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USGS1981

Effects of surface mining on water quality in a small watershed, Sullivan County, Indiana

The water quality in an unnamed tributary to Spencer Creek upstream and downstream from a surface mine and in South Lake adjacent to the mine were monitored during a 5-year study (1975-79) in the 1,210-acre watershed of the tributary. Compared with the background values, pH and concentrations of all major dissolved ions and dissolved, suspended, and streambed metals generally increased in Spencer Creek tributary downstream from the mine. Median dissolved-sodium and sulfate concentrations increased as much as eighteenfold and fourteenfold, respectively , and median dissolved-manganese and suspended aluminum concentrations increased as much as sevenfold and more than twofold. Concentrations of suspended metals decreased more than 50% after installation of sediment ponds by the mine operator. During high streamflow, concentrations of major ions at background and at mined sites on Spencer Creek tributary decreased, but dissolved- and suspended-metal concentrations increased downstream from the mine. South Lake exhibited seasonal stratification and mixing characteristics of other lakes at a similar latitude. However, the bottom 3 feet of the water column demonstrated persistent chemical stratification. Phytoplankton populations of the lake varied seasonally, and the population density patterns resembled those in other lakes at latitudes similar to that of South Lake.

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USGS1980

A one-dimensional, steady-state, dissolved-oxygen model and waste-load assimilation study for Little Lick and Big Lick Creeks, Blackford and Delaware counties, Indiana

The Indiana State Board of Health is developing a State water-quality management plan that includes establishing limits for liquid wastes discharged into Indiana streams. A digital computer model was used to predict alternatives for future waste loadings on Little Lick and Big Lick Creeks that would be compatible with Indiana stream water-quality standards defined for two critical hydrologic conditions, summer and winter low flows. The model parameters included atmospheric reaeration, carbonaceous and nitrogenous biochemical-oxygen demand, and benthic-oxygen demand. The model was calibrated with data collected during three water-quality surveys at low flow. Verification of the model was not possible owing to varied effluent discharge during sampling. During these surveys, in-stream dissolved-oxygen concentration averaged less than 3 milligrams per liter, well below the State minimum requirement of 5.0 milligrams per liter. The model indicated that these low concentrations were caused by high waste loadings, lack of dilution, low reaeration, and benthic-oxygen demand. The hypothetical summer waste-assimilation study assumed that future reductions in discharge Loadings would decrease carbonaceous and benthic decay and increase nitrogenous decay. This hypothetical study indicated that projected effluent waste loads that would provide acceptable in-stream dis-solved-oxygen concentrations are highly dependent on rates of nitrification. Ammonia toxicity became the limiting water-quality criterion at low nitrification rates. The hypothetical winter waste-assimilation study indicated that projected dissolved-oxygen concentrations in Little Lick and Big Lick Creeks did not fall below the State standard. Owing to a lack of dilution, however, ammonia-nitrogen concentrations would violate in-stream toxicity standards in both Little Lick and Big Lick Creeks. In order to quantify the results of the waste-assimilation study, it would be necessary to collect additional stream data.

Indiana↗

USGS1980

A one-dimensional, steady-state, dissolved-oxygen model and waste-load assimilation study for Little Laughery Creek, Ripley and Franklin counties, Indiana

The Indiana State Board of Health is developing a State water-quality management plan that includes establishing Limits for wastewater effluents discharged into Indiana streams. A digital model calibrated to conditions in Little Laughery Creek tributary and Little Laughery Creek was used to predict alternatives for future waste loadings that would be compatible with Indiana stream water-quality standards defined for two critical hydrologic conditions, summer and winter low flows. Natural streamflow during the summer and annual 7-day, 10-year low flow is zero. Headwater flow upstream from the wastewater-treatment facilities consists solely of process cooling water from an industrial discharger. This flow is usually Less than 0.5 cubic foot per second. Consequently, benefits from dilution are minimal. As a result, current and projected ammonia-nitrogen concentrations from the municipal discharges will result in in-stream ammonia-nitrogen concentrations that exceed the Indiana ammonia-nitrogen toxicity standards (maximum stream ammonia-nitrogen concentrations of 2.5 and 4.0 milligrams per liter during summer and winter low flows, respectively). This waste-Load assimilation study is not based on a verified model. The changes in stream water quality predicted by the model represent only possible stream responses to differing effluent conditions. Benthic-oxygen demand is probably the most significant factor affecting Little Laughery Creek and is probably responsible for the in-stream dis-solved-oxygen concentration being less than the Indiana stream dissolved-oxygen standard (5.0 milligrams per liter) during two water-quality surveys. After municipal dischargers complete advanced waste-treatment facilities, benthic-oxygen demand should be less significant in the stream dissolved-oxygen dynamics.

