HomeMy WebLinkAbout2008-09-08-Meeting Agendawww.augustaga.gov
Engineering Services Committee Meeting Committee Room- 9/8/2008- 1:00 PM
ENGINEERING SERVICES
1. Approve award of the contract to I&E Specialties for roof replacement and
repairs on the Planning and Zoning building in the amount of $89,306
which is to be funded from SPLOST Phase III funds for the Municipal
Building.
Attachments
2. Report from the Cedar Grove Cemetery Sub-Committee.
Attachments
3. Motion to approve a Deed of Dedication and Maintenance Agreement for
the water distribution system in Magnolia Villas, Phase II.
Attachments
4. Approve funding of an extension of the Southeastern Natural Sciences
Academy (SNSA) Savannah River at Risk study.
Attachments
5. Motion to authorize condemnation to acquire title of a portion of property,
designated as Butler Creek Upgrade East Project, 3491 Peach Orchard for
permanent and temporary construction easements.
Attachments
6. Approve an Option for Right-of-Way between Deborah P. Thomas and
Brenda T. Tharpe, as owners, and Augusta, Georgia, for the property
located at 1046 Alexander Drive for a purchase price of $42,100.00. 0.105
acre (4,571.61 sq. ft.) in fee and 0.038 acre (1,666.96 sq. ft.) of permanent
construction & maintenance easement.
Attachments
Engineering Services Committee Meeting
9/8/2008 1:00 PM
Award Contract for Replacement of Planning and Zoning Roof
Department:Public Services - Facilities Management Division
Caption:Approve award of the contract to I&E Specialties for roof replacement and
repairs on the Planning and Zoning building in the amount of $89,306 which
is to be funded from SPLOST Phase III funds for the Municipal Building.
Background:The shingle roof on the Planning a Zoning building needs to be replaced.
There is also damage to the eaves and fascia that needs to be repaired.
Analysis:A Request for Bids (RFB), Bid Item 08-170, was issued for this scope of
work. Specifications were sent out and six (6) prospective vendors attended
the mandatory pre-bid conference. A single bid received was from I&E
Specialties in the amount of $89,306. Staff has reviewed the numbers and
found the bid to be in line with the anticipated costs. I&E Specialties has
satisfactorily completed work for Augusta in the past. The scope of work
includes removal and replacement of the roof shingles, as well as
replacement of a specified amount of roof deck, fascia and soffit at a unit
cost determined in the bid. The final contract amount will be adjusted, up or
down, in accordance with the predetermined unit rates. Painting of the fascia
and soffit are included as part of this contract.
Financial Impact:The cost of the contract which is $89,306 is to be funded from SPLOST
Phase III, Account #323-04-6211/296-05-0050.
Alternatives:1. Approve award of the contract to I&E Specialties, for roof replacement
and repairs on the Planning and Zoning building, in the amount of $89,306
which is to be funded from SPLOST Phase III funds for the Municipal
Building. 2. Do not approve the award.
Recommendation:#1. Approve award of the contract to I&E Specialties, for roof replacement
and repairs on the Planning and Zoning building, in the amount of $89,306
which is to be funded from SPLOST Phase III funds for the Municipal
Building.
Funds are Available in
the Following
Accounts:
The cost of the contract which is $89,306 is to be funded from SPLOST
Phase III, Account #323-04-6211/296-05-0050.
REVIEWED AND APPROVED BY:
Cover Memo
Item # 1
Finance.
Administrator.
Clerk of Commission
Cover Memo
Item # 1
Engineering Services Committee Meeting
9/8/2008 1:00 PM
Cemetery Sub Committee Report
Department:Clerk of Commission
Caption:Report from the Cedar Grove Cemetery Sub-Committee.
Background:
Analysis:
Financial Impact:
Alternatives:
Recommendation:
Funds are Available in
the Following
Accounts:
REVIEWED AND APPROVED BY:
Clerk of Commission
Cover Memo
Item # 2
Engineering Services Committee Meeting
9/8/2008 1:00 PM
Deed of Dedication and Maintenance Agreement for Water Distribution System - Magnolia Villas Phase II
Department:Augusta Utilities Department
Caption:Motion to approve a Deed of Dedication and Maintenance Agreement for
the water distribution system in Magnolia Villas, Phase II.
Background:Malane Properties, LLC, has developed a tract of land, Magnolia Villas,
Phase II, and wishes to dedicate the water distribution system to Augusta.
Analysis:The water system has been inspected and approved by the Augusta Utilities
Department.
Financial Impact:None
Alternatives:
Recommendation:Approve motion to accept the Deed of Dedication and Maintenance
Agreement, for the water distribution system in Magnolia Villas, Phase II.
Funds are Available in
the Following
Accounts:
N/A
REVIEWED AND APPROVED BY:
Finance.
Procurement.
Administrator.
Clerk of Commission
Cover Memo
Item # 3
Attachment number 1
Page 1 of 1
Item # 3
Attachment number 2
Page 1 of 3
Item # 3
Attachment number 2
Page 2 of 3
Item # 3
Attachment number 2
Page 3 of 3
Item # 3
Attachment number 3
Page 1 of 2
Item # 3
Attachment number 3
Page 2 of 2
Item # 3
Engineering Services Committee Meeting
9/8/2008 1:00 PM
Extended funding for the Southeastern Natural Sciences Academy Savannah River at Risk Study.
Department:Utilities
Caption:Approve funding of an extension of the Southeastern Natural Sciences
Academy (SNSA) Savannah River at Risk study.
Background:The Southeastern Natural Sciences Academy (SNSA) began a 24 month
study of the middle Savannah River in January 2006. This study, known as
Savannah River at Risk, was funded by multiple entities including Augusta.
The study identified additional issues that need to be investigated in order to
fully understand the complex nature of the Savannah River system from
Thurmond Dam to the Savannah Harbor. Augusta previously contributed
$300,000 to the original study. The SNSA has presented the attached
proposal for continuation and expansion of the study to include data
collection in the Savannah Harbor. We would like to offer additional
funding to SNSA for this work in the amount of $150,000 per year for two
years for a total additional participation of $300,000.
Analysis:The information obtained from the original SNSA study has been very
helpful to Augusta as we have worked with regulators in developing a new
dissolved oxygen standard for the Savannah Harbor. This new standard will
require the revision of the Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL)
determination for the harbor. The new TMDL will have a significant impact
on the Augusta area as decreases in the allowable wasteload contributions to
the river are expected. The data collected to date and the additional data to
be collected will be extremely valuable to Augusta area users of the river. It
is imperative that decisions regarding the use of the river for wasteload
assimilation be based on the most accurate and scientifically valid data to
insure that wasteload allocation reductions are truly necessary for the health
of the river system. This data will be valuable during the development of the
revised TMDL and during discussions with regulators about future
individual permit requirements.
Financial Impact:$150,000 from the 2008 budget and $150,000 from the 2009 budget for a
total additional participation of $300,000
Alternatives:1) Rely on the limited and restricted data currently available to inform
regulatory decision makers (not recommended). 2) Continue Augusta's
participation in the SNSA study through a commitment of $150,000 per year
for two years.
Recommendation:
Continue Augusta's participation in the SNSA study through a commitment
of $150,000 from the 2008 budget and $150,000 from the 2009 budget for a
Cover Memo
Item # 4
total additional participation of $300,000.
Funds are Available in
the Following
Accounts:
507043490-5212115 / 80500010-5212115
REVIEWED AND APPROVED BY:
Finance.
Procurement.
Administrator.
