HomeMy WebLinkAboutNantucket Harbor Annual Report 2007_201401221138440734
Nantucket Harbor Water Quality
Annual Report
2007
Prepared for:
Marine and Coastal Resources Department
34 Washington St.
Nantucket, MA. 02554
Prepared by:
Keith L. Conant
Town Biologist
December 2007
Introduction:
Nantucket Harbor has an approximate surface area of 5,250 acres and basin
volume of 50, 990 acre-ft. Nantucket Harbor is comprised of three large basins, one of
which is connected by a narrow race- way with two additional lobes, called Polpis
Harbor. Within Nantucket Harbor, Polpis Harbor has a surface area of 177 acres and
basin volume of 923 acre-ft. Polpis Harbor is a large collector of runoff from the harbor
watershed, and as such, is a nutrient and bacteria source for Nantucket Harbor.
Water quality and circulation studies have been documented since 1990, and
monitored to some extent prior. Woods Hole Institute, Ecosystems Consulting Service
Inc. of CT., Northeast Aquatic Research, also from Ct., Applied Science Associates of
RI., and The School of Marine Science and Technology under the Massachusetts Estuary
Project under the direction of the Department of Environmental Protection have all done
extensive investigations of Nantucket Harbor. Water quality results indicate that
nutrients are increasing in certain bays; being recycled in the Head of the Harbor, and
Quaise Basin. Also Polpis Harbor is worsening, and has contributed to the decline in
water quality in Quaise Basin, as nutrients are continuing to be loaded from the harbor
watershed. Though the Town area is sewered, the adjacent lower harbor watershed area
in some years is a large source of nitrogen and phosphorus to the harbor. Runoff from
the storm drains and Consue Springs carries contaminants in the surface water into the
lower harbor. The Department of Public Works and Earth Tech have begun working on a
storm drain mitigation project which started in the spring of 2007. This will combine
runoff into central systems, decrease the multitude of outflow pipes, and decrease the
level of nutrients flowing into the lower harbor during storm events.
Nantucket is not alone in the degradation of its harbor water quality. There have
been serious declines in water quality in all coastal communities due to anthropogenic
nutrient overloading. Although coastal ecosystems have the capacity to assimilate some
level of nutrient input without major changes in the ecological health, most coastal
communities have exceeded this ability. The Town of Nantucket has made discernable
efforts to evaluate and remediate this process of accelerated eutrophication, however a
noticeable declining trend continues. The Town will continue to monitor these trends in
order to mitigate these processes associated with development, and our uses of the
Island’s resources.
As nitrogen and phosphorus concentrations increase, the natural eutrophication
process is accelerated. This process results in excessive aquatic plant growth
(phytoplankton, macro and epiphytic algae); especially prevalent in a poorly flushed
shallow coastal embayment. Photosynthesis is increased during the day, but respiration is
also increased during the night. And when this over abundant plant growth dies, its
decomposition uses up the available dissolved oxygen and increases the frequency of
anoxic, or oxygen depleted conditions. When anoxic events occur nutrients are released
from the sediments back into the water column. The continued addition of nutrients and
acceleration of plant growth leads to further decomposition by bacteria. The result is an
embayment bottom coated with an organic mud residue (i.e. Wauwinet Basin, Quaise
Basin, and Polpis). Light penetration decreases, eel grass diminishes, and a habitat once
desirable for shellfish and finfish, is now unsuitable for spawning, development, and life.
For many years 1992-2004, the Marine and Coastal Resource Department
biologist, Tracy Curley, gathered nutrient information for Nantucket Harbor and its’
watershed drainage basin. Harbor sampling includes temperature, dissolved oxygen,
salinity, water transparency, water quality constituents (nitrogen and phosphorus), and
phytoplankton. Harbor monitoring also includes similar data collected from the streams
that flow into the upper and middle harbor areas.
The Nantucket Harbor water quality stations are as follows: Site 1: Mooring
Field, Site 2: Quaise Basin, Site 3: Head of Harbor, Site 4: Nantucket Sound, Site 5:
Polpis West, and Site 6: Polpis East. These locations are designated on Map #1.
The stream stations are located on Map #2, and are as follows: Stream 1: flows
into the Head of the Harbor, Stream 2: flows into Medouie Creek, Stream 3: flows into
Polpis East, Stream 4: flows into Polpis East, draining Cranberry Bog, Stream 5: flows
into Polpis West, draining swamp near cemetery, Stream 6a: flows into Polpis West,
Stream 6b: flows into Polpis West, Stream 6c: flows into Polpis West, draining Duck
Pond, Stream 7: flows into Quaise, Stream 8: flows into Fulling Mill Brook, next to the
Life Saving Museum.
Harbor Monitoring Results:
Appendix A: contains all harbor water quality data.
Appendix B: contains the averages of A with corresponding charts.
Appendix C: contains physical stream data for the upper and middle harbor watershed.
Appendix D: contains chemical stream data.
Appendix E: contains the average total nitrogen and phosphorus loading from D.
Appendix F: contains the average monthly rainfall for 2006, as collected by the
Nantucket Water Company.
Average Temperatures and Average Dissolved Oxygen:
Nantucket Harbor is relatively isothermic, with little stratification of temperature
between top and bottom. The harbor does warm faster in the spring, and cool faster in
the fall, when compared to the sound. This is because its total volume is less than that of
the sound, and more rapidly affected by sidereal conditions. Also because of this, for
short periods in the spring, surface temperatures may be slightly warmer; and then
slightly cooler conversely as winter sets in. A mild turnover may occur following
extreme winters where the surface of the harbor has been covered with ice, and a
temperature stratification has been created in the water column. The magnitude of the
turnover will depend on the severity of the winter, the duration and thickness of the ice.
Cooler water will sink, driving up bottom waters, rich with nutrients to the surface. More
common on deep lakes, the result is a temporary isothermic condition, breaking up the
normal stratification. This is not typically the case with Nantucket Harbor which is
relatively shallow, and well mixed by wind and tidal action with little stratification.
There was a little ice cover during the winter of 2007, when the harbor reached
freezing temperatures for a couple of weeks between January and February. In the
absence of stratification, temperature becomes more relevant to biotic and anaerobic
conditions. The metabolism of the fauna, and the nutrient requirements of the flora may
be affected by extreme temperatures in either direction. The dissolved oxygen levels
required to avoid nutrient recycling are the most prevalent issues, which are affected by
higher temperatures. Colder temperatures induce many species to go into a period of
torpor or dormancy. The northern bay scallop for example exist in a period of cessation
under 7º C, and spawn at temperatures around 22º C. Temperatures above 26º C for
extended periods will increase the metabolic rate of these animals resulting in stress,
which may bring about premature death. High temperatures did not occur in 2007. The
highest temperatures were recorded during the month of July, and did not exceed 24º C
(Figure 1, Appendix A, and B). In general water temperatures were relatively cool
throughout the summer, with a summer average closer to 21º C for all stations.
Fluctuations above and below these recordings would likely have occurred during daily
tidal exchanges, however all parameters considered, temperatures were optimal for the
metabolic functions of Nantucket fauna for 2007.
Dissolved oxygen is also critical for the metabolic conditions of both flora and
fauna. Photosynthesis creates plant growth during the day, which in turn generates
oxygen in the water column. However, higher temperatures will decrease the solubility
of oxygen in water. Dissolved oxygen is lowered by this process, it is further lowered by
the process known as biological oxygen demand, generated from respiration occurring at
night. Oxygen is also consumed by bacteria during the breakdown of organic materials.
Dissolved oxygen levels above 5 mg/l are a desirable condition for most aquatic species.
Some species have a wide range of tolerances and may not be stressed until D.O. levels
drop below 3 mg/l. Anoxic conditions exist when D.O. levels drop to 1 mg/l and below.
Most fish, shellfish, and benthic organisms can not survive anoxic conditions for any
length of time. During anoxic events nutrients are released from benthic soils, nitrogen
and phosphorous are recycled into the water column, (this also known as internal
recycling). The resultant affect of these conditions are the excessive blooms of
phytoplankton, and the increased growth of epiphytic and macro algae. The excessive
growth of these algae, result in the shading of eel grass, which causes it to die. The
increased organic matter eventually leads to an endless cycle of increasing nutrients,
decreasing oxygen, and decreasing eel grass habitat (also known as eutrophication). The
summer of 2007 sampling rounds showed excellent oxygen levels. The lowest average
D.O. was experienced in Polpis East in July, at 6.4 mg/l. Most D.O. levels were recorded
above 7.0 mg/l, and there were no anoxic or hypoxic events seen (Figure 2).
