Chetco Estuary and Boat Basin Water Quality Monitoring
Transcription
Chetco Estuary and Boat Basin Water Quality Monitoring
Chetco Estuary and Boat Basin Water Quality Monitoring Executive Summary The South Coast Watershed Council monitored the Chetco Estuary and Boat Basin to determine oxygen conditions in the basins, effectiveness of the aerators in the Sport Boat Basin and nutrient sources and their effects on algae growth. Dissolved oxygen as low as 5.5 mg/L, was found in the most stagnant areas in late summer 2002 and spring 2003 near the bottom. Large diurnal oxygen and pH fluctuations are expected because the algal cycle is promoted by high temperatures, abundant sunlight and nutrients coming from several tributaries that drain into the basins. To date, dissolved oxygen levels below the state standard were detected in May at or near the bottom of the most stagnant areas. The effectiveness of the aerators in the Sport Boat Basin in raising DO levels was not adequately evaluated with the sampling design that was used. Elevated phosphorus and biochemical oxygen demand that could result from the decomposition of organic matter were monitored in the basin in August 2002. The highest nitrate concentration was found in February 2003 in the Commercial Boat Basin, with the highest values at the south end, probably influenced by the drainage of Buried Pipe and Tuttle Creek. By May 2003, an algae bloom was consuming nutrients and the nitrate concentration was lower at the south end of the Commercial Boat Basin. Also in May the ocean was high in nitrates (0.24 mg/L) and phosphorus (0.07 mg/L) probably due to upwelling. The relative load and duration of nitrates from ocean upwelling and from the tributaries flowing into the basins is unknown, however as long as nitrates are the nutrient limiting algae growth, both will contribute to algae blooms. Tributaries flowing into the south end of the Commercial Boat Basin contributed a load of 8.1 kg/day of nitrogen compared to 0.5 kg/day from tributaries flowing into the Sport Boat Basin in February. When phosphorus is available, these nitrate loads may enrich the basin enough to provoke an early algae bloom. Further sampling will help clarify the role that tides, diurnal, seasonal and inter-annual variability play in determining the water quality in the estuary. Continuous sampling of dissolved oxygen and pH will allow characterization of the peak magnitude and duration of impairment during the summer months. Aerators can be evaluated by continuous dissolved oxygen monitoring while they operating and while turned off. To better assess changes to the N:P ratio during the algae bloom, chlorophyll a and nutrient (Total Kjedahl Nitrogen or Orthophosphate) tests can be included. To reduce the algae growth and improve the summer water quality in the basins, alternatives include constructing “bioswales” on tributaries to absorb nutrients, and improving the water circulation in the basins. An outreach/education program and pilot projects to demonstrate the value of vegetated areas and wetlands may also improve the water quality in the Chetco River Estuary and Boat Basin. 1 Executive Summary ........................................................................................................... 1 Introduction ........................................................................................................................ 3 Background ....................................................................................................................... 3 Methods ............................................................................................................................. 5 Results and Discussion ...................................................................................................... 9 Estuary and Boat Basins ................................................................................................ 9 Temperature, Salinity, Turbidity and pH ...................................................................... 9 Dissolved oxygen (DO) and Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD): ........................... 10 Total Phosphorus and Nitrate + Nitrite ...................................................................... 12 Tributaries to the Boat Basins ...................................................................................... 17 Temperature, conductivity, turbidity and pH: ............................................................. 17 Dissolved Oxygen (DO) and Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) ........................... 17 Total Phosphorus (TP) and Nitrate + Nitrite .............................................................. 17 Nutrient Loads .......................................................................................................... 20 Conclusions ..................................................................................................................... 21 Recommendations ........................................................................................................... 22 Acknowledgements .......................................................................................................... 23 References ...................................................................................................................... 23 Appendices ...................................................................................................................... 25 Appendix A: Notes from Birgit Knoblauch’s Interview of Jim Waldvogel, Sea Grant Extension Agent ........................................................................................................... 25 Appendix B: Sampling Schedules and Comments on Sampling Conditions ................. 26 Appendix C: Detailed Sampling Methods ..................................................................... 32 Appendix D: Field Forms .............................................................................................. 34 Appendix E: Quality Assurance and Quality Control ..................................................... 35 Appendix F: The Manning Formula .............................................................................. 39 Appendix G: Temperature, Salinity, Dissolved Oxygen Profiles .................................... 40 Appendix H: Water Clarity and Wave Height ................................................................ 54 Appendix I: Flows and Nutrient Loads .......................................................................... 55 2 Introduction This report presents the results of water quality monitoring in the Chetco Estuary and the Port of Brookings-Harbor Sport Boat Basin (SBB) and Commercial Boat Basin (CBB) from August 2002 to May 2003. The major concerns in the Boat Basins are low dissolved oxygen levels, poor water circulation, excessive summer algal growth, nutrient inputs and periodic fish mortality. After conducting a study of the SBB in 1999, the Corps of Engineers recommended that aerators be installed to improve circulation and improve oxygen levels. The Corps measured nitrate concentrations of 0.68 and 0.20 mg/L from two tributaries flowing into the basins, but in the Sport Boat Basin, nitrates were non-detectable (<0.05 mg/L) in October 1999. The South Coast Watershed Council and OSU Extension Service initially developed a monitoring plan to assess dissolved oxygen conditions in the SBB and determine if the aerators were effective. The study was expanded after Russ Crabtree, Port of BrookingsHarbor Manager, suggested that the CBB had more severe DO, algae, and fish mortality problems. Nutrient conditions and other water quality parameters were sampled from tributaries flowing into the basins, the ocean, the Chetco River, and within the Sport and Commercial Boat Basins. This monitoring was intended to improve the understanding of water quality in the Chetco Estuary for the Port of Brookings-Harbor and its users. Since estuaries are very diverse and provide a unique habitat for aquatic species, it is important to address tidal, diurnal, seasonal and inter-annual variability in water quality, as well as how algae respond to nutrient inputs. Background Estuaries are transitional zones, where fresh and saltwater come together, providing a highly productive habitat for many aquatic species. Density differences cause water to stratify into a top layer of fresh, oxygenated water and a bottom layer of saltwater with less oxygen. Dissolved oxygen is a fundamental requirement for maintaining aquatic life and is