Clerk of Commission
Cover Memo
Item # 4
Executive Summary
Southeastern Natural Sciences Academy is pleased to offer this research proposal to continue the
Savannah River study which began in January 2006. The current issue surrounding water quality within
the Savannah River stems from dissolved oxygen (DO) concentrations within the river and the Savannah
harbor. However, the current drought condition and increasing population within the southeastern United
States adds another level of uncertainty for the fate of water quality and water quantity within the
Savannah River basin as well. Each stress, low DO concentrations, impact of drought, and increasing
population will require sensible and equitable management solutions. Those solutions, which need to
provide a dynamic balance between natural resource protection and increasing anthropogenic pressures,
can only be based upon a holistic and sound scientific database. The Academy began such a database in
2006 and proposes to continue this important database for an additional 2 years. This proposal however
expands the current database to include specific parameters that will fill significant data gaps in the debate
over the impact of the CSRA discharges on DO concentrations within the river and harbor. Data
collected and analyzed by the Academy within the first two years provided sufficient evidence to draw
into question some of (3$¶Vconclusions regarding the impact of the CSRA discharges on DO
concentrations, but a more detailed study is required to strengthen that argument. This executive
summary is meant to give a brief overview of the significantly more detailed formal proposal (attached).
The Environmental Protection Agency acknowledges that the DO water quality standard for the lower
Savannah River is not appropriate and needs to be revised. Until that revision is implemented however,
EPA is forced to meet the current water quality standard. In order to meet that standard, EPA is requiring
that no additional loadings of oxygen demanding substances (predominantly organic matter and dissolved
ammonia) take place within the middle and lower Savannah watersheds since the harbor cannot assimilate
any loads above those provided by the natural background condition. This means that all industrial and
municipal effluents that empty into the Savannah River within the Central Savannah River Area (CSRA)
cannot contain oxygen demanding substances. EPA has suggested that nearly half of the oxygen
demanding substances, which lead to violation of the DO standard within the Savannah harbor, originate
from those CSRA point source discharges. Meeting this organic matter and ammonia removal
requirement may be impossible and may require industries and municipalities to cease operations. As a
result of marketplace globalization, local industries may be more apt to move out of the area under such
regulatory constraint. Clearly, this would result in significant job loss and economic impact to the CSRA.
Municipalities on the other hand, have no option but to continue operations and would most likely face
financial penalties for violation of the loadings rule.
7KHVFLHQFHVXSSRUWLQJ(3$¶VORDGLQJVDUJXPHQWPD\EHIRXQGHGRQWRRIHZULYHUGDWDVDPSOLQJHYHQWV
too few river sampling locations, and an oversimplified view of how the ecology of the Savannah River
IXQFWLRQV)XUWKHUPRUH(3$¶VDUJXPHQWLVEROVWHUHGE\DIDOVHVHQVHRIYDOLGDWLRQGXHWRDKHDY\
reliance upon conclusions generated through ecological modeling efforts. Results from ecological models
are only as good as the overall understanding of the system and the ability to create an appropriate data
collection scheme that fits the goals of the model. Neither modeling criteria have been sufficiently met
for the Savannah River. Proof that the loadings argument is not sufficient and that the modeling efforts
have provided faulty conclusions comes from a high frequency, empirical data set collected during the
Attachment number 1
Page 1 of 3
Item # 4
$FDGHP\¶VWZR\HDUVWXG\RQWKH6DYDQQDK5LYHU$VZLOOEHGLVFXVVHGEULHIO\EHORZ, and in more detail
within the formal proposal, current modeling results are in significant opposition to actual, measured data
results.
7KH$FDGHP\¶VWZR\HDUVWXG\VKRZHGWKDWWKH&65$GLVFKDUJHUVZHUHQRWWKHRQO\VRXUFHVRIR[\JHQ
demanding substances (organic material) to the river; Thurmond Lake, CSRA dischargers, and the
floodplain below the CSRA all contributed to the total load. In the cooler months, organic load increased
steadily along the entire river study reach, proving that organic material was added along the entire river
from both human impacts and natural background contributions. During the warmer, summer months, the
organic load increased from the dam, through the CSRA, but often decreased within the floodplain. In
fact, results from the July 2007 sampling excursion showed that the same amount of organic material
added through the CSRA was removed within the floodplain, most likely due to bacterial degradation.
Although the study was not designed to show which organic load source was preferentially used by the
bacteria, stable isotope data on organic matter particles showed that the overall river particulate matter
³VLJQDWXUH´ZDVPRUHVLPLODUWRDERWWRPODQGKDUGZRRGIORRGSODLQVRXUFHWKDQZDVWHZDWHUWUHDWPHQW
plant effluent and pulp and paper mill effluent. One of the goals of this research proposal is to more
clearly define the sources of organic material to the Savannah River system and to determine the extent to
which each source is used by bacteria within the river to determine if the CSRA effluents reach the harbor
or are used by bacteria before they reach the harbor.
7KH$FDGHP\¶VVWXG\DOVRIRXQGWKDW'2DWHDFKORFDWLRQZLWKLQWKHVWXG\UHDFKZDV-120%
saturated throughout most of the study period. GAEPD/EPA modeling efforts, calibrated to the
$FDGHP\¶V2006 data, showed that there should have been no DO at Clyo in the summer of 2007. Actual
data collected during that time period showed that Clyo was nearly 100% saturated during that time.
Similarly, data collected from the USGS gauge at the USACE dock within the Savannah harbor showed
that the harbor DO standard of 3.0 mg O2/L was violated a total of 7.75 cumulative hours from August
2007 through December 2007; those hours were not contiguous. (3$¶V Final Total Maximum Daily
Load (TMDL) for DO (EPA, 2006) states³The dissolved oxygen criteria is no less that 3.0 mg/L in June,
July, August, September, and October; no less than 3.5mg/L in May and November; and no less than 4.0
mg/L in December, January, February, March, and April. Based upon the [EPA] modeling results, these
criteria cannot be attained even if all continuous discharges of the oxygen-demanding substances are
eliminated´ Actual data collected by USGS within the harbor showed that the standard was met 99.8%
of the time from August 2007 through December 2007. These discrepancies call into question the
validity, and sole reliance, upon modeling for decision making and point to the importance of, and
increased need for, continued empirical data collection.
The model used for the Savannah River DO issue is a dynamic model which means that the model was
intended to predict the impact of oxygen demanding substances on river and harbor DO levels. In order
to achieve that goal, the model simulates what happens to oxygen as the wastes leave the CSRA discharge
points (i.e. industries and municipalities) and are transported along the entire length of the river to the
harbor. The modeler, armed with a general understanding of river dynamics, defines the important
parameters which are thought to most accurately determine the impact of the waste on DO in the river and
harbor. Two significant problems exist regarding the Savannah River harbor DO modeling effort; 1) the
model under simplifies and negates some important river processes, and 2) the empirical data used as
input to the dynamic model was not collected dynamically. Both issues decrease the validity of the model
Attachment number 1
Page 2 of 3
Item # 4
results. Water samples collected by the Academy since 2006 have included a dynamic sampling scheme.
As a result, the $FDGHP\¶V dataset is the only dataset robust enough to validate the TMDL modeling
efforts. This proposal will not only allow for continuation of that database but will also offer a unique
opportunity to validate the dynamic model output by conducting several continuous sampling events
which start in the CSRA and end at the head of the Savannah harbor. This empirical dataset can be
compared time-for-time to EPA model data.
7KH$FDGHP\¶VGDWDLVthe only existing contemporary, continuous, and empirical dataset representing the
middle and lower Savannah River basins. Other databases exist but historic data does not reliably
represent contemporary conditions nor do monthly, synoptic sampling events represent continuous
FRQGLWLRQV7KH$FDGHP\¶VGDWDVHWLVWKe only one able to calibrate and validate EPA and GAEPD
modeling efforts. In addition, the Academy is working with USACE and both SC and GA regulators to
determine optimal river management strategies for maintaining river water quality as Thurmond Lake
levels approach unprecedented lows7KH$FDGHP\¶Vresearch and dataset is the scientific foundation
upon which decisions regarding the Savannah River will be made. The Academy endeavors to shed new
light on the ecological function of the Savannah River which will offer new insight into optimization of
regulated river management strategies not only for the Savannah River but for other regulated rivers as
well. We hope that you see the value in funding this proposed research project.
