A water quality investigation of the Yellow River, 1987 [1987]

Georgia Department of
NATURAL RESOURCES
AWATER QUALITY INVESTIGATION OF THE YELLOW RIVER 1987
Environmental Protection Division

A WATER QUALITY INVESTIGATION OF THE YELLOW RIVER
1987
GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DIVISION 205 BUTLER STREET~ S.E. ATLANTA~ GEORGIA 30334

ABSTRACT
A water quality investigation of the Yellow River from Lilburn, Georgia to Georgia Highway 36, just upstream of Jackson Lake, was conducted from August through November, 1987. The stream investigation included routine water chemistry properties, metals and organic compounds in water and sediment and aquatic life. Compliance sampling inspections were conducted at four major water pollution control plants (WPCPs).
Data collected during the investigation indicated that the Gwinnett County Jackson Creek, Beaver Ruin/Sweetwater Creek, Jacks Creek, and Yellow River/Sweetwater Creek WPCPs were in compliance with NPDES permit limits. Operating records for the City of Conyers Boar Tusk Creek WPCP indicated that the facility was not in compliance with all NPDES permit limits; however, as the investigation was being terminated, the facility was removed from service and the wastewaters were diverted to the new Quiggs Branch WPCP. Since that time, very good wastewater treatment has been provided at the new facility.
Although critical low streamflow conditions prevailed during the investigation, the water quality of the Yellow River was good throughout its length. Dissolved oxygen concentrations were high whereas fecal coliform bacterial densities were low. Although increases in BODS, NH3-N and phosphorus were detectable downstream from the WPCP discharges, they were not substantially higher than concentrations at the control station. The only parameters which were substantially elevated as a result of WPCP discharges were N02+N03-N and conductivity. Organic compounds were undetected in water samples; these compounds were mostly undetected in sediment, but were sometimes present in concentrations similar to those occasionally measured in EPD trend monitoring samples collected from stations located downstream from urban areas. Metals were undetected in water and sediment or present in concentrations similar to those occasionally found at EPD trend monitoring stations located downstream from urban areas.
In water samples collected following rainfall, the suspended solids concentration and turbidity were greatly increased due to the large quantities of silt from construction activities in the watershed. Values for BODS, some metals and fecal coliform bacteria also increased in samples collected following rainfall; however, these increases were within the ranges normally measured in samples containing urban stormwater runoff.
Macroinvertebrate streamlife was indicative of good long-term water quality at each river station where aquatic life was collected.
Historical data from three EPD trend monitoring stations from 1972 to 1987 indicated that water quality has been good. Minimal increases since 1980 in BODS, NH3-N, and phosphorus and substantial increases in N02+N03-N and conductivity have resulted from the increase in discharge volume from WPCPs.
ii

Sweetwater Creek, No Business Creek, Big Haynes Creek, and Dried Indian Creek were sampled near their respective confluences with the Yellow River. Each of these Yellow River tributaries had water of good quality. However, Sweetwater Creek had elevated concentrations of N02+N03-N and phosphorus and Dried Indian Creek aquatic life was adversely affected by urban stormwater runoff.
As a result of the poor quality effluent discharged by the Boar Tusk WPCP, the water quality of Boar Tusk Creek was poor; however, those wastewaters are no longer discharged to this stream. As previously stated, the fad lity was removed from service and wastewater diverted to the new Conyers Quiggs Branch WPCP where very good treatment is being provided.
iii

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PAGE

ABSTRACT. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..

ii

LIST OF FIGURES. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

v

LIST OF TABLES. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . viii

INTRODUCTION. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

1

PROCEDURES. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

4

MAJOR WATER POLLUTION CONTROL PLANTS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

7

INTRODUCTION TO THE INTERPRETATION OF DATA. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

15

INTERPRETATION OF DATA. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

16

CONCLUSIONS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

87

APPENDIX 1 - CHEMICAL METHODS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

89

APPENDIX 2 - REPOR TS OF COMPLIANCE SAMPLING INSPECTIONS. . . . . . . . .

94

APPENDIX 3 - BIOTIC DATA. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119

APPENDIX 4 - 1977 DATA. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 141

APPENDIX 5 - GLOSSARY. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 144

iv

LIST OF FIGURES

FIGURE 1 2
3
4
5
6
7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18
19
20 21

PAGE

MAP OF STUDY AREA ...........................

2

BEAVER RUIN/SWEETWATER CREEK WATER POLLUTION

CONTROL PLANT AVERAGE BODS, SUSPENDED SOLIDS

AND FLOW.................................

8

JACKSON CREEK WATER POLLUTION CONTROL PLANT

AVERAGE BODS, SUSPENDED SOLIDS AND FLOW.........

9

YELLOW RIVER/SWEETWATER CREEK WATER POLLUTION

CONTROL PLANT AVERAGE BODS, SUSPENDED SOLIDS

AND FLOW.............................

11

JACKS CREEK WATER POLLUTION CONTROL PLANT AVERAGE

BODS, SUSPENDED SOLIDS AND FLOW

..

12

BOAR TUSK CREEK WATER POLLUTION CONTROL PLANT

AVERAGE BODS, SUSPENDED SOLIDS AND FLOW ..........

14

YELLOW RIVER TEMPERATURE PROFILE

.

19

YELLOW RIVER DISSOLVED OXYGEN PROFILE ............

20

YELLOW RIVER - AVERAGE BODS' ........................

21

YELLOW RIVER - AVERAGE SUSPENDED SOLIDS............

22

YELLOW RIVER - AVERAGE TURBIDITY

.

23

YELLOW RIVER - AVERAGE AMMONIA (NH3-N)

.

24

YELLOW RIVER - AVERAGE NITRITE + NITRATE (N02+N03-N)

.

25

YELLOW RIVER - AVERAGE PHOSPHORUS...................

26

YELLOW RIVER - FECAL COLIFORM DENSITIES

.

27

YELLOW RIVER COMPARATIVE MACRO INVERTEBRATE FAUNA .

33

YELLOW RIVER STREAMFLOW AT KILLIAN HILL ROAD 1976-1987..

40

YELLOW RIVER WATER TEMPERATURE AT KILLIAN HILL ROAD

1972-1987. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

41

YELLOW RIVER DISSOLVED OXYGEN AT KILLIAN HILL ROAD

1972-1987. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

42

YELLOW RIVER - BODS AT KILLIAN HILL ROAD 1972-1987

.

43

YELLOW RIVER - CONDUCTIVITY AT KILLIAN HILL ROAD 1972-1987
v

.

44

FIGURE 22 23 24
25
26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40

LIST OF FIGURES (Continued)

PAGE

YELLOW RIVER - LAB pH AT KILLIAN HILL ROAD 1974-1987

.

45

YELLOW RIVER - TURBIDITY AT KILLIAN HILL ROAD 1972-1987 .

46

YELLOW RIVER - NH3+NH4-N AT KILLIAN HILL ROAD 1972-1987 .

47

YELLOW RIVER - N02+N03-N AT KILLIAN HILL ROAD 1972-1987 .

48

YELLOW RIVER - TOTAL PHOSPHORUS AT KILLIAN HILL ROAD

1972-1987. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

49

YELLOW RIVER - FECAL COLIFORM BACTERIAL DENSITY AT

KILLIAN HILL ROAD 1972-1987.........................

50

YELLOW RIVER STREAMFLOW AT CONYERS WATER INTAKE

1976-1986 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

57

YELLOW RIVER WATER TEMPERATURE AT CONYERS WATER

INTAKE 1974-1987 .......................

58

YELLOW RIVER DISSOLVED OXYGEN CONCENTRATIONS

CONYERS WATER INTAKE 1974-1987....................

59

YELLOW RIVER - BODS AT CONYERS WATER INTAKE

1974-1987. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

60

YELLOW RIVER - CONDUCTIVITY AT CONYERS WATER INTAKE

1974-1987. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

61

YELLOW RIVER - LAB pH AT CONYERS WATER INTAKE

1974-1987. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

62

YELLOW RIVER - TURBIDITY AT CONYERS WATER INTAKE

1974-1987. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

63

YELLOW RIVER - NH3+NH4-N AT CONYERS WATER INTAKE

1974-1987. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

64

YELLOW RIVER - N02+N03-N AT CONYERS WATER INTAKE

1974-1987. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

65

YELLOW RIVER - TOTAL PHOSPHORUS AT CONYERS WATER

INTAKE 1974-1987 ....................................

66

YELLOW RIVER - FECAL COLIFORM BACTERIAL DENSITY

AT CONYERS WATER INTAKE 1974-1987 ...................

67

YELLOW RIVER STREAMFLOW AT GEORGIA HIGHWAY 212

1976-1986. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

74

YELLOW RIVER - WATER TEMPERATURE AT GEORGIA HIGHWAY

212 1973-1987. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

75

vi

FIGURE 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50

LIST OF FIGURES (Continued)

PAGE

YELLOW RIVER - DISSOLVED OXYGEN AT GEORGIA HIGHWAY

212 1973-1987....................................

76

YELLOW RIVER - BODS AT GEORGIA HIGHWAY 212 1973-1987....

77

YELLOW RIVER - CONDUCTIVITY AT GEORGIA HIGHWAY 212

1973-1987. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

78

YELLOW RIVER - LAB pH AT GEORGIA HIGHWAY 212 1973-1987 ...

79

YELLOW RIVER - TURBIDITY AT GEORGIA HIGHWAY 212

1973-1987.......................' .........

80

YELLOW RIVER - SUSPENDED SOLIDS (RESIDUE) AT GEORGIA

HIGHWAY 212 1973-1987..........................

81

YELLOW RIVER - NH3+NH4-N AT GEORGIA HIGHWAY 212

1973-1987. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

82

YELLOW RIVER - N02+N03-N AT GEORGIA HIGHWAY 212

1973-1987. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

83

YELLOW RIVER - TOTAL PHOSPHORUS AT GEORGIA HIGHWAY

212 1973-1987.......................................

84

YELLOW RIVER - FECAL COLIFORM BACTERIAL DENSITY AT

GEORGIA HIGHWAY 212 1973-1987........................

85

vii

TABLE
1 2 3
4
5 6 7 8
9
10

LIST OF TABLES

PAGE

STA TION LOCATIONS AND SUMMAR Y OF ANALYSIS..........

3

WATER QUALITY DATA - YELLOW RIVER

.

17

YELLOW RIVER - METALS IN WATER - SAMPLES COLLECTED

AT LOW FLOW.............................

28

YELLOW RIVER - METALS IN WATER - SAMPLES COLLECTED

AFTER RAIN ...............................

29

YELLOW RIVER - METALS IN SEDIMENT ...............

31

YELLOW RIVER - ORGANIC COMPOUNDS IN SEDIMENT.......

32

WATER QUALITY DATA - TRIBUTARIES

..

34

1987 TREND MONITORING DATA - YELLOW RIVER AT

KILLIAN HILL ROAD ...................

39

1987 TREND MONITORING DATA - YELLOW RIVER AT CONYERS

WATER INTAKE....................................

56

1987 TREND MONITORING DATA - YELLOW RIVER AT GEORGIA

HIGHWAY 212 .....................................

73

viii

INTRODUCTION
A water quality investigation of the Yellow River from Lilburn, Georgia to Lake Jackson was conducted from August to early November, 1987. The purpose was to document present water quality.
The Yellow River begins in Gwinnett County, Georgia and courses through DeKalb, Rockdale and Newton Counties before flowing into Jackson Lake, a fishing and recreational reservoir, 70 miles downstream. The cities of Conyers and Porterdale withdraw drinking water from the river. Hydroelectric power is also generated at a small impoundment at Porterdale.
Although the Yellow River is import~nt as a drinking water and fishing resource, it is more. The citizens of the State of Georgia are vitally concerned with the protection of all its natural waters as environmentally sound and aesthetically unimpaired resources. Hence, the Environmental Protection Division (EPD> has closely monitored the river in three locations, near Snellville, near Conyers and near Jackson Lake since 1965.
Since the late 1970s, the upper portions of the river have undergone very rapid development. The amount of wastewater being treated and discharged to the river has substantially increased. This has created heightened concern by the Environmental Protection Division for the water quality of the river and the welfare of the people who depend upon it for drinking water and other uses.
Hence, the present investigation was undertaken. The purpose was to document present water quality and to determine the effects of nonpoint sources and discharges from water pollution control plants on the water quality of the river. Five tributaries were included in the investigation to ascertain the water quality as well as to determine their effects on the quality of the Yellow River. Although current and historical data from the three EPD trend monitoring stations were also analyzed for this report, 14 river stations and 6 tributary stations were also sampled. In addition to routine parameters, analyses for metals and organic compounds were conducted on water and sediment samples. Qualitative macroinvertebrate and periphyton samples were collected at most stations.
The investigation was conducted during the time of year in which streamflows are usually at their lowest. Further, most streamflows measured during August and September at United States Geological Survey gaging stations on the river were among the lowest on record since 1981 for these months. Therefore, the data resulting from this investigation are representative of critical low streamflow conditions.
Figure 1 is a map of the area investigated. Table 1 is a presentation of station locations and a summary of the types of analyses conducted during the investigation.
1

LILBURN

Beaver Ruin Sweetwater Creek WPCP
Jackson _ ~ _-r Creek WPCP

Yellow River Sweetwater Creek WPCP

4 ---..I
5---

6---

7----
8---

1 2 3
Jacks Creek WPCP

CONYERS
Boar Tusk Creek WPCP (discharge to Boar Tusk Creek)
T-3

11---

FIGURE 1 YELLOW RIVER STUDY AREA SNELLVILLE
T-4
COVINGTON T-5
T-6

13--14

12
JACKSON LAKE

2

TABLE 1 STATI(JI LOCATI(JIS AND SUJlMRY OF ANALYSIS

STATI(JI STATI(JI NUJllER LOCATI(JI

PERIPHYTOfI

SEDIMENT AND

STORM-

WATER

tETALS I MCRQ-

TREND

WATER, IMTER WATER, ORGANIC ORGANIC INYERTE- QITORING

FUll RWTINE RUNOFF METALS COMPOUNDS COMPOUIIDS BRATES

DATA

1

Yellow River at Oak Road

X

X

X

X

X

X

2

Yellow River at River Road

X

X

X

X

X

X

3

Yellow River at Five Forks

Trickum Road

X

X

4

Yellow River at Killian

Hill Road

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

5

Yellow River at U.S.