increased by wave action, water circulation, and photosynthesis, but is decreased by respiration and decomposition of organic matter. Less oxygen is dissolved at higher temperatures and in saline water. Dissolved oxygen concentrations less than 5.0 mg/L create hypoxia that leads to biological stress of aquatic organisms. Death may result from anoxia if dissolved oxygen levels drop below 2.0 mg/L. Masses of anchovies spawn in the ocean and move into estuaries to feed (Appendix A). The timing depends on ocean conditions (particularly upwelling nutrients) and their reproductive cycle, often between June and August. In the summer, phytoplankton bloom in the presence of warm temperatures, sunlight, and nutrients. Zooplankton feed on phytoplankton, and in turn, anchovies feed on zooplankton. Because anchovies school in masses, they need adequate dissolved oxygen to survive. Their masses can create hypoxia and even anoxia, causing mortality within 24 hours (Waldvogel, 2002, pers. comm.). Anchovies usually feed in the surface, but freshwater is lethal, so if freshwater flows 3 increase once they are in the Boat Basins, they may be trapped. Oxygen levels are also affected by the diurnal cycle of phytoplankton and algae, water temperature, wind conditions, and wave action. During 2001, there were two episodes of anchovy mortality in the Port of Brookings-Harbor and elsewhere along the coast (Waldvogel, 2002, pers. comm.). The transition between spring and summer ocean conditions, from southwest winds and rains to northwest winds and clear days, may be quantified based on an average date of April 6th (Data and plot by Robert Emmett, cited by Logerwell et al., 2003). In 2001, the onset of wind-induced upwelling was unusually early. It is likely that oceanderived nutrients not only fueled an abundance of anchovies, but also fed high algal biomass in the Boat Basins. Nutrients play an important role within an estuary. Estuaries are generally rich in nutrients, which are required for production the base of the food web that supports aquatic species. Excessive nutrients result in increased algal growth, decomposition of organic matter, reduced oxygen and ultimately eutrophication. Anoxic conditions in the benthos can cause release of phosphorus normally bound up in bottom sediments (http://www.epa.gov). Algal growth is optimal when the ratio between Nitrogen and Phosphorus (N:P) is between 10:1 and 16:1. Whichever nutrient is more limited determines whether algae respond to additional nutrient inputs. Small additions of the limited nutrient can cause large increases in algae production. Most Oregon rivers are phosphorus limited (reference), but in estuaries nitrogen is more typically limiting to algal production (Howarth and Marino, 2006). Estuaries tend to be nitrate limited, but can be phosphate limited in cases of excessive nitrate input. 4 Methods Chetco River Estuary and Boat Basin were sampled in 2002 on August 2nd, September 9th, September 17th (tributaries only), October 17th (basin only) and in 2003 on February 26th and May 21st. Chetco Estuary/Boast Basin Study August 2002-May 2003 Chetco River near Brookings USGS gage 100000 Discharge, cfs 10000 Daily Avg 1000 Samples 100 8M ay 13 -F eb 13 -M ar 10 -A pr 16 -J an 24 -O ct 21 -N ov 19 -D ec 29 -A ug 26 -S ep 1Au g 10 Sample sites included eight estuary and boat basin sites, as well as five tributaries flowing into the basins (Table 1). Sites BH005 and BH006 were identified as established by the Army Corps of Engineers for their 1999 samples. Water quality parameters included temperature, conductivity/ salinity, pH, turbidity, dissolved oxygen (DO), biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), nitrate + nitrite and total phosphorus. Secchi disk readings for water clarity were recorded daily in the Sport Boat Basin during September and October. Estuary and basin sites were sampled from a boat by lowering a bridge bucket to the desired depth. Nutrient, DO, BOD, turbidity and pH samples were taken at mid-depth, except for DO and BOD sampled from the bottom at the more isolated, stagnant sites during September, October and February. Tributaries emerging from pipes were sampled by hand. Sampling schedules and comments on conditions during sampling are included in Appendix B. Sampling and field parameter testing details are provided in Appendix C, and field forms in Appendix D. Temperature, salinity and DO were profiled during three runs/day with YSI DO and salinity meters every 0.5 meter in depth. DO meter readings on profiles were systematically higher 5 than Winkler titrations from grab samples (Appendix E). Therefore only one set of DO profiles is presented to illustrate changes with depth and tidal cycle. Samples were collected from tributaries flowing into the Boat Basins on 9/17/02 during a “first flush” storm. All samples were collected between 11:45 and 13:10. September 17, 2002 Cumulative Rainfall Brookings AgriMet Station 0.8 Precipitation, inches 0.7 0.6 0.5 0.4 0.3 0.2 0.1 0 0:00 2:00 4:00 6:00 8:00 10:00 12:00 14:00 16:00 18:00 20:00 22:00 0:00 Nutrient samples collected in August and September 2002, were analyzed by Neilson Research Corporation (Environmental Testing Laboratory), whereas samples collected in October, February and May were analyzed by Watershed Council staff at the City of Gold Beach Public Works Department laboratory facility. Samples from this project were among the first to be tested by the Watershed Council, and include a mix of high quality, unknown quality and poor quality results (Appendix E). October results for total phosphorus are suspect, with poor precision due to an issue with reproducibility on the Spectrophotometer that was later remedied. For nitrate+nitrite, low range concentrations reported in February have poor precision, but it is probable that differences between the ocean and boat basin are real. Anions present in estuarine samples can cause interference and incomplete recovery nitrate+nitrite. One Boat Basin sample was spiked during the watershed council analysis, and resulted in complete recovery. To calculate nutrient loads, tributary flows were estimated by timing the filling of a bucket of known volume. When flows were too high for the bucket method, flow height, pipe slope and diameter was measured to calculate flows by the Manning equation (Grant & Dawson, 1997). A and R are obtained from tables using the coefficient between flow height and pipe diameter (Appendix F). Q=ARS n Q = flow rate A = cross sectional area of flow R = hydraulic radius (cross sectional area divided by the wetted perimeter) S = slope of the hydraulic gradient n = Manning coefficient of roughness dependent upon material of conduit 6 7 Table 1. Sampling Sites and Location # 1 3 4 5 6 Site Name BH005 (from Corps of Engineers 1999 report) BH006 (from Corps of Engineers 1999 report) Donovan Buried Pipe Tuttle Creek Parking Lot 7 8 Sport Boat Basin North (SBB-N) Sport Boat Basin South (SBB-S) 9 Commercial Boat Basin North (CBB-N) 2 10 Commercial Boat Basin Mid (CBB-M) 11 Commercial Boat Basin South (CBB-S) 12 Entrance / Opening 13 Chetco River 14 Chetco / Ocean Location Northern SBB pipe, next to ramp Purpose Check WQ and nutrients, Corps study showed high nitrogen Southern SBB pipe, next to ramp Check WQ and nutrients, Corps study showed high phosphates Pipe at barge slip area Check WQ and nutrients Pipe at the SE end of the CBB Check for nutrients Pipe at the SW end of the CBB Check for nutrients Pipes from the SE parking area Check for turbidities and nutrients at first that drain into the CBB storm event Between the four aerators Look at aerators effectiveness South of the SBB docks, west For comparing with SBB-N from Eureka Fisheries Open place near the shrimp Check WQ and nutrients and to compare processing facility with CBB-S At the end of Commercial dock G Check WQ and nutrients and to compare with CBB-S Between Buried Pipes and Tuttle Check WQ and nutrients and influences by Creek southern pipes The port entrance Check WQ from the ports outflow Middle of the stream, next to the To compare with WQ of basins fish processing area Between the jetties To compare with WQ of basins 8 Results and Discussion Estuary and Boat Basins Temperature, Salinity, Turbidity and pH Salinity and temperature profiles from August 2nd and September 9th revealed a high salt content with no distinct halocline or thermocline and therefore indicate that the estuary is dominated by ocean water during low river flow (Appendix G). Temperatures were only 1–2 °C (2–4 °F) warmer on top than at the