Attachment number 1
Page 3 of 3
Item # 4
1
Determination of sources and in-
stream dynamics of oxygen
demanding substances along the
entire length of the middle and lower
Savannah River basin
³8QGHUVWDQGLQJWKHHFRORJLFDOVWUXFWXUHDQGIXQFWLRQRIQDWXUDO
and/or altered lotic ecosystems is a common goal of many stream and
river ecologists. This has spurred development of numerous
conceptual models, shaped empirical research and funding, and
occasionally altered government policies on river conservation,
management, and rehabilitation. Formation of conceptual theories
can expand our knowledge of factors regulating river networks as ORQJDVSRSXODUWKHRULHVDUHYLHZHGDVWKH³ODWHVWEHVWDSSUR[LPDWLRQV´UDWKHUWKDQLURQ-clad truths and if ecologists seek
to test theories and comprehend why concordance or incongruity
emerge´ 7KRUSHWDO
Some confusion in the perception of how the Savannah River functions may stem from
the lack of a consistent theory regarding how rivers, in general, function. Lorenz et al
(1997) presented a good overview of the predominant theoretical concepts which
describe ecological processes within rivers. One of the original, and still most popular,
concepts in river ecology is the River Continuum Concept (Vannote et al 1980). This
concept argues that macroinvertebrate assemblages are structured along a continuous
gradient from the headwaters to the river mouth and the spatial positioning of those
organisms reflects the functionality of those organisms in terms of organic matter
processing, from course to particulate, along the gradient. This view implies that the
majority of organic material within river systems results from headwater inputs. Since
this foundational concept is based upon studies conducted within low order (headwater)
streams it most likely does not apply to higher order streams. This concept does not
consider additional inputs along the river length nor does it consider in-stream
(autochthonous) production of organic material (phytoplankton), or carbon quality. Such
D³KHDGZDWHUGRPLQDWHGYLHZ´GRHs not apply to more complex, higher order systems and
should not be the basis for modeling higher order river system dynamics.
Dynamics surrounding the sources and fate of material in rivers often requires extensive
evaluation of the entire river system with special consideration for spatial and temporal
scales. Such wide ranging view of the system is required because rivers are a dynamic
interplay between physical, chemical, biological, and geological elements. At discrete
river locations, these elements do not remain static. Thus, it is necessary to view, sample,
Attachment number 2
Page 1 of 36
Item # 4
Attachment number 2
Page 2 of 36
Item # 4
Attachment number 2
Page 3 of 36
Item # 4
4
proposing to determine the sources, fate, and transport of oxygen demanding material
from Thurmond Dam to the Savannah harbor and to compare in-stream respiration rates
to uBOD bottle rates. In addition, in-stream rates along with other parameters will allow
for determination of river metabolism (photosynthesis and respiration) for the Savannah
River system. In order to determine sources, fate, and transport, the Academy will ³ILQJHUSULQW´WKRVHVRXUFHV (natural and anthropogenic) that are thought to contribute
significantly to the oxygen demanding material load to the river and compare those same
constituents at each Lagrangian river sampling station in order to determine the fate and
transport dynamics of those sources. In addition, the Academy will conduct at least two
continuous river cruises per year from the CSRA to the harbor collecting continuous data
for the entire study reach length. The Academy will add three permanent stations to the
existing continuous monitoring network, at RM 27 (I-95 bridge), Brier Creek, and
possibly Ebeneezer Creek, as well as develop a real-time data collection network through
a cooperative agreement with Clemson University. Since USGS and USACE have a
permanent station at the Corps dock in the harbor, we will develop a cooperative
agreement with them or another harbor/estuary research team as well to extend the same
study parameters to the harbor.
2 ,PSRUWDQWILQGLQJVIURPWKH$FDGHP\¶V-2007 study
2.1 How is the DO situation in the Savannah now?
Figure 1 shows DO saturation data from each permanent river station from 2006-2007.
The data indicate that DO saturation was variable at RM 215 due to lake stagnation, the
shoals and NSBL&D created supersaturated conditions (>100%) (RM 202 and RM185,
respectively), and saturation at Clyo (RM 61) was constantly maintained between 80 and
105%, with consistently higher saturation values during the low flow period of 2007.
DO TMDL modeling efforts over the past year by GAEPD, calibrated to 2006 SNSA
data, continue to predict near zero DO concetrations at Clyo. As shown below, nearly
all of the data collected over the past two years showed that saturation at Clyo was ~80-
105% with 2007 being saturated much of the time.
(3$¶V Final DO TMDL (2006) states³7KHGLVVROYHGR[\JHQFULWHULDLVQROHVVWKDW
mg/L in June, July, August, September, and October; no less than 3.5mg/L in May and
November; and no less than 4.0 mg/L in December, January, February, March, and
April. Based upon the modeling results, these criteria cannot be attained even if all
continuous discharges of the oxygen-demanding substances are eliminated´ Figure 2
shows the empirical data collected from the Corps dock within the harbor from July 2007
through February 2008 (data source: USGS, chart provided by GAEPD).
Attachment number 2
Page 4 of 36
Item # 4
5
Figure 1. Dissolved oxygen saturation values at each permanent station from 2006-2007.
Column 1 from top to bottom: RM 215, RM 202, RM 198, RM 190, RM 185; column 2
from top to bottom: RM 179, RM 148, RM 119, RM 61. Red line is a reference and is
equal to 100% sat. on each graph.
Figure 2. Empirical data from the USACE dock within the Savannah
harbor (data source: USGS; chart provided by GAEPD).
Attachment number 2
Page 5 of 36
Item # 4
6
As shown in Figure 2, data collected from the USACE/USGS sonde within the harbor
from August 2007 through December 2007 indicated that the DO standard of 3.0 mg
O2/L was violated a total of 31/13,339 readings (0.2%) or 7.75 cumulative hours; these
hours were not contiguous. The maximum exceedance during that time, 0.2 mg O2/L
(2.8 mg O2/L), was near the error of the YSI 6600EDS instrument (0.1 mg O2/L or 1% of
the reading, whichever is greater). Similar exceedance events occurred in July 2007 but
data from those events were not available at the time of this analysis. These comparisons
indicate that reliance upon modeled data versus empirical data should be questioned.
2.2 How does the amount of organic material in the Savannah River
compare to other rivers? To other rivers in Georgia?
TOC concentrations in natural systems typically range from 0.5 mg/L in groundwater and VHDZDWHUWRPJ/LQ³EODFNZDWHU´VZDPSVZLWKDverage river concentrations of ~7.0
mg/L; 5 mg/L as DOC and 2 mg/L as Particulate Organic Carbon (POC) (Thurman,
1985). On average, the Savannah had less Total Organic Carbon (TOC) when compared
to literature values of other rivers, with Dissolved Organic Carbon (DOC) comprising all
of the TOC in 92% of the samples. Average DOC concentrations in 6DYDQQDK5LYHU¶V
mainstem ranged from 2.3 to 4.1 mg/L at RM 215 and RM 179, respectively while
concentrations ranged from ~3.1 to 6.5 mg/L in Horse Creek and Butler Creek,
respectively (Fig. 3).
Figure 3. Monthly DOC concentrations from each permanent station from SEPT06-
JAN08. X-axis nomenclature: BB= RM215, SC = Stevens Creek, NA= RM202, 520=
RM198, HC = Horse Creek, Stans= RM190, BC = Butler Creek, DS= RM185, IP=
RM179, Vogtle= RM148, 301= RM119, Clyo= RM61.