Figure1: AverageTemperatures2007
Average Temperatures
8.0
12.0
16.0
20.0
24.0
April May June July Aug Sept Oct
Month SampledDegrees CelsiusSite 1
Site 2
Site 3
Site 4
Site 5
Site 6
Figure 2: Average Dissolved Oxygen 2007
Average Dissolved Oxygen
5.00
6.00
7.00
8.00
9.00
10.00
April May June July Aug Sept Oct
Month SampledD.O. (mg/l)Site 1
Site 2
Site 3
Site 4
Site 5
Site 6
Salinity:
Average salinity in Nantucket Harbor is usually around 30 ppt (parts per
thousand), average salinity in the open ocean is closer to 32 ppt. Salinity is important
with respects to stratification, and biodiversity. As previously discussed the harbor is
well mixed, the only area of exception to this is Polpis Harbor. This is because of the
large amount of runoff occurring in a relatively small and enclosed area, the salinity
gradients in Polpis vary widely from the open harbor. Stratification does occur here, and
surface salinities have been measured as low as 24 ppt. Though relatively shallow, the
difference between top and bottom may be as much as 6 ppt. Generally this occurs in
Polpis West, as this is where most of the fresh water input occurs. However,
precipitation was at a record low for the summer of 2007 (Figure 4), and little
stratification was seen. The lowest recording was 29.2 ppt, seen in Polpis West during
the May sampling event. And oddly the head of the harbor had slightly higher salinities
than the sound during the summer. Salinity and temperature stratifications may cause
discontinuities in dissolved oxygen concentrations throughout the water column, however
this also was not seen in 2007 (Figure 3).
Different species of aquatic animals often require different salinities at different
stages in their life cycles. As such many of these species can sustain variations of salinity
ranges. This is best done as adults, however as juveniles, and as larvae, many species
have definite salinity requirements. For example winter flounder in their early life cycle
prefer salinities around 4 ppt., and herring require almost completely fresh water; as do
many anadromous fish species. Oysters may live in salinities as low as 5 ppt., but other
shellfish such as bay scallops, have salinity requirements that are much higher (25 ppt for
normal development). Further, the larvae of bay scallops can not survive a drop in
salinity below 28 ppt. 2007 appears to have been an optimal year for scallop spawning
and development.
Figure 3: Average Salinity 2007
Average Salinity
30.0
30.5
31.0
31.5
32.0
April May June July Aug Sept Oct
Month SampledSalinity (ppt)Site 1
Site 2
Site 3
Site 4
Site 5
Site 6
Rainfall:
Rainfall data corresponds well with salinities in Polpis, which were high
throughout the sampling period. Precipitation for the summer of 2007 was recorded at an
all time low (Figure 4). Also average annual rainfall, at least over the last sixteen years
was at least 10” greater than 2007. This greatly decreased the runoff from associated
watersheds, which may carry contaminated surface water and groundwater to the harbor.
Runoff may be extremely detrimental if occurring during sensitive time periods, such as
the scallop spawn. However runoff was minimal in 2007, and nitrogen and phosphorus
levels entering the harbor were greatly reduced (see section on nutrients). If precipitation
had been higher during the summer, the effect would have led to an elevated level of
nutrients, increasing primary and secondary production (phytoplankton and macro algae).
This may be especially problematic in shallow embayments with little circulation, and or
low flushing rates.
Figure 4: Average Monthly Rainfall 2007
Average Monthly Rainfall
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7 JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSept OctNovDecMonthInches Inches
Total Rainfall = 28.89”
* December rainfall incomplete
Rainfall data supplied by Wannacomet Water Company
Secchi Depth:
Secchi depth is an approximate measurement of light penetration into the vertical
water column. The recorded depth is roughly (80-90%) of the depth that sunlight will
reach below the surface of the water. Below this “compensation depth” (2 x the secchi
depth, not 100% correct) photosynthesis is not possible, so a record of this information
will provide a rough estimate of potential eel grass habitat. Water transparency is also
largely a factor of phytoplankton production, as such it is an indicator of nutrients
available in the water column. Generally there are two periods of maximum water
clarity, (spring and fall) prior to and following two major blooms of phytoplankton.
Usually these occur at the beginning of the spring, and just before the winter as water
temperatures warm and cool dictating a change in phytoplankton communities.
Diatoms are the microscopic algae that make up the base of primary food
production in the marine ecosystem. They provide the base of a food web upon which all
other marine animals exist, and are normally the dominant species. However, if there is
an excessive amount of nutrients and fresh water in a system, the development of a
dinoflagellate community may evolve. In 2005 Nantucket experienced a “Red Tide“, the
toxic and potentially lethal dinoflagellate Alexandrium tamerense closed shellfish beds
from 6/2 to 7/5. This was the first known incident for Nantucket, which participates in
phytoplankton monitoring for the Division of Marine Fisheries. Extensive sampling for
paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP) found in Alexandrium tamerense continued in 2006,
and fortunately no presence of this dinoflagellate was found. On 9/8/06 however a
different toxic algae which also produces a red tide was seen. This dinoflagellate is
called Cochlodinium polykrikoides, and is not poisonous to humans, but it is associated
with fish kills. Fortunately this bloom was limited, and no fish kills were seen. The
effects on shellfish species from Cochlodinium polykrikoides varies from species to
species, and may be tolerated by some while causing retarded development in others.
Secchi depths were high in April when harbor sampling began for 2007 (figure 5).
Sites 5 and 6 are shallow water sites, and do not necessarily reflect secchi depth; as the
disk was seen on the bottom. When harbor sampling concluded in October for 2007
secchi depths had not increased to initial sampling depths. The lower secchi depths
recorded for most of the summer reflect greater concentrations of algae, which in turn
indicate higher nutrient availability, and increase phytoplankton production. This is a
result of loading from the watershed, loading from the atmosphere, and internal
recycling. However, limited rainfall in 2007 resulted in better water clarity in May, June
and July compared to 2006. Also, the presence of the dinoflagellate Cochlodinium
polykrikoides was not detected in 2007. Water clarity steadily declined into August,
which would be expected and was probably related to diatom production as nitrogen and
phosphorous inputs from anthropogenic uses during the previous months was limited.
Secchi depths may also be affected by high winds, and turbulence in the water column, as
seen in the Site 4 recording for October.
Figure 5: Secchi Depth 2007
Secchi Depth
0
5
10
15
20
April May June July Aug Sept Oct
Month SampledFeet Site 1
Site 2
Site 3
Site 4
Site 5
Site 6
Nutrients:
Nitrogen:
Nitrogen is the limiting nutrient in marine ecosystems, the quantity of which will
dictate the health of any particular water body. Loss of eel grass habitat suggests that
nitrogen is accumulating in Nantucket Harbor; and because of the harbors shape, the
effects of nitrogen are more prevalent in areas of decreased circulation. Total nitrogen
includes both organic and inorganic components. The lobes of Polpis and the various
bends in the three major basins, have the capacity because of circulation patterns to trap
nitrogen, and exhibit eutrophic conditions. The velocity of water moving is slowed, and
the retention time is increased. This allows for greater uptake of nutrients out of the
water column from plankton and macro algae. The Department of Environmental
Protection for Massachusetts uses some standard classifications based on nitrogen
thresholds to describe the health of many marine ecosystems. Nantucket Harbor usually
falls between the SA/SB (Good to Fair Health) category, showing some sings of
moderate impairment, in some areas during the summer months. These standards can be
found in the Estuaries Project Critical Indicators Interim Report 2003.