bottom and salinity differences were around 4 ppt in August and even less in September. In contrast, during high winter flows on the Chetco River, stratification is common. As flows decrease, the fresh water layer becomes thinner until it mixes completely. Stratification resulted in an increase of up to 5 °C (9 °F) in temperature and up to 22 ppt in salinity. During each of the three daily profile runs (Appendix G), temperatures at the “river” site were less than or equal to 16 °C (61 °F). This is consistent with a longitudinal survey of the estuary on the afternoon of 8/3/01, showing temperatures at 1 foot depth declining from 20.6 °C near the Harbor water intake to 15.3 °C at the Boat Basin entrance (Kocher and Cavenass, 2001, pers. comm.). The survey was conducted during the Low High to High Low ebb tide while mainstem Chetco temperatures were increasing. In 2004, continuous recording thermometers were deployed in the Chetco River upstream of the estuary. Figure x illustrates maximum and minimum temperatures for each day. At the furthest downstream site, the 7-day average of daily maxima was 77.4°F (25.2°C). Minimum temperatures did not decline below 64°F (17.8°C) for most of the summer, thus creating a relatively inhospitable environment for juvenile salmonid rearing. Water clarity at the SBB-S during September and October seem to be influenced by the wave height, with higher visibility occurring during periods of lower wave height (Appendix H). need to test this statement statistically. The “ocean” site was more turbid than the river during February and May sampling events, and was also richer in nutrients. Because Chetco River runoff is mixing at the “ocean” site, it is uncertain whether the higher turbidity results from turbulence at the mouth or from wind-induced upwelling of nutrients from deep water ocean sources. In May, after a long period of decreasing flow, higher nitrate concentrations in the ocean probably indicate upwelling (consistent with the timing shown in Figure 1). Nutrient 9 availability in late spring allows the growth of phytoplankton which results in higher basin turbidity. During late summer/fall, pH values ranged from 8.2 - 8.7, and in February, declined to 7.5 – 8.0, which is a normal response to the pH of rainfall (Table 1). Discuss why elevated pH may be harmful to aquatic organisms. Violations of the state standard at 8.5 were detected mostly in the summer in the afternoon. Dissolved oxygen (DO) and Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD): DO was highest (10.6 – 13.2 mg/L) in late summer, presumably due to higher temperatures, salinities and more algal photosynthesis. The Ocean and Chetco River sites always had the highest DO, due to their greater wave action and better water circulation. In summer, lower ocean swells may reduce circulation, which together with higher temperatures and adequate nutrient input can enhance algae, increasing diurnal DO fluctuations. September and February sampling events had lower DO values in the morning and higher towards the afternoon, which is a normal diurnal fluctuation. Natural fluctuations of oxygen occur due to daily cycles in photosynthesis and respiration. Oxygen is higher in the afternoon during photosynthesis and lower in the early morning after oxygen-consuming activities have been going on for more than eight hours (Maryland Department of Natural Resources, 2003). May samples had high DO in the morning and lower DO towards the afternoon, following a low tide. Chetco Boat Basin Dissolved Oxygen with Tidal Cycles 8 13.5 Ocean 7 18:50 6 CBB-M 11.5 River SBB-N 7:27 10.5 5 SBB-S 4 3 12:30 9.5 Tide (ft) Dissolved Oxygen (mg/L) 12.5 2 8.5 1 08 Tide 7.5 6.5 4:48 08.02.02 0 7:12 9:36 12:00 14:24 16:48 19:12 -1 21:36 Time of Day 10 Chetco Boat Basin Dissolved Oxygen with Tidal Cycles 13.5 8 13:59 7 6 11.5 5 10.5 4 Ocean River 9.5 8.5 7.5 6.5 4:48 Ocean Entrance SBB-S SBB-S CBB-M CBB-S CBB-N SBB-N CBB-N CBB-M 7:55 7:12 3 Entrance SBB-N CBB-N SBB-S 9:36 12:00 2 CBB-S 1 09.09.02 20:28 0 SBB-N CBB-S Tide (ft) Dissolved Oxygen (mg/L) 12.5 14:24 16:48 19:12 09 Tide -1 21:36 Time of Day Note: bottom samples are red circled Chetco Boat Basin Dissolved Oxygen with Tidal Cycles 13.5 8 7 7:30 6 River 11.5 SBB-S SBB-N 10.5 CBB-N CBB-M CBB-S 5 Ocean SBB-N CBB-S 9.5 SBB-N 4 CBB-S Tide (ft) Dissolved Oxygen (mg/L) 12.5 3 Ocean 2 8.5 SBB-N 1 CBB-S 7.5 0 15:05 6.5 4:48 7:12 9:36 12:00 14:24 16:48 19:12 02.26.03 02 Tide -1 21:36 Time of Day Note: bottom samples are red circled 11 Chetco Boat Basin Dissolved Oxygen with Tidal Cycles 13.5 8 River 7 11.5 10.5 18:32 5 SBB-N SBB-N CBB-S 9.5 CBB-M SBB-S 4 CBB-S 8.5 SBB-N Ocean 7.5 3 CBB-N SBB-N CBB-S 6.5 6 CBB-N Tide (ft) Dissolved Oxygen (mg/L) 12.5 2 SBB-N CBB-S Ocean CBB-S 1 SBB-S 5.5 0 SBB-N 05.21.03 05 Tide 11:16 4.5 4:48 7:12 9:36 12:00 14:24 16:48 19:12 -1 21:36 Time of Day Note: bottom samples are red circled Low DO can appear after low tides in the bottom of the most stagnant areas (SBB-N & CBB-S), especially when low wave heights and well-established halocline limit water mixing or exchange. In May, the lowest DO levels (5.5 mg/L) in the SBB-N and CBB-S near the bottom were less than the estuarine standard of 6.5 mg/L. In October there was no difference in DO between mid and bottom samples in these same areas, probably because of large swells that allowed better water mixing and circulation in the basins. DO differences near (SBB-N) and away from the aerators (SBB-S) are difficult to attribute to the aerators, since the ocean has more influence on DO levels at the second site. More strategic sampling, with the aerators in this area turned on and off is needed to assess their effectiveness in raising dissolved oxygen in the Sport Boat Basin. Increased organic material from decaying algae is present in the summer. This extra organic matter has to be decomposed by microorganisms, increasing their population and activity, and thus creating an additional pressure on DO, and therefore raising the BOD. In August BOD levels were between 2.4 – 4.9 mg/L, while in fall and winter all BODs were < 1.1 mg/L. The origin of the elevated BOD, whether created in the basins by algae production (autochthonous) and/or imported to the basin from the ocean (allochthonous) is unknown. Monitoring BOD in basins and at different ocean sites during the summer could provide sufficient information understand the origin of the organic matter. Total Phosphorus and Nitrate + Nitrite Total phosphorus (TP) was highest in late summer and fall and lowest in the spring (Table 1). In August and September, TP was mainly present in the CBB, increasing towards the CBB-S, where more algal mats had accumulated. High TP values on August 2nd in the Chetco River (0.09 mg/L) are considerably higher than July and September values measured by DEQ at Chetco River at second bridge (0.01 mg/L). Tidal exchange between the Boat Basins with high 12 TP and organic matter and the Chetco River, could account for the difference. Alternatively, it is possible that the August River sample was contaminated with bottom sediments. The highest ocean TP was measured in May (0.07 mg/L) and is likely influenced by ocean upwelling. Phosphates in Estuary and Basin 0.14 0.12 SBB-N mg/L 0.1 SBB-S CBB-N 0.08 CBB-M 0.06 CBB-S River 0.04 Ocean 0.02 0 Aug Sep Oct Feb May Date The highest nitrates were detected in February in the CBB. Tributaries at “Buried Pipe” and Tuttle Creek were likely sources, since the ocean was an order of magnitude less (0.10 mg/L), and nitrates increased from the north to the south end of the basin. Nitrates in Estuary and Basin 0.3 0.25 SBB-N SBB-S mg/L 0.2 CBB-N 0.15 CBB-M CBB-S 0.1 River Ocean 0.05 0 Aug Sep Oct Feb May Date Note: Non-detected values are plotted as 0 mg/L 13 Also in February, nitrates in the SBB were similar to the ocean, and only half the concentrations measured in the CBB. In May, the ocean had the highest nitrate concentrations, more than double those found in the CBB. The pattern in the CBB is reversed, with the lowest values at CBB-S not only furthest away from the ocean influence, but also where the highest densities of algal mats were observed. Accumulation of algal mats appears to be a physical as well as a biological process, resulting from onshore winds and obstacles to surface circulation within the Boat Basins. Nitrate + nitrite was less than the detection limit (0.05 mg/L) in September and remained low in August and October (0.05 – 0.08 mg/L). It is suspected that algae are using all available nitrate in the basin during the summer and fall (reference). 