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
BB SC NA
52
0 HC
St
a
n
s
BC DS IP
Vo
g
t
l
e
30
1
Cly
o
DO
C
(
m
g
/
L
)
25%
max
average
min
75%
9-18-06 1-14-08
Attachment number 2
Page 6 of 36
Item # 4
7
Compared to other rivers in Georgia, TOC concentrations within the Savannah are either
similar (rivers originating in the Piedmont) or significantly below (rivers originating in
the Coastal Plain) those of other rivers in the state. Cai et al. (1998) showed DOC
concentrations of ~9 mg/L in the Altamaha (Piedmont river) and ~26 mg/L in the Satilla
(a Coastal Plain river); at the time of sampling (1995), concentrations within the
Savannah were ~4.5 mg/L at the river/estuary interface. Moran, et al. (1999) sampled the
Savannah, Ogeechee, Altamaha, Satilla, and St. Marys rivers in March 1996 at the
river/estuary interface and reported concentrations of 4.3, 3.8, 3.2, 4.0, 4.2 mg/L,
respectively. They sampled the Savannah, Altamaha, and Satilla again in May 1996 and
reported concentrations of 3.2, 3.0, and 3.6 mg/L, respectively. Finally, they reported
concentrations of 25.4 and 29.9 mg/L in their samplings of the Satilla in March 1997 and
August 1997, respectively.
TOC concentrations at Clyo (RM 61) compared to the USGS station at Port Wentworth
over the same time period showed that the concentrations were similar from April 2006
through April 2007 (Fig. 4). Although the concentrations were similar between these two
sites, the significant difference may be the organic carbon mass between the sites when
accounting for discharge. USGS does not supply discharge data for this site but the
specific conductance data from this site indicated that it was well within the tidal portion
of the harbor (spec. cond. >>1 mS). If the concentrations were the same but the
discharges varied by 10x at some points during high tide, then the carbon mass at the Port
Wentworth site was 10x higher as well. This logic may indicate that the riverine carbon
load contributed only ~10% of the total carbon load to the harbor at that time.
Figure 4. TOC concentrations at Clyo and Port Wentworth (source data:USGS)
stations.
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
8/2
1
/
2
0
0
6
10
/
1
0
/
2
0
0
6
11
/
2
9
/
2
0
0
6
1/1
8
/
2
0
0
7
3/9
/
2
0
0
7
4/2
8
/
2
0
0
7
TO
C
(
m
g
/
L
)
Harbor
Clyo
Attachment number 2
Page 7 of 36
Item # 4
8
Figure 5 shows the Lagrangian mass flux results from January 2007 through January
2008. Overall trends indicated a seasonal trend where the cooler months exported
significantly more carbon than the warmer months (>1E6 mg C/s versus >8E5 mg C/s).
During the cooler months, presumably due to decreased respiration rates, carbon mass
increased steadily with decreasing river mile, even through the floodplain section of the
study reach. However in the warmer months, DOC mass often decreased through the
section of river with adjacent floodplains. This trend most likely indicated that
significant respiration was ongoing especially in July 2007 when a loss of ~ 2E5 mg
DOC/s was observed from RM 179 to RM 61; this loss decreased carbon mass to levels
observed within the CSRA pool for that time period and may indicate that a significant
amount of CSRA effluent material may be respired within river, prior to the harbor.
Attachment number 2
Page 8 of 36
Item # 4
9
Figure 5. Lagrangian DOC mass flux results from Jan2007 through Jan2008. Y-
axis units are mg DOC/s. Pink line on each graph is a reference line and is the same
magnitude (5E5 mg DOC/s) on each graph. X-Axis nomenclature: NA= RM202,
520= RM198, Stans= RM190, DS= RM185, IP= RM179, Vogtle= RM148, 301=
RM119, Clyo= RM61.
Attachment number 2
Page 9 of 36
Item # 4
10
2.3 TOC:DOC dynamics, indicator of sources?
Throughout the first 2 years of the Savannah River study, concentrations of TOC and
DOC have been virtually equal. However, measurement error may account for some of
this similarity. Both TOC and DOC are determined, by Shealy Environmental Services
(Cayce, SC), on a Shimadzu TOC 5000 analyzer. This is the most cited instrument for
this analysis and is an EPA approved method with a standard error of 1-3% for DOC and
5-10% for TOC. That potential error results from the possible limitation of the
instrument to sample larger particulate matter upon analysis (Ron Benner, personal
communication; APHA, 1985). If the sampled river system is typically depleted of large
particulate matter, then the measurement error for TOC would be minimal. With that in
mind, 92% of the TOC data was within 10% of the DOC data (n=309) (Fig. 6). Of the
remaining 8%, only half of the data showed TOC>DOC whereas the other half showed
DOC>TOC.
Of all instances where TOC > DOC (all data included, n=309), 26% occurred within the
sampled creeks (Stevens Creek, Horse Creek, and Butler Creek), 16% occurred above
New Savannah Bluff Lock & Dam (NSBL&D), and 58% occurred below NSBL&D. Of
the instances where TOC exceed DOC by more than 10% (n=24), 54% occurred in the
sampled creeks, 25% occurred upstream of NSBL&D, and 21% occurred downstream of
NSBL&D.
The apparent discrepancy for the Savannah River TOC/DOC dynamics stems from the
fact that it is a highly regulated river. Natural (unregulated) rivers typically contain
organic matter from many sources which can be grouped into two main categories,
autochthonous and allochthonous. Autochthonous sources originate in-stream and mostly
result from bacterial, algal, and aquatic vegetative growth. Allochthonous sources
originate from watershed sources outside the river and can come from headwaters,
tributaries, floodplain and riparian wetlands, groundwater, and anthropogenic point
Figure 6. Histogram of percent difference between TOC and DOC (n=309).
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
14
16
18
-10 -8 -6 -4 -2 0 2 4 6 8 10
Percent difference between TOC and DOC
Pe
r
c
e
n
t
o
c
c
u
r
e
n
c
e
ot
h
e
r
Attachment number 2
Page 10 of 36
Item # 4
11
sources. Since the Savannah is completely disconnected from its headwaters by three
reservoirs (Hartwell, Russell, and Thurmond), the typical carbon additions from that
source is reduced compared to the amount that could possibly be transported from the
headwaters. In addition, the TOC/DOC ratio is significantly altered as a result of the
reservoirs. Steep upland catchments typically release more Particulate Organic Carbon
(POC; POC=TOC-DOC) material than lowlands. POC released from the reservoirs is
negligible because there is extensive bacterial processing and settling of the upland POC
within the reservoirs. Water feeding the middle and lower Savannah originates from the
mid-depths of Thurmond Lake, so most of the TOC is in the dissolved form. These
reservoir effects typically kept the DOC concentrations fairly low and constant at 2.33
mg/L (SD = 0.396 mg/L; n=15) throughout the 2006-2007 study. The three additional
impoundments within the middle Savannah (Stevens Creek Dam, Augusta Diversion
Dam, and NSBL&D), in addition to the pooling effect of NSBL&D, had a similar effect
on TOC/DOC ratio as well.
Downstream of NSBL&D, river meandering and bank erosion was possible from ~RM
185 on. However, POC transport was still minimal because the middle and lower reaches
of the Savannah are within the relatively moderate to flat catchments of the Coastal Plain.
This resulted in a predominance of DOC export from the watersheds within the middle
and lower reaches. Newman (1986) conducted biweekly sampling of organic material for
18 months within the Four Mile Branch watershed (on Savannah River Site property;
~RM148) and found average TOC concentrations of 7.1 mg/L with DOC accounting for
75% of TOC. Mulholland and Keunzler (1979) found that watersheds in North Carolina
that had considerable swamp drainage exported 7x more organic carbon than upland
watersheds, with >80% being exported as DOC.
