HomeMy WebLinkAboutWetlands Optimization Study
Augusta Richmond GA
DOCUMENT NAME: Ll)e+\Qm~ 0\)'"\\\'(\\ LCtt\t:x} ~~\ci~
DOCUMENT TYPE:
YEAR: O~
BOX NUMBER: \L1
F~ENUMBER: \lo~~
NUMBER OF PAGES: \ tJ
"
-,
-,
"
'1
I
j
.J
.,
Scope of Work
Constructed 'Wetlands Optimization Study, Augusta, Georgia
Prepared by: Gene W. Eidson, Ph.D.
Director of Research
March 2003
.J
.J
.1
The project goals for the optimization study are as follows:
. evaluate the feasibility of maintaining 9 of 12 wetland treatment
cells online at all times, in intermittent operation;
. provide optimal long-term performance of the wetland treatment
system, incorporating rest and recovery periods for wetland cells;
. develop database to facilitate NPDES permit modification for 9/12
operations;
. develop and O&M manual for operating and maintaining the
constructed wetlands project;
. evaluate the feasibility of reducing bird usage of the constructed
wetland cells by seasonal manipulation of vegetation, pond and
ditch depths, and development of off-site habitat enhancements
within Phinizy Swamp, particularly the Merry Brick Ponds complex.
Plan of Study
Background Data Review on Wetland Cell Performance
To evaluate ongoing operations, the Academy will review the past 12-
months of discharge data compiled by OMI and compare performance
to the two-year database from the pilot study (Eidson and Barry, 1999)
and NPDES permit limits.
Evaluation of Current Operations
Wetland Cells
To evaluate the overall operation of the wetland system, individual
components of the constructed wetland system will be studied. These
components will include the equalization pond, individual wetland cells,
and the polishing pond. Due to cost constraints, a subset of wetland
cells will be studied intensely over a 12-month period, these cells
chosen as representative pairs for comparison based on field
observations.
Wetland cell treatment will be evaluated by comparison of data
between cell types (marsh-pond-marsh vs marsh-ditch-marsh) and
among cell type. Wetland cells to be studied are identified in Table 1.
Data will be collected between cell types utilizing paired cells and
comparing water quality data for significant differences. The paired
comparison will utilize wetland cells with different open water
configuration (pond vs ditch) but similar plant cover density and type,
depth of water, and flow rates. Field data collected will include DO,
pH, conductivity, and redox utilizing HydroLab@ or similar technology.
Grab and/or composite samples will be collected and submitted to the
OMI-Augusta wastewater treatment laboratory for processing.
Laboratory data will include BOD, TSS, nitrate, TKN, ammonia, and
metals from canal influent, effluents of paired treatment cells, and the
polishing pond. Two pairs of treatment cells will be studied over
consecutive two-day periods each month for 12 months. Every effort
will be made to coordinate with OMI to utilize routine water quality
data in order to minimize samples.
Performance among wetland cell tvoes will be evaluated using paired
cells with similar configuration. As above, pairs of treatment cells will
be studied over consecutive two-day periods each month for 12
months. Field data collected will include DO, pH, redox,and
conductivity utilizing HydroLab@ or similar technology. Grab and/or
composite samples will be collected and submitted to the OMI -Augusta
wastewater treatment laboratory for processing. Laboratory data will
include BOD, TSS, nitrate, TKN, ammonia, and metals from canal
influent, effluents of paired treatment cells, and the polishing pond.
Varying pairs of treatment cells (Table 1) will be studied over
consecutive two-day periods. Each pair will be evaluated three times
during the 12 month period to incorporate seasonal performance.
The pairings within the marsh/ditch/marsh configuration will vary and
include fully vegetated cells (Phase 2) vs less vegetated (Phase 3)
cells; two fully vegetated cells (Phase 2), and two less vegetated cells
(Phase 3). The paring among the marsh/pond/marsh cells will be two
fully vegetated cells from Phase 2.
Treatment afforded within wetland cell subunits will be conducted
quarterly by taking water quality samples along the flow gradient of
marsh/ditch/marsh and marsh/pond/marsh from one of the pairs of
wetland cells (Table 1.) Samples will be taken at the end of the front
marsh, end of the open water, and end of next marsh, etc.
