envirortnental control systems
and the environmental soundness of projsct operations are monitored intensively
by the State of Illinois and the County. Each step of the project is monitored
to assess impacts on the environmsnt.
The operations begin when anaarobicaliy digested sewage sludge from the MSDGC
West-Southwest Treatment Plant or aged sludge from the Lawndale lagoons, or a
mixture, is barged approximately 130 miles from Chicago down the Illinois River
to the dock at Liverpool in Pulton County. In 1977, shipments averaged 200 dry
tons per day or one-third of the entire MSDGC sludg? output. The sludge is
pumped out of barges ana relayed 10 miles by booster pimps to the project hold-
ing basins for storage. Dredging equipment is used to withdraw sludge from the
basins. The withdrawn sludge is pumped and distributed to the application
fields at an average rate of 23 dry tons per acre (1977), using a modular pipe
network installed on the ground surface. The pumped mixture usually has a
solids content of approximately 5 percent. % major portion of the sludge
supernatant previously was barged back to the head end of tha West-Southwest
Treatment Plant or to the Chicago Lawndala lagoons. In 1976, the MSK3C modi-
fied its procedures providing for the large-scale application Df supernatant
to 17 additional fields at the project site, comprising 1,334 acres. Maxiium
permitted rate of supernatant application is 117,000 gallons per acre per year,
which provides 120 pounds of available nitrogen. In practice, the soil hyirau-
lic capacity has been a more limiting factor.
Sludge that is shipped to Pulton County must meet standards set by the Pulton
County Health Department. Prior to November 8, 1975, the following standards
applied:
1. Volatile acids—no more than five 24-hour composite samplas taken
in a 30-day period shall exceed 300 milligrams per Litar
•*" fUjtalinity—no more than 5 percent of the 24-hour composite samples
taken in ""a 'W-^ay period shall be lower than 2,590 milligram per liter
3. volatile solida—no 24-hour composite sample shall be more than 62
percent, of total solids
4. eg—no 24-hour composite sample shall be less than 6.9.
%s of Nay 1975, sludge from the Lawndale lagoons complied with all standards
except for alkalinity, which was deficient 9.5 percent of the time. Sludge
from the West-Southwest plant complied with the volatile acids standards, but
1-6
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was iefiaiant 3.3 oaccant of tha tine for total volatile solids, 1.4 peccant
of the tina for alkalinity, and 1.3 -percent of tha tina foe pH.
ay ?»vetib«c 1975, the Pulton County Health oeoactnent recognized that sludge
storage for long periods of tine casults in volatilization of innoiia and
consagusnt lecreasas in alkalinity, and existing regulations wars perhaps
too stringent in view of tha fact that sons sludge shipped to Fulton County
had been in storage in tha Lawndala lagoons for pariods ranging up to 15
years. %t that tine, thsrafora, tha volatile acids and alkalinity standards
wars changed to tha foil owl 13.
* If volatile aci3s ace lass than 100 nilligraffls par litar than
the alkalinity cannot be lass than 1,500 uilliiciira oer litar
If volatile aciJs aKseal 130 mUi^rans oec liter then tha
alkalinity cannot be lass than 2,500 uilliirana oer liter.
Since the staniar3s ware amsitel, thace have been no violations. Sluice
^jality hsa actually itiocove3 since 1974| alkalinity stanlarJs haJ not
tsean violate! since oecetibar 1, 1974? OH has naver been Saficiant sines
Novattoei 26, 1973; ani tha standard foe total volatila soliis has baen nat
since *t>venbec 14, 1)73.
Ite Fulton County Board repaalai thair ordinance on Sludge HanJlinj in July
1980 and no longer has any type of controls over sludga handling x sludge
quality.
The sludie is aooliad to tha soil by a tractor -drawn tandsi disk incoroorator.
The 3isk incorporator applies 3lud|3 to the entire olow layer of tha soil,
using a disking •nachiie with a distribution nanifold that iirects sludge to
each disk while tilling tha soil.
Super natant is apolisd through a gated irrigation oipe. "*Lth the gatad irri-
gation oioe, the oipa is laid on high ground and siudga supernatant is pulped
through tha slots, fortiiig a downslooe shaat flow across tha application fiaU.
Harvesting thcaa hay crops during the or i nary growing samson ranovas aKcasa
nitrogen.
Annual sludge application catas ware originally proposed to be 75 dry tons
par acra in the first year of project operations, tapering down to 25 dry
tons par acre by the fifth yaac and continuing at that rats, tta actual average
rate of sludjt application has incrsased fro?n 2.7 dry tons per acra in 1972 to
23 dry tons get acre in 1977.
In son* instances, sludge has bean applied to original rjlaca land at reclana-
tion rather than agronomic rates. it»a illinais Bnvironnental Protection
Agency (ISP&) defines agronotiic rat 23 to ba approxinately 5-12 3ry tons par
acra per year. This practice is peruitted by tha I SPA where there is adequate
environmental aonitoring. In application fialds praviously strip lined,
annual rat as of application reached 60 dry tons per acra in 1976. 9y lata
1977, only one application field designed to utilize sludge supernatant:
was in use; supernatant is required to ba applied at the nitrogen agronoiic
rats for the hay crops harvested.
\ sludgs analysis program is designed to ensure adequate treat Tien t of sludge
bs for a shipment to "tha holding basins. Tha water uonitocing systei includes
1-7
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sampling from 26 walls, 1 spring, 11 stream stations, 10 reservoir stations,
and 61 runoff retention basins. The soil monitoring program includes sampling
of the olow layer (0-5 inches) and soil boring to bedrock taken and analyzed
for physical and chamical parameters. Sampling of aquatic biota as well as
crop leaves, grain, and tissues of livestock test herds is being conducted
to determine effects of sewage sludge application. In addition, a portable
meteorological station was set up close to the holding basins to measure
air temperature, wind speed and direction, relative tumidity, and rainfall.
Beginning in 1971 through the present, project operations have been performed
pursuant to permits issued by the Illinois Enviroonental Protection Agency
and the Pulton County Health Department.
The Pulton County Planning Commission reviews all land use plans and requests
.todifications or gives approval.
0. Alternatives to the Project
The sludge processing and disposal methods practiced by the MSDGC represents
nearly the full spectrum of system alternatives. Ten system options were
derived by the MSDGC from various combinations of subsystems, foe sludge
dewatering, stabilization, disposal, utilization, and transportation, The
ten systems chosen for analysis are presented in a cursory manner in Figure
1-1 because they are only peripherally related to actual impacts at the
site. They do provide information concerning options and relative risks.
The cost-effectiveness of a system represents a balance between capital,
operating and maintenance costs, system reliability, environmental impacts,
and costs for measures to prevent or mitigate potential environmental hazards
oc impacts. The only component in this balance for which actual values can
be assigned is total annual costs. Environmental impacts can be assessed
only in terms of relative potential impacts from each system alternative,
as the state of the art has not progressed to the point of reliably assigning
monetary or other exact values to environmental effects.
While either incineration and sanitary landfill of ash or direct sanitary
landfill of dewatered sludge might appear to be attractive alternatives
to land application, several overriding considerations are not highlighted
here. The high energy requirements for incineration and potential emissions
of volatilized hazardous substances such as cadmium tend to outweigh the
lower costs; also, this alternative is effectively unavailable in the Chicago
region due to fuel and air quality restrictions. New sanitary landfill sites
in the Chicago region are practically unobtainable, and they waste the nutri-
nutrients in sludge which can be recycled safely and efficiently in a well-
designed, well-managed land utilization project.
E. Existing golicea _and recommendation of Federal Agencies
1. Pppd and Drug administration
The Pood and Drug Administration (FDA) of the U. S. Department of Agriculture
1-8
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or rill,
200 rt)
200 i
4 C*fitr1fufl« OtmUrlng _> H«t Drying ——^ Ftrtl 1 (j«r Ule
$ CentrtfMW OfMUrli* —^iBctBerrtlon f^j- „,, ^M
(m
->C«titr1fu9« OtMttHnf ^ Ht*t Drying ^ Fertilizer Slit
7|—t>F
I HI /
-^Ctntrtfugt D«Mt*r1ng - frNttt Drying - fcFtrtlltier Salt
(4Sidt/ Fl suttWi-Cancfntrt tl M
(1.143 dt/d)
Air Drying _
HI %tnt teds
}
(truck)
-^UnlUry Landfill
10
OlftStiM
(93 M/d)
D1|nt1on
(Hi dt/d)
on S*n«l IMS
Air Drjrlng .
on Und B«dS
C*ntr1fug*_|^
(inick '
Jw rttl.
^ZQOBI)
UM
Of DcMtirtd Jludjt
(US «t/«)
(bargt
200 >1)
(12? dt/d)
OIltHtmtlan
•Mind »wl(ci{1on of Liquid Sludge
(«» dt/d)
Uruekl* S*-m" LIBdfn'
OmmrllH > Heit Drying
(4«««>
Figure 1-1. System Operations and Sludge Flows (MSDGC 1975a)
1-9
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has primary responsibility for ensuring the safety and wholesomaness of the
nation's food supply. Specific FDA research is directed at preventing levels
of sludge contaminants in soils and foods from becoming sufficiently high
to subject consumers to unnecessary risks or necessitate large withdrawls
of land from food production. Specific FDA concerns and recommendations are
summarized below.
The PDA has assigned first priority in its heavy metals program to mercury,
lead, cadmium, arsenic, selenium, and zinc in foods. The PDA presently re-
gards cadmium and lead as the metals of greatest concern, while more infor-
mation is needed on the content of mercury, arsenic, and selenium in sludge
and food to properly assess their hazard.
Repeated application of cadmium-containing sludge causes a build-up of cad-
mium in the soil, according to the FDA, and many crops, including the grains,
take up cadmium from the soil. Because approximately 23 percent of tha total
cadmium intake in the diet comes from grain and cereal products, the FDA
believes that an increase of cadmium in grains could lead to a significant
increase in the cadmium burden from our food supply.
With regard to pathogens as a possible hazard, the FDA believes that the
development of a cycle with ascarid eggs (intestinal worms) in sludge is a
potential problem. Such a cycle would begin with increased intake of ascarid
eggs by a community ingesting food grown on sludge-amended soils, increased
pathogens discharged into the sewage system, and increased numbers of eggs
surviving sewage treatment and re-entering the food chain through application
of sludge to agricultural land. The PDA also states that Salmpnella, other
bacteria, and pathogenic viruses, are a cause for concern with siudgV-treated
soils and crops.
2. U.S. Department of Agriculture
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) states that the application of sludge
to agricultural land which may be'used for crop production, must be accomplished
so that cropland resources are protected and harmful contaminant!! do not accumu-
late in the human food chain. Specific suggestions of the USDA have been incorpo-
rated in the development of the USEPA Technical Bulletin on Municipal sludge Manage-
ment. This was published in final form on November 2, 1979 and its recommendations
are presented below. Limits are based on experiments directed at the determination
of heavy metal levels toxic to plants or absorbed by plants. These levels may
not constitute appropriate levels for human intake and should be subject to revision
as new information becomes available. Levels of metal additions apply only to
soils that are adjusted to pH 6.5 or greater when sludge is applied, and managed
at pH 6.2 or greater thereafter (soil pH determined by 1:1 water, or equivalent
method).
-«_
Sludges having cadmium contents greater than 25 milligrams
per kilogram or 25 parts per million (dry weight) should
not be applied to privately owned land unless their
proportions of cadmium to zinc are less than or equal
to 1.5 percent. This safeguard is designed so that
visible damage to plants from zinc toxicity would serve
1-10
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as a warning of, or deterrent to, excess accumulation
of cadmium. Sludge having a greater proportion of
cadmium as compared to zinc should not be apolied on
a continuing basis unless there is an abatement orogram
to reduce concentrations in the sludge to acceptable
levels.
\mual sludge application rates on privately owned land
should be the lower of the nitrogen requirement of
the crop (inorganic nitrogen + 20 percent organic nitrogen),
defined as 100 percent of the crop requirement when
sludge is incorporated into the soil and 150 percent of the
crop requirement when applied to the soil surface or the
cadmium loadings on land, which should not exceed 1 kilogram/
hectare/year from liquid sludge or 2 kilograms/hectare/year
from dewatered sludge.
No greater amounts of sludge-borne ntetals may be applied
to privately owned land than those shown in the Coilowing
table.
Maximum Cumulative Sludge Metal Applications
Table i-l. for Privately Owned Land (kilogram per hectare)
Metal
Lead
Zinc
Copper
Nickel
Cadmium
Soil Catioa
0-S
500
250
125
50
5
Exchange Capacity
5-15
1,000
500
250
100
10
(meq/lOOg)*
15
2,000
1,000
500
200
20
*Determined on unsludged soil by the method utilizing pH 7
ammonium acetate for a weighted average to a depth of 50
centimeters (milliequivalents per 100 grams)
On land dedicated to sludge application (such as publicly
owned or leased land, up to five times the amounts of
sludge is mixed into the 0-15 centimeter layer of surface
soil. Where deeper incorporation is practiced, propor-
tionally higher total metal applications may be made.
If the sludge metal application rates on land dedicated
to sludge application exceed those maxima recommended
for privately owned land, metal analysis should be
1-11
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provided to purchasers of marketed oroducts grown there.
Growing leafy vegetables on sludge-treated land is not
recommended without monitoring the metal contents of the
crop.
Sludge should not be applied to privately owned land
having soils with less than 50 centimeters of depth.
3. U.S. Environmental Protection ftgency
\s stated earlier, on November 2, 1977, the USEPA published the final version
of "Municipal Sludge Management* Environmental Factors." This document is a
Technical Bulletin for use in the USEP\ Construction Grants Program
and is to be used in an advisory manner.
Recommendations relevant to indirect health effects are summarized
as follows:
Although absolute numerical limitations on heavy metals are
not appropriate, the project should conform to any limitations
established by the FDA or USOA. If the sludge is relatively
high in heavy metals, it is prudent to pretreat the contribu-
ting industrial wastewaters, maintain a pH above 6.5 in the
combined soil and sludge, grow grain crops as opposed to
leafy vegetables, and intensify heavy metals monitoring in the
sludge, soil and plant tissues.
Sludge aoolication rates should be controlled so that the
total amount of nitrogen added and available to plants is no
greater than twice their nitrogen requirements for growth,
including that mineralized from the soil, the inorganic
sludge nitrogen, and organic sludge nitrogen based on a
mineralization rate of 15 to 20 percent for the first growing
season, and 3 oercent of the residual sludge nitrogen for
three subsequent growing seasons (volatilization of ammonia
from surface-applied sludge should be taken into account).
When sludge is used for agricultural purposes, it is necessary
to achieve pathogen reduction beyond that attained by stabili-
zation. Methods reported as successful include pasteurization
for 30 minutes at 70 degrees Centigrade (C); high pH treatment,
typically with lime, at a pH greater than 12 for 3 hours; storage
of liquid digested sludge for 60 days at 20 degrees C or 120 days
at 4 degrees C; complete composting at temperatures about 55
degrees C as a result of oxidative bacterial action and curing
in a stockpile for at least 30 days.
Because specific organisms may survive in the soil for extended
periods, sludge-treated land should not be used for growing
human food crops to be eaten raw before three years after the
last sludge application. For orchard crops eaten raw, heat-
1-12
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dried sludge can be usad provided the pro j act is approved by
the
If direct contact occurs betwean sludge and a growing crop,
sludge should be negative for Salmonella and tecaris ova
if the crop, although normally cooked in the RomsTEefore
consumption, is to be marketed without processing which is
lethal to pathogenic microorganisms and parasites.
Forage and pasture crops should not be consumed by animals
while these crops are physically contaminated by sludge.
Grazing animals should not be permitted on pastures before
thorough removal of sludge, by rain or some other means.
When there is a risk of direct ingest ion of the sludge by
grazing animals, the lead content of the sludge should not
exceed 1,000 milligrams per kilogram (dry basis) and the
cadmium content should not exceed 20 milligrams per kilogram
(dry basis).
New regulations addressing Cadmium loading rates, PCS concentrations, pathogen
levels, and public health considerations were published September 13, 1979.
Oititled "Criteria for the Classification of Solid Waste Disposal Facilities
and Practices", these regulations superseded the above-nentioned recommendations
in the categories that it addresses. These regulations set forth the requirements
and criteria for applying municipal sludge to land for agricultural purposes.
Compliance with thesa criteria is mandatory under Section 405 of the Clean Water
*ct. It should oe noted that those portions of the regulations dealing with
sludge application are designated as interim-final regulations. This means
that they are legally binding but sub j act to change based upon additional public
comment.
\ summary of these regulations as they pertain to the land application of sludge
is presented below.
40 era 257 - Criteria for Classification of Solid waste
Disposal Facilities and Practices
a. Cadmium - The regulations put forth two approaches to cadmium control.
(1) this approach involves disposal site management controls and
standards governing cadmium applications. It requires that the soil/si udge
mixture pH be 6.5 or greater at the time of each sludge application. There is no
oH requirement if the sludge contains concentrations of cadmium 2 milligrams per
kilogram (dcy rate) or less. For application of sludge to soils that will be used
for the production of tobacco, leafy vegetables, or root crops grown for human
consumption, a mass loading limit of 0.5 kilograms cadmium per hectare may not be
exceeded.
foe all other food chain crops the annual cadmium application rate may not exceed:
1-13
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ANNUAL CADMIUM
APPLICATION RATE
TIME [KILOGRAMS PER HECTARE)
Present to
June 30, 1984 2.0
July 1, 1984 to
December 31, 1986 1.25
Beginning
January 1, 1987 0.5
Limitation on cumulative sludge cadmium applications are as follows: 5 kilograms
per hectare, where soil cation and exchange capacity (CBC) is less than 5 milli-
equivalents (meq) per 100 grans} 10 kilograms per hectare where CEC is between 5
and 15 meq/LOQ grams and 20 kilograms per hectare where CBC exceeds 15 raeq/100
grams. If background soil pH is less than 6.5, cumulative sludge cadmum limit
is 5 kilograms per hectare regardless of cation exchange capacity unless the pH
is adjusted to and maintained at 6.5 or greater whenever food chain crops are
grown.
(2) The second approach involving cadmium limits is known as the "con-
trol site" or ''dedicated site". This concept is analogous to the Pulton County
project that is under the direction of the Metropolitan Sanitary District of
Greater Chicago. Under this management scheme, there is no cadmium mass loading
limit. However, the owner or operator must maintain sludge/soil pH of 6.5 or
greater when the sludge is applied or when crop is planted, whichever is later?
this pH level must be maintained whenever food chain crops are grown. Also, the
owner or operator of the site must develop a facility operating plan which shows
how animal feed will be distributed to prevent ingestion by humans and describes
measures to be taken to safeguard against possible health hazards from cadmium
in the food chain which may result from alternative land uses. This latter aspect
is basically a requirement that future property owners are notified by a stipula-
tion in the land record or property deed stating that the property has received
sludge at high cadmium application rates, and that food chain crops should not be
grown.
b. Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCB's) - For municioal sludges containing
PCB's in concentrations greater than 10 milligrams per kilogram (dry weight), the
regulations require that such sludge be incorporated into the soil. Incorporation
into the soil is not required if assurance can be given that the PCB content in
the animal feed grown is less than 0.2 milligrams per kilogram or that milk from
animals grazed on land that has been amended with sludge has less than 1.5 milli-
gcam per kilogram of PCB.
c. Pathogen Levels - There are two land application approaches outlined
in this portion of the regulation, depending.on the type of crops grown.
(1) Septage (solids from septic tanks) may be applied directly to
agricultural land provided that public access is restricted for 12 months and
that grazing by animals whose products are consumed by humans is prevented
for at least one month. Similarly, sewage sludge that has achieved a level of
1-14
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pathogen reduction comparable to anaerobic digestion, may be applied directly
to agricultural land, provided that public access is controlled for at least
12 months and grazing is prevented for at least one month.
(2) If sewage sludge or septage is applied to land that is used for
crops directly consumed by humans, a stabilization process equivalent to heat
drying or thermophilic aerobic digestion must nave been used. This level of
treatment is not required if there is no contact between the solid waste and the
edible portion of the crop.
d. Other Criteria - It is imnortant to remember that all of the criteria
and regulations found within 40 CFR 257 will apply to land application programs.
The additional criteria describe performance standards and/or operating techniques
to protect air and water quality, sensitive land and biological resources, and
public health and safety. For example, in flood plains, the criteria would oro-
hibit land application of sludge which would restrict the flow of the base (100
year) flood plain, reduce temporary water storage capacity, or result in a washout
of sludge that would threaten human life, wildlife, or land or water resources.
The criteria also address endangered species, oollutant discharges, underground
sources of drinking water, and open burning.
4. Council for Agricultural Science and Technology
ha an aid in addressing questions concerning heavy metals arising from the
USEPA proposed Technical Bulletin, the USEPA requested that the Council for
Agricultural Science and Technology (C^ST) create a task force to review
recent research on the application of sludge to cropland and to prepare a
consensus statement on the potential of hazards of heavy metals in sludge
to plants and animals. A report was prepared by a group of 30 scientists,
most of whom have been actively engaged in research on the application of
sewage sludge to agricultural land. Conclusions and recommend**:ions con-
cerning specific metals evaluated in this report are summarized below.
Manganese, iron, aluminum, chromium, arsenic, selenium,
antimony, lead, and mercury produce relatively little
plant accumulation or hazard to crop production when
sludge is applied to the soil because all either have
low solubility in slightly acid or neutral, well aera-
ted soils or, as with selenium, are present in such
small amounts that their concentration in soils is
quite low. The availability of these elements to
plants is relatively low, and little uptake by plants
occurs.
Cadmium, copper, molybdenum, nickel, and zinc can
accumulate in plants and may pose a hazard to plants,
animals, or humans under certain circumstances.
In general, the increase in metal contents of plants
is greater from the initial sludge application than
from subsequent applications.
I-1S
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CAST recommendations are as follows:
To limit cadmium accumulation in food supply
from sludge treated land to a relatively low
level, maintain soil pH at or above 6.5, grow
crops which tend to exclude cadmium from the
whole slant or from reproductive tissue, apply
low annual rates of cadmium and use sludges
which have a low cadmium concentration, and/or
grow non-edible crops.
Maintaining soil pH at 6.5 or greater should
also prevent zinc and nickel from posing a
threat to plants and/or the food supply. While
this results in greater solubility and availa-
bility of molybdenum than would occur at lower
pH values, sludges are usually very low in
molybdenum and that element would probably not
pose a serious hazard to the health of grazing
animals.
The long-term Litoact of repeated applications
of sludge on iietal concentrations in the food
supply coull be reduced substantially by growing
corn and other selected crops harvested for their
edible seeds or fruits in place of forages or
leafy vegetables,
Hie USEPA recognizes that these recommendations are based upon applications to
agricultural lands which have not been strip mined. In the case of Pulton County,
where two goals are being addressed, land application and reclamation, the USEPA
proposes that the land application program be consistent with the Criteria for
Classification jf Solid Waste Disposal Facilities and Practices to the fullest
extent possible. Should occasional variances occur, access to land should be
controlled and both the site and crops monitored to detect potential adverse
impacts. Compliance with the alternate cadmium control procedures would be
required.
P. awir onmsnta 1 I gpact 3
1. Land
The effect of sludge aoolication to the spoil soils of Fulton, County in conjunc-
tion with laveling operations has a beneficial impact. The positive effects to
the soil result mainly from the high content of organic matter in the sludge.
Increased aggregate stability resulting from the addition of organic matter
results in decreased erosion potential. Organic matter also orovides a matrix
for ionic loading and water absorption, and plant nutrients for increased
agricultural productivity.
1-16
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Although increased soil organic matter reduces erosion potential, the degree of
soil erosion depends to a greater extent on the contour of the land. Early
designs based upon spray operation required convex shaped fields which promoted
runoff, especially along field perimeters. Redesign and operational ^edifications
have rectified the initial deficiencies. Uso, soray irrigation is no longer usad.
The MSOQC has been constructing supple-rental siltation basins to retain silt-laden
runoff. However, a lack of vegetation on control berns, in oraoerly structured
drainage channels and basin dikes ***• "--tributed to severe guiiv eros'->".
accelerating siltation and therec, tto^, g this added v.aoacitv ...r concLjt.'in-j
soil loss and sedimentation in runoff retention basins. Available records
indicata only sporadic cleaning ci' siltation basinsj it is difficult to determine
whether this reflects poor maintenance or poor record-keeping. M30GC records are
also sparse in documenting repairs to drainage pipes, which have on occasion become
damaged or clogged, obstructing discharge from siitation basins into run-off reten-
tion basins.
High rates of disk incorporation of sludge contribute to soil erosion by necessi-
tating multiple passes of tha incorporator during the primary growing season,
obviating the Possibility of growing a crop. In alternate ysars, when a field
lies fallow without even a cover crop and sludgs is applied, soil erosion will
increase considerably.
It is uncertain as to what proportion of accumulated toxic metals are actually
available and therefore detrimental to crops. Monitoring at Fulton County has
shown that metal uptake by crops presently corresponds more to the amounts of
sludge applied in the current growing season than to the amounts accumulated from
previous years. Because the MSDOC no longer produces a crop in the alternate
years of sludge application, the availability of metals for uptake should be re-
duced considerably in the intervening years when crops are grown.
2. Water
Pre-project investigations show that surface water quality was exceedingly poor as
a result of runoff and leachate from strip-mina spoil and, in Big Creek, upstream
pollution sources including effluent from the Canton sewage treatment plant.
High background concentrations of metals and nutrients, which are not attributable
to MSDGC operations, may allow small contributions of sludge constituents to be
masked and thereby go undetected, At the same time, poor upstream water quality
vastly decreases the likelihood of such contributions resulting in the further
deterioration of water quality.
a. Surface water impacts - Surface water quality is monitored at
stream and reservoir stations as well as runoff retention basins. A comparison
of Illinois water quality standards to the quality of stream and reservoir samples
during earlier and more recent stages of the project shows that surface water
quality has not significantly deteriorated.
The downstream station located on Big Creek demonstrates better overall water
quality than tine station located upstream on Big Ccsek before it enters the pro-
ject area. This indicates that dilution and instream purification occur in this
1-17
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stretch of Big Creek. Mthough increased levels of sulfate and toted dissolved
solids occurs at 52, this has been attributed to previous strip mining opera-
tions performed at the site. These operations brought in new soil materials,
including pyrite, shale, and limestone to the surface.
Observations at the site indicate that the greatest shortcoming of the runoff
basins is their inability to contain storm runoff and intermittent rainfall of
approximately one to two inches per day which may occur daily over a period of
about a week. These conditions lead to hydraulic soil saturation, during which
time the soil cannot accommodate recycled runoff basin contents. This circum-
stance has sometimes led to emergency releases of runoff basin effluents that
could not meet effluent standards.
Examination of the logs of runoff basin discharges reveals faulty operating proce-
dures. Basin discharge gates that have been left open during prolonged periods
of heavy rainfall, allowing the free flow of runoff, sometimes result in substan-
dard effluents entering surrounding surface waters. Records produce no mention
of backpumping retained runoff onto application fields, although this procedure
was intended in the project design and backpumping records were required by the
initial IEP^ operating permit.
Effects resulting from underdesigned and poorly maintained runoff basins are prob-
ably highly localized and confined within the project site. Project operations
through 1977 do not appear to have made any significant impact on surface water
quality.
b. Groundwater impacts - Trend analyses were made for nitrate and
nitrate nitrogen, ammonia nitrogen and iron in four wells selected to represent
background groundwater quality ("without the project*). Data were examined to
investigate possible seepage from the sludge holding basins and possible ground-
water contamination from sludge application. The data were found to indicate
increasing nitrite and nitrate levels in one well only, and this was not attribut-
able to project operations.
Fecal coliforms, trace elements and other chemical concentrations in wells
remain close to the pre- project conditions. The variations in groundwater quality
at most stations are comparable and are probably influenced by the geochemical
characteristics of abandoned strip mines. Groundwater quality has apparently re-
mained unaffected at this stage of the project. Therefore, soils appear to be
functioning well as a biochemical filter for removal, conversion, and fixation of
sludge.
3. %it
Impacts on air quality may result from aerosol ization and volatilization of sludge
constituents, possibly presenting odor problems. This section summarizes odor
complaint data and the relative odor potential of the sludge holding basins and
alternative application techniques.
Since project initiation, complaints of offensive odors have arisen fro* citizen*
near the project site, the Midwest Research Institute (MRI), under contract with
Pulton County Health Department, designed a program to verify the origin of these
complaints. The frequency of odor complaints has been found to be decreasing each
1-18
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year. Although acne localized odors can be detected under special conditions,
modified application techniques may have reduced the incidence of odor generation.
This can be attributed to the elimination of the spraying operations.
4. Health
Stabilized sludge contains potentially toxic substances such as heavy metals and
pesticides, and may also contain human and animal pathogens and parasites, al-
though usually in very low concentrations.
The presence of animal virus downwind of the sludge spraying source during active
application periodr was found not to be independent of background conditions.
There is evidence which indicates that the spray application was not the only
source of virus. Bacteria concentrations decreased exponentially with distance
from the spray source. Wind velocity, temperature and relative humidity seemed to
have little influence on downwind concentrations of bacteria (USBPA, March 1979),
The spraying operations terminated in 1976, except for one research field run by
the University of Illinois. Therefore, this source of potentially harmful patho-
gens has been substantially reduced. Probably the best barometer of health effects
is lack of health-related problems associated with project operators and local citi-
zens within the county.
A major concern with the application of sewage sludge to land is the possibility
of heavy metals being transferred indirectly to the public through the consumption
of contaminated vegetables and meat. No indirect health effects are evident at
this time. The nature of the project itself precludes the direct human ingestion
of crops grown on site. Hay, corn, soybean and sorghum are sold on the open
market. They represent a small fraction of the total crop produced in Fulton
County and receive even greater dilution in larger markets. There is no evidence
that crops are directly consumed by humans. Crops fed to animals consumed by
humans add little to the existing burden.
On September 13, 1979, USEP
-------
Housing developments in the area apparently have not been adversely Impacted
by water quality associated with the strio-mining activities, but indeed have
created their own pollution problems in non-oroject reservoirs (algae blooms
due to contamination from septic fields).
5. Noise
Sources of noise related to the project include pumps and tractors. Three pumping
or sludge distribution stations are located within project property, and one
booster station is situated at the Liverpool dock. The pumping stations on the
project site are situated at least one mile from the nearest farm. The booster
station at the Liverpool dock and barge pumps are within 1/2-mile radius of
Liverpool. Tractors and trucks are mobile noise sources that will be detected
only when in operation near the boundary of project property.
Considering the one-mile buffer distance and further dissipation of noise by
buildings, vegetation and topography, the noise level of pumps is acceptable
for residential areas as recommended by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban
Development. Noise generated from pumps at the Liverpool dock and by barge
pumps will somewhat increase the ambient noise level around the community of
Liverpool, but not significantly.
6. Land Use
Leveling and grading of strip-mined sections of the project site to prepare the
sludge application fields, and the removal of large rock fragments from the surface,
have increased the suitability of the land for a number of uses. Beyond the ob-
vious benefits to agriculture, leveling has made it possible to use farm machinery
bo control tree growth, instead of employing hand labor which is prohibitive in
cost.
The removal of surface rocks and leveling of steep slopes have also considerably
increased suitability for recreational use, including playgrounds, campsites,
recreation building sites, roads, and trails.
7. Economics
The most obvious short-term local economic effect of the project has been to create
jobs for approximately 120 skilled and unskilled contract laborers who average 6 to
8 months of employment yearly. In 1975, the MSOGC paid approximately $890,000 to
their contract employees and §300,000 to their full-time staff of 23.
The sludge application project has also affected the local economy by increasing
the future market value of the land and the tax base. In 19-73, the MSOGC paid to
Fulton County about $102,000 in real estate tax*s» which amounted to 1.3 percent
of total tax revenues, and $34,000 in personal property taxes which amounted to
3.4 percent of the total. Land reclamation and reuse could theoretically add
about $280,000 to the market value of the 4,344 project acres of strip-mined land
scheduled for sludge application.
1-20
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Future uses of land will not be economically intensive and would generate little
on-site employment and income. Income due to tourist-related retail and service
enterprises has occurred in the recent oast. Agricultural reuse, especially
grazing, would have a small multiplier effect on local emoloynent and income.
Peedlots could contribute to the exoansion of nearby meat oacking firms. Full
reclamation and agricultural reuse could theoretically add 5100,000 to 5200,000
per year (1970 dollars) to the ultimate value of agricultural output.
G. Mitigative Measures ?teeded to Ensure Environmental Compatibility
1. Land Management Measures
MSOGC should develop a Facilities Operating Plan as outlined in 40 CFR 257.3-5
(H)(l)(e). %s promulgated, this cadmium management approach sets forth require-
ments which will serve to minimize the potential for many pollutants reaching the
aquatic environment or the human food chain. This approach is more fully dis-
cussed on page VII-5. To further reduce the potential for contaminants entering
the food chain it is reconmended that the crops grown on fields used for sludge
application be sold to alcohol producers and used for gasohol production.
The MSOGC should evaluate the optimum sludge application rate where soil erosion
and siltation basin maintenance can be held to a minimum but land requirements
do not get too large. Tradeoffs should be evaluated to keep soil compaction at
a minimum and common agricultural techniques used to reduce associated problems.
Chisel plowing and dry discing could be utilized to reduce soil compaction.
Where feasible, fields that are graded to drain laterally across the principal
slope into ditches along the perimeter should be upgraded with a broad, shallow
depression and retention dike at the base of the slope to add backup runoff reten-
tion capacity on the field itself, thus eliminating high velocity runoff, scouring,
and gully erosion at the edge of the field.
Terraces constructed across long slopes and maintained in permanent vegetation
should be provided, when practicable, for greater erosion control? drainage chan-
nels or ditches, dikes, and berms should be permanently grassed to stabilize the
soil.
Cover crops to stabilize surface soil should be established and maintained on
fallow fields immediately following seasonal sludge applications. MSOGC has
indicated that they currently plant winter wheat to help satisfy this condition.
Breached dikes or berms should be repaired promptly? carriers of rock, hay bales
or other material should be placed in ditches or runoff channels containing high
velocity flow to reduce scouring and gully erosion.
Application fields should not be worked with sludge incorporation machinery when
fields are muddy and ponding of sludge is mast likely to occur. Often the "pull11
on the incorporation hose by the tractor is the limiting factor to working in
muddy fields, but ponding should be avoided where possible.
The effectiveness of past soil conservation practices should be carefully evaluat-
ed, and technical assistance should be sought from the Soil Conservation Service
1-21
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through the Fulton County Soil and Water Conservation District in planning the
needed conservation practices to assure that soil loss does not exceed tolerable
limits as defined by the Universal Soil Loss Equation.
It is essential that combined soil and sludge p'i in all fields be maintained at
or above 6.5 continuously.
The MSDGC should extend the current practice of building supplemental siltation
basins, especially where soil loss and siltation of retention basins is severe
and runoff retention capacity is marginal? also, there should be nore frequent
cleanout of full siltation basins and mowing of overgrown basins to preserve
their function.
The prescribed practice of pumping from partially or nearly filled runoff reten-
tion basins back onto application fields should be employed where necessary to
avoid emergency releases of substandard effluent? such recycling of runoff should
occur before fields are saturated from rainfall and sludge application combined.
Discharge control gates should be Kept closed during a period of runoff from a
storm; prolonged periods when gates remain open should be carefully avoided.
* refined water quality monitoring scheme is required to differentiate the pollu-
tant contributions from project point sources (retention basin discharges), com-
munity point sources (Canton sewage treatment plant), and non-point sources
(runoff over mine spoil). Stream monitoring stations in particular are too few
to enable segregating these contributions, and community pollution of Big Creek,
where most stream monitoring occurs, tends to mask the possible pollution of
minor contributions from project operations.
Quality of runoff retention basin effluents must be upgraded and should be moni-
tored by analysis of 24-hour conroosite samoles or by averaging the values of
samples taken at several intervals instead of using a single grab sample. This
is to say that during a release event MSDGC should take a series of grab samples
over time, instead of one grab sample. Several mobile composite samples could
be utilized by staggering release events. The current Illinois EM requirement,
which assumes relatively stable concentrations of biochemical oxygen demand,
total suspended solids and fecal coliforms, has been ineffective in preventing
occasional release of contaminants whose concentration can fluctuate widely in
24 hours. The IEPA should ensure that discharges do not cause a violation of
instream water quality standards as required in 40 CFR 257.3-3(a). The sampling
scheme should be agreed upon with IEP4.
2. Air Quality Management Measures
Periodic regrading to remove depressions due to subsidence of unconsolidated subsoil
or mine spoil should be performed as necessary to prevent ponding of freshly applied
sludge which presents a potential for odor emissions. Occasional unavoidable
ponding should prompt measures to control odor generation. The MSDGC has applied
an odor control product to nonded areas, and this practice should be continued.
1-22
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The use of wind barriers such as tall, dense hedgerows around the holding basin
berms, could reduce surface turbulence and wave action which intensify odor
emissions. The present requirement of a 4-foot freeboard from the sludge surface
to the top of the berm provides wind baffling only for a short distance downwind.
h reduction in the overall size of the holding basins is a good measure for
reducing the basin odors.
3. Health Management Measures
Potential hazards to human health will greatly deoend on the types of crops grown
on the project fields. Crops should be selected carefully to avoid those which
favor the accumulation of metals in edible plant tissues. In general, grain
crops present a lesser heavy-metal hazard to the food supply than do forages,
pasturage, and leafy vegetable (CAST, 1976).
Crops which may be eaten raw should not be planted within three years of the last
sludge application (EP\, 1976).
The efficiency of wastewater treatment and improved industrial pre-treatment as
required should reduce the concentrations of potentially toxic substances,
especially heavy metals, in MSOGC sludge.
4. Plans and Records
Steps should be taken to ensure that all project maintenance activities are re-
corded on a regular basis in accessible documents. Items to be recorded should
include dates, locations and descriptions of repairs to fields and basins, berms,
dikes, drainage ditches and pipes, as well as significant reseeding, fertilizing
and mowing. Observations of conditions requiring correction, such as soil subsi-
dence and gully erosion, accelerated siltation, overtopping or breaching of
embankments, and overgrown or sparse vegetation should also be recorded. Where
necessary, maps or diagrams should be provided to reference the locations of
planned or completed activities.
Operations records also require improvement. For example, present records con-
cerning the operation of runoff retention basins should be augmented to include
periodic reporting of the stage or level of all basins, discharging or not, so
that available capacity may be determined in the event of a storm. Ml emergency
discharges from retention basins should be recorded along with the results of a
water quality analysis of the discharged effluent. Recycling of substandard
effluent by pumping back onto the fields, if practiced at all, should be recorded
in times and amounts.
1-23
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II. BftCKGapOgTO WD IHTRODUCriON
A. Project Background and Overview
Sewage sludge disposal is a problem associated with the sewage treat-rent process
of most large cities. In some cases, accumulation of large amounts can pose
severe problems foe ultimate disposal, given economic and land use constraints.
In cecent years, land application of sludge, when properly managed, has proven
to be an economic and environmentally acceptable method of ultimate disposal.
Land application, if propeciy practiced, has the benefit of turning the waste
product of sludge into a resource of fertilizer by utilizing the nutrient content.
Any successful program must recognize the environmental limitations of land
application as well as the needs and problems of both the urban and agricultural
coumunities. Sewage sludge, when applied at an agronomic rate, will supply
nutrients to the plants as well as improve soil properties, this soil improvement
capability has the potential to renovate depleted or barren land. Benefits and
problems associated with the application of sewage sludge on agricultural and
old strip-mined land are discussed.
i. Benefits
a* Characteristics of Metropolitan Sanitary District of jjreater Chicago
(MSPGC| Sludge - The term "sludge", as applied to this project, rafees toan
anaerobically stabilized byproduct of sewage treatment. Liquid sludge contains
dissolved, colloidal, and suspended solids. Purely domestic waste is often
quite acceptable for land application programs. However, in a large metropoli-
tan area, such as Chicago, the sludge characteristics are altered by the types
of industries contributing to the wastewater. mat sludges contain 2-5 percent
solids as they finish the treatment process. The solid portion is composed of
approximately equal amounts of inorganic and organic materials. Itie inorganic
portion is largely fine particles having the texture of silt and clay, and con-
tains mainly nitrogen, phosphorus, sulfur, chlorine, carbonates, and metal salts.
The organic portion is a complex mixture of constituents comprising organic carbon,
nitrogen, phosphorus, and sulfur.
Table II-I gives a range of the chemical composition of sludge and specifications
for a "typical" liquid, digested sewage sludge as it flows from the digester.
The composition of different batches of sludge can vary appreciably from the
values shown; these are given only as a general guideline. Not all of the nitro-
gen in sewage sludge is available to crops during the year of application. Soma
may be lost by volatilization or leaching, and the remaining organic nitrogen
•oust be mineralized before it can be assimilated by crops. Also, nearly all of
the minor and trace elements can be toxic at some concentration; their availa-
bility to plants depends on soil properties, crop varieties, and many other factors
(University of Illinois, 1976),
b. Application Method and Rates - A sludge containing about 6 percent
solids or less canbe handled as a liquid; i.e., through pipes, carried in tank
trucks, barges and special pumps may be used to achieve the transfer. Generally,
liquid manure spreading equipment can be used. When sludge contains more than 10
percent solids, special equipment is needed. Mso, dewatered sludge may be handled
as a solid.
II-l
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Table II-l
Composition of Fresh, \naerobically Digested
Sewage Sludge (University of Illinois, 1976)
Element
Elements essential for
Nitrogen-organic
tfitrogen-aranonium
(Nitrogen-total )
Phosphocus-as P
(Phosphorus as P 0
Potassiuro-as K
(Potassium as K 0
Calcium
Magnesium
Sulfur
Iron
Sodium
Zinc
Copper
Manganese
Boron
Elements not essential
Cadmium
Lead
"tercury
Chromium
Nickel
Concentration
Range (1)
plants
2 to 5
I to 3
(1 to 6)
0.8 to 6
0.1 to 0.7
1 to 8
0.5 to 2
0.3 to 1.5
0.1 to 5
com*
800 to 4,000
50 to 50,000
200 to 17,000
100 to 800
15 to 1,000
for olants
3 to 3,000
100 to 10,000
1 to 100
50 to 30,000
25 to 8,000
Typical
Concentration
3
2
(5)
3
(6,8)
0.4
(0.5)
3
0.9
0,9
4
Dora*
2,000
5,000
1,000
500
100
150
1,000
3
3,000
400
Sludge (dry basis)
(t) Amount (Ib/ton)
60
40
(1005
60
(137)
3
(10)
60
20
18
80
4
10
2
1
0.2
0.3
2
trace
6
0.8
*ppm - Pacts per million
Note: Values varying according to source, treatment and other factors.
Sludges held in storage lagoons for long periods may be considerably lower
in nitrogen content.
II-2
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Although not a recommended pcactice, liquid sludge can be sprayed through larje
diameter irrigation nozzles. Sludge and supernatant also can be allowed to
flow down furrows over a graded field. Land application of sludge is not a substi-
tute for irrigation if a problem of insufficient rainfall exists.
In some present operations in Illinois, sludge is pumped through a flexible boss
to an injection plow traveling through the field. *t the plow, sludge flows
through a manifold which connects with outlets at each plowshare or disk. Sludge
can thus be incorporated immediately into the soil. It is necessary that caution
be exercised in applying sludga to sloping land to ensure that resulting runoff
does not contaminate streams and other bodies of water.
JVcplication rates are expressed in terms of inches o£ liquid per acre, tons of
liquid per acre, or tons of dry solids per acre. \ layer of liquid sludge ons
inch deep amounts to about 27,000 gallons (100 tons) on each acre cover 3d.
In determining the correct application rate to satisfy crop requirements for
nutrients, many variables must be taken into consideration. For sxampla, the
percentages of specific nutrient concentrations that are in a form available
for plant uptake, the loss of alements from leaching through the soil, and the
nineralization or immobilization of elements after application must be determined.
%t application rate that is suitable for one constituent of sludge night be
unsuitable for another, causing either nutrient deficiency or toxicity. In addi-
tion, the contribution of trace elements, especially heavy metals, may limit the
long-range utilization or disposal of sludge on agricultural lands (University
of Illinois, 1976).
Application rates must be specified according to the analysis of sludge being
used, and sufficient sampling must be done to measure variability in composition
over a reasonable period of time. The University of Illinois has done sufficient
research to indicate favorable crop response and increases in soil organic content
when sludge is applied to agricultural and strip-mined land. (University of
Illinois, 1976).
c. Value of sludge application - Sludge provides a source of organic
matter that may lae beneficial in many soils, particularly those low in organic
natter such as sandy soils or previously strip-mined lands. Improved structure
and water-holding characteristics result from an increase in soil organic matter
when it is at a low level (under 3 percent) (university of Illinois, 1976).
2, Potential Problems
Potential problems that iiust be taken into consideration when planning a land
application program include:
a. Odors from sludge application methods can be minimized by incorporating
the liquid sludge. Storage basin odors have caused the most complaints in the
past. Hie upper layer sometimes has a high ammonia content. Odor can be reduced
by minimizing surface area and length of tine needed for storage.
b. "teny concerns about long-term sludge application have centered around
trace metals in the sludge. The elements of most concern include nickel, zinc, cad-
mium, and copper but such concern extends to mercury, lead, boron, chromium, cobalt
selenium, and molybdenum. The fear is that these substances nay accumulate to
II-3
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causa toxic concentrations in the crops. The University of Illinois has traced
the movements of heavy metals in the food chain. Stadias have indicated that
there is no indication of high levels of toxic metals in the soils or plants
where municipal sludges are applied at agronomic rates. (University of Illinois,
1975).
c. There has been serious concern that sewage sludge might contain patho-
gens and that animal and human health problems might result from sludge utilization.
However, specific studies have shown that viruses are unlikely to survive a period
of 15 days in a heated anaerobic digester, at least in a condition capable of caus-
ing an infection, lien the same situation was found for several Kinds of parasites.
d. In regard to nutrients, it was found that both the rate of nitrogen
transformed to nitrate and the aovamant through soil are the same, regardless of
the source. Phosphorus poses somewhat more of a proble.it in that phosphorus added
to soils as a sludge constituent appears to be highly available to crops. Hence,
it is possible for available phosphorus to accumulate in soils to levels toxic to
sensitive crops if sludge application rates are high. Also, the levels of phospho-
rus in drainage water may possibly increase to the point of posing a eutrophication
threat when drainage water is returned to non-flowing surface waters. fbwever,
thase ocoblams are not expected to result as long as agronomic rates of sludge
application are not exceeded (University of Illinois, 1976).
3. Project History and Issues
1. History and Policy Matters
Fulton County citizens have bean concerned about the after effects of strip mining
in the County for years. The first collective action was taken in 1970, when the
County Board of Supervisors and the State Attorney's Office formed a special citizen;
committee. This group directed the State Attorney to investigate the feasibility
of a land application project in Fultcn County.
It was apparent from other studies that although the nined area could be effectively
leveled, some measures would havs to be taken to modify the poor inorganic mine
spoil material of the area, it was then that the use of sawage sludge was proposed.
The >6DGC was invited to make a presentation to the Fulton County officials on
3epte.Tiber 11, 1970. Several administrative approaches to the project were discuss-
ad, but MSDGC purchased about 15,000 acres of mined land which was being used for
pasture. It was the intent of the MSDGC to grade the land in order to control run-
off, increase the organic content of the soil by large additions of sludge and
restore the land to full agricultural productivity.
2. Environmental Litigation
Several court cases were brought against N5DGC. Also, MSDGC filed several cases
against the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA). A summary follows:
a. IEPA vs. MSDGC - charged air pollution violations against MSDGC.
b. MSDQC vs. IEPA - a permit appeal. The decision was in favor of IEPA.
All permits ^stayed" until a decision in the above case was reached.
II-4
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c. MSOQC vs. IEPA - a mandamus action brought by the district to conrael
the issuance of the Pulton County permits.
C. Related activities
1. The Big Bluestern Program and Recreational Benefits
One reclamation program called for returning a 3,000-acre segment of land to
original tall qrass prairie vegetation. The principle is that a tall
grass prairie may prove even better than crops and pasture in recycling
and reclamation. The orairie plants offer new possibilities for both
agriculture and land reclamation. The idea of reintroducing wildlife
and *ttricting tourists was discussed.
2. The Fulton County Steering Committee
This committee was established to provide local public participation for
the Prairie restoration program. The committee was composed of public
officials, private citizens, and MSDGC staff personnel.
3. Recreational areas
Areas will be established and certain oothole areas preserved.
°- The StudyArea
1« Basis for the Study Area
The study of socioeconomic and land use impacts employs three areas of focus.
The largest area of study is regional, covering Fulton County and any influences
of Peoria. \n area of more intensified study contains land surrounding the
project site and includes Canton. The smallest area of study is confined within
the boundaries of the project site (see Figure II-l).
The study of environmental effects of the project includes odor and noise nuisance,
potential contamination of surface and groundwater and soil, possible health
effects of airborne pathogens, and potential biomagnification of toxic materials
in food chains via crop and livestock production and consumption. Mo definite
geographic boundary can be assigned to accommodate all effects. For example,
problems associated with odors and airborne pathogens, which can travel great
distances, require a larger study area. Related clinatologxcal features must
be examined not only locally but also regionally.
Generally speaking, the study area is extended to at least five miles from the
boundaries of the project property. This area includes the communities of Canton,
Cuba, St. David, Bryant, and Lewiston (see Figure II-l). Ml environmental and
health effects resulting from the project are evaluated against the applicable
standards as discussed in the following section and confirmed with findings
fror similar studies in published aid unpublished literature.
2. Pollution Control Standards
The MSOGC must comply with four basic sets of regulations to construct and
operate the Fulton County land reclamation project. There are effluent stan-
dards, as stated in the Illinois EP% Hater Pollution Control Permit, which reflect
the water pollution regulations of Illinois Rule 404, governing the concentrations
II-5
-------
it.: -.-f r-r—'—"• y' _! r:
1 ' ' •' ' • • I i •Til -T i y" '
-------
of total dissolved solids, biochemical oxygen demand (9QD), and fecal conforms.
The M50GC must construct, operate and maintain the project so as to maintain the
General Water Quality Standards for the State of Illinois. Tn addition, the
Pulton County Board of Health requires a permit for any sewage sludge operation,*
it contains standards for the chemical composition, transportation, storage,
use and disposal of digested and undigested sewage sludge. The USEP& regulations
pertaining to land application are published in the Federal Register under 40 CFR
257. These separate sats of standards ace examined in turn in this section.
Miscellaneous standards and special standards applying to gatsd-pipe application
of supernatant liquid and deep trench incorporation of sludga to specific proper-
ties are also covered.
a. Water Quality Standards - The water quality standards for the State
of Illinois are designed to protect Illinois waters for aquatic life, agricultural
and industrial uses, and primary and secondary contact (for recreation), and to
insure the aesthetic quality for the environment. Ml waters of the State must
meet the water quality standards defined in Table II-2. In addition, the follow-
ing standards must be met:
Vty substance toxic to aquatic life shall not exceed 1/10 of the 48-hour median
tolerance limit (48-hour TLm) for native fish oc essential fish food organisms.
All State waters must be free from unnatural sludge or bottom deposits, floating
debris, visible oil, odor, unnatural plant or algal growth, unnatural color or
turbidity, or matter in concentrations or combinations toxic or harmful to human,
animal, plant, or aquatic life of other than natural origin.
There shall be no artificially induced temperature changes that may adversely
affect aquatic life, that may disturb the normal daily and seasonal temperature
fluctuations, or that nay cause the temperature to rise more than 5 degrees
Fahrenheit (F) above natural temperature.
b. effluent standards - To construct and/or operate any water pollution
control facility In the State of Illinois, a permit from the Illinois Environmen-
tal Protection Agency (IEP*) is requited. Each permit is comprised of standard
conditions common to all such permits and a number of special conditions based on
the specific case. The Comprehensive Operating Permit issued to the J*SDQC contains
15 Special Conditions, (see appendix).
According to Special Condition 19, effluent discharged from any runoff retention
basin must meet the applicable effluent requirements far discharge to the waters
of the State as established by the Illinois Pollution Control Board Rules and
Regulations. The point of discharge is considered to be the overflow structure
of each of the retention basins.
Special Condition HO states that certain contaminant concentrations are to be
considered background valuta, and that the effluent standards are met when the
sun of the background concentration and the allowable regulatory concentration
is greater than the measured concentrations for the respective parameter. The
regulatory concentrations applicable to the Fulton County site are defined in
Chapter 3 of the Water pollution Regulations of Illinois, Rule 404(f), which
describes State effluent standards for streams with less than 1:1 dilution, basad
II-7
-------
Table II-2. Water Quality Standards for the State of Illinois
Parameter
Standard (mg/U
Arnnonia nitrogen (as N)
Arsenic
Barium
Boron
Cadmlup
Chloride
Chromium (total hexavalent)
Chromium {total trivalent)
Copper
Cyanide
Dissolved Oxygen
minimum for 11 out of 24 hours
minimum at any time
Fluoride
Iron
Lead
Manganese
Mercury
Nickel
Phenols
Phosphorus (as P)*
Selenium
Silver
Sulfate
Total Dissolved Solids
Acidity-alkalinity
fecal coliforma**
Geometric mean
Maximum for 10% of samples
Radioacitivity
Beta
Radium 226
Strontium 90
1.5
1.0
5.0
1.0
0.05
500.0
0.05
1.0
0.02
0.025
6.0
5.0
1.4
1.0
0.1
1.0
0.0005
1.0
0.1
0.05
1.0
0.005
500.0
1000.0
1.0
'6.5-9.0
per 100 ml
200
400
pCi/l**«
100
1
2
*In any reservoir or lake, or in any stream at the point of
entry to any reservoir or lake
**Based on a minimum of five samples taken over not more than
a 30-day period
***Pico curies per liter
II - 8
-------
based on the 7-day, 10-year low flow. These allowable regulatory concentrations
were defined to be the requirements for secondarily treated wastewater. The
numerical values of these standards are presented in Table II-3. After
negotiation between IEP% anJ MSOGC these discharge standards were relaxed to
be consistent with the requirements for a secondarily treated wastewater dis-
charge. (Table II-3a)
c. Sludge standards - The Fulton County Board of Health Sewage Sludge
Rules and Regulations require that any transportation, storage, use, or disposal
of sewage sludge or digested sewage sludge requires a valid permit from the Board
of Health. Ml sewage sludge transported for storage or applied to land must be
digested.
Tests must be performed by the permit holder on a 24-hour composite sample of
digested sewage sludge to be transported for storaga in Fulton County. Weekly
results are to be submitted to the Pulton County Board of Health, which retains
the right to independently sample the sewage sludge of any permit holder in Fulton
County.
\s of November 18, 1975, the Volatile acids and alkalinity standards were changed
to the following:
If volatile acids are less than 100 milligrams per liter, then the alkalinity
cannot be less than 2,000 milligrams per liter.
The Fulton County Health Department took into account the fact that some of the
sludge shipped to Fulton County had been in storage in the Chicago Lawndale lagoons
for periods ranging up to 15 years. Exceedingly long storage periods result in
volatilization of ammonia and consequent decreases in alkalinity.
d. Solid Haste Disposal Criteria - Criteria for the classification of
Solid Waste Disposal Facilities Practices (40 CFR 257) includes the latest require-
ments to ensure a safe sludge disposal operation. These were oublished in the
September 21, 1979 Federal Register.
e> Miscellaneous requirements - tecording to the Fulton County Board of
Health Sewage Sludge Rules and Regulations, the use and disposal of digested
sludge mist comply with the following standards:
Cropping practices shall be such that soil loss does not exceed tolerable
liitits as defined by the Universal Soil Loss Equation for the soil type.
Underground aquifers shall not be contaminated with digested sewage
absorbed into all soils
Spray applications shall be done so as to contain the material within
the land-application area designated in the permit
In addition, sewage sludge shall not be applied:
Within 100 feet of a stream, lake,- well, or any potable water supply
Within 200 feet of m dwelling wit
On root crops for human consumption
II-9
-------
Table II-3
Effluent Standards for Retention 9asin
Discharge in the State of Illinois
Parameter
Total
Suspended Solids
(mg/1)
800
(mo/l)
Pecal
Conforms
(mg/1)
3ackground
Arithmetic Mean
Background
Geometric Mean
Water Pollution
Regulations of
Illinois Rule 404(f)
(Regulatory
61.7
mg/1 * Milligrams oar liter
2.75
94.3
concentration )
Effluent Standard
(Total concentration)
5.0
§6.7
4.0
6.75
400.0
494.0
Table II-3a
Effluent Standards for Retention 3asir,
Discharge in the State of Illinois, Revised
Parameter
Total
Suspended Solids
(mi/I)
800
Fecal
Coliforms
Background
Arithmetic Mean
Background
Geometric Mean
Hater Pollution
Regulations of
Illinois Rule 404(f)
(Regulatory
concentration)
61.7
37
2.75
30
94.3
400.0
Effluent Standard
(Total concentration)
33
494.0
H-10
-------
In a flood plain, unless adequate pollution control mechanisms are availabla
To frozen or snow-covered land
Outside of the land-application area
1. Discharge Limitations - Water Pollution Control Permits from the IEP4
were issued on June 19, 1975, for sludge distribution on various project areas.
The permits are presented in Atnendix A. Agronomic rates of application, avoiding
steep sloping land, avoiding ponding, trying to avoid rainstorms, and not applying
on snow and ice were some of the conditions placed on the distribution process.
E. Description of *6DGC Treatment Systems
1. MSDGC Sewage Treatment Plants
The JEOGC has seven wastewater treatment plants. The West-Southwest (WSW), Calu-
met and Northside plants are secondary treatment works, while Hanover, Streamwood,
Demont, and John E. Egan provide tertiary treatment. The John E. Egan water
reclamation plant has been operating since December 1975. The Streaznwood Plant
was retired in September 1977. The new O'Hare Water Reclamation plant began
operation in mid 1980.
Presently, only the West-Southwest and Northside facilities produce sludge to be
shipped to Fulton County for land reclamation (P6DGC, 1975). As operations
progress at the O'Hare plant the possibility exists that some sludge from the
facility may be shipped to the Pulton County Site. The Northside facility
has no sludge stabilization, recycling or disposal systems. After concentration,
sludge at approximately 1.3 percent solids is pumped to the West-Southwest facility
via pipeline. In 1975, the Northside plant pumped 2.5 million gallons per day
(133 dry tons per day) of primary and secondary sludge to the West-Southwest
plant («*5DGC» 1976m). Sunmary performance data from the J60GC plants are presented
in Table II-4.
2, West-Southwest Treatment Plant
The WSW plant is comprised of the West Side Treatment Works, which is an Imhoff
facility, and the Southwest Side Treatment Works, an activated sludge facility.
The facilities of both treatment works can be divided conveniently into two
groups: sewage treatment systems and sludge processing systems. The sewage treat-
ment systems are briefly discussed below, followed by a detailed description of
the sludge processing systems.
The west Side Treatment Works consist of a grit chamber and screen house, skironing
tanks, Imhoff tanks for sewage treatment and sludge stabilization, and drying beds
for sludge dewatering. There are 108 Imhoff tanks arranged in three batteries
of 36 tanks each. Digested Imhoff sludge is dried on 12 underdrained sand beds 80
feet wide and sludge is scraped from the beds and hauled to a dump 3 miles west of
the plant. Dried Imhoff sludge waa given away as "Mu-Earth", in recent years the
"No-Earth" program has been curtailed. As an 'option, ImhofE sludge may be screened
prior to either lagooning or heated anaerobic digestion.
The Southwest Treatment Works include aerated grit chanters, grit dewatering build-
11-11
-------
Table II-4. Performance of KSDGC Plants (MSDGC, 1976 m
West-Southwest
Nocthside
Calumet
Hanover
Lsnont Streanwood
Egan
Degree of
Treatment
Capacity (HGD)
Flow Ranges in
1975 (MGD)
Average Daily
lowest Daily
Secondary
1200
847.0
744.0
Highest Daily 1446.0
Average Effluent Con-
centrations (ppm) and
Percent Reduction in 1975
BODS
TSS
Amcnia
7 (94%)
7 (97%}
5.4
Secondary
333
330.0
235.0
401.0
12 (87%)
9 (91%)
4.0
Secondary Tectiary Tertiary Tertiary Tertiary
220 6.0 1.2 3.0 30
220,0
160.0
330.0
25 (88%)
27 (90%)
11.9
5.7
2.6
11.7
5 (97%)
5 (97%)
1.5
4 (96%)
9 (95%)
2.4
4 (96%)
5 (97%)
1.4
(1) Plant expanded to handle increased Clow in May of 1975.
(2) Plant operational December 1975.
-------
ing, -oreliniiary sattling tank-3, oration tanka Cot tha activated sludge orocass,
and final settling tanks fx 33*333 treatment heat drying and haatad anaarobic
digestion are tha two sludge •orocessas usad at tha Southwest "fteatuait tforks. 1*12
W2t air OKiiation OCOC3SS has basn Jissontinuea 3ua to Doaratiirj probl=ns,
affscts fron f3cycie3 strsans, ani safety consilecations.
heat Jcyirrg orcx:333 incluias scceeiin} 3f sludge iy bar aacaaas atvJ
tae «:cesnirig3 by faunae nil Is ar»3 sludje Jawatafini by 93 vacua n filters.
oroiucei is soli as fertilizer base material.
3. SluJge Pcooesjsin^ and Disposal
In 1375, th» MS03C ocai'xaf aoocoxinat»ly 525 dry tons oar lay (dt/d) af
sludge. Tte M90X iias a nunbar of systans availabla fx sludja hanilin-j, stabili-
zation and 'lisposal , and is devalooiivj othacs. ( nass are ocesantad in Figure
II-2) Ostailed discussions on t'le systsns related to this study are liscussaJ
latar. The sludge orocsssiig systans it tha wswr olant are sunnarizad in Taola
II-5, which givss the tyoas of aystatis utilized in 1375 and thair caoacitias in
dry tons ner 3ay.
In suunary the Collowiag four sludge handling, stabilization, ani Jisoosal schanas
ace utilized.
1. Heat drying and fartilizar sal a
2. Haatsd anaerobic digastion and lagooiing
3. 'featad anaatobic digestion and land aoolication in
Fulton County
4. Inhoff digestion followed by air drying on sand beds
and subsequent distribution as "Mu-Earth".
11-13
-------
SYSTEMS
PRIMARY
SECONDARY
TERTIARY
IMHOFF
HEAT DRY
VACUUM FILTRATION
AIR DRY
SETTLING AND FLOTATION-CQNC
DIGESTION
;:ET AIR OXIDATION
LAGOONING
STOCKPILING
NU-EARTH
SELL HEAT-DRIED
LAGOON CLEANING CONTRACTS
CALUflET AND HANOVER FARMS
FULTON COUNTY:
SOIL I .CORPORATION
SOIL INJECTION
CROP SPRAY
FOREST SPRAY
OVERLAND FLOW
DISPOSAL
STAIIIIZATION CONCINTRATION
Figure II-2. Available MSDGC Solids Systems (HSDGC)
II - 14
-------
Table II-5
West-Southwest Sludge Processing Systems,
1973 (MSDGC, 1976m)
System Type Capacity (at/d)
Imhoff Digestion, Stabilization 100
Air Drying on Sand Beds, and Recycling
and Storage
Heat Drying Stabilization 380
and Recycling
Heated Anaerobic Stabilization 300
Digest ion
Wet Air Oxidation Stabilization 190
Process (on standby
basis only)
Land Reclamation Recycling 110
(based on land available
Cor application for
1975 season and a 20
dt/d/A loading rate)
lagoons (requiring Stabilization 0
periodic cleaning; and Storage
no long-term disposal
capacity available)
dt/d/A; dry tons per day per acre
dt/d: dry tons per day
II - 15
-------
Chapter III
Existing Conditions
-------
III. EXISTING CONDITIONS
This chapter provides a description of baseline information concerning climate,
topography, geology, soils, hydrology, water quality, biology and ecosystems.
Past and projected trends in local population and the economy are presented
along with the established and forecasted land patterns and land development
potential. The chapter concludes with a discussion of natural and cultural
resources in Pulton County that are particularly sensitive to planned project
operations.
A. Climate V>d Topography
Past and present climatic conditions and local meteorology must be determined in
order to predict the most probable and worst conditions affecting project opera-
tions. Potential air quality problems, and particularly odor transmission are
considered. The area climate, which is represented by a record of numerous
atmospheric events, is defined by weather elements such as temperature, wind,
cloud cover, solar radiation, humidity, precipitation, and atmospheric stability.
Climatic data from two weather stations are used for analysis. Weather station
114842 is located at the greater Peoria Airport approximately 25 miles east-north-
east of the project site (National Climatic Center, 1974a). The second weather
station was set up by the MSDGC at the project site (NSDOC, 1975b).
In addition to climate, local topography is summarized in terms of land-form
characteristics which could influence the microclimate and create susceptibility
to impacts on air and water quality.
1- General Meteorology
The climate of this area is typically continental, as is evidenced by the change-
able weather and wide range of temperature extremes. Meteorological characteristics
of the project area are discussed in the following sections.
a. Temperature and precipitation - according to 40-year observations at
the Peoria Mrport station, the average monthly temperature varies from 25 degrees
F to 75 degrees F, with an annual average of 51.1 degrees F. Sub-freezing jniniMm
temperatures generally do not occur from late Hatch through mid-November. Using
a baseline of 65 degrees F, there is an average of 6,200 annual heating degree
days and 943 cooling degree days {national Climatic Center, 1974a).
The annual rainfall, as recorded at Peoria Airport, averages 34.99 inches, with
9. maximum of 50.27 inches and minimum of 23.99 inches. Variations in monthly
mean, maximum and minimum precipitation are shown in Figure III-1. The monthly
maximum and minimum rainfalls are displayed for the Peoria Airport station,
while the monthly means measured at both Peoria Airport and the project site are
shown for overlapping observation periods. In spite of the 25-mile distance
between these two stations, the precipitation pattern is quite uniform. The
maximum amount of rainfall occurring in any 24-hour period was 5.52 inches in May
1927. The predicted 24-hour rainfall patterns for Fulton County at four recurrence
intervals (1-year, 5-year, 25-year and 100-year) are presented in Table III-1.
The cumulative amount of rainfall is estimated to be 6.53 inches for a 24-hour,
100-year rainstorm.
III-I
-------
B
Monthly Maximum
(Peoria Airport, 1935-1974)
Monthly Mean
{PeoHa Airport, 1972-1974)
Monthly Mean
(Project Site, 1972-1975)
Monthly Mean
(Peoria Airport, 1935-1974)
Monthly Minimum
Peoria Airport, 1935-1974)
Figure m-1 Variations in Monthly Mean, Maximum, and Minimum Precipitation
at Peoria Airport Station (National Climatic Center, 1974b)
-------
TrtUIII-1 Predicted 24-Hour Store Pattern for Fulton County (NSDSC. )975<)
•ecurrMC*
Hour
l«Ur*il 1 2 3 4 S 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24
i.
I 100 years .07 .07 .08 .09 .1 .11 .13 .14 .18 .23 .65 3.03 .36 .28 .16 .15 .12 .11 .1 .09 .08 .08 .07 .05
H k 25y»rs .035 .046 .046 .046 .058 .058 .061 .092 .138 .173 .58 2.74 .311 .219 .Hi .104 .07 .07 .058 .046 .046 .046 .035 .035
1 3 5 yein .035 .035 .035 .035 .047 .047 .059 .07 .11 .129 .445 2.13 .246 .176 .094 .082 .059 .059 .047 .035 .035 .035 .00234 .0234
•s
.02 .02 .02 .025 .03 .03 .04 .05 .07 .09 .29 1.39 .96 .11 .06 .OS .04 .03 .03 .03 .02 .02 .02 .02
-------
The average annual snowfall is normally 23,1 inches, with a maximum of 42.3
inches and a minimum of 7.3 inches, significant snowfall usually begins in mid-
October and ends in mid-April. Mid-Oecamber through February are freezing months
during which snow accumulation is at a maximum.
b. Wind vectors - Wind data are recorded for direction and speed. By
dividing the number ofrecorded wind vectors within a given sector of wind direc-
tion and interval of wind speed by the total number of observations, the frequency
of winds in that vector interval can be established. Normally 15 wind directions
22.5 degrees apart are chosen for this type of analysis, along with four wind
speed intervals (0-3, 3.1-6, 6.1-10, and 10.1 mph or higher). The average wind
•/ector frequencies at Greater Peoria Airport between 1964 and 1973 are given in
Table III-2. Calm periods normally occur during 2.83 percent of the year.
The vector frequencies presented in Table 111-2 were used to construct a wind
"rose" as shown in Figure III-2, The vectors in this figure indicate wind direc-
tions and contain four segments, each representing a wind speed interval with the
lowest wind speeds beginning at the core of the rose. The frequency of wind in a
given wind speed interval and wind direction is proportional to the length of its
representative segment. This wind rose indicates that southerly winds prevail in
this general area for all wind velocities. Winds from other sectors are rather
uniformly distributed. A wind rose representing conditions at the sludge holding
basins on the project site was constructed and is shown in Figure III-3. Data
were available for approximately ? yaars only; therefore, the level of statistics!
confidence in this case is not as high, At the project site, there is a strong
southerly wind component as there is at Peoria Airport. However, at the site,
winds from the southwest and west-northwest sectors are similarly important. The
difficulties between the wind roses are believed to be due to differences in local
terrain.
c. Atmospharic stability - in air pollution studies concerning the dis-
persion of airborne materials, atmospheric stability, which is a measure of the
mixing capacity of the atTOSphere, is of major interest. A stable atmosphere has
a limited mixing ability and provides little capacity for the dilution of air
pollutants. Pasquill introduced a system for the classification of atmospheric
stability (Turner, 1964). Parameters considered in this system include net solar
insolation, solar altitude, cloud cover and ceiling height, wind speed, and the
presence of urbanization. There are seven stability classes: Class A, extremely
unstable; Class B, unstable; Class C, slightly unstable; Class D, neutral; Class
B, slightly stable; Class F, stable; and Class 3, extremely stable. Based on
data collected at the Greater Peoria Airport station, the annual and seasonal
percentagas of occurrence for etch stability class are summarized in Table m-3.
The predominant atmospheric condition in the area is Pasquill Stability Class D,
a neutral atmosphere, with an annual frequency of 57.75 percent, or 211 days per
year.
d. Typical weather conditions - Climatic conditions in the Paoria area
are summarized in Table III-4. Tnsannual prevailing wind is southerly with a
mean velocity of 10.3 mph. Relative humidity is seldom below 50 percent, ranging
between 62 and 83 percent annually. The average number of days with heavy fog or
visibility equal to or less than 1/4 mile ranges from 1 to 3 days per month and
peaks during winter. Nighttime radiational loss is believed to be the major fac-
III - 4
-------
Table III-2, Average Annual Frequencies of Kind Vectors by Percentage,
Greater Peoria Airport, January 1964 through December 1973
(National Climatic Center, 1974&)
Hind
Clrection
Noi'th
North-Northeast
Northeast
East-Northeast
East
East-Southeast
Southeast
South-Southeast
South
Sou th- Sou thwes t
Southwest
West-Southwest
West
Hest-Northwest
Northwest
North-Morthwest
Wind Speed (raph!
0-3.0
0.63
0.41
0.38
-.45
0.46
0.41
0.46
0.48
1.33
0.58
0.59
0.63
0.66
0.53
0.44
0.41
3.1-6.0
1.80
1.04
1.03
1.33
1.46
1.13
1.47
1.86
4.51
1.63
1.50
1.40
1.55
1.44
1.29
1.16
6.1-10.0
2.44
1.15
1.58
1.91
2.26
1.41
2.02
2.40
7.20
1.84
1.92
1.61
2.16
2.02
2.24
1.78
.2*10.1
1.87
C.57
1.14
1.27
1.16
0.68
1.18
2.08
5.44
1.35
1.28
1.18
2.95
3.86
2.43
1.16
All 4 Wind Speed
Intervals for Given
Wind Direction
6.74
3.17
4.13
4.96
5.34
3.63
5.13
6.82
18.48
5.40
5.29
4.82
7.33
7.85 |
6.40 j
4.51
All 16 Hind Direc-
tions for Given
Wind Speed Interval
8.85*
25.60
35.95
29.60
100.00
•Cain periods account foe 2.83% annually.
Ill - 5
-------
0
t
10%
xd
Calm = 2.83%
Figure m-2
Wind Rose at Meteorological -Station
114842, Peoria, Illinois, January 1964
through December 1973 (National Clima-
tic Center. 19?4a)
Figure IH-3 Mind Rose at Storage Basins,
MSDGC Fulton County Project
Site (HSDGC, 1975b)
-------
Table IIi-3. Average Seasonal Atmospheric Stability by Percentage. Greater Peoria Airport
(National Climatic Center, 1974)
Pasquill Stability Class
Period
SPRING:
(March, April, i Hay)
SUMMER:
(June, July. & August)
FALL:
(September, October, & November)
WINTER:
December, January, A February)
ANNUAL
A
Extremely
Unstable
0.24
1.01
0.04
0.01
0.33
B
Unstable
3.51
10.53
2.57
0.42
4.28
C D
Slightly
Unstable Neutral
8.97 65.26
18.01 38.93
8.81 54.71
5.04 72.38
10.24 57.74
E
Slightly
Stable
11.30
11.36
14.70
11.71
12,26
F 6
Extremely
Stable Stable
7.95 2.77
13.56 6.60
13.76 5.40
8.07 2.38
10.84 4.30
-------
III-4 Starry of Cltatlc Conditions in the Area of PeorU, Illinois (National CliMtie Center. 1974*. 1974b, 1975)
Prevailing wind
Period
SPRINC
SUHBt
FAU
MUTER
March
April
Niy
June
July
August
Seota«6er
October
Nov**er
DtcMfetr
January
February
Direction
MHH
S
S
s
s
s
s
s
s
s
s
MNH
SS
12. 3
12.3
10.5
9.2
8.0
7.8
8.8
f.S
11.2
10.9
11.2
11.6
Average Nufcer
of Days with
Rangt of Heavy fag or
Relative Visibility of 1/4
Muaildity
64-81
56-76
57-81
56-81
59-86
59-87
65-88
st-ss
66-83
73-83
68-78
66-7?