14 2/26/200 10/17/2002 3 9/9/2002 8/2/2002 Corps Table 1. WQ Results from the Chetco Basin and Estuary Site North Sport Basin Chetco River North Sport Basin South Sport Basin Composite Sport Commercial Basin Composite Commercial Basin Opening Chetco River Ocean North Sport Basin North Sport Basin South Sport Basin South Sport Basin Commercial Basin North Commercial Basin North Commercial Basin Mid Commercial Basin Mid Commercial Basin South Commercial Basin South Basin Opening Chetco River Ocean North Sport Basin North Sport Basin Commercial Basin Mid Commercial Basin Mid Commercial Basin nr Buried North Sport Basin North Sport Basin North Sport Basin Time Depth (m) Temp (C) Temp (F) Salinity (ppt) pH Turb (NTU) DO (mg/L) DO% Sat BOD (mg/L) 13.5 13.6 56 56 19 19 8.5 8.4 2 2 11.2 10.6 107 101 2.9 3.0 13.6* 56 19 8.5 2 11.9 114 4.9 10:34 10:59 10:50 11:52 12:05 8:25 8:45 9:12 11:40 7:30 10:37 7:45 10:30 8:15 8:25 8:40 9:35 9:52 9:58 11:15 11:30 11:53 16:20 16:10 16:55 16:45 2.5 2.5 2.3 2.0 2.0 3.3 1.3 13.3 13.4 56 56 19 19 8.4 8.3 1 2 3.0 1.5 3.9 1.25 3.4 1.9 3.8 1.2 2.4 1.6 3.35 3.5 1.25 3 1.5 3 1.6 3.2 13.7* 12.3 13.0 12.9 13.2 12.8 12.6 12.9 13.1 13.2 13.0 13.0 13.4 13.0 11.0 10.9 11.1 10.9 57 54 55 55 56 55 55 55 56 56 55 55 56 55 52 52 52 52 20 26 26 25 25 27 27 25 23 23 23 27 28 27 29 31 30 31 8.5 8.3 <1 2.2 8.2 2.5 8.2 4.5 8.4 2.4 8.3 2.8 8.5 8.7 8.6 3.4 2.7 1.5 3.2 17:23 8:15 10:43 10:47 1.5 2.25 2.2 4.4 11.1 10.1 9.8 10.5 52 50 50 51 30 26 26 4.2 4.3 2.1 Nitrates (mg/L) ND ND 0.060 ND 0.120 0.07 11.3 107 2.4 0.090 0.06 13.2 8.5 7.3 8.6 9.0 8.5 8.1 8.7 7.7 8.6 7.3 9.3 9.6 9.5 9.1 9.1 8.9 8.9 126 97 84 99 104 99 94 98 87 98 83 108 114 111 3.6 0.8 1.0 0.8 0.7 1.1 0.8 0.9 1.0 0.9 0.6 1.2 0.9 1.1 0.7 ND ND 0.08 ND ND ND 0.060 ND 0.060 ND 0.500 ND ND ND <0.05 ND ND 0.05 82 80 80 1.1 0.060 0.06 0.070 0.08 9.4 10.8 8.0 83 95 71 0.5 0.3 0.4 0.014 0.08 3.1 7.9 Total P (mg/L) 0.05 0.05 15 5/21/2003 North Sport Basin South Sport Basin Commercial Basin North Commercial Basin Mid Commercial Basin South Commercial Basin South Commercial Basin South Commercial Basin South Basin Opening Chetco River Chetco River Ocean Ocean North Sport Basin North Sport Basin North Sport Basin North Sport Basin North Sport Basin North Sport Basin South Sport Basin South Sport Basin Commercial Basin N Commercial Basin N Commercial Basin Mid Commercial Basin S Commercial Basin S Commercial Basin S Commercial Basin S Commercial Basin S Basin Opening Chetco River Ocean Ocean *not measured, estimated 15:37 11:06 12:03 11:50 9:05 11:34 11:40 16:11 10:10 15:20 16:58 9:55 16:48 8:14 8:16 11:07 11:12 14:45 14:48 10:50 10:55 11:56 11:59 12:12 8:40 8:43 12:27 16:27 16:32 9:25 13:29 9:45 15:40 3 1.75 2 1.5 2.25 1.75 3.5 2.7 2.5 2 1.2 3.5 2.5 1.25 2.5 1.25 2.5 2 4 1.12 2.2 1.75 3.5 1.4 1.5 3 1.4 2 4 2.6 1 1.75 3.25 10.1 9.3 9.4 9.4 9.9 9.8 10.5 10.0 8.6 9.0 9.5 9.6 13.6 12.3 13.8 11.6 11.8 11.4 13.6 11.7 12.9 11.4 13.9 13.7 11.8 14.0 11.5 11.4 12.0 14.8 10.9 10.5 50 49 49 49 50 50 51 50 47 48 49 49 56 54 57 53 53 53 56 53 55 53 57 57 53 57 53 53 54 59 52 51 25 27 25 23 23 7.8 7.8 7.8 2.1 2.0 2.5 7.6 2.1 27 28 7.8 2.0 7.5 8.0 1.7 3.2 27 4 11 5 17 20 20 5 18 13 18 8 6 13 7 21 20 12 1 19 25 8.1 1 8.0 1.4 8.0 1.8 8.1 1.4 7.8 2 8.1 8.7 7.6 2.8 1 4.0 10.1 11.2 10.7 10.7 10.0 10.6 8.0 10.2 97 97 93 93 88 93 71 90 0.5 0.5 0.2 0.2 0.4 0.3 0.6 0.1 11.8 101 0.3 9.4 10.7 10.3 8.1 10.4 7.2 7.4 5.5 10.0 6.2 8.2 6.5 9.7 10.0 6.7 9.4 7.1 7.3 82 101 81 103 74 78 58 99 64 84 67 97 99 67 95 74 76 12.8 8.4 7.1 125 86 75 0.023 0.021 0.019 0.10 0.17 0.20 0.018 0.25 0.4 0.006 0.028 0.08 0.10 0.4 0.03 0.13 0.3 0.4 0.02 0.10 0.4 0.3 0.02 0.08 0.5 0.4 0.01 0.07 <0.05 0.24 16 Tributaries to the Boat Basins Temperature, conductivity, turbidity and pH: Temperatures from all tributaries draining water into the boat basins ranged from 10-16 °C (50-60 °F), with the lowest values in February, corresponding to the cool season (Table 2). Specific conductivity ranged from 70 to 1511 and was highest in BH006 and Buried Pipe tributaries. The pipe at BH006 is corroded, and drains not only a large parking area, but also a boat cleaning station, explaining the variability in dissolved minerals. The outlet of the “Buried Pipe” is under saltwater at most tides. Turbidity ranged from 1 to 535 NTU and was highest during the “first flush” storm runoff from pipes draining the parking lots and during the highest flows in BH005, Donovan Creek, Buried Pipe and Tuttle Creek. On days with no storm runoff, the highest turbidities usually occurred in BH006 and Donovan Creek, but the limited flows from these tributaries are unlikely to have much effect on turbidity in the boat basins. pH values were between 7.0 and 8.4 and BH006 always had the highest pH. This pH range is similar to that found in the Chetco River. pH tended to decline in the winter, and increase during summer sampling runs. Dissolved Oxygen (DO) and Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) DO ranged between 9.0 mg/L and 10.8 mg/L, with the lowest values recorded in BH006. There are no clear seasonal changes, but late summer and fall DO samples had around 98% saturation whereas February samples were lower and ranged from 89-96% saturation. BOD was highest in BH006 in August (5.8 mg/L) and September (9.5 mg/L), while BODs in all the other tributaries were less than 1.2 mg/L. This indicates more biological activity or potential contaminants in this pipe, but since its flow is small, it is probably not a major influence on the SBB. In February all BOD samples were < 0.7 mg/L, comparable to the Chetco River sample (0.3 mg/L). Total Phosphorus (TP) and Nitrate + Nitrite Total phosphorus contributions from all of the tributaries were low during most of the sampling events. During the “first flush” of the rainy season on September 17th, TP was elevated to between 0.17 and 0.36 mg/L. In August and September, all sites had values averaging approximately 0.06 mg/L, except for non-detectable levels in Donovan Creek. February TP levels were < 0.04 mg/L and May levels were < 0.02 mg/L at all sites. Nitrate+nitrite concentrations were consistently high (1.0 – 2.1 mg/L) on Buried Pipe and Tuttle Creek, especially during sample events in August, February and May. Buried Pipe and Tuttle Creek also have the highest flows (see next section). One sample from the Buried Pipe, collected during the “first flush” storm, was mixed with estuarine water (of high conductivity). Nitrate was nondetected in this sample. 17 Total Phosphorus in Pipes 0.40 0.35 0.30 BH005 mg/L 0.25 BH006 0.20 Donovan Buried 0.15 Tuttle 0.10 0.05 0.00 8.02.02 9.09.02 9.17.02 2.26.03 5.21.03 Date Note: Non-detected values are plotted as 0 mg/L Nitrates in Pipes 2.50 2.00 mg/L BH005 1.50 BH006 Donovan Buried 1.00 Tuttle 0.50 0.00 8.02.02 9.09.02 9.17.02 2.26.03 5.21.03 Date Note: Non-detected values are plotted as 0 mg/L 18 Table 2. WQ Results from Tributaries to the Boat Basins 5/21/2003 2/26/2003 10/17 9/17/2002 9/9/2002 8/2/2002 Corps Site BH005 BH006 BH005 BH006 Donovan Creek Buried Pipe Tuttle Creek BH005 BH006 Donovan Creek Buried Pipe Tuttle Creek BH005 BH006 Donovan Creek Buried Pipe Tuttle Creek SE Parking Lot Buried Pipe BH005 BH006 Donovan Creek Buried Pipe Tuttle Creek BH005 BH006 Donovan Creek Buried Pipe Tuttle Creek * estimated ** Average value Time Flow, gpm 12:40 12:00 7:57 13:23 8:47 7:18 7:50 8:48 9:55 11:43 12:50 12:40 13:00 13:10 11:45 12:30 75 0.4 200* 56* 150 44 0.2 44 33 43 200* 30 300* 200* 500* 20** 17:30 13:55 14:25 8:45 15:23 9:25 11:11 12:14 9:25 12:41 8:14 175 1.1 334 372 638 164 1 147 107 270 Temp (C) Temp (F) 14.5 15.8 13.7 15.5 13.1 13.4 12.6 13.5 13.0 13.5 58 60 57 60 56 56 55 56 55 56 12.6 11.3 12.3 10.9 12.1 10.0 12.6 15.1 12.5 12.9 11.4 55 52 54 52 54 50 55 59 55 55 53 Cond. 73 650 98 70 147 1511 133 216 169 94 97 100 16,800 107 130** 110 499 109 107 71 110 533 111 101 97 pH 7.7 8.2 7.4 7.4 7.5 7.7 8.4 7.7 7.8 7.9 7.1 7.9 7.1 6.9 7.0 7.5 8.3 7.5 7.7 7.6 Turb. NTU 4 32 9 2.5 1 4.4 31 10 3.0 1.6 161 58 103 92 118 40-535 4 2.9 8 4 1.6 1.4 2.6 35 5 1.4 1.1 DO (mg/L) DO% Sat BOD (mg/L) 10.2 9.2 10.3 99 91 99 0.7 5.8 0.5 10.5 10.3 9.7 10.3 10.3 10.2 99 98 91 98 97 97 1.2 0.3 9.5 1.1 0.2 0.2 10.4 9.5 10.5 10.3 10.8 10.3 9.0 10.2 10.0 10.7 94 89 95 96 95 127 116 125 123 128 0.2 0.7 0.3 0.2 0.1 0.4 1.6 0.2 0.1 0.2 Total P (mg/L) Nitrates (mg/L) 0.04 0.16 0.05 0.17 ND 0.08 ND 0.15 ND ND 0.06 0.07 0.20 0.31 0.18 0.17 0.36 0.33 0.68 0.20 0.83 0.30 0.72 1.16 1.00 ND 0.41 0.39 0.67 0.68 0.16 0.11 0.36 ND 0.21 0.16 <0.05 0.02 0.04 0.02 <0.01 0.01 0.01 0.02 0.01 <0.01 0.01 0.94 0.54 0.05 0.71 