Statistical evaluations employed will include descriptive statistics,
simple t-tests and/or ANOVA analyses.
Equalization Basin
Treatment afforded by the equalization basin will Involve a comparison
of monthly water quality data from the wastewater treatment plant
effluent into the equalization basin with water quality of the effluent
leaving the equalization basin and becoming the influent into the
wetland cells.
Polishing Pond
Treatment afforded by the final polishing pond will involve a
comparison of monthly water quality data collected from paired
wetland cell effluents and the polishing pond final effluent.
Field observations
Weekly field data will be collected and compiled to document general
wetland conditions, including on-line status, depth of water in wetland
cells, general plant conditions/standing crop coverage, and unusual
events. Overall flow through the wetland system will be documented
with a general estimate of flow to the cells from observing the position
of the individual canal weir plates for each cell.
Water Level and Flow Manipulation
Manipulation studies will be conducted between cells specified in Table
1. These paired-cell studies will be designed to evaluate optimal depth
and flow conditions. Field data collected will include DO, pH, redox,and
conductivity utilizing HydroLab@ or similar technology. Grab and/or
composite samples will be collected and submitted to the OMI-Augusta
wastewater treatment laboratory for processing. Laboratory data will
include BOD, TSS, nitrate, TKN, ammonia, and metals.
Rest and Recovery Periods
Wetland cells 10 and 11 will be utilized to evaluate rest and recovery
periods by season. These cells will be utilized due to similar
configuration and planting. One cell will be taken off line for varying
periods of time and restarted with water quality chemistries and field
measurements utilized to evaluate impact of the rest periods. Field
data collected will include DO, pH, and conductivity utilizing
HydroLab@ or similar technology. Grab and/or composite samples will
be collected and submitted to the OM! -Augusta wastewater treatment
laboratory for processing. Laboratory data will include BOD, TSS,
nitrate, TKN, ammonia, and metals.
Figure 1. Constructed Wetland Schematic
-
2A'-L
~-
r.lnl~j~
l: ~ tlOl. X
//'........\ x <", '" ~"''' x
.........,
I
\
\
\
I
,
,
,
,
I'QI.ISHIHq ,
~./ ~
,
.
i .
,
,
,
I
, ,
,
,
. .
,
,
.
,
Design: ZEL Engineering
Table 1: Wetland StudY Paired Cells
Between: Cell 1: Cell 8 Phase 2, Marsh-Pond-Marsh
Cell 5: Cell 12 Phase 2, Marsh-Ditch-Marsh
Among: Cell 1: Cell 5 Phase 2, Marsh-Pond-Marsh
Cell 8: Cell 12 Phase 2, Marsh-Ditch-Marsh
Cell 6: Cell 7 Phase 3, Marsh-Ditch-Marsh
Cell 7: Cell 12 Phase 3 vs Phase 2, Marsh-Ditch-Marsh
Within: Cell 5: Cell 12 Along wetland gradient, Phase 2 cells
Cell 6: Cell 7 Along wetland gradient, Phase 3 cells
Depth/Flow Cell 6: Cell 7 Phase 3, Marsh-Ditch-Marsh
Cell 1: Cell 5 Phase 2, Marsh-Pond-Marsh
Rest/Recovery Cell 10: Cell 11 Phase 2, Marsh-Ditch-Marsh
Project Review Meetings
Quarterly project review meetings will be held to review research progress, data
collection, operations, findings, problems, and other issues that may arise during
the course of the study. The meetings will be attended by SNSA, Augusta-
RJchmond County, OMI-Augusta, and others Invited by the research sponsor.
Project Deliverables
At the end of the project, a final research report will be issued.
An O&M manual for operations of the wetland system will be produced, based on
results of the research. It is anticipated instructions will include flow rates, water
levels, rest and recovery per/ods, harvesting/thinning, and reduced water flow
and high water flow strategies.
Bird Detraction Plan of Study
Background Data Review on Bird Usage of Wetland Cells
Historic bird usage of wetland cells will be evaluated by reviewing the
SREL Bird Study reports, Clemson Bird Study reports, wetland pilot
study data, Bobby Jones Expressway Extension EIS, and other
information available such as Audubon bird counts within Phinizy
Swamp. In addition to review of bird data, a review of the historic
uses and projects within Phinizy Swamp will be conducted.