Nile or Less
2
1
1
1
1
1
1
2
2
3
3
3
Percent of Tine Each
Ceiling Height
Equal to or
Less than 400 ft.
0,37
0.09
0.20
0
0
0.12
0.16
0.35
O.S4
1.06
1.03
0.58
Light Winds
0.25
0.28
0.79
0.52
0.93
0.76
0.40
0.70
0,21
0.39
0.57
0.92
Year
Joint Frequency of
Height and Light Hindi
0.0116
0.0032
0.0187
0
0
0.0102
0.0094
0.0292
0.013?
0.0532
0.0739
0.044?
VEA*
LEWTH OF RECORD
10.3
Jl
62-83
ts
21
31
0.2678
-------
tor contributing to noor visibility. Ground fog normally occurs during the night
and at dawn. Periods of low ceiling height and light wind can lead to severe con-
ditions during which air pollutants accumulate at ground level. The annual joint
frequency of low ceiling height and light wind is 0.27 percent which ig equivalent
to only 24-hour s in a year.
2- Gener al "Bopogr aptiy
Strip-mining activities in the project area have left steeply sloping spoil rounds
and a number of long, narrow lakes with abruptly sloping shorelines scattered
about the project site. Uneven settling of unconsolidated and clayey soils within
the mined sections hoa pcoJucad an almost undulating surface. In addition, the pro-
ject area is covered with rocks and potholes. The application fields have been
prepared for agricultural use by leveling and grading, filling potholes and re-
moving cocks. As a result, the application fields themselves have a level to
gently sloping topography.
The capacity of storm runoff to carry solids such as silt or spoil fines may have
been increased by the steepened slopes resulting from coal stripping and piled,
abandoned spoil. This is evidenced by several spoil downwashes on the project
site. The leveling and grading accomplished for site preparation should have
significantly reduced the erosion problem. Site areas not developed as sludge
application fields may continue to erode, causing water quality problems.
B* 3eology ftnd Soils
Environmental impacts such as erosion or groundwater contamination, and socio-
economic factors such as land development potential, will depend to a great degree
upon the geological and soil characteristics. This section contains a discussion
of past and present geological conditions and a description of soil characteristics
in the vicinity of Pulton County.
1. Geological Character istics
The land surface is covered with unconsolidated Pleistocene soil deposits in this
general area which nearly obscure the bedrock except near the valleys of major
drainage channels. A brief discussion of the bedrock and Pleistocene stratigraphy
is presented in this section, concluding in a description of the characteristics
of mine spoil.
Outcrops of bedrock reveal that the geological formation consists of shales and
sandstones, of the Pennsylvanian Age Carbondale Formation containing several strata
of coal and limestone beds. Figure I I 1-4 shows a typical stratigraphic profile.
A soft gray shale known as Canton Shale, approximately 40 to 60 feet thick, lies
inmediately beneath the surface soil deposits. This shale is underlain by 1 to 2
feet of gray, fossil if erous limestone known as Saint David Limestone. Beneath this
stratum are 4 to 6 feet of black shale, which merges into a high-quality coal de-
signated as No. 5 or Springfield coal, nils coal seam has a thickness of 4 1/2 to
5 feet and is located near elevation 580. Die relatively shallow depth and high
quality of this coal has led to considerable strip and shaft mining throughout the
general area, the coal is underlain by soft clay to shale and several other thin
strata of limestone and shale, these layers have a total thickness of approximately
Ul-9
-------
20-30 ft.
10-20 ft.
40-60 ft.
1-2 ft.
4-6 ft.
4.5-5 ft.
5-8 ft.
* Surfaro
Tr^sr
<*>•£
*«>>
'.£•7=
=%{'.••
=™s*=
___ Loess
— Glacial drift and alluvial deposits
Canton Shale
St. David Limestone
Black Shale
•••1 No. 5 Coal
•••••i
i--5arj5=
y.T^l
-*.' ! ' L
ggj3Z=
v^PW?
^K_X_X_XL
"^l^^l
ZzFsz^z
Covel Conglomerate
Hanover Limestone
Black Shale
No. 4 Coal
Figure m-4 Typical Stratlgraphlc Profile 1n the Project Area
(A&H Engineering Corporation, 1971)
111-10
-------
5 to 8 feet.
The bedrock surface is covered by a 30 to 50-foot mantle of glacial drift or drift-
related deposits. The bottom layer is composed of a silty clay to clayey silt
matrix resulting from glacial till during the Illinois Slacial Bra. Illinoisan
glacial till is topped by a windblown silt material known as loess, which often
reaches thicknesses of 20 to 30 feet in this general area, soil borings on the
project sita indicate a thickness ranging from 3 to 40 feet, averaging about 20
feet. Past coal mining operations have modified this stratigraphic profile. The
uppermost bedrock strata and the unconsolidated sediments have been ranoved and
remolded into a generally similar but locally variable soil mass (A4H Engineering
Corporation, 1971).
2. Soil Characteristics
A study of the project site to identify areas with basically similar soil and
groundwater characteristics was conducted L. T. Hooper (1971).
According to Hooper, the project site can be divided into three basic areas:
. Area 1 — completely strip-mined land
. Area 2 — virgin or place land with a cover
of loess over glacial till
. Area 3 — alluvial land within major stream beds,
affected by mining activities.
The spatial distribution of these soil areas is presented in Figure II1-5.
During surface mining operations, the overburden soils and cap rock in Area i
were removed from the entire area to obtain coal. Therefore, the subsurface of
Area 1 consists of a heterogenous landfill which is composed of cohesive fine-
grained soils with pockets and discontinuous zones of boulder-size rock. These
rearranged and redistributed overburden soils are rather impervious. Numerous
depressions were created, most of which have no drainage outlet, large lakes
maintain nearly uniform levels which are controlled by culverts. Mining activi-
ties have resulted in slightly different features in parts of Area 1. A sub-
classification of Area 1 and its description can be found in the Subsurface
Investigation and Evaluation - Final aeport (Hooper, 1971).
Area 2 is the area in which no strip-mining activities have been undertaken.
Approximately 3 to 40 feet (averaging 20 feet) of loess, which is comprised of
50 percent clay and 50 percent silt-sized particles, covers the glacial soils.
These materials have low permeability and, depending on vegetative cover and con-
servation practices, are subject to erosion. A groundwater table at a depth of
approximately IS feet is normal throughout the area with the exception of slopes
leading down to stream valleys. It is known that much of Area 2 has been mined
underground by tunneling methods (Hooper, 1971).
Area 3 consists of alluvial soils within major stream beds, and defines moat of
the continuous drainage channels. These soils are relatively impervious to perco-
111-11
-------
Area 1
F=i Area 2
\1 Area 3
Lake
Land Slide Area
spoil
0 14 1/2 3/4 1 mile spoil
I i.i i H oytwash
spoil pile
spoil outwash
lake
Figure III-5 Spatial Distribution of Soil Areas (Hooper, 1971)
-------
l?tion watar, but are roderataly perineabls to horizontal flow, h high groundwater
table is normal here.
Based on field pumping tests, laboratory tests, and anal/sis of existing ground-
water conditions, the permeability of the overall mass of mine spoil is estimated
to be in the range of 10-3 to 10-5 centimeters per second (on/sec). The vertical
permeability of soils was estimated by laboratory tests to oe from 10-5 to 10-9
cm/sec. According to Casagrande's classification of soils by permeability, these
soils ara impervious, non-draining or poorly draining (Casagrande, 1943). However,
some zones or Layers may consist of broken shale and sandstone slabs or blocks
arranged in a way that provides a rapid path for water (A&H Engineering Corpora-
tion, 1971). Such areas -nay possess a permeability as high as 10-1 cm/sec.
Although they ara seldom continuous for more than short distances, these zones
are considered important in reservoir areas.
There ara no published Soil Conservation Service soil surveys available for
Pulton County. However, the Pulton County Soil Conservation Agent at Lewistown
provided highly useful information concerning the agricultural capability of
local soils (see Section F. 3, of this chapter).
Over 52 soil bocings were made to bedrock to determine the background characteris-
tics of soil and rocks. Physical soil characteristics, such as permeability,
were used to examine potential groundwater contamination from the project.
The chemical composition of both mining spoils and plane land sampled from a 0-6
inch depth is summarized in Table III-5. Included are the mean, maximum and
•minimum values of exchangeable calcium, organic carbon, and hydrochloric acid-
extractable metals such as aluminum, cadmium, copper, chromium, lead, manganese,
nickel, and zinc. In general, the spoil material and place land have approximate-
ly equal concentrations. The mining spoils, however, contain significantly higher
levels of cadmium and copper, increased Cadmium and Copper concentrations in
spoil material probably arise from the black shale above the coal seam which is
now dispersed throughout the overburden spoil materials. The spoils also contain
more exchangeable calcium but less organic carbon than place land. Tns higher
organic carbon content of the place land indicates that it is more fertile. .
The characteristics of the calcareous mine spoil material have been analyzed sepa-
rately and are presented in Table III-6. Clay species in the clay fraction of the
soil were investigated by the potash content, surface area, and x-ray diffraction
patterns of the soil particles. Ill it? is the dominant mineral and accounts for
54 percent of the total clay. Kaolinite was estimated at 27 percent, and chlorite
at 8 percent, vermiculite at 11 percent of the total.
C. Hydrology tod Water Quality
This section describes the hydrologicai and water quality characteristics of the
project area. The purposes of this review are to define local hydrologicaL pat-
terns, establish baseline water quality information, and define their interrela-
tionships. Moreover, the background quality of ground and surface waters and
their respective flows will determine their vulnerability to project operations.
111-13
-------
Table III-5 Metals, Exchangeable Calcium and Organic Content of Spoil Material
and Place Lands in Fulton County Prior to the Application of Digested
Sludge (MSDGC, Spring 1972)
Mean
Minimum
haximuir
Mean
Minimum
Maximum
0.1N HCi Exti actable Metals
Exchangeable Organic
Mn Zn Cu Cd Cr Ni Pb Al Ca Carbon
(ug/9 of Oven Dry Soil (*) (1)
509 154 31.7 6.7 4.79 3.52 1.22 0.2 0.83 0.61
384 79 11.1 3.2 1.90 000 0.63 0.24
620 208 €9.4 10.0 19.1 8.50 3.40 1.36 1.12 1.56
S40 146.1 31.4 7.5 2.62 4.55 1.23 0.08 0.36 1.64
317 92.0 10.3 3.2 1.48 2.23 0.30 .0 0.20 0.92
741 258.6 68.7 12.7 3.73 7.94 3.17 0.66 0.72 4.55
THREE SUCCESSIVE 5-MINUTE EXTRACTIONS OP 1.5 CRAMS OF SOIL WITH 15 MILLILITERS OF ACID
-------
Table III-6 Selected Characteristics of the Fulton County
Calcareous Mine Spoil Material (MSDGC, 1974)
Parameter and Unit Quantity
Spoil Material
pH 7.i
B.C. umhos/cm 0.46
1/3 bar watec (%) 26.72
15 bar water (I) 12.49
Cation exchange capacity (meq/100 g) 14.8
Ammonium fixation capacity (meg/100 g) 5.2
Silt content (I) 64
Clay content (I) 28
Sand content (I) 0
Clay Fraction Only
Illite (%} 54
Kaolinite (I) 27
Vermiculite («) 11
Chlorite (%) i
Surface area (m2/g) 138
K20 (i) 4.47
MgO (%) 2.29
CaO (%) 1.15
Na2° (*) 0-82
III-15
-------
1. Surface^ Water Hydrology
project site is located within the Illinois River Basin, tost of the
surface water is drained by Big Creek and Slug Run, a branch of Big Creek, to
Spoon River, a tributary of the Illinois River. The tributaries associated
with the project site, on a regional scale, are shown in Figure III-6. The flows
of Big Creek and Spoon River have been monitored at these USGS gage stations.
Two stations are located on Big Creek at St. David and near Bryant, and the third
on the Spoon River at Seville. The daily average, maximum and minimum discharges
at these stations in 1972 and 1973 are shown in fable III-7. (The detailed drain-
age pattern neac the project site is depicted in Figure III-7).
fable II1-7 Daily Discharges at USGS Sage
Station.? (USGS, 1972 and 1973)
1972 1973
Sage Stations Daily Discharge (efs)* Daily Discharge (cf8)
Mean Maximum Minimum Mean Maximum Minimum
Big Creek at St. David
(USGS Station 05570350) 16.9 137 1.9 39.4 700 7.6
Big Creek near Bryant
(USGS Station 05570370) 28.3 259 5.7 56.4 803 11.0
Spoon River at Seville
(USSS Station 05570000) 625.0 5150 37.0 — — —
*cubic feet per second
Based on a soil permeability of 10-5 cm/sec (as discussed in Section III-B), the
vertical infiltration rate ranges from 1.2 X 10-6 inches per hour for a rainfall
intensity of 1.01 inches per hour. The amount of rainwater infiltrating the
soil surface is relatively insignificant when compared to surface runoff. This
poor soil drainage forces moat rain water to be discharged to creeks or streams
as surface runoff. Flood hazards are generally confined to the flood plains.
2. Groundwater Hydrology
Migration or drainage of groundwater is much more difficult to define than for
surface water. With the aid of well-water elevations and river water levels, the
groundwater flow in the general arts has been interpreted qualitatively. The
water elevations in 22 wells within and around the project site have been observed
monthly by M5DQC personnel. After some data reduction, all observations are
expressed as an average value, accompanied by its standard deviation and range
111-16
-------
BU.XITVILLE
f
•IVTON F1AI,
met
LAKE
~ —
ftlttlMIL Illtl 1UI
^^_ WOO* RIVER VMU.EY
SCENIC DMVE
HMNKlllli
GO cmm Niumii •IIIEI
ra LS HKMWAV MARKER
0 STATE HKHIWW NARKER
A fPCClAL POtlNT OF INTEREST
Project Are§
ANDEMSON LAKE
Figure III-6. Illinois River and THbutarlts Associated with tht Project Site
ni-i?
-------
9*~aA*t* L*>**
^«f*» *•!*»
Ca«l» Rtt ,
fc«R»8\: I /
i '•<••> ^/y
l.ncrmq^hjx' ^V
Figure m-'« Pattern of Groundwater Flow (MSDGC 1372a through 1975g)
lll-io
-------
of variation throughout tha observatisn osriods. Tha results aca sunnac izei in
Table III-8. (Ml water elevations see based on 'JS3S namn sea laval with the
1929 adjustment.) utilizing wall watsc and stream watsr lavals, tha pattarn of
gcourdwatar flow can be approximated by the "streamline" method. This pattern
is displaya:! in Figure lli-7.
The intar actions between groundwatar and surface watsc systems cannot be attri-
buted solely to soil percolation or trans-migration because soils in this aras
are relatively impermeable. Therefore, surface water flow is ganarally Jarivsd
from upstraa® tributary flow, atom runoff, and snow melt. Paths of raoid flow
betwasn ground and ma face waters nay furnish the mechanism for grouniwatar
depletion.
3. *atar juality
To ass33s possible impact on water quality fron project operations, surface and
grounSwater quality prior to project inpiaaentation t»ust be astablishei. Using
1971 as tha baseline year, stream watsr quality at nonitorinj stations 3i, 32,
and S3 (see Figure V-4) is suwnarizeJ in rable III-9. Thase leasuranents were
then conparei to standards for the State of Illinois whish aca presented in Chap-
ter II. The 1971 oH values and the chloride, cadniu'H, chroniun, manganese,
Tiercury, niskel, and zinc concentrations weca generally in confortiance with water
quality standards, ^vetage concentrations of aulfate ions (S34), copper and laad
were within or marginally close to standards, although the standards ware violat33*
occasionally, as evidenced by the 1971 naxinon concentrations which wera all Mjher
than allowed, \mionia nitrogen (OTI -N>. ir?«s, ir.3 Cscal coliform concentrations
violated standard on nuuet^js occaiions, indicating oollution in 3ig Creelc.
violations were not caused by the sludge application project,
Stations 31 and S2 on Big Creek constituta an upstcsm-jownstraati pair relative
to tha project site. Poor water quality at upstcean station 51, which carwot
be affected by the project, is attributabla to 32wage affluent fron the Canton
sewage treatment plant and other sources of pollution uostrean from si. Sine-
rally, the strean at station 31 was lower in quality than at the downstr3an
station 32 with respect to aitnonia nitrogen, chlorine, sulfmte ions, copper and
fecal conforms. This indicates thtt clsansing and dilution occurred along the
approximately 6.5-mile stream reach between the two stations, tavels of caJmiun,
iron, nickel, and zinc remained ralativaly constant at both stations. Surface
runoff and leachates originating in the strip-mi led area along this sagne.it of
9ig Crsak nay contribute to increased levels of chromium, laad and aanganssa in
tha downstream direction.
Sroundwatat samples wert collected from a number of wells anJ one spring. Tha
measured ranges of all ground water quality parameters reported in 1971 and 1972,
prior to project operations, are presents* in Table 111-10. in this table, the
welt associate] with naximua raailng of m given parameter is designated by paren-
theses. Hells W2, i*4, W9, Mil, W12, and W13 indicated high degrees of contamina-
tion. Variations in concentrations of nitrite and nitrate nitrogen
ml ammonia nitrogen at all monitoring stations ire suimarizaJ in Table
III-ll for 1972.
111-13
-------
Ttole HI-8 Htvitlons of Hell Miter (NSUC 1972 I through 1975 9)
M*11
Hun Elevation |ft.**1)
Stmdtftf
Range of
Deviation (ft )
»*rf»t1ori (ft.)
Obiirvatloro
HI W2 W3 H4 MS H6
617.9
78
24.0
0 0 0 0 0 18
U7
606.8
2 0
6.0
20
H8
632.2
3 i
9,9
11
M
S93.6
2 1
(.0
18
U10
621.3
6 4
20.2
18
Hll
624. 5
1 4
4.0
9
H1Z
628.1
j 7
4.0
19
M13
601.6
0 9
3.0
13
H14
638.4
1 5
S.O
16
(toll
HIS MIC Hi? U1B W19 U20
HZt
M22
H23
H24
H2S
H26
H27
Htm Elevation (ft.Ml) 656.7 614.8 625.3 632.0 608.0 600.0 572.0 571.4 601.2 675.7 647.7 CS9.fi 673.8
SUr*d«rt Deviation (ft.) 0.4 0.6 3.7 1.2 16.2 — — 1.3 3.2 2.4 9.3 1.9 6.2
tang* of tarlttfM (ft.) 0.7 2.0 12.0 3.3 Cl.l — — 4.0 10.0 8.0 25.0 4.0 21.0
Observations 4 10 1C $ 14 1 1 10 20 21 20 7 19
-------
Table III-9 Surface Water Quality in 1971 (HSDGC, 1971)
Parameter
and Unit
PH
cr
(mg/l)
_2
so/
(mg/i )
WH,-N
(rag/1 )
Cd
(ing/1)
Cu
(mg/l )
Cr
("9/D
Monitorinq Station
mean
max.
min.
mean
max.
min.
mean
max.
min.
mean
max.
min.
mean
max.
min.
mean
max.
min.
mean
max.
rain.
SI
7.9
8.8
7.3
53
120
24
389
1,250
120
2.6
8.1
0.3
0
0
0
O.OE
0.13
0
0
0.18
0
52
8.1
8.7
7.1
28
72
4
381
879
80
1.8
6.6
0.1
0
0.06
0
0.02
0.06
0
0.02
0.28
0
S3
8.0
8.3
7.5
10
15
6
606
743
424
0.4
0.7
0.1
0
0.04
0
0.01
0.03
0
0.02
0.12
0
Parameter
and Unit
Fe
(mg/l)
Pb
(mg/l )
Mn
(mg/1)
Hg
(/g/i)
Ni
(mg/1)
Zn
(mg/1)
Fec?1
Col 1 forms
(1/100 ml)
Monitoring Station
mean
max.
min.
mean
max.
min.
mean
max.
min.
mean
max.
min.
mean
max.
min.
mean
max.
min.
mean
max.
min.
SI
1.5
4.8
0
0.05
0.2
0
0.7
0.98
0.06
0.05
0.2
0
0
0.35
0
0
0.2
0
7,500
34.000
270
S2
1.3
4.5
0.1
0.09
0.28
0
0.86
1.31
0.60
0
0.2
0
0
0.33
0
0
0.2
0
1,700
3,800
20
S3
0.3
0.6
0.1
0.08
0.2
0
0.47
0.96
0.24
0.2
0.6
0
0
0.31
0
0
0
0
920
4,000
80
111-21
-------
Table 111-10. Ranges of Various Water Quality Parameters 1n Well Water,
1971 and 1972, and U.S. Averages (MSDGC, 1972a through
1975 g; Durfor and Becker, 1964)
Parameter
and unit
PH
Total P
cr1
S04-2
Alkalinity
(CaC03)
Conduc-
tivity
Al
Cd
Ca
Cr
Cu
Fe
Pb
Hg
Mn
Hg
N1
K
Ha
Zn
Fecal
Colifomis
mg/1
rag/1
mg/1
rag/1
jumho
mg/1
mg/1
mg/1
mg/1
mg/1
mg/1
mg/1
mg/1
mg/1
jag/L
mg/1
mg/1
mg/1
"g/1
1/100 ml
1971
6.6-9.0
0.6.0 (W9)
2-500 (W4)
1-500 (W4)
4-1,650 (Wll)
90-1,050 (W17)
—
33-495 (yi2)
0-0.1 (H6)
0-0.39 (W6)
0-0.5 (W2)
0-118.7 (W9)
0-1.0 (W19)
21-390 (W12)
0-12.7 (W9)
0-20 (W19)
0-0.42 (W10)
0.1-24.9 (W4)
11.7-310 (W8)
0-390 (W12)
3-<100
Range 1n Quality
of Proundwater
Used for Water
,Q7? Supplies 1n 17
U.S. Study Areas
e.r-?.2
0-0.54 (W2)
2-488 (W4)
3-1,812 (M14)
100-1,000 (W11)
200-4,000 (W4)
--
38.5-883 (Wl)
0-0.22 (W2)
0-0.05 (W13; W18)
0-1.82 (W2)
0-182.6 (W13)
0-2.2 (W2)
23-410 (H14)
0-8.3 (W12)
0-2.8 (W7)
0-0.3
0-19.4 (W4)
7-646 (Hll)
0-140 (W10)
0-120 (M7)
6.7-8.7
—
2.0-92
0.8-572
—
108-1,660
2.9-83
3.2-121
--
ND-1.1
<0.8-15
1.1-6,600
ND-38
0.3-120
ND-340
—
ND-<15
0.4-30
6.1-129
ND-C470
— -.
NO • not detected.
IU-22
-------
Table Tii-ll Levels of Nitrite and Nitrite Nitrogen and
Ammonia Nitrogen in Well Maters in 1972
(NSDGC, 1972a through 1975g)
Well
Ml
W2
M4
M5
M7
W8
W9
W10
Wll
Ml 2
Ml 3
M14
Ml 5
yi?
M18
Ml 9
N02
Mean
0,03
0.03
0.29
0.04
0.16
0.01
0.02
0.02
0
0,03
0.08
0.01
0.06
0.81
0.03
0.03
+N03-N (rag
Max.
0.11
0.11
1.51
0.27
0.28
0.05
0.09
0.09
0.02
0.13
0.21
0.07
0.28
2.50
0.11
0.13
/I)
Min.
0
0
0
0
0.04
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
NH
Mean
0.40
0.30
1.1
0.2
0.5
1.8
1.0
0.8
1.8
0.8
0.6
0.6
1.1
0.5
1.8
0.99
3-N (mg/1)
Max.
0.70
4.10
1.9
0.6
1.1
4.3
1.7
1.6
2.1
1.3
0.8
1.3
1.9
2.2
2.7
2.0
Min.
0
0
0
0
0.1
0
0
0,4
1.4
0.2
0.3
0.1
0.3
0.1
1.3
0.0
m-23
-------
The U.S. Departmeat of Interior conducted a survey of water quality Crnm wells and
infiltration galleries in more than 17 study areas throughout the United States.
The range in quality of ground water used for water supply is sunwarized in Table
111-10 (Durfor and Becker, 1964). Comparison of the baseline groundwater in
the project area with that from the Department of the interior study indicates
that concentrations of Chromium, copper, iron, lead, manganese and nickel in the
project area were within the range found elsewhere in the United States; the
ranges of pH and zinc concentration were close to the national values. Concentra-
tions of chlorine, sulfate ion, calcium, magnesium, and sodium were higher than
those found nationwide, indicating that dissolved solids or salt concentrations
were relatively high in the project area, at least with reference to standards
for groundwater used as a water supply.
The recommended maximum level of nitrate nitrogen for drinking water is 10 milli-
grams per liter (mg/1) as nitrogen (U.S. Department of Public Health Service,
1962 and 1969). If all ammonia nitrogen were oxidized to nitrite or nitrate, the
range of nitrite and nitrate nitrogen concentrations in the project area would
fall between zero and 5.2 mg/1. This range falls within the lower one-third of
the national range of 0 to 17 mg/1 as reported by Durfor and Becker (1964). The
maximum nitrite and nitrate concentration of 5.21 mg/1, recorded at well W4 in
the community of Cuba, was well within the recommended drinking water standard.
The baseline quality of groundwater in the area of the project appears to be com-
patible with use for public water supply. However, the high overall concentration
of dissolved minerals, approximately three times the the U.S. standard of 500
pom could necessitate extensive hardness removal. Most municipal groundwater
supplies in the project vicinity are obtained from deep wells unaffected by sur-
face land disturbance.
D. Biology ftnd_ Ecosystems
Ihe following discussion of biology and ecosystems is divided into two sections:
fish and wildlife, and natural vegetation. Within each of these are discussed
major species, both past and present, and the rare and endangered species possibly
inhabiting the project area.
I- Pish and Wildlife
Fish abound in most of the local lakes, and are the most numerous vertebrates
in the study area. The predominant fish are bluegill, green and redear sunfish,
black crappie, yellow and black bullheads, large-mouth bass, and catfish.
h great diversity of wildlife currently inhabits the project area. Turtles,
frogs, water insects, and crustaceans ace abundant in lake Evelyn. There are also
some black snakes and signs of beaver activity. The steep-sided lakes formed by
strip mining have fewer crustaceans and water insects, but muskrats and frogs
are abundant. Land animals include dear, fox, raccoon, skunk, opossum, rabbit,
coyote, badger, groundhog, and weasel. Water fowl include ducks, geese (es-
pecially the giant Canada goose), swans and an occasional great blue heron. Other
birds include crows, hawks, warblers, robins, starlings, sparrows, red-winged
blackbirds, bluejays, and finches.
Within historic times, other animals have populated Fulton County. These prairie
III-24
-------
aninals included populations of alk, buffalo, trumpeter swans, sandhill ccaneSf
aid th» priicie chicken, 13 well as large predators like the cougar, bear, and
wolf. 3ij alusstsu, * oroject aimed at re-creating a native prairie on cart of
tha «<50GC property (the 2,972-acre former Sale Fir*) Is planned to create habitat
ss for a nuiiber of original prairie animals,
Six rara and endanger ad animal species are listed for the region containing Illi-
nois, Fish spaciss ace the longjaw Cisco and th* blue oika. didangered birds
ars the arctic peregrine falcon and Kir tl and1 3 warbler, and .mammals are the
Indiana bat and ths eastscn ti;*er *olf. Wtevar, the "probability of any of thass
soecias b?ini txasent in the project area is extraualy fsnota, ard shouli there-
fore not ocssant a oroblea.
2- Natural vegetation
Tm two tyoss of vegetation in the projact area consist of cultivitaJ T»nocultutfss
( oreloTiinantly corn) in the sludge application fields, and the area's natural
vegetation. Tha following is a cliscussian of this natural vegetation ani tha
locally car a and enian-gecei plant species which night occur.
The or edoninant geassaa sre brome, alfalfa, and teeJ canary grass. "Drees aca
those generally propagate! by wind-blown seeds, including sin, cottonwool, and
willow. «*33t 3f the lakaa in the project area ware famed from tha end cuts of
strio-nining operations, and have steeply sloping si lea and a small littoral zone.
This zone supports SOTO growth of Char a and Si tell a. Diatoms are the preSaiinant
alanktonic species. »*> cattails or reeds are present.
^ £ew lakes have gently sloping sides ini a relatively large littoral zone, lhass
lakas hav? an abundance of lake cattails and reeds. Diatons and lesser amounts
of green algae are the najor planktonic species. Sybtoerged aquatic vegetation
includas atonaworts, Chara, 'aitella. Blpdea, Vallssenaria, an.1 sone of ths Potona-
getons. Considsrabla miifcers o^ currant, raspberry, and blackberry bushes grow
along the banks.
Thare are three endangered plant species which vay axist in ths oroject area
(Federal Register, July 1, 1975). One, an endanger ed woodland species, is fetar
chase i, a woodland astar. Two endangered prairie species are Lesoedeza lepto-
stachya, a bush clover found on dry prairie, and p«t aloatenum fel loaim, a or air ie
clover founl near river banks.
E, Population .tod Seonaiics
Tnis section is a description and interpretation of tha baseline data needed for
the assessneit of ths socio-economic and land use iipacts of the project. What
is presantad here is a aelactive representation of a broad data collection effort
and contains only those data which are relevant to tha prediction of impacts. The
two main topics discussed in this section are demographic and economic characteris-
tics.
I. Oeaoiraphic Characteristics
Population will be a najor factor in determining tha types of land use for which
111-25
-------
there will be a demand in the project area. The following paragraphs discuss
historic and recent demographic trends in Pulton County, and give population
projections developed from analysis of trends. The section concludes with a
discussion of family income in the County.
a. Population trends - fable 111-12 shows historic population trends
in Pulton County,The County's population decreased from approximately
50,000 persons in 1910 to about 42,000 in 1970. Slight increases in the popula-
tions of Canton, Lewistown and Farmington slowed the decline in total population
to 6.1 percent between 1940 and 1970. However, an increase from 41,000 in April
1970, to 42,000 in July 1974, indicates that past declines may be reversed by
new factors which could lead to future population growth, the general demographic
trend prior to 1970 was one of declining rural population, only partially balanced
by increase in local town populations. approximately 30 percent of the population
was rural in 1910, declining to less than TO percent in 1970 (U.S. Bureau of the
Census, 1930 to 1970; Bnviro Control, Inc., 1975). Rural population decrease has
been caused largely by national decline in the labor intensiveness of farm produc-
tion.
TOwnship population data (1960-1970) show that growth is occurring along a corridor
of townships which cross the County from Canton and Orion Townships on the east to
Vermont Township on the west (see Figure II1-8). On both sides of this corridor,
township population is declining, it is noteworthy that these declining areas
are largely agricultural. The heavily strip-mined Townships of Putman, Canton
and Orion show significant population increase. Thus, in terms of population
growth, economic development tends to coincide with mining activities. During
this same period the communities of the County showed a pattern of population
change consisting of three components:
Major communities (Canton, Cuba, Lewistown, and
Farmington) increased significantly
Communities in the predominantly agricultural western
part of the County (Glltsville, Ipava, Marietta, and
Sroithfield) declined.
Other communities grew slowly
D- Population projections - Future population growth is predicted in the
most recent projections describing Pulton County and its surrounding water resour-
ces sub-region. The 1972-E OBERS Projections predict a 43 percent population
increase between 1970 and 2020 for the 29-county water resources sub-area contain-
ing Pulton County, The basis given is the expected expansion of manufacturing.
Increased opportunities in industry would facilitate the maintenance of the exist-
ing population, and would encourage population in-migration to the areas near new
industrial plants. Consistent with the 1972-E OBERS Projections are population
projections for Pulton County which have been released recently by the State of
Illinois (see Table I11-13 below). These 1975 projections by the Bureau of the
Budget, State of Illinois, predict a 29 percent increase in Pulton County's
population between 1970 and 2020.
111-26
-------
teres
Table m-12 Historical Population Trends in
Fulton Cou-ty (U.S. Census of Popu-
lation)
TMMhfp
As tor 1*
tanner
Eernadotte
Buckhjar:
Canton
Cast
Oeerfield
ElUsvlUe
Falrvltw
farmen
farming ton
Harris
Hsbel
Joshua
Kerton
Lee
Lewlstown
Liverpool
Orion
Pleasant
Putman
Union
Vermont
waterford
Woodland
teu«9 Hickory
Co.nmunity
Astoria
Bryant
St. David
Canton
NorHs
Smithfield
Elltcvltle
Filrvie*
table Grove
Farming ton
K*rf*tta
Lewd town
Ipav*
Cub*
Avon
Vermont
London Hills
Banner
Ouflftrvline
Liverpool
Land Area*
36.6
33,7
37.7
3S.1
35.7
38.7
34.8
13,8
36.4
35.7
36.2
33.8
29.5
35.8
27.3
37.2
3i.7
42.2
36.5
37.9
34.8
36.7
36.7
21.3
3*,7
24.3
1970
1,738
694
333
1.770
15,837
819
424
230
923
498
3,993
520
300
641
178
404
3,252
844
898
1.018
2,115
1.387
1,399
238
596
869
1.281
326
773
14,217
3S9
318
137
601
469
2,959
169
2.706
603
1,581
1,013
947
612
235
282
218
1960
1,781
739
362
1,974
15,080
83$
476
280
921
561
4,052
589
348
707
195
475
3,163
932
776
1,128
1,791
1,443
1,423
266
700
957
1,206
346
862
13,588
307
329
140
544
400
2,831
201
2,603
623
1,380
996
903
-
247
284
184
1950
1,976
755
369
2,257
15,056
948
528
319
1,029
617
3,150
680
387
813
283
496
3,237
1,057
789
1,199
2,025
1,340
1.490
346
843
906
1,308
395
812
11,927
319
35$
157
S68
481
2.651
178
2,630
667
1.482
870
940
.
215
292
•
1940
1,951
690
671
2,320
14,162
1,018
56(1
423
1.065
$67
3,937
903
507
857
370
5P4
2,943
1,071
900
1.299
2,159
1.370
1,590
352
976
940
1,292
387
859
11,577
339
3S9
216
528
480
2.225
193
2.335
629
1.620
803
94S
_
172
«•
*"
19JQ
1,997
617
643
2.S89
13,937
987
630
331
1.113
976
3,941
813
460
874
338
627
2,884
95$
781
1,333
2,123
1,355
i.602
303
976
798
1,189
442
977
11,718
329
315
164
522
463
2,269
202
2,249
63S
1,479
799
$48
432
,.
_
—
m-27
-------
UNION
Avon
-56
LEE
-71
S
OJ
London
Mills
-88
YOUNG
HICKORY
DEERFIELD
-52
FAIRVIEW
Fairview
e£3 +2
JOSHUA
-6C
Farmington
O
FARMINGTON
-54
CANTON
Canton
r
0 Ft. 16000
ORION
+122
HARRIS
a
Marietta
-69
CASS
-16
0
Snrithfield
+324
i JCKHEART
J P
JJunfjririTine
OBryant -204
Banner
BANNER
-45
-63
FARMER'S
Table Grove
h
LEHISTOWN
BERNADOTTE
VERMONT
-24
Vermont
PLEASANT
-110
ASTORIA
Astoria
WOODLAND
-43
-104
-17
Township Population Change, Plus (+) or Minus {-)
Figure OT-8 Fulton County Township Population Change, 1960-1970 (U.S. Census of Populatl
111-28
-------
Table 111-13 Population Projections for Fultrn County
(Illinois Population Projections, 1975)
1970
Census 1975 1980 1985 1990 2000 2020
41,383 41,303 42,031 43,196 44,691 49,454 54,048
c. Family income - Median family income in Pulton County is relatively
high when compared to other predominantly rural counties (Griffin and Chicoine,
1974). Principal causes for higher income art the availability of nearby manu-
facturing employment and historic labor-intensive nodes of agricultural and
strip-mine production. Much of the manufacturing employment pays high union
wages. Many other, less well-paid members of the work force are able to supple-
ment their income by working shifts at the factories. Fewer people work on farms
or at strip mines at present, but the skills required to operate increasingly
sophisticated equipment enable them to command higher salaries.
Table 111-14 shows that the median family income has been increasing at approxi-
mately the same rate in Fulton County as in the entire country.
Table 111-14 Trends in Median Family Income (in 1967 dollars)
(County and City Data Book, 1972, 1967, 1956;
Statistical Abstract of tha United States, 1974, 1977)
Geographic unit 1949 1959 1969 1970
Fulton County $4,235 $5,981 $7,852 $8,619
United States $4,603 $6,334 $8,486 $9,586
2. Economic Characteristics
A number of local economic conditions will influence the overall impacts of the
project. These conditions are described in the followi.ig section in terms of
historic trends and current and probable future conditions. The analysis is
divided into two major topics. The first consists of employment and governmental
finances, including land values in relation to tax base. These factors create a
111-29
-------
fr r»awor k for in ansuinj description af tha agricultural, niaiig and manufacturing
and tha e stall and whoiasaia trada sectors of tha local aconony, which is th?
second topic.
i. Bnployaent and fiscal tr anja - rablt 111-15 sumarizas a datailad
history of anploynent in Pul tan County. Savar al general trends ar» apparent
in thasa iati. Large declines in enploynent hava occurred in ths agricultural
and mining sectors? littla change has occurcsi in ser/icas an3 wholasala tf»3»}
nanuf actur inj has fluctuatsJ? ani slight incrsasas hava occurrei in catail
traJs.
rJsa \n
Lan3 uaa is one ohysisal nanifastation of sociil anJ aeons*!: valuss. In ths
following section, iata Jassri'oing oaat anJ current lard asa, is wall as ocojactsJ
social andl asononic tcsnJs, are uaaJ to pcojsst tutors Ian3 usa.
I. gstataUahe^^ses of Land!
Ihs following aiscuaston of lanJ usa is aiviJeS iato two -najor satsgoriaas
. Lard ass •oattacns
. US2 of strio-niiei Ian3.
a. Land use pattern - \ sounty-wiJs invantocy of lanJ usa was na3a in
1953 ( Har I an3 Bar thol otiaw ani
-------
Table m-15 Employment Structure In Fulton County, Illinois
(U.S. Census, County Business Patterns and Census
of Government)
COMPONEHT
Agriculture
Manufacturing
Trade-Retail
Trade-Mho 'resale
Services
Mining
Contract Construction
Forestry & Other
Government^
Education3
Total
(Teachers)
For Class 1-5 farms
more.
2
Years
1950
43Q2
1953
2,601
1,726
276
467
1,268
133
7
1957
1,317
390
for wrker
1959
384?
1959 1964
919 2,683
612 1,715
IbS 180
195 828
837
265 134
20 10
1962
1,319
295
(229)
by number of days
1964
3922
1967
3,605
1,898
227
1,024
1,004
127
1967
2,177
505
(375)
worked —
1969
1231
1972
2,551
2,004
221
1,273
699
192
1972
1,913
955
(673)
150 days or
Local government employment and payroll 1n Individual city areas.
Ill - 31
-------
Table m-16 Historical Agricultural Trends in Fulton County, Illinois (U.S. Census of Agriculture)
Farms
Land In Farms (acres)
Average Size of Farms (acres)
Land in Farms (%)
Farm Population
Farm Operators on Farms
Hired Workers
Absentee Farm Operators
1940
1945
1950
1959
1969
3,199
501 ,867
156.9
89.7
HA
2,885
739
165
2,892
489,318
169.2
87.5
10,614
2,709
376
173
2,780
489,919
169.2
87.6
NA
2,621,
842'
131
2.314
496,427
214.5
88.7
NA
1 ,925,
680 '
176
1,772
464,314
262.0
82.7
5,890
1,323
NA
311
Total Cropland (acres)
Total Pastureland (acres)2
M Corn (acres)
M Sorghums (acres)
w Oats (acres)
Winter Wheat (acres)
Soybeans (acres)
Cattle and Calves
Cow Milked
Hogs and Pigs
Chickens
Value of All Products (1967 dollars) $12,646,440 $23,988,145 $23,826,590 $26,523,367 $31,483,785
251 ,635
106,985
63
35,334
33,832
24,916
41,789
12,395
79,753
209,967
269,964
189,129
132,621
48
29,264
13,348
46.783
54,109
11,762
122,229
252,613
261 ,894
183,518
128,421
41
45,678
13,348
31,037
47,836
9,953
161,982
187,980
293,928
164,126
148,893
365
27,795
19,071
39,451
61,933
4,002
204,669
125,604
302,083
129.482
145,884
380
12.578
56,302
55,674
902
120,332
59,770
l
Number of farms reporting the use of hired help.
class 1-5 farms (greater than $2,500 sales).
-------
Mill
I^BK SPOON RIVUMUEV
SCENE tWIVf
--- ill nmm
GQ emu MMWIV MIIII
NAMWI
ANOCIISON LAKE
0 STATE MK3HWW HMKU
A SKCMt PONT OF INTEUfST
Residential and
Comerclal areas
Strip Mitring
Figure Hl-9 F-jlton County Und Use, 1968
(Harland Bartholtwew and Associates. 1969}
ni-33
-------
exhibit potential for future growth.
The predominant urban Land use is residential, accounting for almost 38 percent
of the total urban area (Barland, Bartholomew and Associates, 1969). Most indus-
trial activities are located in or adjacent to urban areas; remaining rural
industrial operations are mostly agriculturally oriented. Strip-mining activities
are located in the. central, northeastern, and southwestern sections of the County.
Agricultural activities are located throughout the County.
Substantial, widely scattered forests are located along streams and in areas
where steep slopes have limited the use of the land. Major conservation districts
are located along the Illinois River. Parks and private recreation clubs occupy
many other scattered areas. Hunting, fishing, and camping are the primary recrea-
tional activities. Mast recreation is seasonal and requires an extensive amount
of land per user. Host regional recreation is concentrated at Dickson Mounds
State Park and throughout the Spoon River Valley. Parks are planned for several
sites near the Spoon River (Bordner, 1975).
The major land holders in Pulton County are the mining companies, incorporated
farms and owners of a number of large farms, as well as HSDGC. Land holdings
as of 1973 are detailed in Table 111-17, indicating that large portions of the
County are owned by relatively few individuals and corporations. Tue existence
of large tracts of land makes it relatively easy to buy land for recreation,
conservation, industrial development, or strip mining.
Table 111-17. Major Land Holders in Pulton County, 1973
(Pulton County Plat Book, 1973)
Land Holders
Total County Land
Mining companies 41,716.58 7.43
Incorporated Farms (9 companies) 25,382.90 4.52
Other Major Farms (IB owners) 12,576.05 2.24
rtSDQC 9,711.31* 1.73
State of Illinois 4,266.33 0.76
Private Recreation 2,912.28 O.S1
Banks 1,998.90 0.35
Major Developers 1,676.44 0.29
Industrial Firms 832.40 0.14
Total 101,073.19 18.01
* Acreage was 15,528 as of August 1975
111-34
-------
b. Use of strip-mined land - A 1973 survey identified land use in
currently and formerly strip-minedareas {Sandberg, 1973). Table 111-13 sutmna-
rizes the existing use of reclaimed and unreclaimed strip-mined lands, unreclaim-
ed lands were defined as areas where no attempt has been made to reclaim stripped
land to a productive use. Reclaimed lands were defined as areas where the land
has been leveled to reasonable slopes and surface drainage has been restored.
Fulton County contains about 21,600 acres of unreclaimed and 15,500 acres of re-
claimed strip-mined lands. Most unreclaimed areas are in woodlands, light cover,
or no covet; lost reclaimed areas are in light cover, light pasture, or heavy
pasture. In 1973, none of the unreclaimed mining sites and less than 3 percent of
the reclaimed sites were used as cropland.
2» Projected Uses of Land
The 1990 land use plan for Fulton County designates future land use on the basis oC
1968 estimates of future demographic and economic change. Since the anticipated
changes were minor, these future designations are closely related to the existing
land use pattern (Figure III-9).
Residential uses are expected to increasingly concentrate in and near the estab-
lished urbanized areas. Major residential growth is expected to the east and
northwest of Canton? to the north, east, and west of Lewistownj to the west and
northeast of of Farmingtonj and around Avon, Cuba, and Vermont. Increases are
anticipated in the naiber of single-family, multifamily and mobile home dwellings
in tract subdivisions, and decreases are expected in the number of farm residences.
Commercial uses are predicted to concentrate in the central business districts of
Canton, Lewistown and Farmington. The plan anticipates major industrial areas
near Liverpool and in and near Canton, Lewistown, and Farmington. The anticipated
major new public lands are six reservoirs with adjacent forest preserves (see
Figure III-IQ). Conservation and recreation expansion would concentrate in the
surroundings of the Spoon River Scenic Drive along the river from DicKson Mounds
to London Mills.
Most future strip mining is expected to occur north of Canton. % major emphasis
in the County's land use policy is the reclamation of strip-mined lands. Stringent
conditional use permits regulate the nuisance aspects of strip-mining and require
substantial reclamation of the land. Land use is also regulated on a County-wide
basis by a zoning ordinance, and Canton, Cifca and Faraington hava separate ordi-
nances.
3. Land Pevelogment Potential
The potential for actual land development depends upon the interaction among land
suitability, accessibility and attractiveness, with the social and economic
factors of land use demand discussed earlier. Hie suitability, accessibility
and attractiveness of land are the physical components of developed potential}
they deal with the conditions of the site, its location and aesthetics.
S. Environmentally Sensitive Areas
Pulton County has a number of environmentally sensitive land areas and resources.
111-35
-------
TabltIII-18 Sn Land Ult S«r«»y af Strip-Hint lands t« Fulton County. Illinois (Sandbtrf.
Ust *~ .^^
A. *»dl*nd»
1. lljnt C«mr
C, HIM Pasturt
0. Wavy Pasturt
i. Cropland
F. Rti1tf«Kt
6. Co—area
H. Industry
I. landfill
J. Public taeroatlofl
K. PHvatt Kacnatlon
L. Public 1 Saalpubltc
N, eonstnat1on*M11dl1fa
H. unustd-W Caiwr
TOTAL ACRES
tALUE PCfl ACRE*
UnrtclalMd
lands
8518
6547
1011
.
-
-
-
222
IS
-
190
.
.
5068
21,S?1
Mint Mattr
Maitts Araas
-
-
247
-
-
.
.
3H
•
-
374
9
388S
m«
2, Ml 4,271
$2S» **
lands
192
40C4
stu
3123
40S
2S1
-
-
-
-
241
-
-
988
1S.4SC
$321
* Vtlut Mr Acrt • 1001 «tlu* IK 1967 dollars
** hut not IncluJ* tk* «*1iM af nrlnlnf tqutpMnt ind itruetvrat ,
1nelud*d dtmt. femMtf !•«*» nhcrt ttw f round surfic* MM not
or rtnly »«•" In tht Mrl*1 pnotofriphlc Int«rpr«ut1on,
B. tight C8«tf tfMerlbM ir*tt irith turfic* cover af taat fen or athtr,
usually irtitts. low ihrabi ind »c«turwl trtm,
C, llaht Nit»r» eftwi iiKludtd 1«11ar
IMaramoporatloM.
'•
tM covt
<* *" an* untrv wild xtttt nattrlils art biirltd tn a daw trcnck
«ftk dirt.
or unit of local
J- ^' ^ Ucrtatlon Una* art OMHd by a public
M* «r*«tJt avalTabla fer 1st by tkt pntraf public.
K. Pr1»aU
and art wm
fuepotion Arta« Includa golf cluka, prlwto rttorvts, ca^n and tht llkt
labla to ••*tn or oww-s. not tkt lit art! tidlllc.
L. *utHe and Sartoidille U«d» includt schaoli, churchti. ctMtarlM, prill Ic f«**t
planUand ilMllar uaat.
1- ContorinrtloiMHIdllft ArtM Includa Mttr ar*a* and swrovndlnf lands «n1cft. by
vlrtw of proilvlty. crtata a Mbltat for «r1l
-------
' MICE
' LAKE
SPOON RIVER VALLEY
SCENIC
MIVE
CONTI NltNVU M«IKH
US HIGHWAY MARKER
STATE HKHWW MARKER
SKCIAL POINT OF INTEREST
ANDCRSON LAKE
linn Conservation Zones
V Proposed Reservoirs
and Forest Preserves
Figure ITI-10 Major Environmentally Sensitive Areas 1n Fulton County
(Harland Bartholomew Associates, 1969)
III-3-
-------
Ihese are depicted in Figure 111-10 and identified in the ensuing discussion of
water, land, and cultural resources.
1. Water Resources
Surface water is a source for some public and industrial watar supplies in Pulton
County. Six multi-use reservoirs (forest, conservation, recreation, and water
supply) are planned to maximize future use of surface water supplies. Pollution
in the Spoon River or Copperas Creek watersheds would severely degrade the value
of these resources. The entire length of the Spoon River is especially valuable
because it is one of the last remaining natural streams in the State of Illinois.
Wetland areas comprise another environmentally sensitive local resource; they are
located primarily in the flood plain of the Illinois River and are not directly
affected by the project, Major wetland conservation areas include Rice and Ander-
son Lakes, which serve as habitats for large populations of game and migratory
birds. Lakes and ponds created by strip mining in the project area are currently
important to a flock of Canada geese.
2. land Resources
Besides the flood plain wetlands, there are four upland types of environmentally
sensitive areas in Pulton County, the first of these, strip-mined land, is
particularly susceptible to damage by erosion. Sparse vegetative cover, steep
slopes, and poor soil permeability are three factors contributing to the erosion
of unreclaimed or incompletely reclaimed strip-mined areas. Erosion diminishes
downstream water quality and accelerates sedimentation in downstream reservoirs.
Prime agricultural land, watershed woodland, and tallgrass prairie are valuable
natural resources. The prune agricultural lands in Pulton County are character-
ized by thick, deeply weathered loess soils, small topographic relief, and few
stones in the uppar soil layers. Large fields of these prime soils are well
suited for highly mechanized methods of agricultural production.
The main values of local woodland are its recreation potential and ability to pro-
tect the quality of surface water by stabilizing soils and reducing runoff volume
and velocity, which are key factors in erosion. The local importance of surface
water in Pulton County intensifies the value of these woodlands. The most valuable
woodlands are found in the watershed of the Spoon River valley and in watersheds
upstream from each of the planned reservoirs.
Prairie, particularly tallgrass prairie, such as that being planted as a part of
trie Bluestem Management Plan, is environmentally valuable for a number of reasons.
First, it would preserve a rare portion of Illinois' natural history. In addition,
such prairie can serve as a conservation area for wildlife, including such locally
rare species as the greater prairie chicken, sharp-tailed grouse, trumpeter swan,
and the sandhill crane. Finally, prairie grasses, with tneir deep abundant roots,
provide excellent soil-building and erosion control characteristics.
3. Cultural Resources
Fulton County has numerous areas devoted primarily to outdoor recreation. Local
III-3S
-------
recreation needs of many residents are met by public park districts in Canton,
Lewistown, and Farmington. Public recreation needs of a more regional scope are
served by a 400-acre tract of land which has been made available to the County
by the NSOGC. Private recreation includes an area at Lake Wee-fia-TuK, several
private hunting and fishing areas on strip-mined lands, and campsites with trails
for use of oCf-the-road vehicles on private lands. The most environmentally sen-
sitive recreation resources are those located adjacent to streams and lakes.
Fulton County has a number of historic and archaeological sites. Old mansions,
"underground railway" stations, and early shaft coal mines are located throughout
the County. An extensive prehistoric mound-building culture left over 800 mounds
in the area, The most important of these, the oickson Mounds, are preserved as a
state museum. According to National Register Assistant, rheodore Hild, no histo-
ric sites are affected by the project.
111-39
-------
Chapter IV
Description of the Project
-------
IV.
The land reclamation prajest of th? *SOOC is locates centrally in Fulton County,
Illinois. 1*19 prajast site is iirnediataly saat of tha Viilaga of Cubs at appraxi-
nataly 25 idles west-southwest of Peoria. Most of tha site is between the Cuba-
Canton Road (Illinois touts 5) and Illinois Route 100 near Canton to the northeast
and Lewistawn to tha south. 3ig Crsak flows southwesterly through the praject
site ani nerges with Spoon Rivac, which is a tributary of ths Illinois Rivsr, a
inajor navigable waterway. ^ regional nap prepared Eton a Is250,000 US33
-------
Figure W-l Sludge Application Fields at the Project Site
and Their Rynoff Retention Basins (MSDSC, 1975d)
xy-2
-------
MSD N
DECLAMATION PROJECT
IMIi IKK
__ SPOON RIVER VM.IEV
SCEMC MIVE
-—-•» pimm
5] CHUT* mtiMf MIKEI
63 US MGMVftY MARKER
(7) STATE HIGHUfW MARKER
.m STCCIAL POINT or INTEREST
ANDERSON LANE
• WKMC TRAIL
-•KE HOUT1
nCNKXMG C • CAMMMC
Figure w-2 Unloading Dock, Plptllnt Routing, and Holding Basins.
IV-3
-------
1972
1975
Sludge barged from
the WSM Plant to the
project site
Sludge barged from the
Lawndale Lagoons to the
project site
Supernatant barged back
from the project site
to the WSW Plant
Figure
Past Sludge Shipments between West-Southwest Plant
Lawndale Lagoons, and Holding Basins at Project Site
(HSD6C, 1972 a,b» 1973 a through h, 1974 a through 1,
1975 a through g)
-------
fafcle lf-1, teMinca of Sludge and Supernatant Barged Co and fro* the Balding B«iln* la Pulton County
Sludge Barged from:
rUIOO USU Plant
10 6 Gallon* Wet Ton*
kth Quarter, 1972
l*t Quarter, 1973
2nd Quarter, 1973
3rd Quarter, 1973
4th Quarter, 1973
let Quarter, 1974
2nd Quarter, 1974
3rd Quarter. 1974
4th Quarter, 1974
let Quarter, 1975
2nd Quarter, 1975
3rd Quarter, 1975
4th Quarter, 1971
lat Quarter, 197*
2nd Quarter, 1971
3rd Quarter, 1976
4th Quarter. 1971
1st Quarter. 197?
April, 1977
•** Subtotal
•** total
164.3 490,065
137.5 577,427
145. 5 611,309
69.1 149,230
84.5 354,769
132.7 557,279
147.1 617,810
72.0 102,561
41.9 175,812
114.1 479.189
35.2 147,689
__ __
61.4 257,738
100.0 420,115
11,4 47,888
— __
50.4 211,596
20.0 84.101
__ __
1,387.1 5,684,598
•
Lawndal* Lagoona
10* G.I '.on. U*c TOM
~~ ~~
_
— —
1.53 6,427
8.13 34,129
_ __
5.08 21,321
6.82 28,650
—
— —
—
__
~
—
—
_ __
—
—
~ —
21.56 90,527
Both USW I Lawndale
, „_
__ __
—
47.0 197,317
— —
—
63.8 268,147
77.8 327,017
— —
37.3 366,519
84.8 356,308
22.2 93,362
- -
106.7 448,340
104.0 437.004
74.6 374,964
..
-— - —
668.2 2868,978
Supernatant Returned to:
HSU Plant . Lumdale Lagc^oa
106 Gallon* Wet Tom
—
-._ __
2.08 8,746
56.6 209,199
10.0 126,750
87.4 366,808
64.6 271,139
113.1 475,022
101.4 425,703
7.82. 32,851
—
65.3 272,783
6.2 26,221
~
— --
—
—
—
534.5 2,215,22;
106C«llon« Vet Ton*
.. «
—
__ _.
—
-- —
— —
—
6.75 28,360
2.52 10,587
__ __
36.2 181,229
70.3 295,114
23.3 97,655
— —
__
__ __
—
—
—
139.1 612,945
1
2,076.9 million gallona or 8,644,103 wet tone 673.6 Billion gallona or 2,828,167 v«t
• fnnm
* facludtng SepteelMr 1975
** bcli«ll«« October 1975
Seetenber and October,
1975
-------
the total wet tons of sludge applied to the project fields, the cumulative fluid
volume of sludge applied was 244.8 million gallons through an application period
of 13 months, beginning in April 1972 and ending in May 1975. Daily composite
samples of sludge have been taken from the WSW plant loading dock and the Mannheim
Etoad Terminal loading dock nest to the Lawndale lagoons. Vie data on total solids,
volatile solids and acids, and alkalinity are analyzed and plotted on logarithm-
probability paper in Figures IV-4 through IV-7 foe sludge originating from Lawndala
lagoons and Figures IV-8 through IV-11 for sludge from the WSW plant digesters.
Sludge drawn from WSW digesters is occasionally used to dilute sludge from Lawndale
lagoons to improve pumping efficiency. Mixtures of plant and lagoon sludges are
regarded as sludge from Lawndale since there are no data reflecting the mixture.
In these figures, the frequencies of sludge constituent concentrations, such as
total solids, volatile solids, volatile acids, or alkalinity, are given in percent.
Figures IV-4 through IV-11 show the geometric mean, geometric standard deviation,
and number of observations, providing a general picture of the data spread or
fluctuation. The plottings for volatile acids and alkalinity of sludges from both
the WSW plant and Lawndale lagoons approximate two straight segments with a break
point. Probably this is attributable to digester performance or to the different
ages of sludge in the lagoons.
Properly digested sludge generally has high alkalinity and low volatile acids.
Total solids and total volatile solids ace less sensitive sludge quality indicators
than are volatile acids or alkalinity. Sludge quality was compared with applicable
sludge quality standards specified in the operating permit issued to the NSOGC.
The applicable standards and the results of the comparative study are summarized
in Table IV-3. In addition to the four parameters cited above, the pa value is in-
cluded. Based on the length of the monitoring period, the number of samples, and
the applicable standards, the number of deficiencies permitted was calculated and
indicated in Table IV-3. Compliance of sludge quality with applicable standards is
determined by comparing the actual number of deficiencies with the permissible num-
ber. The frequency of deficiencies is summarized below in Table W-2.
fable IV-2. Compliance of Sludge Quality with Applicable Standards as of May
1975 (MSDGC, 1972a through 1975g; Bivico Control, Inc., 1976)
Total
volatile Solids volatile Acids Alkalinity pH
Sludge from Total Total Deficient 9.5% Total
Lawndale Lagoons compliance compliance of the time compliance
Sludge from Deficient 3.8% Total Deficient 1.4% Deficient 1.3%
WSW Plant of the time compliance of the time of the tine
The past deficiencies reported here are in some respects misleading. In November
of 1975, the Pulton County Health Department revised the volatile acids and alka-
linity standards to account for the fact that some of the sludge shipped to Pulton
County has been in storage in the Lawndale lagoons foe up to 15 years. Exceedingly
long storage periods cause a decline in alkalinity as a consequence of ammonia
volatilization. This at least partially accounts foe the relatively high number
IV-6
-------
»*
o
10
9
8
7
6
Total Solids
.512 5 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90
Occurrence of Concentrations of Total Sol Ids
95 98 99 99,5
the Stated Value (%)
Figure IV-4 Total Solids Concentration 1n Sludge from the
Lawndale Lagoons (MSDGC, 1972a, through 1975g;
Envlro Control Inc.. 1975)
100
90
80
70
60
5 5°
«£ 40
S 30
20
Volatile Solids
10 .5 1 2 5 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90
Occurrence of Concentration of Vo'latile Solids
Figure iv-5
95 989999.5
. the Stated Value
Volatile Sol Ids Concentrations in Sludfe from
the Lawndale Lagoons (MSDGC, 19728 through 1975g;
Envlro Control Inc. , 1975)
-------
Volatile Acids
u
*
200
100
90
80
70
60
50
40
30
* 20
10 1 2 5 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 95
Occurrence of Concentrations of Volatile Adds £
Figure
98 99
the Stated Value (%)
Volatile Adds Concentrations in Sludge from
the Lawndale Lagoons (MSDGC, 1972a through
1975g; En viro Control Inc., 1975)
o
o
Ifl
10,000
9,000
8,000
» 7,000
6,000
5,000
4,000
3 3,000
2,000
Alkalinity
1,000 12 5 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 95 98 99
Occurrence of Concentrations of Alkalinity 4; the Stated Value (!)
Figure iv-? Alkalinity Concentrations 1n Sludge from the
Lawndale Lagoons (MSDGC, 1972a through
1975g; Envlro Control Inc., 1975}
IV-8
-------
Total Solids
10
9
8
7
6
TS
4-i
o
1
•2 .5 1 2 5 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 95 98 99 99.5 99.8
Occurrence of Concentrations of Total Solids £ the Stated Value (%)
Figure IV-8 Total Solids Concentrations in Sludge from the WSH Plant
(MSDGC, 1972a through 197Sg; Enviro Control Inc., 1975)
100
90
80
70
60
50
40
Total Volatile SolIds
o
tS)
v
£ 30
20
10
.2.512 5 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 95 98 99 99.5 99.8
Occurrence of Concentrations of Total Volatile Solids! the Stated Value (X)
Figure
Total Volatile Solids Concentrations in Sludge from the
WSM Plant (MSDGC, 1972a through 1975g; Enviro Control Inc.,
19754
-------
TOT
*^*
U
U)
u
a.;
ym,
t->
to
*o
200
100
90
80
70
60
50
40
30
20
Volatile Acids
10
1 2 5 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 SO 95 98 99
Occurrence of Concentrations of Volatile Acids & the Stated Value
Figure IV-10 Volatile Acids Concentrations in Sludge
from the WSW Plant (MSDGC, 1972 a through
1975 g; Enviro Control Inc., 1975)
10,000
9,000
8,000
-7,000
S 6,000
* 5,000
* 4,000
t~*>
i 3'°°°
5?
I 2,000
m
Alkalinity
1.000
12 5 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 95 98 99
Occurrence of Concentrations of Alkalinity 6 the Stated Value (X)
Figure IW-U Alkalinity Concentrations in Sludge from
the WSM Plant (HSD6C, 1972 a through 1975 g;
Enviro Control Inc., 1975)
-------
Tablt iv-3 Co*Mrtson of Sludge Characteristics With Appl(cattle Sludge Quality Standards (mOGC, W?a through 1975g; Envlro Control, Inc., 1976)
Sludqt Quality Parameter
Applicable Sludge QiMllty Standards
Itartxr of Saaoles
^iSLtr1" 6«>«itr1e (tea*
i Jimnt fieawtrlc Standard Oevlation
uguu ^ ef vtoution* iNrtHtlfd
Actual No. of VtoUtions
NMbcr of S«l>let ,
iludm froa Seonetrlc MMR
USN P)*nt GaoMtrlc SUmUrd Devtitton
*.. of vi»Utiom Pemlttwl
ActiMl No. of VtoUtions
ToUl Solids
Hot Ay*1 table
14?
"Mr~ '
TM
Not Apptttatile
Not Applicable
3%
377* •""
1.1
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
ToUl
Volatile So) ids
No 24-hr, coflposite
sanple my txceed
6?t of total ioHds.
130
511
1.1
0 ' " "
0
3fi7
w
1.1
0
S " "
Volatile Adds
(as Acetic Acid)
No nre than flv* 24-
hr, composite samples
•ty exceed 300 mg/1 In
30 days.
69
62.9/1
1.6
«5
0
241
45.Q/1
1.6
90
1
Alkalinity
(as CaCOj)
No inre than SI of
the 24-hr, composite
sanples In 30 days msy
be lower than 2,500 «q/l.
137
3.UO«g/t
1.1
" ' 7 '
?d
Z?Z
4.?60 m.n
l."2
11
14
PM T
No 24-hr, compos-
ite saaple mty be
less than 6.9 units.
141
?,4(Ar1MKtic Mean!
Not Applicable
0
a
394
8. 0| Arithmetic Mean
Not Applicable
0
5
-------
of alkalinity deficiencies of sludge taken from the Lawndale Lagoons. With the
exception of alkalinity, sludge originating from the Lawndale Lagoons has a gene-
rally higher quality than sludge drawn from the WSW Plant digesters, which is also
attributable to the aging of sludge in the lagoons. Sludge drawn from the diges-
ters has occasionally been substandard in terms of total volatile solids, alkalinity,
and/or pH. Fulton County amended their sludge quality standards in November 1975
recognizing problems associated with alkalinity. Since that time sludge segments
have met all applicable standards. If the standards had not been changed, there
would not have been much effect since sludge quality had improved.
2. Sludge Storage
The average sludge storage time in these holding basins can be estimated by a
number of methods. Because the holding basins were never used at full capacity,
a method for estimating the average storage time is as follows:
ts (months) - (fp - Fr )MG » (1397.5-477t4) x 106 gal - 49 months
Ff *C/month (244.8 x 10G gal/13 months)
Where ts = average storage time
Fb = sludge barged to the holding basins
Fr - supernatant returned to Chicago
and Ff - sludge applied to fields
This estimation does not account for loss of sludge water by evaporatiin or increase
by rainfall. * storage time of 49 months is considerably long, and is a result of
low sludge application volumes during the development stages of the project.
The application rate was originally proposed to be 70 dry tons per acre per year
in the first year and taper down to 20 dry tons/acre/year in the fifth year of
operations (Dalton and Murphy, 1973). These rates correspond to 726.5 and 207.6
million gallons of sludge, based on a 4 percent total solids content, applied to
Fields II through 138, having a total area of 1,731.6 acres. Accordingly, the
mean storage capacity was provided for at least a six-month storage or retention
time.
Assuming a 20 dry tons/acre/year application rate and a 4 percent solids content,
the basin could store sufficient solids for a maximum development of application
fields of approximately 26,960 acres. Presumably this surplus capacity of the
holding basins was justified for the purpose of stockpiling sludge reserves during
the early years of project development or to maintain operations during years of
discontinuous sludge shipments. More recently however, the 49 months average
storage time and capacity foe applying sludge to 26,960 acres per year when only
3,700 acres per year are actually being used demonstrates that the basins are
not designed as part of the project design but rather as a sludge storage area
for MSDGC sludge. This demonstrates that the holding basin volume is much larger
than any needs the MSDQC might have Cor flexibility of operation. This situation
presents considerably more potential for odor than basins sized only for staging
project operation.
During the storage periods, sludge solids settle to the bottom oC the holding
basins, creating two layers of material. The top layer ranges through most of
the basin and is composed of supernatant containing less than 0.25 percent solids.
The bottom layer consists of settled and compacted sludge with solids up to approxi-
mately 10 percent. During periods of storage, it is estimated that approximately
one-fifth of the nitrogen in the sludge is lost to the atmosphere in the form
of ammonia.
IV-12
-------
Typical vertical profiles of sludje cnaracteristics in the noldinj oasina are
snown in Figure IV-12. Profiles ace presented for taree noldinj oasins a*vi seven
parameters. In general, prl values remain constant in tne top five meters and taen
decrease «ritn depth. Because larje proportions of nitrogen and pnospnorus can-
pounds are associated with suspended solids wnicn settle in tae oasins, tne total
suspended solids, total nitrogen, and total phosphorus concentrations are niyhest
at tne oottom of tne holding Das ins. Tne same pattern of annonia nitrogen concent- ra-
tion, Wiucn is constant in tne top five meters and tnen increases witn deptn, ia
recorded for all three basins. General!/ speakuv,, tae total volatile solids and
volatile acids are silently enricned at the oottom of tne oasins. Conventional
dredging equipment is utilized to witndra* solids from two of tne holding oasins.
Pne cutter nead mixes t.ie concentrated solids witn tne liquid fraction and pumps
tne resultant mixture of approximately five percent solids to the inain pun^aioj
station for further distribution.
3. Sludge Application
Durin-j application seasons, tne sludje is pumped Iran tne noldinj oasins via a sur-
face land pipe distrioution .system and applied to tne land oy a nutooer of tecnniques.
field application devices availaole at tne site include: traveling sprayer, center-
pivot sprayer, iioidjoard plow incorporator, a tanK true*, and, for supernatant only,
•lated irrigation pipe (MJDGC, 1975i). Durinj tne first £e«r /ears of project opera-
tion, spraying */as tne irajor application metnod. It is no longer used. Spraying
Mas accanplisned ay modular units consisting of pumps, an aoove--jro;nd neader system,
and a "aij jun" spray wenicle (Figure IV-13). To prevent clojjinj, tne nouLe of
the spray u,un nad a 2-incn diameter or larjer. Tne pressure and spray rate were 30
pounds per square insn and 300 gallons per ioinute, respectively, and tne Horizontal
tnrow «ras approximately 120 to 250 feet (MSDGC, 1975i).
fwo types of tillage nacnines can oe used to incorporate sludge into soil — tae
RDldooard plow incorporator and tne tandem disk incorporator (Figure Iv~-ii aiows
tne latter). Sludje is presently incorporated into aoil oy a tractor-dra^n tande.n
disk incorporator witn a distrioution manifold rfnicn directs sludje to eacn diSK
olade as it tills tae soil. Slud-je is tnereoy applied to tne entire cross-sectional
j-:ia of the soil oeinq tilled. Rie soil injector (Figure Iv*-14) ^orka on 'the same
principle as tne soil incorporator, except tnat an injector applies ^ladje to slots
formed in the soil by a tool snank.
A^lication fields were developed from 1971 through 1973 in taree stages, varying
in size £rao IS to 114 acres (figure 17-1). £acn field is provided witn runoff
oerms and one or more runoff retention oasin to divert and contain storm run-off
and to control tne water quality of field effluents.
Sludje is applied to the fields during tne ^rorfinj season* periods of sludge
application to various fields are ancwn scnematically in figure TV-IS. >4orJc
hours are approximately 8 hours per day at the oe jinn ing of tne application
season, increase to a itaxmwi of 16 nours per day, and taper off to 8 nours per
day at tne end of tne season. Afflication on one field of a jiven nodule is
generally completed oefore oej inning on anotner field* However, tmo fields of a
nodule are sometimes applied simultaneously. It takes approximately JO minutes
to complete application an one acre of land (MSCGC, 197SJ). Tne slud-je applica-
tion rate in dry and wet tons per acre and total tonnage of sludje applied per
year on each field are summarized in Taole IV-4.
IV-13
-------
0
1
2
*e 3
r 4
+j
Q. c
flu "^
-o
6
7
8
&
7,0 7.4 7.8 8.2
pH
12345 6789 10 11
0
1
2
S 3
5 4
01 £
•O 3
6
7
8
0
1
2
3 3
f a
•*j *
Q.
-g 5
6
7
8
1 3A 2
; V'
\ \ \
: V \
\
1000 2000 3000 4000
5000 Total N(ppm) 36 38 40 42 44 46 48 50 52 54 56
Total Vola
tile Solid
(ppm)
Figure W-12 Typical Vertical Profiles of Characteristics of
Sludge in Holding Basins 1, 2 and 3A. April 1975
(MSDGC, 1975<0
W-U
-------
0
1
2
5 4
o. .
« 5
•o
6
7
8
""""-•^
***"" ""^i,
\ """"""^
\ ^**-^ 2
I \
3A
600 800 1000 1200 1400 1600 NH3-N(ppra) 2 46 8 10
14 16 Volatile
Acids (ppm)
0
1
2
S 3
5 4
Q.
-S 5
6
7
8
200
600 1000 1400 1800 2200 Total P(ppm)
Figure JV4.2 (Continued)
W-15
-------
Flgure IV-13
Traveling Sprayer Applying Liquid Sludge to a Corn Crop (top)
and Disk Incorporation with Trailing Supply Hose (MSDGC, 1975n)
IV-16
-------
Figure W- 14 Injection Unit Showing Three Injectors (MSDGC, 1975H)
XV-17
-------
Ul
1
«r
O»
4
PI
s
*•*
-------
Table W-4 Sludqe Application Rates and Amounts
{MSDGC- 1973 a through h,
1974 a through 1,
1975 a throuah o)
Field
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
30
31
32
t.
33
37
38
Field Size
(acres)
46
52
41
80
30
15
110
71
93
94
21
27
36
70
22
150
88
38
114
39
52
22
38
64
43
31
69
18.5
15
19
68.9
54.2
Year 1973
dt/acre
1.21
0.50
0.58
0.49
0.95
2.38
--
1.35
0.37
1.50
0.57
—
—
df
49.6
40.0
17.4
53.9
67.5
221.3
--
5T.3
42.2
58.5
29.6
—
—
Year
dt/acre
19.0
24.0
24.4
24.5
23.2
0.2
21.3
12.1
16.3
25.8
29.4
17.0
16.2
6.6
29.1
17.6
19.2
16.4
23.4
27.2
6.3
0.5
9.7
27.3
20.2
17.2
20.1
8.4
3.6
4.1
7.2
1.9
1974
dt
874,0
1,248.0
1,000.4
1,960.0
696.0
3.0
2,343.0
859.1
1,515.9
2,425.2
617.4
459.0
583.2
462.0
640.2
2,640.0
1,689.6
623.2
2,667.6
1,060.8
327.6
368.6
1,747.2
868.6
533.2
1,386.9
155.4
54.0
77,9
496.8
103.0
Year 1975
(Ma,y, June & July)
dt/acre
19.5
14.8
3.5
19.9
29.1
13.4
17.7
6.7
16.6
27.4
16.3
7.7
6.9
27.7
14.9
9.4
14.6
17.7
17.5
7,3
11.3
H
-,
dt
897.0
769.6
143,5
1,592.0
873.0
1,474.0
1,256.7
623.1
1,500.4
575.4
440.1
277.2
483.0
609.4
2,235.0
827.2
554.8
690.3
9TO.O
160.6
429.4
—
—
W-19
-------
TABLE IV-4 (Cont'd) Sludge Application Rat*s and Amount*
1976
FIELD
NO.
1
1
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
SUB-
TOTAL
VOLUME
CU.YDS.
59237
68979
36636
97630
25131
0
14371
10098
44619
66970
26951
16701
14636
15890
59678
97069
30859
0
20187
48057
11898
27714
3698
0
0
847009
WET TONS
TONS
49918
58136
30848
82266
21177
0
12101
50647
37593
56404
22712
14075
12336
13393
50285
81791
26004
0
17000
40480
10018
23357
3114
0
0
713655
WET TONS
PER ACRE
TONS/ACRE
1084
1117
752
1028
705
0
109
665
428
598
1081
519
343
191
1142
544
292
0
446
355
256
448
141
0
0
DRY TONS
TONS
2474
2988
1526
4181
1079
0
657
2439
1779
2816
1110
732
638
707
2615
3911
1326
0
851
1981
561
1110
167
0
0
35648
DRY TONS
PER ACRE
TONS/ACRE
53.8
57.5
37.2
52.3
36.0
0
6.0
32.1
20.7
30.1
53.0
27.2
17.7
10.1
59.4
26.2
15.0
0
22.4
17.5
14.4
21.4
7.6
0
0
MSDGC 1977 Annual Operating Raport
1V-20
-------
TABLE IV-4 (Cont'd) Sludge Application Rates and Amounts
1976
FIELD
NO.