Streams and rivers drain varying loads of carbon from watersheds to the ocean. The load
typically depends upon the climate where biomes in cooler climates generate more
carbon flux to rivers than those in warmer climates and biomes in drier climates generate
less carbon flux than wetter biomes with swamp forests generating one of the highest
fluxes (9.913 g C m-2 yr-1) (Table 1). For the Savannah, Dosskey and Bertsch (1994)
found that 93% of all carbon entering Four Mile Branch (an SRS tributary; ~RM148)
resulted from only 6% of the watershed area which was floodplain wetland forest and that
the study watershed (12.6 km2) exported 26.9 tons C/yr to the Savannah River.
Table 1. Annual riverine DOC flux from different
soils and vegetation habitat.
from Wetzel, 2001.
Attachment number 2
Page 11 of 36
Item # 4
12
2.4 BOD5 results; all that oxygen demanding waste?
The total number of BOD5 samples that were analyzed from 2006-2007 was 305. Of the
total, 35 samples (11.5%) had results higher than the Practical Quantitation Limit (PQL)
of 2 mg/L. Of the 35 samples >2.0 mg/L, 13 (37.1%) were considered storm water
samples. Of the samples with results >PQL, 63% were from the sampled creeks (Stevens
Creek, Horse Creek, Butler Creek), with sites above and below NSBL&D comprising
17% and 20%, respectively. Of samples >PQL, Butler Creek comprised nearly half of
the total with 49% with Stevens Creek and RM 202 comprising ~ 10% each (Fig. 6).
Box plots of the results are shown in Figure 7. These results are similar to data collected
by SCDHEC from 1999 through 2006 for the Savannah River. Their data showed
232/829 (28%) samples with results >PQL. In addition, their results showed that 595/829
(71%) samples had results <PQL but >0. Their average concentration from all data was
1.65 mg/L.
Figure 6. Percentage of BOD5 results >2.0 mg/L by site from 2006-2007 (n=305).
0.0
10.0
20.0
30.0
40.0
50.0
60.0
RM 215 SC RM 202 RM 198 HC RM 190 BC RM 185 RM 179 RM 148 RM 119 RM 61
Pe
r
c
e
n
t
a
g
e
o
f
B
O
D
5
re
s
u
l
t
s
>
2
m
g
/
L
Figure 7. BOD5 results from 2006-2007 (note: SC max =45 mg/L).
=45 mg/L
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
Be
t
t
y
'
s
B
r
a
n
c
h
St
e
v
e
n
s
C
r
e
e
k
No
r
t
h
A
u
g
u
s
t
a
52
0
Ho
r
s
e
C
r
e
e
k
St
a
n
'
s
Bu
t
l
e
r
C
r
e
e
k
Do
w
n
s
t
r
e
a
m
IP
Vo
g
t
l
e
30
1
Cl
y
o
BO
D
5
(
m
g
/
L
)
25%
min
avg
max
75%
Attachment number 2
Page 12 of 36
Item # 4
13
2.4.1 Stable isotope results for Savannah River
Stable isotopes have been used extensively over the past 30 years as a tool to increase
knowledge of food web connectivity in aquatic systems. Stable isotopes allow for
determination of connectivity because organisms nearly take on the isotope values of
WKRVHIRRGVXSRQZKLFKDQRUJDQLVPIHHGVKHQFHWKHRULJLQDWLRQRIWKHSKUDVH³<RXDUHZKDW\RXHDW´Nearly in the previous sentence refers to slight shifts in isotope values as
predator-prey relationships move up the food chain. For example, carbon isotopes shift
E\aÅLQWKHPRUHSRVLWLYHGLUHFWLRQDQGQLWURJHQLVRWRSHVVKLIWE\aÅ in the more
positive direction as successive trophic level jumps are made (Peterson and Fry, 1987).
Another reliable trend that stable isotopes adhere to pertain to small scale processes such
as respiration, photosynthesis, and chemical reactions; lighter isotopes are favored over
heavier isotopes (Fry, 2006). For instance, if DOC is processed within a river by
EDFWHULDWKHEDFWHULDZLOOSUHIHUHQWLDOO\FKRRVHį 12&RYHUį 13C and the overall remaining
DOM in the river water ZLOOEHPRVWO\į 13&DQGZLOODSSHDUDVD³KHDYLHU´VLJQDWXUH
(more negative) in successive samples*HQHUDOWUHQGVIRUį151į13&DQGį34S are shown
in Figure 8.
Another method for understanding food web relationships and biological effects on
RUJDQLFPDWHULDOLQDTXDWLFV\VWHPVLVWRXVHį13C-vs- C:N plots. The same trends apply
IRUį13C as above, but the C:N of organic material changes with sources and processing
as well. In general, as bacteria process organic material they selectively utilize the
nitrogen and labile carbon components within the POM or DOM molecules, leaving
highly refractory carbon and high C:N . Although C:N vary widely according to
Figure 8. CRQFHSWXDOPRGHORIį151į13&DQGį34S stable
isotope dynamics in food web studies (from, Kendall et al.,
http://sofia.usgs.gov/publications/posters/atl-
mtg/print.html).
Attachment number 2
Page 13 of 36
Item # 4
14
individual sources, a few examples of C:N in nature are as follows: humic substances
(recalcitrant organic material) >30:1, algae ~6.6:1, allochthonous material >45:1,
allochthonous material 12:1 (Wetzel, 2001). )LJXUH VKRZVJHQHUDOWUHQGVIRUį13C-vs-
C:N plots.
When viewed together, these plots provide powerful data analysis tools for source
tracking and ecological studies of the fate and transport of organic material in aquatic
systems. The source tracking approach usually starts with an understanding of the major
sources of material to the system. For the Savannah River, EPA suggests that
International Paper and the CSRA wastewater treatment facilities provide the bulk of
material from the CSRA that impacts the harbor. Therefore, it is necessary to
characterize those effluents, along with other sources that are deemed to be important (i.e.
floodplain wetlands, phytoplankton, etc) and view the Lagrangian river samples with
reference to those sources. )LJXUHVKRZVį13C-vs- & 1DQGį13C-vs- į15N plots from
seston (material collected on a filter with a nominal pore size <0.7 um) samples collected
in November 2006.
EPA argues that the wastewater treatment plants and International Paper contribute the
bulk of the material from CSRA; those sources are shown within the figure below (BCW
and IPeff, respectively). Other, more overlooked, organic material sources which may
play significant roles are Thurmond Lake and bottomland hardwood swamps, located
along the river below NSBL&D. The Thurmond signature is shown as RM 215 and the
bottomland swamp signature was assumed as a sample from the Phinizy swamp, located
behind SNSA.
Figure 9. General trends of carbon degradation in aquatic systems as
VKRZQLQį13C-vs- C:N plots.
C:N
į13
C
2 6 10 14 16 20 24 26 30
-16
-20
-24
-28
-32
-36
Severe N
deficiency
in algae
Moderate N
deficiency in
algae
No N
deficiency
in algae
Allochthonous/recalcitrant
material (>30:1)
Degradation of algae
Attachment number 2
Page 14 of 36
Item # 4
15
,IVHVWRQZLWKLQWKHULYHUZDVLQIOXHQFHGE\HLWKHU,3HIIOXHQWRU0HVVHUO\¶V::73WKH
mainstem river stations would have converged toward those source signatures. As
shown, RM 179, which is ~ 2 river miles below the IP effluent, maintained a signature
closest to that of the lake (RM 215) for C:N and 13C but was close to IPeff in terms of
15N. The Lagrangian samples showed a trend away from the RM179/lake signature
toward the bottomland hardwood signature (BCP). Those samples were the last three
stations within the study reach and have extensive bottomland hardwood swamps
adjacent to the river. The trends of increasing C:N, increasing 15N, and slight decrease in
13C indicate microbial processing of the organic material. Although this data is on seston
particles, some conjecture can be made regarding the dynamics between the dissolved
CO2 signature and the 13C signature in terms of bacterial and algal dynamics. As organic
material is cycled downstream and transformed from organic C to CO2 by bacteria, the
CO2 signature becomes more and more depleted in the lighter isotope (more negative).