Total Nitrogen TN values for Nantucket Harbor in 2007 were extremely low
compared to most years. This was most likely attributable to a lack of precipitation prior
to, and over the summer months. Loading was very limited by the lack of surface water
and ground water to carry nutrients from atmospheric deposition, septic systems and
fertilizers from the watershed to the harbor. Usually the harbor indicates a range of poor
to excellent water quality, which makes it difficult to discern the exact trophic state of the
waters within as a whole. A total nitrogen value > 800 ppb would be an indication of
“Sever Degradation” with a hyper-eutrophic state, and an “Impaired” classification. TN
values < 300 ppb would indicate excellent water quality. Most years the harbor is in a
mesotrophic state, indicating a fair state with some impairment; and average TN values
between 300 ppb and 500 ppb. In 2006 the highest TN value recorded was 1,900 ppb,
this year no TN values were recorded during the sampling period over 350 ppb (Figure
6).
Nitrate NO3 values were high on only two occasions at Site 2, (April @ 80 ppb,
and July @ 150 ppb); values > 70 ppb indicate impairment for NO3 (Appendix B). Site 6
in August recorded a value of 60 ppb NO3, however all other sample sites and events
recorded values indicating, good to excellent water quality. Most years there is a pre-
existing condition of NO3 loading, and availability; leaning toward eutrophic levels.
This year it seems to be limited to two or three anthropogenic related incidences where
nitrate exceeded eutrophic levels (Appendix B). This may be due to the lack of internal
recycling as a result of healthy oxygen levels throughout the water column. Kjeldhal
Nitrogen, TKN, also had relatively low values for 2007. TKN is composed of organic
nitrogen ON, and inorganic nitrogen in the form of Ammonia NH3. However, oddly
high values for ammonia were recorded in May, July and August at Sites 1,3, and 6
(Appendix B). NH3, like NO3 becomes conspicuous when levels are > 50 ppb.
Many of the other NH3 recordings were also unusually high for 2007 (Appendix
B). This may be conversely related to the lack of rainfall this summer, and may indicate
a direct input from anthropogenic sources. This NH3 septic input, was not directly
detected before because most summers experience greater rainfall. This left the organic
nitrogen, ON inputs for 2007 very low, when subtracting the NH3 from TKN (Appendix
B). This then corroborates that the lack of rainfall in 2007 was primarily the factor for
the decreased nutrients being detected in Nantucket Harbor. Higher nutrient levels more
commonly seen in the average summer with average rainfall, may have been delayed and
stored in the watershed. These nutrients may then stay there for an undetermined time,
and with an un-quantified value prior to release. This then does not indicate a trend in the
improvement of water quality in Nantucket Harbor. As uses in the watershed have not
changed dramatically, loading will continue; despite delays in groundwater flow rates.
If severely degraded conditions are reached, water bodies will become extremely
difficult to restore. A change in animal and plant communities may exist for long periods
of time, a condition which in some towns along the Cape appears to be permanent.
Fortunately Nantucket Harbor is still in good to fair condition, but harmful phytoplankton
blooms are regularly occurring, and macro algae beds of Polysiphona, Grasscilaria,
Cladophera, Ectocarpus, and others are becoming more prevalent. These macro algae are
the result of increased nutrients, and can smother, and shade eel grass beds resulting in a
loss of habitat for preferred marine organisms. This occurrence however, at least for the
summer of 2007 was diminished by the lack of nutrients coming in from the watershed.
This was indicated by a decrease of macro algae in Second Bend, an area usually choked
by macro algae because of high nutrients and low circulation. Bacteria levels monitored
by the Division of Marine Fisheries, maintain shellfish closures in the lower harbor. For
several years these areas had increased in size, however 2007 resulted in a decrease;
opening much of Polpis Harbor, and the area south of Monomoy.
Figure 6: Total Nitrogen 2007
Total Nitrogen TN
0
50
100
150
200
250
300
350
400
April May June July Aug Sept Oct
Month Sampled(ppb)Site 1
Site 2
Site 3
Site 4
Site 5
Site 6
Phosphorous:
Phosphorous is a limiting nutrient in fresh water, but it is of relative concern to
the marine ecosystem. An average ratio of nitrogen to phosphorous is 16:1. An over
abundance of nitrogen or phosphorous will affect the type of phytoplankton species that
will be dominant in any system. A shift or change in this ratio represents an imbalance,
which may result in the overabundance of dinoflagellates. Diatoms are the preferred
phytoplankton species, as most dinoflagellates are toxic to some degree. The level of
total phosphorous becomes a problem when values around 50 ppb and higher become
prevalent. This level would indicate a eutrophic condition; it would be associated with
excessive undesirable plant growth, and anoxic events. A value of 25 ppb TP would be
representative of a good/fair mesotrophic system with corresponding nitrogen values
around 400 ppb.
Phosphorous, like nitrogen is naturally occurring, and would be expected at
certain levels based on the geology of any given area. However, the influx of
phosphorous from fertilizers, detergents, and septic systems will load a system, and upset
the preferred balance. Loading usually begins in the spring, and lasts through to the end
of the summer, when levels are highest. Usually the result is a preponderance of
blue/green algae, which through its life cycle processes can suffocate a system; marine or
fresh. These algae are various forms of cyanobacteria, which may be toxic to both
mammals and fish, because of this they exist outside the food web. Excessive blooms
perpetuate themselves as the algae die, decompose, reduce oxygen and release more
nutrients into the water column; generating more blue/green algae.
Total phosphorous like nitrogen was detected at very low levels for 2007, with the
exception of the month of September (Figure 7). There was a system wide spike in TP
showing an enriched condition at this time; that ranged from 80 ppb to 98 ppb TP.
Through most sampling years there are spikes at different locations, and these are related
to anthropogenic inputs of one form or another. These are usually limited to individual
episodic events, and are never seen system wide. With no major anoxic or internal
recycling events occurring, this incidence must then be related to the lack of precipitation
in 2007. This spike in September then represents a system wide environmental change,
and must be related to a change in phytoplankton communities. Typically dinoflagellates
require a lot of nutrients and fresh water to continue life cycle functions. Limited by both
factors during the summer of 2007 may have caused a large shift away from
environmental conditions that would support such communities, and turn toward a diatom
dominated biomass. Monthly monitoring of phytoplankton for the Division of Marine
Fisheries shows a presence of dinoflagellates at many stations in August, followed by a
complete absence at all stations in September. Without this dinoflagellate community to
uptake TP, phosphorous levels may intermittently spike between the absence of this
species. Diatoms are also using TP, but in a different proportion, and a lower nitrogen to
phosphorous ratio. Dinoflagellates are again present in October, coinciding with a drop
in TP levels. The nitrogen phosphorous ratios that drive these delicately balanced
ecosystems are complicated, and their changes are dependent upon changes in the
watershed. The loading of phosphorous, though limited in 2007 because of the lack of
precipitation, must still be occurring, as seen by the spike in TP, and the changes in
phytoplankton community structure. This then indicates that Nantucket will continue to
have a nutrient loading problem with TP in the future unless changes in activities and
uses are made in the associated watershed of Nantucket Harbor.
Figure 7: Total Phosphorous 2007
Total Phoshporous TP
0
20
40
60
80
100
120
April May June July Aug Sept Oct
Month Sampled(ppb)Site 1
Site 2
Site 3
Site 4
Site 5
Site 6
Streams:
The streams that enter into the head, and middle harbor areas are monitored in
order to estimate the amount of nutrient loading that is occurring in that watershed area
(Map #2). The sampling is conducted once a month, and so may not accurately reflect a
total maximum daily load. However when cross referenced with monthly precipitation,
the amount of total nitrogen, and total phosphorous in kg/day are a relative factor in
loading which need to be monitored to establish existing conditions, trends, and changes.
Stream data located in (Appendix C) shows that ground water temperatures are often
cooler throughout the summer than harbor temperatures. Dissolved oxygen as expected
is also lower, as most streams are the result of runoff high in organic matter. Water
samples are taken on an ebb tide; and during dry months high salinities may be observed
in Stream 1, as the fresh water lens retreats. Stream 8 also has high salinity levels,
because of its proximity to the harbor and its estuarine condition. High levels of total
nitrogen and total phosphorous may be detected in the streams and may vary dependant
on anthropogenic uses in the associated watersheds. As yet these areas are outside the
Town Sewer District, however there are plans to inspect all septic systems in the harbor
watershed in the near future (Nantucket Health Department).