Highway 78

X

X

6

Yellow River at Annistown

Road

X

X

7

Yellow River at Georgia

Highway 124

X

X

8

Yellow River at Pleasant

Hill Road

X

X

X

9

Yellow River at Conyers

Water Intake

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

10

Yellow River at Gees

Mill Road

X

X

11

Yellow River at Porterdale

Water Intake

X

X

X

X

X

12

Yellow River at Rocky

Plain Road

X

X

13

Yellow River at Georgia

Highway 212

X

X

X

X

14

Yellow River at Georgia

Highway 36

X

X

X

X

T-l

Sweetwater Creek at Sea-

board Coastline Railroad

X

X

T-2

No Business Creek Immediately

Downstream Norris Lake

X

T-3

Boar Tusk Creek at Boar

Tusk Road

X

X

T-4

Big Haynes Creek at Georgia

Highway 20

X

X

T-5

Big Haynes Creek at Costley

Mi 11 Road

X

T-6

Dried Indian Creek at Flat

Shoals Road

X

X

3

PROCEDURES AND FUNDAMENTAL RELATIONSHIPS
Selection of Stations
Stations were selected tentatively by the project coordinator after reconnaissance trips were conducted to identify physical features. Data from the reconnaissance trips were presented to appropriate EPD staff members at a pre-study meeting when final station selections were made.
Field and Laboratory Methods - Macroinvertebrates
Qualitative sampling for macroinvertebrates was employed exclusively in the present study. Emphasis in determining water quality was placed on the diversity of species and composition of the macroinvertebrate community. When possible, collections were made at sites where physical conditions and habitats were similar. Unless stated otherwise, a time period of three man-hours was expended in collecting at each station. Since similar habitats were investigated and the amount of time devoted to each station was constant, this qualitative sampling technique afforded an approximation of the comparative density of organisms in various reaches.
Aquatic plants, stones, woody debris, litter, bank undercuts, and the stream bed were included in the types of shelter examined for benthic organisms. Animals were secured from substrates with forceps and preserved in vials containing 95 percent ethyl alcohol. A minnow seine of fine mesh was used to collect large arthropods. This method was especially useful in collecting larvae of the dobsonfly, Corydalus cornutus, and crayfishes from swift water areas and in securing dragonfly nymphs and crayfishes from pools and bank undercuts.
In the laboratory, specimens were sorted and identified with the aid of stereoscopic and compound microscopes and biological keys. Organisms were usually identified to the generic level.
Field and Laboratory Methods - Periphyton
Periphyton, attached life, is ubiquitous in water and can provide valuable information. It is useful chiefly because it is stimulated to grow unnaturally by smaller increases in nutrient concentrations as compared to the macro invertebrate community. The change of the periphytic community is sometimes great, ranging from predominant growths of diatoms of many species in a natural stream to dense growths of sheath bacteria in waters containing high concentrations of organic substances.
4

Periphyton was collected from natural substrates, placed in bottles of stream water, and refrigerated. In the laboratory periphytic growths were identified to the generic level by the use of compound microscopes and biological keys.

Field and Laboratory Methods - Chemical

The units, methods, minimum reported values and references for each type of chemical and physical determination contained in this report are listed in Appendix 2.

Reaction of Macroinvertebrates to Organic Substances

The reaction of macroinvertebrates to differing concentrations of organic substances may be subtle; therefore, a brief explanation follows for an interpretation of the data contained in this report.
The usual effect of an organic substance is that it lowers through microbial respiration the dissolved oxygen concentration of the water. Macroinvertebrates in streams react to organic wastewaters in different ways. These animals are not highly vagile and must tolerate their environments or die.
In unpolluted streams with high concentrations of dissolved oxygen, many different species of animals usually are present in few to moderate numbers per species. When the dissolved oxygen concentration is lowered, the diversity of the macroinvertebrate community decreases and some groups of organisms will be eliminated. With an increased amount of organic material available as a food supply and with competition from the intolerant animals eliminated, tolerant organisms (Chironomus, Physa, etc.) which can withstand adverse environments thrive. Therefore, few species of animals survive; however, the few remaining species often are represented by large numbers of individuals. If the dissolved oxygen is depleted for an extended period, all macroinvertebrates except air-breathing species ultimately will be eliminated.
Water quality in this report is determined, in part, by the composition of the macroinvertebrate community. In summary:

NATURAL CONDITIONS
1. High diversity of species 2. Few to moderate numbers per species

ORGANICALLYINFLUENCED CONDITIONS
1. Low diversity of species 2. Large numbers of few species

5

Reaction of Macroinvertebrates to Inorganic Wastes Populations of most benthic species are reduced if moderate amounts of non-toxic
inorganic substances are introduced; however, silt-tolerant organisms may thrive in such waters, especially when the water is slightly enriched by organic substances. If the macroinvertebrate organisms are subjected to very high concentrations of inorganic substances, few, if any, will survive.
6

MAJOR WATER POLLUTION CONTROL PLANTS
Five major (1 million gallons/day or more) water pollution control plants (WPCPs) discharge to streams in the area investigated. The following is a discussion of the effluent quality of each WPCP during the investigation. The effect, if any, of each discharge on receiving stream water quality is discussed in the Interpretation of Data section of this report.
GWINNETT COUNTY - BEAVER RUIN/SWEETWATER CREEK WPCP
The Beaver Ruin/Sweetwater Creek WPCP has advanced treatment with activated sludge, nitrogen and phosphorus reduction and tertiary filtration. The design capacity is 4.5 million gallons per day (mgd)' The facility is located in Lilburn and discharges to Sweetwater Creek upstream of its confluence with Jackson Creek (Figure 1), The National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Permit was issued on December 13, 1985, and expires on December 12, 1990.
Average BODS, suspended solids and flow data from the facility's operating records of June through November 1987 are graphically depicted in Figure 2. These data indicated that the facility was in compliance with permit limitations. A compliance sampling inspection conducted by EPD on September 30 through October 1, 1987, also indicated compliance with weekly maximum permit limits (Appendix 2),
GWINNETT COUNTY - JACKSON CREEK WPCP
The Jackson Creek WPCP has a design capacity of 3.0 mgd. Advanced treatment includes activated sludge with nitrogen and phosphorus reduction and tertiary filtration. The facility is located in Lilburn and discharges to Jackson Creek, a tributary of Sweetwater Creek (Figure 1). The NPDES Permit was issued on December 13, 1985, and expires on December 12, 1990.
Monthly operating records maintained by the WPCP for June through November 1987, indicated compliance with permit limitations (Figure 3), Data from a compliance sampling inspection conducted by EPD on September 30 and October 1, 1987, were similar to those from the facility's monthly operating records and indicated that the facility was operating well within permit limits (Appendix 2).
7

FIGURE 2 BEAVER RUIN - SWEETWATER CREEK WATER POLLUTION CONTROL PLANT
AVERAGE MONTHLY BODS, SUSPENDED SOLIDS AND FLOW

AVERAGE MONTHLY BODS

AVERAGE MONTHLY SUSPENDED SOLIDS -----------------

-

PERMIT LIMITS

-

12/13/85 - 12/12/90

(Monthly Average)

.......

DC
E

BODS

- 10 mg/I

Suspended

31-

Solids

- 20 mg/I

2 L-.

.I

J

r

L

I

H

1

A

H

5.S -

-

(Monthly Average)

AVERAGE MONTHLY FLOW

51-

-

Flow

- 4.5 mgd

".5 I-

-

""oCc
E .. -

-

3.5 >-

3 1...-_ _.&---_ _~I

J

r

_lI~_ _LI_ _-LL_ _--iI_ _----lIL-_ _.1..1_ _--1.I_ _---JIL-

H

R

H

J

J

A

HONTHS. 1987

SON

-
.!-I_----I
D

FIGURE 3
JACKSON CREEK WATER POLLUTION CONTROL PLANT AVERAGE MONTHLY BODS, SUSPENDED SOLIDS AND FLOW

5-

4.5 -

-.......

4 0-

oc

E

3.5 -

PERMIT LIMITATIONS 12/13/85 - 12/12/90 (Monthly Average)

BODS

- 10.0 mg/I

Suspended Solids - 20.0 mg/I

3,-

2.5 ~

2L---- , I I L

J

F'

H

R

.-l t1

AVERAGE MONTHLY BODS
AVERAGE MONTHLY SUSPENDED SOLIDS ----~

......

-

,""""

-
/"-

_____ .. /

~ "",

, ~ '.

--// ,'"r,~
.I

-
-

j,
L

I

" / , ''1 I

-
1 - -_ _. '

J

J

A

S

0

N

0.

3 ....

2.8 f-

-0

OC'
E

2.6 f-

2.4 -

(Monthly Average)

Flow

- 3.0 mgd

2.2 '-

2

I

I

I

J

J

F'

H

R

AVERAGE MONTHLY FLOW
~.--t-

I

I

I

J

H

J

J

A

MONTHS, 1987

I

I

S

0

-

-I
N

-
-
-
0

GWINNETT COUNTY - YELLOW RIVERISWEETWATER CREEK WPCP
The Yellow River/Sweetwater Creek WPCP has a permitted capacity of 6.0 mgd. The Environmental Protection Division has issued a permit for this plant to be expanded to a capacity of 8 mgd and subsequently to 12.0 mgd. However, the facility will not be permitted to discharge more than 6.0 mgd unti I the expansion is complete and is approved by EPD. The permit to discharge 12.0 mgd will only allow a greater volume of effluent. The total amounts of wastewater constituents, e.g. N02+N03-N, NH3-N, BODS, etc., wi II remain at the same levels as are present in the 6.0 mgd discharge. Advanced wastewater treatment is provided by activated sludge with nitrogen and phosphorus reduction and tertiary filtration. The facility discharges to the Yellow River downstream of Oak Road (Station 2) and upstream of Five Forks Trickum Road (Station 3). The NPDES Permit was issued on February 3, 1987, and expires on February 2, 1990.
Monthly operating records for this facility for June through November, 1987, indicated that the facility was in compliance with permit limitations (Figure 4). A compliance sampling inspection conducted by EPD during October 5-6, 1987, also indicated that the facility was in compliance with weekly maximum permit limitations (Appendix 2).
GWINNETT COUNTY - JACKS CREEK WPCP
The Jacks Creek WPCP is an activated sludge facility with sand filtration. The design capacity is 1.0 mgd. The effluent is discharged to the Yellow River downstream of U.S. Highway 78 (Station 5) and upstream of Annistown Road (Station 6>' The NPDES Permit was issued on September 15, 1986, and expires on September 14, 1991.
Monthly operating records of the WPCP for August through November 1987, indicated that the facility was in compliance with permit limits for effluent BODS, suspended solids and flow (Figure 5), Data from a compliance sampling inspection conducted by EPD on October 5-6, 1987, indicated that the facility was in compliance with weekly maximum permit limits (Appendix 2>'
CITY OF CONYERS - BOAR TUSK CREEK WPCP
The Boar Tusk Creek WPCP was taken out of service on October 30, 1987, during the course of this water quality investigation. The WPCP was an activated sludge/pure oxygen injection facility with a design capacity of 1.0 mgd. The effluent was discharged to Boar Tusk Creek near Conyers.
The NPDES Permit was issued on March 30, 1984 and expired on October 30, 1987.
10

FIGURE 4
YELLOW RIVER - SWEETWATER CREEK WATER POLLUTION CONTROL PLANT AVERAGE MONTHLY BODS, SUSPENDED SOLIDS AND FLOW

MONTHLY AVERAGE BODS

5.5 ~

MONTHLY AVERAGE SUSPENDED SOLIDS ------------

-

5 f-

-

. s f-
. ....

PERMIT LIMITATIONS 2/3/87 - 2/2/92 (Monthly Average)

-

, ....
~--

-

::::: 3.5 f-
tlC
E 3 .... 2.5 "-
2-

BODS
Suspended Solids

- 10 mg/I - 30 mg/I

1.15[____ I

I

I

1

/\

/" ~- / .~ ~/

\ \

"

' " / /
/

~

/'

\
\ \

,...... ...........- /

I

I

I _~_-L-

1

1

I

-
-

6.2 - J

r

H

A

H

J

J

A

S

0

N

D-

5.8 ....

(Monthly Average)

MONTHLY AVERAGE FLOW

-

5.4 ~
5 f-
4.6 ~
"o'0c.
E 4.2 ~

Flow

- 6.0 mgd

,/~'" .......,
+----./,/

-
/-

/

-

3.8

I

I

I

I

I

I

I

I

I

I

I

J

r

H

A

H

J

J

A

S

0

N

D

HONTHS, 1987

FIGURE 5
JACKS CREEK WATER POLLUTION CONTROL PLANT AVERAGE MONTHLY BODS, SUSPENDED SOLIDS AND FLOW

3.5 r-

3 f-

2.5 f-

-.......
0(
E

2 f-
1.5 ....