As algae utilize the depleted CO2 for photosynthesis, the organic signature of the algal
cells becomes more depleted too. Therefore, the seston signature may be indicative of
the algal signature because the algal cells would have been trapped on the filter which
was analyzed for the isotope analysis. Another hypothesis is that particulate material
contributions from the vegetation within the RM148-RM61 study reach contributed
significantly to the analyzed sample. The data collected within the two year study were
not enough to make definitive determinations between those two hypotheses but it was
quite clear that the mainstem stations did not wholly trend toward either the Messerly
WWTP or IPeff signatures. Not all of the isotope data collected within the first two years
of the study has been analyzed but findings to date are consistent with those presented
here. As shown, the dual isotope approach can be quite powerful evidence of sources,
fate, and transport of material within river systems but the use of other parameters to
more definitively characterize sources can only increase clarity of the system dynamics.
Attachment number 2
Page 15 of 36
Item # 4
16
Figure 10. 3ORWVRIVHVWRQį13C-vs- & 1DQGį13C-vs- į15N values. Assumed sources
are shown as orange symbols (BCW= Messerly wastewater effluent after constructed
wetlands; RM215= 7 miles below Thurmond Dam-assumed to be signature for lake
water; BCP= Phinizy swamp- assumed to be signature for bottomland hardwood VZDPS ,3HII ,QWHUQDWLRQDO3DSHU¶VHIIOXHQW/DJUDQJLDQPDLQVWHPVWDWLRQVDUHVKRZQ
with white letters (RM148-near Plant Vogtle; RM119-near GA/SC 301 bridge; RM61-
near Clyo, GA) and non-Lagrangian mainstem stations are shown with black letters
(RM 179- 2 miles below International Paper effluent; HC= Horse creek).
RM215
HC
BCP
BCW
RM179
RM148
RM119
RM61
IPeff
-35.00
-34.00
-33.00
-32.00
-31.00
-30.00
-29.00
-28.00
-27.00
-26.00
-25.00
5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14
13
C
C:N
HC
BCP
BCW
RM179
RM148
RM119
RM61
IPeff
RM215
-4.00
-2.00
0.00
2.00
4.00
6.00
8.00
10.00
12.00
14.00
16.00
-35.00 -33.00 -31.00 -29.00 -27.00 -25.00
15
N
13C
Attachment number 2
Page 16 of 36
Item # 4
Attachment number 2
Page 17 of 36
Item # 4
Attachment number 2
Page 18 of 36
Item # 4
19
As with the first study, mass fluxes of material will be one of the primary focus areas for
the monthly sampling events. They will be assessed based upon Lagrangian sampling
and discharge data.
3.3 Lagrangian river cruises
In order to determine the dynamics between carbon, nitrogen, and oxygen in a river
system, it is necessary to apply a Lagrangian scheme. During the first two years of study
such a scheme was employed and offered valuable insights into this interplay for the
Savannah River. That scheme, although highly valuable and more effective than a simple
Eulerian or static-view sampling scheme can be improved upon. An improvement upon
this sampling scheme would be to incorporate a continuous Lagrangian sampling scheme.
The proposed approach is to equip a research vessel with continuous sampling analytical
instrumentation and float downstream behind a Swallow float drifter which will validate
true river velocities. This approach seems considerably more robust and, in essence,
would generate a highly unique empirical data set that could be compared to CE-QUAL-
RIV1 modeling scenarios over the same time period.
The most accurate information from river cruises will come from data collected from ~
RM 202 to the recreational boating restricted zone of the Savannah harbor (~RM 20?)
because there is only one impoundment along that study reach and it is fairly simple to
circumvent in short time. Disruption of the continuity of the study is expected to be
minimal because the drifter can be replaced by neutrally buoyant objects (e.g. oranges)
that can go through the New Savannah Bluff Lock and Dam and be easily detected on the
downstream side. It is clear that beginning cruises at RM 202 limit determinations of the
importance of loads and processes from Thurmond Lake during power generating pulses,
from Stevens Creek reservoir dynamics, and from the shoals but those dynamics could be
assessed with smaller, discontinuous cruises as well as continuous Eulerian sampling at
discrete locations within those sections.
The drawback to river cruises from RM 202 to ~RM 20? is that each cruise may take 2-3
weeks to FRPSOHWHVRWKH\ZLOOEHOLPLWHGLQQXPEHU6LQFHWKLVVWXG\¶VIRFXVLVWR
determine the impact of Augusta on the harbor, cruises will be conducted during the
critical period of the year, as determined by EPA, which typically occurs in the summer.
In addition, unprecedented low flows (post Thurmond Dam) may also create a new
critical situation as well; therefore at least one cruise (RM 202 to RM 20?) will be
conducted during a summertime low flow period. At least one additional cruise (RM 202
to RM 20?) may be conducted in winter for comparative purposes since colder
temperatures typically minimize photosynthesis and respiration in all aquatic systems
including the Savannah River.
As mentioned, several smaller cruises will be conducted in areas not covered by the long
reach cruises in order to characterize those areas as well. The smaller cruises will be
conducted during the same time of year as the longer cruises.
Attachment number 2
Page 19 of 36
Item # 4
Attachment number 2
Page 20 of 36
Item # 4
Attachment number 2
Page 21 of 36
Item # 4
Attachment number 2
Page 22 of 36
Item # 4
Attachment number 2
Page 23 of 36
Item # 4
Attachment number 2
Page 24 of 36
Item # 4
Attachment number 2
Page 25 of 36
Item # 4
Attachment number 2
Page 26 of 36
Item # 4
Attachment number 2
Page 27 of 36
Item # 4
28
TMDL model input of oxygen demanding substances is often solely reliant upon either
Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) or Ultimate Biochemical Oxygen Demand (uBOD)
data. Both are static bottle tests of stream, effluent, and waste waters to determine rates
and ultimate capacity of those waters to deplete oxygen in receiving rivers. This static
bottle test may not fully represent actual dynamics that occur when those waters enter the
stream. Bergstedt et al. (2004) showed that the introduction of small scale turbulence
increased the following: oxygen depletion rates, bacterial abundance, bacterial
respiration, bacterial growth rate, and nutrient uptake rates. In addition, they showed that
in side-by-side static versus turbulent BOD5 experiments, BOD5 was underestimated in
the static test which indicated that increased turbulence may have been acting on more of
the available substrate (uBOD) within the samples. In fact, Shrivastava and Charan Dixit
(1970) attributed the observed increase of BOD5 with turbulence (compared to the
standard static method) to the ultimate CBOD of the sample. Al-Homoud et al (2007)
also found that small-scale fluid motion increased microbial growth and BOD when
compared to the stagnant condition. Morrissette and Mavinic (1978) found that several
in-situ stream variables (turbulence, light, and turbidity) had varying effects on BOD5
when compared to results obtained from the static bottle test and indicated the standard
test yields questionable results and that inclusion of physical characteristics of the stream
may help obtain more meaningful results. Thomann and Mueller (1987), authors of the
often cited modeling book, Principles of Surface Water Quality Modeling and Control LQGLFDWHG³«WKH³ERWWOHUDWH´.1, in general is not equal to the deoxygenation rate for
WKH%2'WKDWRFFXUVLQQDWXUDOZDWHUV´7KH\VWDWHG³«WKHHVWLPDWLRQRI.d cannot
usually be made from incubation of effluent to determine the BOD bottle rate, because
the oxidation of BOD in a natural body of water includes phenomena that are not part of WKH%2'ERWWOHUDWH´7KH\FLWHGELRORJLFDOVOLPHVWUHDPWXUEXOHQFHDQGURXJKQHVVDQG
the density of attached organisms as causative factors for the discrepancy and suggested
it was for this reason that attempts had been made to correlate Kd to receiving stream
characteristics (depth, flow, and wetted perimeter).