Strategies for Reducing Bird Usage of Wetland Cells
Various strategies will be evaluated to reduce bird usage of wetland
cells. These strategies include, but are not limited to:
cutting vegetation to reduce habitat for blackbirds
manipulating water levels within marshes
drying cells and utilizing state agency-approved prescribed bums
adding baffles or curtains to ponds/ditches
covering pond/ditch will floating vegetation
biological manipulation of vegetation (cattail army worms)
Off-site mitigation opportunities will be evaluated to develop attractive
bird habitat within the Merry Brick Ponds and poSSibly the DOT/DNR
mitigation property. The off-site mitigation could poSSibly draw birds
back to historic roosting areas within the brick pond site.
Future Issues Impacting Phinizy Swamp Bird Habitat
Potential impacts due to landscape/landform modification within major
portions of Phinlzy Swamp will be investigated to project potential
impacts on bird habitat/usage of the swamp. This investigation will be
limited to interviews with major landowners and news releases on the
river corridor near Augusta.
Reporting
Quarterly progress reports and semi-annual data reports will be submitted
to the City. The entire project will encompass up to an 18 month study
period to allow for seasonal data collection and seasonal experimentation.
A final report will be issued at the end of the 18-month study period.
Southeastern Natural Sciences Academy
Constructed Wetlands Optimization Study,
Cost Proposal
For City of Augusta, Georgia
Element Staff Hours $ Rate $Cost
Plan and Mobilization SP 80 100.00 8000.00
SS 20 65.00 1300.00
FB 40 37.50 1500.00
TE 40 45.00 1800.00
Subtotal 12600.00
Perform field work SP 120 100.00 12000.00
SS 60 65.00 3900.00
FB 720 37.50 27000.00
TE 25 45.00 1125.00
Subtotal 44025.00
Report/Operations Manual SP 75 100.00 7500.00
SS 40 65.00 2600.00
FB 80 37.50 3000.00
TE 75 45.00 3375.00
Subtotal 16475.00
Wetlands Study Total Labor 73,100.00
Wetlands Study Laboratory Costs* 6,500.00
Total Project Costs 79,600.00
Rate Schedule:
Senior Principal Scientist SP $ 100.00
Senior Scientist SS $ 65.00
Field Biologist FB $ 37.50
Technical Editor TE $ 45.00
This cost proposal includes the cost of analyses specified in the Scope of Work.
Sampling equipment will be provided by OM!. SNSA will conduct the sampling as
part of the scope of work, and contract lab analyses to MicroBac Laboratories,
New Ellenton, SC.
* The sampling schedule and lab fee schedule is attached.
~
540-B Telfair Street Augusta, Geoll"giaJ 30901 106.El28.:U.OS
;t>z
=0
en S'
III ..
3 en
~o
:s.
~ i
==
C'..
CD CD
en 3
c Z
trill
3 ..
_. c
=iil
CD-
Q.en
..n
o -.
CD
3:=
-. n
n I'D
... en
o ;t>
OJn
III III
n Q.
!;I'D
C'3
0'<
iiJ ~
.. -.
o =
:I. en
CD III
en 3
....'C
o _
... I'D
III C
= en
III -.
-=
~lC
Ci), 0
"3:
o -
ji;'CD
nJ:)
_. c
~-6'
..3
CD CD
III =
C ...
g,-
;::;:Ill
_. C'
:;, en
lC ~
'C:
... -
0....
n C
CD ...
g, =.
C en
(;1=
enC'
o
=
CD
en
n-
o
o
CD
iii" 3:
.,. .,. n'
G)N ...
~..... 0
OCto OJ!;
~j' ~trl;
"'3 )>C'
a.'C n
CD - ..... 0
~CDNOI~""'NO !!.
G)OIN.....OIClO Ii
, lor
~Hn 00 ~
.CO~"'01W......"'~~aJ
~~010100100
o
"'0"'0;3:
!. !. 0
... ... :;,
N.....~
>-lZ-laJ3:
3 "';::;: 000 CD
3z!ilooO![
o CD C/l
::J -
-. Z
III -.
-
::J.
-
CD
:E
CD
..
jij
:;,
Q.
o
'a
..