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
VOLUME
CO. YDS.
64942
41228
31440
0
71505
2540
10811
19256
12388
76165
29040
10717
0
23009
47551
34508
101469
61865
12428
52105
0
16754
0
WET TONS
TONS
54736
34750
26501
0
60274
2138
9115
16232
10431
64167
24469
9024
0
19398
40088
29091
85544
52154
10478
43930
0
14126
0
WET TONS
PER ACRE
TONS/ACRE
855
807
854
0
873
115
608
854
145
486
489
130
0
462
498
529
528
884
308
301
0
471
0
DRY TONS
TONS
2807
1655
1309
0
3100
113
429
773
575
3001
1164
499
0
980
1986
1402
4292
2636
577
2172
0
735
0
DRY TONS
PER ACRE
TONS/ACRE
43.7
38.5
42.4
0
45.0
6.1
28.7
40.7
8.0
22.9
23.3
7.2
0
23.4
24.6
25.5
26.5
44.6
17,0
14.9
0
24.5
0
TOTAL 1,566,745 1,320,347
65,995
IV-21
-------
TABLE iv-4 (Cont'd) Sludg. Application Rates and Amount.
1977
FIELD
HO.
1
2
3
U
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
31*
35
VOLUME
CU.YDS.
0
45,431
0
53,028
0
0
68,560
0
28,441
61.419
0
15,227
30,882
45,639
39,680
62,242
73,995
0
16,911
43,588
23,194
8,822
11,273
0
41,887
67,167
36,415
0
0
91,654
11,354
0
0
42,262
56,244
WET TONS
TONS
0
38,253
0
UUf650
0
0
57,728
0
23,948
51,715
0
12,821
26,002
38,428
33,410
52,408
62,304
0
14,239
36,701
19,530
7,428
9,492
0
35,269
56,554
30,661
0
0
77,173
9,560
0
0
35,585
47,357
WET TONS
PER ACRE
TONS/ACRE
0.0
735.6
0.0
558.1
0.0
0.0
524.8
0.0
273-7
550.2
0.0
474.9
722.3
549.0
759-3
349.4
712.0
0.0
3T4.7
321.9
500.8
142.8
431.5
0.0
928.1
883.7
713.1
0.0
0.0
1,118.4
516.8
0.0
0.0
497.0
360.1
DRY TONS
TONS
0.0
1,869.4
0.0
2,397.0
0.0
0.0
3,159-9
0.0
1,102.5
2,914.1
0.0
703.7
1,291.2
2,016.8
1,792.3
2,812.6
3,299.6
0.0
701.6
1,628.7
1,080.8
388.2
513-9
0.0
1,925.3
2,969.5
1,602.4
0.0
0.0
3,883.9
510.1
0.0
0.0
2,063.4
2,278.2
DRY TORS
PER ACRS
TONS/ACHE
0.0
36.0
0.0
30.0
0.0
0,0
28.7
0.0
12.6
31.0
0.0
26.1
35.9
28.8
40.7
18.8
37.7
0.0
18.5
14.3
27.7
7.5
23- 4
0.0
50.?
46.t
37-3
0.0
0.0
56.3
27.6
o.o
o.o
28.8
17-3
MSDGC 1978 Annual Op««timf R.port
W-22
-------
TABU IV-4 (Cont'd) Siudgt Application Rates and Amounts
1977 (Cont'd)
FIELD
NO.
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
VOLUME
CU.YDS.
27,275
38,507
0
25,020
28,541
33,035
102,342
43,819
518
34,132
0
24,648
0
WET TONS
TONS
22,965
32,423
0
21,067
24,032
27,815
86,172
36,896
437
28,739
0
20,754
0
WET TONS
PER ACHE
TONS/ACRE
459.3
470.6
0.0
501.6
293.1
505.7
531.9
625.4
12.8
196.8
0.0
691.8
0.0
war TONS
TONS
1,441.0
1,647.2
0.0
1,119.0
1,060.0
1,550.6
4,657.1
2,051.0
19. 5
1,233.9
0.0
1,123.5
0.0
om TONS
PER ACRE
TONS/ACRE
28.8
23.9
0.0
26.6
12.9
28.2
28.7
34.8
0.6
8.5
0.0
37.4
0.0
TOTM, 1,323,150
1,122,510
58,806.7
W-23
-------
TABLE IV-4 (Cont'd) Sludge Application Rates and Amounts
197d
FIELD
NO.
1
2
3
i
>*
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
11*
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
1 -
2l*
25"
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
35
VOLUME
CU.YDS.
57,857
17,508
36,005
0
18,1*1*2
0
68,321*
1*8,517
63,560
60,096
23,397
0
17,065
57, 751*
8,651*
70,320
18,509
0
15,080
7k, 501
21,292
33,31*5
13,315
0
33,081*
61,293
3,552
26,01*8
0
17,009
12,71*9
10,181
19,366
1*5,870
86,21*9
WET TONS
TONS
1*3,715
It*, 71*1
3% 316
0
0,528
0
57,529
1*0,851
53,518
50,600
19,701
0
14,369
1*8,629
7,285
59,209
15,585
0
12,698
62,730
17,928
28,076
11,211
0
27,857
51,609
2,991
21,933
0
11*, 322
10,731*
8,572
16,306
38,622
72,621
WET TONS
PER ACRE
TONS/ACRE
1,059.0
283.5
739- U
0.0
517.6
0.0
523.0
575.U
611.6
538.3
938.1
0.0
399.1
694.7
165.6
178.1
0.0
331*. 2
550.3
459.7
539-9
509-6
0.0
733.1
8o6.lt
69.6
707.5
0.0
207.6
580.2
571.5
858.2
539. U
552.3
DRY TONS
TONS
2,388.1*
821*. 6
1,526.0
0.0
711.2
0.0
2,891.1
2,018.0
2,633.0
2,539.3
1,022.1
0.0
702.1*
2,31*9.3
380.7
2,894.5
71*1*. 7
0.0
633.8
2,957.9
1,01*2.0
1,363-3
51*6.7
0.0
1,W*1*.7
2,530.8
175-9
1,093-1*
0.0
695.7
560.1
505.1
829.3
1,865.6
DRY TONS
PER ACRE
TONS/ACRE
51.9
15.9
*S • 7
37.2
O 0
w « W
23.7
Of)
• \J
26.3
28.1*
30.1
27-0
1*8.7
On
• w
19.5
33-6
8.7
19-3
8.5
00
• \J
16.7
25.9
26 7
tu. f
26.2
2U.8
O 0
V • V
38.0
39.5
*JS " r
4.1
35.3
0.0
10.1
30.3
33.7
1*3.6
26.1
25.9
MSDGC 1979 Annual Operating Report
IV-24
-------
TABLE iv-4 (Cont'd) Sludge Application Rates and Amount*
FIELD
NO.
36
37
38
39
1*0
1*1
1*2
«*3
1*1*
1*5
1*6
1*7
1*8
VOLUME
CU.YBS.
35,281*
39,815
0
20,7U2
53,865
25,32^
126, 9k8
32,577
35,060
101,782
0
25,338
0
WET f ONS
TONS
29,709
33,52l»
0
17,W5
^5,352*
21,323
106,890
27,1*30
29,521
85,701
0
21,335
0
WET tCKS
PER ACRE
IOIS/ACRE
59^-2
^86.6
0.0
M5.8
553.1
387.7
659.8
«*6l».9
868.3
587.0
0.0
711.2
0.0
B8¥ TONS
TONS
1,1*81*.7
1,752.8
0.0
812.8
2,179-7
1,129. fc
5,%30.5
1,390.9
1,539.6
l*,078.5
0.0
1,212.2
0.0
DRY TORS
TEH ACRE
TONS/ACRE
29-7
25.1»
0.0
I9.it
26.6
20.5
33.5
23.6
%5.3
27.9
0.0
liOA
0.0
TOTAL 1,535,670 1,293,01*0
XV-25
-------
TABLE IV-4 (Confd) Sludge Application Rates and Amounts
1979
FIELD
NO.
1
2
3
1*
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
1U
15
16
17
t ft
18
19
20
21
22
23
nl
2U
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
3!*
35
VOLUME
CU.YDS.
0
55,656
5,155
73,522
21,81*1*
0
0
1*1,177
0
61,323
23,385
23, M3
29,190
lit, 3**8
57,858
126,090
lOU, 91*1*
0
30,383
73,839
21;, 775
31, 7*
ll*, 879
0
10,675
10,813
3M12
1*1,221
0
80,232
11*. 865
7,505
23,805
1*0,581
83,693
WET TCtlS
TCKS
0
U6,863
U,3M
61,906
18,393
0
0
3^,671
0
51,63^
19,690
19,713
2U.578
12,o8l
1*8,716
106,168
88,363
0
25,583
62,172
20,861
26,771
12,528
0
8,988
9,105
29,312
3l+, 708
0
67,555
12,517
6,320
20,01*1*
3*1,169
70,1*70
WET TONS
PER ACRE
TOTS/ACRE
0.0
901.2
105-9
773.8
613.1
0.0
0.0
1*88.3
0.0
51*9.3
937.6
730.1
682.7
172.6
1,107.2
707.8
1,009.9
0.0
673-2
51*5.1*
531*. 9
511*. 8
569.5
0.0
236.5
11*2.3
681.7
1,119.6
0.0
979-1
676.6
1*21.3
1,051*. 9
1*77.2
535.9
DHY TOMS
TONS
0.0
2,1*91.5
251*. 2
3,356.9
1,005.7
0.0
0.0
1,81*5.9
0.0
2,650.6
982.1*
1,101.3
1,321.6
632.6
2,51*7.7
5,630.3
1*,683.8
0.0
1,266.1*
3,503.1
1,15k. 7
1,1*79- U
652.3
0.0
^55.7
1*82.6
1,586.2
1,872.1
0.0
3.5U0.1*
6U6.5
333.3
1,052.6
1,892.2
3,588.1*
DRY Tars
PER ACRE
TCCIS/AC?.^
0.0
1*7-9
6.2
1*2.0
33.5
0.0
0.0
26.0
0.0
28.2
1*6.8
1*0.8
36.7
9.0
^ • w
57.9
37-5
53.5
0.0
33.3
30.8
29.6
*•• y •>*
28.5
29-7
0 0
W • \J
12.0
7.5
^6.9
_/ -' • ~f
60. U
0.0
51.5
31?.-
JT^ • ^
22. ""
55. I:
26.1-
27.'
IV-26
MSDGC 1980 Annual Operating
Report
-------
TABLE IV-4 (Confd) Sludge Application Rates and Amounts
1979
FIELD
NO.
36
37
38
39
1*0
1*1
1.2
l»3
1*1*
i»5
1*6
1*7
1*8
1*9
VOLUME
CU.YDS.
28,1*73
50,227
0
27,538
53,1^3
U1*,915
196,791
59, 191*
36,203
12^,730
0
26,646
0
0
WET TOTIS
TONS
23,97^
U2,291
0
23,187
l*l*,7l*6
37,813
165, 6?3
U9.8U1
30.U83
105,023
0
22,1*36
0
0
WET TONS
PER ACRE
TONS/ACRE
U79.5
613.8
0.0
552.1
5!*5.Y
687.6
1,022.8
ff»U.8
896.6
719-3
0.0
71*7.9
0.0
0.0
DRY TOTS
TOItS
1,331.6
2,1*60.5
0.0
1,225.2
2,666.7
2,01^.9
8, 971*. 2
2,8li*.3
1,510.7
5,596.5
0.0
1,176.0
0.0
0.0
DRY TO::S
PER ACRZ
TOMS/AC??:
26.6
35-7
0.0
29.2
32.5
37.2
55.1*
1*7.7
1*1*. It
38.3
0.0
39.2
0.0
0.0
TOTAL 1,809,630 1,523,710
8l,8l8.2
IV-27
-------
According to the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (LSPA), agronomic rates
£or sludge application to cropland are rougniy in tiie range of five to twelve dry
tons per acre per year depending on tne crop grown. In 1975, place land fields
31, 34, and 37 received 42.1, 31.1, 37.9, and 23.9 dry tons of sludge par acre?
in 1976, Fields 19, 22, 35, 36 and 40 received 22.4, 21.4, 22.9, 23.3, and 24.3
dry tons per acre. Tne rates of application on place lai\J generally decreased
from 1375 to 1376. It is evident tnat some place lands nave received sludge at
"reclamation" ratner tnan "agronomic" rated. Annual .sludge application rates were
originally proposed to oe 75 dry tons per acre in tne first year, tapering down to
25 dry tons per acre oy tne fifth year and continuing at tnat rate.
4. Supernatant Application at tne Gale Farm
Toe original project design called for tne snipping of sludge supernatant from tne
holding oasins oaoc to tne nead of tne treatment plant. Taole IV-1 (page IV-5)
snows tnat tnis practice has not occurred since tne first quarter of 1978. It was
recognized that tnis expensive practice was possioly unnecessary, considering tnat
tne supernatant could oe applied to land at tne project site to provide nutrients
for crops sucn as hay.
Tne property selected for supernatant application was tne 3,015.3-acre Gale Farm,
approximately 1,334 acres of wnien will eventually oe utilized. Supernatant (0.1
percent solids) from two holding basins presently storing supernatant only is
applied tnrcugn gated pipe at agronomic rates. Tne supernatant flows tnrcugh
pipes and onto tne application fields through slotted openings at intervals along
tne pipes, creating a sneet clow oy gravity. Tne system nas oeen in operation
since Septenoer 1976. According to tne Illinois Environmental Protection Agency
slater Pollution Control Permit (see appendix A), tne agronomic rate is defined as
a rate necessary to supply a maximum of 120 pounds of availaole nitrogen per acre
which corresponds to 30,000 gallons of sludge at 4.1 percent solids or 117,000
gallons of supernatant at 0.1 percent solids.
Fields wnere supernatant liquid is applied tntrougn gated pipe are constructed
to oe closed drainage systems not discharging to sourrounding surface water;
tnere is consequently no monitoring of runoff from tnese fields. Supernatant
liquid is generally applied to these fields to the limit of soil nydraulic
capacity. Tne total amount of supernatant in wet tons, gallons and gallons
per acre applied on eacn field during 1977 tnrough 1979 is surnnarized in
Taole IV-5.
5. land Purchases
On August 8, 1974, MSDQC purchased 2,106 acres of land in Fulton County formerly
owned oy tne United Electric Coal Company. Approximately 901 of tne land nad
oeen strip mined. On April 14, 1975, a land use-reclamation plan submitted oy
riSOGC to tne Pulton County Plan Commission and County domed was approved.
This overall plan includes a program, to reclaim and revegetate tne goo, slurry
and acid lane area in tne southwest portion of tne property. Tnis 200-acre site
is located on the former Cula Mine 19 refuse area and consists of 75 acres of
slurry and 85 acres of goo, roads, dam and dumping areas. A 40-acre, highly
IV-28
-------
TABLE IV-5 SUPERNATANT APPLICATION AT FULTON COUNT*
1977
FIELD
HO.
51
52
53
54
55
56
57
58
59
60
61
62
63
64
65
FIELD
NO.
51
52
53
54
55
56
57
58
59
60
61
62
63
64
65
WIT TONS
(TOTS)
41,822.0
7,615.3
5,354,8
3M54.4
23,927.2
38,908.7
18,124,7
30,781.5
10,914.6
19,710.1
0,0
54,8l6.3
39*»,627.0
0.0
0.0
1978
WET TONS
(TONS)
37,204.2
8,275.1
5,558.6
54,207.6
30,737.1
46,580,5
19,1*29.5
38,276.8
8,049-9
11,651.5
5,301.4
30,206.6
1*97,716.0
18,^55.5
0.0
GALLONS
(lOOO'S)
10,024.7
1,825.4
1,283.6
8,306.7
5,735.4
9,326.4
4,344.5
7,378.3
2,616.2
4,724.5
0.0
13,139.5
9^,592.1
0.0
0.0
GALLONS
(lOOO'S)
8,917.9
1,983.5
1,332.4
12,993.6
7,367.7
11,165.3
4,657.3
9il75.0
1,929.6
2,792.9
1,270.8
7,240.5
119,302.0
4,423.8
0.0
GALLONS PEE
ACRE
99,550.5
81,490.5
147,534.0
149,400.0
155,852.0
140,670.0
89,9W.l
160,050.0
91,157.8
94,679-6
0.0
150,509.0
128,295.0
0.0
0.0
GALLONS PER
ACRE
88,558.6
88,551.0
153,1*9-0
233,697.0
200,209.0
168,406.0
96,423.4
199,023.0
67,232.1
55,969.2
36,726.8
82,938.4
161,810.0
68,585.8
0.0
TOTALS
811,650.0
194,553.0
XV-2»
MSDGC 1978 and If 79 Mutual
Rwport
-------
IV-5 (COKt'd) SUPERNATANT APPLICATION? AT n,T/TC« COITNTV
1S7§
FIELD
NO.
18
29
50
51
52
53
5U
55
56
57
58
59
60
61
62
63
6U
65
WET TOHS
(TOTIS)
5«*,9U1.3
15,064.1
1*7, 695-0
22, 839- ^
Ik,k08.2
6,668.3
50,270.9
19.5H.U
39,725.3
15,51^.0
28.8J+7.1
8,859.3
28,375-?
8,295.1
J*8,U3^,5
580,838.0
25,567.1
6,216.0
GALLONS
flOOO'S)
13, 169- U
3,610.9
il,J»32.5
5,^.6
3,^53.7
1.596.U
12,052.3
«*,676.9
9,522.2
3,718.7
6,91^.7
2,123.6
6,801.7
1,988.3
11,609.8
139,227.0
6,128.14
1,^90.0
GALLQtIS PER
ACRE
119,722.0
128,959.0
73,»*26 A
5^,365-5
15^,181.0
183,723.0
216,769.0
127»089.0
11*3,622.0
76,991-8
1*9,992.0
73,992.1
136,306.0
57,1*66.3
132,937.0
188,833.0
95,01^.5
57,306.7
TOTALS
1,022,080.0
,993-0
MSDGC 1980 Annual Operating Report
IV-30
-------
acidic retention pond collects all surface runoff, and effluent from the site
drains into a trioutary of aig CreeK and eventually into Spoon River.
Reclamation and re vegetation will be accomplished tnrough regrading tne land to
meet cow crop requirements (generally 5 percent slope topograpny and tne incorpo-
ration of approximately 200 equivalent dry tons per acre of liquid sludge (5 per-
cent solids) oy means of trenching, ridge and furrow, continuous excavation,
irrigation, deep plowing and Dulldozing, and/or plow or disc injection. Surface
flow irrigation will oe used for supplemental maisture and nutrients after plant
material cover appears, at a rate of approxiioately 20 dry tons per acre annually.
Plant materials will oe selected on tne basis of suitaoility to ttte restructured
goo/slurry/sludge growtn medium* germination and growtn rate, and effectiveness
for soil erosion control.
This project will serve as a full-scale demonstration project tnat can determine
tne engineering, environmental consideration, and inetnodolo-jy involved in using
sewage sludge to reclaim this type of land. A comprehensive report will oe puo-
lisned tnat will identify and assess experiments and studies tnat nave oeen
performed, and will provide accurate data in a design »wnual for tne application
of sludge to other gob slurry areas across tne State.
a. Bivironnental Control And jtonitoring Systems
To ensure against environmental degradation resulting from project operation,
some systems for protection were incorporated into the project during tne
planning and development stages. These include a compact clay lining of hold-
ing oasins to prevent groundwater contamination from seepage or percolation of
sludge, control beans and retention oasins to contain runoff from each field and
to control water quality of field effluents, and terracing and grading of fields
to reduce runoff velocity, erosion and sedimentation. Tne effectiveness of these
control systems and the environmental soundness of project operations have oeen
monitored using five systems pertaining to sludge, water, soil and roue, plants
and aquatic oiota, and air*
1. Holding and Runoff Basins
Tne nolding oasins were constructed following tne engineering recommendations
wnicn concluded a suoeurface investigation and evaluation (Aid fingingeering Cocp-
poration, 1971). The interior of the holding oasins were contoured to tatce advan-
tage of tne natural terrain. No slopes witnin the oasins are steeper tnan 1:5.
A continuous compact eartn lining was constructed witnin ttie perimeter of tne
oasin enoaricment to prevent seepage. The eartn lining nas a minimum 2-foot thick-
ness of compact clay. The degree of compaction is specified in the subsurface
study report.
Tne fields were graded and reshaped and retention oerras and desiltation areas witn
slotted standpipes were constructed at the tops of tne terrace underdrains. Tnese
features were designed to retain storm runoff in tne fields long enough to allow
most of tne silt to settle in toe fields ratner tnan wash into the retention
oasins. A typical runoff retention oasin is snown in Figure IV-16. Runoff oasins
were designed to retain water so that it would not be released unless it meets
-------
N
ASOUNOINB(OIPTM IM f[t!)
WHIN »'IUI,HU
Ecscani t «»*«
Figure IV- ig Typical Storm Runoff Retention
Basin (MSDGC, 1973n)
-------
applicaole water quality standards. Project design included recycling of sucstan-
dard runoff oy pumping it oaclc on tine fields if there was not sufficient oaain
storage capacity to permit extended storage for purposes of improving water
gualityj records indicate that tnis practice never occurred. In Figure W-17
retention beans and basins, terraces and dikes,, basin inlet and outfall, and out-
fall control structures are shewn for a typical field. The original and modified
contours are also indicated.
2. Environmental t'tonitoring Systems
Extensive .ronitoring takes place in all aspects of tne sludge handling and land
application process — front tne digesters at the rfest-Soutlwest Chicago plant to
Fulton County. Many elements of the environment could oe influenced by sludge
application, including crops, air and grourdwater (wells). A monitoring program
exists at each place in the pathway wnere environmental elements could be impacted*
rfonitoriry of sludge, water, soils, crops and cattle, fish and algae, and air is
conducted at the site oy several agencies including the MSDGC, the Fulton County
rieaitn Department (FCHO), the University of Illinois (U of I), tne Illinois envi-
ronmental Protection Agency (IEPA), the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), and the
food and Drug Administration (FDA). Each of tnese systems is presented in capsule
form oelow, followed oy highlights of selected aspects of these programs.
a. Sludge .tonitoring - There are 13 features in tne sludge monitoring
program
* Weekly itonitorir*- of digester feed for cnenical and pnysical parameters and
inetals
* i4cntaly sampling of digester feed and draw for indicator organisms and patnc—
gens (MSDX)
* Daily sampling of all sludge shipped to Fulton County for pnysical and chemical
parameters; inetals are analyzed weedy (>4SDGC)
» Monthly sampling of digester feed, draw and sludge snipped to Fulton County
for parasites (U of I)
• Quarterly sampling of all sludge shipped to Fulton County for indicator orga-
nisms and patnogens (MSDQC)
* Selected sampling of sludge snipped to Fulton County for chemical and physical
parameters and trace organics (FCHD)
* Monthly profile sampling of the Fulton County holding basins for physical and
chemical parameters (MSOGC)
* Quarterly sampling of sludge in molding oasins for indicator organisms and
pathogens
Selected sampling of the Fulton County holding basins for physical and chemical
parameters and metals (FCHD)
IV-33
-------
N
Figure W-17 Oriinage Control Features of a Typical Field (MSDGC, 1973n)
-------
o Weekly composite of daily sludge applications to fields for cnemicai and phyai-
cal parameters and metals (MSOGC)
o Selected sampling of sludge applied to fields Cor pnysical and cnemical parame-
ters, metals and traoa organics (LJSG5, FCriO, U of I, IEPA)
a Quarterly sampling of sludge applied to fields for indicator organisms and
patnogens (rtSDSC)
o Selected sampling of sludge applied to fields for parasites, cnemicai and
pnysical parameters and trace organics (U of I)*
The sludge analysis program was mainly designed to ensure adequate treatment
of sludge oefore it is transported to tne holding oasins at tne project site.
Fur this purpose, twenty-four hour composite samples of sludge oeing oarged to tne
project site are analyzed for compliance «ritn sludge quality standards. In addi-
tion to measuring tne volatile acids, pri value, total alkalinity and volatile
solids, as required oy tne project's operating permit, total solids, total pnos-
pnorus, Kjeldanl nitrogen, ammonia nitrogen, and electrical conductivity are
determined for eacn composite sample. Concentrations of chloride, sulfate, and
14 metal elements are determined weekly. Tnere are daily grao samples of sludge
from tne pump station at tne Liverpool oarge depot, tnontnly profile samples at
tne sludge holding oasins, and «*eelcly composite samples from tne distribution
pump station, tne supematants returned from tne nolding oasins are also sampled
and analyzed. A typical data log is presented in Tabla IV-6.
b. dater monitoring - Tnere are 7 features in tne surface and ground
water man i tor ing programs:
* Sampling of all runoff oasins before and after discharge for cnemicai
and Dtological parameters (M3DOC)
* Selected sailing of runoff nasin discnarges by IEPA and TCHD for cnemicai,
oiological, and pnysical parameters and trace organics
• Selected sampling of streams, reservoirs and runoff oasin disoiarges oy
.4SOGC and suosequent analysis oy U3G3 for trace organics
• Monthly sampling of reservoirs and streams for cnemicai, oiological, and
pnysical parameters and metals
Selected sampling of reservoirs and streams for cnenical, oiological, and
pnysical parameters, metals, and trace organics (PCrff), USG3,
Monthly sampling and analysis of *eils for cnemicai, physical, and oiological
parameters and metals
• Selective sampling of tmells for metals, cnemicai and pnysical parameters and
trace organics (U9QS, POD, IEPA).
The water monitoring system includes Mater sampling, analysis, data reporting and
data reduction, rfater samples are tanen from 26 wells, 1 spring, 11 stream samp-
IV-35
-------
Table
Fulton County Land Reclamation Project Sewage
Sludge Analysis, April 1975 (MSDGC, 1975g)
Total Solids %
Total Volatile Solids X
Volatile Acids** (mg/1)
pH
Total P ( mg/1}
Cl- (mg/1)
S04' (mg/1)
N-Kjeldahl (mg/1)
NHj-N (rng/1 )
Alkalinity as CaOh (mg/1)
Electrical Conductivity (umhos/cm)
Al (mg/1)
Cd (mg/1)
Ca (mg/1)
Cr (mg/1)
Cu (mg/1)
Fe (mg/1)
Pb (mg/1)
Hg (jjg/1)
Hg (mg/1 )
Mn (mg/1 )
HI (mg/1)
K (mg/1)
Na (mg/1)
Zn (mg/1)
HDL*
0.01
1.0
.0
.0
,0
0.1
.0
.0
0.01
1.0
0.02
0.01
0.1
0.03
0.1
1.0
0.01
0.1
1.0
1.0
0.1
4/3
3.72
52.62
67.00
7.40
980.00
292.00
2.849.00
1,344.00
3,900.00
7,300.00
220.00
7.00
1,200.00
93.80
48.00
1,370.00
30.40
151.00
500.00
13.20
13.00
220.00
110.00
115.00
Date
4/5
3.38
54.15
67.00
7.50
830.00
2,681.00
1,372.00
4,780.00
8,000.00
(no samples
4/6
3.37
55.68
45.00
7.80
1,010.00
2,513.00
1,421.00
4,920.00
7,500.00
taken)
4/7
3.42
54.62
90.00
7.60
890.00
404.00
2,632.00
1,435.00
4,940.00
8,000.00
200.00
7.00
1,010.00
86.90
48.80
1 ,652.00
32.60
140.00
490.00
14.80
13.00
200.00
150.00
98.00
*MDL » minimum detection limit of laboratory.
**As acetic add.
mg/1 - milligrams p*r liter
umhO8/ctn - micrombos p*r centimeter
ug/1 - microgrw per liter
CT-36
-------
ling stations located on 3 creates or 3trea«ns, effluent sampling stations at run-
off oasins, and at a runoer of reservoirs. The locations of sampling stations
are indicated in Figure IV-18. /later quality parameters anal /zed and reported
include:
• Pn/sical parameters sucn as total suspended solids (IBS), total dissolved
solids (rod), total volatile solids (Wd) electrical conductivity, and
temperature
• Cnemical parameters sucn as pH, total alkalinity, dissolved oxygen (O.O. }»
total pnospnorus (PJ, total Kjeldanl nitrogen (N), amitonia nitrogen (rUQ-N
nitrate and nitrite nitrogen
* Anions such as color ine (CD and sulfate (SO^) and cations SUCH as potassium
(K), sodium (Ma), calcium (Ca), and magnesium (rig)
* Trace metals such as zinc (Zn), cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu)( chromium (Cr),
manganese (An), lead (Pb), iron (Fe), aluminum (Al), mercury (%), and
selenium (Se)
• Biological and microbiological parameters sucn as 5-day biochemical oxygen
de»nand (SOD-) and fecal col if onus.
In addition, ground«*ater elevations have oeen ooserved and recorded monthly.
**ater samples are collected and examined every montn, and findings are summa-
rized in a aontnly report entitled Environmental Protection System Report for
Fulton County, Illinois. Typical examples of data are given in Taoles W-7
and Iv"-8. Tne forner taole reports tne quality o£ well, reservoir, sprinj and
stream waters; tne latter snows tne quality of effluent fron retention basins.
Samples taken prior to project operation constitute oaseline information for
tne "no-action" *ater quality sicuation. Ciian^es are revealed oy comparing
water quality resulting from project operation witn tne baseline data.
c. doll iTionitorinij - fne soil inonitorinj prograa includes samplinj of
tne plo»r layer ( 0-S in. ) and soil borings to oed rock taken and analyzed for
pnysical and chanical parameters oy tne MSDGC.
Prior to project operation, 52 soil borings to oedrock approximately 40 feet
deep Mere made to determine tne pnysical and chemical cnaracteristics of soils
and code. Physical tests included the penetration test, strenytn test, density
test, compressibility test, permeaoility test, and field pumping tests. Strati-
graphs of types of soils and their geographical distribution Mere estaolished.
The texture, color, moisture content, grain size distribution, and permeability
of the spoil material were analyzed (A&H Engineering Corporation, 1971). Chem-
ical analyses included exchangeable calcium, organic cartxn, and hydrochloric
acid-extractable metals such as manganese, zinc, copper, cadmium, chraniom,
nickel, lead, and aluminum, for Doth spoils Td place land (MSDGC, 1975). It
was proposed that, 5 years after project initiation (1977), another set of soil
oorings would oe made to cedrock to investigate changes in soil chemistry, if
needed [Dal ton and rfurphy, 1973). To date, no manges have occurred in the upper
horizons of soil to necessitate repeating tne extensive soil boring program
(Dal ton, 1980 personal coamunication) .
IV-37
-------
S19
P J i.-. r
?iaM2?,^h
i ctau L— » ••
}R27
•••••••MMUMfli
S3!
« ca-
•— .1 IH2?"
!l
d i
L..
»>
_i(
County
Key:
W • Well
R • Reservoir
S • Stream
Figure w-18 Water Monitoring Locitlons 1n Fulton County (MSOGC, 1975d)
IV-38
-------
Table W-? Fulton County Land Reclamation Project
yater Analysis, April 1975 (MSDSC, 1975g)
Well Data
Sampling Stations: *i vz
e*7i: «/ T 4/ 7 1
HOI." *
** 7.t» 7.40
TOTAL P M/L 0.01 0.15 O.J8
Ct- 1.0 15.00 21.00
»4« 2.0 192.00 67.00
N-KJELBAM. 0.5 0.80 1.38
H-NN3 0.1 0.70 1.10
N-W2*N03 0.01 0.01 0.00
AlK AS CAC03 1.0 290.00 120.00
CLCC.CONO. UHMOS C 700.00 650.00
K H« L 1.0 0.00 0.00
HA .0 12.00 12.00
CA .0 121.00 121.00
HC .0 60.00 $2.00
ZN .1 0,00 O.JO
W .01 0.00 0.00
CV .01 0.00 0.00 *
« .62 0.00 0.00
HI .1 0.00 0.00
MN .01 0.19 0.1$
N .01 0.00 0.00
n .1 1.40 7.40
M. .0 0.00 0.00
H« UC/L .1 o.oo o.oo
Si HB/L .2 0.00 0.00
FC «• 100 ML o.oo o.oo
0.0. MG/k O.S
TIKP. »C ,
STATIC H20 EL. CT.
MO M6/L
»MOLiK!HIKUH DETECTION tIMlf Of LABOHATOKY. t
THAN THESE ARC ftCMMTCO AS ZttO.
*
LL
Reservoir- Data
HI «2 I
«/ 9 */ 9/j
T.80 8,10
O.Of 0.13
9.00 12.00
U5.00 «93.o&
1.50 1.50
O.*0 O.JO
3. US 2.&6
360.00 »70.00
825.00 950.00
3.00 3.00
20.00
135.00 165.00
7».00 72.00
0.00 .00
.00
r o.oo .00 Y
0.00 ,00
0.00 .00
0.04 .2*
0.00 .01
0.00 .00
0.00 .00
0.10 .40
o.oo .no
0.00 .00
11.40 11.50
3.00 4.00
2.00 3.00
•44.00 913.00
L VALUM LtSS
Stream & Spring Data
SPR Si S2
, 4/ ? 4/l£ 4/16
7.70 7.BO 7.80
0.10 0.56 0.33
15,00 29.00 27.00
1303.00 3(0.00 ioi.oo
0.80 2.40 2.30
0.80 1.40 0.90
0.09 3.16 3.»0
$00.00 2CO.nO 240.00
2600.00 900.00 1000.00
8.00 4.00 4.00
137.00 66.00 76.00
528.00 130.00 135.00
195.00 68.00 T&.OO
0.00 0.00 0.00
0.00 0.00 0.00
0.00 0.00 0.00
0.00 0.00 0.00
0.00 0.00 0.00
1,61 0,*2 O.«0
0.00 0.00 0.00
1.00 O.tO 0.70
0.00 0.00 0.00
0.12 0.10 0.10
0,00 0.00 O.OQ
0.00 7.2E*04 3900.00
10.00 37.00 1C. 00
1230.00 643.00 1010.00
-------
Table IV-8 Retention Basin Effluent Quality
(MSDGC, 1975g)
Field Runoff Basin Lo§ at the District Site in
Fulton County, Illinois
Basin number
Stage reading
Date opened/checked
R&D approval
Sampled
Date closed
No. days open
Discharge (HG)
Comments
4-1
35«
9:30 a.m.
4/15
Yes
Yes
3:00 p.m.
4/15
0.23
0.04
5-1
35%
9:45 a.m.
4/15
Yes
Yes
9:30 a.m.
4/17
2.00
0.31
7-3
6Q%
10:15 a.m.
4/15
Yes
Yes
10:15 a.m.
4/21
6.00
0.72
8-1
45*
10:30 a.m.
4/15
Yes
Yes
8:00 a.m.
4/16
0.90
0.42
Field Runoff Basins - Water Analysis and Discharges at
Fulton County During April 1975
Date Sampled
Source
TSS mg/1
BOO mg/1
FC per 100 ml
Date discharged
Quantity HG
4-15-75
B-2-2
43
4
<10
4-15-75
0.32
4-15-75
8-3-1
38
8
20
4-15-75
1.48
4-15-75
B-4-1
220
23
410
'4-15-75
0.04
4-15-75
B-5-1
33
7
410
4-15-75
0.31
-------
'/early plow layer samples are analyzed for prf, electrical conductivity available
pnospnorus, organic caroon, excnanjeaole ammonium and oases, nitrate, cation
excaarKje capacity and acid-extractaole inetals. Also, twice yearly tnere are
140 centimeter snallow soil oorirvjs nude.
d. Crop anJ cattle dDnitocinjj- Grain and leaf samples are taicen /early
and analysed for metals oy the university of Illinois and toe i4aJGC.
The cnemical composition of plants .jrown in sludje-fertilized fields and tnose
jrown on control plots are determined so as to evaluate tne plants' nutrient
uptake rates and to detect any Buildup of chemical constituents. The analysis
includes samples from stalky, leaves and yrain of tne fertilized plants. A de-
tailed evaluation of tnis data is perforated in Chapter V.
Tne University 01 Illinois also monitors a control and experimental cattle nerd
for growth rate, parasites, trace orjanics and metals in various tissues ootained
eitaer ay surgical oiopsy or at slau-jnter.
e. Pisn and algae inpnitorin>j - Tne .MSOGC yearly cnecxs tne condition of
indigenous f isn populations in tne Pulton County reservoirs. On a quarterly
oasis, the M3DGC detannines tne nuncers and types of algae in tnese reservoirs.
An ecolojical st^d/ of aquatic oiota in streams and reservoirs rfas initiated in
June 1971. At tne start of tne project, oentnos sainples >«re taicen from Reser-
voirs R3, RIO and R12. Fisn and plankton nave oeen sati^led, collected and
analyzed nontnly, and data reported quarterly. Tne fishery study includes fish
population, diversity, and tne ocdy condition or "well oeinj" of various fish
species such as olue^ill, larje tTDuth oass and green sunf ish. Tne oody condi-
tion of tiie fisn population is detennined and reported oy tne wei^nt-len^tn
factor or condition factor K. rne plankton study of reservoir water includes
plankton counts and population distrioutiaii atnaaj identified species.
Besides tnese ecological data, ,nore than 3d pnysical, cnemical and oiolojical
parameters of tne sample watar are analyzed for studies of pnenanena sucn as
lake eutrophication. Tnese include pil value, conductivity, alkalinity, solids
concentrations, different fooos of nitrcyen canpounds, total piiospnorus, dis-
solved ox/.en, water temperature, -rater transparency, 14 inetals, and several
catiooo (M3DGC, 19?2a Lircxi-jh 197Sj; Ca.npoell and Lind, 1969; General riater
Quality Standards for Illinois' Waters). Control Reservoir 10 has oeen .na in-
tamed to differentiate cnan^es in conditions of fisn and plankton fron suai
conditions in the non-control reservoirs «micn receive discnaryes froia field
runoff aasins.
f . Me monitoring - Tnere are six features in tne. air nronitorirvj program:
* The HSOGC maintains a weather station on tne property to measure precipita-
tion, wind, temperature, and relative humidity
* Atnoient ammonia levels are measured three times per week at the holding basins
* The FCHD investigates odor complaints and takes odor samples wnicn are analyzed
oy tne Midwest Research Institute
W-41
-------
• Mi odor complaints to tne FCHD are investigated by M»iXSC personnel
* Odor samples are taken oy rtSQGC personnel and analyzed oy (me Illinois Insti-
tute of Technology Research Institute
* Ambient air samples nave been anal/zed cor viruses oy tne US HP A.
To estaolish tne air quality situation at tne site, a meteorological station
was set up close to tne noiding basins and an air sailing program designed.
Air temperature, wind speed and direction, relative numidity and rainfall were
observed daily and compiled in a montnly report. In addition to general weather
Goservations, atnospneric aimonia concentration nas been monitored at the down-
wind oerm of tne nolding oasins on a oaten oasis. During amnania monitoring
periods, average wind speed and direction, air temperature, dew point, and vol-
ume of air sampled are measured.
iy-42
-------
Chapter V
Environmental Impacts
of the Project
-------
V. ENVIRONHE»n"\L IMPACTS OF THE PROJECT
This chapter will discuss the significant environmental impacts of the
project and relate these impacts to available options for municipal sludge
disposal or utilization. General background information is provided con-
cerning soils, land use, surface and ground water, and air; and a discussion
is presented on theoretical aspects of the project on health considerations.
The MSDGC project has had a significant beneficial impact upon the land use
and economic factors of Fulton County. These benefits have been the recla-
mation of land taken out of agricultural activity and the production of
cash crops and jobs within the County. Details on these are provided.
During the project period, no significant adverse impacts have been surfaced.
During early stages of the project, odor and visual problems were encountered.
Through public input and advanced technology, the MSOGC has responded to
several problem areas and modified their approach. Several times during the
project period poor quality effluent was released from the retention basins to
surface waters. Steps have been taken to remedy this situation both in opera-
tional procedures and redesign or restoration of 3Kisting structuras.
Several unanswered questions have persisted in scientific and regulatory areas.
Tnesa questions concerning heavy metal application rates, pathogens and PC3's
have bean addressed in USEPA regulation 40 CFR 257 published in September 1379.
In the "Criteria for Disposal of Solid Waste" prepared by USEP^, large land
application sites, such as Fulton County, would continue to operate, if accom-
panied by a well-organized monitoring system and the other safe-guards rentionai
earlier.
The questions of total loading of heavy metals and their impact on crops is
somewhat muted by the constituents of the unconsolidated soils at the project
area. '4any of the contaminates found in sludge are also found in the project
soils. The MSOGC monitors the surface and groundwatar and crops. The results.
would indicate that only -moderate increases in heavy metals in crops are
associated with the project.
*. Soils
The utilization of sludge solids on land has both long and short term impacts
on soils. Most of the generalized impacts on soils have been noted in reports
prepared by the Council of Agricultural Science and Technology and USEP^ and
will be only referenced for this text.
V-l
-------
1. 3aci
-------
Sludge
Digestion
Soil
Atmosphere
Ion Exchange
& Absorption
Organic
Matter
Soil
Solution
Minerals
Removal.
Leaching
Plant
I
Cwmcdlties
Figure v-i Major Interactions of Sludge and Soil
Constituents (Lindsay. 1972).
V-3
-------
of the 15,000 acres of land at the oroject site have bean significantly
impacted by previous strip-mining operations. The results of stria Tuning
trees unoonsoiidited soils mi rock left in an unreclaimed state. Too soils
were either hauled away or "nixed with strip Tuning spoils leaving the surface
with materials low in organic matter. While some early attempts were made
to ceelaim parts of the land, nothing was successful.
Until such tine as the project land could be level and the organic content
of the soils increased, the soil could not be returned to its farmer use,
farming, The H3D3C project was aimed at reclamation of land and soils by
using sludge sslids to build organic matter in soils.
rhe physical effects of sludge application to strip-mined soils are benefi-
cial. The high scganic content of sludge provides a matrix for ionic loading
and water adsorption, contributing to increased agricultural productivity.
Increased aggregate stability resulting from the addition of organic natter
results in increased infiltration and permeability rites, increased aeration
porosity, and decreased bulk density, fhese properties, in turn, influence
soil erosion potential, the soil atmosphere, and the types of reactions oc-
curring in the soil. Brosion potential decreases with increased water infil-
tration rates and stabilization of soil oarticlts, with a resulting decrease
in dialodgsment and filtration. In addition, a surface layer of organic
natter reduces the energy af raindrop or spray droplet imoact. Seduced ero-
sion may be among the most positive benefits derived from sludge application.
The presence of organic tatter is chemically significant to the application
of sludge to agricultural land. The trace elements in municipal wastes may
occur largely in association with complex organic polyanions. This interac-
tion between heavy metals and tunic, polymeric substances in the sludge and
soil nay have a profound effect upon the nobility and toxicity of ratal ions
when sewage sludge is applied to agricultural soils. The reactions of metal
ions in the soil include solution, oxidation, reduction, precipitation,
adsorption, absorption, and compilation, all of which nay result in a build-
up of trace fnetals.
Tha organic natter in Pulton County strip-mined soils begins at an extremely
low level and increases on a long-term basis, until it reaches a steady state
equilibrium Like other soils, if sludge application ware to be discontinued
this steady state would not be maintained resulting in a decrease in organic
flatter due to decomposition. Agricultural activity could not be economically
sustained at depressed soil organic matter levels. If ttv; land were to lay
fallow, a new equilibrium would be reached* based upon the level of bacterial
population changes.
7-4
-------
rhece is a direct link between amount of soil organic natter and cation
exchange capacity. \s the organic matter in i soil increases so does
the CEC.
-------
The currant practice at ths Pulton bounty sita Is to apply sludge soiiis to
approximately ana-half of the total available agricultural acraage each
year. This practice toes not allow for crops to be grown on these fields
due to ths repeated applications during tha normal growing season, There-
fore, a field is cropped one year and lies fallow the naxt year while
sludge Is being applied, Raeords indicate that in reality cropping isy
occur oniy ones in three years. The combination of compaction of soils
and lack of a cover crop can greatly increase runoff and soil arosion.
Faulty convex griding on the older of the five application flails inspected
was found to result in runoff being channeled toward! the fisld perimeters,
creating deep galleys. Lack of vegetation in control berns, runoff channels
and basin elites were also seen to contribute to soil erosion, viewer fialds
wert observe^ to bt superior to older ones in teras of proper grading and
related runoff control. Concave grading of the newer fields creates backup
rasscvoirs foe use when the runoff retention basins ara filled.
Problams were noted in the gated pipe operation on Field 161. rhe gated pipe
delivers supernatant to field areas which are established in grass and hay
producing vegetation. This area was partially reclaimed prior to MSOGC
purchase. The MSDX has used the rolling contour of the land to tha
extent possible to create a gravity flow of supernatant to increase hay
productivity. Attempts hava bean uade to balance the flow of the system;
however, dus b> the contour of the land, gheet Clow is usually not accowlished.
The flow of supernatant is toward rills and gullies. Ercraion has resulted.
Pus may be corrected by construction of control beriis and spreader ditches.
Another control nay be utilization of vegetation that is nors tolerant of
large quantities of water thereby holding more water,
In 1975, repairs occurred on Fields 13, 9, 13, 16, 17, 26, 35, 37, 44,
45, and 47 to correct erosion conditions and improve field operations.
Conaidecmbls seeding for erosion control also took place, including ths saed-
ing of about 270 acres of bernts. Additional seeding was performed in that
year on Fields 124, 3i, 51, 52, 57, 59 and 62 for soil erosion control and
hay production. Proposed plans for repair of ditches and erosion guliias
on Fields Kl and 63 include reshaping of eroded areas to divert surface
runoff, revegatation, and in Field 161, construction of an earthen dan with
a control structure, construction of betas, rock picking, chisel plowing,
fertilizing, tandem disk and drag harrowing, seeding, and lulching.
It appears that probiuns of drainage control due to lass than optimm grading
schsnes, especially with the older application fields, will persist into the
future and possibly be compounded by the new practice of cropping only in
alternative years. Further field modifications based upon new operational
data and observations would reduce this intact. This wock should be done in
conjunction with cleaning out siltation basins and bec« repairs.
3. Chemical Effects on Soilsat tha Project Site
Monitoring of project fields includes the determination of 0.1 Normal hydro-
chloric acid (4 QC1) axtractable *etsls in soils. Zinc, cadnlium, nickel,
and copper concentrations of surface soils for typical sludge amended vine
spoil and non-nined fields at Fulton County are shown in Table V-I. The
-------
Field |
3
Mine-spoil I
field, cropped
4
Mine-spoil
^ fiexd. Fallow
•j
20
Non-Mined
Year
1972
1973
11974
1975
1976
1972
1973
1974
1975
1976
1972
1973
1974
field, c topped! 1975
1 1976
1 1972
36 1 1973
Non-Mined 1 1974
field. Fallow] 1975
1 1976
Sludge
Applied
Metric tons
hectare
dry basis
12.9
2.7
54.7
22.8
1.1
54.9
BS. 8
— •"
„
0.8
52.4
20.4
~ "
_—
—
—
—
84.9
Zinc
ug/g
dry basis
20.0
20.9
71.6
133
™ ' ~
10.9
93.5
125
10.8
—
13.5
72.4
124
__
—
8.0
6.8
96.6
Cadmiun
ug/g
dry basis
1.22
1.47
5.63
8.19
™—
0,43
7.63
9.04
0.28
—
0.36
5.12
7.33
•»
—
0.17
1.18
6.94
Nickel
ug/g
dry basis
0.59
2.58
8.20
11.4
— ™"
6.24
10.6
12.9
4.07
—
3.63
11.3
12.8
— —
—
4.72
3.15
7.15
Copper
ug/g
dcy basis
11.4
9.84
31. 6
42.2
_.
5.40
38.2
42.8
3.11
—
4.37
21.9
32.6
^ —
—
2.67
2.97
30.0
Table V-l. Zinc. Cadmium, Nickel and Copper Concentrations in Surface Soils, and Annual
Sludge Application Rates, for Typical Sludge-Amended Mine Spoil and Non-Mined
Fields at Fulton County (Peterson etal; 1977).
-------
table shows that concentrations of 0.1 H SCL extractabls zinc, cadmium, nlcteel
and copper in the selected application fields increased with each year of
sludge applications.
The agricultural issues associated with long-tern soil contamination are
whether contaminated soils can support plant growth and, if so, whether the
crops grown on such soils will present a health hazard to consuming animals
and humans. These issue? are related to the long-term availability of
metals that have accumulated in the soil, which is discussed in detail in
Section 0 of this chapter. Experiments that have been performed using
recovery of extractable ratals from soils to indicate plant availability
have shown that heavy metals that have accumulated in soil can be available
to plants for a considerable period of tine (Chaney, 1978).
B. Water
Surface water quality is assessed at streams, reservoirs and runoff basins
and groundwater quality is assessed at wells and springs. Potential impacts
on surface and ground water are delineated separately below.
1. Surface Water Quality
There are 11 stream water quality monitoring stations and 10 reservoir stations
throughout the project area; these are designated, respectively: SI, S2, S3,
S19, S20, S21, S27, 329, S31, S32, 533; and Rl, R2, R3, R4, R5, RIO, R12, R27,
R28, R34. Their locations are shown in Figure V-2. Application fields re-
ceiving or scheduled to receive sludge are provided with at least one runoff
retention basin, the effluent quality of which is analyzed whenever there is
a discharge. Water quality samples from these stations and basins are analyzed
and straarized.
a. Hater Quality of Streams - Water quality observations versus
violations of Illinois standards is summarized in Table V-2. The data separa-
tion into two time periods, a result only of the updating of this document,
provides a useful indication of whether violations have increased during the
later years of the project, trends in selected water quality constituents
for all stream stations are presented in Table V-3.
The pH values and concentrations of chlorine, chromium, nickel md selenium
are within standards at all stations. All stations show violations of total
dissolved solids and iron, while most exhibit violations of sulfata ion,
copper and manganese throughout the monitoring period. Most of these viola-
tions probably result from runoff over strip-mined land. In addition,
stations stations S20, 321, and S33 indicate numerous violations in standards
for ammonia nitrogen.
v-l
-------
CdJlty file
Key:
U = Well
S - Straaiv
R = Reservoir
Figure V-2 General Area Applied with Sludge and
Water Monitoring Stations (MSDGC, 1972a
through 1975g).
v-9.
-------
Table V-2 Ratio of Violations »nd Observations Reported at Various Strew
Stapling Stations, July 1972 to July 197S (NSOGC, 197?. through
1975g; General Utter Quality Standards for Illinois Haters)
^^^*-~^Cwita»1f(a*t
Stf»»B^-^_ _
SwoIiM Station — -^ *"
SI
S2
S3
S19
520
SZI
S27
S29
531
S32
S33
0/31
0/31
0/31
0/31
0/4
0/3
0/31
0/31
0/31
0/31
0/9
cr
0/31
0/31
0/31
0/31
0/4
0/3
0/31
0/31
0/31
0/31
0/9
S04'
S/31
13/31
IS/31
0/31
4/4
3/3
6/31
0/31
21/31
9/31
9/9
NH3-H
12/31
5/31
1/31
0/31
4/4
4/4
0/31
0/31
0/31
0/31
5/9
Cd
0/31
0/31
1/31
0/31
0/4
0/4
0/31
0/30
0/31
0/31
1/9
Cr
0/31
0/31
0/31
0/31
0/4
0/4
0/31
0/31
0/31
0/31
0/7
Cu
11/31
11/31
1/31
4/21
0/4
0/4
5/31
S/31
7/31
4/31
V»
F*
30/31
16/31
10/31
3/31
Z/4
4/4
14/31
4/31
5/31
6/31
»/9
Pb
3/31
3/31
5/31
4/31
0/4
1/4
1/31
5/31
7/31
5/31
1/9
"9
0/31
0/31
1/31
1/31
0/4
0/3
0/31
1/31
1/31
5/31
0/9
Mi
1/31
1/3)
1/31
0/31
1/4
4/4
2/31
0/31
20/3)
0/31
9/9
HI
0/31
0/31
0/31
0/31
0/4
0/4
0/31
0/31
0/31
0/31
0/9
Se
0/15
0/15
0/1 S
0/14
0/4
0/4
0/15
0/15
0/14
0/15
0/9
In
0/31
0/31
0/31
0/31
0/4
0/4
0/3!
0/31
10/31
0/31
3/9
TBS
6/10
9/10
7/8
2/9
4/4
3/3
7/9
1/8
9/9
7/8
7/8
-------
Table V-2 ( Cont'd)
pH Cl" SQ|« NH3-N Cd Cr Cu Pe Pb Hg Mn Ni Se Zn TDS
Sampling^
Station
SI
S2
S3
S19
S20
S21
S27
S29
S31
S32
S33
0/21
0/21
0/21
0/2]
0/21
0/9
0/21
0/21
0/21
0/21
0/21
1/21
0/21
0/21
0/21
1/21
0/9
0/21
0/21
0/21
0/21
0/21
I/
V
15/
0/21
15/21
6/9
9/21
1/21
16/21
2/21
17/21
3/21
0/21
0/21
0/21
18/21
1/9
0/21
0/21
0/21
2/21
5/21
1/21
1/21
0/21
0/21
,0/21
0/9
0/21
0/21
0/21
0/21
0/21
0/21
0/21
0/21
0/4
0/21
1/9
0/21
0/21
0/21
0/21
0/21
2/21
0/21
0/21
2/21
3/21
2/9
1/21
1/21
5/21
0/21
3/21
14/21
7/21
2/21
5/21
3/21
7/9
5/21
3/21
6/21
4/21
18/21
1/21
0/21
0/21
0/21
1/21
0/9
0/21
0/21
1/21
0/21
0/21
0/21
0/21
0/21
0/21
0/21
0/9
0/21
0/21
1/21
0/21
0/21
0/21
1/21
3/21
2/21
0/21
8/9
4/21
2/21
18/21
4/21
19/21
0/21
0/21
0/21
0/21
0/21
0/9
0/21
0/4
0/21
0/21
0/21
0/14
0/14
0/15
0/18
0/18
0/6
0/17
0/17
0/18
0/18
0/18
0/21
0/21
0/21
1/21
0/21
0/9
0/21
0/21
0/21
0/21
2/21
8/21
14/21
20/20
3/20
19/20
7/9
14/19
4/21
18/21
12/21
20/21
AUGUST 1975 - APRIL 1977
V-1J.
-------
Table V-3 The N02+NO,-N, NH--N, Phosphorus, Iron, and
Fecal Coliform Content of Streams for 1971-1976
SI S2
{Zenz et.al,, 1976, Enviro Control,1977, MSDGC)
S3 S19 S20 S21 S27 S29 S31 S32 S33
N02+N03-N (Nitrite and nitrate nitrogen)
1971
1972
1973
1974
1975
1976
2.65
2.82
3.12
2.34
1.99
2.62
2.22
2.48
2.57
1.87
1.85
1.83
.10
.11
.15
.12
.10
.07
_ «. _
1.79 -
5.13 -
3.46 -
3.20 .37 .57
3.47 .12 .95
«.
1.6
2.85
1.83
2.11
1.34
«.
5.95
10.08
7.36
8.00
5.46
_»
1.99
3.00
1.87
2.49
3.01
mm
1.6
2.86
1.53
1.91
1.49
_
_
_
_
.75
.87
Phosphorus
NH3-N
1971
1972
1973
1974
1975
1976
1.20
1.27
.89
.69
.70
1.20
.77
.67
.46
.44
.48
.70
.20
.25
.13
.09
.16
.11
_ «• _
.12
• Xo ™* "™
.15
.16 2.41 .19
.13 3.57 .22
—
.21
.19
.16
.11
.12
.15
.12
.10
.12
.21
—
.23
.13
.09
.15
.15
*
.08
.14
.12
.07
.13
—
-
-
-
.40
.30
(Armenia nitrogen}
1971
1972
1973
1974
1975
1976
2.6
2.5
.77
1.0
1.71
.76
1.8
1.13
.59
.60
.90
,30
.40
.33
.25
.20
.41
.10
_ _ _
.50
.15 -
.20
.35 4.44 5.50
.12 6.02 2.02
_
.32
.37
.30
.25
.15
-
.32
.15
.20
.17
.25
-
.33
.10
.30
.20
.22
-
.30
.15
.20
.25
.63
-
_
-
-
1.28
.87
F«cal Coliform*
1971
1972
1973
1974
1975
1976
-
-
8000
22,000
14,241
1060
-
-
4700
9564
3980
209
-
-
172
344
161
58
- - -
_ _ _
325
6758 -
397 1385 230
135 1420 42
-
-
1148
2175
813
361
-
-
315
1390
<204
249
-
-
173
185
300
227
.
-
100
349
<26
34
-
—
-
-
423
245
iron
1971
1972
1573
1974
1975
1976
1.50
1.91
1.21
1.20
1.98
1.58
1.30
1.84
1.10
1.10
2.02
1.55
.30
1.80
.87
.60
.50
.70
_ - _
1.07 -
.71
.52
1.98 .44 6.87
.48 .59 5.82
-
1.05
1.08
.99
.92
.64
-
.82
.82
.70
.68
• 65
-
.80
.43
.60
.53
.98
-
1.3
,5
.40
.59
.64
-
—
-
-
11.84
4.44
'Geometric mean
.v-12
-------
These stations might be influenced by the surface runoff from a cattle
feedlot, effluents from failing or improperly maintained septic tanks in the
community of Cuba, seepage from an oxidation pond, and landfill leachate
within the project property. Some changes in experiiental sample design
should be accomplished to provide information on suspected sources of con-
tamination .
Comparing violations of Illinois standards during both tire periods shows
that the extent of violations has remained, for the most part, unchanged.
This appears to indicate that stream water quality has not significantly
deteriorated as a result of sludge application. This is corroborated by
the trend analysis in Table V-3, which presents annual average for nitrite
and nitrate nitrogen, total phosphorus, ammonia nitrogen, fecal colifonus,
and iron in each stream station. The table shows no discernible trends in
any parameter foe any station, further indicating that stream water quality
has remained unaffected by sludge application.
The number of violations reported at 32 correlates with that at SI, and
water quality at both of these stations is strongly influenced by pollution
sources upstream from SI, including effluent from the Canton Sewage Treat-
ment Plant. Data did show that there have been effluent quality standard
violations at the treatment plant as well as other sources in the Big Creek
stretch between station SI and the treatment plant. The new Canton treatment
plant began operation in Nay 1976 and better quality water in Big Creek
is expected.
The summary completed in 1977 indicates that downstream station S2 demon-
strates better overall quality than station Si, indicating that dilution and
instream purification occur along Big Creek between these two stations.
This cleansing is, however, insufficient to reduce pollutants at 52 to accept-
able levels. It must be emphasized that project influences on Big Creek water
quality are difficult to assess because of the strong influence of treatment
plant effluents, which tend to mask any project contributions that may exist.
it can be stated, however, that because the "existing" water quality has been
so poor, potential contributions from the project are of little concern.
The only parameters showing increased violations of standards in 1977 in 32
over SI are sulfate and total dissolved solids (IDS). Although increased IDS
may indicate that runoff basins provided for the sludge application fields
have not been effective in removing dissolved solids, numerous other sources
may be responsible for this increase.
The monitoring program was not designed to aggregate sources affecting
water quality and, as a result, no conclusion can be made regarding this
observation.
V-13
-------
The only biological watar quality parameter measured at these monitoring
stations is fecal coliform concentration. Fecal coliforms, while non-
pathogenic, indicate that pathogenic organises of fecal origin nay be
present in the water. Annual geometric mean fecal coliform concentrations
are presented in Table V-3. This table shows that fecal colifom counts
in inost stations have been high but have not been increasing. High fecal
coliform concentrations are probably due to contamination by human or
animal waste in effluents from the Canton Sewage Treatment Plant (SI ana
S2) and faulty septic tanks, and in runoff from cattle feedlots. The obser-
vation that thtse values have not been increasing indicates that sludge
application is not responsible for high fecal coliform counts.
Fecal coliform concentrations generally decrease between stations SI and S2
as demonstrated in Figure V-3. A natural decrease in S2 counts over high SI
counts (caused by pollutant sources upstream, including effluents from the
Canton Sewage Treatment Plant) is expected to occur from die-off and dilution.
The important issue is whether the observed decrease is less than the natural
decrease would have been in the absence of sludge application. Mthough this
issue cannot be resolved because of the many other sources of fecal coliforma
in that area, valuable insight can be gained from a study performed by Lua-
aing gt al, 1977. This study concerns bacterial levels in R3, 31, and S2 from
1972 bo~T§75. Station R3 is located at the discharge of Beservoir 3 which
drains approximately 2000 hectares of the site, ultimately to the stretch of
Big Creek betv-een 31 aid 52. The study reports that although total plate
counts increased at ail sampling sites from 1972 through 1975, levels of fecal
coliforns in R3 wers consistently one to one and one-half orders of magnitude
lower than in Big Creek. Drainage from these 2000 hectares could, therefore,
not have been responsible for poor water quality in Big Creek in terms of
indicator organisms.
Due to the span of tine between the printing of the Draft and Final BIS,
water quality data from 1979 was reviewed to determine if any changes had
taken place. The data was taken from the 1930 3SDQC operating report. Host
parameters indicate that the water quality actually improves as it flows from
sampling point 51 (above the project site) to sampling point 32 (below the
project site). The only parameters to decline somewhat were total dissolved
solids, calcium, sodium, chlorine and sulfate. This data is very encouraging
but may not reflect any rainfall events or correlate with sludge spreading
operations since the sampling was performed on November 6, 1979. % map (Fig-
ure V-4) and the data (Table V-4) follow.
The evidence paints to the conclusion that sludge application has not affected
stream water quality.
b. Water quality of reservoirs - Reservoir water quality is first
generally analyzed} Table v-5 shows the overall minimum and maximum for all
water quality constituents, collectively for all reservoirs. This analysis
provides an indication of which parameters violate Illinois water quality
standards. Table V-6 then presents trends in selected water quality constit-
uents for specific reservoirs. Table V-5 shows that pH values and ammonia
¥-14
-------
Figure ?-3 Variation of Fecal Conform
Concentrations with Time for
Stations SI and S2 (MSDGC, 1972a
throuih 1975q).
V-15
-------
Figure Y-l* W»t*r Monitorlruc Ltx»tioni at Fulton County
V-H
-------
TABUE V-4
04« "
•I-K.JELnAHt.
*J — v* it i "
N — N02+*103 "
\LK AS CA003 "
P L . C " "IT . 'JM'fOS/C't
l- ^L
11 A **
•C \ lf
•to
?,*J "
r *> "
CO "
r ^ **
it "
Ml "
PI
yr, "
AL "
*tl .
1440.
R.
10.
110.
74.
0,
0.
n.
n.
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
20.
5.
n-jq.
2
6
Ofl
00
00
nn
30
70
16
00
00
00
00
00
Of!
00
00
00
02
00
19
00
70
00
00
00
00
00
00
s
ll/
1.
0.
14.
1313.
0.
0.
0.
333.
1700.
7.
«U.
210.
UO.
0.
0.
0.
0 .
0.
1.
0.
I.
0.
0.
0.
4.
2,
2174.
3
11
30
01
00
10
30
01
0*
00
in
00
or>
30
00
00
00
00
l}f>
30
27
20
00
00
30
00
00
00
00
*M»)L-MI.1IMOM
THAN i'»r.SK A1F.
LIMIT OP LAROn.\TO»!Y .
) AS 55EHO
AU, VALtJES LESS
V-17
-------
TABLE V-4
(Cont'd)
Flit
i NUMB
OATIS SA'IPLEOj
PH
TOTAL P
Cl.-
<5tU-
•^-KJELBAHL
H-SH3
1-M02+H03
AH AS CAC03
•!L.COM1. 'J'HO
V.
tIA
CA
MC
2*1
cn
cu
ex
MI
>iN
P»
FP
AL
no
SE
r. coLifoxM/in
10!>
TSS
fOS
T1H CO'TMTY LANn R EC1. AM ATI 0«J "HO^
'JAT
r.R:
Mrt/L
ft
fl
M
1*
it
»f
S / C f t
Mfi/L
•t
•I
n
M
n
n
"
n
ti
ii
n
n
UC/L
MC/L
10 ML
HG/L
n
n
F.R ANALYSIS
STREAM \170
•mL*
0.01
i .0
1.0
O.I
O.I
0.01
5.0
I
1 .1
t.o
1 .0
1.0
0.1
0.01
0.01
0.02
O.I
o.oi
0.01
O.I
1.0
0.1
0.2
2
0,5
I
IECT
- FIJLTO'J COTPITY
SPRTMC
11 B P. R 1 0
S !•>
ll/ 5
a . 13
n .13
9 .on
536.00
0 .Rfl
fl.OO
0.05
200.00
120.00
4.00
20.00
110.00
79.00
0.00
0.00
ot
ll/ 5
7.90
0.16
19.00
1 l«»fi.OO
1 .20
0.20
0.45
3<>! .00
1400.00
6.00
74.00
140.00
100.00
0.00
0,00
0.00
fl.OO
0.10
0.15
o. n
n,*0
1.00
0.00
0,00
0.00
6.00
1508.00
S31
ll/ 5
3.10
0 .04
31 .on
670.00
O.RO
0.00
0.21
212.00
2000.00
2.00
52.00
230.00
120.00
0.10
0.00
0.02
0.00
0. It)
0 . 30
0.00
1.70
I. 00
0,00
0.00
430.00
4.00
2344.00
nSTECTIO!! LIMIT OF LABORATORY.
THAS THIS! A*E HBFOUTEO 4S ZERO
ALL VALUES LESS
V-18
-------
TABUS V-4
(Cont'd)
FULTO'J COUNTY LAN!) RECL AM VT TO1* PROJF.CT
UATHR A?1.VT,YSIS - F'Jt.TO'1 CO*n3 "
ALK AS CAC03 "
EL.COH1, 'JMHO5/CM
X W./L
Mi "
C.I "
'If,
2*j »t
en "
cv "
CR "
HI "
1't "
p«
rn "
AL
MG HC/L
SB HC/t
F. COLIFORM/100 ML
800 '1R/L
TSS "
vne ft
•nt-
0.0 1
l.O
1 .0
0,1
0.1
0.01
5.0
l.O
l.O
l.O
l.O
fl.l
0.01
0.01
0.02
O.I
0,01
0.01
0.1
1.0
O.I
0.2
1
0.5
S12
III 5
« .0.0
0.00
17.00
1225.00
0.50
0.00
0.25
753,00
2700.00
0.00
150.00
110.00
90.00
0.00
0.00
n.oo
0.00
0.10
J1.02
0.00
0.30
1. 00
0,20
0.00
0.00
l*> .00
27«1 .00 -
S31
ll/ 5
"*. 10
0.11
17«>.00
1232.00
0,80
0.00
0 ,*6
302.00
2500.00
5,00
?20 .00
200,00
no. 10
0.10
0.00
o.oo
0.00
0.10
2. «•»
0.10
0,60
0.00
0.00
0.00
250.00
7.00
2477.00
*:iT)L«MI«!IMnM TIRTlCTtnif LIMIT Of LABORATORY.
THAW THBSB AR^ R».PORTF.O AS 2RRO
ALL
LESS
V-li
-------
Table V-5 Hater Quality of Reservoirs (MSDGC, 1972a through 1975g;
General Water Quality Standards for Illinois' Waters)
Reservoir Samples
Illinois Surface
Water Quality
Parameter and Unit
PH
Total P (mg/1)
Cl (mg/1)
804 (mg/1)
N-Kjeldahl (mg/1)
HH3-N (mg/1)
HOj+NQj-N (ng/1)
Alkalinity
(as CaC03) (mg/1)
Conductivity (mho)
Ca (ng/1 )
K (ag/1)
Na (mg/1 )
Al (ng/1)
Cd (ng/1)
Cr (mg/1)
Cu (mg/1)
P« (ng/1)
Pb (ng/1)
Mg (mg/1)
Mn (mg/1)
Hg (ug/1)
Hi (mg/1)
Zn (mg/1)
T.S.S. (mg/1)
«;0.S. (mg/1)
Fecal Col i forma
(1/100 ml)
D.O. (mg/1)
1971
6.9-10.1
0-1.2
1-30
4-1508
0-23
.1-1.5
0-1.1
70-580
120-2500
9-360
2-12.7
1-535
—
O-.l
O-.ll
0-.15
0-3.6
0-.31
10-483
0-1.19
0-.9
0-.38
0-.6
—
— —
<2-4000
6.2-20
1972
6.9-10.0
0-1.20
1-30
4-1,508
0-4.4
0.1-1.5
0-1.10
70-580
120-2,500
9-360
0-13
1-535
-_
0-0.1
0-0.11
0-0.16
0-3.6
0-0.31
10-483
0-1.19
0-0.9
0-0.38
0-0.6
—
— —
0->7,000
6.0-20.0
1973
7.3-8.9
0.02-0.73
5-20
16-781
0-2.4
0-1.07
0-8.30
80-500
300-3,340
45-367
1-8
9-229
0-3.77
0-0.02
0-0.02
0-0.13
0-1.9
0-0.33
34-132
0-1.22
0-0.8
0
0
—
— —
0-7,600
5.6-15.6
1974
7.3-9.0
o-2.ro
2-312
13-1,160
0-4.5
0-2.0
0-6.30
55-530
570-2,300
45-550
2-10
9-265
0-4.0
0-0.03
0-0.03
0-0.08
0-9.2
0-0.27
35-162
0-1.55
0-3.0
0-0.1
0-0.4
0-231
422-2,092
0-1,500
8.4-15.3
1975
6.9-9.0
0-1.1
2-130
13-1013
0-7.6
0-5.7
.01-15.50
30-900
300-2000
20-418
1-10
9-219
0-6
0-.02
O-.l
0-.02
0-22
0-.13
20-137
0-1.23
0-3.2
0-14
0-.2
1-350
189-6940
0-4100
4.9-14.2
1976
7.1-9.0
0-.32
3-52
0-1057
0-4.7
0-4
0-7.9
49-490
250-2900
35-250
.1-11
4-241
0-4
0-.05
0-.12
0-.15
0-4
0-.6
17-155
0-3.48
0-2
0-.2
0-.9
1-141
302-2467
0-5600
6.5-17
Water Quality
Standards
6.5-9.0
£0.05
£500
£500
— —
£1.5
—
__
—
—
_ _
—
—
<0.05
fCr(-f-6)<0.
£0.02
11. 0
£0. 1
__
5
(anytime)
05
mean)
-------
Table V-6 The t»2-H«:H»* Mfj-N, Phosphorus, Iron, and Fecal Coliform
Content of Reservoirs for 1971 - 1976
(Z«nz etal., 1976; Bwiro Control, 1977; MSDQC )
Constituent
Year
Rl
R2
R3
R4
RIO
R12
R27
R28 R34
N02 + N03-N
Phosphorus
NH3-N
Fecal
Col iform
fe
(ton)
1971
1972
1973
1974
1975
1976
1971
1972
1973
1974
1975
1976
1971
1972
1973
1974
1975
1976
1971
1972
1973
1974
1975
1976
1971
1972
1973
1974
1975
1976
.16
.07
.05
.17
1.48
.60
.20
.10
.12
.06
.08
.10
.30
.20
.13
.10
.27
.26
*•••
—
5
10
5
3
.16
.4
.2
.2
2.07
.27
.32
.17
.35
.69
.92
.39
.26
.09
.09
.07
.11
.10
.3
.3
.14
.20
.17
.11
•*••
— .
19
38
5
5
.2
.3
.34
.3
.24
.27
.16
.09
.48
.65
1.26
1.26
.29
.13
.30
.09
.18
.14
.4
.2
.3
.4
.42
.24
7
5
6
18
7
5
.4
.4
.3
.1
.32
.33
„ m
.04
.24
.05
1.27
.22
— i-
.12
.16
.09
.22
.13
--„....
.4
.3
.2
.18
.12
.
—
34
56
18
7
«MM>
.9
,9
1.1
1.12
1.32
.09
.09
.11
.30
.27
.08
.1
.07
.15
.06
.06
.08
.4
.2
.08
.2
.21
.09
«"•••
__
11
17
6
6
.28
.2
.34
.3
.43
.34
.08
.11
.35
,70
1.17
2.50
.16
.06
.12
.06
.05
.08
.5
.3
.16
.4
.22
.16
rcmurc
— -
11
85
3
6
.1
.5
.26
.3
.43
.29
^P,,
.09
.13
.07
.08
.16
imam
.08
.17
.29
.08
.11
_„
.2
.10
.10
.16
.19
«•••
—
18
24
8
5
-r:m
.3
.38
.17
.29
.57
*»**
—
.09
.04
.16
.11
^_
—
.11
.07
.06
.09
^T-
_
.06
.10
.13
.14
«^«
—
5
5
3
2
-
—
.30
.12
.23
.39
trmm
.94
2.85
2.90
3.51
1.96
mom.
.48
.21
.17
.16
.16
mmL_
1.0
.59
.7
1.11
.66
m L
__
196
620
371
63
^^
2.0
1.3
1.6
1.68
1.06
V-21
-------
nitrogen levels in these reservoirs generally conform to Illinois water
quality standards. Concentrations of chlorides and ratals such as cadmium,
chromium, nickel and zinc are normally within state standards. Vie reser-
voirs do, however, exhibit high levels of total phosphorus, suLfate, copper,
iron, lead, manganese and mercury which violate Illinois standards, as well
as occasionally elevated levels of inorganic nitrogen. A comparison of these
violations to those recorded in 1971 and 1972, before significant amounts of
sludge were applied, reveals that the sane parameters have shown consistent
violations daring both tine periods. These violations cannot, therefore, be
attributed to sludge application but rather to surface runoff over strio-
-------
3 20
ID
3
&
20 -
15
I 10
5 5
I
Reservoirs
R2
R3
'Average Saturated Level-of Dissolved Oxygen
_L
. t
M A N J J U b A* J" M I
J J A SO N 0 0 F M AHJJASOM 0 J F H
»), , „ • 1973 •'}* 18?4
1975'
Ftgurt V-S Reservoir Water T«raptratura »nd Le«1 of
Dissolved Oxygen.(0.0.) (NSDGC, 1972a through
1975g; and Envlro Control, Inc. 1976).