As shown above, tKH$FDGHP\¶VGDWDVHWGLGLQFOXGH%2'5 as a sample variable for each
sampling event. BOD5 results showed that only 11.5% of the samples were >2.0 mg/L
(PQL for the method). BOD5 Savannah River data obtained from SCDHEC from 1999-
2006 showed similar results, with only 28% of the samples having detections above 2
PJ/7KH$FDGHP\¶VGDWDVHWGLGQRWLQFOXGHX%2'GDWDZKLFKLVWKHDFWXDOLQSXW
variable to the model. Where uBOD data is not available it can be estimated from BOD5
data according to the following equation:
(Thomann and Mueller, 1987; Chapra, 1997). In light of the possible error associated
with the BOD5 test, validity of this approach to estimate uBOD should be questioned too.
In addition to limitations of the test itself, all of the uBOD samples which were used as
input data for the Savannah River DO TMDL modeling were most likely collected with
the static-view approach. According to the DO TMDL modeling group, input to the
model regarding CSRA group uBOD effluent data was based upon 1997 data. Jim
Attachment number 2
Page 28 of 36
Item # 4
29
Greenfield advised the group to collect and analyze effluent uBOD data in order to
update model input values. One additional sampling event (as far as SNSA is aware)
WRRNSODFHLQ$XJXVWLQRUGHUWRVDWLVI\(3$¶VUHTXHVW7KDWHYHQWLQFOXGHG&65$
group analysis of effluent data as well as a single day sampling excursion conducted by
EPA in order to characterize uBOD results for the Savannah River. Although those data
will most likely be significantly different compared to 1997 data, a one-time analysis of
effluent and river data may not completely characterize effluent or river dynamics. It
seems necessary to characterize uBOD dynamics within effluents and the river over time
scales which more appropriately bracket significant time scale changes within those
waters. For example on an annual scale, the current study has shown that seasonal
dynamics within the river occur as a result of seasonal dynamics within Lake Thurmond.
On a travel time scale, it takes nearly 1 week for SNSA to sample the river from RM 202
through RM 61 according to a Lagrangian sampling scheme: sampling the same stretch
of river in one day assumes that the river is a static system and that samples collected at
the same location will yield the same results every time. Time scale variability within
industry effluents, most likely occurs as well. For example, uBOD characterization of
effluent samples will be significantly different for those industries that have components
of their system that are open to the atmosphere. On a seasonal basis, algal growth and
aquatic vegetation in the spring and summer could potentially add a significant fraction
of rapidly degradable carbon to uBOD results that may not be present in winter samples.
In addition, process related activities (i.e. preventative maintenance procedures) may
increase or decrease uBOD rates significantly on a stochastic time scale. Not accounting
for various time scale dynamics could considerably skew river and effluent uBOD results
which would seemingly impact DO TMDL model results and ramifications.
SNSA proposes to sample the Savannah River at each monthly Lagrangian station, with
regard to travel time, seasonality, and CSRA group effluent locations in order to assess
uBOD dynamics over a one year period. This sampling scheme will not only account for
Lagrangian time scale dynamics but will also account for seasonal dynamics which are
known to occur but are not usually accounted for in a one-time sampling excursion
approach. SNSA proposes to analyze all uBOD river and effluent samples in order to
standardize methodology and decrease analytical error inherent to multiple researcher
precision. Jim Greenfield has offered SNSA scientists an opportunity to be trained at the
EPA laboratory regarding proper uBOD methodologies which ensures reliability of
UHVXOWVIRUDOOSDUWLHV616$¶VDSSURDFKZLOOEHWRRIIHURQHRIRXUVFLHQWLVWVDQ
opportunity to receive an advanced degree within the purview of this proposed study.
This approach will increase attention to detailed results. The research focus will be on
Savannah River carbon dynamics with a constructive focus on uBOD and its use as a
model input master variable. SNSA will focus on the following:
Attachment number 2
Page 29 of 36
Item # 4
Attachment number 2
Page 30 of 36
Item # 4
Attachment number 2
Page 31 of 36
Item # 4
32
have to be established and taken into account in terms of total increased load (above
current loads) of oxygen demanding substances to the harbor. This study will
characterize and quantify those loads over the next year of study.
3.8 Tagged fish locations
The Cyber-infrastructure project, between Clemson University and SNSA for the
Savannah River, will equip 5 of the permanent stations with hardware which will allow
for real-time sonde data collection that will be accessible through the internet. One
parameter that we will be working toward in the future is real-time tagged fish locations;
however there was not enough money in the original budget for that work. Since the
Savannah DO TMDL ultimately stems from the concern of low DO on survivability of 3
fish species, it seems necessary to address that issue within this proposal as well since
there does not seem to be enough data to support such a claim. In light of all other
parameters being addressed within this proposal, we propose to add tagged fish location
to the continuous river cruises as a unique but important parameter to this study. The
equipment will be added to the boat and as the boat passes an already tagged fish, it will
record its location in reference to GPS coordinates and all other water quality parameters
that are being proposed within this study, including continuous DO data. Not only is this
a highly unique opportunity, it is expected to add considerably to the overall scope of
work regarding the DO TMDL issue. We will be partnering with Jeff Isely at Clemson
University since he has many tagged fish already in the Savannah River basin.
3.9 Study duration
Southeastern Natural Sciences Academy proposes to conduct this study for a total of 2
years. The first year of study will include all parameters as described above. During the
second year, continuous data collection will continue as well as a minimum of two
Lagrangian cruises. A final report (or collection of papers) will be available 24 months
after the start of the project.
Attachment number 2
Page 32 of 36
Item # 4
33
Citations
Al-Homoud, M. Hondzo, and T. M. LaPara. 2007. Fluid dynamics impact on bacterial
physiology: Biochemical oxygen demand, Journal of Environmental Engineering, 133,
226-236.
APHA, 1985. Standard Methods for the examination of water and wastewater, 16th
edition. American Public Health Association, Washington, DC.
Bergstedt, M., M. Hondzo, and J. B. Cotner. 2004, Effects of small-scale fluid motion on
bacterial growth and respiration, Freshwater Biology, 49, 28-40.
Cai, W-J, Y. Wang, and R.E. Hodson. 1998. Acid-base properties of dissolved organic
matter in the estuarine waters of Georgia. Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta. 62: 473-
483.
Chapra, S.C. 1997. Surface Water Quality Modeling. McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
New York, NY. pp. 844.
Chin<3$LNHQ*5DQG2¶/RXJKOLQ( 0ROHFXODUZHLJKWSRO\GLVSHUVLW\
and spectroscopic properties of aquatic humic substances. Environ. Sci. Technol., 28,
1853-1858.
Cole, J.J., and N.F. Caraco. 2001. Carbon in catchments: connecting terrestrial carbon
losses with aquatic metabolism. Mar. Freshwat. Res. 52: 101-110.
Dosskey, M.G., and P.M. Bertsch. 1994. Forest sources and pathways of organic matter
transport to a blackwater stream: a hydrologic approach. Biogeochemistry. 24: 1-19.
EPA, 2006. Final Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) for Dissolved Oxygen In
Savannah Harbor, Savannah River Basin, Chatham and Effingham Counties, GA. US
EPA Region. November 2006.
Ertel, J.R., J.I. Hedges, A.H. Devol, and J.E. Richey. 1986. Dissolved humic substances
of the Amazon River system. Limnology and Oceanography. 31(4): 739-754.