I-

PERMIT LIMITATIONS
9/15/86 - 9/14/91 (Monthly Average)

BODS
Suspended Solids

- 10 mg/I - 20 mg/I

.5 f-

tf ,-,--- i

I

I

I

J

r

H

A

.7 r-

.65 r- (Monthly Average)

.6 f-

.55 - Flow

- 1.0 mgd

- ""0 .5 - DC
E .45

.4 -
- .35

.3

I

I

I

I

J

r

H

A

AVERAGE BODS

-

AVERAGE SUSPENDED SOLIDS -----------

"Jot
./

----;' " '/;-~;'

\ "'\

-
-

tl / /
.....- ........ -~

"'.....---'~\

-
-

-

I

I

I _____..- L

I ____ l _ _ _.1

t1

J

J

A

S

0

N

D-

AVERAGE MONTHLY FLOW

-

-

-

~
~-_-.--

-

-

/

-

-

I

I

I

I

I

I

I

t1

J

J

A

MONTHS, 1987

S

0

N

D

Influent flow to the facility was incrementally diverted to the new Quiggs Branch WPCP during the investigation and, although the Boar Tusk Creek WPCP continued discharging to Boar Tusk Creek through October, the average discharge for the last month was less than 0.3 mgd.
According to the facility's monthly operating records for May through October 1987, permit limits for BODS were exceeded every month with the exception of October. With the exception of September and October, permit limits for suspended solids were exceeded every month (Figure 6).
The treatment provided by the new Quiggs Branch WPCP has been much better than that previously provided at the Boar Tusk facility. The permit for this facility was issued on December 31, 1986, and expires on December 30, 1991. Monthly operating records show that during the first three months of operation at the Quiggs Branch WPCP (OctoberDecember 1987> the average BODS and suspended solids concentrations were 6.6 mg/l and 9.3 mg/I, respectively, well within the facility's permit limits.
13

,

FIGURE 6

BOAR TUSK CREEK WATER POLLUTlnl'J CONTROL PLANT AVERAGE ~1()NTHLY BODS, SUSPENDED SOLIDS AND FLOW

MONTHLY AVERAGE 8005

_

!BB
fS0 PERf11T LIMITATIONS
8(3 3/30/84 - 10/30/87
t(Monthly Average)
70

::t BODS

"~-

E

Suspended

Solids

- 20 nlg/I - 30 mg/I

40

3U

....l.

20

..J>.

t10NTHLY AVERAGE SUSPENDED SOLIDS --------

,t.....

/\

/ / /
;I

\ \ \
,

.(

'.

\.

\

\

\

\

\

\.,.~



H3

J

r

H

A

H

J

J

As o

o

1.2

~10NTHL Y AVERAGE FLOW

1 (Monthly Average)

.8 .6
"'0 tlC
E .4

Flow

- 1.0 mgd

.2

J

J

D

MONTHS.

\ I

INTERPRETATION OF DATA

INTRODUCTION

The data presented in this report are numerous and varied; thus, many figures and tables are included. The inclusion of many figure and table citations at each pertinent place would interrupt the narrative to an extent that continuity in the interpretation of data would be lost. Therefore, after the original figure or table citation, no further reference to it is made unless the inclusion of it is especially helpful to an understanding of the data.
River stations are discussed in order beginning at the most upstream site and proceeding downstream. Each tributary station is discussed in the interpretation of data at the place where the confluence of the river and tributary occur.
Data for individual stations are discussed in the following sequence:

station location, general physical characteristics and periphyton routine water analysis storm water runoff samples metals in water and sediment organic compounds in water and sediment trend monitoring data macroinvertebrates summary paragraph

All types of data were not collected at each station (see Table 1>' A glossary of terms frequently used in this discussion is contained in Appendix 5. Frequent references are made to water use classifications. Yellow River use classifi-
cations by station are presented below. All tributaries included in the investigation have the fishing water use classification.

STATION NO.
1 2 3
4
5
6
7 8 9 10

LOCATION
Oak Road River Road Five Forks - Trickum Road Killian Hill Road U.S. Highway 78 Annistown Road Georgia Highway 124 Pleasant Hi II Road Conyers Water Intake Gees Mi II Road

WATER USE CLASSIFICATION
Fishing Fishing Fishing Fishing Fishing Fishing Fishing Drinking Water Drinking Water Drinking Water

15

11

Porterda Ie Water Intake

12

Rocky Plain Road

13

Georgia Highway 212

14

Georgia Highway 36

Drink ing Water Fishing Fishing Fishing

STATION 1
Station 1, the control station, was established on the Yellow River at Oak Road. This station was upstream from all point wastewater discharges; however, the river and tributaries upstream receive runoff from the Lilburn and Lawrenceville areas. In addition to the runoff which is typical of stable urban regions, these streams receive eroded soils from housing developments and roadway construction.
The stream was 25 feet wide and varied in depth from 0.1 to 3 feet. During dry weather, the water was clear and colorless; however, silt from construction sites and road widening upstream imparted a deep reddish-brown color during and following rainfall. As a result, the streambed of sand and gravel was completely covered by a thick layer of silt and clay which was as deep as 1 foot in some areas.
Analyses of three water samples for routine constituents revealed that water quality was generally good (Table 2), Dissolved oxygen concentrations were high and concentrations of BODS, NH3-N and N02+N03-N were low. One fecal coliform bacterial density (4,900 MPN/100 ml) marginally exceeded the minimal criterion for the fishing water use classification (4,000 MPN/100 mI).
A fourth sample, collected following a thunderstorm, contained a large amount of silt. The suspended solids concentration was 324 mg/l. As a consequence of urban runoff, this sample contained a BODS concentration of >7.9 mg/l and a fecal coliform bacterial density of 22,000 MPN/100 ml. The average values for several parameters as well as individual fecal coliform bacterial densities and dissolved oxygen concentrations have been graphically depicted for each river station in Figures 7 through 15. Data from samples collected following a thunderstorm on November 10, 1987 at Stations 1, 2, 3, and 9 are not included in these graphs.
Two samples were collected for the analyses of metals in water; the first was collected at low flow and the second during runoff and high streamflows. In the sample collected at low flow, metals were either undetected or were present in concentrations comparable to concentrations from samples collected from EPD trend monitoring stations downstream from urban areas (Table 3). As a result of urban runoff, several metals concentrations were higher in the second sample <Table 4), The chromium concentration was 20 ~g/l and that for zinc was 60 ~g/l. The zinc concentration exceeded the EPD
16

TABLE 2 IlATER QUALITY DATA
YELLIIl RIVER

!~
~!
2
3
to-' --.J
4
5 6

.!...~.. Sg
VI ....
Yellow River Oak Road
Yellow River River Road
Ye 11 ow River Five Forks Trickam Road
Yellow River Killian Hill Road
Yellow River U.S. Hwy. 78
Ye11 ow River Annistown Road

i
8-23-87 9-20-87 10-4-87 11-10-87
8-23-87 9-20-87 10-4-87 11-10-87
8-23-87 9-20-87 10-4-87
8-23-87 9-20-87 10-4-87 11-10-87
8-23-87 9-20-87 10-4-87
8-23-87 9-20-87 10-4-87

-...III
~

;I:t!:

.i..!.
II.

1115 1030 1025 1025

1100 1200 1100 0955

1140 1222 1155

1245

40

1250

50

1210

29

1050 151

1300 1400 1315

1235 1420 1330

-u
~
~i
i~
23.5 20.5 11.0 15.0
23.0 21.5 13.0 16.0
24.0 21. 5 14.0
24.0 20.5 13.5 16.5
25.0 23.0 14.0
25.5 23.0 14.5

- -, .......

~.!
~;

.!
....

.V..Io~e
QCI

~

6.0

1.0

6.4

2.0

8.1

2.1

6.5 >7.9

6.2

1.5

6.6

0.6

8.0

2.1

6.2 >6.8

6.3

0.7

6.8

1.5

8.5

2.9

7.2

0.7

7.0

1.0

8.5

1.7

6.6 >7.5

7.5

0.6

7.2

1.4

8.8

1.8

7.5

1.3

7.4

1.4

8.5

1.7

.III

.~..



> ;:: -tI

"f

Ii i
u- 'i.~

...VI
Q

g
~

ij/

-E.QI.. ~
F:!-

lil
I~
V~I ~f

~l-

87

7.3

25

18

8

2.8

86

6.9

90

35

11

6.0

83

6.9

90

15

18

3.1

79

6.6

175 324

14.8

239

7.3

10

7

4

3.5

195

7.2

35

14

1

4.0

281

7.0

30

6

29

5.5

122

6.7

235 1060

38.2

287

7.2

10

6

5

2.4

235

7.2

35

11

3

5.9

321

7.0

30

4

25

4.6

268

7.5

5

5

2

7.4

229

7.3

40

13

5

4.3

287

7.2

20

7

15

4.5

200

7.0

40 123

12.8

263

7.7

5

5

<1

2.7

222

7.4

35

14

3

7.1

282

7.2

20

3

15

4.4

252

7.8

5

6

4

3.1

276

7.5

30

11

5

7.1

260

7.1

30

7

11

4.0

It.~!
0.07 <0.02 0.07 0.02
0.10 0.08 0.37 0.09
0.07 0.13 0.14
0.03 0.08 0.26 0.92
0.02 0.05 0.40
0.08 0.11 0.49

t
.-t,Cl -
Clf
0.20 0.35 0.23 0.20
3.60 2.46 5.85 1.33
4.60 3.60 8.40
3.80 3.40 7.05 1.78
4.40 3.05 7.95
3.75 4.35 5.10

VI
Qi, -...
Q~ ,....!.
0.02 0.16 <0.02 0.35
0.12 0.20 0.16 0.96
0.09 0.26 0.09
0.08 0.27 0.09 0.31
0.07 0.28 0.07
0.06 0.25 0.05

.I...~-..
S.... "x. :~5~1
790 4.900 1.300 22.000
50 1.300
490 22.000
2.200 230 790
490 945 1.100 1.700
790 330 490
270 330 790

;1
7
8
9
~
0:: 10
11
12
13
14

.!...~.. ~~
Yellow River Ga. Hwy. 124
Ye 11 ow Ri ver PI easant H111 Road
Ye11 ow River Conyers Water Intake
Yellow River Gees M11l Road
Yellow River Porterdale Water Intake
Yellow River Rocky Plain Road
Ye 11 ow River Ga. Hwy. 212
Yellow River Ga. Hwy. 36

i
8-23-87 9-20-87 10-4-87
8-23-87 9-20-87 10-4-87
8-23-87 9-20-87 10-4-87 11-10-87
8-23-87 9-20-87 10-4-87
8-23-87 9-20-87 10-4-87
8-23-87 9-20-87 10-4-87
8-23-87 9-20-87 10-4-87
8-23-87 9-20-87 10-4-87

-~
~
.l.a....! ~

1355 1445 1355

1455 1530 1435

1545

60

1600

71

1505

50

1150

80

1625 1730 1600

1720 1830 1700

1805 1915 1735

1900 180 2005 145 1830 130

1840 1955 1800

-U
III
~
;1
25.5 23.0 14.0
26.0 23.0 15.0
26.0 23.5 15.0 15.0
28.0 24.5 16.5
27.0 24.0 15.0
28.0 24.0 16.0
28.0 24.0 16.0
29.0 24.0 16.0

TABLE 2 WATER ~LITY DATA
YELUII RIVER

-,
filE 51;:0-
=~=0

,
CIl
.!.
In
i

:1

.~..

i

:0--

~ fl

'E

Ii .:l 'i~"

6.9

0.5

7.1

1.3

9.0

1.7

251

7.6

261

7.6

260

7.3

5.8

0.9

6.6

1.2

8.1

1.9

213

7.4

239

7.3

207

7.1

5.9

0.4

6.3

2.0

7.8

1.3

7.3

5.9

204

7.4

229

7.3

181

7.0

177

7.0

6.8

0.7

6.4

2.3

8.2

1.9

193

7.5

216

7.4

171

7.1

5.4

0.6

6.8

2.1

8.3

2.0

171

7.3

169

7.4

156

7.2

6.2

0.8

6.6

1.2

8.9

2.0

170

7.4

159

7.3

173

7.3

6.0

0.5

6.8

1.8

8.8

1.4

160

7.5

154

7.3

167

7.3

5.8

0.3

5.9

1.9

8.1

2.3

161

7.4

149

7.2

176

7.1

g
;

~
~.c.:.
I

.I.S.
~
fil
I~

5

5

1

20

11

10

20

7

17

20

42

40

51

50

30

10

18

30

20

10

25

16

13

40

12

17

46

77

25

10

4

15

10

7

40

10

17

35

25

19

15

18

15

40

12

23

20

11

15

15

10

3

30

8

14

20

15

17

15

11

13

30

8

13

20

16

12

15

33

32

40

22

33

~}-

. -,
.:E-of

2.5

0.02

9.1

0.08

4.2

0.40

2.9

0.07

5.6

0.06

3.9

0.08

1.7

0.06

9.6

0.13

3.5

0.08

10.6

0.09

0.06

2.7

0.13

3.6

0.15

2.2

0.10

2.8

0.14

3.1

0.07

3.2

0.04

2.9

0.04

3.5

0.05

2.2

0.02

4.4

0.09

3.2

0.07

0.04

4.0

0.11

3.6

0.08


t'"~
il

-I...