V-23
-------
data indicate, D.O. levels ace generally higher than the minimum standard of
5 milligrams pee liter. The D.O, levels of. all three reservoirs font a typical
seasonal pattern, with D.O. peaking in winter and at a minium in summer. Dili
cyclic pattern is, as expected, opposite to the seasonal variation of reservoir
temperature. D.O. levels are close to the average theoretical saturation
values, and are therefore predominantly influenced by water temperature and the
reservoir mixing characteristics. Die reservoirs probably have not received
large inputs of oxygen-demanding pollutants such as carbonaceous and nitro-
geneous organic materials.
During Nay 1973 and Ally 1975, D.O. levels dropped below 6 milligrams per
liter in reservoir Rl, which receives runoff basin effluents from sludge
application fields 126, 127, 128, and 130. Sludge was not applied to these
fields until August 1974. Runoff retention basin B-30-2 discharged into
reservoir Rl after the reservoir water *AS sampled on July 9, 1975. Therefore,
no connection between observed low D.O. concentrations in reservoir Rl and the
project operation can be established.
The reservoir data for 1979 indicated that st no time did the D.O. level fall
below 5 milligrams per liter.
During the summer, when ambient temperatures are high and D.O. saturation
levels are low, nighttime D.O. levels nay be much lower than daytime levels.
This is attributable to the continued depletion of 0.0. by olanktonic respira-
tion while photosynthetic oxygen regeneration is absent. Nighttime monitor-
ing of D.O. is therefore essential to complete the assessment of possible
environmental impacts resulting from project operations.
c" ^ater quality and capacity of runoff basins - More than 50 runoff
retention basins hive been constructed within the project property as of July
1975. With the exception of field 138, on which sludge was applied in October
1974, all fields receiving or scheduled to receive sludge are provided with at
least one basin. Each runoff basin is coded with the same number as the field
it serves, with a sub-number when more than one basin is provided for a par-
ticular field. for example, basin B-20-3 represents basin 13 of field 120.
Effluent quality - The criteria for field runoff basin effluent discharge
was developed by the Illinois ERA (IEPA). The IEPA operating permit issued in
1974 was appended with the following two conditions which regulate the effluent
quality from retention basins.
(1) SPECIAL CONDITION #9: The effluent discharge from any retention
basin approved under this permit must meet the applicable effluent
requirement for discharge to the waters of the State as required by
Illinois Pollution Control Board Rules and Regulations Chapter 3.
The point: of discharge to the waters of the State is considered to be
the overflow structure of each of the retention basins.
(2) SPECIAL CONDITION »10i this permit is issued with the condition
that the following contaminant concentrations are considered to be
V-24
-------
background values and the numerical effluent standards shall be
considered met at the designated effluent sampling point described
in Special Condition f9 when the background concentration plus the
allowable regulatory concentration is greater than the measured
concentration for the appropriate parameters!
Illinois EPA background Concentrations for Field
Runoff Retention Basins Discharges at the District
Site in Pulton County, Illinois
Arithmetic Mean
Standard Deviation
Geometric Mean
Total
Suspended
Solids
{mq/D
61.7
87.3
-
QOD
(mg/1)
2.75
1.48
-
Fecal
ODliform
(counts)
100 ml
^
-
94.3
The applicable effluent standards by which the District is currently
operating these field runoff retention basins, therefore, are 1SS
rag/1, aoo •! 33 rag/1, and fecal coliforra S.494 counts/100 ml. The average
quality of the effluent from these basins must conform to these criteria
to qualify for release. These values are arrived at by adding the background
values (above) to the "secondary treatment* effluent requirements of 37 nq/l
TSS, 30 ing/l BOD, and 400 counts/100 ml.
Effluent quality of a runoff basin is analyzed whenever there is a discharge.
The discharge of effluents fran the runoff basin is necessary to reduce the
water level even in the absence of sludge application. The arithmetic'or
geometric mean, maxiiaum, and minimum levels of TSS, BOD, and fecal collforms
in each runoff basin are presented in Table V-7.
Discharge from runoff basins occurs intermittently and rarely more than
once a month. Therefore, the effects of a discharge upon the receiving
reservoir or creek probably diminish to insignificant levels when the
subsequent discharge is made.
Storm runoff capacities - Runoff basins were constructed to provide
a retention capacity for runoff from a 100-year storm. The purpose of the
basins is to retain runoff from application fields for the length of tine
required to meet standards before the runoff water is discharged. Project
designs called for the recycling of substandard basin water by pumping to
the application field, but records indicate this has never been done. One
way in which the effectiveness of runoff basins in containing 100-year
storm runoff can be calculated is by comparing the design capacity of the
basins with the anticipated volume of storm runoff. The 24-hour runoff
volumes for 25-year and 100-year storms are calculated using SCS runoff
¥-25
-------
Kbit V-7
[fflvtnt Quiltty of Runoff RcUfltlon MstM (MSOGC,
19721 tkramk 1975fi «nd tn.lro Control, Inc., 1976!
f
firiMtir
5|5
T
Ro. of OMOTMtiont
B>. of Vlelittoot
MM (M/1)
MnfcMi ta/t)
•o. of OMtrwttOM
Ro. of Vtolittom
if 1 H»M (M/1)
i
•-
ii
NutMB («t/l)
Ml.ta. (M/1)
Ito. of DMinwtlam
Ho. Of Vc*»4
414.3 per
1W-1
Runoff Rettntlon dsln
8-1-1
S
0
22.2
36
t
S
I
13
4
S
0
23
«0
<10
4
0
9
1*
4
4
1
7.3
16
2
4
0
14
40
CIO
1
1
35.*
43
10
1
3
9.1
2*
2
1
0
U
20
<10
*
?
33.3
82
1
8
1
4.5
8
2
9
0
22
130
2
2S
7
49.1
353
1
!»
9
12.9
M
2
26
t
74
2.000
2
16
1
13.7
220
1
12
6
10.9
a
\
12
0
12
IK)
410
1
0
10
,.
..
1
1
21
.-
..
1
0
80
..
.-
14
2
86. S
644
1
13
10
11.2
32
1
13
1
31
1,300
2
8-6-1
3
1
78
184
8
2
0
2.S
3
2
2
1
31
1300
2
8-7-1
2
t
92 * 5 •
93
92
—
--
—
—
—
1
0
180
--
--
8-7-2
*
21.3
S2
1
4
2
7
11
b
4
0
2$
130
<10
l_
3 12
"r
i
?M
III
•
*'*
s
MriMMr
MB. of Oktorvttlont
io. of 1lol»tton»
NoM (w/11
Niilaa (M/1)
m««Mi (n»/1)
No of OkHrmttoM
Ito. of VIoUtlOM
MM* (M/1)
HutaHi ("1/1 )
M1«taHl (M/l)
Ro. Of ObMTMtlMS
•i. of VtolatiMt
too. No» (1/100 •!)
NKtMH f 1/100 •!)
Hid !• (1/100 «1)
StMd«r«
ArlUwMc HMH
of TSS thill
M.7 •!/!
Arfttantlc •»•
Of M» IM11
«.7S B|/l
GtCBitrtc MM
of ftul
Mull not
o«co*4
100 •!
1-7-3
1Z
t
32.6
127
4
JO
4
f.3
14
rz
11
0
21
110
I
8-8-1
It
4
4J.4
101
S
10
$
t.s
14
2
11
1
21
S20
<10
i-a-2
7
3
122.1
'«
17
«
1
S
12
2
t
0
14
130
2
Run
I-H
21
0
30.1
64
3
. «
6
7.J
22
1
19
4
«
w
2
off toten
8-1-2
11
3
43.1
94
11
4
0
.5
•S
,500
2
tlon l»1
!-»-}
3
1
77.3
218
t
—
—
..
..
—
1
0
*10
--
"
ft
8-10-1
3
D
?9
38
22
3
2
7.7
11
S
3
0
17
SO
<10
8-10-2
1
0
41
..
—
1
0
c
„
..
1
0
oo
..
—
i-n-i
a
4
M.<
89
28
i
8
IS
34
7
t
g
25
ISO
<10
8-12-1
S
0
29
SO
1
5
3
10
22
2
S
0
U
30
«10
8-13-1
4
0
36.3
49
21
4
3
9.3
14
3
4
0
21
190
<10
-------
Tifelt V-? Contlitvtd
f
Effliieiit
SUnddrtl
AritNwKc MM
of TSS «MU
not tiered
M.7 m,n
Art Mm Ic BtM
of 800 dwll
tot ««re*d
iMMtrtc
of ftcil
conform
jh.11 not
4M.3
100 •!
16
2<
33
1M
i-ii-L
35. S
76
10
a.z
17
H
5,000
Runoff Retention Mtln
-16-1
IS.]
30
10.3
20
22
160
£10
1-17-1
153
3.5
Jii.
40.1
11.7
SO
-11-1
(3.1
100
-za_
7.S
12
70
-20-1
13
59
10
(.3
10
15
80
108.6
312
_!/_
18.1
73
32
34.7
37
21
1 ,000
2«.3
K
36
2.MO
I
lip
*l*.
"Zc-a
sn
?Kl
III
•
*1
S
rw^tUr
H». of OMtrwttoM
M. tf HsUtlwii
MM* ten)
Hnfaa te^ll
MtutaB (piyi)
to. tf »1elittw»
NMHta/11
NUtaM (M/l 1
NliitaM ta/1)
to. * VMttlam
CM. mm [1/100 «ll
Hula* (1/100 •!)
NtotaMi (1/100 •))
ffflomt
StwMtr«
Arlt tattle MHI
of TSS ihill
not t>ct*4
M.7 «f/1
Artttattlc MM
of KB shtll
t. 7$ HI/I
r«i»itrte "twi
of ftcil
collforvs
stall Mt
txctM
4*4.3 ptr
100 Hi
bwwff Retention tosln
I-22-I
20
0
16.4
34
4
11
7
».S
11
I
1*
0
It
320
2
1-22-2
12
4
11. t
m
2
(
3
7.2
11
3
11
0
4f
400
410
1-23-1
p
..
—
..
0
„
,.
.,
0
...
^_
"
I-2S-I
3
0
IS 3
2S
f
3
0
5.7
I
S
_J_
0
<10
--
1-21-2
1
0
1
.„
-
1
0
4
..
..
1
0
<10
,„
-
I-2C-1
S
0
2|.S
41
3
S
2
».*
11
4
S
0
12
20
ifO
•-2C-2
<
0
17
»-
8
i
3
6.8
M
4
•
0
»
100
£10
8-27-1
4
0
11.8
»
5
4
0
S
5
S
4
1
71
2.COO
<10
l-27-i
4
9
13.3
>»
1
4
0
1.75
7
4
4
0
-------
Table V-7
Continued
*.
ai-
*"t»«?l
m
Biologic*!
Oxygen
Demand
Fecal
Conforms
Paraaettr
No. of Observations
HO. of violations
Mean (ma/13
Maximum (aig/1)
Minimum fmq/1)
(to, of Observations
No. of Violations
Hem (ni/1)
Maxflnum (ir.q/1)
Minimum («g/ll
No. of Observations
HO. cf Violations
G*o. Hear, (1/100 ml)
Maximum (1/100 *1)
NinlMjH (1/100 «1)
effluent
Standard
Arithmetic mean
of TSS shall
6fi,7 «g/l
Arithmetic mean
of BOD shall
not exceed
6.75 rag/1
Geometric mean
of fee*!
conforms
s ha 1 1 not -.
exceed
494.3 ptr
100 nil i
_ Rut off Retention EaS'n —
B-30-2
6
0
16.5
28
6
6
2
6.3
9
4
6
0
<10
..
—
6-31-1
0
..
—
,.
0
..
_,-
-.
-.
0
—
—
—
..
B-32-1
0
-.
._
..
._
0
.„
,.
._
—
Q
—
—
—
..
B-33
0
,.
_.
..
«-
0
—
..
0
—
--
-.
—
8-34-1
0
.-
«_
_-
--
0
—
..
..
0
.*
..
—
..
B-34-2
0
—
._
—
__
0
__
—
—
—
0
.-
—
—
-£iJSJ_
0
..
_-
—
«.
0
..
.-
,_
0
«-
—
—
r--^-
e-?f,-i
0
..
..
—
— -
0
_.
--
..
«„
0
..
..
..
-
B-37-1
0
—
—
—
..
0
,.
...
-.
—
0
-~
».
..
--
5-39-1
3
0
3
1
•y
0
£-«-!
2
0
2 !
f
I
0
f
M
-------
T«b1t V-7 Continued
_!„
513
' kf
Is?
ss?
oSl
i
II
Pirjneter
Ha, Of Ob$*r»*tlofu
tio. of »1aUt1sns
Xean (rj/lj
Miilnwi !ng/1)
Kfniwi (»5/I]
*». of Wiltrvatlotij
So. of KtelttlOM
yein !«s/ll
»K«r-j« (PSHI
Klnlwm (na/1)
NO, 0' 0&$*r»aHors
fe. of Violations
Geo. Vtm (1/100 ill)
Hwlrnr (1/100 ml)
HinfTWi (1/100 nl)
Cffluert
5t«ndird
ArltHmttc netn
of TSS stall
not e»ceed
66.7 m/1
Arlthmttc MM
of BOO shall
not e«c«ed
6.75 »Q/1
Gtonetrfc ««M
of f«c«1
col If oral
sluil not
exceed
4?4.3 per
too «i
8-41 -1
3
1
J
1
J
0
B-42-1
2
0
f
1
2
0
S-4J-2
4
0
4
2
*
0
Runoff Retention Basin
B-43-1
3
0
3
2
3
0
8-44-1
S
2
5
1
5
0
6-45-1
J
0
3
0
3
0
B-47-1
1
0
J
1
9
0
-------
curve nutbec 38, assuming low soil permeability and no conservation prac-
tices, evapotranspiration or depression storage, Mthough assumptions
cesuit in slightly overestimating storm runoff, the evaluation of retention
basin effectiveness also assumes that the basins are coupletsly empty
ocior to each storm, and that the basin capacities are not diminished by
sedimentation of suspended solids from previous stom runoff. The effective-
ness of a runoff basin is seriously impaired whan a storm occurs before the
basin is entirely empty. Bnptying the basins before a predicted storm nay
cause bottom sediment contaminated with sludge particles to be discharied
to the receiving water.
Table v-8 summarizes the design capacity of each retention basin and cal-
culated storm runoff voluw for 25 and 100-year storms. From these cal-
culations the retention basins for fields 3, 14, 20, and 21 appear unable
to contain the 25-year storm runoff and basins for fields 4, 7, 11, 12, 19,
22, 25, 26, 29, 30, 39, 40, 42, 43, 44, 45, and 47 are unable to contain
the 100-year stom runoff. Actual field observations indicate that these
Bay not be the worst case events. The worst case may occur when basins
are partially full prior to application, the ground becomes saturated by
application and then intermittent heavy rainfall occurs within several
days. This was observed in September 1977.
Some deficiencies between correlation of calculated retention basin capacities
and observed deficiencies can be explained in terms of variables ranging from
characteristics of storm to the condition of the soil at the time of storm.
However, the most likely explanation lies in the applicability of the SCS
method to the project site. The SCS uethod as used here provides the
aTDunt of runoff that can be expected on the basis of "average sits
characteristics". Ideally, a different runoff curve should be applied to
each field, depending on local hydrologic conditions of the soil, soil
type, soil depth, type of crop grown, conservation treatment, and many
other factors. These factors must be considered at Fulton County, where
each retention basin is tailored to the runoff volume expected from
a particular field. Other sources of error can likely be found in predicting
the portion of a field draining into each of its retention basins, as explained
above with respect to field 12. Runoff basins with inadequate capacity for
containing 100-year storm runoff as well as runoff from recurring, high
intensity storms, are particularly ineffective in removing suspended solids
from storm runoff. Numerous violations of effluent standards for total
suspended solids and biochemical oxygen demand show that the runoff retention
basins have been ineffective. Prolonged violations could result in siltation
and excess dissolved oxygen depletion in receiving waters.
2« Groundwater quality
Gtoundwater quality was assessed from samples collected from 26 wells and
one spring during a six year period. The ideal approach to groundwater
analysis would have included a designation of background wells measuring
natural parameter variations and a trend analysis among remaining wells
before and after sludge application. Unfortunately, this could not be
accomplished in a comprehensive fashion for Fulton County. First, this
V-30
-------
Table v-8 Capacity of Runoff Retention Basins and Volume of
24-Hour Storm Runoff (MSDGC 1972c through 1972g and
19731 through 1973k; Envico Control, Inc., 1976)
Runoff Retention Basins
Field
Number
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
19
20
Basin
B-l-l
B-2-1
B-2-2
B-2-3
B-3-1
B-4-1
B-4-2
B-5-i
B-6-1
B-7-1
B-7-2
B-7-3
B-8-1
B-8-2
B-9-1
B-9-2
B-9-3
B-10-1
B-10-2
B-ll-1
B-12-1
B-13-1
B-13-2
B-14-1
B-15-1
B-16-1
B-19-1
B-20-1
B-20-2
B-20-3
Capacity
Per Basin
(acre-ft)
24.4
21.5
4.1
2.9
12.9
25.9
6.2
15.3
6.6
5.9
16.0
17.0
25.2
6.4
43.2
13.7
4.9
21.5
23.0
8.0
11.0
9.5
39.5
14.3*
10. 5
70.3
14.2
15.0
11.2
8.8
Capacity
Pec Field
(acre-ft)
24.4
28.5
12.9
32.1
15.3
6.6
36.9
31.6
61.8
44.5
8.0
11.0
48.5
14.3
10.5
70.3
14.2
35.0
Calculated 24-Hr. Runoff
(acre-ft.)
25-Yr. Storm 100-Yr. Storm
15.0
16.9
13.3
26.0
9.8
4.8
35.8
23.1
56.9
30.6
6.8
8.8
5.1
22.8
7.2
48.8
12.4
37.1
19.6
22.1
17.4
34.0
12.8
6.4
46.8
30.2
74.4
40.0
8.9
11.5
15.3
29.8
9.4
63.8
16.2
48.5
V-31
-------
Table V-8 continued
Field
Number
21
22
23
25
26
27
28
29
JO
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
Basin
B-21-1
B-22-1
B-22-2
B-23-1
B-25-1
B-25-2
B-26-1
B-26-2
B-27-1
B-27-2
B-28-1
B-29-1
B-30-1
B-30-2
B-31-1
B-32-1
B-33
B-34-1
B-34-2
B-35-1
B-36-1
B-37-1
NA
B-39-1
B-40-1
B-41-1
Capacity
Per Baain
(acre-ft)
4.5
13.7
7.9
14.9
6.9
7.5
13.8
8.8
17.5
7.1
13.5
14.9
7.2
20.1
9.3
15.8
*
26.4
12.3
14. 2«*
78.8
35.7
HA
14.6
30.7
23.3
Capacity
Per Field
(acre-ft)
4.5
21.6
14.9
14.4
22.6
24.6
13.5
14.9
27.3
9.3
15.8
38.7
93.0
J5.7
NA
14.6
30.7
23.3
Calculated 24-Hr. Runoff
(acre-ft.)
25-Yr. Storm 100-Yt. storm
12.7
16.9
7.2
12.4
20.8
14.0
10.1
12.7
22.4
6.0
11.1
23.3
59.0
22.4
17.6
13.7
26.7
17.9
16.6
22.1
9.4
16.2
27.2
18.3
13.2
16.6
29.3
7.9
14.5
30.4
77.1
29.3
23.0
17.9
34.9
23.4
V-32
-------
Table V-8 continued
Field
Number
•••^^^•^^B
42
43
44
45
47
Basin
B-42-1 .
B-42-2
B-43-1
B-44-1
B-45-1
B-47-1
Capacity
Pec Basin
(acre-ft)
33.3
24.4
23.1
11.6
48.1
12.5
Capacity
Per Field
(acre-ft)
57.7
23.1
11.6
48.1
12.5
Calculated 24-Hr. Runoff
(Acre-ft
25-Yr. Storm
52.7
19.2
11.1
47.5
9.8
.)
100-Yr.
68.9
25.1
14.5
62.1
12.8
Storm
Note: NA - Not Available
*Field 133 drains its runoff to Retention Basin B-32-1 of Field 132.
**Pield 135 drains its eastern portion of runoff to Retention Basin
B-36-1 of Field 136.
*Field |14 drains some of its runoff to basins serving fields
113 and #16.
V-33
-------
would have required a highly detailed and presently unavailable tracing of
groundwater flow. Secondly, sludge application was initiated at aifferent
tiles and rates on each field, making a clear cut definition of "before and
aft-ii* L-nposaibls. Technology currently exists to neasure groundwater flow
and direction. This could be utilized if it beoxnes necessary to isolate a
groundwater pollution source.
While this type of analysis couli not be conducted comprehensively, certain
wells were selected to reprasent a cross section of thosa in the nine spoil
area of the site, an analysis of which was not constrained by the above
problems. It -oust be emphasized that this analysis does not at this stage
provide a long-range conclusion, because extremely low soil oeriKability
vastly lengthens the tine needed for sludge to interact with groundwater.
*n exception is the case of direct fissure flow, the effects of which becone
apparent Ttuch nors quickly.
a. Chemical trends in selected wells - The locations o£ wells and
springs are shown in Figure V-2. The four wells chosen for illustrative
purposes are Mil, W14, W7, aid W17. Well Mil should reflect seepage originat
ing from the holding basins. Well H14 is located in field 19, which has
received sludge at moderate rates since 1972, and Tiay also be affected by
Fields *6 through 8 (sludge application initiated in 1973) and *7 (1974).
Well W7 is likely to be affected by fields 120 (1973) and 126, 28, and 30
(1974) These two wells should reflect the effects of sludge application.
Well W17, locatad in an area receiving no sludge as of Oeceriber 1976, is
a background well. The constituents selected for analysis are those present
in the digested sludge at levels sufficiently high to serve as a tracer
material for for direct fissure flow: nitrite and nitrate nitrogen and iron
("GOGC, 1976). Table V-9 shows the respective concentrations in each well.
Well Wll shows no trends towards increasing nitrate, nitrite or airoonia
concentrations. Iron levels have fluctuated and would appear to be showing
an upward trend, but 1976 data are unavailable because of well relocation.
In the absence of further data, this trend v. nnot be substantiated. It is
highly unlikely, however, that substantial seepage would occur through the
clay-lined holding basins.
W14 and W7, potentially affected by sludge application, show no upward
trends in either nitrite and nitrate nitrogen or atraonia nitrogen. Tha same
is true for iron in well W14. Iron concentrations in well 'if} show an upward
trend while those in well W17, the "control," remain relatively constant.
The upward trend began in 1972, however, and sludge application on the
associated fields did not begin until 1973 or 1974. Iron increases are there-
fore noat likely attributable to sources unrelated to the project.
These data indicate that sludge application has not significantly affected
groundwater quality at the site. Because of the significance oC potential
ground water contamination, certain aspects are examined in closer detail
below.
V-34
-------
Table V-9 Th« NO2 + NO3 - N, NH3 - N, and Fe Content of hells 11, 14, 7, and 17 for 1971-1976
(MSDGC, 1976 and Enviro Control, 1977)
Constituent
NOj + NO3 - N
iNH3-N
Fe (Iron)
Year
1971
1972
1973
1974
1975
1976
1971
1972
1973
1974
1975
1976
1971
1972
1973
1974
1975
1976
Hell 11
Mean Range
{•g/1) (mg/1)
0.07 0.03-0.15
0.0 n. 0-0. 02
0.07 0.0-0.42
0.04 0.0-0.14
0.04 0.0-0.09
1.9 1.7-2.4
1.8 1.4-2.1
1.35 0.5-1.7
l.€8 0.9-2.2
2.07 1.6-2.60
5.9 2.4-10.5
15.3 4.8-36.1
10.6 2.7-27.3
15.2 4.7-59.0
22.8 4.0-46.2
Well 14
Mean Range
(mg/1) (mg/1)
0.08 0.0-0.19
0.01 0.0-0.07
0.03 0.0-0.07
0.03 0.0-0.06
0.04 0.0-0.11
0.02 0.0-0.06
0.7 0.2-2.3
0.6 0.1-1.3
0.78 0.2-1.2
0.60 0.4-0.8
0.73 0.4-1.3
0.52 0.0-1.0
28.9 6.5-63.8
54.7 32.9-90.8
60.6 15.0-193.0
34.6 20.4-49.6
36.5 13.2-78.9
27.2 10.9-77.0
Well 7
Mean Range
(mg/1) (mg/1
0.1 0.0-0.25
0.16 0.04-0.28
0.73 0.18-1.61
0.26 0.01-0.54
0.2? 0.06-0.76
0.06 0.0-0.2
0.5 0.1-0.9
0.5 0.1-1.1
0.57 0.2-1.8
0.52 0.2-0.9
0.64 0.5-0.9
0.5 0.1-1.1
2.1 0.3-4.0
15.9 3.3-40.4
47.2 11.3-78.8
63.0 35.8-92.9
83.1 56.7-107.0
101.7 69.3-130.0
Well 17
Mean Range
(mg/1) (mg/D
0.41 0.04-1.68
2.5 0.0-0.11
0.40 0.03-0.73
0.21 0.0-0.79
0.23 0.9-0.63
0.13 0.0-0.2
0.6 0.1-2.1
0.5 1.3-2.7
0.21 0.0-0.4
0.22 0.1-0.7
0.18 0.0-0.4
0.18 0.0-0.8
12.3 1.0-22
11.6 13.0-181
14.5 9.0-19
16.2 10-22
13.1 9.7-16.4
14.0 9.5-27.1
-------
b. Nitrite and nitrate trends in all wells - The nitrite and nitrate
nitrogen concentration in each well or spring was analyzed fran August 1973
to April 1977. Chly wells W8, W10, and W21 reported concentrations in
excess of 10 milligrams per liter, which is recommended as the maxinum level
by the U.S. Public Health Service (U.S. Public Health Service, 1962, 1969).
Well W8 has consistently low levels of nitrite and nitrate nitrogen, with
the exception of a spite between January and May 1975.
Wells showing possibly increasing nitrite and nitrate nitrogen levels are Wl,
W4, W12 and W22. Of these, Ml and W4 are located upstream from the project
site and are unaffected by project activities. Increases in nitrite and
nitrate nitrogen levels in wells W12 and W22, and fluctuations in nitrite
and nitrate levels at the other wells, do not seem to correlate with project
activities. In addition, the levels are generally lower than 0.2 milligram
per liter, except for well W10 which possesses consistently high values.
These findings suggest that a large portion of nitrogen in the applied sludge
is fixed by soil molecules, converted and released as ammonia gas, or taken
up by crops for bio-synthesis. Apparently, little soluble nitrogen is leaching
into the groundwater system. In addition to Wll, wells W12 and W13, conceivably
vulnerable to seepage from holding basins, have generally shown less than
1.2 milligrams per liter of nitrite and nitrate nitrogen. This further indi-
cates that the clay linings in the four basins have been effective.
The possible effects of increasing application rates or accumulation of
sludge in the fields on jroundwater nitrogen levels cannot be assessed at this
stage of project development. Data are not sufficient for analysis of trends,
and long-term monitoring of groundwater quality is required to establish the
relationship between project operations and the nitrite and nitrate nitrogen
level.
c. Trace element and other concentrations - Variations in groundwater
constituents are shown in Table V-10. The range of variation is given for
seven calendar periods, either before or during the sludge application season.
The well reporting the maximum level of a given constituent is indicated in
parentheses.
The pH values, alkalinity, conductivity, and concentrations of total phosphorus,
sulfate ion, calcium, potassium, sodium, aluminum, iron, magnesium, manganese,
mercury, nickel, selenium and fecal coliforms remain close te the 1971 and 1972
baseline conditions (see Chapter III). Recent concentrations of cadmium,
chromium, coppnr, lead and zinc are lower than the baseline concentrations. In
1971 and 1972, 40 percent of the wells tested contained excessively high levels
of chemical constituents. When retested between 1973 and 1975, after the pro-
ject had begun, the statistic was the sane. Groundwater constituents are,
therefore, probably influenced by sources unrelated to the project.
C. Air
Impacts on air quality may result from aerosolization and volatilization
of sludge constituents, perhaps presenting odor problems or health hazards.
Potential health hazards are discussed in section D, "Health Effects".
V-36
-------
T«kt« V-10
of Mrtwn ComtltutMs tn SrwintfMt*r (H506C. 1972 • through 1975 |J
first Quarter
1171
(ktfir*
August
1971
(during 1973 slydgc
«BBllMtll» jMttm)
August
1974
(during 1974 tlutfai
it**!*)
Ap?n—
1975
(before 1975 ilutfgt
Ivjter QutlUj
farceur •* ».U
1*74
(before 1974 siudgi
ippllotlon tBiMB]
1974
(during 1974 slirfgt
iK»l lltlltll* Si«HiBJ
1i7s
(during 1175 stud*
JBBllCiHl
M
•ul r
:r
»«'.
ml}
(n C*CO,}
1,9-1,9
0.04-O.M
2-392
18-1.048 (MM.
227-1.107 (Mil
0.07-0.46
t-1.546 (HI2)
150-1.120 (M2t)
6.6-8.1
0.04-0.87 (M24)
2-390 (101)
SJ-1,706 (Mil)
150-1,ISO (M26)
7.1-7.8
0-0.29 (M10)
1-401 (W
0-1.293 (Mil)
210-940 (Mljj
6.J-7.7
0.02-1.80
0-381
40-1,999
129-1.1*0 (K2t)
(Ml)
»4)
(11D
(.9-8.1
0.07-0.38
0-374
0-1,439
210-1.300 (Hit)
7.1-8.3
0.05-8.73 (HZ
0-404 m
0-1,479 (W
88-788 (MIS)
tlvlty
4/1
•8/1
412-3,413
58-534
8-412
0-4.9
425-3,450 (H4)
1-11 (H)
600-5.500 ltd}
14-141 (Mil)
0-30 (W7
flS!
12-612 (Kf)
0-10
4(0-1.900
24-S49
0-17
s-uo
0-4.0
S20-2.3BO (HI)
S2-39f
1-1*
8-700
0-7.0
mr
(B;
N2I)
(««5
(«!>
420-3.200
48 627
0-1*
?-«»
o-t.o
400-7,500
38-405 (M9)
0-19 («)
t-(25
9-3.0
(K2i)
mt/\
•8/1
0-0.02 (Mil
0-0.01 (M12;
fl.01-0.0i (HI
B.2-I3S (M13
8-0.4* (0
0-0,02 (M13)
0-0.01 (H2S)
0-0.0* (KID
O.I-I3S (M9)
tea)
0-0.40
0-0.03 (1113)
0-0.0* (M2S)
0-0.12 (JCZ)
0.2-119 (H9)
0-0.31 (iti)
0-0.OJ (H13)
0-0.02 (M12;
MT1J
o-o.i*
0-123
0-0.7*
isr
0-0.16 (Hl£)
0.1-171 (»)
0-O.M (BTl)
0-0.02 (H4;
(1(13)
0
0-0.2 (Mil)
0-107 (M7J
0-0.12 (W
0
0-0.03 (M2i
0-8.22 TJilZ;
•HT
0.1-83.S TTOI
0-0.25 (Mil)
•I/I
31-3*0 (M12
•.01-7.44 (M
0-0.4 W
•*"
0-410 (Mil)
0-8.05 I.W12)
0.2-0.9 B4T
0-0.2 IMD
34-171 (H
0-9.1* M
0-4.4 (B
0
0
30-375
0.01-7.10
0-0. S
0
0
12-430
0-8.95
0-9.*
0
0
25-34S (H13J
0-0.3
0
to M8/1
Ftctl Ullform
1/100 Bl
0-49.* (ill)
0-2 («3)
0-30
0
(MID
0-11.5
0-W (H7)
0-61.5 (B3I
0-14 (KO)
0-11.8 («)
0-2 (H)
0-19.2 (11131
0-350 (CO)
• Mil irttfe auliMi caneantntlgii.
* Mil twttkljr iffkct«4 tsr itvdti aBpllcatlni.
-------
Ihis section discusses odor In teems of theoretical considerations, odor
conplaint data fron the project site, and the relative odor potential of
the sludge holding basins and alternative application methods.
D. Health Effects
Sludge solids may contain pathogens, chemicals and metals that are poten-
tially harmful to humans and animals. Extended exposure to these components
may result in adverse health impacts. While there are several routes by
which humans or animals can be exposed to sludge, the main routes are di-
rect ingest ion or inhalation of airborne sludge particles. Indirectly,
heavy metals and some chemicals may be ingested when plant tissues are
consumed by animals. The U.S. Department of Agriculture, the Council of
Agricultural Science and Technology and others have reported on the hazards
and impacts of heavy metals and expected health impacts from sludge appli-
cations.
1. Direct Health Effects
Direct health effects can result from the inhalation of sludge aerosols,
the severity of the effect depending on concentrations of hazardous materials
in the sludge, the amount of sludge aerosolized, the extent to which the
airborne particles are inhaled, and many other variables. As stated in the
discussions of odor, sludge aerosolization does not occur with surface
spreading (overland flow and infiltration-percolation) or surface penetration
(soil incorporation and soil injection). Although white-capping in the
holding basins can cause aerosolization, pressurized spraying offers the
greatest potential for direct transfer of hazardous components to humans or
animals.
Pressurized spraying has been discontinued as an application method in
Pulton County, and it is unlikely that significant amounts of aerosols would
result from white-capping in the holding basins. Therefore, significant inha-
lation of aerosols (and associated potential health effects) is not likely
to occur at this stage of the project. Because pressurized spray has consti-
tuted a large proportion of past application methods, however, it will be dis-
cussed in this chapter. Mitigative measures will not be presented because,
as long as spray application is not practiced, inhalation of aerosols will
probably be negligible.
a. Background - Although very few pathogens survive wastewater treat-
ment, saimonellas, Hycobacterium tuberculosis, and many enteroviruses (viruses
of the gastrointestinal tract) may even survive chlorination in low numbers
and it has been shown that the absence of col if onus does not necessarily
indicate virus inactivation (Allen et al., 1949} Sorber, 1973; Kruze
et al., 1970; D'ltri et al., u/d). The microbial population of sludge is
greatly reduced by holding for a few weeks, but is not eliminated com-
pletely, it should be emphasized here that high-rate anaerobic digestion
followed by lagconing practices which are employed by the MSDQC, are
considered by the UBEPA to be sufficient for pathogen control.
V-38
-------
Pathogens may b« present in sludge in minimal numbers even after Tenths of
lagooning. h major factor influencing their presence and quantity is the
community's discharges into the system, which may be expected to be highly
variable. Sources are human and animal and they include slaughter nouses,
the meat products industry, poultry and egg processing plants, tanneries,
and many others (McCoy, 1971). It is evident that the nature and! concentra-
tions of pathogens entering and potentially surviving treatment must vary
widely from place to place and time to tine. Evidence from places other than
Fulton County are therefore of little predictive value, and samples taken in
Fulton County at one point in time will not necessarily be valid for other
tines. For example, midday counts of B. coli Mere 5.5 in January 1970 and
0.18 in September 1970, and midnight countswere 0.3 in both tenths (McCoy,
1971). Futhermore, E. coli are the overwhelmingly dominant bacterial species
in domestic waste; diseases of seasonal and epidemic character would show
much wider fluctuation. It may be noted that bacteria, which are sizeable
compared with the droplets, will not inhabit all droplets; this is also true,
especially, for larger amebic cysts, helninth eggs, and so forth, dissolved
substances, in contact, are present in all particles. Treatment plants hand-
ling a substantial proportion of industrial waste are liable to have a conside-
rable burden of toxic substances in the sludge. Thorne, Hinesly and Jones'
data are reported in Table V-ll.
Ttole V-ll. Composition of Fresh, Heated, Viaerobically Digested
Sewage Sludge (Thocne et al., 1975)
Dry Sludge Basis
typical Typical
Concentration Concentration fcnount
Range (pom)* (pom5* (Ib/ton)
Cadmium (Cd> 3 to 3,000 150 0.3
Chromium (Or) 50 to 30,000 3,000 6
Lead (P ) 100 to 10,000 1,000 2
Mercury (tig) 1 to 100 3 0.006
Nickel (Ni) 25 to 8,000 400 O.S
*Nercury units expressed in ug/1
Foe comparison, data available from Fulton County reveal an average of about
450 pp* for cadmium, and a maximum concentration of 1,125 ppm.
It muBt be cBtchasixsd that the input rate for such materials at the treatment
plant is likely to vary widely, even during stable conditions of industrial
production with discharges occurring, for example, at one step in a batch
process or during periodic cleansing. Whan processes change or new processes
are introduced, further variations in the effluent may be expected. Conse-
quently, a few grab samples widely separated in time may give a highly mislead-
ing indication of average concentrations.
b. \irborne Transmissions - Constituents of sludge can become airborne
and o« transmitted ~ to downwind receptors, m the case of Fulton County, there
V-39
-------
were two main sources that were Investigated, the first MBS the transmission
of constituents when sludge was sprayed by rainguns on fields. The iupact
and probability of direct health effects would be indirect relationship to the
amount of aerosolization and distance from the source. Downwind concentrations
will depend on variables in transit. The concentration is inversely propor-
tional to windspeed, which determines the downwind particle spread. Die par-
ticles are also spread out vertically and across the wind by turbulent nixing
of the air. Another factor is deposition. For example, a 50 micron particle
of unit density has a settling rate of about 10 centimeters per second and
will fall through 1 meter of still air in 10 seconds. However, some particles
will remain airborne much longer in a turbulent atmosphere.
Another form of physical depletion, impaction on surfaces, is not a signifi-
cant factor in the present context. For this to occur, particles must be
relatively large, windspeed must be high, or the obstacle must be very narrow;
otherwise, the particles simply slip by the obstacle in the streamlines.
Therefore, vegetative barriers cannot be expected to effect any substantial
depletion in particles of respirable size.
Pathogens are subject to another form of depletion which can be extensive.
Most pathogens are affected by desiccation and exposure to the atmosphere,
and are also highly susceptible to sunlight or even diffuse daylight. This
response is extremely variable. Other sludge ingredients may have a large
retarding or accelerating effect or loss of viability. (Webb, 1959, 1960a,
1960b).
Variables at the receptor are also complex. A breathing human is an active
receptor (as opposed to a passive obstacle), "sampling" the air and trapping
particles of different sizes in various parts of the respiratory tract. The
rate of "sampling" depends upon the degree of activity and can vary by one
order of magnitude or more. An average figure of 15 liters per minute,
corresponding to light activity, will be used in this analysis. Efficiency
of retention varies from 100 percent for larger particles to about 25
percent for those least retained. However, most of the total mass of
airborne material will be in particles for which 100 percent retention
is an acceptable approximation.
Account will not be taken of the effect of particle size on the infsctivity
of some microorganisms. The number of microorganisms required to infect
exposed subjects will vary greatly with particle size. Experiments performed
with bacterial agents in animals have shown that the infective dose is much
less for 1 micron than 10 micron particles, the transition occurring at
about 5 microns and corresponding with a transition from deposition in the
lower to the upper respiratory tract (Harper and Norton, 1953; Dtuett et
al., 1953). Particles less than 5 microns in diawtK are frequently spoken
of as being in the "respirable" sin range, and many recent papers, including
several on sewage aerosol hazards, are written as though larger particles
ware not hazardous, ftowaver, there is evidence that the difference is small
in some cases (e.g., foe Pasteurella pestis in the ftoesus monkey), and it
may be supposed that enterovirusas, impacted in the upper respiratory tract
V-40
-------
and subsequently swallowed, can infect via the gastrointestinal tract. Further-
more, we ate also concerned with toxic substances for which the portal of entry
may bear little significance.
From data obtained at this site, stability classes, receptor response and
calculated intake of sludge particles, it appears that sludge aerosol inhala-
tion is not likely to present a health hazard in terms of heavy metals. It
should also be mentioned that the World Health Organization's daily intake
limits have been established for worst case conditions where a subject is
likely to be daily exposed to aerosols.
The impact from airborne pathogens are much harder to assess. The survival
rate of pathogens is quite unpredictable except in the most robust species.
environmental conditions would greatly determine the viability and infeeta-
bility of bacteria or viruses. Hie best barometer of impact on human health
is the lack of verifiable health problems at the site or generally at waste-
water treatment plants across the country. (Ihis discussion was included as
background information. MSDQC no longer uses spray irrigation at the Pulton
County project).
During the period of 1976 to 1979 USEPA did an extensive investigation of the
health impacts associated with aerosols from wastewater treatment plants.
Ihis study was prompted by the construction of a large facility, the NSOQC
O'Bare Hater Reclamation Plant, in a densely populated area. After extensive
testing described as "thorough, critical, of a sensitive nature, and represen-
ting the feasible limit of scientific and economic capability," there was no
indication of a direct or indirect health hazard resulting from exposure to
aerosols, (USEPA, 1979)
c. Human Health Implications - Any evaluation of direct health hazards
at Fulton County must be based on indirect evidence, llie most useful indirect
information concerning the Fulton County project is the absence of reported
health effects. As this situation continues, the probability of serious
trouble clearly diminishes. lack of evidence concerning health effects is
apparently based on absence of conspicuous ill effects rather than an active
medical search for indicators. Fbr example, serological evidence of immune
levels might point to subinfective exposure, medical records night show abnor-
mal incidence of respiratory disease in the vicinity, or occupational health
records might reveal cases where exposure at home had tipped the balance of
response by auimenting occupational exposure to an Industrial chemical.
Despite these reservations, the missing evidence is encouraging and correlates
with experience elsewhere (Viraraghavan, 1973; Sorber, 1973; Benarde, 1973;
Krishnaswami, 1971; Dixon and NeCabe, 1S54; Anders, 1954? Browning and Gannon,
1963; Ladbetter et al., 1973; Illinois Advisory Committee, 1975).
Another possible mode of transmission that could affect both man and animals
is by insect vector. Any operation resulting in standing water containing
pathogen-contaminated sludge presents a potential hazard (Sorber, 1973).
There are no data to support an evaluation of this risk for Pulton County,
but it may be surmised that the risk is snail or negligible. The Initial
V-41
-------
concentration of any pathogen would not be high and would be likely to decay
rapidly In exposed shallow water. In addition, the stagnant water ia unlikely
to remain for long periods of time, 90 the chances of infecting vectors are
low.
E. Noise
The project is located in a remote rural area. The closest communities are
Canton, Cuba, St. Davis, and Bryant, with a combined population of less than
15,000. The ambient noise level is similar to that of typical rural areas
and is estimated to be not more than 45 adjusted decibels (dBa) 90 percent of
the tine, which is designated the 10-percentile noise level.
Sources of noise in the environment of the project include tractors on the
adjacent farms and occasional notor vehicles on highways and local roads.
Because the traffic is light, these sources do not contribute significantly to
the ambient or background noise level. Sources of noise related to the project
include pumps, tractors, and sludge sprayers. Three pumping or sludge distri-
bution stations are located within the project property, and one booster sta-
tion is situated at the Liverpool dock. The pumping stations on the project
site are at least one mile from the nearest farmstead. lawever, the booster
station at the Liverpool dock and barge pumps are within a half-mile radius of
Liverpool, which had a population of 218 in 1970 (U.S. Bureau of Census, 1972).
Tractors, trucks, and sludge sprayers are mobile noise sources. This equipment
will generate noise detected by sensitive receptors only when in operation near
the boundary of project property.
The typical ranges of sound pressure levels from pumps and vehicles are shown
in Figures V-6 and V-7. ha a conservative estimate, the noise level for an
unenclosed pump is about 95 dBa 3 feet away from the pump, and about 80 dBa
25 feet from a tractor and sprayer. The noise levels at different distances
from these sources are derived from the dissipation law of sound pressure and
are shown in Table V-12. these values were calculated assuming the absence
of sound barriers such as buildings, dense vegetation, and terrain with high
relief. For comparison, examples of common indoor and outdoor noise levels
ace listed in Figure ¥-fl.
Table v-12 Noise Level in dBa of Various Noise
Sources as a Function of Distance
(Enviro Control, Inc., 1976)
Distance iron Noise Source
Noise Source 3 ft. 25 ft. 100 ft. 800 ft. 1,^00 ft. 3,206 ft. 5^2*80 It.
Pump without
Enclosure 95 86 80 71 68 64 63
ft actor
and Sprayer — 80 74 65 62 59 57
Noise impacts from the pumping station ace minimized because of a one-nile
V-42
-------
IUU
N
C Of)
t 90
Z
4.
t.
ffi 80
Z
J
UJ
• 7A
.J 'U
Ul
or
GO
CO
Ul
(C
n Rn
O
Z
O
CO
0
Z K/\
^ oo
00
Ul
O
0 40
30
/
— .
„. ^
„ —
4
s
/
>
^+
^
•*• —
•^^
^^>
/'
s
v^^
^
\
\>
X
X
^•v^
31.5 63 125 250 500 1000 2000 4000 8000
OCTAVE BAND CENTER FREQUENCY IN Hi
Figure v-6 Range of Sound Pressure Levels from Pumps
(Measured at 3 ft.) (Curves Represent Upper
and Lower Boundaries of Range), (U.S. EPA,
1971a).
V-43
-------
90
CM
2
o
CO
•o
•11
80
5
o>
I
50
Highway Buses
Passenger Can
J L
Mean Levels
J.
To 20 30 40 50 60 70
Speed - Miles per Hour
80
Figure v-7 Single Vehicle Noise Output as a
Function of Vehicle Speed (U.S. EPA, 19716).
V-44
-------
COMMON OUTDOOR
NOISE LEVELS
Jet Flyovtr at 1000 ft
Gas Lawn Mower at 3 ft
DitMl Truck at 5O ft
Noisy Urban Doytims
Commercial Area
Heavy Traffic at 300 ft
Quiet Urban Daytime
Quiet Urban Nighttime
Quiet Suburban Nighttime
Quiet Rural Nighttime
NOISE LEVEL
(dBA)
-r-110
- -KX>
- -9O
- -80
Gas Lawn Mower at 100 ft - - 70
- - 6O
- - 90
40
3O
20
10
0
COMMON INDOOR
NOISE LEVELS
Rock Bond
Inside Subway Train (New York)
Food Blender at 3 ft
Garbage Disposal at 3ft
Shouting at 3ft
Vacuum Cleaner at K) ft
Normal Speech at 3 ft
Large Business Office
Dishwasher Next Room
SmaH Theatre. Large Conference Room
(Background)
Library
Bedroom at Night
Concert Hall (Background)
Broadcast and Recording Studio
Threshold of Hearing
Figure v-e Common Indoor and Outdoor Noise Levels
(U.S. Department of Transportation, 1973)
v-45
-------
buffer distance between the station and the closest far* families. Consider-
ing further dissipation of noise by buildings, vegetation and topography, the
noise level of pumps at a one-mile distance should be less than 60 dBa. Bits
level is acceptable for residential areas, as recommended by the U.S. Depart-
ment of Housing and Urban Development (1971 and 1972).
Noise generated by pumps at the Liverpool dock and by barge pmps will some-
what increase the ambient noise level around the community of Liverpool.
Impacts from this intermittent noise cannot be quantified in the absence of
noise data; however, they should not ba severe.
P. Significant Socio-economic and Land Use Impacts
Since the project has been in progress for nine years, there are several fac-
tors that can be readily measured. Precise impacts of the project are
described in the text below.
1. Soc io-economic impacts
Baseline information was provided in an earlier chapter. This discussion will
address population trends, employment and income land value, agricultural
activity, and future mining activities.
a* Population - Recent national rural-urban trends predict future
population growth inareas such as Pulton County. These demographic trends
include both historic trends and more recent factors which are expected to
influence future trends. Past declines in agricultural and strip-mining
employment have been instrumental in causing decline in the overall population
of Pulton County and increases in the populations of Canton, Lewistown and
Farraington. Brpected future declines in agricultural and strip-mining employ-
ment will continue to affect the future population sisse and distribution.
(tore recent trends, such as the spread of industry to the exurban fringe of
cities, will increase employment opportunity in many rural areas. Some of
this manufacturing employment will encourage in-migration of skilled labor.
Less-skilled labor can come from the existing rural labor force. Expansion
of industry to the west and south of Peoria can be expected to enhance employ-
ment opportunities for the current residents of Pulton County and increase the
in-nigration of skilled laborers and their families.
& national survey has indicated that aaany city residents prefer nearby, or
even remote, rural or small town residence to living in a large city (Beale,
1975). Considerable demographic data have shown that, since 1970, nonmetro-
politan areas are not only retaining people but are also receiving a net
migration (Beale, 197S). Factors associated with migration to rural areas
include the growth of state and community colleges and the development of
rural recreation and retirement places, as well as the decentralization of
manufacturing. Fulton County offers both recreational and retirement oppor-
tunities such as the Nee-Na-Tuk Hills development adjoining the land recla-
mation project. Oonnnity colleges, such as the Spoon River Community College
near Canton and adjacent to the project sit*, often cooperate with local busi-
-------
nesses in providing appropriate skills for new enterprise.
Itiis evidence clearly suggests that the population of Pulton County can be
expected to grow. The major influences on the growth rate are the develop-
ment of new manufacturing in Pulton and southwestern Peoria Counties and the
accessibility of existing and potential residential areas to these manufactur-
ing plants. When such factors affecting growth are considered, the total
future population of Fulton County is expected to significantly exceed the
population forecast by the Bureau of the Budget, State of Illinois. Future
population is expected to be increasingly concentrated in Canton, Lewistown
and Faming ton. Substantial growth can also be expected in the northeastern
quadrant of the County toward Peoria.
If the project is abandoned in its present state, current MSDGC employees
would have to seek new employment. Manufacturing growth along the Illinois
River should provide employment for many of the seasonal employees -(forking on
the Prairie Plan project. Most of these employees are either current resi-
dents of the area or utilize the project as summer employment. Some of these
employees can be expected to relocate their families. Most of the 23 perma-
nent MSDGC employees would be expected to relocate their families outside of
Fulton Cotmty. Hie projected net impact is minimal because machinery performs
more work.
Reclamation and reuse of the project area to produce crops or livestock would
increase population only marginally, because it is estimated that 708 acres
of pasture or 360 acres of tow crops are needed to support one family
(Schmitz, 1974 and Muehler, 1975). Conservation and recreation reuse would
attract transient tourist populations. Bie existing recreational center is
used by many local residents for summer trailers. If this area were enlarged
a small additional population may be served.
b. Employment and income - Continued declines in employment can be
expected in the agricultural sector. The most recent declines reflect the
influence of advanced technology in replacing labor with capital-intensive
methods of production. Such practices increased training and abilities of
the resident labor force while importation of certain skilled labors occurred.
Even though the number of employees in agriculture will decline, increasing
skills will enhance average incomes.
Under expected future conditions of higher labor mobility and increasing
skills, the median income in Pulton County is expected to gradually converge
with that of the U.S. (U.S. Hater Resources Council, 1974). The higher
average income and purchasing power in Pulton County should increase the
strength of its service and trade activities. Etowever, higher local wages
contained with low unemployment is not especially attractive to new manufac-
turing, although the proximity of underutilized urban labor markets and
higher labor mobility should enable a new manufacturer to import labor or
attract commuters. Host of the new industries can be expected to have small
labor requirements and to be tied to the production of metal and machinery.
The land purchased by NSDQC originally supported an estimated 37 full and
V-47
-------
part-time jobs, tostly held by local residents {Kelly, 1974). While these
jobs were lost after the purchase, the increasing amount of agricultural
lard needed to support a farm worker indicates that, without the MSDGC
purchases, the land in the project area would have supported progressively
fewer workers. Tte increased number of jobs created by the Sanitary District
absorbed approximately 120 skilled and unskilled contract laborers who
average 6 to 8 months of employment yearly. Host of the skilled labor cane
from a multi-county region surrounding and including Pulton County, but
most unskilled labor originated within Pulton.
When the project site is fully developed, several additional full-tins
employees nay be necessary to effectively manage the farming enterprises.
Howeverr the amount of seasonal and contractual laborers would decrease.
Development of initial fields and basins is labor intensive, while land
application and cropping decreases this need. If the NSOGC abandoned the
site, it is expected that many of the full-time farm operating jobs would
be lost. Attempts to farm the poor, unconsolidated soils would continue
to provide a few jobs.
The area now provides a few less intensive economic activities such as recrea-
tion, hunting and fishing, and livestock production. Hiis is not anticipated
to change. B»ae uses would generate little on-site employment and income.
Visitors to the regionally attractive conservation or recreation sites
created by the project would add some local income in tourist-related retail
and service enterprises. Bawever, poor access to the project area from lar-
ger population centers, due to distance and lack of a high-speed link, will
limit this potential, until the proposed Interstate Highway (Peoria-Kansas
City) is completed. The use of strip-nine soil for grazing would have a
small multiplier effect on local employment and income. Peedlots could
contribute to the expansion of nearby meat packing firms.
c. Land values - future land values in the project area will be govern-
ed by the growth of Canton, competitive position in land speculation, and the
economic intensity of future land uses. Expected future growth of Canton
would slightly increase the value of all land within its geographic sphere of
influence. Speculation in coal extraction and marketing might affect values
in the project area should it become economically feasible to mine the thin
seam of coal underlying the strip-mined surface layers.
The availability of competing land at least equally suitable for development
is the major determinant of local land values. Large tracts of equally avail-
able and suitable land in Pulton County should keep land values low in the
project area. Mach of the project land is highly unsuitad for building con-
struction. Residential or industrial buildings may require expansive struc-
tural modifications where they are built on the disturbed, unsettled soil of
a strip-mined site, if a priority is developed foe claw one agricultural
land preservation, more emphasis on the use of strip-mined land will occur.
In Land Use Survey of Strip Mines, Pulton County, Illinois, unrsclaimsd lands
art defined as 'areas where no attempthas beenmade to reclaim stripped land
to • productive use.* Using this definition, unreclaimed lands have been
V-48
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estimated to be worth $259 per acre or $64 per acre less than reclaimed strip-
mined lands which are used productively. Land reclamation and reuse could,
therefore, theoretically add about 3278,016 to the market value of the 4,344
acres of strip-mined land scheduled for sludge application (MSDOC Land Project
Development Schedule, revised August 1974). For the period of sludge applica-
tion, the 4,344 acres of stripped land and 1,181 acres of place land (formerly
row-cropped), which comprise the current and planned sludge recycling fields,
continue to be worth to the MSDGC the paid value of $378 an acre (Kelly, 1974).
The last parcel of land that comprises the Fulton County site was purchased by
MSDGC on March 20, 1975. Up bo this date the total amount paid for land was
$5,961,367.30. On January 1, 1978 the Fulton County Assessor valued the MSDGC
holdings at $14,223,609.
d. Public finance - Two major influences are expected to significantly
improve the ability of Fulton County to attract and accommodate future growth,
and thereby expand local public finance. One is the Central Illinois Light
Company (CILCO) power plant, now nearing completion. When the CILCO plant is
operational, it will double the total tax base of Fulton County (Sandberg,
1975). The expanded tax base is expected to yield the local revenues necessary
to enhance public facilities and services so as to facilitate growth. The
other influence is Federal and State funding of public works, such as the cur-
rently proposed road improvements between Peoria and Canton, which are expected
to substantially improve the regional attractiveness of Fulton County.
Contributions of the reclamation project to local public finance would be minor
as compared to the projected huge tax revenues fron the CILCO plant and poten-
tial outside public funds for road or other improvements. Discontinuing the
project will result in lost county revenues. In 1975, the MSDGC paid to Fulton
County roughly $180,300 in real estate taxes and $53,423 in personal property
taxes. In 1977, these figures were $237,341.56 for real estate taxes and
$109,976.86 for personal property taxes. In 1978, the MSDX paid $243,245.52
for real estate taxes and $116,810.59 for personal property taxes. Most of
this revenue would be lost if the project is abandoned and the land is not
reused. According to a statutory requirement, those formerly strip-mined
portions of the project area would be assessed at rates applicable to their
uses prior to strip-mining. Other portions would be assessed as unproductive
agricultural land.
Most feasible reuses of the land would produce much smaller public revenues
than were gained from MSDGC tax payments. Even prime agricultural land in
Fulton County (and very little of the project site can be considered as such)
is assessed at only $380 to $570 (1975 estimates, Fulton County Tax Assessor).
Public recreation or conservation uses would generate no tax revenues.
e. Agricultural activity - The soils and topography of northern Fulton
County, and of West Central Illinois in general, are well suited for agricul-
ture and support highly productive principal crops such as com, •soybeans, and
hay. Future productivity of local agriculture will be influenced by the rich
loess soils and the generally level topography, as well as by changing methods
of agricultural production. Average farm size should increase while farming
should continue to become more capital and less labor intensive, causing con-
V-49
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tinued decrease in farm employment and population. At the same tine, trends in
fan production will increasingly favor the use of larger, mare level fields
farms.
The impact of the project on agricultural activity in Fulton County hinges on
the potential productivity of the 4,344 acres of formerly strip-nine:! Land used
for sludge disposal, it is assumed that sludge application to the 1,131 acres
of place land will only marginally affect the productivity of these presently
fertile fields. Other portions of the project area are only marginally suited
to agricultural uses. Calculations based on 1970 data show an average annual
net return per acre from farmland in Fulton County of approximately $85 for row
crops and $31 for pasture. These figures may be slightly lower as the 1980's
begin. Peedlots have a considerably higher return. This suggests an ultimate
agricultural value added per year by the project of approximately $200,000 to
$300*000 (1970 dollars) due to reclamation and agricultural reuse. (1969 data
show a county-wide produce value of $33 million on commercial-sized farms, or
farms with sales of over $2,500 per year.) These estimates of dollar return
should be viewed only aa crude indications of the potential lost value of
agricultural productivity should the project be abandoned or full reclamation
not be achieved. Ihe values of agricultural production fluctuate considerably
from year to year.
In its present state, land in the project area could be used primarily for
grazing and row-cropping, ftowever, without reclamation utilizing sewage
sludge* any row-crop production on formerly strip-mined fields would depend on
liberal applications of costly chemical fertilizers, extensive soil condition-
ing, and rigorous conservation practices such as crop rotation. Continued
sludge application can be expected to enhance the nutrient and organic content
of the soil considerably, and this would favor more intensive row-crop farming
over the grazing of livestock.
f. Mining andmanufacturing - The future importance of strip
mining in Fulton County may OR determined by three factors:
Increasing national consumption of coal for power generation
Vertical integration of na^or coal consumers
targe amounts of strippable reserves in Fulton County.
Increasing coal consumption, interacting with air pollution regulations, land
reclamation requirements, and future improvements in sulfur removal from coal
or coal combustion gases, will govern demand for high-sulfur coal such as
exists locally, The vertical integration of major coal consumers, such as
mine ownership and operation by a power company, could make large amounts of
capital available Cor the continued mining of Fulton County's coal reserves.
Previously (mined, yet strippable coal covers over 54 percent of the County
(Griffin and Qiicoine, 1974).
Clearly, the enormous reserves, the availability of capital for their extrac-
tion and increasing us* of high-sulfur coal would exert great pressure to
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further exploit this resource. Nevertheless, coal mining is not likely to
be a future land uae in the project area itself. The remaining thin, deeper
seams of coal below the project site ace not nearly as well suited for future
extraction as are other reserves nearby.
major industrial firms in Fulton County are the International Harvester
Company and the Central Illinois Light Company. Other large industries in-
clude J. C. Schaefer Electric, Inc. and Astoria Pibra Steel, Inc. Mich of
the influence of industry on local employment is applied by firms located
in southwestern Peoria County, (tew industries would be more inclined to
locate along the Illinois River than at the project site where road access
is comparatively poor and cheaper water transportation for high bulk, low-
value cargo is unavailable. The water supply at the project site is inade —
quate to support many industries, and low local unemployment rates indicate
a low labor supply. Industrial location, both along the river and at the
site, is favored by large land holdings, low land prices, available railroad
transportation, close proximity to central markets, and the availability of
coal. Impetus for new industrial and commercial development will be redirect-
ed to the new Interstate Highway (Peoria-Kansas City) bisecting the County
and tangent to the Prairie Plan site.
The provision of internal access roads and the leveling of strip-mined areas
have lowered construction costs for industrial buildings in the project area.
However, wastewater disposal problems and highly mineralized water supplies
discourage industrial development there. Mao, unstable soils add significant
costs and uncertainties to the construction of building foundations, hard-sur-
face roads, rail spurs, and underground pipelines. Thus, the project site is
neither physically nor economically adaptable for future manufacturing uses.
MSDGC does not, however, have industrial zoning classifications within any of
its approved land use reclamation plans.
g. Retail and wholesale trade - Future retail and wholesale activities
in and near Canton depend on the progress of road improvements. Non-neighbor-
hood retail business and most wholesale activities in Canton could be affected
adversely by increased accessibility of the Peoria market. Service activities
should continue to increase in Fulton County, tampered by the location in
Peoria of most highly specialized services.
Discontinuing the project would cause some temporary decline in the volume of
local trade and services due to lost purchasing power of current employees of
the NSDQC or its contractors. Reuse of the project land would be economically
unintensive.
2. Und use
The analysis of land use opportunities and constraints focuses upon the com-
bined effects of socio-economic demand and physical land suitability on the
future reuse of project land. Of course, land reuse is not assured by success-
ful reclamation; there must be actual economic demand. Once demand by society
is established, the available land must be physically capable of accommodating
the desired land use.
V-51
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Sludge application fields which were formerly strip-mined (4,344 acres) would
be attractive for added row-crop faming. While the addition of nutrients
and organic matter has been limited so far, the leveling of steep slopes,
removal of large rock fragments from the surface, and the installation of
erosion controls has increased the adaptability of these fields to row crops.
Cattle grazing is not an economically competitive use in those areas which
were formerly row-cropped. Growing pasture, however, would be a nor* likely
alternative than row-cropping on the 4,344 acres of formerly strip-mined land.
Hie major benefits from the project for pasture use are the leveling of strip-
nine spoil and the addition of nutrients and organic materials. Leveling
makes it passible to use farm machinery to control tree growth instead of hand
labor which is prohibitive in cost. Small portions of the project area *re
well suited for the development of feedlota. Major on-site capability tor
feedlots has been provided by systems installed to control and monitor
pollution from stormwater runoff. Such systems are necessary for environmen-
tally sound management of feedlots.
a. Patential for ayicultural uses - Present and future feasible usts
for agricultural land in Fulton Countyinclude cow cropping, pasture, feedlots,
and forest management. Available information suggests that the future
economic demand for increased amounts of farmland will be small. Besides
shifting toward larger individual farms and increasing mechanization, local
agriculture is changing its composition. Dairy, winter wheat and poultry pro-
duction have declined, while corn, soybeans, swine, and beef cattle production
have increased. Increases in beef and pork production have been encouraged by
expanding local and regional meat packing facilities, notably Oscar Mayer. A
trend toward feedlot production can be expected to be matched by increasing
production of corn for feed.
Steep slopes and severe problems of access in unreclaimed strip-mining areas
have caused failure of previous local attempts to manage timber crops, the
steep slopes of the strip-mined portions of the project area have been leveled
and many access roads have already been built as a part of the MSDGC project.
However, there would be a long time lag before the first timber harvest, and
considerably more local land would have to be planted with trees to provide
enough continuous supply to support a local lumber products industry, One
attempt at beef ranching was also tried prior to the NSDGC project.
Continued sludge application followed by reuse of the project site could have
a major beneficial impact during the entire application period. The project
could serve as the principal site in the U.S. for evaluating the effects of
various application methods in different agricultural activities. The experi-
ment would be highly valuable in assisting other communities in designing and
managing their sludge disposal systems. Continued sludge application would
also affect the eventual reuse of the project site. The future productivity
of the formerly strip-mined areas can be expected to increase significantly
with the continued application of sludge, possibly making row-crop production
economically feasible.
b. Residential uses - Future demand for housing in Fulton County will
V-S2
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primarily reflect projected population increases and replacements of the exist-
ing housing stock. This housing demand will concentrate in central places
(primarily Canton, Oswistown and Farmington) and in eastern portions of the
County which have easy access to developing industrial employment in Peoria-
Pekin and along the Illinois River. Although the population of Canton can be
expected to increase, the size of this increase will be limited in two ways.
first, employment centers and regional facilities in Peoria are presently
relatively inaccessible to the Canton population. Second/ the trend in
suburban expansion of Peoria demonstrates that the outer ring of this expan-
sion is not likely to reach Canton in the foreseeable future.
Two independent methods are used to calculate future housing demand. One is
based on population projections; the other is based on trends in the issuance
of building permits. Population projections by the State of Illinois Bureau
of the Budget (1975) predict a countywide population of 42,031, for 1980 and
44,691 for 1990. Assuming 3.5 persons per household, this population increase
would add nearly 460 by 1980 and a total of over 1,300 units by 1990. Con-
sidering all factors, the total number of new units might exceed 600 by 1980
and 2,000 by 1990. Building permit data substantiate these projections. Data
from 1972 to 1975 show that building permits were issued for an average of 98
single-family homes and 48 mobile homes each year. The average number of
building permits issued per tenth significantly increased from 1972 to 1975.
There are major constraints to residential uses in the project area. These
relate primarily to water quality and the problems of building on unconsoli-
dated materials. Local groundwater is too highly mineralized to be suitable
for drinking water. The naturally clear, deep blue local lakes are attractive
to residential development. However, this clarity results from deficiencies
of nutrients necessary to support algae growth. Experience in Wee-Ma-Tuk
Hills demonstrates that even well-maintained aerobic septic systems with a
sand filter and chlorinated discharge cause nutrient over-enrichment and con-
sequent aesthetic degradation of the lakes. These systems are the most
feasible for the project area, yet they cost $1,500 more than a conventional
anaerobic septic system (Nuehler, 1975).
Building on the unconsolidated materials of strip-nine spoil adds other
premium costs to home building. Settling problems force homes to be built on
reinforced slabs that average $1,000 in cost above conventional foundations
(Mushier, 1975). Potential settling also adds significantly to the cost of
providing and maintaining pipelines and hard-surface roads. Despite such
serious constraints, improvements made by the MSOQC to the formerly stripmined
portions of the project site have increased its suitability for residential
use. These improvements do not, however, counter-balance the constraints
which, together with the availability of numerous competing home sites through-
out the county, make future residential development highly unlikely.
c. Recreation and conservation uses - Poor accessibility will be a
major limitation on the number of visitors to a recreation facility in the
project area. Poor road conditions compound the difficulty in getting to
the project site from interstate highways or major population centers. Of
V-53
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course, poor accessibility hinders but does not preclude large numbers of
travelers. Past records have shown more than 100,000 visitors to Dickson
Mounds State Par* and 100,000 visitors attended the foar-day Spoon River Drive
Fall Festival (Bordner, 1975; Shields, 1975).
the attractiveness of a regional recreation facility in the project area would
be enhanced by the divei.se attractions in nearby Spoon River Valley, along the
Illinois River, at Dickson Mounds State Bark, and in numerous formerly strip-
mined areas. They ace often used for hunting, fishing, camping, and driving
off-the-road vehicles such as trailbikes and snowmobiles.
Probable recreation and conservation uses in the project area include hunting,
fishing, camping, native prairie and wildlife and an outdoor ecology labora-
tory. Tha NSDQC's past and future alterations of the project site can be
expected to exert important influences upon each of these activities. Qxi-
tinued sludge application would add organic material and mineral nutrients in
quantities sufficient for the growth of a greater diversity of plant species
than are normally found in unreclaimed strip-mined areas, increased plant
diversity generally leads to increased diversity in wildlife.
The pH values, alkalinity, conductivity, and concentrations of total phospho-
rus, sulfate ion, calcium, potassium, sodium, aluminum, iron, magnesium,
manganese, mercury, nickel, selenium and fecal coliforma remain close to the
1971 and 1972 baseline conditions (see Chapter IV). Recent concentrations of
cadmium, chromium, copper, lead and zinc are lower than the baseline concen-
trations. In 1971 and 1972, 40 percent of the wells tested contained exces-
sively high levels of chemical constituents, tfcen retested between 1973 and
1975, after the project had begun, the statistic was the same. Qroundwater
constituents are, therefore, probably influenced by sources unrelated to
the project.
V-54
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Alternatives ta the
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VI. ALTERNATIVES TO THE PROJECT
The Draft EIS presented a more thorough discussion of sub-alternatives to the
complete system, such as dewatering, digestion, and drying systems. This dis-
cussion is not presented here. Only the volume reduction or disposal alterna-
tives are presented. It should be kept in mind that digestion processes are
not needed for incineration, but are mandatory for land application alterna-
tives. It became ntcessary to update costs as presented in this Chapter.
Periodicals and EPA manuals were reviewed to determine recent capital and
operation and maintainance costs for various sludge disposal processes. How-
ever, the literature did not present costs in a manner that could be applied
to update the costs used in the discussion below. There was no way to compare
the costs accurately without making some assumptions and changing some of the
sludge quantity parameters. In order to be consistent, costs used in the dis-
cussion below remain unchanged from the Draft EIS. Following each category of
sludge disposal, the costs have been updated to 1980 by using the EPA Sewage
Treatment Plant Construction Costs index.
The ratio of the March 1980, EPA Construction Cost Index for Sewage Treat-
ment Plants to the base year cost index was used in the cost updating
process. As an example, the cost index for March 1980 is 357.5. The cost
index for - 1972 cost is 172.0. The ratio of indices indicates the magni-
tude of cost increase to construct or operate wastewater treatment plants.
A. Disposal or Utilization Alternatives
1. Incineration
Dewatered sludge cakes from vacuum filters and centrifuges can be sterilized
and reduced in volume by incineration. Incineration destroys organic matter
in the sludge and dewaters the sludge by evaporation. The two types of
incinerators most applicable to sewage sludge are multiple hearth and flui-
dized bed incinerators.
The multiple hearth furnace consists of a circular steel shell surrounding a
number of stack-up solid refractory hearths. Partially dewatered sludge is
continuously fed to the upper hearths, where the sludge is heated and vapo-
rized at roughly 1,000 degrees P. Openings in each hearth allow sludge
particles to crop to the next lower hearth. A high-temperature ccmbustion
zone between 1,600 and 1,800 degrees F is formed in the intermediate hearth,
where volatile gases and solids are burned. The bottom hearth serves as a
cooling zone. Ply ash is removed from the exhaust gases by wet scrubbers.
The fluidized bed incinerator consists of a combustion reactor or bed of
fluidized sand which is supported by upward-moving air. Intimate contact
between the sludge particles and oxygen is achieved by rapid mixing of the
fluidized sand grains.
Because of the large surface area provided by the sand particles, heat
exchange between gases and solids is extremely rapid. Sludge is burned in
the combustion zone at 1,400 to 1,500 degrees F. Auxiliary fuel is usually
required when secondary sludge is burned. However, after start-up, dewatered
VT-1
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caw primary sludge may be burned without this supplementary fuel. The resi-
dual ash particles are removed from the reactor by the upward movement of
combustion gases, Ash particles are removed from the gas phase by wet
scrubbers.
From the study of a model city with 10,000 people contributing 2,530 tons
of solids per year, the capital and operating costs for multiple hearth
incineration aie given in Table Vl-1, Annual Capital and Operating Costs for
Multiple Hearth Incineration (Quirk, 1964). The total annual capital, operat-
ing and maintenance costs for a plant handling more than 500 dry tons of
sludge per day are less than $15 per dry ton, based on the 1972 dollar (Stan-
ley Consultants, 1972). Utilizing the 1972 base index of 357.2, the 1980 cost
would be $31.20.
fable VI-1. Annual capital and Operating Costs for Multiple Hearth
Incinera',
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Factors affecting the cost of sludge incineration ares
* Nature of the sludge
* Amount and type oC chemical used in sludge
conditioning before mechanical dewatering
* Degree of mechanical dewatering
* Costs of fuel, water and power
* Extent of air pollution control required
* Size and design of the treatment plant
Environmental considerations for incineration are centered around air and
water pollution. Air oollutant emissions include particles, odors, sulfur
oxides, nitrogen oxides, and volatile trace metals such as mercury. Wet
scrubbers are efficient in removing fly ash but ineffective in capturing
hazardous sub-micron particles (diameters between 0.1 and 1.0 millionth of
a meter can lodge permanently in the lung). The wastewater from the scrub-
bers requires treatment to avoid water pollution problems.
Odor problems associated with incineration are of constant concern. Incom-
plete combustion or partial breakdown of organic volatile molecules is the
major cause of odor. Maintaining an exit temperature of 1,200 to 1,500 de-
grees F is effective in destroying odorants. This measure, however, requires
auxiliary fuel and burners. High solids dewatered sludge cake (35 percent
or greater solids) made by heat treatments and/or high pressure filtration
requires no additional fuel. Volatile trace metals which escape the scrub-
bers have some adverse impact on the environment. Economical means for
removal of these emissions are not available. The relatively high fuel con-
sumption for incineration, as opposed to other sludge processing methods,
creates an impact on the envitorment and non-renewable resources.
2. HeatDryingfor Soil Conditioners
Heat drying removes moisture from sludge, thereby providing for efficient
incineration. Heat drying also prepares sludge for conversion into fertili-
zer. Drying is necessary in fertilizer manufacture to permit grinding and
to reduce the weight of the sludge.
Dewatered sludge is mixed with dry sludge to reduce moisture content and
particle size. The mixture is then fed into a flash drying system. In the
system, sludge is passed through a high-teraperature-and-turbulence zone for
a few seconds, reducing the moisture content to 2 to 5 percent. Heat-dried
sludge is separated from the gaseous phase in a cyclone separator. After-
burners at a temperature of 1,400 degrees f or higher are frequently required
to deodorize stack emissions.
¥1-3
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A study of the economic aspects of heat drying in a medium size plant, hand-
ling 2,530 dry tons per year, revealing that the annual capital and operating
costs approximate $37 per dry ton with stack gas deodorization and $29 per dry
ton without deodorization (Quirk, 1964). These costs do not account for the
sale of dried sludge as fertilizer or as a soil conditioner. The cost index
for 1964 is 110.0. The 1980 cost would be $120 and $94, respectively.
