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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 .. 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