2.10 1.10 0.78 0.08 0.68 1.20 0.84 19 Nutrient Loads Table 3. Nutrient Loads from All Tributaries Sampling Date 08.02.02 09.09.02 09.17.02 02.26.03 05.21.03 Total Phosphorus (g/day) 45 63 1919 87 28 Total Phosphorus (lbs/day) 0.1 0.1 4.2 0.2 0.1 Nitrate (g/day) 2298 375 1397 9892 3183 The highest nitrate load was found in February (9.9 kg/day) which might enrich the basin enough to provoke an early algae bloom, especially since the tributaries with the highest loads enter the most stagnant area in the CBB-S. lbs of Urea/day 11 2 7 47 15 Nitrate loads decrease towards the summer and generally total phosphorus loads only increase during high runoff events (Table 3). Phosphorus Loads in Pipes 1200 1000 BH005 800 g/day In February the CBB-S pipes contributed 8.1 kg/day and the SBB pipes only 0.5 kg/day. Flows and loads are tabulated by tributary in Appendix I. Nitrate (lbs/day) 5.1 0.8 3.1 21.8 7.0 BH006 600 Donovan Buried 400 Tuttle 200 0 8.02.02 9.09.02 9.17.02 Date Nitrate Loads in Pipes 4500 4000 3500 BH005 g/day 3000 BH006 2500 Donovan 2000 Buried 1500 Tuttle 1000 500 0 8.02.02 9.09.02 9.17.02 Date 2.26.03 5.21.03 2.26.03 5.21.03 Conclusions In spring, as water temperature and sun light increase, algae began to grow and use nutrients. The highest nitrates were detected in February in the Commercial Boat Basin. Tributaries at “Buried Pipe” and Tuttle Creek were likely sources, since the ocean was an order of magnitude less (0.10 mg/L), and nitrates increased from the north to the south end of the basin. Evidently, nitrogen loads from the tributaries, particularly Buried Pipe and Tuttle Creek, are available prior to the average onset of wind-induced ocean upwelling. These nutrients may prolong the period of algae production in the early spring, as well as later into the summer. During years with later or weaker upwelling than in 2002 or 2003, the relative importance of these sources of nitrate would be greater, particularly in the Commercial Boat Basin. Algae production depends on temperature, sunlight, and nutrients. For phytoplankton, the optimal ratio between nitrogen and phosphorus is 16:1, and for ephemeral macroalgae is x:x (reference). Understanding the changing abundance of these nutrients and which of them limits algal production, may be used manage and reduce the algal biomass. Assuming that nitrogen is at least as high as the nitrate+nitrite concentration (which ignores any particulate or organic fractions), an N:P ratio may be calculated for the Boat Basins during the growth season. In February, N:P in the Commercial Boat Basin increased from 8 to 11 to 14, from the site closest to the ocean to the south end near the tributaries. This seems to indicate that reducing the nitrogen contribution from the tributaries could result in a less optimal N:P ratio, and reduce the algal biomass. Nutrient inputs may be encouraging algae production in the basins which exacerbates diurnal fluctuations in DO and pH and increases BOD values after algae decomposes. This study detected dissolved oxygen levels as low as 5.5 mg/L near the bottom of the north end of the Sport Boat Basin and 6.5 mg/L at the south end of the Commercial Boat Basin.. These lower DO sites are furthest from the Boat Basin entrance, and are more stagnant. The lowest levels were detected during May when the aerators are turned off. Although these levels violate the state standard for estuarine waters, they are not as low as expected. Corps of Engineers profiles (1999) in the north end of the Sport Boat Basin measured 4.5 mg/L at the north end of the Sport Boat Basin at the of August. At this time, they also detected dissolved oxygen as low as 4.7 mg/L in the Chetco River. However, due to complex relations among time of day, tidal cycle, and season, the minimum value and duration of DO impairment is yet to be determined. Grab samples in the summer were only collected at one time of day, in the top and bottom layers. In order to fully evaluate the effect of algae growth on dissolved oxygen, 24-hour diurnal cycles need to be recorded at different tidal stages. Continuous recording dissolved oxygen, temperature, and salinity sensors may be deployed over 24-hour periods, at intervals through the spring-fall. pH exceeding the state standard of 8.5 was detected at the river site in September and May. Peak pH values tend to occur later in the afternoon than our samples. Continuous recording pH sensors would be needed to determine the duration of pH impairment. Tributaries to the boat basins are lower in pH. The effectiveness of the aerators in the Sport Boat Basin in raising DO levels was not adequately evaluated with the sampling design that was used. The two sites selected to be closer and further away from the aerators, SBB-N and SBB-S, differed in the degree of tidal influence on their oxygen levels. Knowing that large masses of schooling fish such as sardines, anchovies, and herring periodically move into the Boat Basin changes ones perspective about adequate dissolved oxygen levels. Diurnal 21 fluctuations in dissolved oxygen and pH have not been adequately examined. The highest density of algal biomass, where the most extreme fluctuations may be expected is associated with the location of the highest nitrate loads from tributaries. Dissolved oxygen stress renders some proportion of the Boat Basin stressful during current conditions, and it is clear that this proportion may expand rapidly when the wrong combination of waves, water temperature, fish density, and fresh water flow is present. In addition, continuous dissolved oxygen measurements on other South Coast estuaries have shown that morning fog extends the period of respiration, which allows dissolved oxygen to continue to decline for a longer period of time. Recommendations Estuary processes are complex making them difficult to analyze for water quality, because of their tidal, diurnal, seasonal and inter-annual variability. Additional monitoring during different spring upwelling conditions will better clarify the variability in nutrient sources and dissolved oxygen response. The maximum diurnal range for dissolved oxygen in other South Coast estuaries tends to occur in the mid- to late summer months. Continuous recording sensors will provide critical information on the duration of dissolved oxygen stress from algae respiration. BOD grab samples are also helpful for comparing ocean, river, and Boat Basin conditions. Grab samples for nutrients in north, midand south positions within the Commercial Boat Basin were particularly useful. Chlorophyll a samples would provide another check on the trophic state of the Boat Basins, and track phytoplankton abundance with tributary and ocean nutrient inputs. DO profiles should be measured in the SBB-N in summer in order to evaluate the effectiveness of the aerators. The profiles may be measured between two aerators from the dock, while operating and when they are turned off. - discuss the results of this effort in 2003 Abundance, growth rates, and diversity of aquatic species supported by the estuary could be tracked along with dissolved oxygen stress and algal density. ODFW could be involved in these evaluations. Excessive algae growth in the Port of Brookings-Harbor is a chronic summer problem that affects not only aquatic species, but also commercial and recreational activities. The algae problem will vary in intensity from year to year, but activities to diminish nitrate loads will need to be ongoing. Among the factors that could be addressed (water temperature, sunlight, or nutrients), nitrate reduction appears to have the best chance of success. Improving vegetative uptake of nitrate, as well as reducing fertilizer additions within the watersheds of Buried Pipe and Tuttle Creek should be pursued. Opportunities for increasing the contact time between water and riparian or wetland vegetation should be assessed. Bioswales can reduce the nutrient load in the water by filtration through wetland plants and conversion of nutrients to both gaseous forms (that are then lost in the atmosphere). Bioswales accomplish this by aerating and increasing the residence time of the water so that plants and microorganisms may transform nutrients to other forms before they reach the estuary. . An outreach/education program and pilot projects to demonstrate the value of vegetated areas and wetlands could be developed to reduce the contribution of nitrates from the watersheds. the program could also build awareness of the boundaries of the watersheds affecting the boat basin, and provide incentives for using alternatives to fertilization. 