Heat drying consumes more fuel than incineration processes. It also contri-
butes to air pollution by emitting suspended particles, nitrogen oxides, sul-
fur oxides and trace metals. However, heat drying has less air pollution
potential than does conventional incineration, which requires combustion tem-
peratures. Cost of air pollution abatement of exhaust gases can be substantial.
3. Sanitary Landfill
Sanitary landfill can be used for disposal of sludge, grease and grit, stabi-
lized or not, if a suitable site is available.
The landfill is most beneficial if it is also used for disposal of refuse and
other solid wastes. Liquid sludge acts as a wetting agent which increases
compaction of the landfill; sludge cake or incineration ash mixed with refuse
increases the density.
Sanitary landfills can be divided into two major categories—area landfills,
which are on relatively flat terrain, and depression landfills, which utilize
natural or man-made depressions in the landscape such as a quarry or gravel pit.
Sanitary landfills have traditionally operated at low unit cost. Capital
costs for landfill include investment in land, site facilities, and equipment.
A general capital cost cannot be estimated because of the wide variability in
land prices. Annual operating costs for sanitary landfills were reported to
vary between $0.50 and $2.00 per wet ton (Stone, 1962). The cost index for
1962 is 107.0, yielding a range of $1.67 to $6.68 for the costs, updated to
1980. These figures are very low compared to other landfill data. Therefore,
overall costs are largely determined by hauling costs and land prices. Exclud-
ing land investment, the total capital, operating and maintenance costs are
estimated to range downward from $1.80 to $1.20 per wet ton of sludge per year
for operations of 1,000 to 10,000 wet tons per day, respectively (Stanley
Consultants, 1972). Increased emphasis on environmental effects may elevate
costs of sanitary landfills. The cost index for 1972 is 172. The range,
expressed in 1980 costs would be from $3.75 to $2.50.
Poor management of sanitary landfills can result in adverse environmental
effects. Dewatered sludge and other solid wastes in landfills degrade chemi-
cally and biologically to produce solid, liquid, and gaseous products. Micro-
biological decomposition of landfill material initially occurs aerobically,
and then anaerobically when oxygen is depleted. Characteristic waste products
of aerobic decomposition are carbon dioxide, nitrate, and nitrite. Migration
or leaching of nitrate and nitrite can cause groundwater contamination. Typi-
cal products of anaerobic decomposition are methane, carbon dioxide, water,
organic acids, nitrogen, amnonia, inorganic salts, and hydrogen aulfide. Some
of these products are odorous. Acidic products can lower the pH value of the
Vl-4
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landfill and cause mobilization of trace metals which may affect the quality
of surface and groundwater. Nuisance conditions such as odors and flies can
be minimized with daily coverage of the waste, but cannot be avoided altogether.
In most areas* available land conveniently located is becoming increasingly
scarce and old sanitary landfills are now being used for development. In
general, this reuse was not contemplated during the construction of the origi-
nal fill. Uneven settlement and poor bearing strength of fill materials pee
sent foundation problems which significantly increase construction costs.
Total failure of structures built on landfill sites has been reported. There-
fore, it may be desirable to build landfills so that future development can be
undertaken at reasonable cost (Sowers 1968).
The Northeastern Illinois Planning Commission has noted in their 208 studies
that landfill sites in Northern Illinois will be practically non-existent
within the next ten years.
4. Lagooning
Lagooning has been the most popular sludge disposal method for industrial
wastewater treatment plants; lagoons are also used at municipal plants.
Lagooning can be used as a contingency method of sludge handling and storage
while other sludge processes are temporarily overloaded or out of service.
Lagoons can be divided into three classes: thickening, storage, and digestion
lagoons; drying lagoons; and permanent lagoons.
Digestion of sludge in the first type of lagoon is a lengthy process which
creates multiple nuisance problems. Drying lagoons certainly compete with
the use of sand drying beds. Hie sludge must be digested before entering the
lagoon. Removal of dried sludge, which must be disposed of by other means, is
necessary to maintain the effective capacity of a drying lagoon. Multiple
units and supernatant decanting devices are required in the first two types of
lagoons, as the supernatent is always returned to the head of the plant. A
permanent lagoon, one from which the sludge is never removed, in an ultimate
disposal site similar in function to sanitary landfills has proven to be the
most economical method of sludge disposal where suitable sites still exist.
Variables in lagooning operations are land availability, climate, subsoil
permeability, groundwater table elevation, sludge characteristics, and sludge
loading rates. Land available adjacent to the treatment plant substantially
reduces sludge hauling costs. Good climatic conditions, which enhance evapo-
ration of sludge water, are necessary for efficient performance. Soil permea-
bility and groundwater elevation affect lagoon performance by determining the
rate of drainage and the potential for groundwater contamination. Raw sludge
generally requires less lagoon capacity than digested sludge. One cubic foot
of lagoon can handle 6 pounds of raw sludge per year as compared to 2.3
pounds of digested sludge per year. Construction costs of sewage stabilization
ponds in the Midwest were reported to vary between $1,000 and $3,000 or more
per acre. The cost index for 1972 is 172.0. Die range expressed in 1980 costs
would be from $2,080 to $6,240. Lagoons constructed in depression areas can be
significantly cheaper (Bowells and Oubois, 1959). Excluding land investment,
the construction costs of lagoons were estimated to range downward from $28.62
OT-5
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to $12.70 a year per acre-foot for lagoon capacities of 10 and 100 acre-feet,
respectively. The costs are amortized using a 1 percent discount rate over
20 years and are based on the 1972 dollar (Stanley Consultants, 1972). The
cost index for 1972 is 172. The range expressed in 1980 costs would be from
$59.52 to $26.42.
Literature reviews show that the operating and maintenance cost of sludge
lagooning range from $1.00 to $3.50 per dry ton of sludge per year (Dubois,
1962, Caron, 1964, Burd, 1968). In 1972 dollars, the annual operating and
maintenance costs were reported by Stanley Consultants to be approximately
$5.00 per dry ton for a plant producing 100 dry tons of sludge per day.
Costs will increase if the sludge is transported long distances for lagoon-
ing. The oast index for 1972 is 172 and the costs can be updated to $10.40,
in 1980.
Lagooning of raw sludge creates nuisance problems such as poor odor emission
and insect infestation. Nuisance problems associated with lagooning of di-
gested sludge are less severe. To minimize these problems, adequate buffer
distances roust be provided between the lagoons and the nearest sensitive
receptors. Seepage and percolation of sludge water through permeable soil
can present groundwater pollution problems. Lining the lagoon can prevent
groundwater contamination, but this will increase both initial and operating
costs; artificial drainage may be required due to loss of subsoil drainage.
5. Ocean Dumping
Ocean disposal of industrial and imnicipal sewage sludge has been commonly
adopted by municipalities close to the sea. Some of the largest cities in
the United States, including Boston, Hew York, Philadelphia, and Los Angeles,
dispose of their sludge in this fashion. Ocean disposal was an economical
solution for cities located along the coasts. However, ocean dumping has
created severe environmental and public health problems. This method will
be phased out soon and no further discussion is provided here.
6. Fertilizer Production
Sewage sludge has been used as fertilizer and soil conditioner for many years.
The use of liquid sludge has been rather limited because of handling difficulty,
but dried sludge reduces this problem significantly. Preparation of these
sludge products can be achieved by air drying on sand beds, mechanical
dewatering, or heat drying, as discussed previously in this chapter.
The value of sludge fertilizer is determined by nitrogen, carbon, phosphorus,
and potassium contents. Hence, the value of sludge as a fertilizer is limited
because of low concentrations of nitrogen, phosphoric acid, and potash. Bow-
ever, the high content of organic material in sewage sludge provides for
excellent soil conditioning. The phosphorus content of municipal sewage sludge
was significantly increased with the use of phosphate detergents (Anderson,
1956). Of course, this may not be as true currently because of the development
of low phosphate detergenta. Of particular interest to agronomists is the car-
bon-nitrogen ratio pf sewage sludge. K study of sludge characteristics in five
VT-«
-------
municipalities Indicated that the nitrogen content ranged from 2.0 to 6.0
percent; carbon 21 to 4? percent} phosphoric oxide 1.0 to 11 percent; ash
content 24 to 52 percent; and humus 33 to 41 percent (Anderson, 1956). In
general, digested sludge has a lower fertilizer value because the nitrogen
content is reduced 40 to 50 percent by the digestion process.
In the past, many treatment plants with heat drying equipment converted from
fertilizer production to sludge incineration oc landfilling, because the
sludge fertilizer market could not be successfully developed. This trend has
been reversed recently because of the high-energy demands of incineration and
the scarcity of landfill sites. Based on potential sales revenues and the
concept of recycling nutrients, fertilizer production may gain more public
acceptance. For example, Milwaukee, Chicago and Houston have successfully
marketed large quantities of heat-dried activated sludge for many years. The
price has depended on the nitrogen content of the sludge and has varied from
$12 to $18 per ton (Burd, 1968). The cost index for 1968 is 123.6. The range
in 1980 costs is between $34.71 and $52.06.
Over 200,000 tons each year were sold by these cities for application to
crops, golf courses, and park land. However, most cities have donated sludge
dried on sand beds in order to dispose of it off the plant site.
The major environmental concerns over the utilization of sludge as fertilizer
or soil conditioner deal with possible health hazards from pathogenic micro-
organisms and trace metals and non-point source water pollution. Pathogenic
microorganisms are destroyed by heat drying, but pathogens in air-dried or
mechanically dewatered sludge might contact food plants or fodder and be
ingested by humans or livestock. Trace metals such as zinc, nickel, copper,
cadmium, lead, chromium, and mercury may be selectively concentrated or
biomagnified through the food chain, presenting health problems to domestic
animals and man.
Uncontrolled application of dried-sludge fertilizer may also contribute to
non-point source water pollution, which is extremely difficult to confine
and regulate, when assessing the benefits of stabilized sludge used as
fertilizer, potential consequences to the environment must be weighed.
Perhaps controlled distribution, mandatory sterilization, and limitation
of dried-sludge fertilizer application to plant species having low rates
of uptake and concentration of harmful substances would render this waste
product safe enough. The costs of pretreatraent or advanced treatment
of industrial wastewater, using carbon absorption or other means to remove
heavy metals, might be offset by the increased value of safe sludge ferti-
lizer.
7. Composting
Composting is defined as the aerobic themophilic decomposition of organic
wastes to a relatively stable humus by microorganisms. The product of compost-
ing can be used as a soil conditioner. Traditionally, composting has been
used to stabilise solid refuse. Sewage sludge has only occasionally been used
in solid refuse composting. Composting systems generally fall into three cate-
gories: pile, windrow, and mechanized oc enclosed systems.
VI-7
-------
Composting consists of three stages; mixing, composting and maturing. Solid
refuse is sotted by screening and magnetic separation, and is pulverized in
a grinder. Sewage sludge is then mixed with the pulverized refuse. The mix-
ture is placed in windrows, pits, or silos for decomposition and stabiliza-
tion. The compost row or pile is normally turned daily for 2 weeks or longer
with a coraposter, except during periods of rain. Under proper composting condi-
tions, temperatures in the windrow range from 130 to 150 degrees P, falling
into the thermophilic range wherein the rate of decomposition is the highest.
Hie heat generated as a result of thermophilic microbial oxidation creates a
convection current, supplying air to the microorganism. High temperature
also can provide for efficient destruction of pathogenic organisms and weed
seeds. For effecient composting, the optimum pH of the material should be
neutral.
After decomposition, the compost row or pile is flattened for further drying.
Material removed from the composting system is cured for at least 30 days,
which provides further stabilization. Besides solid refuse, other bulking
agents such as sawdust, shredded paper, or wood chips can be used for sludge
composting *
The Agricultural Research Service at Beltsville, Maryland, has studied sludge
composting for several years. The capacity of the compost site is approxi-
mately 100 to ISO wet tons per day. Their experience suggests that the major
problems associated with the operation are adverse weather conditions and
odors. The study concluded that the annual capital and operating costs for
composting 200 wet tons per day of digested sludge with 20 percent solids is
approximately $7.31 (1980: $12.03) per wet ton or $30.00 (1980: $49.SO)
per dry ton of sludge. The operating cost alone accounts for $4.10 (1980:
$6.7«) pec wet ton or $16.80 (1980s $27.72) per dry ton. Wood chips contri-
bute over $2 per wet ton to the costs, most of which is for hauling. The
cost estimate does not consider benefits from sale of the product, toddle
and Scott reported that compost has been sold for $2.00 (1980: $5.78) to
$90.00 (1980: $260.10) per ton (Surd, 1968). The smaller figure was the
price of large quantities of raw compost; the large figure was the price
for small specialty markets such as gardens and golf courses.
The environmental problems associated with composting are odors and attrac-
tion of insects. Odor nuisance seems to outweigh insect problems, if the
compost system is too large, dense, or wet, anaerobic conditions may set in
and produce undesirable odors. Enclosing the system is beneficial but
increases cost. Distributing composting products as soil conditioners pro-
vides revenue, but nay cause the same environmental problems as pertain to
fertilizer production, discussed previously in this chapter.
8. Soil Reclamation
Application of liquid sludge to land is a practice dating back to antiquity,
especially in England (Benarde, 1973). In the United states, disposal of
sewage effluent or digested sludge on farmland has not been widely practiced,
due partly to the past availability of inexpensive and conveniently handled
inorganic fertilizer. However, higher costs and environmental risks with
other methods of sludge disposal are making them less attractive. This fact
VI-6
-------
prompts many wastewater management organizations to seriously consider the
alternative of land application.
St. Mary's Pennsylvania, has disposed of digested sludge on hay fields, pas-
ture, corn stubble and athletic fields, the application rate for pasture is
about 64 wet tons per acre per year with 3.71 solids. Raw sewage from Itiske-
gon, Michigan is pumped to a series of aerated lagoons. The effluent from
the lagoons, whose quality is equivalent to that from secondary treatment,
is sprayed on farmland. The projected capacity of the system is 43.4 million
gallons per day (MOD), including an industrial flow of 24 HGD (Chaiken,
Poloncsik, and Wilson, 1973).
Digested sludga has normally been utilized for land application, because raw
primary and activated sludges decompose and create a nuisance. Liquid digest-
ed sludge can be applied to fields by spraying, soil incorporation, soil
injection, ridge and furrow irrigation, and infiltration by shallow impound-
ment. Each method has specific advantages and disadvantages in terms of
workability, reliability, and environmental effects. Transportation of sludge
to the application site can be accomplished by tank truck, railroad tank car,
enclosed barge, or pipeline, depending upon transport availability, site loca-
tion, and cost-effectiveness. Detailed discussions of transportation are
presented in the following section.
The rate of sludge application to land is determined by a number of factors,
including climate, topography, hydrology, and soil and sludge characteristics.
Literature review indicates that a wide range of application rates up to
several hundred dry tons per acre per year have benefited soil and crop
growth (Table VI-2., Digested Sludge Application Rates, Burd, 1968; Swing
and Dick, 1970). Upper limits are not yet recognized; ultimately they will
be determined by the build-up of nutrients and heavy metals in the soils
and future land use.
The land application process recycles inexpensive and useful organic and
inorganic materials back to the land, conserves non-renewable resources such
as inorganic fertilizers, and eliminates costly sludge thickening and dewater-
ing. The capital costs for land application include land acquisition, access
roads and fencing, site grading, sludge storage facilities, distribution
systems, and application equipment. Operating costs include sludge transpor-
tation, sludge application and crop cultivation. Systems to monitor and
control environmental effects further add to costs, and should be accounted
for and weighed against those for other alternatives for sludge disposal or
utilization. Table VZ-3., Land Spreading Costs (Burd, 1963; Dalton et al.,
1968), presents reported unit costs associated with land spreading of sludge.
VI-9
-------
Table VI-2 Digested Sludge Application Rates (Burd, 1968; Ewing and D1ck» 1970)
Reference
Kershaw and Wood
Merz
< California State
7 Mater Pollution
8 Control Boards
Nusbaum and Cook
Mo If el
Troeeper
Hinesly and Sosewitz
Approximate
Solids
Year Type of Sludge Concentration
W
1952 Digested primary 4,0
and activated sludge
1955 Digested primary
sludge 6.5
1957 Digested
1360 Digested
1964 Digested primary 4.1
sludge
Digested primary and
activated sludge or
trickling humus
1965 Digested primary
and activated sludge 6.0
1968 Digested 3.0
Approximate
Dry Solids
Loading
(ton/acre/yr.)
2.5*
10-100
100-300*
1 ,000*
3.0*
2.0*
61
8-29*
Remarks
England.
San Diego; 25 tons/
acre equivalent to
commercial fertilizer.
California; high to
low rainfall areas,
respectively.
San Diego; land re-
clamation.
Pennsylvania; well be-
low commonly reported
application rates.
Nine Pennsylvania com-
munities; well below
commonly reported ap-
plication rates.
Springfield, Illinois;
average application ral
Chicago; soybeans and
corn responded favorably.
*No Indication of annual repetition, so units may be ton/acre.
-------
T*»le VI-3. Lan3 Spreading Costs [Burcl, 1368? Dalton et _al., 1953
Reference
Year
Scanlon
Nusbau.ii and Cook
Musbaui and Cook
Daltoo et al.
Bur 3
1357
1959-1960
1960
19S3
1953
Dperat ing Cast
$/ton of 3ry solils
$7.50
$10.00
4.00
$20.00-23.00
$4.00-30.00
Retiarka
law York, ibout
tha sane aa
barging to sea.
San
21-nile haul.
San Diego, $1.50
Ear oLpaline
tr ansfer .
Chicago Sanitary
District preli-
minary estiaats.
3<>nefal range
with $10/ton
VI-11
-------
The wide range in costs is due to the various hauling distances reported in
aaeh of the studies. The construction cost, amortizes capital cast, ooet-
ating and maintenance cost, and total cost, excluding land amortized at ?
persent over 20 yeaes art presented in Figure ¥1-1. » Surface Spreading Costs
(Stanley Consultants, 1972), based on the 1972 dollar. Par a project capa-
city oC 1,000 dry tons per day, the total annual cost is approxi'nately $7
par dry ton of sludge.
The tiajor oroblen associated with land application is public acceptance.
Potential environmental problems include transmission of odors ani airborne
pathogens, build-up of nutrients and heavy rnetals in the soils, surface
water and ground water contamination, and bio>nagnification of toxic substances
in food chains or transfer of pathogens by ingestion, if agricultural produce
is raised on tha application fields, proper choice and control of sludge
application nethods, rates and periods, and proper nonitoring and pollution
control should eliminate or niriiiiza sone of these anviranvental problems,
Sludge transportation is an integral part of slud-ge disposal or utilization.
Transportation frequently exerts a significant influence upon overall costs.
Dptinization of sludge handling and disposal or utilization requires exami-
nation of the reliability, costs, and environmental effects of various sludge
transportation nodes. There are four identified: truck, rail, barge, and
pipel ine .
I, Truck Transportation
Hauling of sludge by truck offers the advantage of flexibility In routes ani
destinations. Liquid sludge can be hauled by trucks from one treat neat plant
to another for furthar treatment or disposal, oewstered sludge is co>%fiortly
hauled by trucks to landfill sites for disposal, or to stockpiles for subse-
quent utilization as fertilizer and joil conditioner. Hauling distance can
range fron a few miles to several hundred miles.
of trucking sludge is determined by hauling distances and sludge
characteristics. Unit costs increase with increasing solids content and haul-
ing distance. \ comparative study of the costs of transporting 3.5 percent
solids by pipeline, tank truck and railroad tank ear indicates that truck
transportation is the nost economical node for distances up to 150 ailes and
for a treatient plant size of approximately 1.5 13D. Truck hauling costs per
wet or dry ton of sludge are presented as a function of sludge hauling dis-
tances and solids content in Figure VI-2., Track Costs (Riddell and Cor nick,
1963; Stanley Consultants, 1972).
The Blue Plains treatient plant in the District of Columbia in 1973 used its
digested sludge for reclaiiing marginal soils. Truck hauling and final dispo-
sal of sludge sake (20% solids) were handled by a private contractor at a cost
of $6.85 per tist ton. In 1974, the contracted ories was up to $3.25 per wet
ton (Cassel and Mohr, 1974).
Wl-12
-------
1000
oc •
100
o>
— 00
e !•»
o *o
4->
LT>
U) «^
4J
I/I
O
« 10
00
«
LT)
345 67890
I
1.0
10
345 67890
1—IT
-mr
234 567890 100
I i i I
o>
in
u>
ro
10
£ °
10
*0
o
o
1.0
00 7j
2
D.I
2 345 67890 2 345 67890 234 567890
100 1000 10,000
Dry Solids (ton/day 1n processing capacity)
Notes:
1. Minneapolis, March 1972, ENR Construction Cost Index of 1827.
2. Amortization at 7% for 20 years.
3. Labor rate of $6.25 per hour.
4. Application rate of 25 dry tons per acre per year.
5. Sludge diluted to a sol Ids content of 2t for spray distribution.
6. Storage lagoons, dilution wells, pumping station, piping and
spray distribution equipment Included.
Figurevi-1 Surface Spreading Costs (Stanley Consultants, 1972)
VI-13
-------
1000,
800'
600
400
— 200
— 80
| 60
J 40
t.
a.
fe 20
§ 15
£> 10
a g
si
°- 6
I | I i
• j...m i
100
80
60
40
20
15
10
8
6
1.0
,8
.i
.4
.2
L.
>e
o
T3
O
1.
01
a.
1 2 4 6 8 10 20 40 60 80 100 200 400 600 800 1000
Distance to Disposal Point (miles)
Figure VI-2 Truck Costs (Riddell and Cormlck, 1968; Stanley Consultants, 1972)
VI-lJ*
-------
Health hazards and odor nuisance associated with sludge hauling by trucks
are nininized by the use of special trucks with a sealed tailgate and taroau-
lin cover or, In casa liquid sludge is hauled, a sealed tank. Howsvac, the
roisa and air pollutants generated by the trucks en routs to iisoosal or
utilization sites are generally unavoidable.
2. Rail Transportation
Railroads are an attractive nods for sludge transportation whan tracks sea
near the origin and destination of tha sludge and long distance hauling is
required. Liquid sludge can be hauled by rail tank cars, and dewatsred sludge
in either open or closed hopper cars. Major structures required for railroad
transportation ace loading and unloading facilities.
Recently, sone attention his been given to the unit tnin concept as a neans
of hauling sludge and refuse. The technology is available and under conside-
ration by several netropolitan districts. The unit train in this instance
light be comprised of 30 cars or vehicles. Bach vehicle is a 20,000-gailon
tank car with special fittings, and can handle a load of 80 tons of sludge.
The train could naka journeys of several hundred niles. indoor or outdoor
systems could load sludge either through the top of the tank or through a
loading connection at the bottom. Completely autoaatsd systems could load
400,000 gallons of sludge into 20 cars in less than 3 1/2 hours with a three-
nan crew. 9f Increasing ouvping rates, the facility could load $00,000 gal-
lons of sludge in 2 1/2 hours, fc two-nan crew could unload the sludge in
approximately 2 hours. Basel on a 200-mile journey, tha 30-car unit train
would have an overall turn-around tine of 43 hours (Kostalich, 1973).
Based on a daily handling rata of 7,000 wet tons, the hauling cost Cor a unit
train would be less than $2.00 per ton of wet sludge containing S percent
solids (Kostalich, 1373). The unit cost of hauling sludge by a regular train
is higher and depends on the rate structures, which vary with geographic loca-
tion. On reviewing the hauling contracts for Philadelphia and San Francisco,
unit costs were found to be $5.39 per ton ana $6.25 per ton, respectively.
Tha Earner figure includes final disposal; tht latter does not (Stanley Con-
sultants). The unit coat per dry ton of sludge as a function of hauling
distance is given in figure VI-3., Rail costs (Riddel1 ani Coriick, 1963;
Stanley Consultants, 1972). For distancas greater than 150 alias, rail
transportation is tore economical than trucking for treatrent plants of 1.5
4GD. 3enerally, the cost of rail transportation could be reduced in half if
the unit train concept were utilized (Saston, 1)70).
The environmental hazards of hauling sludge by rail are similar to those for
truck hauling, antsver, in the event of an accident, environmental iipacts
could be worse because of the vastly increased aaount of sludge.
3. Barge Transportation
Barging of sludge nust be considered as an alternative «ode of shipping when
navigable waterways are available between origin and Jestination. Large
quantities of sludge can be transported efficiently, and often barges can
be rented.
VI-15
-------
1000
800
600
400
200
a
"O
I 100
2- 80
fe 8°
a.
**
8 40
20
10
J I
20
40 60 80 100
Distance to Disposal Point (miles)
60
ftr
100
80
60
40
20
in
o
•a
10 o
i M
4 o
o
i
t>00
F1pre 71-3 Rail Costs (R1«Wtll and Cortrtck, 1968; Stanley Consultants, 1972)
72-16
-------
cost of barging 250 tiles from 'Washington D.C., has been reported as
$3.50 (1930: $10.12) pec wet ton (Smith, 1963). The barging of sludge 139
tiles on the Illinois River from Chicago coats $1.80 (1990: $5.20) per net
ton, based on • shipping rate of 9,000 tons per day (Stanley Consultants).
Environmental considerations in barging sludge are eomplettly different from
those for truck or call hauling. Accidental spills of sludge from barges
couli cause severe short-tern irreversible impacts such as fish kill or
destruction of local benthos. However, the probability of this occurring is
very snail.
4. Pipeline Transportation
Pumping of sludge and waste slurries through pipalines his been practiced for
nany years. Short distance pumping of sludge exists in most sewage trait tent
plants, Transporting sludge pipelines has also become a popular mode for
intermediate and long distances.
Whan assessing this alternative, the main factor to consider is the hydraulic
characteristics of the sludge. Sludge containing 5 percent solids flows as
ftfcwtonian liquid, which is similar to water with respect to friction and power
requirements. Sludge with greater than 6 percent solids possesses plastic
properties, requiting a prohibitive amount of energy for long distance pumping
(Sparr, 1971). A minimum flow velocity oust be maintained to prevent solids
fro* settling and to sustain the flow during turbulence. Other problems asso-
ciated with sludge pumping are grease buildup and pipe corrosion. Depressing
ths sludge prior to pumping and installing protective pipe lining could avoid
these prcMena.
% study was cot die ted to determine the feasibility of pumping sludge from
Cleveland via a 92-mile, 12-inch dimeter pipeline for disposal on strip-tined
land i.i southern Ohio, and of pumping sludge* fro* the Washington-illtinore
area 30 miles Say pipeline to an ocean outfall (Bechtel Corporation, 1969).
Capital and operating costs in the first case ware estiaatsd to be 125 (1930:
$67.35) oar dry ton or $0.27 (1930: $0.73) per ton-tile, assuming 3.5 percent
digested solids, the costs in the latter case wsre estimated to be 523 (1930:
$75.43) per dry ton or $0.35 (1930: $0.94) par ton-mils. Based on t popula-
tion of 2,000,000, digested sludge with 5 percent solids could be pumpad 100
miles at a cost of $7 or $3 (1930: $20.95 x $23.92) par dry ton, or approxi-
mately $0.05 (1930: $0.15} pec ton-mile, to reclaim marginal or strip-mined
land (Rand Development Corporation, 1967). These costs do not include acqui-
sition of easements along pipeline routas. the use of pipelines dots not
become economical Cor transporting sludge 25 lilts away until the plant site
reaches approximately 10 NOB. K 300-mile pipeline cannot be economically
justified'until plant sise reaches approximately 25 W» (Riddel1 and Coraick,
1968).
Short-term environmental effects during pipeline construction include air
pollution from traffic Jam caused by the disruption or interference of traf-
fic, especially in urban areas. Proper insulation of lift and booster stations
will minimist impacts on surrounding areas.
Vl-17
-------
C. System Alternatives
Ten system alternatives for sludge processing and disposal were developed on
the basis of experience gained from plant operations and research on various
technical topics (MSDGC, 1973a, 1974a, 1974b, 1974c). Each system alterna-
tive has a planning period of 25 years, an average sludge production rate
of 1,236 dry tons per day. Each alternative consists of a combination of
several subsystems! namely, dewatering, stabilization, disposal and/or
utilization and transportation subsystems. The system alternatives and
sludge flows for each alternative are presented in Figure VT-4, System
Operations and Sludge Plows (MSDGC, 1975a). The costs, system requirements,
construction phasing, and life of facilities for each system alternative
are sunraarized in Table VI-4 (MSDGC, 1975a).
The MSOGC considered the total scope of their disposal needs and decided that
the best alternative was one that had flexibility within the system and more
than one final option. Therefore, System 10 was chosen. Of the total 1,236
dry tons of sludge per day, 439 dry tons per day goes to the Fulton County
project. While alternative 10 is not the least cost alternative, credit must
be given on a wholistic basis for energy savings, reclamation of land that
otherwise might not be in productivity, and employment of full and part-time
persons to manage and operate the Fulton County site. The 1979 Operating
Cost for Fulton County was $190.00 per equivalent dry ton.
This project can be considered a major milestone in reclamation of drasti-
cally disturbed land, the MSDGC has endeavored to involve different interest
groups to the maximum possible in the design, operation, monitoring and redi-
rection of the project. This highly dynamic project has been modified to
utilize the most up-to-date equipment and techniques. Its basic premise was
to take two difficult problems, unusable land and enormous amounts of munici-
pal sludge, and realize the beneficial constituents of sludge for soil building
and nutrients to return land into agricultural productivity. There was very
little state-of-the-art when the project began, so the MSDGC had to experiment
with application methods, piping systems and crop rotations. Their chief
problem in early years was that they were not farmers. This led to criticism
by some local citizens. While there still is some local opposition to the
project, the County Board and most advisory groups support the project.
The project has provided opportunity for research by the University of Illi-
nois, The County Extension Service, and Spoon River Community College. Much
of the data on ingestion of pathogens and metals from sludge was conducted by
the University of Illinois. Several researchers that have monitored the
project since start-up are still associated with the project, providing the
first long-term study data on sludge application projects. The Soil Conser-
vation Service has provided timely input into the project.. Many of their
conservation measures have been built into the project.
This does not mean that the project is without probleas. Earlier noted
erosion problems have been addressed in many cases. Gully erosion problems
along the perimeter of some field may take longer to rectify. Most of these
problems are contained within the site and don't necessarily add bo the exist-
VI-18
-------
F^Utlon-Conc.ntr.tlon ->
Fl.Ut^n-C.nc.ntr.tl.n -+
or rail,
200 m)
Ctntrtfugt DmttiHng
Ctntnfugt DfmliHns
6 r-»flottt1on-Conctntrit1on
(781
— !>Ctntr1fu9t DtM
(4SS dt/tf)
200 Hi)
H«it Drying - »> Fertilizer Sile
Ixlneritlon tru
.Centrifuge >. Sinltiry
DawaUi-iig (truckT Landfill
> Fertilizer Salt
Heat Drying
(7ardt/.~!r
—•> Centrifuge Dmaterlng |>HMt Drying ^FertlHier Sill
(4SS dt/d)
Lindflll
•iBhoff
(116 dt/d)
r
Olgeitlon'H ^Jj1^
l*Centr1
(127 dt/d)
0iltr1i"'ttoB
ApplTitian of Liquid Sludge
(439 dt/d)
(truc»
I— l»«Kuwi FllUr 0«MUr1nf
^ (4S5 dt/d)
Drying
F«rt1llMr Salt
Flqure VI-U System Operations and Sludge Flows (MSDGC, 1975a)
VI-19
-------
T*fcl«vt-4
Attrmativei. SystM
), JBJ Life of rac
Jdnrttted* Jysta» Rtqylrtneiits and ><;
***«" Capital DIM Total Construct!* Basing *
(»)" flr nr ~~
1 S.62 24.05 31.67 7- 100 dt/d digester batteries «ith
concentration faci titles. <
4- 100 dt/d digester batteries with
concentration facilities.
17 - 21.9 dt/d centrifuges ta sup-
plement existing vacuum filtration
facilities. <
10- 21.9 dt/d centrifuges.
Additional 152 dt/d flotation-con-
centration facilities.
2 11.84 tt.22 SO.OC* Sane at Syjta. 1. i
47.70»» Und dtvelopaent (25,000 acres).
Application equipment.
3 10.45 14.S3 44.W 7- loo dt/d digester batteries »ith
concentration facilities. •
4- 100 dt/d dl|ester batteries with
concentration facilities.
Und development (25,000 acres),
4 S.M 26.J2 u.H 48- 21.9 dt/d centrifuges »itn flo-
tation-concentration facilities.
14- 21.9 dt/d centrifuges Kith flo-
tation-concentration facilities.
40- 12.000 Ib Hater/hour drying
lines.
10- 12,000 1b water/hour drying
Tines.
S 5.12^ 22.71 Jl.il 48- 21.9 nt existing vacua filtration
facilities.
18-21.9 dt/d centrifuges.
Additional 152 dt/d flotation-con-
centration facilities.
• 13. M 3§*9$ 49.91* Saaie as Sy.tem 8.«
47.MM (.end development (25,000 acres)
Application equipment.
10 J.si 11. ai is.it 3- 100 dt/d digester batteries Mitk
concentration facilities.
2- 100 dt/d digester batteries with
utntentritlon facilities.
27- 21. * dt/d centri fun« .
Land pureMse and development
(2.700 acres).
Application Mulpment.
fi
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VI-20
-------
contamination from strip-mine runoff. This is evident from water quality
investigations showing that water quality is better in Big Creek downstream
of the project.
Local farmers have seen benefits from utilizing sludge as a soil amendment
and fertilizer and have inquired about obtaining sludge for their own lands.
With the rising costs of commercial fertilizers, sludge applications become
more attractive. Also, the state-of-the-art is being improved, thereby
reducing the relative risks associated with the project.
Reliability factors that were considered for the project included landfill
availability in Northern Illinois, small scale land application on private
lands, low sludge application rates and land requirements, fertilizer markets
and energy requirements. On most of those factors, the Pulton County project
rates very well. The establishment of a privately held site that is well
monitored should allow the continuous implementation of land application, ^s
further acreage is developed, weather-related problems would be reduced in
that lower application rates on fields could be accommodated and a variety of
field conditions would allow greater flexibility.
While some critics still remain, they have not provided a better alternative
solution to the growing amount of sewage sludge. Given the full line of con-
straints associated with incineration and giveaway programs for large munici-
palities, the HSDGC project provides more benefits than risks. It is expected
that as further data become available, the project will respond to techniques.
VT-21
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-------
MITI3ATIVE MEASURES
A. Land
Two major areas of concern at the Pulton County project site are soil erosion
and long-term soil contamination. Soil erosion depends to a great degree on
the design of the fields as well as the level of maintenance of drainage control
features. While available records suggest that considerable work is being done
in regrading fields and revegetation, dikes and berms, field observations indicate
that maintenance procedures are not entirely effective. The major impacts of
erosion and siltation are on the internal basins, very little runoff ends up in
natural waterways. However, proper maintenance is recommended to ensure that
this remains so. A positive aspect of the project is that the leveling activities
have decreased the possibility of erosion in general areas.
Drainage control appears to be superior at the newer application fields compared
to those designed and constructed initially. Grading of some of the newer fields
has provided a shallow concave profile, creating backup reservoirs for use when
the runoff retension basins are filled. Fields graded with a convex profile
cause runoff to be channeled along the field perimeter, resulting in high velocity
and scouring.
The MSDQC has sought a remedy by constructing additional siltation basins to retain
silt-laden runoff. However, a lack of vegetation on control berms, drainage chan-
nels, and basin dikes has contributed to severe gully erosion, accelerating the
rate of siltation and thereby reducing the added capacity for runoff control. This
has increased the need for frequent desiltation operations. Available records
however, indicate only sporadic cleaning of siltation basins. It is difficult to
determine whether the apparent failure to clean existing basins is actual or «ere-
ly reflects poor record-keeping. Mao, field investigation demonstrated the exis-
tence on unrecorded, newly constructed siltation basins.
MSDGC records are sparse in documenting repairs to drainage pipes. Field observa-
tions indicated some instances of pipes being damaged by farm equipment and pipes
clogged with silt, obstructing discharge from siltation basins into runoff reten-
tion basins.
With few exceptions, on fields where sludge is applied by disk incorporation,
applications are made considerably above the nitrogen agronomic rate. Such high
rates of application contribute to erosion of the soil in several ways. 1b incor-
porate large amounts of sludge, multiple passes (5 to 6) of the disk incorporator
are required during the primary growing season, obviating the possibility of
growing a crop. Thus the HSOQC has recently resorted to planting crops only in
alternate years on most of these fields. In years when a field lies fallow and
bare while sludge is applied periodically, soil erosion will increase considerably.
lack of a crop also prevents evapotranspiration. Recently, the MSOQC has planted
a sacrifice crop at the end of the application year to help control erosion. This
practice has been helpful.
Several unrecorded measures nay combine to decrease the erosion and siltation
effects at the project site, the MSOOC should document all redesign and new
construction to credit their mitigative measures. When older fields were recon-
VII-1
-------
toured fot tractor operations, the events ware not recorded, nor were the cleaning
of siItation berms and basins. It is extremely important to completely document
such measures, especially if sludge will continue to be applied at rates higher
than nitrogen requirements for crops, it must be kept in mind that one specific
goal is to raise the organic matter content of the spoil lands thereby increasing
agricultural productivity.
A rather persistent question arose concerning the introduction of heavy metals to
the land. At the Fulton County site the soils are generally unconsolidated mix-
tures of former soils and parent materials. Ihe basic constituents of the mine
spoil include heavy metals and chemicals similar to constituents in sludge. It
would be hard to assess the total impact of metal loading on the Pulton County
site. However, if the MSDGC were not applying sludge to the soils the land
would not have been reclaimed to any extent. The fact that MSDGC owns the land
and controls access, reduces the possibility of contact with adverse conditions.
Some experiments using aeid-extractability to indicate long-term plant availabil-
ity have shown that these metals can be available to plants for a considerable
period of time. Fulton County data acquired using actual field dates seem to
indicate that metal levels in crops do not reflect cumulative applications over a
number of years. Further data should be provided to substantiate this finding.
B. Water
The analysis of water quality impacts in Fulton County is complex. Background
investigations show that the quality of ground and surface water at the project
site was exceedingly poor before project operations began. High background con-
centrations of sulfate, copper, manganese, iron, lead and total dissolved solids
in surface waters (streams and reservoirs) are probably due to leaching of atrip-
nine spoil. The water quality of Big Creek, both before and after sludge appli-
cation, has been strongly influenced by sources of pollution upstream from the
project site, including effluents from the Canton Sewage Treatment Plant upstream.
If low-levsl contributions of sludge constituents to surface water were to result
from sludge application, it would most likely be masked by high background levels
of metals and other constituents. While this situation may allow small contribu-
tions of sludge constituents to go undetected, it also vastly decreases the
significance of potential contributions in tsrms of water quality deterioration.
A refinement of the sampling design should be considered to try to distinguish
various sources of contaminant input to Big Creek. While this might be costly,
it would help provide detailed answers to sources of total dissolved solids.
A comparison of violations of Illinois water quality standards in the stream and
reservoir stations during early and recent project stages indicates that surface
water quality has not significantly deteriorated. Trend analyses for nitrite and
nitrate-nitrogen, total phosphorus, anmonla-nitrogen and fecal coliforns in stream
and reoervoir stations indicate no increasing trends with the exception of increas-
ing nitrite and nitrate nitrogen in R3 and R12 which can be attributed to any of a
number of sources. Nitrate levels in both reservoirs, although increasing, have
consistently remained within drinking water standards. Pecal colif orm concentra-
tions in all reservoirs are generally low,, indicating that the applied sludge has
been low in fecal conforms and/or that the runoff basins have been effective in
retaining fecal bacteria. Fecal coliform counts have been high in most stream
stations but have not been increasing and arc probably not due to the project.
V1I-2
-------
lovar focal col ifori levels in R3 than in 3ig Cceek Into which the reservoir
drains indicates that sludge application on the 2000 hectaras of land draining
eventually into R3 could not be responsible for high levels of indicator organises
in Big Creek. Higher concentrations of sulfate and total dissolved solids in Big
Creek station 32 over upstrean station Si can be attributed to a nunber of sources,
none of which can be singled out.
SUE face water quality at the project sita depends in part on the design operation
and maintenance of the runoff basins. Calculations show that basins for 21 fields
are triable to contain runoff fro* a 24-hour, 100-year storm. «
-------
ties. Furthermore, with the exception oC W10, nitrite and nitrate nitrogen levels
are generally lower than 0.2 milligrams per liter (as opposed to the drinking water
standard of 10 milligrams per liter indicating that little soluble nitrogen is
leaching into the groundwater system.
Fecal coliform, trace element, and other chemical concentrations in wells remain
close to baseline conditions.
Apparently, most groundwater constituents have been little influenced by project
operations at this stage of project development. The variations in their concen-
trations are probably influenced by the geochemical characteristics of abandoned
strip mines, such as heavy metals in exposed black shale. The variations in ground-
Miter quality at most stations are comparable. Therefore, soils are either func-
tioning well as a biochemical filter for the removal, conversion, and fixation of
sludge constituents or are not permeable enough to allow sludge constituents to
percolate into groundwater. It must be noted that the likelihood of this project
significantly affecting ground and drinking water resources is extremely small
because aquifiers providing drinking water are deep and are covered by impermeable
strata, water quality data are, however, insufficient for long-range projections
of groundwater quality.
C. Air
The only two potentially significant odor sources at the project site are the
sludge holding basins and sludge ponding in the application fields. Mthough the
strength of odor emissions from surface-applied sludge is equal to that from the
holding basins, the consequent odor problems are short-term because most odorants
are released into the atmosphere within the first week. Surface penetration meth-
ods do not generate aerosols and evaporation of malodorants is small.
It has been shown that ammonia concentrations at the sludge holding basins, even
during the most unfavorable meteorological conditions, are less than the threshold
value reported by Leonardos et al. (1969). Confirmed sludge odors during months
when no sludge was applied, however, suggest that odors were arising from the hold-
ing basins. Malodorants other than ammonia therefore reside in the sludge, which
act synergistically to generate a sewage sludge smell.
Within the past several years, decreases in odor complaints can probably be attri-
buted to the decrease and final elimination of spraying activities, and a reduction
in the surface area of sludge storage lagoons. This reduction in stored sludge
volume is attributed o continued sludge application while barge shipments from
Chicago were tempor *ily halted, thus diminishing supplies on hand. New problems
will result from sludge application if soil incorporation techniques continue to
be used, provided that sludge ponding is kept to a minimum by better management
practices.
D. Health Effects
Because spray application constituted a large proportion of past application tech-
niques, the extent of aerosol inhalation was estimated from a dispersion model.
The calculated respiratory intakes were found to be low when compared to World
Health Organization (WB3)-recommended maximum daily intakes, suggesting that past
inhalation of sludge aerosols was probably not dangerous, this is supported by
the absence of reported health effects in Pulton County.
VII-4
-------
While some indirect health impacts tiay vise from the ingestion of plants or ani-
mals contaminated with sludge constituents, tost of these Upsets will be con-
trolled by monitoring of croca produced. Secondly, dilution of crops into the
market will reduce the impact to any particular animal or person. Crops could
go into gasohol production.
The MSOQC should continue to monitor soils, plants and animals on the project
site to provide infornation concerning heavy natal uptake. Special interest in
cadmium and polychlorinated biohenyls by regulatory organizations warrants these
continued studies.
In terns of human health, the future land use of the area would dictate the future
impacts. Listed below are the worst and best cases concerning land use and honan
health impacts:
worst Case
Sale of lard to farti operators who live on the previses and raise
their own food with no monitoring or controls. Rral housing
developnent where residents garden with no monitoring controls.
Best Case
Land remains in hands of the MS03C with rental to farmers,
providing management and nonitoring controls. Land developed for
outdoor recreation, prairie preservation, and tree farts.
E. Recorcnended Mitigative teasures
I. Sludge Application Rates
1SOGC should develop a Facilities Operating Plan as outlined in 40 CFR 257.3-5(9)
(l)(e). *s promulgated, this cadmium management approach sets forth four require-
ments which will serve to mininize the increase of cadmium in the human food chain.
First, only aniual feed nay be grown under this option. The likelihood of signifi-
cantly increasing individual or general dietary cadmium levels through aniial feeds
is negligible. The second control to assure proper management of the facility is
the requirement that the solid waste and soil nixture have a pH of 6.5 or greater
at the tine of solid waste application or at the tins the crop is planted, which-
ever occurs later. This pH balance is important where cadnim application is unre-
stricted. The third requirement calls for the development of a facilities operating
plan. The purpose of this plan is to demonstrate how the animal feed will be
distributed and what safeguards are utilized to prevent the crop from becoming a
human food source. The fourth requirement is a stipulation in the land record or
property deed which states that the property has received solid waste at high cad-
mium application rates and that food chain crops should not be grown, due to a
possible health hazard.
In lieu of growing the crops for animal consumption, the rising market foe crop
products for alcohol production nay be the safest way of assuring that the crops
do not enter the human food chain. Recently, the demand for alcohol for gasohol
production has greatly increased. Furthermore, a distillery in Peoria may be a
good market for MSOOC crop products. This corn, etc. would then be used as a
renewable energy resource.
VI1-5
-------
The MSDQC should plant cover crops as soon as possible after sludge application.
\ttampts should be nads to increase the solids content of sludge applied to
reduce the number of applications. This should lessen tha sail compaction
impacts. Further information should be provided concerning the criteria for
reclaiming spoil. Test results for organic natter content in soils should be
provided for analysis of the first Civs years 3* operation,
2. Land
Where feasible, fields that ire graded to drain laterally across the principal
slope into ditches along the pec lister should be regraded with a broad, shallow
depression and retention dike at the base of ths slope to aid backup runoff re-
tention capacity on the field itself, thus eliminating high velocity runoff,
scouring, and gully erosion at the edge of the flail. This is mainly for ths
older fields. New fields are bettar designed and do not show some of the aspect?.
Terraces constructed across long slopes and maintained in permanent vegetation
should be provided when practicable for greater erosion control* drainage channels
or ditchas, dikes, and berns should be permanently grassad to stabilize ths soil.
Braachad dikas or barns should be repaired promptly; barriers of rock, hay bales
or other material should be placed in ditches or runoff channels containing high
velocity flow to reduce scouring and gully erosion.
3. Mater
The MSDQC should extend the current practice of building supplemental siItation
basins, especially whers soil loss and siltation of retention basins is severe
and runoff retention capacity is narginal; also, there should be nora frequent
cleanout of silted basins and •flowing of overgrown basins to preserve their func-
tion.
The prescribed practice of pumping fro-n partially or nearly filled runoff reten-
tion basins back onto application fields should be employed where necessary to
avoid emergency releases of substandard effluent; such recycling of runoff should
occur bsfors fields are saturated front rainfall and sludge application combined.
Discharge control gates should be kept closed during a period of runoff fron a
storm; prolonged periods when gates remain open should be carsfully avoided.
Poor water quality flowing into tha project site is not a license to further
pollute, h refined water quality monitoring scheme is suggested to differentiate
tha pollutant contributions fro* project point sources (retention basin discharg-
es), comunity point sources (Canton sewage treatment plant), and nonpoint
sources (runoff over mine spoil). Stream monitoring stations in particular are
too few to enable segregating these contributions, and comunity pollution of Big
Creek, whars most stream monitoring occurs, tends to mask tha possible pollution
of minor tributaries from project operations. Pollution sources and problem areas
should be identified and mttigatlve measures taken to alleviate water quality
problams.
Quality of runoff retention basin effluent aust be upgraded and should be monitor-
VII-€
-------
ed by analysis of 24-hour conposite sanples oe by averaging the values of sauries
taken at several intervals ins t 2 ad of using a single grab sample. The current
IEP\ requirement, which assumes relatively stable concentrations of biochemical
out yen demand, total suspended solids and fecal californs, has been ineffective in
or eventing occasional releass of contaminants who 33 concentrations can fluctuate
widely in 24 hours.
Analysis of the nutrient concentrations in effluents from runoff basins should be
performed to determine nutrient inputs into receiving waterways and reservoirs.
These data will aid in estimating the eutrophication potential in receiving waters.
Since written records have not provided a complete picture of operations and ,main-
tenance activities, periodic inspection of the project lite by the U.S. and Illi-
nois Environmental. Protection fcgencias could establish a constructive basis for
reducing undesirable impacts of the project on water and air quality through
improved procedures for soil nanagament and drainage control. Vi inspection teat
might inciudle a soil sciantist, agronomist, agricultural engineer, hydrologist,
and pollution control engineer. "V local soil conservationist and comunity
health sanitarian could provide additional insights and constructive recounenda-
tions.
N50QC should revise their groundwater wnitoring program to da tar nine the direc-
tion and rate of flow? therefore being able to iatemine if the sludge applica-
tion is having an adverse inpact on groundwatsr. A groundwater flow neter,
recently developed, will sonewhat sinplify this analysis. 3roundwater nonitoring
should continue to identify if a pollution "breakthrough" to an aquifer would
occur .
Periodic regrading to remove depressions due to subsidence of unconsolilatsd sub-
soil or nine spoil should be performed as necessary to prevent ponding of freshly
applied sludge which presents a potential for odor emissions.
Occasional unavoidable ponding should instigate control nethodologies for odor
control. The >GOGC has applied 74Q7, an odor control product of Pollution
Sciences, Inc., to ponding areas, and this practice should be furthsr evaluated
and continued if warranted.
Recognizing that the storage lagoons are an occasional source of odor, efforts
should be nade to Unit the anoint of sludge stored at the Fulton County site.
Limiting sludge storage to the anoint of sludge necessary for the staging of
land application practices would reduce lagoon surface area and prevent odor-
producing lagoon turnovers.
Tha MSDGC Comprehensive Par nit is currently under appeal and there is currently
an enforcement action concerning odor violations, pending before the Illinois
Pollution Control Board.
'4e will work with the ISPA to optinizs the operation and environmental compati-
bility of the Pulton County project.
VII-7
-------
The use of wind barriers such as tall, dens* hedgerows or fences around tha hold-
ing basin betas, or perhaps floating baffles within the basins if this could be
developed to be economically feasible, couii reduce surface turbulence and wive
action which intensify odor emissions. The orasent requirsneat of a 4-foot Eras-
board Ccofl the sludge surface to ths too of the bem provides wind baffling only
for 3 short distance downwind.
5. aaalth _%soect_8
The feasibility of developing lands at tha project sits for outdoor recreation,
prairie
-------
VI11. ENVIRONMENTAL CONSEQUENCES
OF THE PROJECT
A. Unavoidable Advecse Impacts
1. Oistr ibution Systems
In a pcoject as large as the MSDGC Fulton County pcoiect, thece ace many unavoid-
able impacts. However, when the impacts ace viewed in terms of viable options
available and the relative cisles of each alternative, the risks appear to Call
into the acceptable range. Undoubtedly, some sludge generated in Chicago will
spill into the waterways of the State of Illinois due to loading and unloading
operations at the Chicago and Liverpool barge facilities. The magnitude and
frequency of spills should be controllable to some extent. Sludge entering the
waterways will have adverse impacts on fish resources, general water quality
and benthos. These impacts should be short term and infrequent. Runoff from
fields and overflow from retention structures on the project site nay contaminate
streams and lakes on the project site.
Hie pipeline from Liverpool to the site could break due to natural or human forces
causing pollution of land and groundwater resources. The walls of the storage
basin could be ruptured. The distribution pipe on the project site has been
vandalized in the past. This could happen again.
2. ttecontouring
Secontouring the land to improve the capabilities of existing fields or raw fields
to receive sludge would generate short-terra disruption in traffic flow c.ijng local
roads, these construction activities produce noise that would disrupt the exist-
ing conditions. However, moat noise would be in the interior of the site and
therefore would not greatly impact humans other than construction and farm opera*
tors.
Thece would likely be a loss of potholes and surface waters if recontouring con-
tinues. Soil erosion and siltation would occur until cover materials could be
established. The NSDQC has used some soil conservation practices in the past,
strict adherence to these same fundamentals in the future would decrease the
severity of new site development, ftedeveloping the strip-mined land would also
decrease iarxi available for wildlife. Although there are no endangered species
on the site, several rare plants and many of the animals could be further dis-
placed.
3. Human Health
Mthough the risk is extremely small, both livestock and human health could be
adversely impacted by continued operations. This could be either direct, such
as the death of a farm worker in a tractor incident, or indirect by ingest ion of
pathogens related to sludge.
further odors could arise from the project site that would adversely affect human
activities such as church, recreation and farming.
vm-i
-------
B. Relationship Between Shoet-term Use and Long-teem Productivity
The MSDQC project has had a very positive impact on Fulton County. It has in-
duced employment, raised tax money and abated runoff from strip-mined areas
that may have resulted in better stream water quality. Ihe project has result-
ed in establishment of row crops on the site. However, much of the terrain was
so disturbed that much of the site has not been recontoured. Land has also
been set aside for conservation, recreation and environmental protection. The
long-term effects of the project will be enhanced soils, decreased dependence
upon chemical fertilizers for row crop production, and enhanced land use with
improved employment and tax base within the County. For Chicago residents the
project is an innovative, productive method to utilize sludge solids. It will
help to decrease our dependence on oil and natural gas supplies for incincera-
tion and fertilizer production.
C. Irreversible and Irretrievable Commitment of Resources
The project has committed many person-years of construction, monitoring and
operational time. The MSDQC has committed millions of dollars to the operation
and research of this project. This has led to major modifications to improve
operations and environmental controls. A huge commitment of vehicles, piping
and fuels for construction and operation have been made. This commitment for
fuels has decreased now that farming operations are the predominant activity.
The land may be held into perpetuity by MSOGC for the now existing usage.
VHX-2
-------
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-------
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Chaney, R.L., "Crop & Food Chain Effect of Toxic Elements In Sludges and Effluents."
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Envtro Control Inc., Draft Environmental Impact Statement, Sludge Disposal and
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for the MSDGC by the A4H Engineering Corporation, 1971.
Howelis, D. H. and 0. P. Dubols, "The Design and Cost of Stabilization Ponds In
the Midwest," Sewage and Industrial Hastes, V. 31, No. 7, July 1959.
Illinois Advisory Committee on Sludge and Hastewater Utilization on Agricultural
Land, report on work conducted March 1974-January 1975, Illinois Environmental
Protection Agency, February 1975.
Illinois Bureau of the Budget, Hllnols Population Projections. 1975.
Kelly, George, Comprehensive Report on the Fulton County Project, revised
November 1974.
KostolIch, M. S., Hauling Digested Sludge In Tank Cars, National Symposium of
Ultimate Disposal of Mastewaters and Their Residuals, Research Triangle
Universities and U. S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region IV, April 1973.
Krlshnaswaml, S. K.r "Health Aspects of Land Disposal of Municipal Mastewater
Effluents," Journal Public Health, V. 62, 1971.
Kruxe, C,» et a I., "Halogen Action on Bacteria, Viruses and Protozoa," specialty
conference on disinfection, University of Massachusetts, July 1970.
Ledb«tt«% J. 0., et a I., "Health Hazards from Wastewater Treatment Practices,"
Environ. LetteriTT 4, No. 3, 1973.
Leonardos, G., D. Kendall and N. Barnard, "Odor Threshold Determination? of 53
Odorant Chemicals", journal of the Air Po11ut1onControI AssocI at Ion, v. 19,
No. 2, February 1969.
Lindsay, W. L., "Inorganic Phase Equilibria of Micronutrlents In Soils", Soil Set.
rTC. Amer., 1972.
-------
Lue-HIng, C., at a I., "Chicago Prairie Plan - A Report on Eight Years of Municipal
Sewage Siudga Ut(illation," 1977.
Lynam, 8, T,, et_ a I., The Utilization of Municipal Sludge In Agriculture, presented
at the United States/Soviet Seminar on Handling, Treatment, and Disposal of
Sludges, Moscow, U.S.S.R,, May I975H.
McCoy, J. H.; "Sewage Pollution of Natural Waters," MlcroblalAspects of Pollution,
Academic Press: London and New York, 1971.
Metropolitan Sanitary District of Greater Chicago, Land Development Schedule,
FuI ton County, IIIInolSj, as revised August 1974.
Midwest Research Institute, Studies of the Fulton County, Illinois Land Spreading
Operation: "Studies of Odor Complaints In Fulton County," (Part II), prepared
for the Fulton County Health Department, January 1974.
MSOGC, Environmental ProtectionSystem Report for Fulton County, I1 Moots, Third
Quarter, 1972a.
MSDGC, Environmental Protection SystemReport for Fulton County, Illinois, Fourth
Quarter, I972b.
MSOGC, Contract Plans for the Site Preparation for landReclamation, Stage I,
Zone I, I972c.
MSDGC, Contract Plans for the SitePreparation for LandReclamation, Stage 2,
Zone I,I9f2d.
MSOGC, Contract Plansfor the Site Preparation for Land Reclamation, Stage 3,
!972eT
MSDGC, Contract Plans forthe Site Preparation for Land Reclamation, Stage 4,
1972?:
MSOGC, Contract Plans for the Site Preparation for Land Reclamation, Stage 5,
I972g.
MSDGC, Enylronipntal Protection System Report for Fulton County, Illinois,
FIrst Quarter, I973a.
MSDGC, Environmental Protection System Report for Fulton County, Illinois,
Second Quarter, I973b.
MSDGC, Environmental Protection System Report for Fulton County, Illinois,
Third Quarter, I973c.
MSOGC, Environmental Protection SystemReport for FyI ton County, IIilnols,
August through Decemfcer, I973d,e,f»g»h.
MSOGC, Contract Plans for the Site Preparation for Land Reclamation, Stage §,
19731.
MSDGC, Contract Plantfor the Site Preparation for Land Reclamation, Stage 7,
1973 j:
MSDGC, Contract Plans for the Site Preparation for Land Reclamation, Stage 9,
-------
MSDGC, Contract Plans for the Site Preparationfor LandReclamation, Stages
6 through 9, Fulton County, Illinois, I973m,n,o.
MSOGC, Environmental Protection System Reports for FuI ton County, 111Inols,
January through December, I974a,b,c,d.e,f,g,h,I,j,k,I.
MSQGC, InylrgnnientalProtection System Report for Fulton County,, 111 Inols,
January through July, I975a,b,c,c',e,f,g.
MSDGC, The Utl I.jzatjgn_of Municipal Sludge In Agr[culture, presented at United
States Sov I at Seminaron Hand 11ng, treatment, and 01sposaI of Sludges,
U.S.S.R., May I975h.
MSQGC, Private Communication with Mr, 3111 Macaltfs, Engineer of Planning,
October 19751.
MSOGC, Private Communication with George Hall. I975J.
MSOGC, Environmental Protection System Report for Fulton County, Illinois,
March 1980.
Muehler, Keith (Fulton County Soil Conservationist), Persona! Interview, October 1975.
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Comparative Data," Greater Peoria Airport, Station No. 14842, 1970 through
August I974D.
National Climatic Center, "Local ClImatologlcal Data, Monthly Summary," Greater
Peoria Airport, Station No. 14842, September 1973 through August 1975.
National Climatic Center, "Seasonal and Annual Wind Distribution by PasquIII
Stability Classes, STAR Program," Station No. 14842, Peoria, Illinois,
November I974a.
Nusbaum, I. and L. Cook, Jr., "Making Topso11 with Wet Sludge," Wastes EngIneerIng,
August I960.
Peterson, J.R., et al., "Water, Soil, and Crop Quality of Illinois Coal Mine
Spoils Amended with S«wag-i Sludge", UtH | zatjon of Myn I c I pal Sewage and
Effluent Sludge on Forest and Disturbed Land, 1979.
Quirk, T. P., "Economic Aspects of incineration vs. Incineration-Drying",
Journal Wafer Pol Iution Control Association, V. 36, No. II, November 1964.
Rand Development Corporation, "Traveling Record", EngIneerIng News Record.
November 1967.
ftiddell, M. D. and J. W. Cormick, Selection of Disposal Methods for Wastewater
Treatment Plants, Proceedings o? tne'TOth Sanitary Engineering Conlerence,
Universlty of Tl11nols Bulletin, No. 65, 1968.
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Illinois, 1973.
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Sewage and IndustrIalWastes, V. 29, No. 8, 1957.
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Fulton Counties, Illinois. 1974.
-------
. Wayn« (Olckson Mounds State Park), Telephone Interview, December 1975.
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Journal of Water Pollution Control Federation, V. 40, 1968.
Sohr, W. H., gt a I., "Flu Id I zed Sewage Sludge Combustion,11 ater Works and
Hastes Engineering, V. 2, No. 9, 1965.
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of municipal effluents and sludges, Rutgers University - ~,ie State
University, March 1973.
Sowers, 6. F., "Foundation Problems In Sanitary Land Fills," Proceedings of
the American Society of Civil Engineers, Jour naI of San Itar y Eng IneerIng
Division, Vol. 94sl03-ll6, 1968.
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February 1964.
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(revised), August 1975.
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TechnIcaI Background, 1972.
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Noise, 1973.
-------
United States Environmental Projection Agency, AgrIcuIturaI BenefIts and
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EguIpmentPowered by InternalCombustion Engines, prepared by WyleLabora-
tor Ies, December T9/1 ",
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Q_fHc«_of Water Program Operat(ons, March 1975.
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blol, V. 6, I960.
-------
Webb, S. J., Factors affecting the viability of airborne bacteria: "The Role
of Bonded Water and Protein Structure In the Death of Airborne Cells,"
Can. Journal of Mlcroblol, V. 6, I960.
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Zenz, D. R., et a I., "Environmental Impacts of Land Application", Journal
Mater Pollution Control Federation, Vol. 48, 10, October 1976.
-------
absorption!
adsorptions
aerobic;
agronomy:
anaerobic:
aquifer;
bacteria:
berm:
benthos:
biochemical
oxygen demand
(BOO):
biota:
B00§ :
calcareoust
catIon i
GLOSSARY
The penetration of one substance Into or through another.
The attachment of the molecules of a 1Iqu'd or gaseous
substance Into or through another.
Refers to life or processes that occur only In the presence
of oxygen.
The principles and procedures of soff management and of field
crop and special-purpose plant Improvement, management and
production.
Refers to life or processes that occur In the absence of oxygen,
A geologic stratum or unit that contains water and will allow
It to pass through. The water may reside In and travel through
In-numerable spaces between rock grains In a sand or gravel
aquifer, small or cavernous openings formed by solution In a
limestone aquifer, or fissures, cracks, and rubble In such
harder rocks as shale.
Any of a large group of microscopic plants living In soil, water
or organic matter. Important to man because of their chemical
effects as I.; nitrogen fixation.
Refers to a narrow ledge or shelf used to control the runoff of
water from a field.
The plants and animals that inhabit the bo+tom of a water body.
A measure of the amount of oxygen consumed In the biological
processes that decompose organic matter In water. Large amounts
of organic waste use up large amounts of dissolved oxygen; thus,
the greater the degree of pollutlon, the greater the BOO.
The plants and animals of an area.
See "biochemical oxygen demand." Standard measurement Is made
for 5 days at 20 degrees Centigrade.
Resembling, containing, or composed of calcium carbonate.
A positively charged atom or group of atoms, or a radical which
moves to the negative pole during electrolysis.
cation exchange
capacity
(CEOi the sun total of exchangeable cations that a soil can adsorb.
-------
co11 form
bacteria:
col I form
organism:
con post:
cur te:
deciduous:
dissolved
oxygen
(O.O.):
dredging:
ecosystem:
effluent:
eros Ion:
Members of a large group of bacteria that flourish in soil.
In the feces, and/or Intestines of warm-blooded animals.
Including man. Fecal col I form bacteria enter water mostly
In fecal matter, such as sewage or feed-lot runoff. Col I form
bacteria apparently do not cause serious human diseases,
but these organisms are abundant In polluted waters and they
are fairly easy to detect. The abundance of fecal collform
bacteria In water, therefore. Is used as an Index to the
probability of the occurrence of such disease-producing
bodies (pathogens) as Salmonella, Shi gel la, and enteric
viruses. These pathogens are relatively difficult to detect.
Any of a number of organisms common to the Intestinal tract
of man and animals whose presence In wastewater Is an Indicator
of pollution and of potentially dangerous bacterial contamination.
Relatively stable decomposed organic material.
A measure of radioactivity.
The term describing a plant that periodically loses all of
Its leaves, usually In the autumn. Most broadleaf trees In
North America and a few conifers, such as larch and cypress,
are deciduous.
The oxygen gas (Og) dissolved In water or sewage. Adequate
oxygen Is necessary for maintenance of fish and other aquatic
organisms. Low dlsso.ved oxygen concentrations sometimes are
due to presence, In Inadequately treated wastewater, of high
levels of organic compounds.
To remove earth from the bottom of water bodies using a scooping
machine. This disturbs the ecosystem and causes silting that
can kill aquatic life.
An ecological community together with Its physical environment,
considered as a unit.
Wastewater or other liquid, partially or completely treated, or
In Its natural state, flowing out of a reservoir, basin, treat-
ment plant, or Industrial plant, or part thereof.
The process by which an object Is eroded, or worn away, by the
action of wind, water, glacial Ice, or combinations of these
agents. Sometimes used to refer to results of chemical actions
or temperature changes. Erosion may be accelerated by human
activities.
10
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evapotransplratlon:
Discharge of a water from the earth's surface +o •'•he atmosphere
by evaporation from lakes, streams, and soil surfaces and by
transpiration from plants.
fecal
conforms: See "Col (form Bacteria."
forage: Food for animals.
gob: The refuse or waste left in a mine from which coal has been
worked away.
groundwater: The supply of fresh water under the Earth's surface that
forms a natural reservoir.
groundwater
runoff: Groundwater that Is discharged Into a stream channel as spring
or seepage water.
leaching: The separation or dissolving out of soluble constituents from
a rock or sediment by percolation of water.
lagoon: A shallow pond where sunlight, bacterial action, and oxygen
work to purify wastewater.
littoral zone: Of or pertaining to the blogeographlc zone between the high
and low water marks.
loess: A buff to gray, fine-grained, calcareous silt or clay, thought
to be a deposit of wind-blown dust.
malodorant: A substance causing bad odor, stench.
mho: Unit of conductance reciprocal to the ohm.
mil I(equivalent
tmeq): One-thousandth of a compound's or an element's equivalent weight.
normalIty (I,e.
normal
solutlon,
abbr. N): Measure of the number of gram-equivalent weights of a compound
per IIter of solution.
percolation: The downward movement of water through pore spaces or larger
voids In soil or rock.
permeability: The property or capacity of porous rocK, sediment, or soil
to transmit a fluid, usually water, or air; It Is a measure
of the relative ease of flow under unequal pressures.
-------
planktonlc: Of or pertaining to plant and animal organisms, generally
microscopic, that float or drift In great numbers In frash
or salt water.
polychlorinated
blphenyIs
PCS's):
runoff:
Silt!
slltatlon;
sludge:
slurry:
spoI I:
strata:
stratif icat Ion 5
A group of toxic, persistent chemicals used in transformers
a.:d capacltators. Further sals or new use was banned in
1979 by law,
Water from rain, snow melt, or Irrigation that flows over the
ground surface and returns to streams. It can collect
pollutants from air or land and carry them to receiving watsrs.
A sedimentary material consisting of fine mineral particles
Intermediate In size between sand and clay.
The deposition or accumulation of stream-deposited silt that
Is suspended In a body of standing water.
A semi 11 quid waste with a solid concentration in excess of 2500
parts per million, obtained from the purification of municipal
sewage.
A thin mixture of a liquid, especially water, and any of several
finely divided substances such as clay particles.
Oirt or rock that has been removed from Its original location,
destroying the composition of the soil in the process, as with
strip mining or dredging.
Beds or layers of rock having the same composition throughout.
strip
mining:
Separating Into layers.
A process that uses machines to scrape soil or rock away
from mineral deposits just under the Earth's surface.
supernatant: Floating on the surface.
suspended
solids:
synerglsm:
Undtssolved particles that are suspended In water, waste-
water or other liquid, and that contribute to turbidity.
The examination of suspended solids plus the 300 test constitute
the two main determinations for water quality performed at
wastewater treatment facilities.
The action of two or more substances, organs or organisms
to achieve an effect of which each Is Individually Incapable.
12
-------
terracing:
thermophlIIc:
topography:
toxic
substances:
trophic:
vertebrate:
volatile:
Dikes built along the contour of agricultural land to nold
runoff and sediment, thus reducing erosion.
Requiring high temperatures for normal development, as
certain bacterla.
The physical features of a surface area Including relative
elevations and the position of natural and man-made features.
A chemical or mixture that may present an unreasonable risk
of Injury to health or the environment.
Of or pertaining to nutrition or to the nutritive processes.
All animals with backbones, from fish to man.
Evaporating readily at normal temperatures and pressures.
13
-------
Nam*
Jack Evan 3raun
Douglas Ehorn
Gregory Vanderlaan
Gerard Kelly
Joel Soden
Robert Cutler
Organjzat|on
USEPA
USEPA
USEPA
MAPORA
MAPORA
MAPORA
LIST OF PREPARERS
Experience
Project Assignment Education Years
Project Officer/
Author
Project Officer/
AdvIsor
Project Advisor
Environmental
Scientist
Air Scientist
Senior Afr
Scientist
M.S. Olology) 5
M.S. Olology) 8
M.S. (Environmental 4
Studies)
M.S. (Public
Hea I th )
M.S.. P.E.
8
5
10
(Some preliminary work on this Final EIS was performed by Enviro Control, Inc.,
Rockvllle. MO)
Project History
The Draft Environmental Impact Statement was published In June 1976. Many unanswered
questions existed In that document and many comments were received during the public
review period. During the preparation of the Final Environmental Impact Statement,
we have tried to Incorporate the many changes in sludge management regulations and
have made the best effort possible to Improve the quality of this document over the
Draft Environmental Impact Statement. Many of the new requirements developed through
the Implementation of the Resource Recovery and Conservation Act have also been taken
Into consideration in this document.
-------
APPENDIX A: IEPA Miter Pollution Control Permit
Ar-1
-------
ILLINOIS ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
WATER POLLUTION CONTROL PERMIT
Permit Number: 1974-DB-444-OP DATE ISSUED: March. 7 1974
PROJECT LOG NUMBERS: 3686-73,3687-
SU3JECT: FULTON COUNTY - Metropolitan Sanitary District 3688-73,174-7
of Greater Chicago Sludge Disposal 175-74
Project - Comprehensive Operating Permit
PERMITTEE TO OPERATE: Metropolitan Sanitary District of Greater Chicac
100 East Erie Street
Chicago, Illinois 60611
Permit is hereby granted to the above designated permittee
to operate water pollution control facilities described as follows:
The sludge transportation system, sludge storage facilities and
sludge application fields previously approved under Permits I1971-DA-4"
S1971-DA-487-1, I1972-DA-215, S1973-DB-1460-OP, S1973-DB-1460-OP-1,
§1973-08-1492, *1973-DB-1492-1, U973-DB-1682, U973-DB-1682-1, #1973-1
1752, f!973-DB-2185 and f 1974-DB-45-COP.
This Operating Permit expires on March 7, 1975.
The Application for Operating Permit and supporting documents
approved by this Permit were prepared by Metropolitan Sanitary District
of Greater Chicago and are identified in the records of the Illinois
Environmental Protection Agency, Division of Water Pollution Control,
Permit Section by the log numbers designated in the subject above.
This Permit renews and replaces Permit Numbers f 1971-DA-470,
S1971-DA-487-1, I1972-DA-215, I1973-DB-1460-OP, f 1973-DB-1460-OP-1,
U973-DB-1492, I1973-DB-1492-1, #1973-DB-1682, #1973-03-1682-1,
I1973-DB-1752, I1973-DB-2185 and 51974-DB-45-COP, which Were
READ ALL CONDITIONS CAREFULLY: (continued on Page 2)
iTAHOAEO ronaiTlONj Plruunnf «m, u connnici.ox v
I. Turn iota b* ft Ovuiwm htm Ik. i».,«rU dun <*d MM
.l««iw» UM«I «MM pu»i. IMC.I.NI.MI. M ««!.»•** OuH 1.111 kMb*M
«ibn»ntd m it« iiw
OlXIMf •« •*•*» 1H« CO«Mn(C1<«OM
^»l*-l> «.<•«•••<»> IK. C>
ti «>K«m»t mum «i HM irmmm iMrt« !«»•«<
•* •••*•••«".
•I At IMM 90 ««v* ff"** I* IH* ••PMM^A «M* •! th* MirHUn
This permit is issued in «ccord«nct with th* Illinois Envircmmontal Protection Act of 1970 «nd the Chipttr III XVitcr
Pollution Regijlttiom adapted by the Illinois Pollution Control Board in March of 1972.
* \ 1
cctGrants c Tax, Region II t III Div.siON op WATER POLLUTION CONTROL
Fulton Co. Health Dept., Fulton Co. ..»:.
Ed. of Supsrvisora, MSDGC-R.Riirkus i /•?'*?<.• 2-C*^>
K.KcI-Iillan William H. Busch
J . Br axton Manmnr. Par mit Section _
-------
March 7, 1974
FULTON COUNTY - Metropolitan Sanitary District of Greater Chicago
Sludge Disposal Project - Comprehensive Operating Permit
issued for the herein permitted facilities.
The Standard Conditions of issuance of this Permit are itemized
on Page 1. (Special Conditions applicable are itemized below).
This Permit is issued subject to the following Special Conditions.
If such Special Conditions require additional or revised facilities,
satisfactory engineering plan documents must be submitted to this
Agency for review and approval for issuance of a Supplemental Permit.
SPECIAL CONDITION II; Upon termination of the sludge transportation
activities, the Sanitary District shall be responsible for the proper
removal and disassembly of non-permanent equipment for which this
permit is issued.
The proper disassembly includes, but is not limited to, the cleaning
of the pipeline so no sludge residue will escape to any area other
than the properly permitted holding basins.
SPECIAL CONDITION J2; This permit is issued on the basis that any
surveillance activity by the staff of this Agency does not relieve
the applicant from sole responsibility for establishing and continuing
a surveillance program for monitoring and detecting any discharge of
waters which do not meet the applicable provisions of the Environ-
mental Protection Act or the Rules and Regulations of the Pollution
Control Board.