'i


h 5... ....

I-
I

~!

3.45

0.05

4.10

0.24

4.50

0.06

90 1.300 1.545

2.60

0.07

330

3.40

0.25

700

4.00

0.05

170

2.30

0.12

5.90

0.23

3.40

0.04

1.70

0.14

110 330 110 7.900

1.75

0.08

70

2.45

0.25

170

2.35

80

1.21

0.06

330

1.57

0.21

135

1.78

0.06

20

1.25

0.04

70

1.39

0.18

110

2.24

0.05

90

1.11

0.04

1.18

0.19

2.02

0.04

7,900 490 80

1.20

0.05

170

1.25

0.20

130

2.16

0.07

95

FIGURE 7

30

28

26

8-23-87

24

~~

........." ",,~---~---~---~--

u"'"

/ ~---9+-2-0--8-7 ~---~---

....,
w
IX

-. 22

/

,.."...+----+.......
"

/
....v /

....1

:ta:-J: 20

1.0

IX

Wn. w2:

18

t-

16

14

12

10

I

L

I

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10 11

12

13

14

STATION NUMBER

FIGURE 8

9.5

YELLOWr

RIVER I

-

DISSOLVED

I

I

OXYGEN I

PROFILE

,

,

r

9

8.5

~

"0)
E

8

wZ
Cl

7.5

>X-

I'.J

0

0

w~

7

>

-J

0

(J) 6.5

(J)

H

Q

6

5.5 5~
1

I , - -_ _- 1

2

3

I

-L

.1 ... - - L _ _ -l... -_--&-I----lll-.--_--1

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

STATION NUl1BER

FIGURE 9

r3

YELLOW
I

RIVER -
I

__ AVERAGE~B~O~D5~ ~

---.-----,

-I

r -_ _~_ _- .

~ ~ - r__~

2.6

.....
.....
m
..E., 2.2

tn

e::l

N
~

,0:n

w aC:J 1.8 wIX
a>:

1.4

1J'-------2--i--- ~

-~... ~

~

~

~

STATION NUMBER

-ii---1.I..J--~112-~- ---~13~---I14

FIGURE 10

.....
r-

25

.....

OJ

..f..:.

en
~

20

H

..J

N

0

N

(I)

fj 15 zw~ eCLn. e~n 10

5

'------~J

7

8

STATION NUMBER

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DIVISION

14
WATER QUALITY SECTION

FIGURE 11

30

25
......
.U:.:.J,
..... 20

15

10

5

--1-1

~I

l-l_ _-1.-.. I

1

I

l

I

I

I

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

STATION NUMBER

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DIVISION

WATER QUALITY SECTION

FIGURE 12

YELLOW RIVER - AVERAGE AMMONIA (NH3-N)

I

I

T

I

I

I

I

I

I

I

I

I

I

.8 I-

-

--'" .s I-
"m

-

..f.a.

Z

I

.-. M

:zJ:

I-

-

.2 I-
V~

0

I -.

L

1

2

3

__..,.r '"
....------

I

I

.1.

I

L

I

of

5

6

7

8

9

STATION NUMBER

-

~ -~~

I

10

11

12

13

14

FIGURE 13
6 YELLOW RIVER - AVERAGE NITRATE-NITRITE (N02+N03-N)

--"em-
'-i

N

Z

111

I

('f)

0z
+

N

0z

2

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

a

9

10

11

12

13

14

STATION NUMBER

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DIVISION

HATER QUALITY SECTION

FIGURE 14

, 1.2

YELLOW
I

RIVER
I

-

AVERAGE
I

PHOSPHORUS

I

I



I

I

I

I

I

1 ...

-

- - .- .8

-

"m-

..E...

- en
::l

.6

-

0:

:0r

eDn..

- :a0.r. .4

-

.2 -

-

V

.

-

I

I

I

I

I

I

L

I

I

I

I

I

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

STATION NUMBER

FIGURE 15

- 7888
& 6088
-CSI
CSI

8-23-87 - - - -- 9-28-87 - -- -18-4-87

L
a.

5888

N 'I

-z

\

Isl::.

4888

\ \ \

E 0::
t.0&.... 3888
..J
0u

\ \ \
\
\
\

..J
IuwI:

2888

t&.

1880

\ \ \
,\
~

~,

, - - ......

AI'"

,
/

/'

/

~," "t-.._

/

~-----

8 1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

18 11

12

13

14

STATION NUMBER

STATIll IlUHIlER
2 4 8
N OC
9
11
14

STATIll LOCATIll
Yellow River Oak Road
Yellow River River Road
Ye11 ow River Killian Hill Road
Yellow River Pleasant Hill Road
Yellow River Conyers Water Intake
Ye11 ow River Porterdale Water Intake
Yellow River Georgia Highway 36

Ag Al TUE II!IIl 119/1 1030 <10 475 1125 <10 210 1215 <10 <240 1400 <10 805 1430 <10 645
1520 <10 1,120
1545 <10 1,900

TABLE 3 YELLOII RIVER IETALS III WATER SAJl'LES COlLECTED DURIIIG UII FUll OCTOBER 7. 1987

As Sa Be Cd Co Cr Cu

Fe

!!g/l 119/1 USIl WI US/I USIl US/I ug/l

... lit Pb Sb Se Sa n V In

Ca

K IIg IIlI

1:19/1 MIl Wl !!!I!l Mil M/1 MIl MIl 11911 I!!I/l I!!I/l I!!I/l I!!IIl

<30 25 <10 <10 <10 <10 <10 1,670 495 <15 <25 <40 <5 <30 <40 <10 <20 8.5 1.9 2.9 4.5

<30 20 <10 <10 <10 <10 <10 535 235 <15 <25 <40 <5 <30 <40 <10 <20 23.9 5.6 2.5 22.6

<30 15 <10 <10 <10 <10 <10 375 115 <15 <25 <40 <5 <30 <40 <10 30 26.1 5.7 2.6 27.1

<30 25 <10 <10 <10 <10 <10 1.160 265 <15 <25 <40 <5 <30 <40 <10 <20 20.1 5.1 2.5 19.2

<30 25 <10 <10 <10 <10 <10 940 250 <15 <25 <40 <5 <30 <40 <10 <20 19.1 4.8 2.4 18.2

<30 20 <10 <10 <10 <10 <10 1,090 145 <15 <25 <40 <5 <30 <40 <10 50 14.7 3.8 2.0 13.8

<30 25 <10 <10 <10 <10 <10 1.690 190 <15 <25 <40 <5 <30 65 <10 <20 11.9 3.7 1.9 13.2

STATION IIU11lER
2 4 N9
\.C

STATION LOCATION
Yellow River Oak Road
Yellow River River Road
Yellow River Kfllfan Hill Road
Yellow River Conyers Water Intake

TABLE 4 METALS III IIATIR
YELUII RIVER SAJlPLES COLLECTID AnER RAIII
1I0VEMBER 10. 1987

Ag Al TIME 1I!J/1 1l9/1

As Sa Be Cd Co Cr Cu Fe u9(1 119/1 119/1 1l9(1 Il9/1 119/1 1l9/1 119/1

...

IIi Pb Sb Se Sn Jj

Y

In CiI

Ie

IIg IIa

!!9Il 1l9/1 119/1 1l9(1 MIl II!J/l Jl9/1 \!91l Il9/1 !I!I/1 !I!I/1 WI !l!l/l

1025 <20 16.700 <30 120 <10 <10 <10 20 <20 22.800 1,530 <15 <20 <40 <50 <30 555 60 60 7.8 3.8 3.3 3.5

0955 <20 31.900 <30 240 <10 <10 10 35 <20 39.500 2.030 15 30 <40 <50 <30 1.460 UO 160 13.8 7.1 5.1 7.5

1050 <20 3.450 <30 35 <10 <10 <10 <10 <20 4.310 390 <15 <20 <40 <50 <30 UO 10 25 16.4 4.8 2.5 15.4

1509 <20 3.870 <30 35 <10 <10 <10 <10 <20 3.040 210 <15 <20 <40 <50 <30

75 <10 25 13.7 4.7 2.2 14.9

criterion for this metal (50 f.Jg/l). Metals concentrations in sediment, including those for chromium and zinc, were comparable to those in sediment collected from EPD trend monitoring stations downstream from urban areas <Table 5),
No organic compounds were detected in the water samples. Polychlorinated biphenyl1242 was the only organic compound detected in the sediment sample; however, its concentration (19.1 f.Jg/kg) was less than concentrations in sediment collected from trend monitoring stations downstream from Atlanta, Macon, Rome and Dalton (Table 6).
Macroinvertebrates colonized wood, leaves and a very limited amount of stones. The water velocity was moderate. Twenty-eight species of macroinvertebrates, represented by 227 individuals were collected (Figure 16). The community was diverse and representative of good water quality; however, the density of macroinvertebrate life was limited by silt and clay deposits. The majority of these organisms must cling to a solid substrate. Most such objects such as stones and tree limbs had been covered by the silt and clay.
In summary, data from water, sediment and macroinvertebrate samples were indicative of good water quality. As a consequence of stormwater runoff, bacterial density and the zinc concentration in one water sample exceeded the criterion of the fishing water use classification and, in the same sample, BODS and suspended solids concentrations were elevated. Fecal coliform bacterial density marginally exceeded the criterion in one sample collected at low flow.
TRIBUTARY STATION T-1- SWEETWATER CREEK
Station T-1 was established on Sweetwater Creek at the Seaboard Coastline Railroad near Lilburn. This station was 2.4 miles downstream of the Beaver Ruin/Sweetwater Creek WPCP and 3.5 miles downstream of the Jackson Creek WPCP.
The stream at this location was 30 feet wide and up to 3 feet deep. The bottom was composed of sand. The water was clear and colorless. The rip rap around the railway bridge support was covered with the blue-green alga, Oscillatoria ~., and the aquatic moss, Fissidens ~.
Data from the water analysis of the three samples collected indicated that water quality was good (Table 7>' The average dissolved oxygen concentration was 6.5 mg/I and that for BODS was 1.5 mg/1. Fecal coliform bacterial densities were low. However, concentrations of NH3-N and N02+N03-N and phosphorus were greater than concentrations in natural streams and were a result of the effluents discharged from the Beaver Ruin/ Sweetwater Creek and Jackson Creek WPCPs. The elevated concentrations of nitrogen and phosphorus contributed to the dense accumulations of blue-green algae and aquatic moss.
30

TABLE 5 YELLIII RIVER METALS I. SEDIJIEft
(lIg/kg)

STATICIl STATICIl JUlBER LOCATICIl

DATE

TIME Ag Al

As Sa Be Cd Co Cr Cu Fe

... .i Pb

Sb Se Sn fj

V Zn Ca l

.a I!g

Yellow River 10-7-87 1035 <1 Oak Road

5230 <3 43 <1 <1 5.6 25 4.8 13700 680 4.7 8.0 <5 <5 <5 325 37 20 280 475 680 <50

2

Ye11 ow River 10-8-87 1000 <1 10900 <3 115 <1 <1 7.7 19 2.4 20100 1140 5.7 12 <5 <5 <5 840 51 58 920 2390 2480 <50

River Road

4
W
-l
8

Yellow River 10-7-87 1130 <1 Killian Hill Road

2940 <3 53 <1

Yellow River 10-8-87 1125 Pleasant Hill Road

1.1 16800 <3 100 <1

<1 4.6 10 <2

6940

<1 6.9 23 5.3 22300

845 2.0 3.0 <5 <5 <5 200 17 16 270 460 580 <50 845 6.5 14 <5 <5 <5 825 62 50 945 2040 2160 75

9

Yellow River 10-8-87 1215 1.2 19400 3 115 1.6 <1 7.6 27 9.1 27300 855 7.4 22 <5 <5 <5 915 78 60 980 1940 2140 90

Conyers

Water Intake

11

Yellow River 10-8-87 1400 <1

5930 <3 40 <1 <1 1.8 8.1 <2

9460 370 1.6 7.4 <5 <5 <5 260 21 17 330 490 550 <50

Porterdale

Water Intake

14

Yellow River 10-8-87 1430 <1 11300 <3 80 <1 <1 4.3 17 4.1 17500 555 4.6 14 <5 <5 <5 580 42 35 665 1270 1280 <50

Ga. Hwy. 36

TABLE 6 YEllOW RIVER
Organic Compounds in SediEnt
(Ilg/kg)

... = !..C.. l~ l:
~I

.!...~...
t";'95

...I

~ ~

~
N
~
cb
(,J ~

~

I
9
:c
(,J

~
~
f=

~
~
(,J
C

~
~~...I~

~
!:-=i
~ ~

~
...IQ
~....~....
QQ

1

Yellow River

Oak Road

10-7-87

19.1

<6

<1

<10

<10

<1

<1

2

Yellow River

10-8-87

<12

<6

<1

<10

<10

<1

<1

River Road

w

N

4

Yellow River

10-7-87

<6

<6

<1

<10

<10

<1

<1

Kill ian Hill Road

8

Yellow River

Pl easant Hi 11 Road

10-8-87

<12

21

<1

<10

<10

<1

<1

9

Yellow River

Conyers Water Intake

10-8-87

<12

20

2

80

16

2

4*

11

Yellow River

10-8-87

<6

Porterdale Water Intake

<6

<1

<10

<10

<1

<1

14

Ye 11 ow Ri ver

Georgia Highway 36

10-8-87

<6

9

<1

<10

<10

3.3

<1

*Estimated Concentration

n:

No.or INDIVIDUALS

I
mmUI

..I.
m
~

I W
i

I
mmN

-I
mm

~I

i

i

i

I

NO.Of' SPECIES

, - m

m
~

N
i

W
I

i

i

i

Beaver Ruin-

-~ Sweetwater and Jackson

I

Creek WPCPs



.. (via Sweetwater Creek)
Nt-
l

Yellow River
w..- Sweetwater I
Creek WPCP

.-... Discharge L

I-
- I
- I
J

U1'- I
Jacks Creek

.,

U) en
-4
:.-.D4..