22 Creating better connectivity between the basins, the river and ocean will help to improve circulation, as well as dissolved oxygen conditions in the basin. Alternatives to the current basin entrance have been proposed to reduce the effects of ocean swell on the docks and boat. Assessments of these alternative configurations should consider potential effects on algal biomass, dissolved oxygen and conditions leading to fish mortality. In 2001, fish mortality had serious economic, as well as ecological effects on the Port (Crabtree, 2002, pers.comm.). Acknowledgements This Water Quality Monitoring project was conducted primarily by Cindy Myers (South Coast Watershed Council), Frank Burris (Oregon State University Extension Service) and Birgit Knoblauch (Experience International Trainee). Funding was obtained from the Port of Brookings-Harbor, EPA Rural Sustainability Grant, Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board, Chetco Watershed Council, Oregon State University Sea Grant and Cal-Ore Enhancement. Experience International and Siskiyou National Forest were responsible for creating the internship that allowed the South Coast Watershed Council to benefit from Birgit’s enthusiastic and capable presence. We appreciate the contributions of Dick Laskey, Chetco Watershed Council, for providing his boat and fuel for sampling, and recording daily Secchi disk measurements for the study. Sampling would not have been possible without the help of our volunteers: David de Lucca, Andy Gross, Liesl Coleman, Aaron Fitch, Kai Druzdzel, Matt Swanson, Morgan Kocher, and employees of the Port of Brookings-Harbor. References Grant D. & Dawson B. 1997. Isco Open Channel Flow Measurement Handbook. Fifth Edition. Lincoln: Isco, Inc. Howarth, R.W., and R. Marino. 2006. Nitrogen as the limiting nutrient for eutrophication in coastal marine ecosystems: Evolving views over three decades, Limnol. Oceanogr., 51(1, part 2), 364–376. Maryland Department of Natural Resources. 2003. Dissolved Oxygen in Coastal Bays. http://www.dnr.state.md.us/coastalbays/res_protect/pubs/oxygen_report.pdf NOAA. 2003. National Buoy Data Center. Station 46027. St. Georges. Historical Data. http://seaboard.ndbc.noaa.gov/station_page.phtml?station=46027 Oregon Coastal Atlas. 2003. Chetco River Estuary. http://www.coastalatlas.net/learn/settings/estuary/estuary.asp?es=20 23 US Army Corps of Engineers. 2000. Port of Brookings/Harbor, Oregon. Sport Boat Basin. Evaluation of Aeration System Application. Copy of Study. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). 2003. Mid-Atlantic Integrated Assessment. Estuaries. http://www.epa.gov/maia/html/estuaries.html Waldvogel, Jim. 2003. Anchovies in Oregon and California Estuaries, Agriculture & Natural Resources. Sea Grant Extension. Crescent City. CA. Personal Communication. 24 Appendices Appendix A: Notes from Birgit Knoblauch’s Interview of Jim Waldvogel, Sea Grant Extension Agent - - - - - - - There are great masses of anchovies in the Ocean. They come into estuaries depending on ocean conditions (currents and food) and their reproductive cycle, this occurs often between June and August. Anchovies are everywhere, only a small amount comes into the harbors to feed, or sea lions and seals chase them into the basins. They usually spawn off shore and not in the harbors In summer, higher temperatures create more algae (phytoplankton) and with a further input of nutrients and sun light they bloom, which attracts more zooplankton that feeds on algae. Anchovies feed on zooplankton that is mainly available in the summer. They form masses and hang out in harbors mainly to feed. Anchovies need big amounts of oxygen to survive and since they hang out in masses, they can create hypoxia and even anoxia and die within 24 hours. Fresh water also kills anchovies within 24 hours. The major reasons of anchovy die offs are: o High populations of anchovies come into the basin to feed and create too much pressure on the oxygen o Phytoplankton cycle (creating extremer diurnal DO fluctuations, due to higher temperatures and higher photosynthesis or respiration) o Temperatures and specific wind conditions (higher temperatures hold less oxygen and winds have great influence in temperatures and wave action) o Fresh water There have been two anchovy die offs in the Port of Brookings-Harbor in 2001 Anchovies usually feed in the surface, this can cause a problem if the sweet water is present and traps them in the basins. They have no place to escape in the shallow water and consume all the oxygen around them. There is a “normal” phytoplankton cycle in estuaries, which is necessary and important for the organisms that live in them. It is normal to have a certain algae growth and the extreme diurnal fluctuations of DO in summer. It is normal to have an algae die off after the summer. Ones anchovies die, this normal cycle is altered for at least 2 months. With the decaying anchovies, a great amount of hydrogen sulfide is produced which can even corrode boat paint. The nutrient input from the decaying mass rises, having different effects in the WQ and on estuary organisms. This “disturbance” or alteration of the normal cycle has evidently no effect on the phytoplankton cycle and WQ of the next year. Comments on DO and BOD data: High DO in August because of more photosynthesis by algae or because of increased boat activity in the summer (they are moving and stirring up the water, acting like aerators) DO drop in September and October since algae are dieing off BODs are affected by the nutrient cycle. (I say: high BOD maybe because of nutrients and optimum temperature conditions for microorganisms. They get more active in this period and use up more oxygen) Comments on aerators: They might create more oxygen for the fish They might create more algae instead of decreasing 25 Appendix B: Sampling Schedules and Comments on Sampling Conditions Sampling Schedule 08.02.02 Site Name 7:00 - 10:00 SBB-N Profile SBB-S Profile Other SBB Other SBB Port entrance Profile, pH, Turb CBB Profile Other CBB-N Other CBB-M Other CBB-S Chetco River Chetco Ocean Profile, DO, BOD pH, Turb Profile, DO, BOD, pH, Turb BH006 15:00 – 18:00 Profile Profile Profile Profile Profile Profile Profile Profile Nutrients Profile Profile Nutrients Profile Profile DO, BOD, pH, Turb, ¼ nutrients ¼ nutrients ¼ nutrients ¼ nutrients Flow, temp, pH, turb, cond, DO, BOD, nutrients Flow, temp, pH, turb, cond, DO, BOD, nutrients Buried Pipe Tuttle Creek 13:00 – 15:00 Flow, temp, pH, turb, cond, DO, BOD, nutrients Flow, temp, pH, turb, cond, DO, BOD, nutrients BH005 Donavan 10:00 – 13:00 DO, BOD, pH, Turb, ¼ nutrients DO, BOD, pH, Turb, ¼ nutrients ¼ nutrients ¼ nutrients Flow, temp, pH, turb, cond, DO, BOD, nutrients 26 Sampling Schedule 09.09.02 Location SBB-N SBB-S 7:00 - 8:00 Prof., temp, DO, BOD, pH & turb Prof., temp, DO, BOD, pH & turb 8:00 – 9:30 CBB between 2 southern pipes CBB by shrimp Profiles, DO, temp Chetco River Chetco Ocean Tuttle Creek Profiles, DO, temp Profiles, DO, temp Profiles, DO, temp Profiles, DO, temp Profiles, DO, temp 13:00 – 15:30 Profiles, DO, temp Profiles, DO, temp Profiles, DO, temp Profiles, DO, temp Profiles, DO, temp Profiles, DO, temp Profiles, DO, temp Profiles, DO, temp 15:30 – 18:00 Nutrient Nutrient Nutrient Nutrient Nutrient Nutrient Nutrient Nutrient Flow, temp, pH, turb, cond, DO, BOD, nutrients Buried Pipe Donovan Profiles, DO, temp Prof., temp, DO, BOD, pH & turb Prof., temp, DO, BOD, pH & turb Prof., temp, DO, BOD, pH & turb Port entrance BH006 10:30 – 13:00 Profiles, DO, temp Prof., temp, DO, BOD, pH & turb Prof., temp, DO, BOD, pH & turb Prof., temp, DO, BOD, pH & turb CBB-M BH005 9:30 – 10:30 Flow, temp, pH, turb, cond, DO, BOD, nutrients Flow, temp, pH, turb, cond, DO, BOD, nutrients Flow, temp, pH, turb, cond, DO, BOD, nutrients Flow, temp, pH, turb, cond, DO, BOD, nutrients 27 Sampling Schedule 02.26.03 Location 7:30 - 9:00 SBB-N Profile, DO & BOD bottom SBB-S Profile Port entrance Profile, pH, turb CBB-N Profile CBB-M Profile CBB-S Profile, DO & BOD bottom Chetco River Profile Profile Prof., DO & BOD mid, pH, turb, nutrients Chetco Ocean Prof., DO & BOD mid, pH, turb, nutrients Profile Profile, DO mid BH006 Profile, DO & BOD bottom Profile Profile Profile Profile Profile, DO & BOD bottom Flow, temp, pH, turb, cond, DO, BOD, nutrients Flow, temp, pH, turb, cond, DO, BOD, nutrients Buried Pipe Tuttle Creek 14:30 – 17:30 Flow, temp, pH, turb, cond, DO, BOD, nutrients Flow, temp, pH, turb, cond, DO, BOD, nutrients BH005 Donovan 9:00 – 13:30 