3'
~.
..
o'
:;,
en
..
C
g,
'<
......coc....
....... c
. ......::J
~OCD
............c....
.m.~c
~...a.~
...... 01
............>
W......cN
--coo
............co
~"'~w
00
CD
...... ...... "C
......01-
_ CD
-............ 3
OCImg
..,
on
............gO
.01~o3
...... ...... C" 'C
m~CDO
.., en
Z;::;:
o I'D
............<en
"'OCDIll
-"""-"""33
W ...... C"'C
CD_
.., -.
:;,
OlC
CD C
c;OCIglll
-"""Co3S'
...... C'en
CD
..,
c....
............0)
~"'::J
. . c
............0)
O1W.:<
"T1
............CD
OCImQ"N
-"""-"""co
co...... III 0
.:<~
xxxxxx
xxxxxx
xxx xxx
xxxxxx
xxxxxx
xxx xxx
xxxxxx
xxx xxx
xxxxxx
............s:
......0'I1ll
-"""-"""a
OCIm::r
............>
~ .'" "C
...... ....l. ::::J.
O'IW-
<O~s:
. . III
~O;'<
xxxxxx
xxx xxx
xxxxxx
C
rn
(I)
Ii
~
0<
~
tl:l
o
U)
~
tIJ
t"'
t"'
0<
>-3
t:1
:J:'
()
("1'
~
III
I-'
("1'
o
g
~
III
I-'
tl:l
C
0.
lQ
(I)
("1'
o
-..I
........
~
.....
........
o
W
o U)
Ii tIJ
lQ t"'
tIJ
~ ()
(I) >-3
'<
o
Ii
lQ
~
(I)
'<
Ul
.....
G) 0
t"' 0
~
U) W
1-'- ~
0. ~
ro 0
G)
t"'
I
G)
(I)
::l
ro
Ii
III
I-'
t"'
(I)
>-3 0.
1-'" lQ
("1' ro
I-' Ii
(I)
'rJ
tIJ
I
'rJ
(I)
Ii
:3
III
::l
(I)
::l
("1'
tl:l
C
0.
lQ
(I)
("1'
"Ij
0<
o
("1'
'rJ
ro
11
11
11
11
11
11
11
11
II
I
I
Ul
.....
o
I
o
~
I
W
~
~
o
U)
(I)
~
(I)
Ii
o
W
W
-..I
UlUlUlUlIIO
1t>1t>~~IItl'"
~""'''''''''''IIU_
Ul.....W~II(I)
~...............I ()
.....~.......... ("1'
OO\OUl
U)(OOtIJ t:1
(l)O("1'::l (I)
~ ~ P"lQ rn
(I) (I) 1-'- ()
1i:J:'1i::l Ii
() (I) 1-'-
U)~ >-3 (I) '0
'< (l)1i ("1'
rn 1-'- () 1-'- 1-'-
("1' rn ::r'::l 0
(I) 1-'- lQ ::l
:3("1'U)
rn 1-'-(1)
g~
rn
0'\ ~ tl:l
~ - C
UllD-..I\O 0.
O'\~\O-..I lQ
0'\-..1-..1..... (I)
- - - - ("1'
~UlWO'\
lDOUllD
WOO'\-..I
I
000011
0000 II
11 :J:'
11 ()
11 ("1'
~ 11 C
-..I 11 III
- I-'
co
.....
000'\0
OOUlO
00.....0
tIJ
-..I ::l
~ ()
-..I C
- ~
0'\
W Ii
OOOUl/1ll
11 ::l
00001l()
000011(1)
0'\ ~1Itl:l
~ - 11 III
UllD-..I~1I1-'
0'\ It> 0'\ It> 11 III
O'\-..I\O~II::l
- - - - 11 ()
It>UlUlOII(l)
lDOWUlII
WO\O~II
0'\
\0
.....
lD ...
W ...
0>-3
~O
0'\("1'
. III
01-'
o
tIJ
.a
(I)
~::l
-..100
- (I)
CO
.....:J:'
O'\()
" ()
UlO
.....C
::l
("1'
-..100
~
-..I ...
- ...
0'\
W
Ul
o
o
0'\
lD
It>
~
-..I
Ul
-..I
~
...
...