WPCP Dis-

charge

[

i"
~

I

a;J:JeD

L

Boar Tusk Creek CC~ WPCP



(via Boar Tusk Creek)

-~

--

r

-N

I

-w

I

I

1

."

C)
c

;;0

I

m

....1 C1'

-.-l

I-
I-
1-

...-I

I

I

I

I

I

I

I

I

~i
T-l
T-2
T-3 w
~
T-4 T-5
T-6

1!~=~~1-
Sweetwater Creek Seaboard Coastline Rail road
No 8usiness Creek Immediately Downstream Norris Lake
80ar Tusk Creek Boar Tusk Road
Big Haynes Creek Ga. Hwy. 20
Big Haynes Creek Costley Mill Road
Dried Indian Creek Flat Shoals Road

i
8-23-87 9-20-87 10-4-87
8-23-87 9-20-87 10-4-87
8-23-87 9-20-87 10-4-87
10-8-87
8-23-87 9-20-87 10-4-87
8-23-87 9-20-87 10-4-87

TABlE 1 IlATER ~LITY DATA
TRIIlUTARIES

!.a..!
I-

-U
lit F!
=1

....

e } Et:::. .....

~I
ClCI

In
II

II.:~...... ..B...

..I..I..I

'.E.
I i.~

.g...
!


~ ~..C....I
I

~...
~
h ..... ~l

.....

h k,

't,i
i-

tiE~

.I...~..
i
i!

1025

23.5

6.0

1.4

313

7.1

10

5

3

3.2

0.10

5.20

0.19

490

1137

21.0

6.1

1.0

222

7.1

30

8

3

6.9

0.05

2.95

0.23

490

1120

14.0

7.4

2.0

319

7.0

25

3

27

6.2

0.43

6.45

0.17

230

1415

30.0

5.8

1.5

110

7.7

<5

2

<1

3.3

0.03

0.02

0.03

20

1510

27.0

6.9

1.3

119

7.5

5

1

<1

5.5

0.11 <0.02

0.14

20

1415

21.0

7.8

2.2

113

7.5

10

1

2

5.1

0.21

0.06 <0.02

<20

1130

25.0

5.6

6.3

379

1.4

20

9

21

10.9

0.95

0.46

3.04 1,300,000

1650

24.5

3.3

5.6

333

7.1

25 10

7

22.1

5.6

0.18

4.17

330,000

1525

17.0

5.8

9.2

302

7.0

40

7

15

16.9

4.80

0.60

2.62

1,700

1845

14.0

9.2

1.6

71

7.0

5

14

2.4

0.07

1.31

0.34

230

1640

27.0

6.0

0.5

56

7.0

40 12

5

2.1

0.04

0.34

0.03

110

1740

24.0

6.2

2.6

57

6.8

30 10

2

3.9

0.08

0.24

0.16

330

1615

16.0

8.2

1.9

52

6.8

40

1

13

4.4

0.05

0.35 <0.02

80

1740

23.5

6.5

0.4

97

7.0

15

5

4

2.3

0.05

0.21

0.07

490

1850

21.0

6.6

1.1

116

6.4

10

5

<1

2.2

0.53

3.90

0.17

490

1715

14.0

8.3

1.5

81

6.8

10

4

14

2.3

0.08

0.99

0.04

230

Stones, leaves, and woody debris provided habitats for macroinvertebrates. The water velocity was moderate to very swift. Thirty-one species of macroinvertebrates, represented by 370 individuals, were collected. The species present in the macroinvertebrate community were those that are commonly found in urban streams with primarily residential watershed development; however, as an effect of the WPCP discharges, some species which respond positively to dissolved or suspended organic material were very abundant.
Data from water and macroinvertebrate samples were representative of good water quality; however, elevated concentrations of nitrogen and phosphorus had resulted in dense growths of blue-green algae and aquatic moss. As a consequence of the discharges from the Beaver Ruin/Sweetwater Creek and the Jackson Creek WPCPs, large numbers of some species of aquatic life were present.
STATION 2
Station 2 was established on the Yellow River at River Road, 0.2 mile downstream of its confluence with Sweetwater Creek and 1.5 miles downstream of Station 1. The river at this location was 50 feet wide and up to 1 foot deep. At low flow, the water was a greenish-tan color. During periods of wet weather, the water had the reddish-brown color of the silt suspended in it. The stream bottom was composed of sand overlain with si It. The si It at this location was approximately 0.5 inch deep, less than the 12 inches observed at Station 1. The aquatic moss, Fissidens ~., was abundant on submerged stones.
The effects of the upstream WPCP discharges were evident in increased NH3-N and N02+N03-N concentrations in low flow samples (Figures 12 and 13>' In the sample collected on October 4, 1987 the NH3-N concentration was 0.37 mg/1. In samples collected on that date at this station and at Stations 4-7, NH3-N concentrations were greater than those in other low flow river samples (Table 2, Figure 12). The average concentration of N02+N03-N increased from 0.26 mg/I at Station 1 to 3.97 mg/I at Station 2. The average phosphorus concentration was also higher at Station 2. The average dissolved oxygen concentration increased at this station compared to that at the control station; this increase continued though Stations 3, 4, and 5 (Figure 8). The pH and conductivity were increased over those at the control station and remained elevated at all downstream stations. Other constituents analyzed in water samples collected at Station 2, including BODS, were present in concentrations comparable to those from the control station.
In the water sample collected on November 10, 1987, following a thunderstorm, the BODS concentration was >6.8 mg/I and the fecal coliform bacterial density was 22,000 MPN/100 mi. These values were elevated as a consequence of urban runoff. As a result
35

of the large amount of eroded soils entering the stream combined with resuspended soils from the stream bottom, the turbidity value and suspended solids concentration in the high flow sample were 235 JCU and 1,060 mg/I, respectively.
Two samples were collected for the analyses of metals in water: the first was collected at low flow and the second during the high flow period following the thunderstorm of November 10. In the low flow sample, metals were either undetected or present in concentrations similar to means derived from EPD trend monitoring data. Due to urban stormwater runoff in the sample collected following the thunderstorm, chromium and zinc, both of which were undetected in the low flow sample, were present in concentrations of 35 ~g/I and 160 ~g/I, respectively. These concentrations exceeded the EPD criteria for these metals (20 ~gll for chromium and 50 ~g/I for zinC>. In the sediment sample, metals were either undetected or less than means derived from EPD trend monitoring samples. No organic compounds were detected in water or sediment samples.
Macroinvertebrates were collected from stones, wood and leaves. The water velocity was moderate to swift. Twenty-nine species of macroinvertebrates represented by 216 individuals were collected. The macroinvertebrate community was diverse, similar to that documented at the control station (Station 1), and indicative of good water quality.
Data from water, sediment, and macroinvertebrate samples were generally representative of good water quality; however, nitrogen concentrations were higher at this site than at the control station and were primarily a consequence of discharge from WPCPs. High turbidity and suspended solids values in samples collected following the thunderstorm were a measure of the large amount eroded and suspended soi Is. As a consequence of runoff, one fecal coliform bacterial density exceeded the criterion of the fishing water use classification. In one sample containing stormwater runoff the zinc and chromium concentrations exceeded the EPD stream criteria for these metals.
STATION 3
Station 3 was established on the Yellow River at Five Forks-Trickum Road. This station was 2.3 miles downstream from Station 2 and 0.7 mile downstream from the Gwinnett County Yellow River/Sweetwater Creek WPCP discharge. The stream was 50 feet wide and varied in depth from 0.5 to 4 feet deep. At low flow the water had a greenishtan color. During and following periods of rainfall the water appeared reddish-brown as a result of suspended silt. The stream bottom was composed of sand overlain with si It. In areas of low water velocity, the si It deposits were 2-4 inches deep. The aquatic moss, Fissidens ~., and the blue-green alga, Oscillatoria ~. were growing in profusion on the riprap stones at the base of the roadway bridge.
36

As a result of the Yellow River/Sweetwater Creek WPCP discharge upstream of this station, the average N02+N03-N concentration (5.53 mg/I> was higher than that for Station 2 and was the highest average concentration measured at any Yellow River station (Figure 13). The abundance of aquatic moss and blue-green algae was, in part, caused by elevated N02+N03-N concentrations. Average concentrations of NH3-N were less than at Station 2. Average BODS was comparable to that of the control station. The average dissolved oxygen concentration was again increased at this station.
As part of a previous investigation of the Yellow River, a single water sample was collected at this site in 1977. Data from this sample were, with the exception of lower concentrations of NH3-N and N02+N03-N, similar to the 1987 data (Appendix 4>'
Macroinvertebrates colonized stones, wood and leaves. The water velocity was swift to moderate. Twenty-six species of macroinvertebrates represented by 240 individuals were collected. The composition of the community was diverse, well balanced, similar to that collected at the control station and was indicative of good water quality. However, the density of stream life at this station was substantially limited by silt deposits which covered many aquatic habitats. In 1977, a macroinvertebrate sample collected at this station contained 28 species and was similar in composition to the macroinvertebrate community documented in 1987 (Appendix 4).
Data from water and macroinvertebrate samples collected at Station 3 were generally representative of good water quality and all applicable data were in accord with the criteria of the fishing water use classification. However, elevated N02+N03-N concentrations contributed to dense aquatic moss and blue-green algal growths. Macroinvertebrate habitats were reduced by deposits of si It.
STATION 4
Station 4 was established on the Yellow River at Killian Hill Road, 2.1 miles downstream from Station 3 and 2.8 miles downstream from the Yellow River/Sweetwater Creek WPCP. The stream was 100 feet wide and 1-3 feet deep. The bottom was composed of bedrock overlain with sand and stones which, in areas of slow water velocity, were covered by approximately 1 inch of silt. As was the case at upstream stations, the aquatic moss, Fissidens ~., was abundant on submerged stones; however, the dense growths of the green algae at Station 3 were not observed at this station.
In the low flow samples, as was the case at Stations 2 and 3, the effects of upstream WPCP discharges were evident in elevated concentrations of NH3-N, N02+N03-N, and phosphorus. However, dissolved oxygen concentrations were higher and concentrations of BODS were lower than those at the control station. Fecal coliform bacterial densities were low.
37

As was the case at Stations 1 and 2, the BODS concentration was elevated in the sample collected following the thunderstorm on November 10, 1987. Additionally, the sample from this station collected on that date contained an elevated NH3-N concentration of 0.92 mg/l.
In water and sediment samples, metals were either undetected or present in concentrations which were comparable to means derived from EPO trend monitoring samples. Organic compounds were undetected in water and sediment samples.
This location is an EPO trend monitoring station from which samples are routinely collected quarterly. During 1987, data from these samples were generally representative of good water quality (Table 8); however, NH3-N and N02+N03-N concentrations were elevated. In the trend monitoring sample collected on August 5, 1987, the BODS concentration was 4.1 mg/l and the fecal coliform bacterial density was 33,000 MPN/100 ml; however, this sample was collected at high flow and contained runoff.
Trend monitoring data, primarily from 1972 through 1987, are graphically presented in Figures 17 through 27. These graphs show that, beginning in the late seventies, conductivity and concentrations of NH3-N, N02+N03-N and BODS increased. This has been a result of the increased volume of treated wastewaters discharged from upstream WPCPs. However, because wastewater treatment has improved with WPCP expansions, the increases in these parameters have not been proportionate to the increase in total WPCP discharge volume. Further, turbidity, pH and concentrations of dissolved oxygen and phosphorus have not changed markedly since 1972. Fecal coliform bacterial densities have declined. With the exception of occasional bacterial densities which exceeded the criterion, water quality standards have been met throughout the monitoring history of this station.
Macroinvertebrates were collected from stones, wood and leaves. Although si It deposits were similar to those at upstream stations, an abundance of stones in an area kept free of silt by a moderate to swift water velocity provided more habitat area than was present at river Stations 1-3. Thirty-three species and 299 individual macroinvertebrates were collected. The community was diverse with all major groups represented and was representative of good water quality.
In summary, data from water, sediment, and macroinvertebrate samples were indicative of good water quality. The exceptions were elevated NH3-N and N02+N03-N concentrations in all samples and elevated BODS concentrations in two high flow samples. One of the high flow samples, an EPO trend monitoring sample, also contained a fecal coliform bacterial density which exceeded the criterion of the fishing water use classification. Trend monitoring data from samples collected at this location indicate that water quality has been generally good since 1972 and dissolved oxygen concentrations have remained high.
38

TABLE 8 1987 TREJID 1I00UTORING DATA Ye1Jow River - Ki1J1an Hi1J Road
Station 04205001

DATE
2/3/87 5/6/87 8/5/87 11/5/87

WATER AIR

TOT. ALK. 1Ul3....4-11

FECAl COlOR IIOztiIO:r1l RESIOOE

TEJIlP TEJIlP. D. O. TURD ClllOOCTlVITY BODS

pH

LAB pH CaC03

TOTAL

PIfOS-TOT T. ORG. C COlI (PT-CO TOTAL

TOT-IIFLT

TIlE (CEIIT) (COO) (_gil) (FlU) (NICRCIlIIO)

(!!!III) (SII) (SII) (!I9/1)

(-gil)

(_gil)

(_gil)

(IIPII) IIIIITS) (-gil )

(!!!Ill)

0945

9.5

10.0

10.8

36

95

1.4 6.8

6.7

25

.24

.04

2.8

80

.67

0800 16.5

19.0

8.6

10

155

0.9 7.1

7.3

35

.08

.08

2.8

490

2.00

0745 24.5

24.5

6.2

150

107

4.1 6.9

7.1

22

.22

.21

14.2

33.000

1.03

0930 15.5

17 .5

7.2

1

282

1.0 7.2

7.1

5

.48

.19

12.6

80

FIGURE 17 YELLOW RIVER STREAMFLOW AT KILLIAN HILL ROAD
1976-1987

oo

1177

1978

1971

1180 1981

1982

1183 1984

1185

U8.