Prof., DO & BOD mid + bottom, pH, turb, nutrients Prof., DO & BOD mid, pH, turb, nutrients Profile Prof., DO & BOD mid, pH, turb, nutrients Prof., DO & BOD mid, pH, turb, nutrients Prof., DO & BOD mid + bottom, pH, turb, nutrients Flow, temp, pH, turb, cond, DO, BOD, nutrients 28 Sampling Schedule 05.21.03 Location SBB-N Frank + Birgit 7:30 - 9:00 Profile, DO & BOD mid, DO bottom SBB-S Profile CBB-N Profile CBB-M Profile CBB-S Profile, DO & BOD mid, DO bottom Chetco River Profile Chetco Ocean Port entrance Prof., DO & BOD mid, pH, turb, nutrients Profile, pH, turb BH005 BH006 Pipe @ Donovan Birgit +Liesl + Kai 14:30 – 17:30 Profile, DO & BOD mid, DO bottom Profile Profile, DO mid Profile Flow, temp, pH, turb, cond, DO, BOD nutrients Flow, temp, pH, turb, cond, DO, BOD nutrients Profile Profile Profile Profile Profile, DO & BOD mid, DO bottom Profile Flow, temp, pH, turb, cond, DO, BOD nutrients Flow, temp, pH, turb, cond, DO, BOD nutrients / other nutrients next to pipe Buried Pipe Pipe @Tuttle Frank + Cindy 9:00 – 13:30 Prof., DO & BOD mid + bottom, pH, turb, nutrients Prof., DO & BOD mid, pH, turb, nutrients Prof., DO & BOD mid, pH, turb, nutrients Prof., DO & BOD mid, pH, turb, nutrients Prof., DO & BOD mid + bottom, pH, turb, nutrients Prof., DO & BOD mid, pH, turb, nutrients Flow, temp, pH, turb, cond, DO, BOD nutrients / nutrient at RV Park 29 Comments on 08.02.02 sampling schedule: Tides: 1:23 1.6ft; 7:27 4.3ft; 12:30 2.9ft; 18:50 6.5ft Wave height: 6.4ft – 12.0ft (NOAA St. Georges Buoy. Crescent City. USA. 2003) 9 nutrient samples were taken for Total Phosphorus, Orthophosphate and Nitrate + Nitrite, having composite samples for the SBB and CBB from 4 different sites in each basin. - 9 DO, 9 BOD, 11 pH & turbidity samples were taken. - 3 diurnal profiles Total bottles needed: 8 nutrient (acid washed 500 ml nalgene), 18 BOD, 8 – 11 bottles (nalgene or good washed recycle bottles) for pH and turbidity - Sampling was in the following order: SBB-N, SBB-S, Entrance, River, Ocean and CBB. Comments on 09.09.02 sampling schedule: Tides: 1:25 7.2ft; 7:55 0ft; 13:59 7.4ft; 20:28 0.4ft Wave height: 2.1ft – 3.3ft 12 nutrient samples were taken for Total Phosphorus and Nitrate + Nitrite. No composite samples were taken, since more individual analysis was necessary in order to see were the nutrients are coming from and where they are more concentrated. Nutrient samples at the evening?? - 24 DO, 18 BOD, 13 pH & turbidity samples were taken - 3 diurnal profiles Total bottles needed: 36 – 42 BOD, 12 nutrient and 10 – 13 pH & turbidity - Maintained the same sampling order. DO, BOD, nutrient, pH and turbidity samples from the basins were handed out in the SBB-S dock as quick as possible. Mid and bottom DO and BOD samples were taken in the most stagnant areas as well as other DO for checking the DO meter Comments on 02.26.02 sampling schedule: Tides: 1:34 3.4ft; 7:30 6.7ft; 15:05 –0.2ft; 21:54 5.2ft Wave height: 6.7ft – 9.8ft - 12 nutrient samples were taken, sites were the same as 09.09.02 - 19 DO, 18 BOD, 13 pH & turbidity samples were taken - 3 diurnal profiles Total bottles needed: 24 – 27 BOD, 12 nutrient and 10 – 13 pH &turbidity Maintained the same sampling order. Mid and bottom DO and BOD samples were taken in the most stagnant areas. Ocean was sampled at high tide and the river at low tide to isolate them from each others influence. Comments on 05.21.02 sampling schedule: Tides: 3:55 6.8ft; 11:16 -0.5ft; 18:32 5.7ft; 23:27 3.6ft Wave height: 30 - 12 nutrient samples were taken - 19 DO, 16 BOD, 13 pH & turbidity sample were taken - 3 diurnal profiles Total bottles needed were same as in February The same sampling order and most of the February sampling schedule was maintained. 31 Appendix C: Detailed Sampling Methods The samples for the first 4 parameters were collected in one nalgene bottle at mid depth (with the help of a bridge bucket) in the basins and from a big bucket while measuring flows from the pipes. Bottles were previously washed and rinsed with distilled water. The probes were rinsed with distilled water after each measurement. In the August and February sampling, conductivity samples were kept to measure them in the laboratory. In the basin samples, temperature and in some cases salinity was measured in the bridge bucket with the meters used for profiles. Temperature: Using YSI conductivity meter, calibrated by DEQ and proved in the lab Swirling probe in the sample and taking lowest stabilized reading. Conductivity: Using YSI conductivity meter, calibrated by DEQ and proved in the lab Swirling probe in the sample and rounding the reading Turbidity: Using a turbidity meter, calibrated with field standards in the morning before sampling Swirling sample to suspend all particles and pour into veil until mark, put oil to cover scratches and measure in the meter pH: Using Orion pH meter, calibrated with 7 and 10 buffer in the morning before sampling, rinsing probe with DI water between standards, storing probes in tap water between samples 100 ml of the sample were used to rinse the probe swirling for 30 seconds and then dumping them. Another 100 ml were used, adding ISA (ionic strength adjustor) and swirling the probes for 30 seconds. The probes were suspended in the sample water until a stable reading (no more than 3 digit changes in 1 minute) was reached DO, BOD Sampled at mid depth with the bridge bucket in the basins and from the bucket to measure flow in the pipes. August and September samples for DO and BOD were processed only with powder pillows (manganuos sulfate, potassium iodide azide, sulfamic acid) other DO samples from the basins were processed with powder pillows in the boat and then sometimes with chemicals in the van. All other BOD samples were processed only with liquid chemicals. September, October and February samples of DO and BOD were taken in the most stagnant areas in the basins at mid and bottom depths. BOD samples were capped and put into a cooler while DO samples were processed in the van with the first 2 chemicals. The sample was shaken until everything was well dissolved. Once the sample settled half way it was shaken again and after the second settle the third chemical was added, shaking again to dissolve good all the particles. 203 ml of this sample were titrated with a previously standardized sodium hydroxide, swirling the sample with a magnetic stirrer while adding the titrant until a pale color was reached. Then 2 droppers of starch were added turning the sample blue in order to see the ending point of the titration (clear color of the sample). The volume of the used titrant equals mg/L of DO. BOD samples were incubated at 20 °C for 5 days and then titrated in the laboratory. 32 Nutrients: Nutrients were sampled in previously acid washed and rinsed (with deionized water) nalgene bottles or in new disposable bottles provided by Neilsons Laboratories in September. In August one bottle was designated for Total Phosphorus and Orthophosphate and one for Nitrate + Nitrite. The Orthophosphate sample was filtered with a manual vacuum pump. In all other sampling events only Total Phosphorus and Nitrate + Nitrate was sampled, using the same bottle and not filtering the sample in the field. Basin samples were taken at mid depth rinsing good the bridge bucket between sites with distilled water. Pipe samples were taken directly from their outlet into the designated bottles. All nutrient samples were acidified with 14 - 17 drops of concentrated sulfuric acid in 500 ml of sample and then put into a cooler. Nutrients were analyzed twice by Neilsons Research Corporation and then by the Watershed Council at the waste water treatment laboratory in Gold Beach using in both cases the cadmium reduction method for nitrates and the digestion method for phosphates (for more detailed explanation see standard methods). Results for Orthophosphates were not included in this report since they were only sampled in August and the test had some interference. Profiles: Diurnal profiles of DO, temperature and salinity were taken at 8 sites (SBB-N, SBB-S, CBB-N, CBB-M, CBB-S, port entrance, Chetco River and ocean) in three runs with a boat, using an YSI DO meter and a model 33 salinity meter. Both meters were calibrated in the morning and in most of the cases the DO meter was calibrated before each profile. Their probes had around 7 m cords that were taped every half a meter with brown and every meter with yellow duck tape. A weight was attached at the end of the probes, to give them a more vertical drop and to notice when the bottom was reached. The probes were lowered every half a meter doing small vertical movements to get more accurate readings. The stabilized readings were recorded in a profile field form (appendix 3). Salinities in August were compensated for temperature, while all other salinities were taken while having the temperature switch at 20 C. Temperature was taken with the YSI DO meter, which had been tested previously with other thermometers and DO was taken in % saturation. After each sampling event the probes had to be soaked in tap and distilled water. The DO meter probe membrane had to be changed especially after its intensive use in salt water. In the first two sampling events the probe was giving unstable or unreliable readings compared to the titrated DO grabs (Graphs 34 – 39). 