Fry, B. 2006. Stable isotopes in ecology. Springer. New York, NY.
Hedges, J.I., and D.C. Mann. 1979. The characterization of plant tissues by their lignin
oxidation products. Geochim. Cosmochim. Acta. 43: 1803-1807.
Hedges, J.I. and J.R. Ertel. 1982. Characterization of lignin by gas capillary
chromatography of cupric oxide oxidation products. Analytical Chemistry. 54: 174-178.
Kendall, C. 2006. Tracing nitrogen sources and cycling in catchments. In, Isotope Tracers
in Catchment Hydrology, C. Kendall and J. J. McDonnell (Eds.). Elsevier Science. New
York, NY. pp. 519-576.
Attachment number 2
Page 33 of 36
Item # 4
34
Lafleur, L.E. 1996. Sources of pulping and bleaching derived chemicals in effluents. In,
Environmental Fate and Effects of Pulp and Paper Mill Effluents. St. Lucie Press.
Delray Beach, FL. pp. 703.
Lorenz, C.M., G.M. Van Dijk, A.G.M. Van Hattum, and W.P. Cofino. 1997. Concepts in
river ecology: implications for indicator development. Regulated Rivers: Research &
Management. Vol. 13, no. 6: 501-516.
Moran, M. A., W.M. Sheldon, Jr., J.E. Sheldon. 1999. Biodegradation of riverine
dissolved organic carbon in five estuaries of the southeastern United States. Estuaries.
22(1): 55-64.
Mayorga, E., A.K. Aufdenkampe, C.A. Masiello, A.V. Krusche, J.I. Hedges, P.D. Quay,
J.E. Richey, and T.A. Brown. Young organic matter as a source of carbon dioxide
outgassing from Amazonian rivers. Nature. 436: July, 28 2005.
Morrissette, D.G., and D.S. Mavinic. 1978. BOD test variables. Journal of the
Environmental Engineering Division, ASCE. EE6: 1213-1222.
Mulholland, P.J., and E.J. Kuenzler. 1979. Organic carbon export from upland and
forested wetland watersheds. Limnology and Oceanography. 24(5): 960-966.
Newman, M.C. 1986. Comprehensive Cooling Water Report. Vol. 2. Water Quality.
Report No. SREL-28-II. Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, Aiken.
Peterson, B.J., and B. Fry. 1987. Stable isotopes in ecosystem studies. Annual Review of
Ecology and Systematics. Vol. 18: 293-320.
Peuravuori, J., and K. Pihlaja. 1997. Molecular size distribution and spectroscopic
properties of aquatic humic substances. Anal. Chim. Acta 337:133-149.
Pringle, C.M., R. J. Naiman, G. Bretschko, J. R. Karr, M. W. Oswood, J.R. Webster, R.
L. Welcomme, and M. J. Winterbourn. 1988. Patch Dynamics in Lotic Systems: The
Stream as a Mosaic. Journal of the North American Benthological Society, Vol. 7 (4):
503-524.
Raymond, P.A., and J.E. Bauer. Use of 14C and 13C natural abundances for evaluating
riverine, estuarine, and coastal DOC and POC sources and cycling: a review and
synthesis. Organic Geochemistry. 32: 469-485.
Schnitzer, M. 1977. Recent findings on the characterization of humic substances
extracted from soils from widely differing climatic zones. In Proceedings of the
Symposium on Soil Organic Matter Studies. International Atomic Energy Agency.
Vienna.
Attachment number 2
Page 34 of 36
Item # 4
35
Shrivastava, S.K. and R. Charan Dixit. 1970. Effect of mixing on BOD test.
Environmental Health. 12: 1342-1346.
Sterman, 2002. All models are wrong; reflections on becoming a systems scientist.
System Dynamics Review. 18(4): 501-531.
Thomann, R.V., and J.A. Mueller. 1987. Principles of Surface Water Quality modeling
and Control. Harper and Row Publishers. New York, NY. pp.644.
Thorp, J.H., M.C. Thoms, and M.D. Delong. 2006. The riverine ecosystem synthesis:
biocomplexity in river networks across space and time. River Res. Appl. 21 123-147.
Thurman, E. M., 1985, Organic Geochemistry of Natural Waters. Martinus Nijhoff/Dr W.
Junk Publishers: Boston, 497 pp.
Townsend, C.R. 1989. The patch dynamics concept of stream community ecology.
Journal of the North American Benthological Society. Vol. 8 (1): 36-50.
Vannote, R.L., G.W. Minshall, K.W. Cummins, J.R. Sedell, and C.E. Cushing. 1980.
The river continuum concept. Canadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences. Vol
37 (1): 130-137.
Wetzel, R.G. 2001. Limnology: lake and river ecosystems, 3rd edition. Academic Press.
New York, NY.
Xie, H., O.C. Zafiriou, W.-J. Cai, R.G. Zepp, and Y. Wang. 2004. Photooxidation and
its effects on the carboxyl content of dissolved organic matter in two coastal rivers in the
southeastern United States. Environ. Sci. Technol. 38: 4113-4119.
Attachment number 2
Page 35 of 36
Item # 4
36
Proposed budget
Attachment number 2
Page 36 of 36
Item # 4
Engineering Services Committee Meeting
9/8/2008 1:00 PM
Property Condemnation Catherine T. James and Joann James Tapley
Department:Attorney
Caption:Motion to authorize condemnation to acquire title of a portion of property,
designated as Butler Creek Upgrade East Project, 3491 Peach Orchard for
permanent and temporary construction easements.
Background:The City has been unable to reach an agreement to purchase the required
easements on 3491 Peach Orchard Road, PIN 133-0-022-04-0. In order to
proceed and avoid further delays, it is necessary to condemn a portion of
subject property. The required property consists of a permanent easement of
22,999 square feet and a temporary construction easement of 9,274 square
feet. The appraised value of the easements is $6,214.00.
Analysis:Condemnation is necessary in order to acquire the easements.
Financial Impact:The necessary costs will be covered by the project budget
Alternatives:Deny condemnation.
Recommendation:Approve condemnation.
Funds are Available in
the Following
Accounts:
Easement Purchase 60107 Butler Upgrade East 511043420-5411120
80360107-5411120
REVIEWED AND APPROVED BY:
Administrator.
Clerk of Commission
Cover Memo
Item # 5
Engineering Services Committee Meeting
9/8/2008 1:00 PM
ROW Deborah P. Thomas and Brenda T. Tharpe
Department:Attorney
Caption:Approve an Option for Right-of-Way between Deborah P. Thomas and
Brenda T. Tharpe, as owners, and Augusta, Georgia, for the property located
at 1046 Alexander Drive for a purchase price of $42,100.00. 0.105 acre
(4,571.61 sq. ft.) in fee and 0.038 acre (1,666.96 sq. ft.) of permanent
construction & maintenance easement.
Background:The property owners have agreed to convey the referenced right-of-way and
easement to Augusta, Georgia for a total of $42,100.00, necessary for the
Alexander Drive Project, GDOT Project No. – STP-0001-00(794), ARC
Project No.: 323-04-296823215, Project Parcel 28 (Tax Map 013-1, Parcel
004).
Analysis:The purchase of the referenced right-of-way and easement is necessary for
the project.
Financial Impact:The purchase of the referenced right-of-way and easement is within the
project budget.
Alternatives:Deny the request to approve the purchase of the referenced right-of-way and
easement.
Recommendation:Approve the purchase of the right-of-way and easement.
Funds are Available in
the Following
Accounts:
323041110-5411120 296823215-5411120
REVIEWED AND APPROVED BY:
Administrator.
Clerk of Commission
Cover Memo
Item # 6
Item # 6
Item # 6
Item # 6