1187

118.

Nor

0

0

(J)
u..

ut
I')

U

..I..

-(J)
z

0 0 0
I')

~
0

.0

::::K

o0r

0

N

.u...J.

0

0 110



1:

-<

.IaJ.:.J:.
(J)

0
-0
N

oo

ut

A

14J N ~ Q ootoo o

~~

--- ~ ~

L
y

A

-
--

".--II

~-~

START I NG DATE 76/1 /12

SAMPLE DATE

FIGURE 18 YELLOW RIVER WATER TEMPERATURE AT KILLIAN HILL ROAD
1972-1987

1173 1174 1175 '17. lin 1178 U79 1180 U81 '182 U83 1.84 U85 U8. 1187 U88

...

t-

N

Z
~
0

~
0

~

N

"-"l".

~

~ I
Ii

~

1

D..

J:
~ t-

-10 -

- - - - r-- -~ 1- - I- -

I - -. I- -

t--- ~ - -I- - - - r-r--- r- - 1--

~

M

-N

a::

1LI

t<-

~

3



o ... o oo
o
STARTING DATE 72/1 /25

SAMPLE DATE

FIGURE 19 YELLOW RIVER DISSOLVED OXYGEN AT KILLIAN HILL ROAD
1972-1987

1973 117. 1975 1976 1977 1978 1979 1980 1981 1982 1983 118. U85 1986 1987 1911
-....

~
I'V

....J
"-
C)
I:

-N

-0



tv --
IV

~

~

~

- - '-

1- - 1- -

\,~

V\ ~ V \

~
J -~ ~-

~
f- - -

~

~~
- I- .... -
~ ~

\

oc ....

oo

N

,."
oo

o

STARTING DATE 72/1 /25

SAMPLE DATE

FIGURE 20 YELLOW RIVER
BODS AT KILLIAN HILL ROAD
1972-1987

1973 1174 1175 1976 1977 1978 1979 1980 1181 1982 198J U84 1985 1981 1187 1188

...
II)

-.....'..

~
%::

...II)

.j:::..
w

,U.,I
<>-
C
If)
....
N

cC
m
o
I")
oo

.

~ Vi\7 vrv rt0G'
o

;:::t -

.
~

-
~

~

--
\j

J1

- J

1- -

~-

~

kII~ --

1---
~

o
o

ST ART I NG DATE 72/1 /25

SAMPLE DATE

FIGURE 21 YELLOW RIVER CONDUCTIVITY AT KILLIAN HILL ROAD
1972-1987

1173 117.. 1175 117' 1177 1178 1971 1180 1981 1182 1183 118.. 1185 1111 1187 1111

Q
N

0

:I:

J:

0
.0U.:.:.:

0 Q N

J:

.J::>,

~

I

.J::>,

U

-Q
10

II)
N
....
-<
>-
.>...
U
::>
0 Z U

- -- -Q
N
- .Q..
M- VVl ~~tJ Q ~-'~ ~

~

I--

-

11

~

~-

I-- 1.--

~

~ 1 - -
~

V

II)

(7)

0

0

0

Q

ST ART I NG DATE 72 / ) /25

SAMPLE DATE

FIGURE 22 YELLOW RIVER LAB pH AT KILLIAN HILL ROAD
1974-1987

tl74 tl7S .87. .877 1978 tl79 .880 1981 1182 1983 1184 1185 1186 1887 1988



bM -- V' L.

~

IV~

'{r V ~ IA.
f'

~ La.~

~ ~ p ~-

m<
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N
Io'? o''It o
o
ST ART I NG DATE 73/7 /20

SAMPLE DATE

FIGURE 23
YELLOW RIVER TURBIDITY AT KILLIAN HILL ROAD
1972-1987

.,. 1173 I

1975 1976 1177 U71 197. 1980 1181 1182 U83 1.... IN5 1186 17 "II

0 ."
f')

.;.:..).

lA-

0 O

f')

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m

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to
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W

I- -
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11
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~ ~~

-- ~ --
~J

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o

STARTING DATE 72/1 /25

SAMPLE DATE

FIGURE 24 YELLOW RIVER
NH3+NH4-N AT KILLIAN HILL ROAD
1972-1987

un 1174 1975 1976 1977 1978 1979 1980 198' 1982 lI8J 1984 1985 1886 I 887 1t88
lD
II)
0

...

........J.

0

C)

J:
0...

0

0

~
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N
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0

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Z ...

N
,0

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+
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0

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0

'-if rJ~~\j ~(~ U 0

\

0

0

-- 0

AI
-~

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. -~

~

~

Vi

STARTING DATf 72/1 /25

SAMPLE DATE

FIGURE 25 YELLOW RIVER N02+N03-N AT KILLIAN HILL ROAD
1972-1987

" " 1173 1174 1175 1876 1177 1178 1171 1180 1181 1112 1183 1184 1185 IllS I 117

-'

"-

~

()

J:

0

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ell N
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0

A Y\ r;J~rJI - ....~ ~ 0.
0

~ ~-

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ST ARTI NG DATE 72/ I /25

SAMPLE DATE

FIGURE 26 YELLOW RIVER
TOTAL PHOSPHORUS AT KILLIAN HILL ROAD
1972-1987

'97;) '874 1975 U76 U77 '878 U78 1980 1881 1982 '8n 1884 U85 1986 1987 U"
o

Q..

...J

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C)
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18 0

.... ....

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I

(J)

0

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tf)

to to
0 0

~
0

~ V1

~, t- ~

-- -- -

f-

f-Jlt. I J""A

l!

0

ST ARTI NG DATE 72/ I /25

S."MPLE DATE

FIGURE 27 YELLOW RIVER FECAL COLIFORM BACTERIAL DENSITY AT KILLIAN HILL ROAD
1972-1987

117;) 1174 1975 197. 1977 1978 1971 1980 1981 1982 19U 1914 1985 1916 1917 1111

..,

- 0 ...

X

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

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M

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SAMPLE DATE

....

STARTING DATE 72/1 /25

STATION 5
Station 5 was located at U.S. Highway 78, 3.1 miles and 5.9 miles downstream from Station 4 and the Yellow River/Sweetwater Creek WPCP, respectively. The river was 100 feet wide and varied in depth from 0.2 to 1.5 feet. The bottom was composed of sand which was overlain with 1 inch of silt in areas of slow water velocity. The water had an olive green tint. Very thin and sparse patches of periphyton, including the diatom, Melosira ~., were present.
Average N02+N03-N concentrations were higher than those at the control station, but were similar to the average concentration found at Station 4. The concentration of NH3-N in one sample (0.40 mg/D was elevated; however, in the other two samples, the concentrations were similar to those documented at the control station. The phosphorus concentration in one sample was higher than those measured in control station samples. Average BODS was less than at the control station. The average dissolved oxygen concentration was higher than at any station upstream, including the control station. Fecal coliform bacterial densities were low.
Macroinvertebrates colonized stones, leaves, and wood. The water velocity was moderate. Thirty-two species and 403 individual macroinvertebrates were collected. The macroinvertebrate community was diverse and no species or group predominated. The composition of the macroinvertebrate community was indicative of good water quality.
Data from water and macroinvertebrate samples were representative of good water quality. Applicable data were in accord with the criteria of the fishing water use classification. As was the case at the other stations located downstream of the WPCP discharges, N02+N03-N concentrations were greater than concentrations at the control station.
STATION 6
Station 6 was established at Annistown Road, 0.4 mile downstream from the Jacks Creek WPCP discharge and 2.9 miles downstream from Station 5. The river at this location varied in width from 75 to 150 feet and was greater than 4 feet deep. The bottom was composed of bedrock with numerous boulders and smaller stones. The water was tinted light brown. The filamentous green alga, Microspora ~., covered most submerged stones.
The average N02+N03-N concentration (4.40 mg/D was less than that for Station 5 (5.13 mg/D. More importantly, this reduction in N02+N03-N concentration was the beginning
of a decline which continued through Station 8 (Figure 13>' However, N02+N03-N concentra-
tions remained elevated at this station and contributed to the dense growths of algae.
51

The dissolved oxygen concentration remained high and fecal coliform bacterial densities were low. The NH3-N concentration (0.4 mg/D in the sample collected on October 4, 1987, was elevated at this station. The discharge monitoring report for the Jacks Creek WPCP for October, 1987, shows the effluent NH3-N concentration to be 0.1 mg as a monthly average for that month. A 24-hour composite sample collected during a compliance sampling inspection conducted by EPD at the facility on September 5-6, 1987, contained a NH3-N concentration of only 0.07 mg/I. This suggests that, even though the Jacks Creek WPCP discharge is a short distance upstream, it probably was not the primary source of the elevated NH3-N concentration in the sample collected at Station 6.
During the course of a water quality investigation of the Yellow River in 1977, a single sample was collected at this location. With the exception of a lower N02+N03-N concentration, data were similar to those for 1987 samples.
Macroinvertebrates were collected from stones, leaves and wood. Water velocities where macroinvertebrates were collected varied from pooled to very swift. Twenty-seven species represented by 279 individuals were collected. The macroinvertebrate community was diverse and typical of natural streams in this region. No effect of WPCP discharges on the composition of the macroinvertebrate community was detected.
In summary, water quality as represented by water and macroinvertebrate data was good and all applicable data were in accord with the fishing water use classification. Although elevated in comparison to that at the control station, the average N02+N03-N concentration at Station 6 was less than at Station S. A single NH3-N concentration was elevated. The macroinvertebrate community was typical of natural streams in the region. Data from a single water sample collected at a site in 1977 indicated that water quality at that time was not markedly different from that represented by 1987 data.
STATION 7
Station 7 was established on the Yellow River at Georgia Highway 124, 4.2 miles downstream from Station 6 and 4.6 miles downstream from the Jacks Creek WPCP discharge. The river at this location was 120 feet wide and 0.2 to 3 feet deep. The bottom was composed of bedrock overlain by sand and, in pools, by a layer of silt up to 2 inches thick. The water was tinted light brown. Very small and sparse patches of the blue-green alga, Lyngbya ~., were present as well as limited growths of the aquatic moss, Fissidens ~., and the riverweed, Podostemum ceratophyllum.
The average concentration of N02+N03-N continued to decline, but remained high in comparison to that at the control station. As was the case at most upstream stations, the NH3-N concentration was elevated in the sample collected on October 4, 1987. The average BODS concentration and the fecal coliform bacterial densities were as low as
52

or lower than those for control station samples. Dissolved oxygen concentrations were high; however, as a result of a deeper channel and reduced reaeration, dissolved oxygen concentrations declined in the region between Stations 6 and 9 (Figure 8>' Overall, data from water samples were very similar to those from samples collected at Station 6.
Macroinvertebrates colonized stones, leaves and wood. Water velocities where aquatic life was collected varied from pooled to swift. The macroinvertebrate community was composed of 29 species and 405 individuals. The aquatic life at this location was indicative of good water quality and was similar to that documented at Station 5.
Data from water and macroinvertebrate samples were representative of good water quality. Average N02+N03-N was reduced compared to that for Station 6. All applicable data were within the criteria of the fishing water use classification.
TRIBUTARY STATION -T-2 - -NO-BU-SI-NES-S-CR-EE-K
Station T -2 was situated on No Business Creek immediately downstream from Norris Lake, 0.1 mile upstream from the creek's confluence with the Yellow River and 1.5 miles downstream from Station 7. The only WPCP discharge upstream from this station, that of the No Business Creek WPCP at Snellvi lie, is 16 miles upstream.
Data from water samples collected at this station indicated that water quality was good (Table 7>' Concentrations of dissolved oxygen were high whereas those of BODS and N02+N03-N were low. Fecal coliform bacterial densities were very low.
STATION 8
Station 8 was established on the Yellow River at Pleasant Hill Road. This station is 3.7 mi les downstream of Station 7 and 8.3 mi les downstream from the Jacks Creek WPCP discharge. The stream was 120 feet wide and varied in depth from 1 to 5 feet. The bottom was composed of sand which, in eddies and pools, was covered with 1 to 3 inches of silt. The water was usually very turbid and was colored light tan. Sparse patches of the green alga, Spirogyra ~., were growing on submerged limbs.
Average concentrations of NH3-N and N02+N03-N continued to decline. The NH3-N concentrations were comparable to those at the control station (Figure 12>' The BODS concentrations and fecal coliform bacterial densities remained low. Although reduced in this region of diminished reaeration capacity, the dissolved oxygen concentrations were similar to those measured at the control station. As a result of construction activities upstream, the turbidity and suspended solids concentrations were high (Figures 10 and 11).
53