Stream loading for 2007 was dramatically lower than last summer, and this
appears to be most affected by the lack of rainfall (Figure 8). However, total nitrogen is
extremely high at many sites because of the lack of flow or flushing, and the concentrated
affects of stagnation. The highest relative loading occurred at Stream 4, during the April
sampling round. As this stream drains from the cranberry bog, it would appear that the
bog was having a direct influence and impact with regards to loading. However this was
minimized during the April sampling round, because of the lack of precipitation in 2007.
Stream 8 shows the highest continued levels of loading throughout the sampling period.
This is consistent with previous years, and was thought to be directly related to
anthropogenic influences. However, considering the lack of precipitation and runoff for
2007, it may also be related to its estuarine condition, and influences from the harbor via
the creeks (Appendix D).
Figure 8: Total Nitrogen Loading from Streams 2007
Total Nitrogen Loading
0.0
2.0
4.0
6.0
8.0
10.0
12.0
1 2 3 4 56a6b6c 7 8
Streamkg/day4/19/07
5/17/07
6/14/07
7/5/07
8/15/07
9/12/07
10/11/07
Total phosphorous loading from Stream 8 for seven sampling rounds was high in
2007. This may be the result of the same situation as with nitrogen loading. Some
influences from anthropogenic uses may have occurred, however a more detailed analysis
would have to be completed in order to accurately describe this. An elevated level of
loading for TP also occurred in Stream 4, the highest of which coincide with the times of
elevated TN loading. Precipitation was relatively high for April, approximately 4”,
which was most likely the causal factor (Appendix F). Stream 1 was the only other
stream that showed elevated levels of loading for TN, and TP in comparison to the
majority of Streams 2, 3, 5, 6a, 6b, 6c, and 7; which had relatively low levels of loading
for all months. Stream 4, 8 therefore represents themselves as two where some sort of
filtration would be beneficial, prior to these waters entering Polpis Harbor, the Creeks,
and subsequently Nantucket Harbor.
Figure 9: Total Phosphorous Loading from Streams 2007
Total Phosphorus Loading
0.00
0.50
1.00
1.50
2.00
2.50
3.00
3.50
4.00
1 2 3 4 56a6b6c 7 8
Streamkg/day4/19/07
5/17/07
6/14/07
7/5/07
8/15/07
9/12/07
10/11/07
Conclusion:
Nantucket Harbor remains in good/fair condition, and maintains the capacity to
produce an abundant supply of recreationally and commercially harvestable shellfish and
finfish. However there are sings of moderate impairment, loss of eel grass beds and
proliferation of macro algae in certain places, and this is regarded with great concern.
The aesthetic and intrinsic value this natural resource holds can be seen in the property
values in and around its watershed. The State and Town have undertaken great means to
protect the integrity of the harbor. If managed well the viability of the harbor will remain
intact. Recently released during 2007 were reports and conclusions from the Urban
Harbor Institute (UHI), and from the School for Marine Science and Technology
(SMAST). A revised Action Plan for Nantucket Harbor from UHI has compiled a
detailed list of foreseen problems with recommended solutions towards the management
of Nantucket Harbor. Copies of this report may be requested from the Nantucket Marine
Department, and also found on the UHI web site (www.uhi.umb.edu). The Department
of Environmental Protection has approved the release of SMAST’s findings for the
Massachusetts Estuaries Project. This report is (a total maximum daily load threshold
management plan (TMDL)) for Nantucket Harbor. It is a detailed analysis of water
quality in Nantucket Harbor with special attention to nitrogen thresholds that the harbor
can withstand from its contributing watershed in order to maintain habitat and fisheries.
The report basically states that controllable nitrogen loading, from septic, fertilizers and
runoff should be reduced by 53% in order to reestablish water quality, and habitat
conditions to 1950 standards. This report and others with supporting information should
be available on the DEP web site
(http://www.mass.gov/dep/water/resources/coastalr.htm#reports). Alternate web sites are
(mass.gov/dep/water/resources/tmdls.htm) for the Draft TMDL, and
(oceanscience.net/estuaries/reports.htm) for the technical report. Also, Earth Tech has
been working with the Nantucket Department of Public Works on an island wide septage
management plan, and will be retrofitting the lower harbor areas storm drains to main
collection units. The lower harbor area has been sewered to the Monomoy area, with
plans to continue to Gardner Rd. in Shimmo.
The Marine Department will continue on its own sampling regime which began in
1998, monitoring water quality. Continued effort in monitoring is critically important in
order to determine the success of mitigation improvements in the watershed. Only
continued monitoring will determine the level of effectiveness of remediation, and
weather or not more work is needed. Data collection in 2008 will include chlorophyll to
the quantitative analysis, and macro algae coverage to the qualitative analysis. Hopefully
these efforts will ensure the safety of Nantucket Harbor for years to come.
Map #1: Nantucket Harbor Sampling Stations
Map #2: Stream Sampling Stations
Appendix A
Nantucket Harbor Physical and Chemical Data 2007
Site 1 Mooring Field
Site 2 Quaise Basin
Site 3 Head of Harbor
Site 4 Nantucket Sound
Site 5 Polpis West
Site 6 Polpis East
Temperature ºC