SPECIALCONDITION §3; The sludge transported to the Fulton County
site shallTSe"adequately digested and suitable for land application
based on the parameters presented in Table 2 of the report entitled
"Quality of Digested Sludge Suitable for Land Application" prepared
by tne Research and Development Department of the Metropolitan
Sanitary District of Greater Chicago, dated July 23, 1973.
SPSCIM;COHOITKai -Hi. This Permit does not relieve the District of
sole responsibility for the existing discharges .to the waters of the
State which may have occurred through mining activity or any other
past activity in this area, which do not meet the applicable provisions
of the Environmental Protection Act or Illinois Pollution Control
Board Rules and Regulations.
SPECIAL CONDITION jSt The District shall maintain a minimum of four (4)
feet freeboardin the lagoons at all times.
SPECIAL CONDITION 16; The District must submit to this Agency, in
addition to the quarterly reports currently submitted, a monthly report.
Tha operational information to be contained in the monthly report must
be satisfactory to the Agency and the report must be submitted in
triplicate within 20 days of the end of the month covered by the report.
A-3
-------
March 7, 1974
FULTON COUOTV - Metropolitan Sanitary District of Greater Chicago
Sludge Disposal Project - Comprehensive Operating Perr
SPECIAL CONDITION 17; Op to date sampling data and operational in-
f or mat ion to be used in the monthly reports mast be available for
inspection by this Agency's personnel at the Fulton County Site.
SPECIAL CONDITION 13; If for any reason the District abandons this
project, it is required that the sludge holding basins be emptied of
sludge and the sludge be disposed of in a manner which will not cause
pollution»
SPECIRL CONDITION f9; The effluent discharged from any retention bas
approved under this Permit must meet the applicable effluent reguirem
for discharge to the waters of the State as required by Illinois Pol-
lution Control Board Rules and Regulations Chapter 3. The point of
discharge to the waters of the State is considered to be the overflew*
structure of each of the retention basins.
SPECIAL CONDITIOW ilOi This Permit is issued with the .condition that
the following contaminant concentrations are considered to be back-
ground values and the numerical effluent standards shall be considers
met at the designated effluent sampling point described in Special
Condition §9 when the background concentration plus the allowable
regulatory concentration is greater than the measured concentration
for the appropriate parameters
Total Suspended Fecal
Solids BOD Coliform
FC
100 ml
arithmetic
mean 61.7 2,75
std. dev. 87.3 1.48
geometric
mean - - 94.3
SPECIM. CONDITION Illi In order to provide storage for the capture c
a 160 year frequency storm, the District shall remove waters from the
retention basins as soon as practicable after a storm. This Agency
shall require that records be kept of precipitation and the approxim;
amounts of runoff pumped back to the fields or discharged and that
these results be submitted along with the monthly operation reports.
-------
March 7, 1974
FULTON COUNTY - Metropolitan Sanitary District of Greater Chicago
Sludge Disposal Project - Comprehensive Operating Permit
SPECIAL CONDITION $12^ The District shall maintain at least one
control plot on which crops are grown without the application of
sludge in order to provide a continuing source of data regarding
the runoff from such fields. The runoff from the cont.roi plot shall
be monitored and the results submitted to this Agency as a part: of
the monthly operation reports.
SPZCrKL CONDITION §13; The District shall restrict its procedures
of land application to subsurface injection or ridge and furrow
application whenever practical.
SPECIALCONDITIOtf 114; The District shall monitor the metals content
of the cropsharvested from the sludge application fields and shall
submit the results to this Agency in the monthly operation reports.
SPECIAL CONDITION 115; This Permit includes the construction of the
supernatant piping around the sludge holding basins*
A-5
-------
tooeniix B
Ccmraents Received on the Draft
The following pages include a reproduction of the written coaaents
that wete recsivei on the Drift EIS. Many of these contents havs
besn incotoocitsa into this Final EIS,
\ooendix C contains out taaoonsas to these cownents.
-------
Tjku
v •
J Wf&UIN »« HUf lSt**0 l
Auguat IT, 1(76
Mr. 0«ry Schema 1. Acting chief
planning Branch
legion V
Mitel It*tee Environmental Protection Agency
3JO couth Dearborn Street
Chicago, Illinoi* 60604
lamark* Concerning Fulton county Sludge Diapoul md Land
~ " »tlon Draft to th* Public Bearing - Auguat IT. 1976
Aa president of th* Illinoi* Wildlife Federation, and having been
involved with tha Metropolitan Sanitary Diatriet of Greater Chicago'*
deeire to diepoee of leg aludge ainee NBDOC** first attempt In 1967
to aogulr* land in Kankakee County, Southern Mill county, ana Grundy
County, I would like to make the following non-technical and non-
aciantific remark*.
1. The university of Illinoi* was awarded a grant to conduct a
•tudy in Hill county to determine the feasibility of tha plan.
In ra*dint tha draft I do not find tha raaulta of thia atudy.
TMl (tody ahouLd ha** baan uaad ao that tha facta gatharad
on a taat in Illinoia uaiag tlodqa fraai USD, rather than a
•tudy in aOBa othar atata or county with aany diffarant
charactariatica.
2. It ia a aattar of raeord with tha Pulton County Board that thia
proarav ^^^ to ba a fiva-yaar axpariaMntal prograa). and that if
than wara any undailrable affacta on tha anvirona in thia araa,
oc if there war* any ill affacte on tha •nvirorment, tha proqraa
weald ba diacootinned.
>. It ia a aatter of record in thia draft that it ia difficult
to aa in tain «p»ality control of alud9e vhen «aate vcter traat-
•ent plant* are aubject to tha diapoeal of heavy awtala, and
all af UM oyproducti of paatlcida* and herbicide*, and all
the net of tha nodealrable aad long-livad •an-iaada chaaticala.
Indnatrial vaetm cannot b* elialaated froai KSDOC collaction
•yttam.
NAllONAl WIUX.IM MOEMIIQN AFflUAIl
:,
6.
7.
It waa auggaated by the writer at ipacial meeting* by th* KSDOC
that they uae the 30, 000 acree of laud in the Cook county araa
owned by tha Cook County Foreat Preeerve Diatrict for eludge
diapoaal. J feel thia i* *till a viable consideration.
I have vieited the pulton area and aai faniliar with tha operation.
Run off Ircei the application araa ia docuawntad aa a proble*
to tha natural watervaya in the area. The effluent fro* thia
ar«a awat neet the avndatc* in the USEM Ragulat iana , A«
• tatcd on 1-9 the concentration* of certain avta'la and othar
cheaiicala have exceeded th* Regulation*.
laee line ground water ahowad exceaaive concentration* of
di**olved aineralm. three tiaca th* U.S. atandard. Kith tn-
creaaed application the condition can ba expected to incraaaa.
Piah and wildlife in thi* area have not been itudied through
the National Fi.h and wildlife Service, and a* atated on 1-10
it can be expected that fiah and wildlife will pick up toxic
aubatance* through the food chain.
Of Major concern ftre the concentration* of heavy Bjetala, air
pollution froat aludge Malodorant*, turface and ground water
contamination, and huaiaji health effect* fro* pathogen*, a*
documented by actual violation* of our enviro
,
ental (tandarda,
)C. Run-off baiin* that were to have been con* true ted and to have
controlled the 100-year atorra were not te**ible, *o no run-off
control i* preaently in operation. Thu* the nutrient level*
in receiving (treaaw will cauae evthropication and will threaten
aquatic life.
11. Nith uM coabination of natural heavy *wtal* and aludge leaching
it* heavy aatal*. an increase of the*e natal* can be expected to
increa** to a point that uae of local wella will be prohibited.
12, Ua* of a forage crop will cau** a «ignli leant problem in animal*.
13. Effect on bud life-eating worm*, who will h«v« high concentration*
of cadaiium, can be expected to be effected.
14. ** atated on rage 125 and 126, .lodge atandard* cannot be main-
tained or a**ured. and aa *tated a procedure ehould be implemented
to guarantee only good quality iludge to be ahipfwd to Pulton
county, and elimination of direct drawdown of the digaeter at
the N.s.N, Plant.
In concluaion and enamiiry :
The Prairie Plan and Sludge Diapoaal ahould not be put together >• a
plan.
The Pulton County experimental plan ahould be monitored by an outatde.
independent teeting laboratory.
-------
This E1K should not be accepted until after a full five-year
experiasintal period.
Evaluation of this document indicate* there are more detrimental
items to be considered than beneficial.
Strip mine reclamation into usable recreational land doe a not need
sludcj*. ai i* documented by the 2S privately owned recreation areas
in the •raidvood-Coal City area of Will and Grundy counties, catering
to 50,000 msmbers.
The National fish and Hildlif* Service should have some input into
thia subject because of the far-reaching implications in the wildlife
food chain and thai nutrients that enter our stream*.
The tIS should be ratitled and exclude the land reclamation concept,
because the addition of and concentrations of heavy metal* could mean
land destruction.
Respectfully Submitted,
rrajnk ». Gostschel, President
Illinois Wildlife Federation
ro/ij
COUt&l Of AGIKUUUtf 5ff*lf«MNI Of
August 16, lift
Mr, Gary Scheniel, Acting Chief
Planning Branch
U.S. Environaenta] Protection Agency
Region V
210 South Dearborn Street:
Chicago, 11 eCHXH
Dear Mr. Scheaxcl:
1 siibeit tlie following coamenta on the Craft riiflrnneanril lepact Staceeent
for Sludge Dliposal and Land leclautton in Fulton CouitY, Illinata. Then
ace concerned prl»«rU> with Section It lackfrouai and I»[toductloa. Section
II qua llb«r«lly from A«iimc_y fact SneeC SM-29: Ut 11 Hat lor of Senate
Studse on Aarteult»ral Land.
THtr* are a few direct quotation! ulth Ene eoitrce acfcaavleaead. there ar*
•any earagraelia la Section [I vltn worrilat quite « taller to chat In Fact
Sneec SM-29 of Milch I ea one of the author*. Thi* fact Sheet uai revt»4
in February 1*?6 to correct *eee error* Itt T*bl* 1 and to Include li?5 field
data of Vnl«araitjr oi Illinois research. 1 ae attaching 2 copies of the
ffebruary 19?e varateu end have aarltad the paaas in Se«tie«t II of the draft
tIS «iher« worillnl is itnllar.
Oa* error in cserlai frosi M-2t us* noted. In the last paragraph on page
11-1 the following appear*; " ..... • rate equivalent eo a aooera izrigation.
...... * The first paragraph of SN-29 states: K....e rate equivalent to a
eederate Irritation (about eve inches) ....... " If the author, of the US
ead* Cns coasclotas sybstitutton of "Baden*1* for *fsx>d»rac<*' , they saoyld ba
snrs apeclflc ss Co vhat is the eaoiait of a "solera" irrigation.
Pag* II-J of the IIS state* In the neat to last paiagraph: "With iludge
application, there la the option of going directly into row crop production
after th* levdllag of atrip nine apoll hank*." Page 1-13 itate*: "The
future fertility of cnas* fields caa be sxpectad to Increase significantly
with the continued application of sludge, possibly ejHng row-crop production
economically feailblt.' One of thaas ststeaents i* fulte poaltlfe. th*
ather conditional. Ef the page Il»S atatssent wars cheated to reed: " .....
there eay be ch* option ---- ,,** It would t»* eor* nearly correct aad the two
would he Sjar* consistent. I 4o not believe it has y*c been »Teannarritid
that row crop production on th. strip aiaad land* receiving sludge is
economically faasllil*. If there have been aatltfactor; row crop ritld*
.her. Ireshly levelled apoll benka hevs had sludge applied, I *• not aware
of elicit. I believe chie will be established If "normal" iprlag wsathsr is
experiencad sad' If edequata levela of crop end soil einagseanl ar* achieved.
So far as I *• aware, this il Mill ahead of us, not behind us,
-------
**•* 2
Mr. Gary Schtnz«l
1*. 1976
MUCKS CCUfOi Of M*ftlCUt,lU*f
AGIONOMY FACTS
On p*§* I~l it 1* mtmtud that 45.O06 •€!•»» or &6Z of tt># land in Fulton
Ca«yBtjf h*a be*B «*lp-»in*d. On §NK§* IV~H. atrip nined lands are reported
Co b* 21,600 «cr«i «»recl*i»*4 and IS, 100 ***«« r«£ laired, or * total of
37,100 acr*a itrlpptd fa tin county. TaHa IV-22 Hats local county land
ft* 561.152 *cr«», ftMH 1 co»put» S.OI or 6.61 of th# coumy hag been
•tripped, depending cm which aeraagt **|ur« 1* uced for »t ripped lands.
On pag* II- 50 It fc« stated that KSDCC produced 1250 dry Eons of sewage
•ivd|« 9*f <**Y In M7J. AC I he hearing in Canton, I b*ll«»e the MSDCC
•taCMMet indicated J50 dt/d. The NSPCC draft docuwent , "Envlroo««ici 1
AftMCBBMEa of th« Prairie Pl»n"- Fulton County, II line. U (no d«t€
lwlic«c*d( prob«bl]F 1973) states la tti* iotrodoction that NSDCC collecc*
120 dry toa» of organic «oiidc per si*)*, CaBMla*iaKt-i Alter Ira Ccmpust
Sei*mc* N»y~JuBfl 19 ?5 r*port« 5|»1 dry tons of s^Hda produced dally. U
«oul4 IM lutlpfui tf HSDCC could b« nor* c«n»l» te.it in reporting how mich
•ludc* IK produc*» |wr day. la the 1250 too* ptr day reported In the EIS
tlM eorr«ct fiturt for tbi prevent ti«tf
I l«>p« tlMME gueaiiai'ita will b* useful co you in prep*rin§ the final EIS for
cba fit It on Cawaty Project.
*/
y
Sincerely,
H. D, Thornt
Exccftilon Agroaoaist
.kiju.ii-w rr.v,.->,.- K, prm
Miluii^nirr i> J lr»«p rum.
Jiifur, thlorin.'. carhoiiaif, ^i.i mill *j|t* ITw {iriiaM^ |»'ftt-
T. B. ain..li
1. L. J«M»
n. u. ivtrrt*4ft ils ciwct
fo
awn] to dry ttwri-. H liquid sludge i« incarporited into the sail pra«' after appiti*tio»i (o the
ace or if it is injected directly into th* soil , »M of th« *^«i,» nttr^«r is -J^«i-h«sf hv t>»c »
he wanniuH nitrogen is thuiged tntc the nitrate for* in the wil, where it MV he •bsortwil by the S.
r >wr bv subject to I^*thn^ TTic organic nitrogen in >lud^r wi*l tvr •uirraliznl hrfore il C«n Ew •A
Utesl by crops.
ttiwvrsitr thcr» S**«jjc ilodgc
os-e* Most of it* wMDrifMn ttttrag«n ui fto dryifm process, so no»t of tM- nitrogen ,n Jrimi •vlu^i* t~
? of HiliK>i& ct^hluc'ied r*-i*arrh with Jn^i it-»agi- *,l,iti/r it" * nmtrr af vejt^
-xM^ /**'f ^s^#t -ff-Js, isiiMMl ID (159, sutn "RrsylU to 4jTr imJKdie thdt .
-------
Bpv he eWW" te*l If* i •*»:•*- turd vi. I'l i ^^fisvS -.ii"itl ir 11> tip -«> <•'-I.«(.,<•-! *-i I i f ,11 • i -H !«•. t
tra.fr. if.is ftintKvM* it.jt rait« I.-IA- ,,»»u,t«. of »J.:J^c M,,.!.: t , :,it. J .- i ;. •• ,,ort
the aannr of nutriams
too to i.ooo
HJ to y»,aoo
HO !0 I'.Mil
I0Q to 14)0
IS to 1,000
5 to i.OOO
100 to 10,000
1 to 300
SO to MJ.tiOO
...,,,,,.. £i to l»0«a
Ifafy a«cor3i t)§^~so«r^*T^*'tliia«'m7^^
long pcfiods mtf be cenBiik'fa$ly lo«r IB
_f sludge* aty contain relatively large quantities of »i nor ml trace i
c- of fnrsc vltjwflts art essential u* plant and JHIIM! nutrition, but nearly .
, copper, nickel, catfciu*. wcfCMry, and lead «** oec'
' affpct plantft and Mils. fb» availability of a anal in the soil i* m~
at pit, organic witter, content af ait*er •rta.lit, type of claj- ninrful, «
*sri«ty « crop fjPMt, and Many other factors. flw aMarption of •et.il>
Hmtml pM, a* k#t*i*g tlw pM n#»r ? will help prevent profelcua (Ml night arise fron s-s.cfsi.ivp a»t
i* sludge.
3
1
e.'i
•
?.(Mx)
s.ooo
l.ooo
iou
lye
l,;l
1,000
J
i,(#0
*00
rJctorT-MuJV
$*.•« content ,
trace L-lciwnts,
but nearly j) 1
occur iti n*Mni
influenced hf
I, OElOii *Si'h.
(rft
^(1
IS
M
4
la
I
1
0,i
fl-.i
2
Ii-,<
b
9 »
"s W FJ la" ^.tdi agf
;i-v iik.lic.itnl in l.il.l
1 Ct« be tovu at *«•
"ilic? suffn inn to
«otJ tM^>pertii>s »i».
JTLSS^t'l'nT ?
.jRlNr large HiWllt a< water £tat ••*« be haniled In oraV-i to provide rhe plant nutrifnts. required f=ii a
' •'-tit*tUMft en Uke u** Of liquid s-Iirige and oo fhe «-thotiN of JfipHt-iI son-
„, , J BCfOMtt solids «*B hi lyMiled a* * lisjMid, iwnped througfe pipM, anJ carried
I tr«t», railroad tank cart, ami tuifas. IHere are «*e luitt^tiom art the typn of puaa^t «s**l;
illy, ftludgar CM b» hawflarf by lh» MMW type* of eoulparnt as used fot £i«uiJ annurc. If sludge
|i ttarwl in tnjoom or tanJu, solid* Kill Mltli IB tiir botlon and special provision for aj it it ion will
he n»JiJ in «rd#r Co ptaap it fr«M the latPM agnin. Sludgr* with tore than 10 percent solid* konra a wry
•iff* vi*C«ity, pnd apettaltxed n^ipMent Milt bf nee for mtro»-r'n (i»l
Mgtanai Mill bt ncMdr4, In a*titi SlMlgc* will « **!i* c«MMHl ill e«e»* af nheut I |*rcent will dry tauite slowly on tar
aiksJ per application
liquid sls^few tftft be spread on thr sot! by Uttfc Irwcks IV distance cf site Hiul Mi SOM obvious lu
tions bec*»« of the Urg* wtifM ei *«ter fe b« handled. !n sane Urge scale operation* now ynderw
IlltfiuiS sltitee s* l*aii imorporated unto the soil uMnhaiely.
sludge to s
• sure i he runoff uter doei not i
m term of inches of liquid i
*ppuum&* wits
is for rein or irrigation *
lloc'tonsl on each acre co*er«d. If the sludge h« S percent K>ltd*. J ton* of dry solids Milt 1
each a^rr by each I inch ipplicatiun. At S-percent nitrogen and i-percent p*»*|*iuru>. this »iuJgv *ill
Si43p!v 3«e pounds of total nitrogen and 1M pouml* of phosphDrus per acre. II the sludge had S prrcant
stjliJi tlw l"t«.'h Uyer over an acre would still *eigh about IOM trtfis, b«( would tontain S tans of dry
folids aad lufnisft S©0 poufkij of lotal nitrq|f*i ana 500 peundi pownds of total phosphorus |>er acre
Mut «pplic*t
tatuayj. again,
r»te, repeated ^*r liter year, wnuU be r»ee4eij te prwiie the nttrogE
|> of com on Ultnois KHJ*^
, ludge with 1 p»rc»mi wluls *nwl on th* soil *url
I in Table 1. A 1 indi livi
a perwit
Me «iiht expect only half the amxum ttitfoem to &e retati«d. If the sludtt is jnjieaed mio the *oU,
•irr mtrofen will be saved; if it ilrie» co^lettlr an the surface before plc*tng,t Eess -ill be *a*ett In
wUitiun 10 the wBtKiii* niirof«n, «buu( a fourth of thr ftg«nn, rttiivien t* •inrialiunJ r«th fnii «iid
thus becwr» available.
t at *li»iff apf
Total !W pounds of N avaiiafelc per acre
Under a high level of aanagcamf, 2 imrhe* of this sludge would probably be necttadi tfic first rear and *Mti
pounds of mtrofen pet acre would b* available. In succeeding years, increasing anoums. of nitrogen will
be available froK the .'inch application. becaiiM the organic nitrogen in the s Judge added the first war
will comintM to deecajpo** »frtr ft» y«*rs of *uc£e«fivc and equal annual applicaiiofl*. ihe aacurtt of
added m th* sludlgc- Tnus, 1 indi of surf* sUdg* Mould providr*
HO i 0.5 • bt pound* of aaaagmyB M available
1*0 » 1.0 • 1*0 pwawH of organic M atniilabla
Total IHi pound, of N available per acrv
CaM&fx(iantly, iftif (i*e v*»r» of apfpUcation. otUy 1 inch ptr y«*r »«wld be MWted.
If sliaige of the composition Iwlicatad >• Tafcle 1 I* applied at th» r»l* «f 6 dry to«* per acre, «2
pound* of l^| Ci*e^*te| «qM*»»l«Rt to a**rlr I.tW pounds of ** pettait superp^vp^te and M} pouMH
of ifO (pot*»hi ocr acn will b« addwd. Ifcts t* likely to be «or* ph*»|3h t«« af tH> -laical" sludwt par acr« So It Mould
Alt if mmaBl application r«t« art luoiMkl to [to** wif dcicrt ta provide rMtrt
-------
s tu be Mil
IV imiMUM rate at fcbieH a
l*Fiirw f\m\ jtn
?l, jn*i*i|xii.Hi|t
* ifKlwJiWjt a wet if
(rouliJ t«atvr
Mia* in i-i'S, Ihc s
vi iif slui^r u» MC!
-o^lit in »iJ n*«wr.
MeSr, the i.lfe, long-trim «vi*l!
llon'Mir* for \lutfL- an ajiriculti
jeinc u«*l. TM* »n»tv«it
of th* l
tm-iH plant
* 10 hr
we Jifffrrnt pree«0yr«.
mulll with lf«l
taama find «»
yictiant* a*d M
jeriod of ti»t,
JM/ fr« one
«x>th,-r,
l.*.-i .
this »**fl cdf«ri*
, ljhur»tui (•» wr *1*° «*** d*ff«-r«iil ataii^tHMl tr««t»i.itts wl .iiht^si" J.tt
•TithHtt ic MNITS ««d ilindard de-viitions. othei> (tmapirit.' MMIU and traikLirJ itc
, the •Miin w pereent v«Iiie will U usnj ** * m*tt, tt«r arc not sUicti} vu*
ion. r~»in, fro. It to IS ««»o««l pc. KTt. Sli«l|t
CM* «I«U»
"
t «f .!»(«•»««. Tkit ,.«!. I. «
c —net.
of th* surfmf soil hca hewn raised by art Mount irla(*d to !*w <|u»niil> o( sli«lg« *ppli*ti the p»*c**d!i»t
^*ar- IHe a«J? *?i!!«%• -p, li.Jti'Ji of S' IPEIS per KR in 197JU »r I9?S, ho«rer. th* . NM d|5««iB«r«i, the
-rail pli «3rtJ|ip«J trui S.G to 4-9, foUowtr* iJw tfiptkilion of 16 ?S tnthrs of ilufe*' durinj tte fint tw>
years, CansttftvnUy. Itmttane m* adbtod in fall of 1978 at r*te« calculitad to rat^e thr u>u pH to it
s, the furrows wr* irrsj«tcil MitJt liudfe tn the **•* «iwi*r prenoalT dnerlfewt for cefu. Ml
plots received i broarfcasf ^>ltv*tian of ?4fl pnund» of l?0 per *cre per ywr.
In 19??, a fcwen ttepresiion of loytwai} irawtli MS noted in the plot* with the fu§h«.t rate of *It*%e.
The probloi MI «Df* levere on f»lot* r«ceiyim «R adhittioul Z«0 pouds of P*OS per .civ CofUHK^mtl/,
only am *li«lf* ^pliciittm «•* m4# that yeet - »*>«|*oru« lomcitf *mpt&m Mre vtMklr «W the s*c*
pl»onj« csnttNit of (iist«* indiv*ied th*t tM* wts the Mjor proklm bic«ss soluble salt* "*r« »l»o fp«*i
tu be present, no doubt ccmtrtbuttnK to the profeUw
Mhen the «*c«» »lu wr« Iwched oul by r*tnf«ll, the pho*iitlC'rut ttuiiity probJM *»* «llevitl«4 Tie Ids
on the higih *l«J^c plat i«covcre4 in 1971 uil slurfj* ^pltc*t*™a u*rr rciuMhl, bui tnly an ploit r«rei¥i»^
»4iliti«wl |rfios|*orws («rtiliz«tian Hi* pte^ihcnis tojicity tm^ianft «ppe»f*d only *&**! r»tt* NMrJN hi§h»r
than tho** nee^Ki to supply nitraf^n or pAojphems for tht cre|* ted b
-iv« of the thirteen inches of sludfc kpftiiwl After twiinreit,
wJdn>) frs* j*M*9* SJu
••***ffli ONOCW MNUT
196.9 .
HJO .
1971 .
1»7Z .
\sn ,
1J74 .
, . . , , 29,S
22.1
. . . . . SS.T
..... 22.1
,-..,,., II.»
. . 36,9
ftti *ver^p! . . 29.9
Z7.I
U 3
H.I
15.S
».t
Jl.O
*2.3
JO.9
2S.7
4».7
11.4
<7.6
51.5
i.l
29.!
31. S
4S.S
54 1
n.9
is.;
miter i*s Applied «t tnc MM nte «iil tiflc ** the MUiiaa tludg» §p|ilu'*tion.
"fiwe of the thittMM l*-hei of ila^e ifftiiag •ftet Inunnmt.
to C«H be MMR at T»itl** S ind 4, rhs iluc^e «ffiJi«,«tiQRs *?er*ffti IS tani pet «cre per *
thniifftt itn *i the »i|tfie:M f«* of ippHetti.*, tto pte*phor«* tiMKitj *>^to«» or ywld
found iAwn «lt*ig* »p|iiic»tio»* **r« o»»-fourth thi
fertiUter ms •n>U«d,
i yt«14s an plots irrif*t*d with *wll Mter IKK
Kit-plot field*, the imson is asiaiaMn. thti »* not topical ef the mpBM eip«Er«d In
pMian ie Illiaoi*, tut the rwtm for thsa eirMK {whtvior has not y»l M«i *a«d.
-------
I. J
,,J
,. i
'.jr-i
, i, •'• i,. H'>. I'litl* i' . IV ; . : ' 1 'i ! "^ I. i I .1... i t n it.
V, !,. 1 Is 1.1 1-T4 j-il /"<1 K•,:.•!-. n, 1-.71 h. . u i . .;., jit. it .
-4 , : ji. .vii;*i'i. l\,r il j «.r -': . i r. 4. ^ . i rJ/ , .1 J-. •
MVKI'i'AL lOBG-ILW: BEKtflTS
i
j."
^,1- ..... I- nmtu- il.iiK 1 ... .n n.,-,nit it
ikn . ^o.l types in 11- J i '< • M.A'u i ». In • nwi. j e> . 11
12 to iM-iiwn )4»er IL t:*- ji«J Utt -»t 1.1 it... fK-u.ci
diK'.lly i- i ,'iJ r i tt.c ju..>i*it i. f ^liJm
Or|>.iui: Mutt«r is Ix-r.pft.-i^l in J..-1-iiin pl^nt m>li H nfs )>i ih- •,, 11 --.^>le\ ..',.! it: I.., 11 it -t MI, t .,r
slob rt-Ira-c l»^ttn.J s.ittf hoUmn thiijcuribluj. jlntLtutv, JIK! tilth arc ,^i,.i,il]y (L>I J t < i.-ult
"^
*/ f
M^
tiit i
_.11V
Ifl.l
acre; cjr>*i4umt ly. the pprcent:ige
awmal .i|ftlicati.«« of a very to*, i
If dtvoa^o f. 1'* Mmtur*- Jnd i
of height, 'i. j*. tv-iKjfit* fru«) j|, 4>ii!t *
•Mtter. even though l'.c ptrccntifie of organac autter Jous
I MOM.CK
ii_ BrftMl .-.«Jd Ijjr tn> fi;-ti.-lf.[ lo i/iLTit ••<-> -*|.( r,. i.it.l-. ITJ^i
thr C.IH.T lu-iJ, orHJiiic ...tier proviJ.-s -nu-**, U-rn-Ilt a- it
rtolc'injt »nilit) is^uiy lines th.it of i;. i^.nnc ioiJi pc: ..: .1
1J IH. <-vp*-vt-d. pulKuUih (MI sniK It*, in r,i^:,i.
CMMJ. Odors fro* «' 'te can create proSlo** under certain circuwtances. Anaerut>ically digested >|jJce
Is usually Jrscribed a hac.ng an "earthy" odui or one siailar to ttmt of crude oil. ibtfrvcr, perions
luring adjacant to arvas iJ«« sluJg« is applied to land or is held in lagoons ire«H»Ntly cocvjUin of
ob)fcttonafel* odon. If the s*^^ge has not been properly processed, the resulting nJois a>>>' t* verv
•Micoebl*.
SoMtiats odors siailar to mmi* are reported. Khen st'idge is held in Ugoons, ihr ui^er tav^is of
liquid becow nthei high in anaonia and XMT is lost into thr •urophrrc. The "lctropolit«n Sarh salt con
COMlVtiOJtft i* the tfa^er layer* of the soil I.MI ret*rlJ!it ^r.inth rht- sril «tn*.
lure airiM kt aJvenely affe led. reduunft water intaU- JA.I aerjtion. itoucvcr, itl^lRt- gemr^lly ha> a low
ratio off sodiiai ta ealcii* and WfTtesiui, indicatutf* a low adsorption of foJuai Ihe -thlim that is .id
•orhcd by soil* toBds to be leached out again in litatiJ ,ir«Ms where tUrc 1.1 *n aiwml net -tut-Knt of
taitet JoMt thraa^i UK soil profile. Thus, there scr*w little reas«n for concent about >oluhlc sjlt* in
llltanU if rJv ftlulfe it applied at afronoaiic rates.
nu« NtTAU. Hany of the «.onren» atwnt pcwtihle. Jctrjamtal effects fraa loi.g lem an'li^^ttons of
slulfje t>> the Mil have ctuteted ir»*ki the tr.H.e artsli in sludge, fhesc elearnt* remain homJ in the
*«il. and .inf probU*s they create arc diTficiilt to Correct. 'iK- elements of MO«I cm>ccrn arc zim;, <-op-
i*r. nidcl. and caJBiiui. hit r^uch LOicvin e»t*nte t>-* frivupr. Ir;*!, noron. chrniMM. coKill. selenniB.
.tnj HDlyhJeaiai. [he (car is Out ic|*ait\l *i;ht hiiild i^t co k i>nt rat inns of ih.-.r
•e* thru e«t«B bv am or MI MM it could enter the fooJ rhnm at uno\-«iraMe levels.
i t« to:i"w .f. trji.-fer at li*-.<
Jrtna*f.t,*l tun- M-t^
ls of tu
wvJ. «m^«(4urrit
> ^ere to Jt-vt]j)) turn 4
»i 11 rj|>iJl> Ji-. r
Mg.f deco^use-
. not toMowd.
.(K-n >.ludge appl
i to ilate, howet*
Jit
11 tuiti
-rioni ^ot^fm that »«Ma)tr sludge Might contain Jis«-a-,- prMiAinic or^iiisiu.
jllfi pru'-lcito *i|cht rrsull fru» il^c ul 1 1 1 :.tt io«i . [Tin?, (inn-rxt^ of 11
vt mtd mlh thii prot>l««- ^ iruar^ «rct4*illkrl> to 51111 nc j prrir>J ul 1 '. d*.
er, jt K'd->t m j ionlitiori tiipdhlt ot «.jusi'i)t an intntuii. .i> dt'itrniiiN-J
h«& found in l^TI for ii?v*ral kinos of znonitu pdrjMtf..
WTRATiS. In t^M
to hjve about th<
t llHC
, drair«K(.' t.jler treat .tit-^k [>lot\ tus >*-en lounJ
looest sludgr jpplujl iu«i plot-, Mvt &ing ihuut
it appro i inuti'ir (.•quitjlent tu tha
i transformation tunitrate *i-t
ttosphorus
to soili
it through Rhunt ill Ian is tl*-.*we rr^;.
a constituent of slulgt appeals to he highly .
lit
iiiUPU- Tu >.rops
it sltKlge application rates are high. Also, the levels of phosphorus .. w« ent r? 1 1 on in Jrainag? watet MV
pc^>siMy irwreai* To the point that they pote a futrophiCJt ion thrra! *^K-(I Jr^iru^c Hdtrr is returned to
nunfliMifig iurf»<.c waters. *4*in, the>« probl 1*3 arc not Opctted to rr^ull a» lung *•* *nrontmiL rJtr^ uf
sludge application are net exceeded.
EPA REGULATIONS
Approval bf the Illinois ff'J is netessacy for any applii:^! ion jf ^««^g» ili4iigr ui> jjjritul lurjl liTkJ i>n
erallv, This approval i-. s*tured b»- the s«wage treatment fatilitv fro* Mhiuh sli»l({* i> ol^taiwl ^^roval
is being given for jpplii_ai ions at agrOfKamic rate« Producers who intend to use tlLklge mi UnJ should
check to se* that &ucK approval has been received
SUW1MV
phorus. and perhaps trace elements. An »
uf the sludge should be obtained in onlr
nitrogen and phosphorus content anJ that of ninor and tia>.e elnrnt^. (teseirch at the On
and
indic
that crop pla
Kit few. l
n. The
crop production or enviromrntal proMeae are likely to result fro* !«• rates of applica
content of fresh, liquid digested sludge Mill detemine the application rate. If, howeve ,
plied on the sa*e land ever a petuxJ of mmnf years, the phosphorus and/or the trace element content ,
the sludite any deterame the long tent appli ation rtte.
Arm lahnrat
P.O. Box b«
(^ton Fan j
Joliet. IL
(81S) 7.'7 U
P.O. BQI 234-ll.S
Aochclle, IL oio
[SIS) SA2 MJbO
LABuHATUfllLS TIUT NI1X PMIHIM >il LOI'J. ANA1 YSKS
(sist :s: 9iio
Kosner -Itmson Ulwratories
3S*M N Avondale Avenue
(Tknago. It MX>1P
(3121 S»8 §snn
-------
. ;i iiifi llii If
j i JS
|s i, ji||f p!f jjjg if
-'aE""* *5"* "5"»"^* C"* 1 * «*
!?:|l j>:p |:|§ |||2 I*
-------
-------
rfo
1
-------
Bunmn WM> or -am wwtaiwn
•USE4V OF THE BUDGKT
t 10, ItJ*
Gary fchaaa*!, teelaf Chltf
• .I. MMnMMtcl frotactlo.
teflo* f
IK loath tauten I trial
CUea«o, IllUoU MM*
Draft mircj
tfal lapacc ItaCiMBt
- S)ud«« Dlapoial a
. MIS f?*-0*-l$I
Baar Ik, leW«i«l:
Pur*utn£ Co th* MACioaal fc«viron»ent*l Policy Ace (KEPA) and Che «*t.l-
bllaiMd ruiaa aad pracaduraa for ie« lHpl«Mnr«tion *n4 In «i:ccra*t:c«
Vllk CMS Cifculir A->5 (rcvtud) and chl MtaliDiltTatlw polity of th<
Seacc, th« lltiaols Stat* Claarinshouac !• trantaitting ehe tftt^ct)«« Ch« t«rg«l: of this atudj.
2- Land reclamtiaa
-------
Tarry HotnbAcker
th*«* loBaW* «n4 their iaplitaiiun* should bt i.jti> Jiut us:,t-« v*rifl«4. end!, If these plant* do occur, th* tin.il LIS should discuss
*ltern«tlv*i for prestrvatlon or Mitigation of thrsv xpK^ins.
trei ts
August 14. 1976
Acttn, Chief
Planning Branch
United States, Environmental Protective Agency
Reqfn V
230 South Oearoorn St.
Chicaqo, II. 60604
Dear Mr. Scheozel :
I Mould lite to M»e the falloxlnq coawnts Included 4n the public
htarlnq req*r4f the Metropolitan Sarlt»ry District of ClUiqo.
As a pliyskUa «nd pilholoqist, I «i5i to Nke the
nents. Tiis is • Urge iiM jnottlous project, one of the Units t in
the world The sludqe fs obtained by a digestion Method n« generally
used tn «ary larqt operations. AH previous studies reoardfna, application
of seutg* sludge to land, use sludqe eoulned by other wthoils. I think
you are probably mare of the various procedures. The slixige being
applied In Fulton County is ew*n nor« unique in that It H comprised of
ipproxlmtcly 50? industrial mite with all of the Inherent tonic pro-
ducts. TnH, to ruve a rex, Includes all or the heavy tctals, possltly
asbestos^ organic conpounds too numerous to Mtntion, PCB's and other
known ai well as unknown carclnooens. ft fs also been demonstrated and
ucepted by your agency that various pathogenic biological oroanism
could be present In sewage sludge In spite of the digestion process.
While it has never been demnstrated that smaoe workers have an
Increased Incidence of < lines: or disease, 1t is also true that ! have
never teen a controlled study or nore iftportantly a prospective study
•uch lets a control led prospective study on the effects of the eiposure
of ItuBins to sludge. The question of this effect on humans cannot be
fully answered until sucn a study has been done. Is such a study
warranted? To answer this, I would only point to the relationship of
smoking and cancer, especially lunq cancer. It MAS only after extensive
Studies of huMh populations that the very direct and very significant
link iias demonstrated. The sane story and course of events has been re-
peated Kith mawrous chexical agents be9in*lng vith the dUjo dyes,
benitdln and many other organic chenl-.tls, too nunerous to mention.
The saae 1s true with biological oraantsns, including bacteria and es-
pecially viruses. Since we presently ha*e d*ffic«ltv xith viral cultures,
the true extent of this aspect has not been fu*iy investigated.
At the present tine there are many many tools available to
monitor populations in • controlled prospective study. Since this is
an experimental project by every criteria, these studies should be done.
There ir* people who are directly eiposed to sludge on a dally basis.
This Includes aerosols is well as direct sUn contact and other Indirect
contact is Nell, I would therefore propose that these workers plus
-------
Sarjr Sditfitt!, United Stiles Environmental Protective »«enc», Piqe 2
matched controls be serially monitored far heavy metal bytldup,
tmmunoglobuHn lexis, antibody development and certain Infectious
i«tntl Including viruses as as veil as bacleria. 1 would also propose
tkat Mu>» be monitored for frequency and typ« of illnesses, tncludinq
Uw fncldtnct of anc.tr. cardiovisculir disease and pulnonary disease.
I would readily point cut tlut these tests and procedures are
fully developed and readily available. They should be performed and if
properly designed, these studies Mould not be prohibit!,* in terns of
cost. It Mould provide answers to questions which will be asked re-
peatedly In the future. Wiy not gtt the answers now and avoid injury
to people In the future.
Industrial Manufacturers are required to prove the safety of their
product. I fee no reason why the Metropolitan Sanitary District mould
not also prow the safety of Weir product, I see » reason why tewaqe
sludge operation and disposal project of tHIs naqnitude Kith a potential
effect on 50.000 people 1 led.
sen
'age 1-10, Item 5, SoclB-Econoiilc and Land Use Conditions! second
entence reads - "According to present trends, denarii for faraland in
Fulton County has been decreasing, etc.* This Is a questionable
statement. Tne demand for faraland 1i not decreasing, however the
Incentives to go to other uses is likely to be the reason for the
change. The next sentence 1s very questionable also.
Page 1-19. first paragraph indicates runoff basins art not always
designed tc handle • 25 year stora runoff. TMs should be the ulntmur
for such Improvements.
-------
Sawrge R. Alenander, Jr., 8/23/W
>«oe 1-M-Z Mltiaative MMKiris - Consideration should be given to avoid
•orftfna fields when muddy. This may b* affecting th* permeability of
the 101 1 resulting tn more ponding
Nat l-2». second paragraph - TMt refers to the use of wind barriers
to reduce surface turbulence and wave action on the storage reservoirs.
The Soil Conservation Service can provide technical guidance on species,
spacing! and local tons of tMCh plant (1195.
Etae 1-29-3, Monitoring and Research Program - He certainty concur in
th* recapitulations for Ml upended progrw of nonitoHng and research.
Nae 1-31 - Suggest adding UM evaluation of the effectiveness of soil
ind miter conservation practices bt included in the research and monitor-
1*1
fiat U-Z2 states 'Cropping practices shall be such that soil loss does
not «»c»ed tolerable limits as defined by the Universal Soil Loss
Equation far that soil t*pe." To date this standard is not being fully
Implemented. The Soil Conservation Service through the Fulton County
Soli and Mater Conservation District can provide technical assistance in
planning tie needed conservation practices to meet this requirement.
Pay lll-Z. paragraph g indicates the project site has been contoured
and terraced ---- etc. According to the U. S. Department of Agriculture,
Soil Conservation Service definitions, the site is not terraced. Con-
sideration should be given to applying the needed conservation practices
according to the Soil Conservation Service technical guide standards
and specifications of the Sail Conservation Strvic* field office technical
guide.
faai 111-19 - Environmental Control and Monitoring Systems - The second
«•*••*• refers t» terracing of fields. Again we wish to refer to the
ter» terracing. To our knowledge terraces have not been installed as
one of the practices to help reduce Hater runoff, erosion or control
of affluents. The practices are also mentioned in J-l, second paragraph.
(rail
li-!3. list paragraph. MHrd sentence - Due to the leveling and
graph, t
a rat I on.
3 for >n* preparation, many slopes are long. If erosion is to be
led the application of conservation practices such as contoyrtr.g,
terracing and other conservation practices should be considered to
hold soil losses within tolerable Itaits.
fay U-lj. first paragraph is Incorrect. Suggest it read "Are* 2 is
Int area in which no strip mining activities has been undertaken.
Approximately < to 8 feet of loess. Mhlch is uchassmooth brume grals, orchard grass, fescue and
reed canary grass where erosion is the significant problem. These
should not, hoxewr, have been included in the Prairie Restoration
designated area.
Page vll-35-4, last paragraph - Nltigatlon of Adverse Effects • The
use of wind barriers such as tall, dense hedgerows iround the holding
basins is discussed. The Soil Conservation Service can provide
technical assistance through the Fulton County Soil and Mater Conserva-
tion District on adapted species, spacing, layout of plantings and
discuss the effects which could be expected.
fme VI1-42 t 43 - Surface Spreading - Very little use If my surface
spreading on vegetated land 1s being used. This method could be an
excellent approach to rapid utilization of sludge nutiients.
Page VI1-45-S - Mitigation of Adverse Effects - This section includes
•any good methods of reducing odors and erosion. To be completely
successful we would reconeiend a complete conservation plan be developed
with the assistance of the Fulton County Soil and water Conservation
-------
George R. Al««ander. Jr., 3/23/76
District. This plan could include soils infonnation, cropping patterns,
fitld arrangement* «oodf tod vegetative planttnos, erosion control
practices, seeding rites ml dates, recoeatiideo methods of sludge
application and other gut dine* to reclaim the land. Consideration
should be glim to such things ai drainage. Irrigation, lengths of
Surface runs, rotating crops to provide adequate acreage for sludge
application throughout the growing season. Consideration should be
given to developing mur budgets an fields to be Irrigated nith sludge.
Page ¥11-63. second paragraph, last sentence » This sentence indicates
retention basins for 18 fields do not Have capacity to contain a 25-
year itorn runoff. AH retention basins should have a minimum storage
to contain a 25-year star» runoff. The; should have adequate drawdown
facilities to maintain the needed retention capacity.
Paoe > 11-64-5 - Mtigation of Mvsrs* Effects - * number of the reservoirs
and streamswnttortd have substantial areas contributing runoff that are
not under Metropolitan Sanitary District oMnership or control,
Pane VI1-67, first full paragraph, line jj states "low levels" - suggest
it read "lotur ie«is."
Paae l«-4-i. - There 1s no mention of tfte effects from numerous tillage
Operations and Many are done when the soil moisture content is Mgti.
Page l»-7, second full paragraph - The estimates of normal yearly soil
loss figures arc wry questions!. A loss of 1.5 tons per acre seems
rather low. Soil losses can fee estimated toy using the "Universal Soil
Loss Equation1* referred to in our comment for* Page H-22, The last
sentence refers to catch basins and sail conservation practices. The
listing of the conservation practices being used would be helpful in
evaluating tin control,
Pane l«-35-b - Birds and Mfinmil! - Large flocks of migratory and local
geese and ducks spent «n/
-------
\
SOU CNMOffnCMT mPTEWfltS
Urn* ••*» On*, tun* mat. Cktati. WDM
Mr, G. R. Alexander, Jr.
Mr 2, 1976
> 372-4434
Mr. Qeorge R, Alexander,
Oaglonal Administrator
U.S. EM
230 8. DMftKxn Street
Chicago, nilnoli C0604
Dsar )*. Alexander:
July 2, 1976
aublect:
CIS foe Fulton County
Sludge Project
material ti of course very difficult to pump four pipeline was about I mile
long), but the extra co*l Is more than offset by the savings in transportation
costi. We were astounded at the 3.5% solids figure given on page V-38.
Is the 3.5% figure the swage of what has been hauled lo Fulton County tn
your opinion ?
Wery truly youn,
Wtliam I. Bauer
President
thank you foe sanding to me i copy of the subject IIS. Being in the sludge
business ourselves, we wan intended In reading It. We have done research
on heavy ni*tat upt»k« ourselves, for example, and It Is Interesting to note the
comparison with the results repotted in ycu: statement.
Wa are also In tfie mil haulino business, and so were interested in your rail
natil diaemn on peg* V-38, Ifou m*y be interested to know that our 19?5
experience with rail haul can be «umm»rlied as follows;
Quantity moved:
Average solids content:
Cost of nil freight:
Cost of tank car rental:
Distance moved:
COM par wet Ion:
Cost par dry ton:
50 million gals. » 210,000 tons fwet)
13.9X fcaoed on samples taken from toe of rail car)
$420,000
$110.000
ISO miles
52.52
519.06
RfCHVID
figures are vary orach different from those shown In your Stateinent.
asauoie that you merely copied figures given to you by others, but we do
believe that they ere misleading.
We
JUL
Psft*aps the current indictments regarding the sludge hauling by barge indicate
pwrsorta are interested in showing rail haul costs to be substantially
than th«y really are. Moo, note that we averaged 13.9% solids in
the mil tout for all of 1975. Some cars were as much aa 18V solids. This heavy
Copy: Mr. Wilbur Zlnn
WHS/IP
-------
BWM
LASL H-8
MS-490
P, O, Box t08
Los AlaHO*, KB
87S44
July 11, l»?e
•r. Taldaa V. »da»ku»
Deputy leglonal Administrator
for B*|ion T
f. I. InolronawDtal protection Atencjr
ISO 1011111 Dearborn
Cbtckco, Illinois 60604
DMr Hr. tdawktu:
1 •• wrltiaf to you about tin Draft Environmental I«p»ct
tt»t«Mnt tor 8lBdg«Disposal and Land RecITiiTljon in Fulton"
County, Illinois.f nere are" aoete aTsvIoua error*',' wnoven treat-
••BIB, fca4 ie,preci«iois* of language that need correcting before
tlM final drift la issued, 1 will cite * few examples of tiic
•o*t **riou* atiortcoiilncrf; there are m*&y wore.
•I research work It The Unlveraity of Texad at An-.tin wnero
2 mi • prof«»»ori !)•!• invalved airborne «ti43ionj from wn.strwster
iit for por» tk«a IS jmmra I n«vn the
vftatewater bu«lue«* for Bbout 5 years, durin* v.,;ich iimc
corresponded at iencth with Aliteraan ward of i>c*a pia.me*
and Dr. lue-Rinj ot tiie Sanitary District, Tnla corrpxtxindpni.*
•7 aall and phciie and in person baa extended to concerned citnens
Of the eity and to congfultinf with SoutHvest Research Irutitat?
on the Salt Creek Project (near O'Hare Airport).
apparont errors in tbv di*perBlon calctiittton^ and in the
eoeelujiona draen fron the« include the following.
ff. TlII-7 to 19—The 1% aero.solization a&jun||.<"iapeci»llf
inportant bee nave conclusion* were drawn from tbeae cwr»e»,
The droplets ytidergo evaporation »*i they fill; therefore,
they fill »ilh a cnaniciric velocity *lno, the flfur* Is
not labeled properly; me ord^aate should h« Tiaw (a»c),
the »bsclsui Initial Oiaaeier (nucroneiers), and tlie eur»«a
should show vhtcli arc "asa half-li»ea «nd «kic» residence tia
pp V1II-5 apd 6--* 'jO-vm panicle of unit denaity aettle*
at 7.57 cm/sec or n 5?.5-un particle iotlJe* at 1O c»/aec
(s*ee appended ca Icola t iona) .
Relative soKinmiei of various Rscea are given on
VII 16. Sulfur dioxide is listed aa hignly voluble and a»a»onia
as intermediate i r. solubility. Aimnonia in about 4 tie*a a«
soluble as sulfur dioxide on a woigiit basis and 15 tia»a on a
volumetric basi.»*.
Contradictions appear in several places, including:
p jx~-TI» first .,ri.t«-nce of tne Foreword contradict* itaelf.
li I-15~-Chr™i'atoBraphic analyses showed 711 probability
that odor.-* came from the banin*.
p VII-23--The iinK<*rprlniing (chronatopriphic analf«e«) of
odors wafi unsatl*facItry,
p. VII-32--TIW wlrnl direction?* /or the complaints indicate
7J7 probability that the odor* are fron the bislns.
p. VIII-3 'Evidence frow places other than..,of little
predlciive value,.. "
p VIII 21- "Uselul evidence may be found, especially in
foreign journals.- Should it not toe in the purview of this
E1S to do the survey ralher than reeoninentling it?
Oilier error-, itiat I <,•<• and «y re«3Ons for calling the»
errors include the following:
p VII1-3--" manv"^»lhogens survive..." Thi« statement
is singly not true rr|t:irdles« r-t the qualifying Introductory
phrasy. Pcrh»r'". fording s,ich ».< not many pathogens gee
lhM>ugh; thos<* ;nat h.ivi- been found include...
p. VIll-l--" -him w,.rh wider flue lu»t Ions. •• Vou «u»t
si.«-cify rn> x pcri-f-utane basis or the nK-aning say* that the
fluctuation^ ari eiraler than S.3i>tlOb organism, which I
doubt
-------
p. ntl-S <•!«) ••« ». Vltl-T (top)— "Ho cr*lt »linilic««ic«
1* Bttiekcd to sis*..," Tk» *r(iNMiil 1* prtMvutwl tbat in
r*«rtr*torV tract *nd *«*lio**4 »«T «««•* Inlectioo I»en
If tkat 1« tb* c»»», th* gut t< ecrttinlf nor* ho»Ul* to
th« •»croor»«Dl»m« tha« i* tb* lung. »u«b«r» «r« important
to •tirtlng in inf»ction mod tk* nu»b«r» *ur«i«in( the ful
•r« r«duc»d.
p. ¥ttl-4-~TI)* srKUH*nt tliflt depletion by inpactit?n id not
t Significant reduction foes counter to the evidence It is
tra* thftt tli« efficiency of iupcction on a single leaf i^
•Dt ««rj hi|tb and for the r«*«on* clt*d; ho»ev»r, there are
•aof leaven i'= — -'*•
<- ~> *(,..'*l.r"•„'.. ;'
*^ I *-' s.-. r'^.-, r
,„ '•_,: -/:•,,
f~"~ r ...: •
-------
THK
*IKTM4»l*f»IJT.%:\ K.t.MT.lHY IMNTNHT
10O tAST 1*11 ST. . CHICAOO. ILLINOIS «L«1I
791 S«OO
September 20, 1976
Mr . Dougla* Eliorn
U.S. Envlrommcal Protection
Agmcy
230 Horth Durborn Street
Chicago. Illinois 60601
Dear Mr. Ehorn:
At tlw EIS hearing for Pulton County
held In Chicago on Auguat 17th, Mra. Martha
Strode itatcd »he did not believe Spoon
River College was cooperating with MSB.
I enclose the attached Information
for your files.
Enjoyed seeing you In St. Louli.
Sincerely,
Joanne H. Alter
Coaalisloner
JHAry
Encl. 9/14/76 Dally Udger clip:
"SRC students test sludge
on crops"
SEC stuchiiis tsst
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ASPAKT OFDir vr?P>!!at.»J •trleJhrf diprtdffit if •;*•/ »pptc*l|ji» (• U»e pr>*|.
fo;nti, Srt--«i R;v«r CJ'.f* i* On • h*M cot rh4 oo ft* *»o-t «iu, •
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I tun. )>e!cd wit* M« midi l!w drctw* *f t,'*j ... _
•rmnj# if^'f.jndart trtt* M ctiid.-*J U.. e«r*ct •nMHM hr crap
l':ili»i *f!c-t» tfvf ^i«nt («1'l ;^vr^ 7! - flrwJ t*>ifd vafi tirMerf
p.i»- i --4~f dv.1 nf •!•> 'walk:1-' with ft'ir |--H»:> g,' •'•'•(• •. i' t*** l>»
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"Wc'r* ret pfci.«crirt •nylbl'1&." *?rrr.it*,' T«'!'-n»^T fn-1 "L'vtuihifKf utdUiK MBijd>inlffi:indMlS»).tldiui*v«
hMb«nirnn«nMrvic«>VM ta it* HMMB uu of «te plim ard a*
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efr«m •>••« I
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•M'l Mfc to • ••* Mb. |MS» to •
Ml M IM Mft. t«t l«< IW M taPJ T» MMl |nka • »» Mj 1KC
Trinbr uU Ita ™h tttal I»IT>»* to MMM. k Ml u ton
MM » U»I »i Mn M nmpfc • ...
ttcn M Iktr e« CMdwa ttar ««• Mi
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-------
no
*f KfMFMJTAN SANITAMV MSTMi'T ~
Hr. Gary V. Sch*tts*l
United 5tat*a environmental
Protect!on ftga-ney
230 South Dearborn
Chic-90, Illinois 60604
R* s fc**eutiv« suwaary of 7h* M«tropol it an sun itary t>i »t ri ct
of G£«*t*r Cbicaqo M*«p)ona« fco th* Emvi ron«*ntaJ I«p«ct
Stat*miit tor the Fulton County Land Beela*«tion Project
(Prairi* gjanl __
Mr. Gary N. Seh«nE«]
USEPA
Chicago, Illinois feq&
However , the EIS contain* error«, fait* conclu*ion« and
ft««dless r*co«»eridmt ion* «rhi rh Mill l>e »i«l*adlng and ut th* natioii** |»olicy for recycle and
1 and lr*8t*ent , Sumnsr i zed beloi* are eight *a jor aieaa of
concern tcs the Di strict.
1.
Hgnj^tor Li
Th* ££€ abates that the existing District environ««ntal
• nvi roftM*i)t a I i#p«c t* . The CIS author* 90 further to
uuqges t addi t ion a 1 *on i tori n« and re«*arch and that such
an expanded program b« revi ewpd t-y an i n dependent ageacy
of thia progr*« despite the C»ct th,«t ««**? opportunity
wmm g i ven the « uthora to i f* v*s t i 1* te the pto!|r**. . The
eni*t ing prog raw is d i »c jased in Jetail in th* *t t ached
atate»ent and is desi^rtffi t o *on it or th* effect* on toi 1 ,
plant*, surface and groundwater, a^r and indigenous
animals .
CDiEtri
SairirOn
prepare
Plan} p
rtlpantt
th» •» j
Xloc*iM*
• ntir*
K>i«txic
can b
tfe
oC *a«i
b«rr*n
• ittd^*
acc*pt«
Th* Dis
*«ch in
Metropolitan Can itary ai«t r let of Sweater Chic ago
ct) hat pr*f*ac*d * d*taii*4 r*spam* to th* Draft
j*iital Ifcpact 8tat***«t (KISS which youcr agency has
d for th* Pulton County Land Rccl*«ation Pro j*t-t (Prair
r*i*fitly toainif conducted Joy th* Otsttict. fhe detmile^
* 1« *tt*ch«d. This letter im deniqned to »y«»a ri K*
or r*0pon>«* th* District has conpi led in th* detailed
t. but flhould not pr*eliir>* an in-iS«p th review of th*
(Soeu»*nt by your staff. It i* thm jydq«»*nt of the
tti*t th* BIS mitmt b« coFnidarabiy revised before it
dt***»in«ted in its final for*,
* USEPfc »t*t»»»nt« In th* X1S rs^ataing th* utilieation
cip*i iludq* (or f*Ttiiiting row crop* and irwclafcttin?
l*ad «r« in «|*n«c*.l favor »bl*. Kacycle of utinicipal
in **co$ni**d *« a vL*bl« *i%4 ind«*4 •nwirofi»erst*l ly
bl* wetliod of *lud«i« di»|»Oft*I {of mini ci pat I aq*nci«a .
trict hat b**n on* of th* X*ad*r* Irt this flald *nd as
sr«tifi*ore »unieip«3 i fci«« wil
tin^ thi* Method of *ludg* utlli**tion,
Me r* 5*ct the concept that the pro i«ct requi res ait inde-
pendent agency for review of all data . fr«s*ntly, th*
pfOj»»ct is monitored by the 311 inoi« Cnvironiiental
Protect ton *g*ncy ItEPA),, Fulton Count? u*#lth Depart went
(fCflDi, United States Ceoi epical Survey, and the University
of Illinois *t n *ade toy the food *B*S
0 ca
-------
nt. G*(y at, Schencel
USEP*
Chicago, Illinol. 606Q4
Augast 13,
Pag* Three
the calculation* y«ed to arrive at tNt atmospheric
dilution at th* *ite were found by the District to be
erroneous. Bilution, four Mi.*s f row the District *lu
holding basins was calculated in the flS to be 2 - 4.
fact, th* dilution at four sUlas was 3 - 75.
a costpar is on that the District • lud
County is inadequate ly stabilized.
«hi pp««r.t» about probability
• cure* were baaed on wind directions eostpiled by th* FCMO
at verified odor sites. Mind direction •»asure»«nts have
* variance of 22,5 to 45° fro* th* reported direction. tf
thi* fact were included, on* could *e*ily indicate * n**rby
Th* District objects to tN* conclusion that there ia an
odor problem, as written in the EIS, and as** that thi«
be eorracted or deleted fro* the Els.
III. M*fe*le in the food Chain
the EIS strongly suggests that there i* a significant
Health hazard due to wkta 1 accuetul at ioaa in the crops
frown on eluda/e aaieRded soil. However, little e*f>eri«en-
t«l evidence ia pr*a anted to a up pot t this suggest ion .
fht U. of I., the Dittrtct and the USEPA hav* participated
in a joint r* search venture to etuSy , awong. vany things ,
th* Metal uptake of crops frown on »Jud«f« a«*nd«d aoi 1 .
The data f roe tfiie pro^raai conducted sine* 1967 , has been
•ad« available to th* EIS authors* the USEPft, and has been
publiahed in th* technical literature. This data has
Shown, contrary to what 1« stated in the EIS, that a»*t*i
accnaiulatioris are not the linitinf factor in sludge appli-
catlon . In fact , Metal 1*9* la in crops hav« been found
not to bt related to acctiaulat i ve s !udc;e appl ^cation.
The recently released usrPA technical bulletin on
Municipal Sludq* utilization published on June i, 1976
contain* no limitations on *ludf e atetal ievele nor livit*
•Indf* appl icat lona based on such «et al levels . Clear ly ,
it ia 1 neons i a tent to indicate Metal level prob le*a it
the Agency ha* not included such limitation* in Che above
»*ntion*d bulletin.
Quality
Howevei , the coMpirison with fCHP regulations is i neons is-
not consistent with the PCHD regulations were alud^i*
alkalinity. R**c«ntJ>., th* PCHD has aat«nd*d its sludg*
regulations and lowered ita alkalinity criteria. No
further values are anti cipatwsl wh ich wou Id not b* con si s -
tent with tnes* new regulations,
The use of the PCHD regulations for s ludg« quality to
condemn District sludae quality i* inrnnal stent with Che
fact that the rcHB has sever cited the District for
sludge quality violations,
sludq« quality conclude* that *d
-------
Hr. Gary M. Sch*i***l
US I Pit
Chicago, Illinois 60604
ftuquat 13, 1976
Pmgm Hire
¥h« District r*j*ets th* conclusion that th» field runoff
basin* ar* inadequate ly aiiad and asks that thi • b* cor-
rected in the sis.
Th* BIS *tat*s that th* •urf'ac* water on th« District'*
Fulton County ait* has levels of contaminant* above state
standards and that th*a is a result of discharge* frow
*lu(5f « *«*nd*d soi* s.
It i* trut that a«rfae* water quality at Fulton County for
•on* constituents *xc*ada State of Illinois standards,
Hov*v*c, th*r* i« no *wid*nc* fn th* US linking such
w*t*r quality with District operations. The surface water
at Ful ton C©**«ty la Influenced main ly by th* previous
atrips)iftingi ojMtrationa. *l*t»« thar* are discharges froai
•evaqe tra«t*i*nt plants, sanitary landfilla, septic tanks,
f**dlota and agricultural nonpain t sources which influence
surface water quality,
fb* Stoat coeip*lliR9 *vid*nc* which «betw« no ditgr*d«t i an
of surface watar quality at th* ait* it the quality of
•19 Cr**k which flow* through the Diatrict property. As
noted la eh* HIS, wat*f quality in Big cr*ek leaving the
Dlstrict'a »tt* is consiatvntly of better quality than
water entering th* aite. the obvlou* conclaeion i» that
d*fra^ation aa aaggaatad by th* EES.
In addition, the 118 qo*a on to assets th* water quality
of ttiachar*;** frov DiaCrtct ccptive runoff b«*ln*. They
coeipare each water quality with what ia purported to be
th* IIP* afcaadjarda for thaaa basin a. *f tar this evalua-
tion, it is concludad In th* IIS that *»c*aaivt violations
hav* occurred and that thia rcpraaenta th* aajor reason
for surface water quality d*fradation at th* site.
•0w*«*rr th* tIS author* did not utilise th* proper
standards which are enforced by £h* l£?ft in pervUt condi-
tion* for the Pulton County ait*. Us* of th* propar
standards would hav* revealed that on rar* occasions art
the ZBPA standard* e»ce*de<5.
Th* District reject* th* *tat*»*nt» in th* STS on surface
»at*r quality and aska that they b* aetendtedl in the docu»«nt.
USF PA
Chi cage,
Illinoii 60601
The tls suggests that there is » il^nlfjcant health hasard
due to pathoqena be ing present in aerosol • created by
sludge iprayinq. No do cu pen ted evidence i a given to »up~
Th« District has co»pi led! for the record*, a literature
survey which deals with thit topic. Thi* i» contained in
th* de tailed »t t acrhed doe8i»*nt , The survey concludes that
tl.ere is no health ha card fro* « 1 ydq« «pr«y inq .
Th» District now has a contract with the USE PA whi ch is
investigating the atrosoliiation of fescteria and wiryses
from si 'Jdqe spraying. This contract is being conducted in
The conclusions in the tIS are unjuati f ie4 and certainly
premature until the study IK cowp Le ted . Me ask t hat the
statesients in the EIS be awended and corrected in the
document .
y 1 1 1 . _ JklL JL j jig J. JH jg«_t t t
r d « f r og JM ej a 1 1 r h a I
The EIS presents caicuJatlons to (*etee*iin« th* a»bient sir
level* of certain Metal* downwind of a «l«df# sprinkler.
The EIS cDnclucl*» fro» these calculations that there is
air me t« 1 lev* 1 s .
Kowtver^ th« calculations in the EIS are erroneous and are
toc» high by a facto* of at least 100. fh* EIS authors
own ca 1 eolations . Therefore , the concluaiona about
anbient air **tal levels are erroneous «nd should be
deleted fro* tHe EIS .
In closing, I would a^ain a«k that your eqcncy earnestly
before issuing th* final draft o* th* EIS. Th* District
also strongly urge* the USEFA to rewrite th* EIS in ii*u
of serely attaching the public an£ written cosi»*nt» to th*
Draft EIS requires a co*>p3*te rewrite to siaJte it factually
inf or*at ton about tha Ful ton coun ty sit* ,
-------
Hi, C«ry K. Sch«n««l
USfFA
Chlocjo, Illinolt «0«04
Au?uafc 13, 1976
Page Seven
f *ill ««k« « Dlitrict co«««nt«
v»rp truly yours.
7.
Rat r T. Ly««» _/
Gimeral Super I n t*nd*n t
TEDtQTIj BJB j•C•
Board of €&••!••ton*r«
Mr*« £.oui«* Komi
Central sap»rint«nd*nt
Mr. ftivlcuc
Mr, N*i)
Dr. Lu*~Hiiig
Mr. Levin
NX. Nortiaer
Canton,
Af**r r*a-ivM* t^<* 'traft -f
to flake a f«i« t* wnrrv* *( T) ,^
'~it'w ft '.3 h»"*» a »^r*-y f
:> ^t t.'-« «->Hor fr j^ t* P ' id
A •» T-T1-' *t ra"a t^ *• -n
— - It d.-^sn't ST«11
ng """ns «nd r'^n It
(IS o- put I-7I It
to tMsl? Arc WP -11 In**a plt»s for O.icatta Mj^pt*1.' "hy rust we ~;»Y* to -^it f^r
an «pi,fc"-r1e h^f^re sinv-th'if, 1? '1-»f»? *v »^n 1*. nay ** t^o lsf<».
(3) "he -.P.«. 3*-ts s^andmrds fdf tw? "..'.^. But Ir^y (H.-v./«j violatw*
tN*s« (n,T-?r,T-?''}. Oh p.II-7 it ata',«a If elud.«t is ap-l^#d in lar -c
aiaunts :t '•.-ui retard se*"d *^>rmirat''in mid plmnt. f^r.swt.h wid »*1'»i«r9*ly
affect soil structure. IP* sa* this harden on a n«lrt south of £t. :*'i!?»i ri«ta t-> nroire this. Ajatn ««at «w "*a't until neap** ^1* b«for* socts-
-------
ft]
(i) Mm Mis nine**-*'1' rr°"r<|W 1* * f*re« — *e don't. need *<>d ajl'wfll* 1r> tMR
part of tha eoantry, *>** iM t»-w* trl»d t»t of this tiraft It t-w difficult for th* ordinary l«j"»n *» «>.>r«t»r/«. Murh
Of H il l*lUBt«nt. "•'« •>•»< h^jn told th«t IN- p«o|>l» 1l»inp m>ar l!i>t 'ul.lin,:
hi«in« «r» BHMne but illtt^rat* firtiwri. This d^iea IKH nak« gjod pwfclle
r»l«t1on« d«(« it?
f*) p. IX-tX3 Rtftt^i * h.i'wrt to h»w«n« iwj ^ulnt *HtH ewiwi-^fj m or fish ar
»'.W1W» fron l«nd «pnad with >lod-«, i»t •niu'ii d»t» to tell— •» iust ««-'t.
and ae* hw lan;* poopl* dl« fc»fm-« unyt.1 in? Is dar» tj eor»«*fl *t,l T^ »re
el* of f 1'tonCo'jntj.
M*S*Dt *alc«» th»1r projwet aowxl £tx*l an fap«r Iwt in actual practice it atlnfcs!
ft may provida Joha for a fav b«it 'idtm ^mt^ had joba for thair p0or>1« before
d.S.D. and T'n mr« thnra vill ha vork far all "ho nuit to «^-k «ft«* •(.S.D. )i
*iral lauta I
Canton, nilno'.i 61570
United States Department of the Interior
OFFrCE OF THE SECRETARY
W*5HINr.T'IN, DC 3OS40
PEF ER-76/613
1 :< 1976
Dear Mr. Alexander:
Thank you for the letter of June 25, 19?e, requesting our
views and comments on the draft environmental statement for
Sludge Disposal and Land Reclamation, Fulton County, Illinois.
In reviewing the document, «e have noticed several ar«as of
discussion which we feel merit: re-examination.
We recognize that the area beinj, used for sludge disposal is
strip-mined land which has been reshaped for project purposes
and that the likelihood of historic or arcneilogical resources
being present within the project area is quite remote, never-
theless, an inadequate discussion on page IV-C-l indicates that
numerous such resources are to be found within Fulton County,
Evidence of cortact with the State Historic Preservation
Officer (Mr. Anthony T. Uean, Director, Department of Conser-
vation, 60? State Office Building, Springfield, Illinois
67706) and a diiclaimer to the effect that no cultural re-
sources would be affected by the proposed project, if such is
the case, should be include'! in the final environmental state-
i^pnt.
The draft statement does not describe sufficiently existing
fish and wildlife resources and project effects on these re-
sources. The statement should be revised to describe habitat
typea and acreages of fish and wildlife habitat that will be
destroyed by the project. Although a substantial portion of
the proiect has been completed, we understand valuable wetland
habitat may be destrr.v->d by additional sludge deposition
Wetland destruction is contrary to EPA policy, and we would
be opposed to any corttii.uat ion of this activity.
Three scans of coal, Fultcn County's most valuable mineral re-
source, are present in the project area of 15,000 acres
Apparently at least one coalbecl, the No. 5, which is the thickest
-------
and closest to the surface of these three seams, ha« te^n
entirely removed by either surface or ursdersrounJ mining.
However, th« draft stale:,i«nt does not adequately discuss
this, particularly with regard to lands wsst of Fiatt -ind
lands west of Canton. Project lands should be located by
section, t0wiship» and range; not enough detail Is shown on
m#ps provided wi^h the statement. In addition, the current
Status of coalb&il No. *4 and No. S should li*» el^arlv stated.
Table I¥~9 (page IV-?85 incorrectly labels a column of -jati
extracts! from Durfor and Becker (19St) as "U.S. average."
Apparently the data represent a range of values found in. \m~
treated **atfir froa ground-watar sources in the supplies of th*:
100 largest cities. The numbers for Al, Cr, Cu, Hi and 3n in
that column should b« divided by 1,000 to fit the units given-
Errors in the citation (page IV-62) should he corrected ac
followi; Durfor, C. N. art4 Becker, Edith, 1961*, Public Water
Supplies of the 100 Largest Cities in the United States, 1^62,
U.S. Geological Survey, Water Supply Paper 131?.
The jnonltoring stations for surface-water quality shown on
Figure VXI-13 (page VII-1*?) are not adequately identified in
relation to either the stream net or the sludge application
sites, "'"his mak«a it v«ry difficult to evaluate either the
data givwn ot th« discussion in the section on potential
surface-water contamination {page vjl-ng . S8>,
The draft statement provides valuable information in its eval-
uation of the potential for impacts on ground water at this
stag*. HotiNSver, w« believe that in addition the final statement
should include data on horizontal and specific yield or storage
co«Ffici*nt(s) of the aiquif«r that mast have been obtained in
the field testing, lateral velocity magnitudes for the ground
water involved, and typicsl hydraulic gradientCs) or* water-
level contour*. Velocity of flow concepts se«m very pertinent
to consideration of the data. It is not clear whether any ar
all of the project is located directly upon strip-mined areast
although souse of the text suggests this. It would be helpful
in isKpact evaluation tc. know how such of the project lies on a
section sach aa that of Figure TV-6 and how much lies on shale
or coal »|»ails with no section similar to that of the figure.
also r«co
that
«c* «i»o x-«c:o«BM!iKi X:R«^ « map tie included in the statement that
d«pict* *11 of the r^ereation areas, ani?crge F . Alexander, Jr.
?e?,i';5na I Adfi inistr^t^r, Fef?:"^
Environment -3 i Protect irstt Ap^n
2T '•nuth r»*r^crr: "tr^et
Chicago , 111 In-; if. tC'jv1-
-------
IiBI fl)
ST. &<•
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-1
Vi*w ef
n»
if-
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1 . :. *'. t)
.: :' '-i!o:/ ' >.n i.i'" :.•.•••..'.
•,!••! i ..-.i.:v; THAT •/• '. ;.'
Vi» CLM!">W ODOHS *.*il !,
:n"f F:;':I- -ii'AT :;IHC'. TMI
"HIT ru:i
TO T;;I-. !'H
(110 SIOMTUKtS)
•|." i:j :;;. ,A''':f,'
AT,'. WAr:.
CITIZEN'S ST*T»IEIIT
USEPJ> DRArrBNvriionNnifM, IMPACT STOD?
KET FULtON COOBTlf PMIKrE PUkH MOJECT
Or THE HETK0IKU.ITMI SANITARY DISmiCT OT GKEHttR CHICAGO
D»TEt AUGUST 16, H7t
My n»w if Leon zedrtc|> «1<1 I r««lfl« *t
M** K» Tuk Hills, rulton County,
Itlinoii, *r»d hav« lived there for j
I «H epployed by Pulton County •• ttie'Director of
the Pulton County Conservation and Cmp ar«i» coik*t»tlng of
•pproxinatcly f/^f^ icre« of itrlp-*iiwd land which
nai been purch**ed by the Metropolitan Sanitary Diitrict of
Greater Chicago and turned over to Pulton County for a public
recreational area. 1 have been th* resident superintendent
and !?anaoer of the Bite ftinee it was opened to the public in
J y // • aft<* have been on the lite virtually every day
during the turner camping aeaion.
The recreational area 1* ideal for canpinq and for tiahing.
It hat a large nunber of pondi and lake*, formed by the de-
preailon* in the • trip-Mined land. Tfteae bodie* of water are
stocked with fish and th* entire area it open to the public for
-------
fishing and transient capping, for * lee of 5 t p«r
day. Sine* the project started, there hive been approximately
people use the f«.-illtie*. Th« topography li
rolling, wooded and ideal for canplng.
ffre entire area is adjacent to fielda upon which the
MED applies sludge, formerly by • spray Irrigation system.
now by incorporation. No part of the caiap qrounds and recrea-
tional area la nore then 300-490 feet fro* auch an application
field, and nany parts of the aite are aa close a« ISA feet to
application flalda, «Mch are in plain view from *o*t parta
of the recreational area.