Metals in water and sediment samples were either undetected or present in concentrations at or below means derived from trend monitoring samples.
With the exception of a chlordane concentration of 21 ~g/kg, which probably resulted from urban runoff, organic compounds were undetected in sediment. Chlordane has also been measured in trend monitoring sediment samples collected from the South and Chattahoochee Rivers downstream from the Atlanta metropolitan area.
Macroinvertebrates were collected from wood and leaves. Water velocities were moderate in the region where aquatic life was collected. The macroinvertebrate community, which was composed of 31 species and 275 individuals, was representative of good long-term water quality. The aquatic life at this station was very similar to that exi~ting upstream at Stations 6 and 7.
In summary, data from water, sediment and macroinvertebrate samples indicated that water quality was good. All applicable data were in accord with the drinking water use classification.
STATION 9
Station 9 was located on the Yellow River at Georgia Highway 20, immediately downstream from the Conyers Water Intake. This station is 4.0 mi les downstream from Station 8 and 12.3 miles downstream from the Jacks Creek WPCP discharge. The river in this region is impounded to provide a pool from which the Conyers water supply can be withdrawn. At the highway bridge, the impoundment was approximately 200 feet wide and, because this site was 900 feet upstream from the dam, about 6 feet deep. The water at this location had a light tan color.
Data from low flow samples collected at this station indicated that water quality was good. As a result of one high value, the average concentration of N02+N03-N was slightly higher than at Station 8. Concentrations of NH3-N and BODS were low. Fecal coliform bacterial densities were very low. As was the case at Stations 7-8 dissolved oxygen concentrations were reduced due to the reduced reaeration capacity of the stream in this region. However, the dissolved oxygen concentrations were comparable to those measured at the control station.
A sample collected following a thunderstorm on November 10, 1987, contained a BODS concentration of 5.9 mg/l and a fecal coliform bacterial density of 7,900 MPN/100 ml. The increases in BODS concentrations and bacterial density were considered a consequence of runoff.
In water and sediment samples, metals were either undetected or were present in concentrations at or less than means derived from trend monitoring station samples.
54

No organic compounds were detected in water. In sediment, four naturally occurring organic compounds were detected. These compounds, acetone, methyl ethyl ketone, 2-hexanone and dimethyl sulfide are commonly measured in sediment containing decaying organic matter. Decaying leaves were plentiful in each replicate sediment sample. Two other organic compounds, chlordane and toluene, were detected in sediment. Chlordane is a pesticide and toluene is a component of petroleum fuels. Both of these compounds are occasionally measured in EPD trend monitoring sediment samples collected from streams downstream from the Atlanta area. Organic compounds are more often detected in sediment where an active stream enters an impounded area. When water velocity is reduced by the impoundment, suspended materials are settled and accumulate.
This station also is an EPD trend monitoring station and is sampled monthly. Data from samples collected in 1987 were representative of good water quality and were similar to data from samples collected for this investigation <Table 9>' However, one sample contained a fecal coliform bacterial density (4,900 MPN/100 ml) which marginally exceeded the criterion (4,000 MPN/100 ml) for the drinking water use classification.
Trend monitoring data, primarily from 1972 through 1987, are graphically presented in Figures 28 through 38. Concentrations of BODS and NH3-N have slightly increased since 1980, but remain low. Similarly, dissolved oxygen concentrations have slightly diminished since 1974, but remain high. As a result of the increased volume of total WPCP discharges upstream, conductivity and concentrations of N02+N03-N have substantially increased since 1980. The pH and concentrations of phosphorus have remained the same. Fecal coliform bacterial densities have slightly declined.
In summary, data from water and sediment samples were representative of good water quality. Probably as a result of urban runoff, one sample collected during this investigation and one trend monitoring sample collected in 1987 at this station contained fecal coliform bacterial densities which marginally exceeded the criterion for the drinking water use classification. All remaining applicable data were in accord with criteria. Trend monitoring data indicate that, although conductivity and N02+N03-N concentrations have increased since 1980, water quality at this location has been good.
TRIBUTARY STATION T-3 - BOAR TUSK CREEK
Station T -3 was established on Boar Tusk Creek at Boar Tusk Road near Conyers, 0.8 mile downstream from the Conyers Boar Tusk Creek WPCP discharge. At the time of this investigation, the Boar Tusk Creek WPCP discharged a poor quality effluent and, as a result, the water quality of Boar Tusk Creek was poor. However, as described below, this problem has been resolved.
55

TABLE 9 1987 TRElfD '....TORING DATA Yellow River - Conyers Water Intake
STATION 04210001

DATE
118/87 213/87 3/3/87 4/7/87 5/6/87 6/3/87 7/9/87 8/5/87 9/3/87 10/8/87 lT1 11/5/87
(j'I
12/3/87

IlATER AIR

T. ALI

TEll'

TEll'

D. o. TURB CONDUCTIVITY B005

pH

LAB pH CaC03

TIllE (CEIlT) (CEIlT) (II!I/I) (FlU) (MICRlIItO)

(II!I/I) (SIl) (SIl) (!I!I{1 )

0845

5.0

6.0

11.6

10

110

1.0

7.1

7.1

26

1045

7.5

15.0

10.6

22

88

1.0

7.1

6.9

20

1030

7.0

16.0

11.2

70

59

1.3

6.8

6.8

15

0800 10.5

10.0

9.~

13

94

0.6

7.1

7.1

22

0900 17.0

18.5

7. '"

11

115

1.4

7.5

7.2

28

1430 24.5

35.0

7.8

12

0.9

7.5

32

1130 26.0

31. 5

6.3

34

130

1.1

7.3

7.3

30

0840 25.0

26.5

6.0

27

139

2.1

7.0

7.3

27

0815 22.0

18.0

6.3

25

255

1.2

7.3

7.4

41

1100 13.0

J.9.0

8.1

10

234

1.1

7.4

7.2

40

1055 15.0

23,0

7.0

6

215

1.0

7.0

7.2

42

0945

6.0

7.5

10.2

10

169

1.8

7.4

7.1

38

N":rNH4 .-TOTAL (_gil)
.17 .13 .11 .05 .10 <.02 .06 .14 .12 .07 .10 .12

NOztfI03 .-TOTAL (_gIl)
1.22 .75 .62 1.00 1.05 1.27 1.13 1.34 2.08 4.75 3.30 2.30

PHOS-TDTAL T. ORC. C

(!I!I/l )

(II!I/I)

.04

2.2

.04

3.3

.05

1.9

.03

1.9

.05

2.8

.04

2.8

.03

4.4

.04

13.3

.10

4.6

.11

3.7

.05

11.9

.07

2.4

FECAL COLI
(11'11)

COLOR (PT-CO "ITS)

RESIDUE TOT-.FLT
(-g{1 )

50 490

130 515 230 330 4900

330 40 155

FIGURE 28 YELLOW RIVER STREAMFLOW AT CONYERS WATER INTAKE
1976-1986

.Noo..

1877

1878

187.

18'0

1811

18'2

18n

18'4

18'5

'8'8

18'7

'118

(I) ,g..,.
U-
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(I)
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01

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N

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o

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A ~ ,~

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STARTING DATE 76/1 /12

SAMPLE DATE

FIGURE 29 YELLOW RIVER WATER TEMPERATURE AT CONYERS WATER INTAKE
1974-1987

1173 1174 1975 1.7. 1977 117. U78 1.80 U81 U82 1183 1.84 U85 118. 1187 U.I

N

..,.

I-

N

Z

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o
STARTING DATE 72/1 /25

SAMPLE DATE

FIGURE 30 YELLOW RIVER YELLOW RIVER DISSOLVED OXYGEN CONCENTRATIONS AT CONYERS WATER INTAKE
1974-1987

1173 1174 1175 1976 19n 1178 1979 1180 1881 1982 1983 1184 1985 1186 1187 1111
-

-J

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oo

o

STARTING DATE 7?/1 /;>5

SAMPLE DATE

FIGURE 31 YELLOW RIVER BODS AT CONYERS WATER INTAKE
1974-1987

1173 1174 1875 117. U77 1178 187t 1180 1181 1912 1183 1114 1115 1118 1117 1118

....
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ST ART I NG DATE 72/1 /25

SAMPLE DATE

FIGURE 32 YELLOW RIVER CONDUCTIVITY AT CONYERS WATER INTAKE
1974-1987

1813 1114 1915 181a 1811 1818 1918 1180 1181 U82 1983 1884 1885 188& 18'1 1.88

.0..
N

0

:I:

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Q
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a
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-.......

STARTING DATE 72/1 /25

S...MPlE DATE

FIGURE 33 YELLOW RIVER LAB pH AT CONYERS WATER INTAKE
1974-1987

1174

1875

1976

1977

1178

1971

1180

1181

1882

1883

1184

1185

1811

. .11

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~ ,rJ r-v- A1J r... ~ 16 4 Ifl- I~

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m<
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o o''It o
o
ST ART I NG DATE 7J/7 120

SAMPLE DATE

FIGURE 34 YELLOW RIVER
TURBIDITY AT CONYERS WATER INTAKE
1974-1987

187J 1874 1875 1876 1977 1978 U78 1980 1881 1882 188J IH4 181S 1886 1887 IHI

0
Inn

:::>

~
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0
n0

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W

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ct:

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ST ARTI NG DATE 72/1 /25

SAMPLE DATE

FIGURE 35 YELLOW RIVER
NH3+NH4-N AT CONYERS WATER INTAKE
1974-1987

1173 1174 1975 1978 1977 1978 1978 1980 1981 1882 lin 1884 1985 1986 1987 188.
40
II)
0

....

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0

C)
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+

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0

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I_A/u t l)l~~~ I..~

A
-"

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\

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eM ~



START JNG DATE 72/1 /25

SAMPLf DATE

FIGURE 36 YELLOW RIVER
N02+N03-N AT CONYERS WATER INTAKE
1974-1987

.... 1873 1974 1175 1976 187 7 1978 1Uti 1880 1981 1182 UU U84 11185 1116 1887
to
In

......J.

Ito

C)

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Z


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ell

N

to

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0

-- .- .1 . ~~J t- "1 ~ ~ ............. ,AI~ 1.\. .... III ..

~ ai ~t~ ~

t I- - -

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J

l~ ~-

'~il

~~

~~

START I NG DATE 72'1 /25

SAMPLE DATE

FIGURE 37 YELLOW RIVER TOTAL PHOSPHORUS AT CONYERS WATER INTAKE
1974-1987

lSl7J 187. 1lt75 197. 1877 1878 1878 1980 1981 1882 198J 1184 1985 198. 1987 ..88 o

Q..

..J
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0

0

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lI')
CD CD 0 0
0
0

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.~ ty',J. ~

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~ ~ ......... ~ rl............

Sf ARTI NG DATE 72/1 /25

SAMPLE DATE

FIGURE 38 YELLOW RIVER FECAL COLIFORM BACTERIAL DENSITY AT CONYERS WATER INTAKE
1974-1987

117;) 1174 1975 1976 1177 1978 1979 1980 1181 1982 IIU 1184 1185 1181 1187 1188

I')
0 ... .-
X

-J

1:

0 0

N. -

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0' '-J

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~
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l- I-
~

fj I-

ST ART I NG DATE 72/1 /25

SAMPLE DATE

The stream was 6 to 8 feet wide and 0.1 to 1.0 foot deep. The stream bottom was composed of bedrock with loose stones. The water was colored gray and had the odor of sewage. The streambed and all submerged objects were covered with thick growths
of the green filamentous alga, Mougeotia 2..
Data from water samples indicated that water quality was poor. The average concentrations for BODS, NH3-N and phosphorus were 7.0 mg/I, 3.78 mg/I and 3.28 mg/I, respectively. The fecal coliform bacterial densities in two of the samples were 1,300,000 and 330,000 MPN/100 ml and exceeded the 4,000 MPN/100 ml criterion of the fishing water use classification. One dissolved oxygen concentration (3.3 mg/I at 24.S 0 C) was less than the one-time minimum criterion of 4.0 mg/I.
Macroinvertebrate habitats consisted of stones, wood, leaves and the mats of algae. Only four species of macro invertebrates were collected. Of the 333 individuals collected,
237 were larvae of the midge, Chironomous 2.., also known as "blood worms." The other
macroinvertebrates present were fly larvae and pulmonate snails. Far more Chironomous
2.. larvae were present than is represented in the sample. Their estimated density was
300/square foot. All species present were among those that thrive in environmentally stressed conditions.
Data from water and macroinvertebrate samples indicated that water quality was poor. In some samples, dissolved oxygen concentrations and fecal coliform bacterial densities were not in accord with the criteria of the fishing water use classification.
The cause of the deteriorated water quality at this station was the poor quality effluent discharged upstream by the Conyers Boar Tusk Creek WPCP. This facility was eliminated in October, 1987 and the wastewaters previously treated there are now treated at a modern treatment facility, the Conyers Quiggs Branch WPCP. The closing of the old facility and the start-up of the new facility are discussed in more detail in the Water Pollution Control Plant section of this report.
STATION 10
Station 10 was established on the Yellow River at Gees Mill Road, 4.7 miles downstream from Station 9 and 3.2 miles downstream from the confluence of the river and Boar Tusk Creek. The river was 130 feet wide and 0.5 to 1.0 foot deep. The streambed was composed of shifting sand overlain with silt in eddies and pools. The water was tinted light tan. No algae or other periphyton were observed.
Data from water samples indicated that water quality was good. The average N02+N03-N concentration was less than at Station 9, whereas the average dissolved oxygen concentration increased. The NH3-N average concentration was unchanged. Fecal coliform densities were very low.
68