Site 1
4/23/2007 5/22/2007 6/21/2007 7/10/2007 8/20/2007 9/18/2007 10/16/2007
0 9.6 13.5 19.1 21.8 21.3 18.3 14.5
3 9.5 13.4 19 21.7 21.3 18.3 14.6
6 9.4 13.3 18.9 21.6 21.3 18.3 14.6
9 9.3 13.2 18.7 21.5 21.3 18.3 14.6
12 9 13.1 18.6 21.4 21.3 18.3 14.6
15 8.9 13 18.5 21.1 21.2 18.3 14.6
18 8.9 13 18.3 21 21.2 18.3 14.6
Site 2
4/23/2007 5/22/2007 6/21/2007 7/10/2007 8/20/2007 9/18/2007 10/16/2007
0 9.8 14.6 19.8 22.7 21.8 18.3 14.2
3 9.7 14.3 19.7 22.6 21.8 18.3 14.2
6 9.7 14.1 19.7 22.5 21.8 18.3 14.3
9 9.7 14 19.7 22.5 21.8 18.3 14.3
12 9.7 14 19.6 22.5 21.8 18.3 14.3
15 9.6 13.7 19.6 22.1 21.8 18.3 14.3
18 9.6 13.3 19.6 21.9 21.8 18.3 14.3
21 9.5 13 19.5 21.8 21.8 18.3 14.3
24 9.5 12.9 19.5 21.2 21.8 18.3 14.3
Site 3
4/23/2007 5/22/2007 6/21/2007 7/10/2007 8/20/2007 9/18/2007 10/16/2007
0 10.1 14.6 19.9 23.2 22.1 18.3 14.4
3 10.1 14.5 19.9 23.2 22.1 18.3 14.4
6 10 13.9 19.8 23.1 22.1 18.3 14.4
9 9.9 13.8 19.8 23.1 22.2 18.3 14.4
12 9.9 13.8 19.7 23 22.2 18.3 14.4
15 9.9 13.7 19.6 23 22.2 18.3 14.4
18 9.6 13.6 19.6 23 22.2 18.3 14.4
21 9.6 13.5 19.5 22.9 22.1 18.3 14.4
Site 4
4/23/2007 5/22/2007 6/21/2007 7/10/2007 8/20/2007 9/18/2007 10/16/2007
0 7.6 13 17.4 20.6 21.1 18.4 15.7
3 7.4 12.9 17.4 20.6 21.1 18.4 15.7
6 7.4 12.8 17.3 20.6 21.1 18.4 15.7
9 7.3 12.7 17.2 20.5 21.1 18.4 15.7
12 7.3 12.7 17.1 20.5 21.1 18.4 15.7
15 7.2 12.7 16.9 20.5 21.1 18.4 15.7
18 7.2 12.7 16.9 20.5 21.1 18.4 15.7
Site 5
4/23/2007 5/22/2007 6/21/2007 7/10/2007 8/20/2007 9/18/2007 10/16/2007
0 10.6 15.2 20.5 23.4 21.9 17.3 13.3
3 10.5 15.1 20.3 23.3 21.9 17.3 13.3
6 10.5 14.3 20.3 23 22.6 17.3 13.3
Site 6
4/23/2007 5/22/2007 6/21/2007 7/10/2007 8/20/2007 9/18/2007 10/16/2007
0 11.1 14.7 20.4 23.6 21.9 17.7 13.2
3 11 14.4 20.4 23.6 22 17.7 13.3
6 10.9 14.3 20.3 23.2 22 17.7 13.3
9 10.5 14.3 20.2 23 22 17.7 13.3
Dissolved Oxygen mg/l
Site 1
4/23/2007 5/22/2007 6/21/2007 7/10/2007 8/20/2007 9/18/2007 10/16/2007
0 9.11 8.8 7.75 7.01 6.76 7.5 7.65
3 9.22 8.81 7.77 6.94 6.78 7.46 7.65
6 9.24 8.89 7.88 7 6.82 7.58 7.65
9 9.25 9.01 7.91 7.03 6.83 7.67 7.71
12 9.35 9.05 7.89 7.1 6.88 7.64 7.74
15 9.53 9.09 7.94 7.21 6.95 7.71 7.78
18 9.45 9.67 7.78 7.33 6.95 7.7 7.74
Site 2
4/23/2007 5/22/2007 6/21/2007 7/10/2007 8/20/2007 9/18/2007 10/16/2007
0 9.22 9.09 7.35 6.59 7.22 7.7 7.85
3 9.23 9.09 7.28 6.54 7.25 7.66 7.78
6 9.3 9.15 7.34 6.55 7.23 7.67 7.73
9 9.32 9.23 7.4 6.55 7.22 7.72 7.79
12 9.38 9.36 7.43 6.63 7.3 7.74 7.85
15 9.41 9.42 7.47 6.74 7.34 7.74 7.86
18 9.49 9.3 7.4 6.99 7.35 7.79 7.87
21 9.63 9.18 7.39 7.03 7.39 7.8 7.93
24 9.75 8.67 6.86 7.16 7.34 7.68 8.05
Site 3
4/23/2007 5/22/2007 6/21/2007 7/10/2007 8/20/2007 9/18/2007 10/16/2007
0 8.88 8.8 7.37 6.81 7.26 7.44 7.77
3 8.87 8.91 7.39 6.78 7.22 7.4 7.61
6 8.91 8.93 7.43 6.7 7.23 7.4 7.68
9 9.02 8.91 7.45 6.78 7.25 7.45 7.65
12 9.11 9.05 7.06 6.74 7.3 7.52 7.73
15 9.15 9.09 7.09 6.65 7.3 7.54 7.77
18 9.49 9.2 7.11 6.67 7.33 7.55 7.86
21 9.54 7.48 6.38 6.61 6.96 7.56 7.83
Site 4
4/23/2007 5/22/2007 6/21/2007 7/10/2007 8/20/2007 9/18/2007 10/16/2007
0 9.23 9.16 7.89 7.18 7.41 7.65 7.76
3 9.19 9.12 7.93 7.23 7.39 7.63 7.72
6 9.19 9.15 7.92 7.19 7.42 7.68 7.74
9 9.29 9.15 7.94 7.25 7.46 7.71 7.75
12 9.35 9.22 7.99 7.33 7.6 7.72 7.78
15 9.45 9.28 8.08 7.43 7.64 7.78 7.78
18 9.54 9.22 8.15 7.41 7.63 7.76 7.77
Site 5
4/23/2007 5/22/2007 6/21/2007 7/10/2007 8/20/2007 9/18/2007 10/16/2007
0 8.61 8.72 7.14 6.32 6.68 7.44 8.27
3 8.61 8.66 7.15 6.46 6.81 7.47 8.26
6 8.64 9.04 7.18 6.7 7.05 7.52 8.22
Site 6
4/23/2007 5/22/2007 6/21/2007 7/10/2007 8/20/2007 9/18/2007 10/16/2007
0 8.66 8.87 7.1 6.36 6.97 7.5 8.28
3 8.7 8.98 7.14 6.35 6.95 7.52 8.26
6 8.86 8.96 7.22 6.45 7.08 7.55 8.29
9 9.02 9.13 7.4 6.45 7.07 7.51 8.32
Salinity ppt.
Site 1
4/23/2007 5/22/2007 6/21/2007 7/10/2007 8/20/2007 9/18/2007 10/16/2007
0 31.3 31.5 30.9 30.6 31.3 31.6 31.8
3 31.4 31.5 30.9 30.6 31.3 31.6 31.8
6 31.4 31.6 30.9 30.6 31.3 31.6 31.8
9 31.4 31.6 30.9 30.6 31.3 31.6 31.8
12 31.4 31.6 30.8 30.7 31.3 31.6 31.8
15 31.4 31.6 30.8 30.7 31.3 31.6 31.8
18 31.4 31.6 30.8 30.6 31.3 31.6 31.8
Site 2
4/23/2007 5/22/2007 6/21/2007 7/10/2007 8/20/2007 9/18/2007 10/16/2007
0 30.9 31.3 31.1 30.8 31.5 31.6 31.6
3 30.9 31.3 31.1 30.8 31.5 31.6 31.6
6 30.9 31.3 31.1 30.8 31.5 31.6 31.6
9 30.9 31.4 31.1 30.8 31.5 31.6 31.6
12 30.8 31.3 31.1 30.8 31.5 31.6 31.6
15 30.8 31.6 31.1 30.8 31.5 31.6 31.6
18 30.9 31.6 31.1 30.9 31.5 31.6 31.6
21 30.8 31.6 31.1 30.7 31.5 31.6 31.6
24 30.8 31.6 31.1 30.7 31.5 31.6 31.6
Site 3
4/23/2007 5/22/2007 6/21/2007 7/10/2007 8/20/2007 9/18/2007 10/16/2007
0 30.7 31.3 31.3 31 31.6 31.7 31.6
3 30.7 31.4 31.3 31 31.6 31.7 31.6
6 30.7 31.2 31.3 31 31.6 31.7 31.6
9 30.7 31.3 31.3 31 31.6 31.7 31.6
12 30.7 31.3 31.3 31 31.6 31.8 31.6
15 30.9 31.3 31.3 31 31.6 31.7 31.6
18 30.8 31.3 31.3 31 31.6 31.7 31.6
21 30.8 31.2 31.3 31 31.6 31.7 31.6
Site 4
4/23/2007 5/22/2007 6/21/2007 7/10/2007 8/20/2007 9/18/2007 10/16/2007
0 31.8 31.7 31 30.7 31.3 31.7 31.7
3 31.8 31.7 31 30.7 31.3 31.7 31.7
6 31.8 31.7 31 30.7 31.3 31.7 31.7
9 31.8 31.7 31 30.7 31.3 31.7 31.7
12 31.8 31.7 31 30.7 31.3 31.7 31.7
15 31.8 31.7 31 30.7 31.3 31.7 31.7
18 31.8 31.7 31 30.7 31.3 31.7 31.7
Site 5
4/23/2007 5/22/2007 6/21/2007 7/10/2007 8/20/2007 9/18/2007 10/16/2007
0 30.4 29.4 30.7 30.5 31.3 30.8 31.2
3 30.4 30.6 30.7 30.5 31.3 30.8 31.2
6 30.4 30.6 30.7 30.5 31.3 30.8 31.2
Site 6
4/23/2007 5/22/2007 6/21/2007 7/10/2007 8/20/2007 9/18/2007 10/16/2007
0 30.3 29.2 30.8 30.4 31.4 31.3 31.5
3 30.3 30.5 30.8 30.4 31.4 31.3 31.5
6 30.4 30.6 30.8 30.4 31.4 31.3 31.6
9 30.5 30.7 30.8 30.4 31.4 31.3 31.6
Secchi
ft.