I teatitled aa to the alleged presence of offensive sludge
odor* emanating froo the application fielda and from the holding
baalna utilized by MSB in ita sludge fertilisation project.
Thi» teatlKony waa given before a hearing officer of the iMnoii
Foliation Control Board in Deeealier of 1575 in Pulton County,
and a copy of aqr aworn teatinony ia attached to thie atatement.
I vaa eubpoenaad aa a witneea to teatlfy at the hearing by
PSD.
Aa of thi» date, Jkoguat K, 1»76, I on lay that I htve
never been peraonally bothered by any odor fro* the alodqe, and
I have never had anyone ualng the recreational aite complain to
me about any auch odors. The uae of the area by campere
and fiahera has increased steadily, since it vac opened,
a* ivy attached testimony IfidiratAft.
I believe that the eonplainta of a few fai»iliee who
live in th« proximate are of the f^D Prairie Plan site and
have led the public opposition to the project, are unfair
and qrossly exaggerated. Host of the people vho arc the
chronic cmv>lainers are alao plaintiffs in a lawsuit seekinq
SI.000.000 damages fran the district.
As for my own observations, I can say that this auaSRer
of 1976 has been the busiest season yet for the recreations!
area which I manage. We now have a maxiwtusi number of season-
lonq canper*, who rent sices at the recreational area for
the whole summer, and live there day in and day out. Tttere
*re ,P ff such aites available, and every one of the* is
rented, at an annual fee of 8 /.J.C1 per year. That Is
our high-water Mark for uaeaqe. tto complaints, as 1 say, fron
any of the permanent campers have ever been made to ate con-
cerning odors from the adjoining MS0 application fields.
In addition to the permanent canper*. this emmer has
been the «>o«t active sunier for transient users of the recrea-
tional aite, and to this date we have had, t>y actual count.
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visitor* and cmp«r« who have uMd th« facility.
I hav« iwv*r h«ard a complaint trow any of them concerninq
odor* or any fora cf pollution. Tti. fl.h »r» plentiful in
our lakaa, vildllfe ia •vcryvtwra, the people of Pulton
County UM the facility to Ita Mxlmu* capacity and I personally
believe it ha» been a qreat boon to our county and to our
cltiiena.
Leon Eedrv
• . '* •'
idricl
-------
fj
CITMEH'S STATEMENT
TOR USEPA DHATT EHVIRONHENTAL IMPACT STUDY
FULTON COUNTY PRAIRIE PLAN PROJECT
OF THF METROPOLITAN SANITARY DISTRICT OP GREATER CHICAGO
AUGUST 16, 1976
My nam« la
^ ' Swan
live with my husband and children In a farm house about
300 or 400 yards from the hone of Mr. and Mrs. Lyle Bouqhan.
We rented the hou
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Sanitary District of Greater Chicago, and aaked whether
or not any aaafcar of «r fawily or ayaalf h»« been bothered
by any •lode* odor* during tba y*ar l*?f. I have atatad
that ve hav* never experienced any bothereone aludq* odors,
•van though u* hav* no air-conditioning in our heuea and
ha** alept with oar vlndon opan to tha air during all of
th*> . they ranva in aoa treat / «/ to if-
I an repawtinf thaaa verbal atataewnt* in the for* of
ttiie written atataawnt, for Inclmion In tha US IP A Environmental
Iiapaet Study, at the requeat of NED.
CtTIIEM'S STKTEHEBT
ro» USEPA amrr FNvinoNxrvTM, MMCT stuoi
rULTOH COOHTT PM1IIB PLAN
Or THE HETHOTOLrrMI SIWITMI* OIS1WICT OT C1««T11« C««»eO
AUGUST It, H76
Ny naai* la Junita Creaatte, and I own and operate
the village Cafe la St. David, Illinois. Ny reataurant
la in the village of St. David, juat north of Route 100,
vhich run* through the property ovned by the Metropolitan
Sanitary Dlatrict In Fulton County and uied for their aludge
fertilisation project. My reataurant 1* vithin a Mile of
tha operation'* office of MSD, wtiich la In a (ormr fan
houee on the aoutli aide of Route 100. Many of the USD
employee* and many vialtora to the Prairie *lan office eon*
to m/ reitayrant for lunch, aa well aa many towna people and
neighbor* in the immediate coaaxynlty.
I have been operating the reataurant alne* before MSD
began ita project and purchaaed it* property, and the pretence
of NSD in the neighborhood h«« certainly increaaed ay bualnaaa
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and increased the patronage at my restaurant. I recently
expanded my facility, by addinq a room to my cafe which
••att an addition*! . '. people, giving me a total
seating capacity of approximately ' people.
I spend every day at my place of business, and I an
on a friendly baail w*th all of my customers. I visit with
them about their jobs, and I hear all of their complaints
and all of their daily experiences.
I can honestly say that I have never been bothered by
any odor fro* the USD operation, and it has certainly not
affected my food buelness adversely. Hy customers do not
complain about odors and they have healthy appetites. Many
of the employees who work in the application fields cone to
my restaurant for lunch, and they certainly have no visible
ill-effects from their wort in the sludge application fields.
I believe that the, protestors against USD, who constitute only
a few fa»ilies and a small number of critics, probably about
20, do not represent the majority of the homeowners or cltisens
in my community) and I believe that the few critics of the
USD project have grossly exaggerated their claims, and have
enjoyed the publicity which they have generated. Most of the
people whom I come into contact with on a daily basis
simply pay no attention to the USD project, and go about
their business routinely and without any complaints about
USD.
I have been asked to make this statement on behalf
of USD, for the record in connection with an USEPH
Environmental Impact Study.
Junita Crosetto
-------
CITIIEH'S 3THTE«IIT
fO» USEPA DKAFT FHVIKOHMEWTAI, IMPACT STUDY
COOHTI FMIRIE PLAN PROJECT
OF THE MTUOPOLITllN SAHITARY DISTRICT OT CREATED CHICAGO
DAK: AUGUST 1C, 19Jt
Ny name la Lyle Bouotian, and I reeide on the border
of the Metropolitan Sanitary District'! Prairie Plan project
in Pulton County, f live in a farwhouee on a townahip road,
west abouf one-4MT »ile-*aa» the holding lageona, and about
one-foarW mile eouth of the Shlelda Chapel Church, t
have reeided at thia location with wy wile for 3_~~ yeare,
We own our home and veenjoy the relative secluilon and open-
epace of the rural arete in which we live.
I believe that 1 a» the closeat reaident to the HSD
holding baaina, and I » In the direct line of the prevailina
weaterly wind* fro» thoce bailna. Among lay neighbor*, within
a dietenee of a «ile or t»o couth and north of me, are ao»w
of the amt conaiatent and chronic complalnera about the USD
operation. 5o»e of «r neiihbori including Mr. Ton Downa and
of the Vaughn family, have aaked me to join the Citltene
for Better Health and Knvlroment, which ha* becon* the
central or^enizaticin oppoelnq the HSU operation. 1 h»v«
declined to join the organisation, believing that their
claim ar* areatly exaqqerated and that their co«plaint«
are not well founded.
I an enployed »« a euparintendent for a wlninq
covpany, which operate* a at«ip-a4ne near .'/,,* 1 * '^j • in
Fulton County, and 1 have been employed by the coepany
operating that Bine for <»'./. .' yaara. Hy wife ^"a achool
teacher in the
»chool in Canton,
IllinoiB, in rulton County*' -
-------
aobeiiailon u tart of th* r*oerd in an DSBM IwriroMMtal
8tody o* th* ^•iri* Vlan project.
*" q-i.!«T, if: (r-IUII^V
HV: "achel Vhnit't. n-' '
''anat>inr the em-ifi—ent in rut ton Poupty is a tomlex and ch»llen\erfKi open t'ne
*ptv, ve frit tKit • c ').-».! an environnent reltf (vrl1, frer of pollution.
•» •*• mm ralat*v»l» tm. Tha> oaHat ia nil iaHI«««l wallt.
The ''. 1. n.
the w>rld has t
fooled hv »'. s.
j5 a wrle* nrolect. It fs 11 "fe"*r1rei»t".
i1* fr-e of nroiect, thi^ extpns ve Ncen tried. Itan't
about ."-j . at also heavy Indus-
:ri3l v/aste^. It i« i<™**rrt*t at this tiRe to <'*' i»c. analyce* and atte-?t
to ^escriSe r«itenti-il T^|««.B of this *ort. t? - M require not only
expert resources h-!» *-"-i, the neonle of Fulton Tomtv. fhillenRinK the
"^nr^lers emotionsjlv i< («*)t the acceptable forr- of -i^nroach. Scientific
-et'-o.ls rust he jnstr^»nte<|. It is *ost IrwirHfit t'wt ».e seek out quali-
r'teU and trosruorth*- r^srnirces. Ke cannot tn»c . c- '*. to loofc after us.
T-eir primry iwal is to pet rid of a lot of *1n!-e. T^eir credibility, or
l3:V thereof, has heen siihstantiated. Thay BnnflHriLtfl-inal '• •flit' ful.ly
di^es^ted s^udca, bjiit .then theyproceedad {a,J||cwwKi]aMBvlapaDMAy«aUt9itelf.
In sewaf-e dispm«l mcworjanluB play an iTwrtant part In treifwrt
of scwa<^. A larse fta-fcer of bacteria are present i* ^r-*af^f scsre are
intMtinal in ortiiip • I.e. f.Coli. Saw are frwi <«ll, lir, and In fore
Cases t industrial vwtes. The rain objective of T*V "*tJtod of ne%.a«^ treat-
nmt is to remw or decofxtie the organic naterial to a final product. T*rat
i*. to a chemically jtahle nradet i*ich is not subject to furtlwr deoorpo-
sltton. 'J^H • ureent v*sit to the SaniMrv ^istrtcu protect, considerable
huMiIinf was noted in holdinc *'isin nui*er tv-o, which prvcludes Hut a chart-
cat process w»» «till talims place. A report fron Lvle A, tajr, Illineis
Mrect Si*-liriit S.1;. it.K.o.f. noted on "arch W, l^'l tf* follnwifif tlii*r»
•bout Holding haiin '?. The basin was hein* 'illi-i vith sludav. . * strant
sempe-liris. The sanple col-
lected is worth* of nentinn. Analysis H » fellows;
OoliforVllO .'Slliliters - SC.IM
Feeal CblifOftVlM «a - S,W>0
Fecal strep/I"" ml - S,Jin
Volatile
-------
"':e exclusion op * r. ^ay is thai the sarf>le$ collected and nhysictl
cyr'i* "* cMervc-J 3t I1'.? holcJinp basin ind'cnted the sludge *3S not veil
'•''"t follwinf: concwtrntions ,iml nercentn.ses are extracted fror hT"C
'!an .•< »." Practice *'o. II, i^ntion of l.'aatei-ater Treatrent Plants and
repr?--"t coTcmtratiwi? f:-i' "i*r?'07 R? einecteTTrS^^ell dir.estea sludre
•trr •••.•-«!
••-Iat4!« ^i
* '"olatile Solid*
•Iff Raiin *1
M,»«
Slirfw »asin «2
»ln rr/1
-S.J1
;--•* this *s an er~f r" c~?al nroject *e ire t-in''r~nted with nar- ni-
V*,* " •"" "f'irs sml rany ir*t**!'.e*a'*le «'«stions. "Tni* i* •* prefect that s--*t
v* :--.l: s Ith to the finest '!,vr<-e. * prelect of t':i* sort involves poll'j-
t»nt*. Titev are classified *•* "hi-slcal, chemical or hiolofricvl- ^*ur rest
i^Ttiit amceins are the Meloi-ical and chemical -wllutants,
>* o» first dtsct«< Ho!--leal nollutants. l-.-ro are living or?»ni5-J
feiri in st**g». 'Wess tK« »••.»»• is fully dtt-eite.1 t!-ese orf-anisn eontirue
to t-rivt, "ilnoiwlla ii » e«-pl« of * hardy tacfrls that can pollute
m'f' •"^ i* a larc* or
an electron ract"»coe».
2.i-Sl "Th» hum Intestine i* now known to fcarhour on occasion viruses alrost
•s divers* as their hacteiial in>abltantf.'>" It is necessary to further
Jefend the emrlionrent of Fulton rounty »»l the private rlsht of the citizens
to a '•! rl-. ''. s, ". is hrimsln.; Aji,-n alone Kith the h*-an
'*ich can "
r^li-'.s^*' in t! f? e!ivimr"^e"t \n tl'O forw of v.iooitr. 'Vdrocarhans are as
•itc.i vith carcinogenic (cancerl dise.ises in fin. The heizene rint is i
»• "i laf^tlv rc^rr if t .r : relei-i?
g.''-c^stve anp'rt-^ t'--^e can prove l i*-''i;.sl
The Mior Interest in nitrogen osidei as lir co^taminarits is related to
reir participation in at?o^pVeric photochemical reactions i.e. pro>j;tion of
ainants denenii on several factors.
a:cr.e. The forr^ition ef secoadar>'
"The reaction rates, route*, and intetre^iate steps involt'ed in eenerat-
ir~* ~!*t pollutants are influence"! hy wanv factors sfich as concentrations of
fetcf.^nts, e^t^nt of nhotoactivif ifm, p^teorolopic U ^orces, local to — ranHv,
tf ~~en tyres , ;r>J relative arwnts nf woisture. ftr important cof»efi'**;e is
t~* fay— Tti-^i if s-ilfatcs, fro"\ sulphur dioxide .'~ ' nitric oxide. ' ost trouble
ss^e to control incltid* ozone, f or^jildehyde , oftiic and
P.ll l»rj "he pollnriofl is also a threat to uil.fliff. n-.loripar*d hi-Jrr;-----.* -.•»<:«
y1"^ into w:iter where thw are Hre«t*ti hy microor^'wiis-s t'ien eaten hy ":.. • ,-ir.J
of.or amrai5. These are later citen Hy hirds and haterfowl. At e^c* ?!;•* in
the f^^d chain, the concentration of the hydrw^r!'1^m3 is greater. "- ' r :lt ol
s-jch concentration i« that ,if*»ctrtf hirds pr»l<,_.- T-TS kith shell.- =: •"t."j^'<
in c-ilcitF* that they ar* crushed ir i nciih.it i <:•?.'') let us now focus ™ tVre-
very heavy netals: mercury, lead, and c»A*t*!.
) Kan* nm*r twen nentionad nor discutsad by M. S. D. Mr.* ~*-.ry ire
notorious and very hizardom. ""-ere is nuch to be said ahout these. TV* dis-
cussion nust he Halted, r«uvv«r. First we Kill look at "eroiir. It is seen
as a special threat to oan ^'ecsuse tnorjrxnc rerciw^" can he converted to rethyl
nercury an orrrwic coryyyd fat 'MS .1 lone '^ioloqjcal ntif-ltfe f*1 days in nd
comarod to the inarsamic fcrra of •wrctiry, '-ihich are usually excreted fro" the!
hody In a few itays. "ettfl aerany's had reputstlos is fortified by the fact
that it easily passes through hisloptcal r*rhmnes including the harrier that
separate* the hrnin fro» the rest of the body. The coraoMid li particularly
destructiv* to nirve cells sm! earlv -syi^ito^s irclude readache and fatigue. Thi
is follff.-ed K-» senfitirttr In^s In toes ml finrers, vivaul diiorders, poor
wscular coorttmticn, «^eec)-> arJ "-earin; difficulties, rental retardation and
•leath.13)
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ef >lera«ry Is m i cuaiiu>eiit In tk* electrodes
hi'.i-nurity hydnuiJe anJ chlorine -.is free brine «ilutio« to
• ot netrole-r, rl*w. miwr. .ir,i drtercmt industries. There
'
•-.r-4
""•-e rreifest si»«l!
t-!» -retire M«
~r*,'-. e-.» we-'
"rtr;!^|j!|^^j ?£fa* v'"r* " ic "**<• WH u w* reason it'i.'inc'reastn;
The eumnt cmicem o/er rwtv-l nercury pollution can re trsced to WSJ
• rv. mi t-* •in.irata Pi'Mse". Tn 1-VW, the disease hrol-e cut in Xiltati
-v anJ even tables sea-*.! to h* affected by the disease. «'S»"
ftyl "ereury also ermt up In feeden vhen conservationists ahsnvad
«.a .-^".frf*.!!?" rony seed eatin* birds, includi«f nhesants and partrid*
:M anont their mrcdaton. There is also * case in Al*K*ordo, »'e» 'eiico wher-
wenu r**kcrs of a Tartly «tc th» reat of a tw tli.it had eifn -j!'1'-! *«•>*
.--.t rnntain--! sethyl reroirc.'1) 'he coqaaqkier^— vtn «ad. r»>-{>r c^i 'e-ics
•:cirr»l In Tr.in, Pakistan anri •• — " •" ""
ki .. it the UniraraltK of :>ntm
that nnwrciil shipntnts of fish fron Laic* St. Clair ('«»r
»treit) emt*lmtl mtom rtose to the lewis fewd In the fi* inwi-.rf in «•
-rtra u and Ntlgiti eoUodes. nih,r OHMi*ts reported jtotlarly hiffc le»*l§
x-out 7r,T»} In ft Ji fro. Mnv other lake* «nd riven alone the U.S./Cmadtan
fn« tte wter, of 3J of th
.^u-, ** f* reiyl* of *• "ctl°" of
.*thfla«an can continue for teitntlons enc» the
r.»s
VBSF
P.MS
P.SM
YBSF
n.J6T
VKT
li ii n ^—iiHSrf1 ™*rlttion et «*» '•rcuric ion r«- the hnan body has not vet beer
i ,H;n STSS??! l* i* ""* WaaaMiiafcle to expect that such a reaction cwaJ occ-r.
P.ll« Th. nrtvlxum of wrcury in Urti-t iwrem m Ji*ceveTrt in iKtjrti ••.• R. L.
»" ill •IZi'18*'1**^ °>lt *^* ** ''* "ort "•" *"• " ^f* iraortnt in.-luencs nr
tnt Bialorlc uivwuies of t*» R!c-s!3uj substance tiian evir reco»ni-ed. This
su&asts that the aut flan could sera- as « source of nethylated rercuty in isan
A l»e«nt rariew by T, C. Stadtmi, Science 1971, notes the presence of enz?ne
lystara) aR>ropriite tar the nethylatior, of •ercnric ion in the liven of naanali
vntT than nan. rht huaan body Itself adjtit have the c.tpaclty to rethylite
••roiric ion.«» The tresr-ent far nethyl nercur/ poisonini it not t«ll defined
'* . *f V* J0"* ** !*w*»r he"7 •«««. 1-ead. Irihistry wastes contain high leve:
of lead. It is re-.ronsible for the increased presence in the auensphere.
Ike potentiij for tfidw^read nethyl rercurr raitanlB»tiori Is enhanced bv
-«n» kinds of industrial pollution, farbon dioxide, organic vutet. nitr'tes'
and p^o^Trutes provide food for One oitwtism that nernit trans for-atlor, of
isorjanie ancwy runoff fro* indotrin into cetM nereury.H)
in H«-s o* va
he» be-j«.l*5
thresheldi for HBroiry are mtjsie because it is not 'a^vr nx> — jeh
Mraiiy in the Mood is renutrad hefore polsonin» ocam, '-etaoloiicai
occur at 0.4-J.B iMrti wr nil lion of rereury. IJJ
!?ii pai«-5itn'- i1; 0*12 of th<* fO't unnleJsnnt ailnents afflictirtf
HJ 5--7to-* ire c;ir— notice an-l often nisdi.ifnosed as lesser nrcftlens, such :
! <*i '*c ?-, •* irr'-ea, ^r iiist plain Irrit.i^iHt**. ^$ the lead reaches its, as
*'#t , •"^orl- 'lefinc^I to^ic level in th* '•*,"', t5^* synjitors cf miisoninp Hecore
'ore c irartercstic .me! Ic.vl to v:ild Jeliriir, cona, convulsions. MirJness,
'ft*I retarjatiw, hrain Air
".T/* nroAjc«Hl Hmirj dara^c, ^irt*i defects, daa»^ to rerTvluctive orians. " sr~
' •" irraJLtics anJ Mny ot'wr «Hysiolo|;ical disturbance*. In ran, iptelafion f>f
ri^iui dust is kno^n to have caused lune (linage resenblinK eaphysera. In Japa
I?"1 case* of severe desenersti^"e N»ne diseo^G occurred. This vat due directly
ea*uir.)J)
Toiticolotists are concerned abnut cadritpi as a hazard to nan's nealth. Dei
•v.»rp is to little irrefiitahl* evidence aho^t t-*« Ion(t ranee effects of I*** tl
Kviouali; exposure to catkuup, health officals have been slov to set up staolai
:s\»l§ for it in food, air anJ w«er. » joint FnSWfi condssion has suceested
"77-, ecen thouoh scieritist, Bohert Mlsson of the S>*dish "atural Scierie
.Vseareh Ooaisel, in»ists that aninal itudies awl the Japanese cadrtir ^oisonir
Incidents i"*ke that level nueh too hifh. The U.S. has established the -wirun
per-issible lei*! apmnt of cadriun in drin! inc vater as n.il on", "ejs .remts
of t5ie netal's pres€fice in riv«rs and reservoirs throughout the cojr.tr. mdicat
that S3 out of 720 water sarnies tested nere hicher in cadniuai than t-e rrescri
».S?S These other aetallic haiards that have triBfered investigations jr» -iclel
YB'SF lire. a»d arsenic. Michel has been pjxwen ahle to product cancer. 1'e presence
of any of the previously nentiened netals kill certainly V detrirental to t e
health of any individual,*2)
p.:?1; :7i Let us on atather coroonent of slo^pe - Asbestos. It is considered
Yf,<:t occupational disease of the lunys. Asbestos is * hydrated raenesiu-j-silicsM.
has a very hi^» affinity for xater in both liquid and vapour fom. ' It can
certainly b» carried W-rom* air. '
'•4? 49* Respiratory diiaajad can occur after breathing air polluted with ashesMs.
It appears in finely divided state as minute particles ranging In tilt lit* of I,
and S mcrora- (unit of nasurevent) in dlareter. It If thought that even smllei
si»d particles are potentially dangerous. An Increase in cancer has bean found
in persons xha have been in contact or breathed these particles. »>)
11-1*6 It involvas the pleura and pericardium (the coverings of the lungs and ham
and causes heart failure. Invention is itjiortiBrt. b«cai*e there art no success!
cure once the fibroses has actually developed- Cases have bean clteJ in Quebec,
Canada.1^)
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P 91" ~>c*Bt studies hwe sho^n that 1/4 to 1/2 of Hie liajj* of ir^-m *wric.-
x.r..v • er-M!n detectaMe ast-estos bodies. The ff* KM not set pjidelire* for asHr
1-26-1?"* rhe "««s;iihwett's I*narti«nt of Pi*>Hc Health established Its c-." --.ission
itr, '•!•*. It is on" of the first states in the nation to take such action.
reswlrticn no* bans the application by sprayim o* asbestos fiber* or of ra:
containing asbestos fibers. The nenartnant it authorized to ban tht apnllca-
these -aterials by any r-ethorf it believes nay cause or contribute to pollut:
«*;e-.t air. 1?)
Vxrther topic of interest 1* organic ferdaniite.. The M. S. D. brour'rt '
allerrv specialists to .ipeak at tfwir reeling. They titled at "re.it lencth -
f-« i-ercwMue •Tfanic food, O» talked about chickens being Hashed in a detc
•-"-.ich '•is nothing i*.it M tMW W *i "it1* "r-a-ic -.'--4-nin-.
\.f.J." '•* Vex Rinland .lournal of 'Wicine has featureJ articles citiri •?«,•>•.
Vol.ZiS IS 3 f*»»l. I* see a let of »d*ertisliK lately of 'T»rsaBi<: Rood" ».t «e!i purro
•-1I-71 -es-.i nwn wlt'«ut nUed pesticides or chemical contaniniits. Me ir.sw t%i*
'ei-Je» mna dierteal soil additions haw had torlMde .Hstrtbution and tuat v
l>staneH ree»in in ths soil for nany years at least. At this point in ti-f
Can suestlen xheflier sueN pure murtnf soil exists. *e «iey find ttsat people .
**-lrlp a tot wart t«ney for an Inferior food because he haw no standards fo
teV- iara»iieall» nromi". "Onenlcally Crowi" food looks Hie Hie blsjest co
fraud -It perpetrated on the fcerican nuMlc. * definition for organic is ta
or relating to, or derived fro» living ornanls«i (b) of, relating to, or Ciir
Ir,- ;aroon coeMMe*. Therefore, all feod is orrwic and indeed onartically
•TTv^.ll} To further ftintaniate the discrepancies of organic cardmi-.; t.i
look at this atatament.
' o
V.I
JI.5.4.M.
voi.zw
6-M971
•The ornanic
dc*> not I lii
shSt(Tnot W mf Kpoi not
lia*ri<»
and veeetaMes in the iVtf'eJ Star
as a fertiliter. Slud",e treated
ibles or aaythinii that will be eater, rsv.. '
coldes is present in ta^tet. The aacari.- i: -•
n«*er of taf ray pass out tl-.mutfi t'-s »«s!
called ascaris
K99>$,W/9O* HiW§llflW( S §•—r,~ — - - -- ,-,- . . _
•ffhant... «*en Ala efnuent ii used tovater salad plants thnt are e»»:
uncooked bf "an, tt» f«r»l»in|[ e)Ri wy «et on to *«se plants and then tr'
person «N> eats it. Therefore, afeartosls is *ow Hiely to be » wre.-al e-
mtal pwbler», cawed b» failure of sewaje treatment and the sii-sequent vf.
efful«it fer irrtiation."')"
rmim
MMii. It was h
a failure
cnndittem pnraiM
land of v»»t quantie.-.
hae **'*f'l«'l' **** dry M^tf P*r T**r "*• * ^'5r»l faiUrre,
*• In «Jnr o*er countrTes in unlch equally inapproprtata
IBM prevailed and -here sufficient rfiiTWrtrilVinable. :n
1> too fine to prewnt •
;oofi«g.™J Certatalf^,*
Cfitgi are not"co«iljeiye t|
th
irtflhout
unpno .wnlliier eonlalnln? s
ieeajn.li that haa bean *me in
i never be
containw IIWOK i> !»•>»»• to the salt. There is so littl
been done" in tfli area, ftiithergore. the people of Fulton **
awl I'tould vtex »ith skentlsiB any sludge that enters we o
r*rso-»l '-ot*i«r urea cr concern and nprhifis an area vhere no one has the answer
m:-.-** f.e 5ira>-uw of_t> slnd«e itself, "imite n«rtiel« fren the vm itif tlud;*
•• '. 'Tied *•«• fc - tnJ in t'-e fona of rift -ml ran a*»re to Asst i.irtlcles
«t ;:ncen- iv.ireelves '.'it' :w.-.l«. i.Si )i\<. ir ttxh close nrortci-it^ to tre
- -r- r— of ji-.i.!«c. It i§ sn infrinrcntnt on tht ferson.il rt'-'tts of the^e -•
f t.-.rsv p»rt>a-« on then i« a violitlnn, hut to «nrav ilud-? IP t*"elr r«ce I-
an agricultural mleivor. t.'nt *l«r«- cfrw:t* can von errect*
•'•• • rtpc ITS are highly concratrateil and cortarirau-'. raw toxic t'ie»e »re .V
— t'-e -f-»t!eal st»te at t'if tine of ipfaytnV.""
ff-fr very irrcrtant ar»«s of concern are the Cw» and '-ildlife ^«sen-e
tV* ri$hinf Lakes, These areai were created lonf before ::.S.l), -.as Hrat-ht ir
t'-« coimty. I ir» totally uninnmxed that a sl«d»e di»-x«jl .nr?a r-i-wil ! ---
cr«»r;.! in »uch rloK! frosici-ity to such » rr*ri\t, II "os$ it.V>-* -,j»i: ; r
•-' "jdjerent vu nnt used. If the crons -l ai=* r»e«ll h« affecttd. If ehere i« runoff, then t»e laic
.ir* \ery capeMe of receivin- the tlralnii;*. Tha»e can easily t-ecorr« polluEed.
.tsrfo-il al» rii:rate art there are other areas where hunting is nllc •(L.«ter contanr
_ :s is possihte roue so in that the soil and drainage system have been disti
i cannot possibly he j*tt tofether in the ssine f«hion as nature did nillior
•tars aj-o. AnJ to mn concentrated sludge on it i» another thin. It has oniv o
•. to fto and tiiat is down,
I Mould hone that nil the "m-iously pentiened nsterial helps tc '-rirr in
fxus a broader persnective of the situation that confronts us. 71-* fictx 3-i
'••-•otes Presented are researched, l^rannal thoughts are included,
"^e last person thoiirt^ iiivironnentil plarmine »«it be sn lr*e-r«: -art
the conitnity. It wust be ranajed and directed to be successful. '. ,;.
?-*rition$ have a de)rr*!int effect on the corr«»i!ty. It is irpr-tart i- :jrre
f-e problen before tlie critical need to face the dae-age arises.
coin
-------
.,
V:S. 2 p. 1010 i
3. L-l. A. Say. Illinoii Direct Su'i-llilt.
S.S. tUFC. :?ar. 30. 197J
Kxcenits freri report to Division of Water Pollution Control.
.>slth Department Fulton Couity.
4. Si.-* M '3; Mr. Ray1* ate of Minu.1 of the KPCF - ftwraticn of
' istevater Treatnent PUnts.
S. ":..- :1:-«JU Rriumica. 1«TO
'.ol. 1«. P. 141
6. V.cy:lrriedia Britannic*. 197n
Vol. 2J, P. 49
1. Licrclapedi* Britannic*. 1970
Vol. 21. P. SI
». >.r.-cl-?«dU Britannic*. 1970
Vol. It. PP. 1JJ. 1M. US
9. Vurbcok of Scimc* and Fuf^re, 1973
10. YfoTbook of Science and Future. 1973
PP. 362. 345. 364
11. S*K England Journal of 'Micine, July 1, 1971
Vol. 28S PP. 49-50
12. Y*arbcolc of Science and Future. 1975
H>. 365-S73
13. I*.- EnilandJournal of Medicine, Nov. 11, 1971
Vol. 2IS P. 1141
14. Incyclepedia Iritamica, 1970
Vol. 9. PP. j:a. 229
IS. Fr.i^clonedU Iritamica. 1970
Vol. 7 PP. 48, 49
1«. Encyclopedia Britamica. 1970
Vol. II, P. 1S6
17. N*M Hnfland Journal of 'Wicine, April 26, 1973
Vol. 2lf. No. 17 P. 910
II. Xew Enjland Jwnul of ^:«^ici^.c, *•;. 12. 1971
Vol. 2JS
19. NCH Enfland Journal of Medicine, June 3, 1971
VoL 2S4
20. Taartook of Science and Future. 1972
P. 373. 374
21. met WTBUALS:
a)N*H Enflird .Journal of Medicine, net. 21, 1971. (Vt. 2». 1971 Vol. 21$
b)\ew Enfland Journal of Medicine IIS April 13, 1972 Vol. 286
c}Xeu England Journal of Medicine '9 'larch 1, 1973, Apr. 19. 1973 Vol 2SI
dJSclence, Vol. 181, Methylftercurr Polsonirj in Iraq pp. 230-40
STATEMENT
BY
JOANNE H. ALTER
COMMISSIONER
OF
THE METROPOLITAN SANITARY DISTRICT OF GREATER CHICAGO
ON
DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT
FOR THE PRAIRIE PLAN PROJECT
FULTON COUNTY, ILLINOIS
Presented at
PUBLIC HEARING HELD BY
THE UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
Monday, July 26, 1976
1:00 P.M. and
7:00 P.M. CST
Hallace Park Field House
Canton, Illinois
Report by - Rachel Sc'midt
-------
KSDGC Statement on Draft BIS for Prairie Plan
Thm Metropolitan Sanitary District of Greater Chicago
is pleased to have this opportunity to make • statement on its
Prairie Plan Project in Fulton County and the recently itsued
draft Environmental Impact Statement (CIS). These remarks are
intended to supplement our More detailed written response which
im now being prepared. Th* United States Environmental Protection
Agency ie to be commended for moving; forward and completing the
draft statement on thie comprehensive and complex project.
The Prairie Plan i« a fundamental redirection fro*
waste and depletion to recycle and reue*. The project demonstrates
on a major seal* that through careful planning, monitoring,
engineering, and operation, municipal wastes can be beneficially
utilised to reclaim »trlp»mined land and fertilize place land.
The successful implementation of the Prairie Plan has
been mad* possible through the cooperation of the local, state and
federal governments and various agencies which have been involved
in this prog-am- He would like to take this opportunity to
recognise the following organisations and thank them for their
important contributions and continuing support and effort:
The Fulton County Board
The Fulton County Planning Commission
The Fulton County Health Department
U. S. Environmental Protection Agency
Illinois Environmental Protection Agency
U, S, Department of Agriculture and Soil Conservation Service
Stat* of Illinois, Department of Conservation
State of Illinois, Department of Transportation
State of Illinois, Department of Business and Economic
Development
U. S. Geologic Survey
University of Illinois
Spoon River College
Cities of: Canton
Cuba
St. David
Bryant
Scientists and Researchers
HSPCC Statement on Draft EiS for Prairie Plan
Page 2
The Metropolitan Sanitary District has, from the
beginning of this project, invited governmental, organizational
and citizen input in the program and its specific site developments.
The Steering Committee, for-med at the Inception of the project,
has continued to provide valuable input from citizens and Iroe all
levels of government.
In its «0-ye«r history, the District has always strived
to provide maximum service and, at the same time, protect the
environment. In 1967, the Board of the Hetropolitan Sanitary
District, after reviewing a large number of wastewater treatment
and disposal or recycle alternatives, adopted the policy of
recycling »«stewat»r treatment by-producti on land. This commitment
was the impetus to establish the Prairie Plan now operating in
Fulton County, Illinois.
A great deal of research work on the utilization of
wastewater solids as a fertilizer and soil condition* srecertejl »l|e
actual implementation of the Prairie Plan in 1971. i'hu* the project
should not fce considered as an eXj'«"i*^ineiit v on tne contrary, it is
a large scale {implementation of the long and widely practiced
utilization of wastewater solids in sn agricultural setting.
From its inception, the Prairie Plan has been funded solely
by the^ District, The cost of this vast project has been great,
however, and financial aenlatance from the Federal government would
be most welcome. Sine* the Prairie Plan has nationwide significance
with respect to two »ajoriproblei»s--di8posal of municipal wastes
and reclamation of strip-mined land—Federal funding would be quite
appropriate.
A recently adopted Federal law, Public Law 92-500,
expressly encourages the recycling of municipal wastewater solids,
and has established programs for providing Federal funds to assist
in the attainment of that goal. The draft Environmental Impact
Statement which is being addressed here today has been prepared to
assist the USEPA in evaluating th- District's grant application.
-------
NSDGC Statement on Draft CIS for Pr»iri* Plan
Page 3
The CIS for the Prairie Plan 1* really quite unique in
that-the project has already been in operatic.- for several years.
Thus, the project's impact on the environment la not merely
speculative; there is a wealth of monitoring data, operational
data and supportive research available. For this reason, we 'eel
that Mm* Of the statement* made in the EIS regarding the impart
of the project on surface water, the health effects of the project
and the matters of odors and noise are incorrert. A detailed
discussion of the items which are felt to be in error will be
included in our written presentation.
In addition, the Draft CIS fails to delineate the
comprehensive objective* of the Prairie Plan, which are;
1. KMCIE wastewatar treatment by-products through
rebuilding nutrient depleted moil,
t. COMSnm natural resources by alternate soil enrichment
through a liquid organic fertiliser and the conversion
of urban waste product to a resource.
I. COMSOtVG energy by the reduction of fossil fuel energy
in the weetewater treatment process.
». IWKOTE environmental quality in the Metropolitan
Chicago Area and in rural Fulton County.
S. pMreCT the environment through a safe, intensively
monitored and regulated recycle program.
I. EXPAND Fulton County economic base through increased
employment opportunities, ancillary facilities, real
estate taxes and personal property taxes.
1. PROVIDE a broad spectrum of multiple-use benefit* and
complementary land uses including agriculture, conservation,
recreation, wildlife management, natural science education,
urban and industrial developments.
t. DEMOMSTMTE a full-scsle viable working model for the
•ation in the utilisation of advanced wastewater
treatment technology, background research, data and
experience through a recycle and reuse philosophy.
MSDGC Statement on Draft EIS for Prairie Plan
Page
The Prairie Plan is one alternative that does not use
extravagant amounts of energy and demand increasing amount* of
valuable urban land. It has amply demonstrated that land ruined
to extract energy resources can again be made productive, and
continually replenished without having to resort to costly and
scarce petrochemical fertilizers.
Immediate energy savings include major reduction in fuel
used during the treatment process, and long term energy savings by
reducing further depletion of petrol chemical resources used in
rnamiircial fertilizer. Energy savings will release millions of
barrels of oil yearly for alternate uses as well as increase energy
self-sufficiency for this Ration,
The Metropolitan Sanitary District ii proud cf the Prairie
Flan in Fulton Count/t we feel that the environmental monitoring
and careful operation of the program JBj^iniure^th( protection of
the environment. A full range of professional and technical skills
including planning, engineering, research, management and operations
has gone into the project. Thme efforts have been recognized
nationally by the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCC)«**>*.
Outstanding Civil Engineering Achievement Award of 1971; by the
National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE)?*One of the Ten
Outstanding Engineering Achievements in the United States, 197?;
and the Izaak Walton league.
In operating the Fulton County Project, no detrimental
health effects have been evidenced or substantiated nor have water
quality problems arisen. The programs, technology and experience
relating to this Prairie Plan Project in Fulton County will lead
the way for other sanitary districts throughout the Nation, and
provide valuable methodology for an alternative to utilize a once
discarded resource material.
The Metropolitan Sanitary District believes that the
USEFA should adopt a national policy of recycle as. demonstrated in
the Fulton County Project. In adopting this policy and providing
-------
MSDGC Statement on Draft EtS for Prairie Plan
Page 5
SECOND REVISION 8/17/76
B5.W
the necessary and essential funds, th* USEPA would be implementing
their stated preference for land application as a Beans of wastevater
solids disposal. Such funding by the USEPA would support the
findings of the Ad Hoc Panel on Sludge Disposal/Utilization which
concluded that with good engineering practice, proper experimental
design and a better understanding of the •can* to protect human
health and ecosystem, sludge utilisation options can be made
environmentally safe and acceptable. The District feels that the
Prairie Plan represents an answer.
STATEMENT
BY
JOANNE H. ALTER
COMMISSIONER
OF
THE METROPOLITAN SANITARY DISTRICT OF GREATER CHICAGO
ON
DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT
FOR THE PRAIRIE PLAN PROJECT
FULTON COUNTY. ILLINOIS
Presented at
PUBLIC HEARING HELD BY
THE UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
Tuesday, August 1.7, 1976
7:00 P.M.
Dlrksen Federal Center
230 South Dearborn
Chicago. Illinois
-------
The USD. after Initiating Its Sol Ids-on-Land Program with
the Board of Commissioners decision in 1967, has accomplished
In the Prairie Plan the first large-scale reclamation program
baaed on the recycle of wastewater treatment by-products.
The policy established by the Board and the nearly 10 years of
subsequent reaearch . development and Implementation have
demonstrated that recycle la not only the safeat, but an
economical and conservative Methodology for managing sewage
•ludge. The Prairie Plan la an Integral part of the MSDCC
facility plan. Though the EIS has concentrated on the Fulton
County Prairie Plan; It It seriously reals* In not mentioning
the 7 Billion people served In Chicago by the Prilrle Plan and
the Integral part of the MSD facilities In the metropolitan
area. The Prairie Plan, operating In Fulton County, has bene-
fited millions of urban retldenta with cleaner air. cleaner
Mater, a productive re-use of processed solids, no new land
or capital coata for storage, and a much reduced energy cost
and consumption for treatment operations.
The USEPA'a EIS on the Prairie Plan la unique in several
wayt. The Impact statement ha* been written after the project
has been In operation for five years and ten years of research
ha* been completed. The studies that Indicated the cost
effectiveness, energy saving, and environmental safety are now
history rather than projection* of alternative course*. When
the program waa In the research, planning and design stages,
there waa little literature on which to base development.
-1-
There were no governmental guidelines or standards The USD
In initiating this program, established as the highest priority
that the program would be environmentally safe Built-in
monitoring. Information feedback, checks and fall-safe options
were integrated in the development to prevent damage due to
unforeseeable errors, accidents or extreme weather occurrence*.
The system was designed to be operational under all condition*
and to be a permanent facility. The MSD with partial federal
funding initiated, with the University of Illinois, studies
and research on liquid fertilizer application, plant response,
toll development, and environmental protection and quality.
After several years of that still on-going program, the MSD
established a number of "micro recycle demonstration sites" In
the Chicago and Cook County area and several beyond the
Metropolitan region These provided valuable work data and
methodology that wan Incorporated into the about-to-be initiated
Fulton County Project. The MSD. In its own behalf, searched
literature and available documented sources, initiated research,
and established with Its Interdisciplinary professional ataff
and consultants, the program, the planning and the operations
methodology that became the Prairie Plan in Fulton County.
The Prairie Plan has been successful. This success is
demonstrated by the encouraging documentation of soil develop-
ment and plant response* In Fulton County. The Prairie Plan
ha* not degraded the environment; it has acutally Improved
-2-
-------
water quality leaving the »ite, Implemented conservation practices
and is reclaiming apoil lands into farm fields able to support
agricultural crops. The program continues to be monitored by
the MSD a* well ai county, atate and Independent organizations.
The USD ii nost appreciative of the cooperative and competent
contributions from many federal and itate agencies; among thea,
the It. S. Department of Agriculture, the Soil Conservation
Service, the Cooperative Agricultural Extension Service, and
the University of Illinois,
Though there ham been, on rasa occasions, sone human and
operational errors, as well as some Major act* of vandalism,
the plan's fall-cafe systems have operated as intended. At
each occurrence, and for each alte, repair or modification was
Immediate and no permanent damage was done to the site or to
the larger environment.
A msjor point of benefit in the Tears of research and
development prior to and continuing through the project Im-
plementation haa been the modification and rperatlonal changes
indicated by the research and Implemented in full scale oper-
ation on the site
At the inception of planning for the Fulton County Project,
the MSD, In conjunction with the Fulton County Board, requested
cooperation fro* federal, state and local agencies and
governments, established the Pulton County Steering Committee.
-3-
The Conraittee provides a forun for information interchange
between citizens, governtnent agencies, educational institutions
and the MSD It provides valuable Input and public response
which has modified and in some cases redirected specific
aspects of the recycle-reclanation program. An example of
this mutual benefit ban been the 400-acre Fulton County con-
servation area leased to the County for a dollar a ye^r to
provide recreation and conservation lands available to local
people and citizens of the State. The establishment of this
Steering Committee h«» demonstrated Many tines over the value
of Intergovernraent and Interagency cooperation, wirh citizen
input. The idea of establishing this '.road base coordinating
conmittee predates and, in fact, encouraged federal program
requirements.
The Metropolitan Sanitary District Is, and has always
been, concerned not only with the safe operations of the
project, but also with the beneficial results that land
recycle of solids could have on local and national resource
recovery programs.
Though the project has not been without criticism, even
the most Intransigent critic recognizes the benefits of soH.ds
on land and of recycling this resource. A major concern
presented has been; even though the project operates safely.
are there possible dangers of long-term or even perpiHual us*
of the site? The MSD and the University of Illinois research
Is 6 years ahead of actual operations on the site Any possi-
ble potential damage to the land, plant materials, water or
-------
the environment will be forecast years earlier through Choc
continuing studies. There would be time mi the professional
expertise to Modify, change or redirect the program long before
* point of critical damage could occur, The HSD has •pent
millions of dollars of It* own resources as well as cooperated
In federal funding for long-tern and comprehensive research
and monitoring. It believes that the project not only has end
doei demonstrate safe and productive re-use, but that primary
research toward a national policy for resource recovery In
this field has been planned, demonstrated and documented.
The MSB is confident that a significant amount of its on-going
raoril torlng can be redirected without endangering the validity of
the data base. The MSB propose* to redirect a portion of its
research activities toward specific areaa of development unique
to this lite, such as the Big Bluesten Prairie. The MSD
accepts the responsibility of having pioneered and demonstrated
the validity of the economic and environmental benefit* in
the Prairie Flan. It will continue to make the research, the
information and the methodology available to the federal and
state governments in the development of other recycle
policies end programs. The HSD will cooperate in larger and
•ore nationally applicable research end operations studies. It
la willing to provide the professional expertise, the land and
equipment resources; but would require funding for these wide
rent* programs and long-term activities. Though the vast
msjority of work accomplished In this recycling program h«s
.5-
been entirely funded by the USD. it 1. no* .eeking and urgently
requesting reimbursement funding and long-term research ind
operation, costs for th* nationally significant work initiated
in Fulton County,
The 0. S. Environmental Protection Agency i» to be commended
for moving forward and completing the EIS for thi. conpreheniin
and complex project The HSD expected, and is appreciative,
that the document affirms the recycle program and concur. In
recommending that a national policy of resource recovery and
recycle be established and implemented. The MSB is taking thli
opportunity to request amendment and modification of the draft
statement. In the preparation of the Draft EIS for the
Pratrie Han, some areas of benefit and value have been over-
looked; some base and research information misinterpreted, and
some errrrs inadvertently committed. The USD has submitted
recommended changes, deletions and modifications to be Incor-
porated In the final environmental impact statement,
However, the E1S contains err.ors, false conclusions «nd
needless recommendations, which will be misleading and damaging
not only to this project but the nation's policy for recycle
ami land treatment. Summarized below are eight major areas
of concern to the District which are contained in the EIS.
L Environmental Monitoring
The EIS states r.hat rhc existing District environmental
monitoring and research program* are Inadequate to ascess
-------
environmental Impacts, The EIS author! go lurther to suggest
additional monitoring and research and that such an expanded
prograa be reviewed by in Independent agency (unnamed)
the District; haa the noat extensive Monitoring program,
ever attempted for a sludge application site. The EIS doe*
not recognize nor discuss natty Important aspect* of thii pro
gram despite the fact that every opportunity va» given the
author! to Investigate the program The exliting prograa It
discussed In detail In the attached statement and li designed
to monitor the effects on toll, plants, surface and ground-
••Mr, air and Indigenous inlmals.
We reject the concept that the project requires an Inde-
pendent agency for review of all data,, Freiently, fhe project
la monitored by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency
(UP*), Pulton County Health Department {FCHD) , United States
Geological Survey, end the University of Illlnola (V. of I.).
PeerIdle reviews of the environmental monitoring data have
been isade by the Food and Drug Administration and thr> United
States Department of Agriculture. Also, the District and
the University of Illinois have been active In disseminating
such information In the technical literature.
He believe that the existing environmental monitoring
prograa can determine any potential ham to the environment.
II. Alleged Odors
The CIS statea that there la insufficient dilution of
alleged odors at the Pulton County site. This i* concluded
-7-
by neans of calculations raade regarding atmospheric dilution
of alleged odor emissions it tht site. In addition, odor
complaints phoned in to the FCHO are u«ed to state that the
probability of «n odor complaint b*lnr, tied to the District
project la greater than 7QV
The calculations used to arrive at the atmospheric dilution.
at the site were found by the District to be erroenoua. Dilu-
tion four miles from the District sludge holding batir.i wsj
calculated In the EIS to be a 2-4 fold reduction In fact, the.
dilution at 4 Biles from the holding basins Is a 7 - 75 fold reduction.
Analysis of complaints to the FCHD neglected to Include
the fact that only about 21 of the complaint! are confirmed by
the FCHD, The statements about probable sources were baaed on
wind directions compiled by the FCHD at verified odor sites.
Unfortunately, wind direction measurements have a variance of
22 5 to 45° from the reported direction If this fact were
Included, one could easily Indicate a nearby agricultural feed
lot.
The District objects to the entire section on alleged,
odors as written In the EIS and asks that this be rewritten
IB the final statement,
III. ttetals in ._the_ jFooJ_ jJjiJUi
The EIS suggests that there Is a health,
hazard du^to metal accumulations In the crops grown on sludge
amended soil. However, little experimental evidence Is pre-
sented to support this suggestion.
-------
The U. of I.. the District and the USEPA have participated
In a joint research venture to study, among many things, the
metal uptake of crops grown on sludge amended soil. The data
from this program conducted since 1967. has been made available
to the EIS authors, the USF.PA, and has been published In the
technical literature. This data has shown, contrary to what
Is stated In the EIS, that metal accumulations are not the>
limiting factor In sludge application. In fact, metal levels
in crops have been found not to be related to accumulative
sludge application.
The recently released USEPA technical bulletin on Municipal
Sludge Utilization published on June 3, 1976, contains no
limitations on sludge metal levels nor does It Unit applica-
tions based on such metal levels.
IV. Sludge Quality
The EIS compares certain sludge quality parameters with
then existing FCHD regulations. It Is concluded from such a
comparison that the District sludge shipped to Fulton County Is
Inadequately stabilized.
However.-the comparison with FCHD regulations Is inconsis-
tent with District sludge quality data. The only values not
consistent with the FCHD regulations were sludge alkalinity.
Recently, the FCHD has amended its sludge regulations and.
-9-
1owered its alkalinity criteria. No further values are
anticipated which would not be consistent with these new
regulations.
The use of the FCHD regulations for sludge quality to
condemn District sludge quality ts Inconsistent with the fact
that the FCHD has never cited the District for sludge quality
violations.
The EIS after reviewing the FCHD regulations and District
sludge quality concludes that additional lagoon!ng at the Hest-
Southwest Treatment Workc is needed prior to shipment to Fulton
County. In fact, the District has been lagooning sludge prior
to shipment to Fulton County. However, due to the northern
Illinois climate, it is not possible to provide lagoon sludge
to Fulton County during the winter season.
We object to the abov? recommendation in the EIS as not based
upon valid data and ask that it not be included in the final
sta tement.
V. Field Runoff Basin Capacity
The EIS states that the District field runoff basins are
undersized and cannot rotain the 100-yeai storm. In addition.
siltation is stated as sufficient to even /iirther reduce this
capacity.
The calculations used to determine capacity assumed that
the soil had no absorption capacity during storm events This
is an unrealistic assuraptiqp. According to accepted engineering
principles, the field runoff basins were designed to accept
-10-
-------
th* 100-year storm. Additional capacity wa* provided for
possible siltatlon. This capacity exceeds recently published
requirement* for agricultural fsedlots.
Ml of the above calculation* and field runoff basin
capacities were submitted to the IEPA and permits Her* issued
by thli agency without any question on thl* phase of the
project.
Th* Wittier doe* not agree with the conclusion chat th* field
runoff basin* ara Inadequately si*ed and asks that thl* be
corrected In th* final *t«te»ent.
VI. 8urf«c«W«t*r Quality
the IIS state* that th* »urf«c« water on th* District's
Fulton County »lte haa level* of contaminant* above *t*te
standards and that thli is a r**ult of discharge* from sludg*
•tanded toll*.
It 1* true that surface v«t«r quality at Fulton County
for toa* eonatituant* exceade St*te of Illinoi* standard*.
•owever, there 1« no evidence In th* EIS linking luch w*t*t
quality with District operations,. The surface water at Fultot
County i* Inflnancad mainly by the previous strlpmlning opera-
tion* at the lite. Also, there are discharges fro* sewage
treatment plant*, sanitary landfill*, ceptlc tanks, feedlots
and agricultural non-point source* which Influence surface
water quality.
-11-
Th* nose compelling evidence rfiich shoits no degradation
of surface water quality at thf site 1* the quality of Big
Creek vhlch flows through the District property. As noted in
the EIS, water quality In Big Creek leaving the District's
alte is consistently of better quality than water entering the
site. The obvious conclusion is that District operations dp
not contribute to surface water degradation el suggested in
the EIS.
In addition, the EIS goe* on to assess the water quality
of discharges fron District runoff basins. They COB-
pere such water quality with what is purported to be the 1EPA
standards for these basins. After this evaluation, it Is
concluded in the EIS that excessive violations haw* occurred
and that this represent* the major resson for surface water
quality degradation at the site
However, we believe the BIS author* did not utilise the
proper standards which are enforced by the IEPA in permit
conditions for the Fulton County site. Use of the proper
standards would have revealed that on rare occasions are the
UFA standards exceeded. —
The District does not accept the statements In the FTS m>
surface water quality and asks that ther be rewritten in the
final statement,
VII. Alleged Pathogens from Sludge Spraying
The_EIS^suggests that there is * significant health hazard
due to pathogens being present in aerosols created by sludge^
-12-
-------
evidence If given Co support thli
•prlying.
suggestion.
The District has coawjiled for the records, a literature
survey which deals with ttiti topic, this is contained in the
detailed document subaitted. The survey concludes that there
1* nn health hazard from sludge (praying.
C!i« District now has « contract with the USEPA which is
Investigating the aerosolliatloo of bacteria and virus** fron
sludge (praying. This contract is being conducted In coopera-
tion vlth Illinois Institute of Technology Research Institute.
The conclusions in the CIS are unjustified and certainly
jii ••slni i until the study is completed. He ask that the
statements in the BIS be amended and corrected in the final
document.
fill. Alleged Health Hasards froei Hetal Inhalation
The EIS presents calculations to determine the sublent sir
levels of certain metals downwind of • sludge sprayer. The
EIS concludes fro* these calculations that there is a signifi*
cant health hesard frae these calculated ambient sir metal
levels
•owe»s--, Che calculations in the EIS are erroenous anjl
are too high by • factor of at least 100. The IIS author*
llBpl* forgot to include a factor which was pert of their own
calculations. Therefore, the conclusion* about ambient air metal
leT*ls are erroenous and should be corrected in the final EIS.
-13-
In closing. I would again ask that your agency earnestly
consider this tummry and the attached detailed document before
issuing the final Environmental Impact Statement. The District
also strongly urges fce USEPA to rewrite the CIS in lieu of
merely attaching the public and written coamentc to the first
draft of the EIS and making this package the final Environmental
Impact Statement, This EIS requires a complete rewrite to make
it factually correct and commensurate with existing data and
scientific information about the Fulton County site
I will make available to the USEPA all of the District
staff who have participated in the writing of the District
The Metropolitan Sanitary District would like to thank
the USEPA for issuing the EIS and to express its appreciation.
He join with the USEPA and Mr. Russell Train, its sdnlnistrs.
tor, in supporting a national policy of environmental safety,
resource recovery and energy conservation.
-14-
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lit
Bagueof
mmmn an im mtrr maaummreu. IMPACT aaammrit
siumx DISPOSAL au LUK mcuswjoK » mjKH warn, ILLUIOIS
August 17, 19T«
**•*. fcilj asdta, natural lt**oun*a Chairaaai
UK La*gu* of Ifcsian Voter* of Cook County li pleased to off«r tit* following co»-
•anta on tlM Bnft brrironaenUl Input 3tataa»nt for Sludge Di.poeal and Land
ItoeUiBUea m Pulton County. UK development of anilfonaaiitally sound l«nd re-
«J*a»ti<»i ism* BMII eipreeaed la our continuing support of federal and state (trip
•rile* legislation. M»intemx» of air and water quality *t*naarils i» fount in our
long-standing support of both regulatory «JK| enforcement nsaaurea inherent in the
Clean Mr Act (r.L, 9l-*0*) M(| th* Padcral water pollution Control Act aa»n*»nt*
at 1972 (f.t. 92-500), we an MM concerned with tit* Issue* of nut* disposal,
r**our** recovery and *n*rgy c n**rv*tion.
IB NB**a*>*r 19TJ, Ihf League of Wai in Voters cuaamted favorably and with specific
raweareh mi. lasjsmli limn on th* drift atavlranBantal A*****Mi>t of the Ml ton County
lt*claisationf or Prairia Flan, for th* record of thi* haarirw, we have not changed
our pultloo ind vould Ilk* to reatate a portion of It aa follomi
*...Wt Mao th» Dittriet'a projact aa a rmaarah *xp*rlia«it and dnaonatratloR
project ullieli ha* U laMiiduua iaplicationa for tlw nation aa a vtiol* and have
Included «n ootialatit: deacrlption of the rralrl. Plan in our national publi-
cation, aniroimaiital update OB Solid lfc»t« Manaa-eaant. Sept«**r 1973, League
of mum Voter* Mucatl n fund, fubUotlon Ko.*^>. . .with ap»cjfie referenee
t« imiajt altadf* in taatiaonjr before tfte Hoiiac Public Norka Comitt^e on pro-
Doaed aaiiirrtaiintii to the Federal Mater rollution Control Act in Dccofeer 1971,
th. Lea«-u< of tkawn Vstara of th* United State* Mid, 'The Uacue
•ttpport* projecta dmn^ad to deacnatmt* Uw affMitiirmaaa of v.:nf iraag*
aludf* to r*elai> alned land and prevent aeld miim drainac*. Lvagura in coaat-
al area* and arouni the Oreat lake* ha*c lent town aerioualT concerned about
duapinc aludte Into ocean* and lake* and have *ou«ht a non-pol luting ex>ana of
dlrpoaal. H* hope that utiliilnc aludge to ooiftat another type of wwironnent-
al l»»t . retumiiwi othenrte* uaeleee land to pro• for neat
4rjrin« operation* thia year and fa«e a major increaee in that eoat for vm ttM
u*e of nature! gaa for this purpo» u highly questionable. &ch of theie'iirobleav
i* a aerioua .n»»ron«ental threat but coliectneiy they are a a»jor challenge to th*
United States ftiwronnental Protection Agency.
nearly four yeara after paaaace of T.I. 92-500, the Section 20i(d) reouiraaenta for
"recycling of potential «euag« pollutants thrnugh the praductiori of agriculture
ailiriculture, or aquaculture pr ducts" and'the ultiamte diapoaal of aluog* In a nan-
ner that will not reaul* in emriromwntal hazards' reejain etaentlally unaddreoied.
The Agency's June 3 Technical Bulletin on Mumcii)|j Sludne Manaiement places respon-
sibility for determining the heavy metals levels of sludge used in agriculture on
the Pood and Drug Administration and th* Department of Agriculture. >fc are without
definitive directions fnja the U.S. EPA uhich is the agency reepoosible for enforc-
ing r.i. 92-500.
«ie Uegue position mipports uttllution of aludge for reclaaaition of atrip erined
tanda. In apite of th* negatiw <|ue«tiona raised in th* Ijapact Staitaawm(. it
clearly afateai -Seia«ge iludge ia particularly well adapted for ua* on atrip
nined lands where the topsoi*. has not been replaced" {page 11-55 and project*
eno uraglng remits for reclamation. Since there ate approxiaait«ly 1CO.OOO
acre, of unrectaiawd pre-l»w land in Illinoia, the potential for sludge utilisa-
tion la great but mat wait for a policy decision by the 9.E. EM, We would
•<*•?,->*** to point out that strip nlning is incremsJng in Illinois with specV>
reqMiraawnta under the Illinois Surface fcoed land Conservation Act for the return
of-row-erop lands to their original use. No action can be taken to utilize sludge
on any of thia land without n policy decision from U.S. EPA. we are alao aware
"l^the use of aunicipal aludfe on agricultural land by a large number of .other"*
•"ft**, treataient oyotenw in the state. (See report of the Illinois Advi|pry
&>emttee_9n Sludge and Maatewater Utiltaation on Agriculture Land, February
1335»J Itie District's Pulton County Project utslitea sludge on both etrip mined
and place land, offering a unique laboratory for monitoring a total land utiliza-
tion prograa in one location,
fh* Fulton County Project has tieen funded by residents of the Metrict and we
strongly urge close cooperation between the Wstrict and the U.S. fiHfironiaental
Protection Agency so that thia Jargeit project of its kind can be scientifically
evaluated with a broad, national distribution of research results, tne project's
implications for the entire nation are too broad to place the financial burden
on a local jurisdiction.
The League,.agrees, with, the .District, the wtata and.federal agencies that tni*
pro^e^t requir*s..car*fUl eumtaTing to d*t*i«in* both positiv* and nacatim*
^naeTiaerices. -we agree that only properly digested^ludgei should be shipped to
Hilton County so that health natards froai this source are ellannated, ftie beat
engineering a^^ewfut'-rins ismtt.b* u**d to protect groun<| and surface ifaters
from contamination. The w»^*r,*iualltjf^standards o£ the Pollution Control Board
must be awt at all times. Heavy nwttla and toxic substances in the aludge, soil
and crop nuat be acicntifIc.illy evaluated, we recognize that the potential build
-------
up of heavy SMttals, particularly
the land.
u», could liMit future agricultural use of
Tie Uagaw supports those provision* of P.L. 92-500 «r.leh require efflu.pt ll.ita-
tlona, or prw-trsatasant. for Induatrlee dlscharrina- to auniclpal systflna and asks
U.S. B>A to oppose any tffort to Makan theee provisions in p*ndin« aawndnents
to the IIH, since thajr will help reduce the load of heavy petals and tone sub-
stance* In uleipal sludce. He reconlae that a lane share of these substances
COM* fro* doawatlc seieure aa Mil and would euccaet an educational proa-ran to
fuide coneua»n In the selection of how product* MMcn do not contain these
eontaatlnanta. M aupport your rarnaaiimlatlona to eJnt.l.e direct health hazards
and believe the District's future action* irtll incorporate .11 of theai. We believe
the iatroved evaluation of Indirect health hazards requires your cooperation In
research and fundlnc. The Mbllocraphgr is replete irtth District research reports
u Mil aa vniTeraity of Illinole research reports.
- In teoeral. M support the rrairie Plan and urge leas rhetoric and enre research
to establish a national policjr on aluda* utilitatlon since the quantity can only
Increase and haa rno«n benefictel reeourcee uhlch »e vould like to see effectively
and safely utillied.
7 J -y
'•a Pate V in the Hat of Federal Slate I local acencl-s t Indlvldusls Hotlfed of
I IBM ff2
tl.is action, ai> Organisation aede up of a very large crouj of cltliena sno are
probably the «ost Interested concerned I affected by this project sere oaltted.
They are the FuLTCB COIHTT CITIZFVS FOP nCTTfJI nT»lTH * -CT1BO: HUTT e»o are the
reoldents, nxpayr ra tt voters of Fulton Codnty.
On Page 1-1, I call your attention to an apporsat i-irtahe-thsre are ~\
512.WO sens In Fuller. Co. ad there Tore *b,COO aci is of strlppedlard eould
not be GO* but •*.
I question the sentence "Tne Sanitary District does not anticipate any
future sj i^ i f cai.t land purchases upon fulfilling the developoent plane for the
pr> cert lai.d holdlm."." '''he Dec. 1975-ABi:i CORPS OF TGIr'tlM— OPBAII »»TI3I
D.JJL E 3TUDI TLt. C::ICAGOUUD U DTJIOW PIJul Include the Fulton County project
as one of the four sources of disposal leeded tc Inplc ont the underflow (or tunnel Plan)
for which hSD is also ssklnc the Federal overnaent to finance "1th s pries tag
of rillloiis of ooll»r«. leferencc to additional land neida In Fulton County is eede
several tines. I quote you ore of the« ft*pesdlxes-page 1-22 line 60), "-it ie
propoeedto expand the Pulton County Prograa. Presently, over 15,700 seres sre
owned by IISDOC." "If the Fultor County elte is to be expanded to s»et the total
systea disposal need for the year 2OOO, soae 2J,«00 seres eould be required for
direct application. Based on the preeent ratio of laasl uss, l.s., productive
versus gross scrsage, tale level of application would require s total coa itient
of oa,«OO scree."
In the evaluation of the Prairie Plan, the past, proeeat, ear! future of
MSDOC aaat be considered. This project directly affects sany lives of the
cltliensi a:Ki rfldecte of title coui ty, enoee property, buslneeeee, hoeMe, llvea,
end wxlstsncs In Pulton County eould depend on the eoralualona reached >y this IIS.
Of uteost Isportance to us are the pending aaagere of aa experiment of this alia.
The report statss—the eurfaee eater ea aad near Ine RSCOC Prlarle Plan
has been cuntalnsted by runoff froa the eludge flelde. "Strip sluing haa left
etteeply sloping spoil aound enlch aay increase the espselty of store runoff to
carry suspended solids Into receiving eeteri. funoff over etripalned areas and
eludge application fields la Host likely responsible for poor etrsasi quality.
The estsblished aonltorlng progresi la Incapable of revealing this respective sourese).
The insdsqusts design and sanagseent of rany runoff retention baelna is indicated
to be one of the sajor causer of surface water cortaeil nation.
The retention baslu were aeant to be conetructed to hold runoff froa
a 100 year etora. Nuaerous fcaslns eould not hold lOO-ysar etors run-off esd that
eoM could not even hold s 25-year atorn runoff. "Runoff basins that are deflellent
In capacity are partieulary ineffective In reaovlng euepended aaltaa, result Ing
In elltatloa and excess dissolved oxygen depletion In the receiving waterways aad
reeervedjre were eubetandard eater has beea docuneatsel.
-------
•Swrfaca water 1s an. axtramely is^ortant resource in Fulton Count/ because
frovadvatar eo-ieentratlone of dissolved alnerala ake th« grourdwater an unaultaHe
•ewe* for public water supply. OOl-TA/I.-lTION RFSULTl? 0 fro* Siud&s Use not yet
aaan fownd In groundwater, WT WITH rOmOU AP LI CATION THE POTEhTIAL IS THHtE.
Sine* nany of the Heavy satal co; taalnat* are found In both atrip sine
•poll and saw*fa elude*, ground water rasourcaa will be increasingly vulnerable
ta pottultlon by run off and leaching aa eludga loading rates are Inerruaed. Th*
dangers of eater yallwtion itself should be eauae enoueh to dsnand that this
•ssjtct si«a bffj *Taatly **ducad. But tbcra la aora.
Tfce CIS agreas with tha cltlBana of thla area that there la an ODOR
problem. It la diacrlbad aavaral tloes with tha sord "Earthy" An ^ntire chaptar
should ba Inclwded in tha final atata ant on Ule problem. Input and Inttrvivva
froa- tha local raaldanta ahould b* taeludad. I'a aura you will f«t descriptions
•ad vorda that dcacrlba the problac auch aora accurately, and • better understanding
of tha auffarln*; eayaad by tha odor problaai.
Tha EH draft aaya *Th* odor iapact ar*a 14 contained -Ithln a circle
with a radlaa of four to five allea, Incljdiic the coMiunitltea of St. David.
D^yaat, Cuba and tha outaklrta of aouthvaat Canton .Dunfarnllne, Flatt and •«» Ka Tuk
•Ilia, ahould ba Included In thla. ^ha report adnita tha odor problaa could b«
hasardooa to hiwaaa and aageaat «haaicala ba aaed to euppr^s* *vaporatlon or
•aak aialodoraata ba ua*d, atheach taeae hav* baan triad and have not prored to ba
affactive or feaalbla in any way, ta eltlcana feal adding norc ehenicala to tht
problaej could poaalbly add to th* danger•, and we faal the only raaaonabla eolation
to taa problaa la raduea and allaata tha aourea.
Heat of tha odor la attributed to tha lagoora, where USD etorea • Billion
cable yard* af wet aludga. Aaroaolluitian froa aludga apraylng la a aajor aouce
of odor and also affar tha greatest potentloal for direct transfer of hazardous
ceatponanta to huaaaa or anlnala. "Inhalation of aludg* aaroaola poaalbly
contalainf pathoganw or toxio ambitancea praaanta an opportunity for protwacted
and repetitive evpoaurf. "Aaaaaalng tha rlaka aaaelated with the Inhalation
of alrborna partlclea la aztraawly difficult, becaaae tha abaanea of data concerning
the nature aa4 eoncantration of pathogen* in tha aludge, tha virulence of these
•ataofana aftar downwind transport and the nvabar of inkalad orcanlaaia required
Mr hwmaa and aalaal Infection." treataent plants also contain a aida range of
•ataoeeas ln«l«alng sceia virama that arw not totattly deatroyad by treatment and
holdlAg IM atorage basins according to tha report.
Tb» IsailUTi area h*a already had one unaxplalnad death, which doctors
•ay slant a«va bssn eaaaed by inhaltlon of soaw unknown vims. Mus% there be aora
bafora ww are protected froa this axparlaant.
Perhaps a Chapter should be added to t)i)« project or the Ecoiomle 1 pact
the Fulton County project haa had or Individual aiid businesses both large and ar.all
ttirouci- tht rcBuurci>H L*"'rated by nuneroua cor tracts, hleUbacka alleeed bribes
and private co tributioia. I-cludfd in thla ahould be eoplea of the recent
Indlctnenta handed down by th* V S attorneys office. Perhaps In this, the rsal
reason (otticr tnan the disposal of alud^«) will be found and why th«a project la
beint allowed to coi.intue In spite ±: the fjajlurs of the Pro»l«e of tha Prairie Plan.
^^, -sUS^. ^
Since str'puine lar^^iiow li^storieally supported pasture type cattle operation
in the past, without tl.e Hazard* s -d Dangera of Sludte,«nd sine* t.ila project
ea.not be used indll* tly and safely for the row-crop reclamation that was
pro ised. Sines Fulton Co. certainly dote rot need aore large scale recreational
type projects we cannot afford. *, d taking 1 to eor.sirferatlon all the Buffering,
both physical ai.d Menftal anf finn e i al an| experioieut tbia alee Ic ca
-------
To b* a ml* »or« jxeraonn), why do «jr parent* mtio «» in thai* *)ghtl*
tat k«r* lint and worked on th«lr fam owr 55 year* have to fe.l th*
al*eo fortlts *f feet* at thl* ***• * dl*po«al project. tt hurts in d*«ply to
gr«*t the*. la tk* »*rnlEH and haw than toll *• they couldn't «l«»p th* night
before baeaii*. ih« _a»«ojil« froai tat iluUfc. »«« «o strong it. burn. d thai* ML«*.
«•«_ taro.ta.
H • B ha* taken ad*ant«£* of gar Coanty Off lc«H, traailad ov.r our
nl« «nd regulation*, m now trying th* MM khlng with the st.t. r. p. A.
•mi «11 the wtll* th*y ara aaUnf th* Fader .1 Oov.rnpwnt to p« Ih. bill on thli
Ittt 1211
Cgnent* for I I S ktarinf — chleBgo *ug. 17, 1B76, Helba »lpp.r fcr ICotil'd)
COUISTf CITIZEKS FOR BtTTfS REALM »
M H • n e«t» tH«M
tkat o«r tax ioll.r* «r» k*inf
boU ykjalcallf aa4
tk* vala. of our prop«rtj.
Qrant» it »111 b. • dani *haaw to tbtak
to atipport a proj.ct .tieh »(t»«»*t»i IM
o«r rlrtt to tnjoj our hn... «n« d.cr.a««
*t th« Julj ;«, tOTe CIS H«wll>( •*!« 1> Ontoa, Illlnol. a itioetiMlo*
va» held about « fvtltioil aipicd IB FoltOB Bounty Bbont aluaff* project*. f« weala
like to «ut»tt the rollo.lng InrorMttOB about th* PET 11 Ion FOB BrmUKDOH.
In Marea of 1974 a petition ••• fil«4 «ltfc tB* ^oontj Cl*rk In th. Countr
«f Fultm a p.tltlon >hlek r».a« aa fello... (3t^,..A.t)
*hlm patltlon *aa «igB«4 bj 7oll reeiatarod vot«ra whicb ia ovar f ooo-fovjrtll
tb* r*8iat«rd vot*r« ma required bjr la* for » public policy ouaatloii. fhla
r*f*r*ndo> *aa placed oa ta* ballot for th* Heir. ?i *l*etiiaa< la aaffaat 6f 19?(
tB*r* be(*a a svrie* of legal action* afalnct thla petition, befinnlnf vltk ta*
Ccwpl^lot for Daclartor* Jud£ea*nt bj tha MetropolttaD Sinltar? Diatrlct of
Oreatar Mlleacs. 1i« caa* 10 «o.74-!'»-1» til** In tk* County of rmtaa a*k*« tkla
b* brought befor* tb* court 1 mowd froa th* ballot.. Ill l«al aetloM* th. patltlon
*ja on fll* in th* FultoB Count; Courthou**. ^b« legal actloB* an4*d vitb USA
achieving their foal. f%* R«fer«iHlim *a» rraovvd fro* the ballot th* nigfet befor*
to* election.
j»*
f» call ?=ur attentioB^t° th* "edneodai, Aug. 11, 1970 edition of tha
Canton Ball? ittgmr, the »tlltor«l page «t»i tb« Mlltoral wrltt.o ty th* f*t*r*
fteit*ral Kanafler Mr. Thonaa Wood. In it he euaavrlxva the f I 3 and expree*** nla
concern* for (He citizens of Fulton Count; and hopea tba Federal Oov«r]kB«nt will
fore* the necessa?? change* in the project to reduc* potential h*K*rda,
*Ct« ^*-V
I %»«teHr. Vooda4*?H£N PFKHAPS the HSD could devote a little aor* tl«a
to doing what It oald it would do when It cue into Fulton Count/ and f*ll far
abort of; levallng and reclaiatng strip ained land by Bfpl?c*tSoB of aladfe.*"«nouote,
•B aak that Ihla editoral be aad* part «f th* flaal E I s State»*nt.
/fh* MS Draft KtaUi " The -'.ailtarJ Dl.trlct do*i not anticlpat* aoj
im *
futur* aignlClcant land purehMMB upon fulfilling tbe developsant plan* for ta*
freaent lan« hoUint«.« ' I, qfteBtlon thlt •t«tr««nt. Tk* d*c. 1979-A1MT COS PS or
E»aiKEERS"UgBAll 'JATER DA.-UOE STOUT —gtt CBICAOOLAKP UUCBirUlt M^g Include tb*
PultoB County praject aa oe* of tbe four aourcea of diapoaal needed to iapl*n*at
tba uodtrflov Cor ttmn*l Plan) for wmich HS& ia alao aaking tha Fedaral Gov*rn>*Bt
to Ilnacn. wltb a price tag of Billion* of Dollar*. Inference to additional aaa*
need* IB Fulton County ia •*!* *av*ral tlB*a. I quot* you on* of tkeai {*pf*a4ix*v
I»t* E-Z2 11«* 6O), '-It 1* propo«*d te axpaad t»* fultoa Co«Bt» frofrai. Pr*a*ntlj
ow#r 1S,70D acrea are owned by KSDOC,* NIf th« Pulton Couwty alt* 1* to b*
•tpaaded to ***t tha total »y«t*a di*po«al r»*d ;or th* ?*ar 2000, aoa* 22,«OO aer**
*omM b* rwouired. for direct application. Eased on th* pre**nt r*tta of land IM*
I.e., productive v*r«uB gro«« acreage, thi* level of appllcatloa would reoyira a
total goaaiitaaBt at «BttOO ael»a." _^—
-------
la tk* evaluation af tk* Freirle Flaa, tke paat, preaeat, aad future of
HUHIC Beat a* considered. Tkla project directly affacta many live, of tha cltlaaaa
Bad resident* of tkla cowaty, akoa* property, bu*lnesses, hoe* a, llvaa, aad
exlataace la Faltoa County could depend on tke concluelona reached by tkl* IIS.
af Dtaoat Importance to aa ara the pending danger! of aa experlaent of thla site.