Indiana↗

USGS1980

A one-dimensional, steady-state, dissolved-oxygen model and waste-load assimilation study for Wabash River, Huntington County, Indiana

The Indiana State Board of Health is developing a State water-quality management plan that includes establishing limits for wastewater effluents discharged into Indiana streams. A digital model calibrated to conditions in the Wabash River in Huntington County, Ind., was used to predict alternatives for future waste loadings that would be compatible with Indiana stream water-quality standards defined for two critical hydrologic conditions, summer and winter low flows. The major point-source waste load affecting the Wabash River in Huntington County is the Huntington wastewater-treatment facility. The most significant factor potentially affecting the dissolved-oxygen concentration during summer low flows is nitrification. However, nitrification should not be a limiting factor on the allowable nitrogenous and carbonaceous waste loads for the Huntington wastewater-treatment facility during summer low flows if the ammonia-nitrogen toxicity standard for Indiana streams is met. This wasteload assimilation study is not based on a verified model. The changes in stream water quality predicted by the model represent only possible stream response to different effluent conditions. The dissolved-oxygen standard for Indiana streams, an average of 5.0 milligrams per liter, should be met during summer and winter Zow flows if the National Pollution Discharge Elimination System's 5-day, carbonaceous biochemical-oxygen demands of a monthly average concentration of 30 milligrams per liter and a maximum weekly average of 45 milligrams per liter are not exceeded.

Indiana↗

USGS1979

A one-dimensional, steady-state dissolved-oxygen model and waste-load assimilation study for Cedar Creek, Dekalb and Allen counties, Indiana

The Indiana State Board of Health is developing a State water-quality management plan that includes the establishing of limits for wastewater effluents discharged into Indiana streams. A digital model calibrated to conditions in Cedar Creek was used to develop alternatives for future waste loadings that would be compatible with Indiana stream water-quality standards defined for two critical hydrologic conditions, summer and winter low flows. All point-source waste loads affecting Cedar Creek are in the four incorporated municipalities of Auburn, Garrett, Huntertown, and Waterloo, in a primarily agricultural area. Avilla, because of its distance from Cedar Creek, does not significantly affect the water quality of the modeled segment. The model indicates that the dissolved-oxygen concentration of the Auburn wastewater effluent and nitrification are the most significant factors affecting the dissolved-oxygen concentration in Cedar Creek during summer low flows. The observed dissolved-oxygen concentration of the Auburn wastewater effluent was low, and averaged 30 percent of saturation. Whether the effluent is aerated before discharge will ultimately define the waste-load assimilative capacity of Cedar Creek. Projected nitrogenous biochemical-oxygen demand loads, from the Indiana State Board of Health, for the Auburn and Waterloo wastewater-treatment facilities will result in violations of the current instream dissolved-oxygen standard (5 milligrams per liter), even with an effluent dissolved-oxygen concentration of 80 percent saturation. Natural streamflow for Cedar Creek upstream from the confluence of Willow and Little Cedar Creeks is small compared with the waste discharge, so benefits of dilution for Waterloo and Auburn are minimal. Stream reaeration capacity is not sufficient to maintain an average dissolved-oxygen concentration of at least 5 milligrams per liter, the State's water-quality standard for streams. The model also indicates that, during winter low flows, ammonia toxicity, rather than dissolved oxygen, is the limiting water-quality criterion in the reach of Cedar Creek downstream from the wastewater-treatment facility at Auburn and the confluence of Garrett ditch. Ammonia-nitrogen concentrations predicted for 2978 through 2000 downstream from the Waterloo wastewater-treatment facility do not exceed Indiana water-quality standards for streams. Calculations of the stream's assimilative capacity indicate that future waste discharge in the Cedar Creek basin will be limited to the reaches between the Auburn wastewater-treatment facility and County Road 68.

Indiana↗

USGS1979

A one-dimensional, steady-state, dissolved-oxygen model and waste-load assimilation study for East Fork White River, Bartholomew County, Indiana

The Indiana State Board of Health is developing a State water-quality management plan that includes the establishing of limits for wastewater effluents discharged into Indiana streams. A digital model calibrated to conditions in East Fork White River was used to develop alternatives for future waste loadings that would be compatible with Indiana stream water-quality standards defined for two critical hydrologic conditions, summer and winter low flows. The model indicates that benthic-oxygen demand and the headwater concentrations of carbonaceous biochemical-oxygen demand, nitrogenous biochemical-oxygen demand, and dissolved oxygen are the most significant factors affecting the dissolved-oxygen concentration of East Fork White River downstream from the Columbus wastewater-treatment facility. The effect of effluent from the facility on the water quality of East Fork White River was minimal. The model also indicates that, with a benthic-oxygen demand of approximately 0.65 gram per square meter per day, the stream has no additional waste-load assimilative capacity during summer low flows. Regardless of the quality of the Columbus wastewater effluent, the minimum 24-hour average dissolved-oxygen concentration of at least 5 milligrams per liter, the State's water-quality standard for streams, would not be met. Ammonia toxicity is not a limiting water-quality criterion during summer and winter low flows. During winter low flows, the current carbonaceous biochemical-oxygen demand limits for the Columbus wastewater-treatment facility will not cause violations of the in-stream dissolved-oxygen standard.