4/23/2007 5/22/2007 6/21/2007 7/10/2007 8/20/2007 9/18/2007 10/16/2007
Site 1 14 16 12.5 9.5 8.5 8.5 11
Site 2 18 16 12 11 6.1 9 14
Site 3 18 14 10.5 8 6.5 7 13
Site 4 17 13 13 15 8.5 11 7
Site 5 4 4 4 6 5 4.5 4
Site 6 8 7 8 9.5 7.1 7.5 8
Nitrate NO3 ppb
4/23/2007 5/22/2007 6/21/2007 7/10/2007 8/20/2007 9/18/2007 10/16/2007
Site 1 10 BRL BRL 40 BRL BRL BRL
Site 2 80 BRL BRL 150 BRL BRL 20
Site 3 10 BRL BRL 30 30 BRL 10
Site 4 BRL BRL BRL 10 BRL BRL 10
Site 5 BRL BRL 30 10 40 BRL BRL
Site 6 10 BRL BRL 40 60 BRL 20
Kjeldhal Nitrogen TKN ppb
4/23/2007 5/22/2007 6/21/2007 7/10/2007 8/20/2007 9/18/2007 10/16/2007
Site 1 100 300 110 200 100 110 220
Site 2 130 120 110 200 130 180 190
Site 3 <100 <100 170 200 240 160 160
Site 4 120 110 150 200 <100 190 170
Site 5 140 <100 140 200 <100 150 150
Site 6 100 170 130 200 130 160 110
Total Nitrogen TN
ppb
4/23/2007 5/22/2007 6/21/2007 7/10/2007 8/20/2007 9/18/2007 10/16/2007
Site 1 110 300 110 240 100 110 220
Site 2 210 120 110 350 130 180 210
Site 3 <100 <100 170 230 270 160 170
Site 4 120 110 150 210 <100 190 180
Site 5 140 <100 170 210 <100 150 150
Site 6 <100 170 130 240 190 160 180
Ammonia NH3 ppb
4/23/2007 5/22/2007 6/21/2007 7/10/2007 8/20/2007 9/18/2007 10/16/2007
Site 1 20 180 50 90 20 70 70
Site 2 20 100 70 90 21 70 60
Site 3 <20 20 30 140 130 80 60
Site 4 60 90 40 10 60 70 60
Site 5 60 40 40 80 70 40 60
Site 6 30 50 40 60 120 70 20
Total Phosphorous TP ppb
4/23/2007 5/22/2007 6/21/2007 7/10/2007 8/20/2007 9/18/2007 10/16/2007
Site 1 21 9 25 BRL 13 83 30
Site 2 21 5 32 8 11 81 30
Site 3 31 11 31 30 6 89 26
Site 4 27 9 42 12 9 80 34
Site 5 20 9 39 12 12 98 38
Site 6 24 7 45 16 15 81 26
BRL = below reportable limit
ND = not detected / below detectable limit
Appendix B
Nantucket Harbor Average Physical and Chemical Parameters 2007
Temperature ºC
April May June July Aug Sept Oct
Site 1 9.2 13.2 18.7 21.4 21.3 18.3 14.6
Site 2 9.6 13.8 19.6 22.2 21.8 18.3 14.3
Site 3 9.9 13.9 19.7 23.1 22.2 18.3 14.4
Site 4 7.3 12.8 17.2 20.5 21.1 18.4 15.7
Site 5 10.5 14.9 20.4 23.2 22.1 17.3 13.3
Site 6 10.9 14.4 20.3 23.4 22.0 17.7 13.3
Dissolved Oxygen mg/l
April May June July Aug Sept Oct
Site 1 9.31 9.05 7.85 7.09 6.85 7.61 7.70
Site 2 9.41 9.19 7.33 6.81 7.31 7.73 7.87
Site 3 9.12 8.80 7.16 6.72 7.23 7.48 7.74
Site 4 9.32 9.19 7.99 7.29 7.51 7.70 7.76
Site 5 8.62 8.81 7.16 6.49 6.85 7.48 8.25
Site 6 8.81 8.99 7.22 6.40 7.02 7.52 8.29
Salinity ppt.
April May June July Aug Sept Oct
Site 1 31.4 31.6 30.9 30.6 31.3 31.6 31.8
Site 2 30.9 31.4 31.1 30.8 31.5 31.6 31.6
Site 3 30.8 31.3 31.3 31.0 31.6 31.7 31.6
Site 4 31.8 31.7 31.0 30.7 31.3 31.7 31.7
Site 5 30.4 30.2 30.7 30.5 31.3 30.8 31.2
Site 6 30.4 30.3 30.8 30.4 31.4 31.3 31.6
Secchi
ft.
April May June July Aug Sept Oct
Site 1 14 16 12.5 9.5 8.5 8.5 11
Site 2 18 16 12 11 6.1 9 14
Site 3 18 14 10.5 8 6.5 7 13
Site 4 17 13 13 15 8.5 11 7
Site 5 4 4 4 6 5 4.5 4
Site 6 8 7 8 9.5 7.1 7.5 8
Nitrate NO3 ppb
April May June July Aug Sept Oct
Site 1 10 BRL BRL 40 BRL BRL BRL
Site 2 80 BRL BRL 150 BRL BRL 20
Site 3 10 BRL BRL 30 30 BRL 10
Site 4 BRL BRL BRL 10 BRL BRL 10
Site 5 BRL BRL 30 10 40 BRL BRL
Site 6 10 BRL BRL 40 60 BRL 20
Kjeldhal Nitrogen TKN ppb
April May June July Aug Sept Oct
Site 1 100 300 110 200 100 110 220
Site 2 130 120 110 200 130 180 190
Site 3 <100 <100 170 200 240 160 160
Site 4 120 110 150 200 <100 190 170
Site 5 140 <100 140 200 <100 150 150
Site 6 100 170 130 200 130 160 110
Total Nitrogen TN ppb
April May June July Aug Sept Oct
Site 1 110 300 110 240 100 110 220
Site 2 210 120 110 350 130 180 210
Site 3 <100 <100 170 230 270 160 170
Site 4 120 110 150 210 <100 190 180
Site 5 140 <100 170 210 <100 150 150
Site 6 <100 170 130 240 190 160 180
Ammonia NH3 ppb
April May June July Aug Sept Oct
Site 1 20 180 50 90 20 70 70
Site 2 20 100 70 90 21 70 60
Site 3 <20 20 30 140 130 80 60
Site 4 60 90 40 10 60 70 60
Site 5 60 40 40 80 70 40 60
Site 6 30 50 40 60 120 70 20
Organic Nitrogen TKN-NH3=ON ppb
April May June July Aug Sept Oct
Site 1 80 120 60 110 80 40 150
Site 2 110 20 40 110 109 110 130
Site 3 <100 <80 150 60 110 80 100
Site 4 60 20 110 190 <40 120 110
Site 5 80 <60 100 120 <30 110 90
Site 6 70 120 90 140 10 90 90
Organic Nitrogen TKN-NH3=ON ppb
April May June July Aug Sept Oct
Site 1 80 120 60 110 80 40 150
Site 2 110 20 40 110 109 110 130
Site 3 <100 <80 150 60 110 80 100
Site 4 60 20 110 190 <40 120 110
Site 5 80 <60 100 120 <30 110 90
Site 6 70 120 90 140 10 90 90
Total Phosphorous TP ppb
April May June July Aug Sept Oct
Site 1 21 9 25 BRL 13 83 30
Site 2 21 5 32 8 11 81 30
Site 3 31 11 31 30 6 89 26
Site 4 27 9 42 12 9 80 34
Site 5 20 9 39 12 12 98 38
Site 6 24 7 45 16 15 81 26
Appendix C
Physical Stream Data 2007
1: flows into the Head of the Harbor
2: flows into Medouie Creek
3: flows into Polpis East
4: flows into Polpis East, draining Cranberry Bog
5: flows into Polpis West, draining swamp near cemetary
6a: flows into Polpis West
6b: flows into Polpis West
6c: flows into Polpis West, draining Duck Pond
7: flows into Quaise
8: flows into Fulling Mill Brook, next to Life Saving Museum
Temperature ºC
Stream 4/19/07 5/17/07 6/14/07 7/5/07 8/15/07 9/12/07 10/11/07
1 5.8 12.4 12.5 16.7 S S S
2 5.8 13.4 13.4 18.2 D D D
3 6.8 13.9 14.1 18.2 16.3 17.1 14.7
4 6 13.5 13.7 18.2 17.4 S S
5 5.6 12.1 12.5 16.3 D D D
6a 6 13.7 13.7 17.6 D D D
6b 5.9 13 13.4 17 17.3 17.9 14.7
6c 6.5 15.1 15.3 19.5 19.7 16.9 16.6
7 5.9 13.8 S 17.3 D D D
8 7.2 13.4 14.3 15.9 16.6 16.7 16.1
Dissolved Oxygen mg/l
Stream 4/19/07 5/17/07 6/14/07 7/5/07 8/15/07 9/12/07 10/11/07
1 9.11 8.64 6.71 7.08 S S S
2 5.86 3.16 2.31 4.66 D D D
3 9.32 7.97 5.98 6.12 4.55 3.97 4.06
4 8.39 5.03 3.18 3.35 0.68 S S
5 6.4 4.55 2.71 3.92 D D D
6a 8.51 6.25 5.57 6.61 D D D
6b 9.11 8.01 7.61 6.64 6.36 7.02 7.03
6c 10.62 8.85 9.11 8.74 4.13 0.92 4.71
7 5.73 5.39 S 1.73 D D D
8 7.26 7.12 6.74 4.98 4.3 4.03 4.12
Salinity ppt.