Tka report stste*—ta* our face aatar oa and near the HSDOC Prairie Plaa
haa been eoatsalnatsd fcy runoff froa tk* aladg* field*. "Strip alnlng kaa left
dteeply aloplBg apell aoaada which aay laeraada the capacity of atora runoff to
carry saapended aollda Into receiving watera. wuneff over atrlpalned areaa and
•ladga applleatloa flelda la Boat likely naponalbl* for poor atraaa quality.
Ta* •atakllaked aonltorlng prosraa la Incapable of revealing thla reapectlv* aourcea.
Tka lasaweuat* dealga and aanagaaat of aany runoff retention basins la Indicated
ta W aae of tke aajor causes of aurfac* eater contsalnstlon.
Tk* retention baalna were aeaat to be conatructed to hold runoff froa
a ICO year atora. luaeroua baalna could not kold 100-year atora run-off and that
BOB* could aot even kold a 23-year atora runoff, la recent aa July 2t, 1«7e, 'he
Cai.tea Dally Ledger reported a braak la a elltatloD baaln OB Field «7. Th* break
had kaea caused by heavy rain. It had; been iaveatlgajted by Fulton County Health
Dapt. aad tka 111. Environmental Protection ageae;.
•Surface aatar la an eltreaely laportant rescares In Fulton County because
growadwater eonceatratlona of dlaaelv*d alnarala Bake th* groundwatar an unsuitable
aourc* for pablle water supply. SnrtU.nVTKI* HtSOXTWO froa Sludge has not yet
keaa foaad la groandwatar, m nit PvaTKfl APFlICATIOIl THI POTEvTI.L IS THERE.
Sine* aaay of tka Hoary aetal contaalnatlona are found In botk strip alas apoll
aad seasga eludf, growad water reaowrcaa will be Increaalngly vulnerable to
palutlsarby ran off aad le.cht.g aa aludga loading ratae ara Increaaed. The dejigere
of water pollitlou Itself aaould a* eno.gh to daaaad tkat tkla project else be
greatly rodaced. Eat tkare la Bora.
Tka fit atrea* wltk tk* cltla
prohlea. It 1* dlecrlbed several tlaea wltk tka word "lartky" Aa Entire chapter
ahouad ka Included la tk* final atateaent oa tklw prwklaa. Input and Intarvlewe
froa tka Iwaal r**ld*nt* akould bo Included. I'M aura you will gat description*
aad word* tkat daaerlba th* problaa Buck aor* aecnratsly, and a beater und.rctanding
af tk* suffering caused by tke odor problea.
Tka IIS eaye "The odor lapact area la contained within a circle with s
radlue af fear ta five wiles, me lad lag the coaamnltlta of St. David, Bryant, Cuba,
aad outaklrta af aoathweet Canton. Daaferallne, Flatl and Wee Ha Tuk Illla, should
b* laeleded la thla. Tke report adalto th. odor arable* eoald bo kaxardoua tc
»„,», aa* a-tr*at cksalcals^b* ueed to wippreaa evaporation or aaak aalodroanta
k* aaad. altkoagk tkeeTkav. been triad and kava aot provad to ba affective /or
feaalkl* la aay way. *a (ItlMaa feel addlag Bare ekealcala to th. problea could
. ^ftt.... •••-•^(it.V.'.'V-V. V-'-«'"- *V' ^'V
>7^.V..«/^ UJ '' **•** V-^--' ' f rr>t'l -^
tlaaad of tkl* ara* tkat th«r« 1* an ODOR ' • j
m*m with tha anrd "EarthT" An ^ntlr* chactar ' - . ,..'ZV .
poeslbly add to the c-n
-------
tttK
OaCMIO CRY COUCOC
aO£-I_,H2GrH3
*IC*»tt, ILIIMOIC OOfta*
IT *«u»t 1976 mfmM ,.,„
T
U. S. Bwlroraawital Pro tuition Afemsy
Melon V
?}0 South Dwrtorrf Street
Chicago. Illinois 6060*
DMT Sirs,
Dfal you tarn orange J*lc« for breakfast?
Old i«i «x)0)f it* Jlworf
CMnm «r» your orange Juioe CM* froai FlnrMB oranges,
Bit flavor of the Juice was fro» the Mnml content ]n the s**l. these
•Inertia h»lp»d wake th* trapses that pen full growth and perfornance to
th* onng* tree, and the flavor to Its fruit.
This mineral content of the nil Is brought to you thru the courtesy of
th» JfctropiAitan Sanitary DlatrSct of trtAter Chicago.
Did jou have a steak lately?
•a* It earn MT
Old you Mm •wins an your to«st this nornlng?
Mra tht frineh fries you had with your hwagUTBtr fried in com oil?
Th* Nttropolitan Sanitary District of (tenter Chicago has probably touched
the nutritional lift of *t least half of tht U. S. population.
Surprised Chat a unitary district Is directly related Co your lutrltloiml
hs«lth, tt» nutritional ftaaltn of ths nation?
Back In Hit pre-lndustrlal days of our ration, it Has natural for agrteul-
tun to pit back on the land *»t It took fna the lanl. Afttr ill, this
Is tt» MQF it norttt In naturs from tat Beginning of tint, IMS it tht way
iBlntsJntd thetr soil fartlllty and could produce better crops each
tht fanBr still, sells his products to tht people «ho new live in
oonMntratod cities. Thru tht tnmntlwness of Industry, «dth the
aid of aclvitlflc KmiledBt and a lot of cooperation with nature, •antclnd
MM bean able to dereUve a xeter seperatlon process that is faster, safer,
Ml BDre efflclsnt than ertr knotei to this world before. Mineral Health
Is rtooti'td and can no* be returned to the soil from vhere It originated.
Tht cycle Is eeaylete. _
MliMrals Art iHwsi" lost or destroyed*
They only ohmet ferns as tney pass thru the cycle of nature.
These are the facts of nature I help my collees students to urexrstand.
Everything MJST go soraei^ierc.
nothing Is disposable.
flat out where the object flta In the natural cpele, and you will know where
to secure Its supply are! wren it goes Mhen you IT* finlsntd with It.
1'w* taken |ty students to t « Sanitary District's operation In Stlckney
for the last 5 years and to Rilton County for the last 1 jears. They n-ti-'m
with greater kntwlelge of the wisdom ami understanding of the pps«t for-
tlfjit and Invantlveness of man. they understand where the work of the
Sanitary District Tits In the total picture of n%tur». Ttiey r»ave hop*,
great hope, that there will be snmethlj* of value left In the environment
for their cheldnen to see, to eat from, to run thru, to fish from, to visit
again and again.
To ask what the tofuct of "sludge" Is on strlp-wlned rocky land airfaces,
%3k like asking the question of what liqaet cow mnur* will have on own—
marl water-gullied lard.
However, both of these studies have been approached.
Both studies continue to M Investigated.
Aa long as we have a contlmiing incraaae In th* hunen world population, theae
studies, snrl others that show us a better way to cooperate with nature, as
well as to Increase our food yields and nutritional content, fust Be
pursued for our own sate u «*11 as for the generations that are to follow.
Any other apFroach would be to deny hope or continuity for the future
^mentions.
A staple exarrple:
How would I explain to »y students that an Important project , In operation
for 6 years, which lnclide-1 the application of Uojuld ore»nlc fertilizer
directly to leveled-and-graded strip-mined spoil produced a fertile site
for plant 0x>*tn and nl0> nutritional yields, wu aiseantLnued tote»y»e:
there was a distinctive odor to the lltjjid ortpnlc fert!ll;-*r?
Gr1, there nd^it be souw soil mineral run-off Into a local stream In the ease
of a heavy cloud burst?
Or, the effects of a second application of liquid or^nlc fertilizer are
not oertain?
Op, that there be any oUter question to be asked, but the project wms not
allowed to pursue the question or to seek the answer.
the Sanitary District Is an isportant link the the biggest business of this
nation, the agrlsultural business. How It handles wter and what It recovers
Is one of Industry's greatest •efiievwajnts to nan's inventiveness. To cjll
id product anythlr^ other thin the important organic fertilizer It Is, Is
to misread Its contents anJ all the effort put into Us reclamation.
"Sludge" Js an ouant>led and Inaccurate word . It only attempts to describe
its appearance.
It does In no way convey to me Its contents or its value.
-------
£1 reading ewr tM* E.I.S. Draft, i*y I offer an editor!*! «ugBMtlon
Mtti fl*M •«» BHninc to tM way I ntw this MM.
tetMtl of "31ud»» diapo**! and Land ftetaBtlan In Matin County, niliRj«",
I uouU mtff*t that It batter a*t* th* Kind to the lumtUame of this drift
If It Ml* to fMd! "Liquid Cx-ffnlc MrtUlMT *n>lle«tlcn on Future and
Dead «B*o&ti*tt Lard in Mton. County , Illlnoli."
V tm Bora otaarntlon* 1 irtah to sail to your attention at thla
tiaa — on* 1* • restriction, on* la an oalulni.
9m »l*jp*t reatrlotlon I can *** In thla entire draft It that the only
location to U oonaldarad that darlm the bamflta of thl* project 1*
Milton County, nilnol*.
* irojeot of thl* nvnltud* ml lieportanoa nil! awely hm aura than a
nutritional lapact felt ttmout th* ^rlcultureJ wnrli.
M to ttn oalulcn, tMn 1* another «*iol» nr» dlaiAlcn of thl* project
th»t tm» MIT bMn troparly
IB th» otrr»et i»«iirtlgM »ir«lv mt~W thf ftoMt «iftll««M.nt of «rlcul- j
Ihls proj«
J»ct emittflw* thl iMRlflBtlan of UB but to help solw thl
th»t em aehim thl* B«l for the benefit of all of us,
Mi for HI of our children,
Ml ft* all of our children's eMMran.
•nd for all of our children•» chlldpwi'i children
I 111
DEPABTMENT or CONSCRV«TION
TO: Terry Hornbttcker /
fHOM: Anthony T, D*an , .A^'^
DATE: Au.iu-n 5, 19/6
SU&JCCT: KCVIBT OF THE BWtfT K.I.S. F&fc SLUDGE DISPOSAL ASD UJND
RFCLAMATTON «1f THI METROPOtTTAM SAMITAIty OlSfRICt OF
GREATER CMICACO tH FDLTOS COt'WTY (DKIS f?
The draft EIS did a good Job of outlining ihe cnvironHMBtal £**ue* of the
Hccroprlltan Sanitary District of Greater Chicago's land r*cl***tios «n^
• ludu* pros"** is Fulton County. «o%iever, th* Tollowing enwlrcrw.wst»l
i*r^up« need More attention or a detailed investigation as to Eh«lr iaiwct
oa the fish and vildltfe r«sn«rre*i of the region:
1- 4pdet*ited atudy !•, needed to identify the source* of heavy
•etals *nd thelt fate in the vnrlous food chairs, Flah
flesh nhould also 1>e analyzed for various conta*inant«. Bit
Creek should b« th* target of thli study.
2,
Ur>d recUaation, Cdratnat*. leveling and sludje applicAtlon)
•hotfld bV evjtluatcd ant to ita at feet on the giant Canaja
too«» populati>m of tlU ProjWt 'Jgy. Hat^ acre, ot Mri^ \
tjt>e n^hitat have been lo«e Ipr the land reclamaclon art,lvltlr» I
of MSDCC, Habitat dflvefsity lost through rrelsMticm artlvlciesl
wa» not adequately Covered In th^ draft EIS atatet*»enL. J
3. Effects of
afB||fmg.loa on wild bird- and
specie* needs •ore investigation yinre it Is seated in tit*
draft EIS that available research data Indicates a potent t«l
hazard exists.
&• of Aufuit, 19?>, the IGSDCC mmvA. 15,528 acvei of strip (tine landli 1«
central Fulton County. These lands currently contain • Magnitude and di-
»tral*:y pf surface water resource* con»lstirt|t of lakes, ponds, maraheM and
»trea»s. The faMt LTfi ''Vt^ not call attention to the loss of valuable
''
resourcea__tltroua!.i the
T"
-------
Terry liornbackri - 2 -
these losses and their Implicit Ions should be fully .;isru<;s,>it in ihj fin.il
We also note the dr.ift KIS indicates Mure ar:. rbrf? Fnd.ingereJ plant species
which probably oxi'it in the project ar,..i. Ue U-,1 this 1 nforirit ion sho.ild
be verified, and, IT thpsp plants do occur, the final F.IS should .llscuss
alternatives for preservation or mltlf.nt iun i>f these specic-s.
ATD:meh
ITW 123
Hirl.,.t-l H H"c.-1,(n((. fjir*>ftu
iimyiJiFT'nc ULU> ? •! rnrt--E il
(2?00 ClHjnl',11 RIH.I. %.niyiel'.l III" MS W/()(, /,
217/782-33*2
September 28, 1976
Mr. Kent Fuller, Acting Chief
Planning Branch
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
230 South Dearborn Street
Chicago, Illinois 60604
Dear Mr. Fuller:
Attached are this Agency's detailed coMKnti on the draft Envlronmentnl
Impact Statement on the KSDCC Fulton County project.
Our criticism* and suggestions regarding the water quality analyses
are quite detailed. It is not our Intent to criticize for the sake of
criticizing. We hope to help In producing a final document which will
analyze as fully as possible the impacts this Important, controversial
project which has be«n In operation for five years. Inat the project
has been in operation so lonf^_2lkAL_££lJLjU£jffl^fl!i&* Ihe need in thil
ELS ii broader than the usual cage of merely analyzing potential Impacts
of and possible alternatives to a proposed Federal action, ftftis EIS is
also an opportunity to analyze Is^acts which have already happened and,
where those Impacts are not easily defined, propose better methods to
measure the Impscts.
In the written comments, we offer this Agency's aaslstsnce to the
USEPA'S consultant In refining the analyses of surface and ground water
impacts. To arrange sueh assistance, contact Daniel J, Goodwin, Manager
of the Planning and Standards Section, Division of Water Pollution Control,
(phone 762-3362).
Cordially,
DJC/DtC/mkp
H. P. Mauty
Men*(er of Environmental Programs)
Al fNUICCIKW M.I
• CCEIVt n
^T ] 1976
rLAMMftG UKANtH
-------
Illinois iiw'rofPWnlal Protection Agency
Comtntf on MSOGC fultoo County
•raft Environmental Iwpact Statement, June 197*
Context of tfca IIS
There It virtually no dlicutflon of the proposed USEPA action.
TN* Foreword, p. Ix, mentions thai NSPCC it "a grant applicant
for tMs *lt»d9* application/ land radwMtlon program." Ho further
Information li flvtn about the extent of possible USIPA funding
for the project. This lack of Information se*** to preclude satis-
faction of th* requirement! of the USCM's own |15 regulations of
April 14, 137$. lT**fe reflation! (federal BegUtcr, Vol. *Q,
No, ?2, Section b.|04) require, among other things, theie two
Items:
I. MekBreand and description of the proposed action.
<*.»*<*)).
2. Alternatives to the proposed action (6.30 Mb}).
UNIte th* draft CIS dee* contain some detail* about the background
and description of the project and about alternatives to the project.
Information about the project !» aot the tame a* Information about
the propo*«d federal action In eelallon to Iht project.
ffcl* paucity of Information about USEM Involvement in the project
resyltt in a document without a context, or perspective. We hope
the final EIS will rectify this deficiency.
Surface Water Quality
the analysis of the impact of the project on stream* Is superficial.
The analyst* cites some of the voluminous NSP data contained in MSB's
monthly "Fulton County Environmental Protection Syslear* reports.
Th« CIS attempts to summariie the MOtt relevant data in the reports
for the last four years. SOME of these data and some of the conclusions
ttated are useful, feyt two important Items of available inforssation
were Ignored. witHoMt including these lte**s, the analysis coyld a for the two n-stJor point spu* c«i
(Canton and Cuba Sew.iq^ Treatment Plants), and fii.illy. |wr> USES
s. I ream qagin^ st.it*o^*> nn 819 treefe, A winre (horough anat^itis fNan
thnit cmitjinr"1 i" t*-«* i|r»>fi fIS is possiole. Aid Considering tr«>
a r oun«
Stich ;
advise
i thp
• and
war hi i
lys i s s
a^^ist
n t c i f
i.. J.1
-. lr
-------
Operation of detention Inlm
The operation o' retention basin* should be nor* thoroughly enplalned.
This would contribute to the surface Mater quality analysis discussed
The retention basins collect runoff fro» application field* and dls-
charee the collected water through gales during per I oil usually between
* few hours to i to ) days. Sonet lues, however, the gates ire left
Oftntlt for long*'' periods. For «««pl«, the MO -onchly reperl for
Hart*, 1)74. show that of the Ik basins opened during the iwnth,
three Mara left open** JO, l> days each and & others mere left opened
between l| end It day*.
One •)•( Mon«»r «hy these f*t*i were left opened >o long. It can
hardly be because the hydraulic capacity of any fate Is sa United
m to n*ed 30 days to eesjty Its basin. It oust be presuwd thet the
reeson M« th*t It >ns Merely Incanovnlent for the optretors to close
Ik* !•'*» seen**. In (his cese, letvIng the jetn opined for 3D d*ys
epperently resulted In runoff fro* the 1.5" of rtlnfell reported in the
••ether tnfor>«tlo« for ttm 17th wd 28th of the mntti ruruilna rlej»t
ites ulth no retention.
It Is *l!B noteble IhM no pueplnf »>ek of retention bet In niter to
eppllcatlon fields Is reported or even nentloned In the Monthly reports.
Condition HI of the Berth ?, IJ?», operetlne. pen.lt (reproduced In
Appendix A of the (It) required records to be kept of punplng beck.
The lock of puep-beck d*t> In the reports supports the conclusion *treedy
retched by ItM free) Its context »ith the project ""•*
IOP6C Is IKM ope rat I n» at Fulton County otthout an Iff* peralt. Ike
Ncrdi 7. 157* penult has expired end ItM has not yet Issued * ne»
permit. The UP* has declined to Isiut a MM permit becws* of the
•if***!)! ^%fi.TfMf^ generated by the project. Upon the resolution
of current IItleatIon, a MM per.lt •III be considered, *» that tl«.
a MM evaluation of pemlt tondHloni -III be Hde. ' issulnf a pemlt
with any less strlnoent peralt conditions Mill, of course, depend on
proof that such operation *lll not pollute the streets domstraa* of
the project. Thus, a thoronoh enaeilnatlon of current operation and
current surface Mater liapact Is essential to the UFA. The UP* offers
In eld to the f IS extractor In a ra-evelintlon of operating practices.
Providing the deems t rat I on of non-pollution of stream, as discussed
i, li -»ee, future penal ts could b* revised as follEMSi
Rwoff collection basins Mould haw no affluent standards If
tributary fields received sludge -only at «aro»nailc rates.
Individually calculated tor
These rates Mill have to be
emh crop but Mill probably be
lv^ dry tens
used Ert the
March, l*7«. paralt.
There are two errors In the EIS regarding runoff collection basins tm
want to rectify here:
I. The IE** used a runoff coefficient of .77 IA setting up design
criteria for batln capacity, not the lOOt used In the EIS.
Thus, the basin Inadequacies ihovn In Table vn-ll arc not
correct by ICFA criteria.
ih. ii..t-
In
basin CJMC|>IT« h.« been reduced br ovtrlona
jnd/or by siltation.
The cownent (page VI1-5!) about Inappropriattness of
"averaging effluent quality as required by State standards"
Is not correct. While 2%-hour composite saneles are re-
quired of sewage treatment nlant*. linala nrafa saegles are
»*».»nf^fc.^ fnr ih»** lffge retention basins, whose concen-
trations of (00, S$ and fecal colifor* would not fluctuate
•uch. Thus, thi MSB reported values are single grab samples
and considered representative. A JOI>| nf 71 ma/\ it a fross
"iT'fl1"*1 °f 'frf "'f|fni «t««s.rds l»ms«d bv the March
permit.
firounowater
The Fulton County Sludge project Is very inportant not only to the
local r«ld«nts, tot (o ewryone Involved «•!«« sludge aispOfal. *
thorough, conscientious analysis of the impact of the project on
groundwater is needed.
The draft (IS dors not satisfy that need. The ICPA identifies the
following deficiencies In groundwater data and analysis:
way groundwater
rface
ndicatai in a crude
is neeifed t
I. The map. Figure IV-9,
flov directions. *a
mta. Figure IV-) does not alldM conclusions about eventual
•Tgrat Ion of pollutants Into groundwater sinks.
1. It is especially Interesting that soec arrows of groundwater
flow In figure !»-«,, especially In Ihi southeastern part of the
project, e«it the project area, but Un i i
*tiatn r^'rh fimll llewili «rrir-*-""
-------
- 5 -
}. Peg« VI-70 recommends the use of tracers to help identify
sources of contaminant!. This Agency's experience with
tracer studies Indicate) such studies ere generally un-
reliable because their success depends on properties of
aquifers not determined in most subsurface Investigations.
«. On the cru lal matter of groundwater flows and gradients.
pet* VII-70 refers to the "absence of complete grounduater
flow data . . .". We can only say that if the data is not
complete, It should h« "ada co»c.late. The same page also
States "Groundwiter quality monitoring and analysis should
be continued to detect possible contaminants from the
project." We suggest that a Mere continuation of what has
>een done wl11 not relieve present uncertainties.
'.. Table VI I-II (page VII-65) summarizes groundwater effects
by presenting ranges of values for each con-.tiluent for
all wells. It would be more meaningful to indicate trends
for Individual wells.
t. The statement that "variations in their concentrations are
Influenced primarily by the geochemical characteristics of
abandoned strip mines. . ." (page VII-68) is a tenuous
conclusion If based on Table VII-I3-
The draft CIS suggests en Independent agency be brought tn to to study
existing data and formulate an improved research and monitoring program
(pages 1-29 to 31). The IEPA feels that such a study of the existing
froundwater data with the purpose of recommending improvements in the
monitoring program is needed, whether or not an Independent agency Is
necessary can be determined by an initial study by the EIS consultant
(If Such
rwith the assistance of groundwater specialists of this
Kir Pollution
The odor potential of the project Is dependent upon several variables,
Including sludge quality, quantity and operating methods. Because
of curret.t unresolved litigation, it Is difficult to see what changes
there will be in those parameters.
The outcome is *t this date unpredictable. We hope the 1*9*1 compllca-
lions will be resolved within the next few months for the sake of all
parties, including local residents, IEPA and HSOGC. It is especially
important to HSDGC Co have the legal uncertainties of their Fulton
County project eliminated so they can proceed with sludge processing/
disposal planning on a more firm basis.
Considering the situation described above, the IEPA «i11 withhold
recommendations regarding the odor problem until the need for addi-
tional ItPA action is butter defined.
2.
HI see I laneous
Page 1-13. bottom, states that increased fprtillty of (he former
strip-mined la**d will "possibly make row-crop production economically
feasible." The pr««n.t« of large rocfts In |he plow layer, however,
nay make it difficult for the average farmer to prepare and
cult!vate these f!elds. MSO has been using spec!•!, expensi we,
equipment to overcome this problem.
MSP has stopped (as of approximately March, 1976) barging super-
natant back to the «W plant. MSD has just (as of August, 1976)
begun apnlvino tup*rn*t*«i- i» I*»H Ky -^ •-^affl-fig It thrnuoh
gated pipes. TT.* us *hn..iA x;tf.^< »hi«. m+th^A fOr which MSD
has hopes of eventually using for sludge as well as supernatant.
reduce odor omnmr»t irn from
IhU ^Ihod. if
-------
OTILIZATIOK OF SEMOE SWOSK OH LtND
! Ill
Aral Part**
November IB, 1W*
«rv
Th* following *r« laeroveaenlt tn the It** »i«he» to »t* In the
final Fulton County IIS:
I. fxptiia MM context of th* IIS. M dUcusod aba**.
I. wo * "or. thorough *n«lyili of the mrftce w*tir nullity
l***ct of the erojaet, tnlitg I) IE»A •'fluent »n* itrev»
1*1*1 In* 4*1* M «*!! « USB 4*1*. and 1) utlnf tb« (inn
of retention caclit slidtaff* *t * variable, ** tfiteustcrf
*arll«r, | EM I> »!llln| to p«rl I clp»t« In oolnf |hi<
3. Ev*tu*t* tH«
ItM
of Ih* 9roun4M*t*f «enltorfng prograo.
c*n **tlit In Ihli ccll*ncm»"
Our eeuBtry IB faced with m probl** of what to do with all th*
•••t* ••tcriala we h>v* ere*tw>. OB* of th* profclw* t* what to
da with nil of tbt •tw.'uj* *act*« our l*rg» citici JLT« crMting ««ch
yiron»ental Protection If me* hive
curtallwi or clonly regulated i*ch or tb* p**t awtbod* of di*-
poelng of B*waj;* waatee. Agenclea throughout the D nit ad St=te* are
looking to toil* a* a amjor way of diapaaal of aewage *4adge.
Mllvaukee aad Chicago Nave been selling activated ««*ag« sludge
•lace tbt *arly fortl«». Sludge can bo a uaefol aourc« of nltroien
and pfaoaphat*.
A county la e*ntral nilnol* learred supposedly of the value of
•ladg* and tk* problma Chicago *a* having with dlapoaal. Chicago
ha* aor* *lodfe than they have outlets for lispoaal, No*t larre
citie* tiroughont the D.S. seen to have thr fume pro bleu, l»rr<-
quintitlas of gludge and no real good M*OB of disposal. Since
ralton County in central Illinois has forty thousand acree of uisuaabbl*
land due ttt atrip adnir.g of CD ml; It seeamd to county official* as
a good place for Chicago to dispoae of their sludre. County offi-
cials hoped that Chicago would level land which coal Mining coapanle*
were allowed to leave in a state 0f die^Btsr, H*anln§ the laQ't
tbnt na> stripped w«* MMe of the b«at far* l«nj in ta* United
States, six and **ven percent organic Batter content in th* soil •-»
quite coBMOn* After strip •lnln*:i the land pas allowed to ren^ln
In In go hilt* aad irulleys with the top eoll covered with hundred?
of feet of rock and clay. Sine* 19?t Chicago has iieenBrirglng their
alBdr'* by truck and tsarifre to Pult0n County, Is f*ct ( Tts* Greater
-------
•tUllatisn *>f Sm«* «!»««* on Land . Page 2
fmloaf-i "stropolltaei Sanitary District Prairi* nan, a* it ia
csllso:, U *md*r tk* watchfml ey* of large cltlss throughout th*
••it**! States. Sine* tb* B.S. already contains ts» Billion Mr**
•f similarly rmim.** land. **wag* sludgs appear* at first glance a
C*»d ••f to r»*tor* •e*rr*d land.2
•aforttm.mtslf, r**4d*B.ts of Fulton County *«r* not Informed of
tk* pommlhls •»* proven buarria of sludge. Soil *ei*ntists through-
Mt ti* ffmlt*d Ststss anil B*rop* van of th. problems of sludge as
* source of Mtrlsnts to plant., Sludgs can be s useful Mure* or
mltiwej** aa Official* working for
MMromilitaB Aanitarr District claim th« moil n*a an absorption
Mmaeitr for trme* dsmaits and that traea *l*m*nt* art naavailabla
U mlaat* at • kifk •! 1«T«1. tti* gsnsralltatlon 1* simply not
•Mml*t*l* trm*. Jft far *»a«nl* bacom** more available with
SmcrMdag "• I*'*!-5 It mkould also e* pointed out tkat soils
aanrlag apnr*elaol* asvjaata ot orgaalc matter, tne awailaeilltf of
•mmmar ia mor* cleaslr a*s*ciat*<) with organic content of tk* moil
titP mitk ml.^ fclla are kavra to ha»e a* abaorftion capacity for
a**t trae* •!**>**taj kow*<*r, th* *xaet nature of this effect.
•atmaelall? ia cb*lat*d *r*t*m, ia not completely unrterstood.?
•••tck* <1«*«> ham nmhliak*« data from plot experlaanta indicating
*mmanc*m*at of tke 1*T*1* of aTallable copper, Chromlna, nicKel,
I*** as«9 «lae ia moils raamlting from sludge spplleatloos. Th*
l*r*l* fommd la the aalerity of *ludg** are ao high that their tit* a*
f*rtUis*r Ma* inewitably lead to eoatamlnatloo of soil with trae*
Basis'a tiyaisstlj. oae* tb* rateetire capacity of this soil for
trace elaartas from aladga haa b**« reached, •nkanctd solubility in
tk* Mil ocomr*.8 B*a*arch for long term effectn of slulg* eon-
taimiag %fg*i l*r*l* of trae* elements is very limited In the Doited
Mat**. Beamon h*ia« th* soil ka* onl» r*«*Btly teen considered
rns-s. major sit* for th* dleposal of sludge.
fitllizatloe Of Savage
Land — Fag* 5
Research in Europe *her* **«ag» aludg* application ha* b**n in
praetlc* for many y*nr* has a any results of loaf term effects of
•**age aludg*. J. B. Pstteroon of tMgland studied th* effects of
s**ag* sludge application for thirty years on market garden soils la
Somerset and concluded that there Is no doubt that the application
of seeage eludg* containing truce elew.er.ts can eortrlbute to sell
contamination. Evidence of the cont-imlnotion of the soil with
respect to copper, lead in-! zinc appears to be vi rtuslly permanent,
for tke levels of these elements *sre not substantially reduced
on leaching columns of two he-wily contaminated sludre treated soils
with a volume of distilled water equivalent to 40 a rainfall.9
Host of the research done in th* United States has beta done
under controlled greenhouse condition* where researchers have trle.i
to obtain loud-term effecte by increasing the speed of reactlo: s
that naturally occur over m period of years. Research result*
printed in tke '9V5 Journal of Environmental Quality by Bradford,
Page, Land and Olmetead all soil scientists from th* University of
California indicate toxlcity problem* mvalvad with sewage sludge
trae* element contamination. The data discussed ehoeed that th*
extracts from the source* of sludge used in th* greenhouse experi-
ment all contained at least one and sore often several elements
available at toxic concentrations to bean, barley and to*ato plants.'
Research dose by Pennsylvania State University Indicates that
••wage (lodge should not be u**d a* s fertilizer until an effective
monitoring *y*t*m keeps track of heavy settle added to soils and
takes up by plants. Dr. Dale B. Baker and associates showed plots
sf earn and grain sorgknm fertilised with sewage sludge as part of
a rec*st P*nn State field day (fall of I97O. "he fsrtilizsr value
ef sewage dude* was demonstrated. stodg* samples sere analysed
•very two weeke sine* April 1 for elements and potentially toxic
heavy metals. Tk* results show th* need for accurate systems of
monitoring eewage sludge as s fertilizer. Composition of aludg*
varies greatly slth time and i* generally higher in copper, zinc,
SBd cadmium than is desirable, Dr. Baker stated.. 1%e research is
•dpported in part by fair fund* from th* Pennsylvania Department of
a&ricslture. Trace* of some a**ry metal*, ar« needed In eoll for
healthy eras growth, IV. Bhtksr explained. Rice pounds per acre per
-------
Utilization of Snag* Sludge on Land - Pig*
-------
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•»n»>11«*»1«i f«r p*tefttSA «lr
and odor*.
If thli mtjMt 1* «41**»* to «on«tlmn» vitk «r
f*4*r*l todlnc, It thaald to Mr* «lo»«ly aMitoni. Thl» •bould
to *••* *r a*NMi** *«Mr MMB tto •»«ro*«llt«
•T fevttor CblM«*( •"* UM I>«e*l »»«ltb Otpa-twnt.
li
«B *ar Hr« Adt*hua:
l»f»rov«n«itt of environmental qmalitv through the use of **\«,ltt**ri«§
am and analjreifH h«» be«« »y profestioRcl coufttn ft» the past tventy
yean. I M fre»*ntly professor of civil engineering and coordinator for
e*r?trotmental health engineering at **orthw«*ttcn llBin*c»ity in E*»n*ton,
!i]fiioi>< THe Draft tnvirotmental Impact Sfate*«nE for Sludge Oi8jj£*s«!'*nd
I4HMI RtcIa»'St:ion in Fulton Count?t Illinot', CAM to •? mct*neton c*c««tly.
Th« prairie Flan, th« subject af elM 9r*ft RTS, wu }ti4s«4 to b« one «f t^«
outstanding civil «Ti{lii««ting «vbiev«Mtnea *ev*r«l yenri «§o Inr * pjiMiaajtt:
njitiontl or««nlM&ion, tka n*trican S^ciatj! ol Civil EntlM*rt. Th* rr«lri«
Flan potentially r«|>r«»snt« « *i§nif [cane advance la mat* traaCntiit. UMb
rjtiit,oxatldn of •ar|lnal land, for «£ttcultur*l ««* rt"ui*«r v«fu« from VJIUIQ vctt* *JT» i««Kirt*nt b«n*f|t*ft Sine* th« ^roj«M the Draft
EIS h€§ at touted to iiy|i^tHL*-j"Ti- t^t'tBti^^ •^t*J14^t:*nSA* ^*
^*r«lcv* atyls nic4 In the Draft EIS do«» not cngwvler cufif|4*nc* in th* IIS,
H0r« *«rlcnt«ly, the Drift EIS tttftmicaj .ggicajt,*^
ntt ] vlaft to present for year easetd«r*tion d**l* «lttt po*
I. ft «fr . 11 -» The dgJinltio* of ItLudgi lUnriti flMliiaa* 1""*
V^PI^^M^MBMHH corrp~ The ci'prV'ssionprcsented l« not even
di»*n»lnnally correct.
-------
-J. -}-
t, p. ?II * 23 *- The diecoMlon of th* odor c*»plalnt dac*
It •ItUadlns and it not a«b«ta»U*t« of detcriblns th«
•hewn probably rcfora a Kind direction aector eitittinp, situation, tut Is (rent rally rari-lc... in ir, »«««._„» of nountl.l
«« Minor 2Z.5" ,w -is". If thlf variance i« iapicrt. ^»«-«IK 01 pottnti.l
*hownr ona could m«k« a |cri,r_l..
odor co«pl«irvtt. 4ttt*~-*fr<** Che »«!»» ilirit*T inT thlt latortal nii_iur,
Btti«*> *v*c tn*a period* iMnr* ixrf tr«** -emaatiBaaV A
recent eaaa of wind born* dlaparaion of lead duet from
t let iterate pile* of a tBeltcr and the consequent
•ailllv* lead po I toning of children In tha vicinity via
th* aeil la caut* for concert*.
In **aa«erjrt I would Ilk* to urge * wen nor* careful ami nation of the
potential odor probln and tt» .11l»«tion; and of th* coaf«qu*rcei of long tejaj
-------
t §. ItM
UKWtlT MMMCH M»TltUTt
|M
». JMHI N*it*n
n*ll« Multh AtelnUtntor
r»lto« Comty ltr«ltfc
U0 iMtk Mill Stn*t
C«nt-i. IllliwU U510
Bur Mr. HtMm:
eh* «inrigumMnt»l tepae* fttaCMwnt for tfi* HSR Otie*§o
•lndt« 4Uf«*l *f*ntt*n In Pulton Ctufity «nd h*i teit««nt».
«lf«cton>
-f
iU«. «>Mi
nf
vltfc confln»«tli
coi.»tllu«nt. .. th.
with
tti« t«»fc ft cli»r»el«rtilni th« odor «i on*
illttll U tT»lc«l of . ..jMtt .».rc.. rfilcti c«« >• tX MO
i y «•»!!. loJ >ctitL« U«.tillc'«tliw ot
It «Tljli. 1» Hil'i »!«». ttiti froe«ro»»ei po.ltH
l UtVtb« «xltt«nc« vt ajor *at it* «ourc..
IT Rf MMCH iHSmill
Mr. J»»e» H««««
r»i« 2
Auguit S, !»'»
tn Ha »»«r«ui»n». «itfi«y*^ 'i« "f till infill
JL lij|t^ niMfcer of CC
f*
MSD
.
ilgnl f y* «
i»""'errbt ^gr the efitirg mgi"ln que atito;* for them mr» athmt #ex*Fcrf ..of
oiof . ' Que'voiij M VEER* r_ J o ..... ^ Ja i t i_f i .W||if . ^t^
quoted probability of 0 'I R«*ms cu E>* eansvrvatlv*.
Mr. S*rp*"" !• on vacation *o I do not have his reaction. Ke «•? «l«h to
••pllfy this »t»temcrtt, partic'ilarly with f-;»rd to iource identification.
Very truly yuur».
A. ». »:Klroy, ll^Jid
Treatment *f»4 Control FriKe*fi6;« Section
-°*t
-------
647-1134
ta*Mt
M »Mni HUB trmiT
AOfust 11, 1976
Mr, S«or§e I. Mcxandsr, Jr.
••atonal Administrator
o.i.i.»..v.
230 South tVitbom Street
Chicago. Illinois 6060*
Dear Mr. Alexander;
fti* lavironwontal Health Stuff of this ftocarewent lias reviewed the
USEPA Environmental fevact .statement f-'i- sludge Disposal a-id Land
Rsclsn)*tton in Fulton County, Illinois. Th« st«t«8enc eaoruuiccs
oany of the concerns of chs Pulton County H-olin Uepsrt.«*nt in 1971.
(refer to t-'ird of Hiilth *nd Sewage) Sludge Hearings) Subsequent I•»
*xp*r'.s kav* described Fu'ton County ts cue lenefnccor and th?
•
victim ^tf falfnfln fiffiwT M*-t*->fc tt*r•-**—» -•- ~^-y ca&£*£m&**bu
t^>T Ji*r*t*5J_o~_ *°?*_?^ F^* ^^L?' . ^* (*?p*^J^y iti 19/5) tlwx
r*jjy^M^BLflBnB3s^^ iroffrfyifJ^^^S^^ ^"' «**R~sptrt ijzspJ
4s.,yjJA2BSi^ss4s..*^^^^flfl'*fc rerhap* .*,hcrlng of tfifomttiu*n msyp?
review •«•* lnt«rar«l;f^jn of thr date tl tb« r««l
Our r«vl«w t« prlnurily concerned with ftm d«t» and ilocui»«nt« ih»c ha
been picaulnittd by the. Health Department subiequent co tha loplenrti-
catlon of thin project,
D«f«r*ln
the «Sor fron «ludgt •» »n "earthy ancll"
j u«iJfi Hi »IU t>^»!T'<.7aftn)T.ir.,~yy-nty"
trained odor inveittgiitor o£ the Hi-«lth Dco»rtn«nt .
Certainly it muld be nore rrnlittic to deicrlbt the
ess deicrlhed trttMn tin report si it rt Is tee to
^BMttaK^H^gCTTffliryr^py^PBTCTir^CBnffty neaj;
_: & HtsiiiHilinitcroi not accurate..
Mr. Alex«n
'"tsI
ce th« sttechcd mi
•is
It is imperative to confider
very carefully th* 1975 Health Department Report and
the 1975 MRI Report before concluding the spproceh was
unaatIsfactory.
In defining tha problem in 197) It becant apparent that
control on the quality of sludge was neseaaary. ££i|
for Slm'gjS QualitT Mere sqba^gueBt^y •d.PBt*'! by ffy* J
The Heal tk. jj4aM3c£sWtt£..jtaa&lga^aaJkly the %lu^£e. nrriv:
at_Ui»' U,»»»i»ol Bn»lis. *itf^fffl""'''f J '
results)
.
e&«£aiMC)K* (enclosed are aynopsie ot these
Attached to this letter are item coanents to the EIS Report and a
letter received tram HRl on August 10, IJ7S. The Health Department
has considerable experience in developing a REAL approach Co the
identification and quantification of sewage Kludge quality rnd odor
nuisance. It is imperative tha; the Fulton County Health Oeparwcnt
be a cooperating part* for the collection and publicizing of all
existing and future information regarding the Fulton County Project
Sincerely", ; " 7--
; •''('•
//•t- ..' l f. ' ^ •-!--"«
Janes Musters
Public Hfalch Adr.iriitrator
Enclosures: 197* Fin«l Report by HRI
197} Final Report by iiHI
1974 Health Dept. Annual Slu« Report
197S Health Dfit Arvnut. 1 Sludge Rewoct
Odor (VrrlainJ (-'orms *or i')7i
I'.'T) i'ti'ilic rti.i.-'T. <*n :"|i--'- •
197J Board of Hsaltn Minutes
Synop^i* of F.vcr-t» *ug, 1972-March 1973
Fulton County Boat:d Ordinance
Fulton County Board of Health Rules and Regulations
-------
Mr. Alwandar
tog*. 3
11. 197«
ery Sheet
It, 3, » Hater
elaaoraa coot: l»7*-7S-76 fCHO Air Samples and Complaints
1974-75-7* FCHD Monthly Reports
1974-75-76 Sludge Quality Sailed at Liverpool
bT FCHD and analysed via contract with FCHD
1973-74-73-76 Holding Basin Staples and
Amlys 1« by FOB
b* lncff«celvt in rtmovlniiu*p«nd«d *tl **•
-* *—gH
rates will be based upon heavy awtals.
li, 3, c Odan and Noise
part states sol
1-) A sludu analyiit prograsi ts datlgnad to in»or« sdvquata traae-
•ent of the iiudge btfort shipiMfK to Cha holding baiina.
1) Th« Fulron County H««lth Oipartawnc hac saanlad tall; tit*
sludge arriving at the Liverpool Decfca for laboratory
analysis Co amira only good qualitT aludaa is abJjcaA
to Fulton County.
c.e. pp. 1-26 "A procedure ahowld be inpleaanted to laavri
that only good quality sludge la aklppad to Fuleon County".
1-15
1-1?
_
^a£^^A _
smance, arc uiscoboliterju3§ailent« baled an
fundingt froei iLnllar sludge experiment! elsavhere.
1-15 More recent and valid Information it attached tor yovr rerle*
I- la Paragraph 2--iaatlc_tant «ftiuent» cootributa to lool_Millati
Paragraph IT---HniBjattBUa_l(lALlUaBe»Jl{-£U>>aay1
.fux_i«tentien basin tfflunntj"
r-raragraph III chat codiiias enrlclsacnt Bay be the aott
Uniting single factor In sludge loading rates.
-------
Summary Sheet-Fage 2
•1-22, This section docs not take into consideration the Fulton Count
Health Depaitnertt stapling and tefL result^ for ses.-pc sludge
reflects only USD dma 8s il relates to tht Wealth Department
Standards. Attaclied is A copy of o*ir
11-37 the JUfeUt
UBsVasft the Fulton County Beard of Health,
Ordinance and Regulations.
VII-7 Refer* to i*B«*MrMksastt*atl talks •bcue applicable standards
Standards for alkalinity have been unintended (attached)
1-25, 1, Sludge Quality Paragraph II--
1} Referi to operating permIr
• ) «*m_«-—* >fc- »—^*?
b) li pataUi sn..l>id;
2) Refer* to violated alkalinity" •tandaro's
b) mm tuLtimlnmt May mm* tm •Hililli
c) Ommm*»*m Uf lUl.itim.
1-26 Paragraph II--enclo»»d ordinance anil teat reiultt of eludge are
*ub*itteubteq
-------
APPENDIX C
Response to Comments
JS£PA has responded to tne man/ comments that were received from the public
on our Draft Environmental Impact Statement. The "Itan" nuoer preceding
tne comment refers to the Comments •mien are found in Appendix B. Many of
of the comments nave oeen extremely neipful and nave teen incorporated in
tne production of tnis Final Environmental Impact Statement.
-------
RESPONSE TO ITEM il
Illinois Wildlife Federation
1. Trie riill Count/ ibid/ data is contained in tae baocground data presented
to the USEPA o/ MSDGC. Also, Uw main University o£ Illinois partici-
pants were active in cringing tneir experience and Knowledge co tne pro-
ject. The project was not on strip-mined soils; tnerefore, the use of
tneir data was only put into toe national data oase for nutrients a,k3
fate of metal cations in tne environment.
2. Acknowledge. Reraemoer, nowever, tne Pulton Count/ 3oacd also wanted to
oontrol tne land, out individuals sold tneir land very quiotly to doJGC
and left Fulton Count/.
3. Acknowledge
4. Tie COOK Count/ Forest Preserve System coulJ not logically oe used
oecause access can not oe controlled and there are insufficient areas
of open land for spreading.
5. No Caokaent
6. This statement is mostly untrue. Tnere are sons management proalems tnat
riSOQC must learn to control, out overall tne data clearly indicates tnat
streams exiting tne MSDGC property are of ni-jner quality tnan the water
upstream of the project.
7. This statement nay be too siiqply stated. If tne project actually builds
soils while producing row crops, tne soil would oecorae a natural aiologi-
cal filter, holding pollutants in certain zones until tney are naturally
degraded. There are no data to indicate the discrete Lnpacts of sludge
versus the contaminants from past strip mining. Tne impacts are des-
crioed in some detail within tne Final £IS.
8. Utilization of tne project site could cause increased exposure to heavy
metals aid sludge conta>Binants. However, tne risk to human iiealth would
oe relatively small.
9. Tne concerns expressed would oe the normal concerns for any sludge dis-
posal project. Tne Draft £ZM indicated tnat surface and jroundwater con-
tamination were not major proolems in the rtaOGC project. The air pollu-
tion issue has been largely resolved due to mxlified application tecn-
nkpes. Control of the crops grown on sludge amended soil should signif-
icantly reduce any nazard to nuoan health. Our introductory comments to
this Final SIS have tried to portray the relative risks anJ oenef its of
the project, rtnile no one could accurately state wno is receivinj tne
nost oenef it or tne nost risk, the project certainly is oenef iting tne
majority of tne people involved either tnrcugh worK opportunities, tax
base, reclainad land, disposal opportunity, nutrient recycle, and overall
energy. A recent suggestion that could oe made to the MSGGC is to use
the corn grown on site for gasohol production, thereoy even furtner re-
ducing toe riaxs to numan health or agricultural animals.
0-1
-------
10. Runoff basins (generally do work. Tnere is a management proolem associ-
ated witn operations of tne Daains. Valves mist oe correctly operated
to obtain the desired benefits. Some operations have recently taKen
piaoe to rectify tne sedimentation proolems t«at nave filled in tne
oasin. To dater no records of pump baoc onco tne fields have oeen pro-
duced to analyze tnis proposed aspect of tne project. Again, the water
quality of 819 CreeK is Better after exiting tne project site tnan wnen
it first enters tne site. Tnere is a self-purification process talcing
place. Tnere are no impoundments along the stream that could oe eutro-
phied.
11. This statement has no foundation.
12. This statement has no real foundation. Studies from tne University of
Illinois nave been inconclusive as to cause and effect relationship
using forage grown on sludge amended soils.
13. We are currently unaware of any data on this topic.
14. Since tne Pulton County aoard amended the alicalinity and pH standards
for sludge in November 1975, there have oeen no violations of sludge
quality. Please refer to text on tnis item.
Due to the imprecise language of the Draft EIS sane of your conclusions could
be reached. However, the misconceptions of the Pulton County experience
must be overcome. The project began in 1971, so there now is plenty of data
to indicate that no major harmful effects have occurred. The lacx of any
substantiated health-related proolems in either fish, human or wildlife
resources is a significant piece of information. Tne MS3QC nas used a steer-
ing committee throughout tne project to obtain input and define goals. To
date itajor positive achievements have oeen reacned with no significant
environmental impact. When viewing this project you must realize the goals
that both Fulton County and the M30GC wete trying to achieve. Botn parties
wanted to return land back to its former productivity. Their goals are cer-
tainly being attained.
RESPONSE ID ITEM 12
VOLUMc I - Tnorne
Your comments on Agronomy Pact Sheet SM-29 have been utilized in tne Final
EIS. There were certain production errors. Me also gave credit to tne
University of Illinois for the materials contained within tne fact sheet.
The error en percentage of strip-mined land in Fulton Count/ has been cor-
rected! too say 6 percent.
The issue of production of sludge in dry tons by MSDGC has been confusing.
The current figure we are using is 1250 dry tons per day for this Final
EIS.
C-2
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RESPONSE TO ITEM *3
Dale Vaughn
Toe Environmental Protection Agency has not awarded any Federal funds to
tne M3DGC project to date. There have oeen some expenditures for nealtn-
related intact studies.
A letter was written to Mr. Dale Vaughn snortly after we received his
contents asking if he could provide furtner information to docunent the
death of cows in his pasture. No response was received.
Tnere certainly are mixed reactions to the project by persons living along
tne perimeter. Sane people have never oojected, some people have contin-
ually oojected to odors. There is no positive way to respond to the odor
complaints.
RESPONSE TO ITEM 14
Bureau of tne Budget and Department of Conservation
State of Illinois
rfhile there nas not oeen much research on fate of neavy metals in the
Fulton County environment, no prooleras have oeen identified. Tnis Agency
would support tne suggestion to do furtner research to determine impacts
on fisn and wildlife on tne project site. Sane caution is necessary oe-
cause it would be difficult to sort out tne impacts of ambient metal pro-
oleras due to strip mining versus sludge application.
The MSDGC has agreed to Keeping certain pot hole areas on the property to
support water fowl. Also the major surface water resources are being left
intact. It is not necessarily the intent of this study to analyze tne
loss of marsh land through recontouring practices. The joint goal of
Fulton County and MSDGC was to return these lands to agricultural produc-
tivity. This meant loss of some raarsn land while developing a land use
plan to conserve the rest of the land. There are no figures availaole to
indicate how mucn diversity was lost since 1971. Therefore it is dif-
ficult to provide a definitive answer to these types of questions. If tne
project area is expanded, the opportunity bo nave these questions addressed
is certainly possible.
RESPONSE TO ITEM 15
Marvin Schmidt, HD.
Tnis Agency has put together several publications on the relative risxs
and potential health hazard* of sludge application projects on humans.
Pertinent information has oeen incorporated into tne Final £15.
Nnile your suggestion that a controlled study oe performed on humans to
obtain answers is very good, sludge disposal activities must continue.
Tnere are no easy answers in disposal activities. We must evaluate the
present alternatives and ma/ce wise choices. Tnere is no reason at present
03
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to discontinue the project since no adverse inpacts have been defined. More
research and wont in tne area may result in a cnange of attitude. Tne Wil-
louvjhby Farm in Australia has oeen applying sludge to land for 150 years
without significant impacts.
KESPONSe 'ID ITEM #6
U3CA
Tne comments of your Agency nave oeen incorporated into tne Final £13 text.
Tney have been extremely helpful. Please note tnat the text has oeen ex-
tremely modified and tnerefore pages noted in your text are not tne saiie in
tne final £13.
RESPONSE TO ITEM 17
Soil Enricnment Materials
The figures used in tne Draft EZS were fran national averages available at
the time of BIS preparation, four new data is extremely helpful in updating
tne existing data, vfe are nappy to include this data in the text. It is
hard to obtain good, suitable data because of varying rail conditions and
secrecy surrounding contracts.
Tne 3.5 percent figure was provided by tne MSO as their average for earlier
snipping. They are installing new dewatering facilities and should oe aole
to ship higher solids in the future.
RESPONSE TO ITEM |8
Ledbetter Letter
Tne wtiole section on aerosolization of sludge particles and dispersion cal-
culations has been redone. There were many errors. The latest text has
dealt wita those errors, but nas been reduced suostantially because spray
application is not the current node of sludge application. This nas oaen
replaced oy direct incorporation of sludge.
Your main comments are addressed point by point as follows:
Content: pp VII-33 and 34...
p 1-16 and p VII-35...
The figures in VII-33 and 34 are concentration isopletns normalized to unity
and are incorrectly labeled. Also the text on VII-32 indicates that tne
normalization factor for Fig. VII-14 is 4.75 ppm and for Fig. VII-15 is 0.50
ppm. Since both figures should represent the same source'atrervjtn g, tne
normalization factor should be identical for both figures.
At a guide glance Ledbetter's calculations seam correct. However the error
in figure titles suggests a confusion in the moaning of dilution ration and
therefore tne Ledbetter number OKI/ not be wnat tne EIS is attainting to
illustrate in the figures.
0-4
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Since definitions, input numbers, and sample calculations are lacking in tne
£13, resolution of the raised questions must cone from tne EIS's autnors.
Comments pp. VII 1-7 to 15 — Tiie 1 percent aerosolization. . . .
This comment refers to an error in tne calculation of the source emission
rate. On page VIII-8 it states that "1 percent of tne total sludge sprayed
becomes airoorne" and tne mass is used as tne emission rate for tne disper-
sion analysis. On page VI 11-10 the source emission rate (Q) is numerically
calculated. The calculation however is oased on 100 percent of tne sprayed
sludge Becoming the emission rate for tne dispersion anal/sis.
Tne 1 percent assumption was not utilized in tne numeric calculation result-
ing in an emission rate Q oeirvj a factor of 100 too large. Tne resulting
ground level concentrations will likewise oe a factor of 100 too large.
fnis office makes no comment on the validity of tne 1 percent assuny>tion nor
tne interpretation of tne nealto nazards, if any, of tne nunericai ground
level concentrations predicted.
RESPONSE TO ITEM 49
mo Comments
RESPONSE TO ITEM |10
Comments:
Due to the nature and extent of tne comments from tne Metropolitan Sanitary
District, major changes in format and information have been instituted in
tne Final EIS. The oasis of tne Final £13 is now the 1975 plan witn updated
figures on land utilization and incorporation methodologies. Because of tne
extreme cnanges in text and content, we are not providing detailed answers
to tne MSD comments. It is hoped tnat sufficient information transfer has
occurred to correct errors contained witnin the Draft EIS.
RESPONSE TO ITEM 111
Lydia Dams letter
The draft EIS did note tnat malodorants in sludge nave an eartny smell. It
is nard to characterize the smell exactly, so that term was cnosen. Tnere
apparently is a petroleum-lute smell also. Host malodorants are contained
within the perimeter of the project area new due to modified application
tecnniques. Setter incorporation of sludje into soil would reduce dispersion
of malodorants even further. The goals of the USD at the project site should
oe closely examined.
The influent into the MSD system does contain a wide range of pathogens.
Many of tne pathogens are either inactivated or Killed py the treatment pro-
cess. Others remain in activated states. Most of the pathogens found in
sludge shipped to Pulton County are ocomonly found in all Human heings. The
rate and degree of exposure to pathogens would dictate tne risK of being inr
C-5
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fected and sucsequently being ill. The greatest risk occurs to tne farm
operators at the site. However, there is no evidence that the farm operators
ace any sicker than other local people who live in the Canton area. Ajain
methods of treat/rent, storage and application over toe past few /ears nave
decreased the risk tnat a resident along the farm perimeter would oe adversely
exposed to pathogens.
The MSD has experienced a wide variety of proolems in tne early stages of
sludge application. In the strip-mined areas, soils were destroyed, parent
soil materials and shale were mixed with top soil and subsoils. These mixed
soils did not aosoro moisture well, tnereoy creating ponds or dump soils.
Wet soils can cause seeds to rot, not germinate. The rtSD has learned this
lesson and now uses fields on an alternating basis to obtain two goals:
nutrients recycle through row cropping and utilizing/disposal of sludge
solids. Place land, never strip-mined, was a prime target for early applica-
tion oecause no major preparation of soil was needed. However, the greatest
ajnjunt of land owned and fanned is strip-mined land. Tne land partially re-
clamed oy otners prior to MSD experiences the same needs as unreclaimed
land - a lack of sufficient soil structure and nutrients to support row crops.
It makes good sense to upgrade the previously recontoured areas to provide
cow crops and tnerefore wider tax uase in Fulton County.
Tne MSD is monitoring groundwater around the site. The results are made
available to both tne State of Illinois and Pulton County. Two aquifers are
found on the site} a shallow aquifer wnicn has been contaminated oy tne
strip-mining activities and a deep aquifer wnicn is used for drinking water
supplies. There is no evidence that the *@D project has adversely affected
either of these aquifers. There is evidence to snow tnat on-lot systems at
rfe-rta-Tuk Hills has adversely affected the surface waters in tne small ponds.
Me have no comment on the Big Sluestem project.
The final EIS has been streamlined and hopefully is more readaole. Me
are unaware that anyone has called tne local farmers illiterate.
It would be an overstatement to assume tnat local Fulton County people
may incur a hign risk from tne consumption of fisn and wildlife found
on the project site. Host people do not have access to hunting on the
property. Tne fisning at the local recreational area should oe
approached with extreme care. The site is apparently pleasant enough
to attract visitors, even though surrounded by sludge application
fields, from man/ local towns. Pishing is an opportunity at the site
and while there is no evidence that fisn are tainted from sludge con-
stituents, every fish should be tested prior to consumption. Nate that
this is not a requirement of this Agency.
HESPONSE TO ITEM 112
Department of Interior
Regarding the State Historic Preservation 6£ticer contact, an initial contact
nad been made with the office. Tne project is found in a rural setting that
naJ been almost totally impacted oy strip-mining activities. • Tne reclamation
C-f
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of this land will not further adversely inpact cultural resources. It
provide additional recreational and work opportunities within tne area.
Tne draft EIS did state tnac tne land within tae project area fell into tnree
categories? unreclaimed strip-mined land, partial reclaimed stripmined land
and existing farm lands. Bach of these categories has potential for wildlife
naoitat. In the case of unreclaimed land, tnere were many potnoles wnich
provided water fowl cover. Many of these have been left intact due to input
at steering committee meetings, on tne United Electric property, tnere exists
a scruo forest tnat provides anyle ocver for deer. MUCH of tnis cover is
oeing preserved. Tne rtSD provided land for fisning and otner recreation and
this is fully explained in tne text. Host oox end cut laK.es on tne site are
oeing preserved. In snort, no major f isn and wildlife naoitat is oeing lost
due to tnis project. Tne row crops will provide food for wildlife and proper
contouring and soil conservation procedures should ennance tne fisn nabitat
in tne major streams traversing tne area.
The MSD project, altnougn on strip-«ained lands, currently is unrelated to tne
remaining coal oeds. This statement can not deal with future, unanticipated
unrelated activities.
Tne corrections in numerical values throughout the CIS nave been modified.
rfe regret tne initial errors.
The major portion of the project area is strip-mined land. Tne taoles within
the text clearly indicate tne undisturoed place lands from stripped land.
There is not a lot of good data on ground water movement witnin the strip-
mined soils. It is even difficult to differentiate oetween tne unpacts of
the coal shale and the sludge oonstituents at the site. This Agency suggests
that tne USD design a oetter ground water testing program to reliably indi-
cate impacts to ground water and provide furtner data.
Tne Draft and Final EIS ootii contain a nap snowing recreational sites in
relation to the project. Tne impacts are explained in tne text.
RESPONSE TO ITEM |13
Peter Ferro Sr.
There Is no application for Federal funds at this time for tne MSDGC project.
Insofar as this Agency can determine, standard nealtn and environmental pro-
cedures have oeen adhered to witnin Fulton County. See Chapter V for full
description.
Me are in receipt of several petitions from people and they are published as
part of this Final EIS. Funding of aspects of the project are at this point
uncertain and should not proceed until litigation is final.
This Agency feels that tne MSOQC has made significant progress in leveling
land and utilizing solids for fertilizer value, while building soils by con-
tributing organic natter to toe disturoed soils.
C-7
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Tne MSDQC has no plans at this point to abandon the farming practices in
Pulton County. Various Federal and local agencies, plus toe University of
Illinois, are watcning this project closely. To date no significant environ-
mental problems have oeen surfaced, except tne air issue.
RESPONSE 20 ITEM 114
Clarence Oswald Letter
Ho Comment
RESPONSE ID ITEM J1S
Petitions
No Comments
RESPONSE m ITEM 416
Citizens* Statements
(to Comments
RESPONSE TO ITEM 117
ttachel Schmidt
for answers concerning sludge quality see tne appropriate section of tne EIS.
HSOGC has met all applicable standards set by tne Pulton County Healtn Depart-
ment.
Thank you for your good research into heavy metals and other compounds. Me
viewed the material and changed sane details in our rewrites.
Spraying of sludge has been stooped oy tne united efforts of the citizens.
This is very positive and snojld help in the long run oy decreasing any risks
associated with the practice and also decrease visual blight.
Tne wildlife in the area could oe adversely i%>actad of tne project. Tnere
could, on the other hand, ae beneficial iapacts. No study design has been
put together to measure the overall impact on non-game animals:
There is evidence that animals are abundant on tne land. They seen to be in
almost all area* of the project site. From personal sitings and from col-
lected data, it Mould appear tnat there are relatively no external impacts on
populations of animals. If disease and aonormal oehavior is occurring in tne
populations, a study should be undertaken. The loss of some haoitat has been
noted. However, much of tne most important nabitat has been and will oe
preserved by the project.
If people examine the record carefully tne MSOOC has completed many major
task* that wen negotiated oy the Fulton County aoard. Tney added to tne tax
roles, they created employment, both full time and
C-S
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RESPONSE 10 ITEM 118
Joanne Alter Statement
Acknowledged
RESPONSE TO ITEM 119
League of rfonan Voters' letter
Acknowledged
RESPONSE TO ITEM 120
Melba Ripper
Citizens For a tetter Environment
The rtSDGC would nave to continuail/ expand their land application naldings if
tney were to apply all sludge to land from all of their plants. Current oper-
ations do include several land application areas outside of Fulton County.
Some sludge has oeen shipped to Florida for application. Taere nas oeen some
discussion aoout expansion of land application at other sites on both strip-
mined land and other land. In the recent past, rtSOSC <*orKed in cooperation
with the U.S. Forest Service in southern Illinois to reclaim land where acid
mine drainage was a f coolenu The exact extent of project needs nay oe on-
Known. However, the important issue is to create and operate projects in
productive harmony and limit the amount of risk incurred.
Since the time of the draft IIS, MSDGC has made extensive changes to the
existing environmental carriers and holding structures, ite agree that a. oet-
ter monitoring system should be developed and constantly cnecked to obtain
desired results.
The capacities of retention basins have oeen redocunented and in many cases
resolved. Operational recommendations have oeen suggested to remedy the
project.
Since spraying operations were terminated from the project and more sopnisti-
cated application methods employed, odor complaints nave decreased. Certain-
ly the new operations and ponding created some odors. It is difficult to
determine tne exact impacts of nornal fam odors sucn as nanure spreading,
hog fanning and tnen the land application practices. An attaint was made.
This agency recognizes tnat odors exist, cut we are unaole to say they are a
nuisance.
Tne information dealing with aerosol izat ion was incorrect in the draft £13.
It has oeen corrected.
RESPOKSE TO ITEM
Herbert J. Schooner
The Fulton County site water cycle assumes tnat precipitation is equal to
evaporation. The addition of water (and sludge) is a type of irrigation
0-9
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system that snould ultimately help crop production. Some crop results no*
show that strip-mined land is producing nearly tne same crop yields as place
land.
P"SPQNS£ TO ITEM #22
Illinois Department of Conservation
Me acknowledge that more studies could ce done on the rtSQGC project, However
tnis is already tne most monitored project of its kind in tnis nation.
Sources of heavy metals and otoer contaminants in tne localized environment
include and are not limited to tne following sources: tne MSOGC project site
itself because of past stripraining activities; sludge that was transported to
tne site oy MSDGC; atmospheric fall out from industrial and residential
sources; etc. A very sophisticated study design to determine exact quantities
of contamination from all sources has not been undertaken. It sould oe noted
nowever, that water quality in cii-j Creek does improve as it flows through tne
project site. Tiiere is seme data available on fisn flesn analyses, rf3D3C
snouid try to upgrade this aspect of tnair monitoring.
Contained in the 1975 land use plan for the site were several aspects of land
management and tradeoffs that would be undertaken to protect resident water-
fowl. It was decided by M303C in conjunction with tne steering committee to
protect pothole areas and certain marsn areas to provide adequate naoitat.
Not all areas were preserved. Lakes and retention basins exult into the pro-
ject augment tne existing haoitat and provide some mitigation for tne losses.
MSDGC does provide a staoilized situation wnich snould ensure use oy water-
fowl for many years in the future. It must oe kept in mind that tne project
did meet many of the County's objectives to return the site oacK to row crop
production and provide an increased tax case. Secondly, tne row crop pro-
duction may become a source of food for waterfowl and otner wildlife.
This Agency is not aware of any new data on the potential hazard of direct
ingestion of sludge on manuals or birds at this point. The University of
Illinois did sore preliminary studies on pheasant populations and their in-
gestion of crops grown on sludge-amended soils. Tnis is referred to in the
EIS text.
The EIS text does address the loss of water resources based upon the 1975
land use plan. All effects were made to protect toe best water resource;
however not all resources could oe protected. The i*30GC actions did provide
several new areas such as tne supernatant basins wnich provide haoitat for
waterfowl. A setter discussion is now provided.
At tnis point several race plant species were identified. Tne areas were and
are currently protected oy MSDGC from farming and construction activities.
Tne rtSOGC is also developing new areas for rare and important prairie species
under the Big Blue Stem program, further information is availaola from the
HSD3C.
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RESPONSE 1O ITEM 123
Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA)
Tnere is no proposed EPA action at tills tine. Tnis is addresseJ in tne for-
ward of the final EIS.
The items suggested by the IEPA were used as part of a sucstantial rewrite
on the surface water quality. Tnis is also true coneerniry tne operation of
retention basins. Me are grateful to IEPA for suai in-deptn oamnants.
The ground water section oamnents are hard to accommodate in certain respects.
Since the land has recently been disturbed, in geological terms, patterns of
ground water f low are emerging and contamination of ground water could be
from a variety of factors which include the MSDGC project. No attempt was
made by USEPA to do a detailed analysis of ground water, therefore the general
trends presented by MSDGC were used to the extent possiole. If the IEPA is
requiring this study, they snould inform the MSDGC of that fact.
Maps were changed when a better data basis was available. The other IEPA
comments are valid. A detailed study snould oe recommended oy I£PA and nego-
tiated with the MSDGC as part of their continuing operational permit.
Comments on air pollution are acknowledged.
The main oody of tne £15 was rewritten and does incorporate, where possible,
IEPA oQanents. A preliminary final was provided to IEPA for review and can-
raent and hopefully will satisfy all State requirements.
RESPONSE TO ITEM |24
Paul Parisn
It is inaccurate to state tnat Fulton County did not understand the project
or the consequences of sludge disposal. Mr. Charles Sandoerg of the County
had presented an overall position paper whicn discussed favoraole and un-
favorable aspects of the project.
As far as toxicity is considered, two points must be made. If tne constit-
uents applied to the land are toxic to plants, tne plants die and then some
caution should be taken in using the land. If one considers toxicity of
constituents to nuraans, it must be pointed out that tne MSDGC is not growing
crops for numan consumption. There are tests being conducted on animals
either on the site or being fed with crops grown on tne site. To date no
negative conclusions have been reached.
The discussion In the final EIS does address and verify tne items you dis-
cussed in your very interesting presentation of fate of heavy metals and
their impacts en organisms. It oust oe noted that tne HSCGC project is the
most heavily monitored project in the United States. The results of the
project are national discussion items and to date no substantial adverse
inlets of sludge application other tnan odors at the project perimeter have
oeen found.
Oil
-------
Tnere have been many beneficial aspects of land application at Fulton County
and nation-wide. And tnese oenefits appear to outweign toe potential risks
of sludge application.
RESPONSE ID ITEM |2S
liaro Luthy
Major strides nave oeen made since tne early years of reclamation activities
at the Fulton County site. Tne MSDOC naturally took advantage of tne exist-
ing nonatrip-mined land to oegin implementation of tneir project. It takes a
great deal of tine to recontour tne strip-mined land and apply sufficient
nutrients to grow crops. It is premature to judge tne final outcome of tne
project. New fields have been created since late 1975 and early 1976 tnat
were oeing readied for crop production. Tne final £13 states tnat many fields
can not produce rot* crops annually. But you are correct in stating tnat ini-
tial com crops were grown on undisturoed lands.
Tne draft and final EZS both addressed tne application of sludge on nonstrip-
mined land. Tnere are different rates of application for place land. Tne
rates are based upon fertilizer needs and not reclamation rates. To the oest
of our knowledge much strip-mined land nas oeen recontoured and is oeing used
for application of sludge and crop production. This is evident from existing
aerial photographs.
There was a tremendous initial investment in equipment at tne site. But since
the equipment is related to tne transportation and distribution of sludge
solids they can not oe separate fran otner reclamation costs sucn as recon-
touring, wages and environmental monitoring equipment.
RESPONSE TO ITEM 126
George Spyres Letter
Me recognize tnat there were previous attempts to reclaim tne project lands.
dowever, tnese early projects did not build soils or bring tne lanJ bacx: to
its former productive level. Tne M30GC is now growing row crops, providing
construction and fanning joos, and paying county taxes. Tnis is a positive
move for tne Fulton County area. Tne draft £IS was clear in pointing out tne
increased taxes that tne rtSDGC paid on the land. They are not wnat undis-
turoed land values ace but do indicate a positive trend.
Tnere has not oeen a stud/ directed at health impacts in Pulton County. How-
ever, the oest indication is tne lade of evidence tnat people living near tne
site or working on the site have not reported any abnormalities or sustained
health impacts.
Crops are not grown for human consumption at tne site, therefore tne risKs to
human health are consideraoly reduced.
Radioactive subsstances are strictly controlled and tnere is no conceivaole
way Car tne suostances to reach the waste streams in Chicago and therefore
the sludge at the treatment plant.
0-12
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There were many areas within the site that needed modification and repair due
to changing methods of sludge and supernatant application. Tnis is a con-
tinuing maintenance practice which deserves better documentation, it is true
that runoff from the site could contaminate water. Good maintenance proce-
dures are aimed at minimi zing tne occurrences and impacts of accidents. It
oust be noted that not ail probable contamination should ue attributed to
this action. The land was destroyed c>/ strip-mining operations which contain-
inated many of. the existing wells and surface waters in the areas. Also,
residential developments in the area are a major source of excessive nutri-
ents and sedimentation in the area. The soils are generally not acceptable
for the construction of septic systems and maintenance of such systems should
DC questioned.
As soils are worked they are more capable of aosorbing the nutrients put on
tne ground. Also many fields Iwe seen reoontoured to remove depressions
which created ponds. However, the MSDGC should further anal/ze their opera-
tions so that they maximize loadings without creating ponding situations.
This is described expecially in relation to rainfall events.
The riSDQC had investigated many systems prior to developing tne Prairie Plan.
In their opinion this project created a great opportunity to bring land bade
to a level approximating its former use while allowing a major metropolitan
area to utilize its waste by-products. The costs of energy are increasing
oontnly and incineration of sludge does not appear to be a wise use of oil.
RESPONSE TO ITEM 127
Or. Quon Ph.D
Northwestern University
There was substantial error in the presentation of aerosol transmission at
the Pulton County Site. These errors have osen corrected and toe associated
graphics were either corrected or deleted from the final SIS.
The issues of storage tins, odor complaints and wind rose configuration have
been resolved. Mew data inputs were used to give correct information.
The 3>A does recognize that toxic effects are different depending upon the
person and the node of material entering the body. People nay become in-
fected with pathogens and not become physically ill. The moan body is also
capable of warding off deleterious materials depending upon where tney enter
tne body.
Tne Stability Class and missing 0.01 factor in calculations have been cor-
rected.
One very positive thought should oe considered when reviewing toe success or
failure of tne Pulton County project. The HSO3C has token land tnat was
essentially unusable and put it bade to productive use. If crops are moni-
tored and precautions taken, the relative risks of the project snculd reaain
in the acceptable range. He do acknowledge tnat heavy Metals and ocganics
will continue to accueulate in the soils receiving sludge, this is part of
risk and good Management should ensure that the risk is snail, not nonexist-
ent.
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,4id«iest Research
As in toe response to tne Fulton County rlealtn Jepart.runt, nun/ o£ tne state-
>aents in tne draft oIS were unclear or .aisrepresentations of fact. Tne majjr
topics of air qualit/, aerosol ization and odors nave oeen couyletel/ re-
written.
?iid«#est Research Institute was correct to point out tne technical errors.
Please refer to the appropriate sections o£ tne final £13 for revised Jis-
cussions.
«*e essentiali/ ajree tnat tna prooaoiiit/ o£ sone odor arisinj in tie project
area *ras generated a/ tne project. Tne t4aO5C aas ta-ten steps to reduce
sources o£ odor on site. Since tnat tine odor jcxiylainta have oean reduced.
2 TJ IK14 #29
Comnents
Fulton Cou.it/ tlealtn Departinent
"f.e final SIS will address .nan/ aspects and correct data calculations
out t.ie entice dooi,ient. me «ura specific co»ii«nt3 raised are addresaaJ in
1. It is reall/ difficult to characterize t»»e odors irom aludjj due to tie
nature of tne constituents and ttie ps/cnolojicai Liyrassionj. In ;to3t
cases tne ter.n sewaje sludje odor nas no-* been applied.
2. Inis matter of docuaentation nas oeen corrected after visits to tne lealtn
Deparbnent offices.
3. Tiie odor identification iiet>iodolc<]/ .ias oeen rewritten.
4. Corrections on tne f injer printinj .tetiiodoloj/ na*/e oeen inade in tm final
5. Tnis cannent is actuu^ledged and a corrected stateo&nt appears in tae
final document.
Tne itans on tne su.anary sneet served as a basis for a caiplete rewrite of
data as it pertains to tiie Falcon Count/ rlealtn Jepdrt:aent.
.•Ian/ of tiie sections in tne draft SIS were cnanjed drasticali/. Please refer
to tiie Taole of Contents for tne topics. There were .run/ .nisleadinj state-
iients in the draft that were clarified.
C-14
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