Indiana↗

USGS1979

A one-dimensional, steady-state, dissolved-oxygen model and waste-load assimilation study for South Fork Wildcat Creek, Clinton County, Indiana

The Indiana State Board of Health is developing a State water-quality management plan that includes establishing limits for wastewater effluents discharged into Indiana streams. A digital model calibrated to conditions in South Fork Wildcat Creek was used to predict alternatives for future waste loadings that would be compatible with Indiana stream water-quality standards defined for two critical hydrologic conditions, summer and winter low flows. Natural streamflow during the 7-day, 10-year low flow is zero, so no benefit from dilution is provided. The Indiana State Board of Health's projected ammonia-nitrogen concentration for the Frankfort wastewater-treatment facility will violate the in-stream total ammonia-nitrogen standards of 2.5 milligrams per liter and 4.0 milligrams per liter during summer and winter low flows, respectively. The model indicates that nitrification and algal respiration were significant factors affecting the dissolved-oxygen dynamics of South Fork Wildcat Creek during two water-quality surveys. Stream water quality during the two water-quality surveys was degraded by the discharge of wastewater receiving only primary treatment. Benthic deposits resulting from this wastewater discharge seem to exert a considerable oxygen demand. The discharge of partially treated wastewater should be eliminated when a new wastewater-treatment facility becomes operational in mid-1979. Therefore, benthic-oxygen demand due to benthic deposits should become negligible at that time.

Indiana↗

USGS1979

A one-dimensional, steady-state, dissolved-oxygen model and waste-load assimilation study for Wildcat Creek, Howard County, Indiana

The Indiana State Board of Health is developing a water-quality management plan that includes establishing limits for wastewater effluents discharged into Indiana streams. A digital model calibrated to conditions in Wildcat Creek was used to predict alternatives for future waste loadings that would be compatible with Indiana stream water-quality standards defined for two critical hydrologic conditions, summer and winter low flows. The model indicates that benthic-oxygen demand is the most significant factor affecting the dissolved-oxygen concentrations in Wildcat Creek during summer low flows. The Indiana stream dissolved-oxygen standard should be met if the Kokomo wastewater-treatment facility meets its current National Pollution Discharge Elimination System permit restrictions (average monthly 5-day biochemical-oxygen demand of 5 milligrams per liter and maximum weekly 5-day biochemical-oxygen demand of 7.5 milligrams per liter) and benthic-oxygen demand becomes negligible. Ammonia-nitrogen toxicity may also be a water-quality limitation in Wildcat Creek. Ammonia-nitrogen waste loads for the Kokomo wastewater-treatment facility, projected by the Indiana State Board of Health, will result in stream ammonia-nitrogen concentrations that exceed the State standard (2.5 milligrams per liter during summer months and 4.0 milligrams per liter during winter months).

Indiana↗

USGS1979

A one-dimensional, steady-state, dissolved-oxygen model and waste-load assimilation study for West Fork Blue River, Washington County, Indiana

The Indiana State Board of Health is developing a water-quality management plan that includes establishing limits for wastewater effluents discharged into Indiana streams. A digital model calibrated to conditions in West Fork Blue River was used to predict alternatives for future waste loadings that would be compatible with Indiana stream water-quality standards defined for two critical hydrologic conditions, summer and winter low flows. Alternative waste loads that would permit instream dissolved-oxygen concentrations of at least 5.0 milligrams per liter for West Fork Blue River in Washington County, Ind., were determined. All point-source waste loads that potentially impact West Fork Blue River are in the town of Salem. The Salem municipal wastewater-treatment facility is the only facility in the modeled reach that has a National Pollution Discharge Elimination System permit to discharge organic waste. In-stream dissolved-oxygen concentration averaged 96.5 percent of saturation at selected sites on West Fork Blue River during two 24-hour summer surveys. This high dissolved-oxygen concentration reflects small carbonaceous and nitrogenous waste loads, adequate dilution of waste by the stream, and natural reaeration. Nonpoint source waste loads accounted for an average of 53.2 percent of the total carbonaceous biochemical-oxygen demand and 90.2 percent of the nitrogenous biochemical-oxygen demand. Waste-load assimilation was studied for both summer and annual 7-day, 10-year low flow. Natural streamflow for these conditions was zero, so no benefit from dilution was provided. The projected reaeration capacity of the stream was not sufficient to maintain at least 5 milligrams per liter dissolved oxygen in the stream with current waste-discharge restrictions. Consequently, during low flows, advanced waste treatment (nitrification-denitrification) or some other form of ammonia removal may be necessary to meet current Indiana stream water-quality standards for ammonia and dissolved oxygen. During winter low flow, ammonia toxicity, rather than dissolved-oxygen concentration, was the limiting water-quality criterion downstream from the Salem wastewater-treatment facility.

Indiana↗