Stream 4/19/07 5/17/07 6/14/07 7/5/07 8/15/07 9/12/07 10/11/07
1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 S S S
2 0.1 0.1 0.1 0 D D D
3 0.1 0 0 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1
4 0 0 0 0 0 S S
5 0 0 0 0.1 D D D
6a 0 0 0 0 D D D
6b 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
6c 0 0 0 0 0.1 0.1 0.1
7 0 0.1 S 0.1 D D D
8 8.9 4.3 3.8 1.1 3.7 4.7 24.2
Conductivity us/ms
Stream 4/19/07 5/17/07 6/14/07 7/5/07 8/15/07 9/12/07 10/11/07
1 94.9 105.4 126 129.2 S S S
2 83.9 97.5 103 52.7 D D D
3 112.7 78.1 78.4 89.6 86.5 97.1 93
4 60.1 72.6 67.3 77.3 77.2 S S
5 61.5 74.3 70.4 101.2 D D D
6a 52.5 75.4 76.7 4.3 D D D
6b 58.6 58.8 59.2 67.8 75.1 71.6 74.5
6c 56.8 72.3 70.7 70.6 90.5 112.1 86.6
7 66.4 81.9 S 99.1 D D D
8 10.11ms 5.98ms 5.46ms 1697 5.71ms 7.06ms 32.05ms
Height x Width cm 4/19/07 5/17/07 6/14/07 7/5/07 8/15/07 9/12/07 10/11/2007 Stream Height Width Height Width Height Width Height Width HeightWidth HeightWidth HeightWidth 1 50 54 18 44 14 43 21 41 S S S S S S 2 18 36 10 24 7 26 26 31 D D D D D D 3 23 28 14 21 15 51 18 30 12 25 11 22 13 36 4 86 96 55 89 51 91 55 110 46 92 S S S S 5 25 43 18 30 20 20 10 44 D D D D D D 6a 15 46 6 16 11 20 5 37 D D D D D D 6b 6 94 6 38 6 41 5 108 4 30 6 17 5 27 6c 6 23 27 34 34 34 32 22 15 57 9 24 5 14 7 16 22 16 43 S S 13 33 D D D D D D 8 50 91 39 86 52 88 40 92 39 76 40 91 74 74 Velocity 4/19/07 5/17/07 6/14/07 7/5/07 8/15/07 9/12/07 10/11/2007 Stream ft/s m/s ft/s m/s ft/s m/s ft/s m/s ft/s m/s ft/s m/s ft/s m/s 1 1.67 0.51 1.33 0.40 1.55 0.47 1.29 0.39 S #####S #####S ##### 2 2.79 0.85 0.45 0.14 0.25 0.08 0 0.00 D #####D #####D ##### 3 1.19 0.36 0.69 0.21 0.51 0.15 1.05 0.32 0.25 0.08 0.32 0.10 0.46 0.14 4 1.6 0.48 0 0.00 0 0.00 0 0.00 0 0.00 S #####S ##### 5 0.93 0.28 0 0.00 0.1 0.03 0.93 0.28 D #####D #####D ##### 6a 0.96 0.29 0.99 0.30 1.1 0.33 3.95 1.20 D #####D #####D ##### 6b 3.26 0.99 2.75 0.83 2 0.61 2 0.61 0.93 0.28 0.46 0.14 2.01 0.61 6c 5.82 1.76 1.39 0.42 1.3 0.39 2.42 0.73 0.69 0.21 0.33 0.10 0.33 0.10 7 1.62 0.49 0.2 0.06 S #VALUE!0.33 0.10 D #####D #####D ##### 8 1.16 0.35 2 0.61 0.6 0.18 1.28 0.39 1.74 0.53 1.24 0.38 0.9 0.27
Flow (cubic meters/sec)
Stream 4/19/07 5/17/07 6/14/07 7/5/07 8/15/07 9/12/07 10/11/07
1 0.137 0.032 0.028 0.034 #VALUE!#VALUE!#VALUE!
2 0.055 0.003 0.001 0.000 #VALUE!#VALUE!#VALUE!
3 0.023 0.006 0.012 0.017 0.002 0.002 0.007
4 0.400 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 #VALUE!#VALUE!
5 0.030 0.000 0.001 0.012 #VALUE!#VALUE!#VALUE!
6a 0.020 0.003 0.007 0.022 #VALUE!#VALUE!#VALUE!
6b 0.056 0.019 0.015 0.033 0.003 0.001 0.008
6c 0.024 0.039 0.046 0.052 0.018 0.002 0.001
7 0.017 0.004 #VALUE!0.004 #VALUE!#VALUE!#VALUE!
8 0.160 0.203 0.083 0.143 0.156 0.137 0.149
S: Stagnant
D: Dry
Appendix D
Chemical Stream Data 2007
Stream 1
Total Nitrogen Total Phosphorus Nitrate TKN Ammonia
Date ppm ppb ppm ppb ppm ppm ppm
4/19/2007 0.35 350 0.019 19 BRL 0.35 0.22
5/17/2007 1.26 1260 0.035 35 BRL 1.26 0.14
6/14/2007 1.19 1190 0.297 297 BRL 1.19 0.27
7/5/2007 1.47 1470 0.157 157 BRL 1.47 0.13
8/15/2007 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
9/12/2007 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
10/11/2007 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
Stream 2
Total Nitrogen Total Phosphorus Nitrate TKN Ammonia
Date ppm ppb ppm ppb ppm ppm ppm
4/19/2007 0.35 350 0.037 37 BRL 0.35 0.2
5/17/2007 1.68 1680 0.028 28 BRL 1.68 0.13
6/14/2007 1.61 1610 0.186 186 BRL 1.61 0.27
7/5/2007 1.12 1120 0.091 91 0.11 1.12 0.21
8/15/2007 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
9/12/2007 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
10/11/2007 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
Stream 3
Total Nitrogen Total Phosphorus Nitrate TKN Ammonia
Date ppm ppb ppm ppb ppm ppm ppm
4/19/2007 0.48 480 0.027 27 0.13 0.28 0.22
5/17/2007 0.79 790 0.005 5 0.09 0.7 0.14
6/14/2007 1.02 1020 0.044 44 0.11 0.91 0.14
7/5/2007 1.12 1120 0.08 80 BRL 1.12 0.12
8/15/2007 0.35 350 0.108 108 BRL 0.35 0.08
9/12/2007 0.7 700 0.078 78 0.14 0.56 0.11
10/11/2007 1.17 1170 0.447 447 0.12 1.05 0.23
Stream 4
Total Nitrogen Total Phosphorus Nitrate TKN Ammonia
Date ppm ppb ppm ppb ppm ppm ppm
4/19/2007 0.28 280 0.048 48 BRL 0.28 0.24
5/17/2007 1.4 1400 0.027 27 BRL 1.4 0.1
6/14/2007 2.24 2240 0.057 57 BRL 2.24 0.18
7/5/2007 1.19 1190 0.103 103 BRL 1.19 0.14
8/15/2007 0.56 560 0.064 64 BRL 0.56 0.03
9/12/2007 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
10/11/2007 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
Stream 5
Total Nitrogen Total Phosphorus Nitrate TKN Ammonia
Date ppm ppb ppm ppb ppm ppm ppm
4/19/2007 0.49 490 0.024 24 BRL 0.49 0.34
5/17/2007 0.84 840 0.04 40 BRL 0.84 0.16
6/14/2007 0.5 500 0.09 90 BRL 0.5 0.34
7/5/2007 1.25 1250 0.08 80 0.06 1.19 0.24
8/15/2007 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
9/12/2007 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
10/11/2007 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