33 Appendix D: Field Forms 34 Appendix E: Quality Assurance and Quality Control Watershed Council Laboratory Results Data Quality Levels are assigned as discussed in Quality Assurance Project Plan, following ODEQ recommendations Prop DQL is Proposed, pending review by DEQ Nitrate+Nitrite Lab QA/QC Sample Date Prop DQL Spike Recovery % Interference? Accuracy Precision Col Eff QC Comments R² 08/02/2002 09/09/2002 09/17/2002 10/17/2002 Nielson Commercial Lab Nielson Commercial Lab Nielson Commercial Lab E E E E A No spikes 02/26/2003 05/21/2003 C A C A A A B A A A 120% on which sample? Spike 102% Boat Basin Dups poor on low range samples Total Phosphorus Lab QA/QC Sample Date Prop DQL Spike Recovery % Interference? Accuracy Precision QC Comments R² 08/02/2002 09/09/2002 09/17/2002 10/17/2002 C C E B No spikes 02/26/2003 E E E B 05/21/2003 A A A A spiked non-Boat Basin 101% Tuttle, 105% CBB-N Nielson Commercial Lab Nielson Commercial Lab Nielson Commercial Lab Test tube cuvette not reproducible Dups on same day, diff run have DQL=A Corps (1999) commented that nitrate limit of detection was high due to interference of other anions 35 Titration vs DO meter, Sep 9, 2002 DO meter, % saturation 160 R2 = 0.6504 150 140 130 120 110 100 90 80 80 90 100 110 120 130 Titration, % saturation DO meter vrs titration, Sep 9, 2003 180 % Saturation 160 140 120 100 DO meter 80 Titration 60 Sites 36 Titration vs DO meter, Feb 26, 2003 DO meter, % saturation 110 105 R2 = 0.6224 100 95 90 85 80 80 90 100 110 Titration, % saturation DO meter vrs titration, Feb 26, 2003 110 105 % Saturation 100 95 90 85 80 75 70 DO meter 65 Titration 60 Sites 37 Titration vs DO meter, May 21, 2003 DO meter, % saturation 120 R2 = 0.8323 115 110 105 100 95 90 85 80 50 60 70 80 90 100 110 120 130 Titration, % saturation DO meter vrs titration, May 21, 2003 130 120 % Saturation 110 100 90 80 70 DO meter 60 Titration 50 Sites 38 Appendix F: The Manning Formula 39 Appendix G: Temperature, Salinity, Dissolved Oxygen Profiles Temperatures 1st run Aug 2, 2002 16 Temperature (C) 15 SBB N SBB S CBB Entrance River Ocean 14 13 12 0.5 2.0 3.5 5.0 6.5 Depth (m) Temperatures 2nd run Aug 2, 2002 16 Temperature (C) 15 SBB N SBB S CBB Entrance River Ocean 14 13 12 0.5 2.0 3.5 5.0 Depth (m) 40 Temperatures 3rd run Aug 2, 2002 16 Temperature (C) 15 SBB N SBB S CBB Entrance River Ocean 14 13 12 0.5 2.0 3.5 5.0 Depth (m) Salinities 1st run Aug 2, 2002 40 Salinity (ppt) 35 SBB N SBB S CBB Entrance River Ocean 30 25 20 15 0.5 2.0 3.5 5.0 6.5 Depth (m) 41 Salinities 2nd run Aug 2, 2002 30 28 SBB N SBB S CBB Entrance River Ocean Salinity (ppt) 26 24 22 20 18 0.5 2.0 3.5 5.0 Depth (m) Salinities 3rd run Aug 2, 2002 30.0 28.0 SBB N SBB S CBB Entrance River Ocean Salinity (ppt) 26.0 24.0 22.0 20.0 18.0 0.5 2.0 3.5 5.0 6.5 Depth (m) 42 Temperatures 1st run Sep 9, 2002 16 Temperature (C) 15 SBB N SBB S CBB N CBB M CBB S Entrance River Ocean 14 13 12 11 10 0.5 2.0 3.5 5.0 6.5 Depth (m) Temperatures 2nd run Sep 9, 2002 16 Temperature (C) 15 SBB N SBB S CBB N CBB M CBB S Entrance River Ocean 14 13 12 11 10 0.5 2.0 3.5 5.0 6.5 Depth (m) 43 Temperatures 3rd run Sep 9, 2002 16 Temperature (C) 15 SBB N SBB S CBB N CBB M CBB S Entrance River Ocean 14 13 12 11 10 0.5 2.0 3.5 5.0 Depth (m) Salinitities 1st run Sep 9, 2002 32.0 30.0 SBB N SBB S CBB N CBB M CBB S Entrance River Ocean Salinity (ppt) 28.0 26.0 24.0 22.0 20.0 0.5 2.0 3.5 5.0 6.5 Depth (m) 44 Salinitities 2nd run Sep 9, 2002 32.0 30.0 SBB N SBB S CBB N CBB M CBB S Entrance River Ocean Salinity (ppt) 28.0 26.0 24.0 22.0 20.0 0.5 2.0 3.5 5.0 6.5 Depth (m) Salinitities 3rd run Sep 9, 2002 32.0 30.0 SBB N SBB S CBB N CBB M CBB S Entrance River Ocean Salinity (ppt) 28.0 26.0 24.0 22.0 20.0 0.5 2.0 3.5 5.0 Depth (m) 45 Temperatures 1st run Feb 26, 2003 12 Temperature (C) 11 SBB N SBB S CBB N CBB M CBB S Entrance River Ocean 10 9 8 7 6 0.5 2.0 3.5 5.0 6.5 Depth (m) Temperatures 2nd run Feb 26, 2003 12 Temperature (C) 11 SBB N SBB S CBB N CBB M CBB S Entrance River Ocean 10 9 8 7 6 0.5 2.0 3.5 5.0 Depth (m) 46 Temperatures 3rd run Feb 2, 2003 12 Temperature (C) 11 SBB N SBB S CBB N CBB M CBB S Entrance River Ocean 10 9 8 7 6 0.5 2.0 3.5 5.0 Depth (m) Salinity 1st run Feb 26, 2003 30.0 Salinity (ppm) 25.0 SBB N SBB S CBB N CBB M CBB S Entrance River Ocean 20.0 15.0 10.0 5.0 0.0 0.5 2.0 3.5 5.0 6.5 Depth (m) 47 Salinity 2nd run Feb 26, 2003 30 Salinity (ppm) 25 SBB N SBB S CBB N CBB M CBB S Entrance River Ocean 20 15 10 5 0 0.5 2.0 3.5 5.0 Depth (m) Salinity 3rd run Feb 2, 2003 30 Salinity (ppm) 25 SBB N SBB S CBB N CBB M CBB S Entrance River Ocean 20 15 10 5 0 0.5 2.0 3.5 5.0 Depth (m) 48 Temperatures 1st run May 21, 2003 16 Temperature (C) 15 SBB N 14 SBB S 13 CBB N 12 CBB M CBB S 11 Entrance 10 River Ocean 9 8 0.5 2.0 3.5 5.0 Depth (m) Temperatures 2nd run May 21, 2003 16 Temperature (C) 15 SBB N 14 SBB S 13 CBB N 12 CBB M CBB S 11 Entrance 10 River Ocean 9 8 0.5 2.0 3.5 5.0 Depth (m) 49 Temperatures 3rd run May 21, 2003 16 Temperature (C) 15 14 SBB N 13 SBB S CBB N 12 CBB S Entrance 11 River 10 Ocean 9 8 0.5 2.0 3.5 5.0 6.5 Depth (m) Salinity 1st run May 21, 2003 30 Salinity (ppm) 25 SBB N SBB S 20 CBB N CBB M 15 CBB S Entrance 10 River 5 Ocean 0 0.5 2.0 3.5 5.0 Depth (m) 50 Salinity 2nd run May 21, 2003 30 Salinity (ppm) 25 SBB N SBB S 20 CBB N CBB M 15 CBB S Entrance 10 River 5 Ocean 0 0.5 2.0 3.5 5.0 Depth (m) Salinity 3rd run May 21, 2003 30 25 Salinity (ppm) SBB N 20 SBB S CBB N 15 CBB S Entrance 10 River Ocean 5 0 0.5 2.0 3.5 5.0 6.5 Depth (m) 51 Dissolved Oxygen 1st run May 21, 2003 14.0 13.0 SBB N 12.0 SBB S mg/L 11.0 CBB N 10.0 CBB M 9.0 CBB S 8.0 Entrance River 7.0 Ocean 6.0 5.0 0.5 2.0 3.5 5.0 Depth (m) Dissolved Oxygen 2nd run May 21, 2003 14.0 13.0 SBB N 12.0 SBB S mg/L 11.0 CBB N 10.0 CBB M 9.0 CBB S 8.0 Entrance River 7.0 Ocean 6.0 5.0 0.5 2.0 3.5 5.0 Depth (m) 52 Dissolved Oxygen 3rd run May 21, 2003 14.0 13.0 mg/L 12.0 SBB N 11.0 SBB S 10.0 CBB N CBB S 9.0 Entrance 8.0 River 7.0 Ocean 6.0 5.0 0.5 2.0 3.5 5.0 6.5 Depth (m) 53 Appendix H: Water Clarity and Wave Height Wave Height vs Secchi Disk in Sport Boat Basin in September 2002 4.00 Wave Height (m) 3.50 3.00 2.50 2.00 1.50 1.00 0.50 0.00 9/1 9/4 9/7 9/11 9/14 9/17 9/21 9/24 9/27 Date Wave Height Secchi Disk Source: NOAA National Data Buoy Center. St. Georges 46027 Wave Height vs Secchi Disk in Sport Boat Basin in October 2002 4.50 Wave Height (m) 4.00 3.50 3.00 2.50 2.00 1.50 1.00 0.50 0.00 10/1 10/4 10/8 10/11 10/15 10/18 10/21 10/25 10/28 10/31 Date Wave Height Secchi Disk Source: NOAA National Data Buoy Center. St. Georges 46027 54 09.09.02 BH005 BH006 Donovan Creek Buried Pipe Tuttle Creek Total 09.17.02 BH005 BH006 Donovan Creek Buried Pipe Tuttle Creek SE parking lot Total 02.26.03 Pipe Name BH005 BH006 Donovan Creek Buried Pipe Tuttle Creek Total BH005 BH006 Donovan Creek Buried Pipe Tuttle Creek Total 05.21.03 08.02.02 Appendix I: Flows and Nutrient Loads BH005 BH006 Donovan Creek Buried Pipe Tuttle Creek Total Flow gpm direct Manning measuremt. est. 75 0.4 200 56 150 44 0.2 44 33 43 200 30 300 200 500 98 175 1.1 334 372 638 164 1.0 147 107 270 Total Phosphorus 0.0500 0.170 ND 0.0800 ND Nitrate + Nitrite 0.830 0.300 0.720 1.16 1.00 Loads P N g/day g/day 20 340 0.4 1 0 785 24 354 0 818 45 2298 Urea lbs/day 2 0 4 2 4 11 N:P ratio 17 2 15 15 0.150 ND ND 0.0600 0.0700 ND 0.410 0.390 0.670 0.680 36 0 0 11 16 63 0 0 93 122 159 374 0 0 0 1 1 2 0.200 0.310 0.180 0.170 0.360 0.160 0.110 0.360 ND 0.210 218 51 295 185 982 188 1919 175 18 589 0 573 43 1398 1 0 3 0 3 0 7 0.8 0.4 2.0 0.02 0.04 0.02 0.004 0.01 0.54 0.05 0.71 2.10 1.10 20 0 35 8 24 87 516 0 1286 4261 3828 9891 2 0 6 20 18 47 26 37 533 160 114 0.01 0.02 0.01 0.004 0.01 0.78 0.08 0.68 1.20 0.84 10 0 6 2 9 27 696 0 546 699 1242 3183 3 0 3 3 6 15 70 4 91 350 138 117 11 10 6 0.6 0.2 0.7 rough estimate 55