Stream 6a
Total Nitrogen Total Phosphorus Nitrate TKN Ammonia
Date ppm ppb ppm ppb ppm ppm ppm
4/19/2007 0.42 420 0.04 40 BRL 0.42 0.15
5/17/2007 0.91 910 0.1 100 BRL 0.91 0.14
6/14/2007 0.35 350 0.225 225 BRL 0.35 0.15
7/5/2007 0.42 420 0.235 235 BRL 0.42 0.13
8/15/2007 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
9/12/2007 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
10/11/2007 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
Stream 6b
Total Nitrogen Total Phosphorus Nitrate TKN Ammonia
Date ppm ppb ppm ppb ppm ppm ppm
4/19/2007 0.28 280 0.044 44 BRL 0.28 0.22
5/17/2007 0.21 210 0.029 29 BRL 0.21 0.06
6/14/2007 0.28 280 0.063 63 BRL 0.28 0.1
7/5/2007 0.7 700 0.143 143 BRL 0.7 0.1
8/15/2007 0.63 630 0.174 174 BRL 0.63 0.02
9/12/2007 0.63 630 0.24 240 BRL 0.63 0.13
10/11/2007 0.21 210 0.066 66 BRL 0.21 0.16
Stream 6c
Total Nitrogen Total Phosphorus Nitrate TKN Ammonia
Date ppm ppb ppm ppb ppm ppm ppm
4/19/2007 0.28 280 0.039 39 BRL 0.28 0.19
5/17/2007 <0.1 #VALUE! 0.016 16 BRL BRL 0.09
6/14/2007 0.56 560 0.067 67 BRL 0.56 0.12
7/5/2007 0.11 110 0.05 50 BRL 0.11 0.12
8/15/2007 0.7 700 0.081 81 BRL 0.7 0.17
9/12/2007 0.91 910 0.15 150 BRL 0.91 0.28
10/11/2007 0.69 690 0.167 167 0.06 0.63 0.28
Stream 7
Total Nitrogen Total Phosphorus Nitrate TKN Ammonia
Date ppm ppb ppm ppb ppm ppm ppm
4/19/2007 0.7 700 0.027 27 BRL 0.7 0.32
5/17/2007 4.2 4200 0.449 449 BRL 4.2 0.65
6/14/2007 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
7/5/2007 2.03 2030 0.171 171 BRL 2.03 0.39
8/15/2007 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
9/12/2007 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
10/11/2007 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
Stream 8
Total Nitrogen Total Phosphorus Nitrate TKN Ammonia
Date ppm ppb ppm ppb ppm ppm ppm
4/19/2007 0.42 420 0.055 55 BRL 0.42 0.24
5/17/2007 0.56 560 0.081 81 BRL 0.56 0.1
6/14/2007 0.63 630 0.171 171 0.02 0.63 0.11
7/5/2007 0.91 910 0.269 269 BRL 0.91 0.11
8/15/2007 0.24 240 0.276 276 0.03 0.21 <0.02
9/12/2007 0.5 500 0.313 313 0.01 0.49 0.07
10/11/2007 0.56 560 0.195 195 BRL 0.56 0.16
BRL: Below Reportable Limit
ND: Below Detectable Limit
N/A: Not Applicable - Stream Dry or With Out
Flow
Appendix E
Steam Loading
2007
Total Nitrogen Loading (kg/day)
Stream 4/19/07 5/17/07 6/14/07 7/5/07 8/15/07 9/12/07 10/11/07
1 4.1 3.5 2.9 4.3 #VALUE!#VALUE! #VALUE!
2 1.7 0.5 0.2 0.0 #VALUE!#VALUE! #VALUE!
3 1.0 0.4 1.0 1.7 0.1 0.1 0.7
4 9.7 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 #VALUE! #VALUE!
5 1.3 0.0 0.1 1.3 #VALUE!#VALUE! #VALUE!
6a 0.7 0.2 0.2 0.8 #VALUE!#VALUE! #VALUE!
6b 1.3 0.3 0.4 2.0 0.2 0.1 0.1
6c 0.6 #VALUE! 2.2 0.5 1.1 0.2 0.0
7 1.0 1.5 #VALUE!0.8 #VALUE!#VALUE! #VALUE!
8 5.8 9.8 4.5 11.2 3.2 5.9 7.2
Total Phosphorus Loading (kg/day)
Stream 4/19/07 5/17/07 6/14/07 7/5/07 8/15/07 9/12/07 10/11/07
1 1.07 0.10 0.73 0.46 #VALUE!#VALUE! #VALUE!
2 0.18 0.01 0.02 0.00 #VALUE!#VALUE! #VALUE!
3 0.05 0.00 0.04 0.12 0.02 0.02 0.25
4 1.66 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 #VALUE! #VALUE!
5 0.06 0.00 0.01 0.09 #VALUE!#VALUE! #VALUE!
6a 0.07 0.02 0.14 0.45 #VALUE!#VALUE! #VALUE!
6b 0.21 0.05 0.08 0.40 0.05 0.03 0.05
6c 0.08 0.05 0.26 0.22 0.13 0.03 0.01
7 0.04 0.16 #VALUE!0.06 #VALUE!#VALUE! #VALUE!
8 0.76 1.42 1.23 3.32 3.73 3.70 2.52
Flow (cubic meters/sec)
Stream 4/18/06 5/15/06 6/22/06 7/13/06 8/10/06 9/11/06 10/25/06 11/9/06
1 0.137 0.032 0.028 0.034 #VALUE!#VALUE! #VALUE! 0.000
2 0.055 0.003 0.001 0.000 #VALUE!#VALUE! #VALUE! 0.000
3 0.023 0.006 0.012 0.017 0.002 0.002 0.007 0.000
4 0.400 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 #VALUE! #VALUE! 0.000
5 0.030 0.000 0.001 0.012 #VALUE!#VALUE! #VALUE! 0.000
6a 0.020 0.003 0.007 0.022 #VALUE!#VALUE! #VALUE! 0.000
6b 0.056 0.019 0.015 0.033 0.003 0.001 0.008 0.000
6c 0.024 0.039 0.046 0.052 0.018 0.002 0.001 0.000
7 0.017 0.004 #VALUE!0.004 #VALUE!#VALUE! #VALUE! 0.000
8 0.160 0.203 0.083 0.143 0.156 0.137 0.149 0.000
Total Nitrogen (ppb)
Stream 4/18/06 5/15/06 6/22/06 7/13/06 8/10/06 9/11/06 10/25/06 11/9/06
1 350 1260 1190 1470 N/A N/A N/A 0
2 350 1680 1610 1120 N/A N/A N/A 0
3 480 790 1020 1120 350 700 1170 0
4 280 1400 2240 1190 560 N/A N/A 0
5 490 840 500 1250 N/A N/A N/A 0
6a 420 910 350 420 N/A N/A N/A 0
6b 280 210 280 700 630 630 210 0
6c 280 #VALUE! 560 110 700 910 690 0
7 700 4200 N/A 2030 N/A N/A N/A 0
8 420 560 630 910 240 500 560 0
Total Phosphorus (ppb)
Stream 4/18/06 5/15/06 6/22/06 7/13/06 8/10/06 9/11/06 10/25/06 11/9/06
1 91 35 297 157 N/A N/A N/A 0
2 37 28 186 91 N/A N/A N/A 0
3 27 5 44 80 108 78 447 0
4 48 27 57 103 64 N/A N/A 0
5 24 40 90 80 N/A N/A N/A 0
6a 40 100 225 235 N/A N/A N/A 0
6b 44 29 63 143 174 240 66 0
6c 39 16 67 50 81 150 167 0
7 27 449 N/A 171 N/A N/A N/A 0
8 55 81 171 269 276 313 195 0
Appendix F Average Monthly Rainfall 2007 Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec Inches 3.27 0.97 2.98 3.95 2.23 0.7 2.29 1.45 3.13 1.16 6.36 0.4 Total Rainfall: 28.89 " December Rainfall Incomplete