Macroinvertebrates were collected from wood and leaf habitats. Thirty-three species and 357 individuals were collected. The community was diverse with all major groups of aquatic macroinvertebrates represented. The composition of the macroinvertebrate community was indicative of good long-term water quality.
Data from water and macroinvertebrate samples were representative of good water quality. All applicable data were in accord with the drinking water use classification.
TRIBUTARY STATION T-4 - BIG HAYNES CREEK
Station T -4 was located on Big Haynes Creek at Georgia Highway 20, 5.0 mi les downstream from the Big Haynes Creek WPCP (0.5 MGD). This station was established to document present conditions to which data from future samples may be compared. The stream was 10 feet wide and 0.2 to 1.5 feet deep. The bottom was composed of bedrock.
The water was clear and colorless. The filamentous green alga, Microspora 32.., was in
abundance on the streambed and submerged objects. One set of water samples was collected and the data derived indicated that the
water was of good quality. The dissolved oxygen concentration was high (9.2 mg/l at 14.0C) whereas concentrations of BODS (1.6 mg/D, NH3-N <0.07 mg/D and the fecal coliform bacterial density (230 MPN/100 mD were low. The elevated concentrations of N02+N03-N (1.31 mg/D and phosphorus <0.34 mg/D were residual effects of the Big Haynes Creek WPCP discharge.
Macroinvertebrates colonized stones, wood and leaves. Twenty-nine species, represented by 282 individuals were collected. The community composition was that usually associated with natural streams in this region.
Data from water and macroinvertebrate samples were representative of good water quality. All applicable data were within the criteria of the fishing water use classification.
TRIBUTARY STATION T-5 - BIG HAYNES CREEK
Station T-5 was located on Big Haynes Creek at Costley Mill Road, 11 miles downstream from Station T-4 and 0.8 mile upstream from the confluence of the creek with the Yellow River. The creek is a swamp stream in this region; hence, the water had the amber color common to swamp water.
Data from water samples indicated that water quality was good. The average dissolved oxygen concentration was high (6.8 mg/D whereas the average concentrations for BODS (1.7 mg/D, NH3-N <0.5 mg/D and N02+N03-N <0.31 mg/D were low. The fecal coliform bacterial densities (110, 330 and 80 MPN/100 mD were low.
69

Data from water samples were indicative of good water quality. All applicable data were in accord with the criteria of the fishing water use classification.
STATION 11
Station 11 was established on the Yellow River at the Porterdale Water Intake, 11.0 miles downstream from Station 10 and 9.9 miles downstream from the confluence of the river with Big Haynes Creek. The river was 180 feet wide and approximately 8 feet deep. The water was light brown in color. This region of the river was impounded by a low head dam used for hydroelectric power generation.
Data from water samples were representative of good water quality. Dissolved oxygen concentrations were high. The average concentration of N02+N03-N was reduced from that at Station 10. Average NH3-N concentrations were low as were fecal coliform bacterial densities. However, as a result of construction and other soil destabilizing activity in the region, average turbidity and suspended solids values were higher than those at most river stations.
In water and sediment samples, metals were either undetected or present in concentrations comparable to those in EPD trend monitoring samples collected downstream from urban areas. Organic compounds were undetected in the water and sediment.
Aquatic life was collected at Cedar Shoals, 0.4 mile downstream of the impoundment at Porterdale. The bedrock streambed was 500 feet wide. Between periods of power generation the water was 0.5 to 3 feet deep and water velocities were moderate to swift. Velocity was very swift during period of power generation. Algal periphyton, mostly pennate diatoms, was very abundant on stones. Macroinvertebrates colonized stones and very limited leaf and wood habitats. Twenty-six species represented by 223 macroinvertebrates were collected. Although individuals of those species especially adapted for withstanding water of very swift velocities were very numerous, the macroinvertebrate community was balanced and was indicative of water of good quality.
In summary, data from water, sediment and macroinvertebrate samples were representative of good water quality. Applicable data were in accord with the criteria of the drinking water use classification.
TRIBUTARY STATION T-6 - DRIED INDIAN CREEK
Station T-6 was located on Dried Indian Creek at Flat Shoals Road, 3 miles downstream from Covington. The drainage area of this stream consists mostly of the City of Covington and a regional wastewater land application system. The stream was 5 to
70

10 feet wide and varied from 0.1 -2.0 feet in depth. The water was clear and colorless. Dense growths of algae, primarily diatoms, were present on stones.
Data from water samples were generally indicative of good water quality. Average values for BODS (1.0 mg/D and suspended solids (18 mg/D were low. Fecal coliform bacterial densities were low (490, 490 and 230 MPN/100 mD. The average dissolved oxygen concentration <7.1 mg/D was high (Table 7). In the sample collected on September 20, 1987, the concentrations of NH3-N <0.53 mg/l), N02+N03-N <3.90 mg/D, and phosphorus <0.17 mg/D were higher than those for the other samples. No rainfall had recently occurred and the water was clear; hence, it is unlikely that the sample contained stormwater runoff.
Macroinvertebrates were collected from stones, wood and leaves. Water velocities were moderate to swift. The macroinvertebrate community of 13 speci.es and 101 individuals was typical of an urban stream which does not receive point discharges of organic wastewaters. The greatest influence on aquatic life in such streams is the physical effects of high velocity flows following rainfall. Most organisms collected at this site were well adapted to withstand very swift flows by their body shape and ability to cling to substrates. Others, the dragonfly nymphs and crayfishes, live in bank undercuts and out of the full force of floodwaters.
Data from water and macroinvertebrate samples indicate that water quality was good and all applicable data were within the criteria of the fishing water use classification.
STATION 12
Station 12 was established on the Yellow River at Rocky Plain Road, 6.4 miles downstream from Station 11 and 2.8 miles downstream from the confluence of the river and Dried Indian Creek. The river at this location was 130 feet wide and 0.5 to 1.0 foot deep when hydroelectric power was not being generated upstream at Porterdale. When power was generated the depth increased to 3 to 4 feet. The streambed was composed of shifting sand. The water was clear and colorless. The sparse algal periphyton was composed of a variety of diatom species.
Data from water samples were representative of good water quality. The average N02+N03-N concentration was, with the exception of the control station, substantially lower than the average concentrations for the upper and middle river stations. The average concentrations of NH3-N and BODS were low. Fecal coliform bacterial densities were also low. Dissolved oxygen concentrations were high. Suspended solids concentrations and turbidity were reduced from those at Station 11.
Macroinvertebrates colonized wood and leaves; no stones were present. The water velocity was moderate. The increase in water velocity during power generation was
71

minimal. Thirty-one species, represented by 330 individuals were collected. Although the habitats at this station were not abundant or varied, the composition of the macroinvertebrate community was diverse and well balanced and typical of natural streams of this region.
In summary, data from water and macroinvertebrate samples were indicative of good water quality. All data were in accord with the fishing water use classification.
STATION 13
Station 13 was located on the Yellow River at Georgia Highway 212, 10.2 miles downstream from Porterdale and 3.8 miles downstream from Station 12. Between periods of hydroelectric power generation at Porterdale, the stream at this station was 0.5 to 1.0 foot deep. During releases of water from the dam for power generation, the depth increased to 3 to 4 feet. The stream width was approximately 130 feet. The bottom was composed of shifting sand. The water was clear and colorless. Sparse growths of diatoms had accumulated on submerged limbs.
In water samples, the average concentrations of N02+N03-N, NH3-N, BODS and dissolved oxygen were similar to those from Station 12. One fecal coliform bacterial density, 7,900 MPN/100 ml, exceeded the criterion of the fishing water use classification. The densities in the other two samples were 490 and 80 MPN/100 mi.
This station is also an EPD trend monitoring station. During 1987, data from trend monitoring samples were indicative of good water quality (Table 10), One fecal coliform bacterial density, 4,900 MPN/100 ml, marginally exceeded the criterion of the fishing water use classification.
Data from trend monitoring samples collected at this location from 1972 to 1987 are presented graphically in Figures 39 through 50. During that period, values for dissolved oxygen, BODS, pH, turbidity, suspended solids, and fecal coliform bacteria did not change substantially. Values have increased for conductivity (beginning in 1981), NH3-N (beginning in 1984) and N02+N03-N (during 1986 and 1987), The elevation of these values is probably related to the increased volume of upstream WPCP discharges, the rapid development which occurred in the watershed during that period and lower streamflows during the 1980s.
Macroinvertebrates were collected from sparse amounts of wood and leaves; no stones were present. The water velocity was moderate with only a slight increase during periods of power generation at Porterdale. Twenty-eight species, represented by 190 individuals, were collected. Although habitats were sparse, the community was diverse and well balanced. The aquatic life was indicative of good long term water quality.
72

TABLE 10 1987 TIlEJID 1l01llTORI1I6 DIITA Yellow Rfver - Georgfa Hfghway 212
Statfon 04220001

WATER AIR

T. ALit. IIH3+IIH4 1102+1103 PHOS

FECAL RESIOOE TOT COO

COLOR

lE... TEIF D.O. lURB. ClICOOCTlVITY BOOs pH LAB pH CaCo3 II-TOTAL II-TOTAL TOTAL T. ORG. C. COLI TOT-IIFlT UEL-II LOll LEVEL (PT-CO

DIllE

TIlE (COO) (CEllI) (-g{1 ) (nU) (1lICR<HtO)

(!I!I/l) (SU) (SU) (-g{1 ) (II!I/l) (-g{1 ) (1I!II1) (-gl1 )

(1FIl) (1I!I{1 ) (!I!I/l) (!I!I/l) UIIITS)

1/8/87 1045 5.0

8.5 12.2

9

83

2/3/87 1215 7.5 17 .0 10.6

18

69

3/3/87 1145 8.0 17.0 11.0

65

45

3/23/87 1011 13.5 20.0

9.3

11

73

4/7/87 0930 11.0 13.0

9.9

14

72

5/6/87 1015 17.5 19.5

7.8

11

88

5/21/87 1015 24.0 27.0

6.4

45

80

5/21/87 1215 19.9

15

63

6/3/87 1545 26.5 30.5

6.9

9

110

'J 6/29/87 0945 23.8 27.5

6.8

33

84

W 7/9/87

1245 26.5

36.0

6.9

18

95

7/29/87 0803 26.0

6.0

10

137

8/5/87 0950 25.0 28.0

6.4

46

111

8/24/87 1038 18.0 19.5

7.4

13

166

9/3/87 1215 25.0

7.4

10

168

10/8/87 0945 12.0 15.5

8.9

11

149

11/5/87 1215 16.0 27.0

9.2

4

146

12/3/87 1120 6.0 15.0 11.2

9

119

1.4 7.3 7.1

22

.08

.86

.03

3.9

130

6

1.7 7.2 6.8

16

.08

.56

.06

2.8

640

16

.9 6.7 6.6

10

<.02

.38

.04

4.7

45

7.0

17

.15

.67

.03

230

24

.1

.7 7.0 7.1

17

.06

.68

.03

1.8

230

13

1.0 7.1 7.0

22

.10

.79

.06

3.8

1700

21

7.1

20

.02

.74

.03

1700

59

.6

6.8 6.7

22

.36

<.02

.03

12

.8 7.3 7.4

28

<.02

.39

.04

1.7

80

9

7.0

17

.06

.56

.04

630

32

.4

110

.7 7.3 7.2

23

.04

.78

.05

3.6

3100

30

7.2

31

.15

.10

.08

3300

27

2.0 7.2 7.4

23

.05

1.02

.07

9.3

100

7.2

35

.04

1.10

.05

790

20

.3

.9 7.4 7.5

36

.08

.89

.09

2.6

4900

.3

5.3

1.2 7.3 7.2

33

.04

1.72

.05

2.8

330

7

.4

8.4

0.9 7.4 7.2

38

.03

.99

.04

7.9

450

17

<.1

6.8

1.4 7.3 7.5

28

.08

1.14

.09

2.7

330

5

.5

1.0

FIGURE 39 YELLOW RIVER STREAMFLOW AT GEORGIA HIGHWAY 212
1976-1986

o.No..

1871

1978

19711

1980

1981

1982

1183

1984

11185

li88

li87

1888

0

0

(I)

10

1L.

f')

0
..I..

(I)

.z...

0 0 0

f')

'J

~

. ...0

:3

0

0

N

...J

1L.

0
-0

I.c:

~~

UJ
.0.:.:.:
(I) U)
ooo

0
-0
N
o

-

1 ,... ~

v-- ~ ~

I ...

D-- , ~- .~

f-- _ ~Ir-
I

'"""

V V ~w

~ Vl

\

I-- __

~ ~

~ \}v

START I NG DATE 76/1 /12

FIGURE 40 YELLOW RIVER WATER TEMPERATURE AT GEORGIA HIGHWAY 212
1973-1987

N

....

...
N

Z

UJ

U

1173 1174 U75 117. 1171 1118 UTI 1180 1181 '182 1183 1184 1185 '18' 1181 '1'8

~

~
~
t

,~

~

0 N 'J VI

-... Q..
1:
.U..J.

-

I- r- -I-

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'- ~'- 1-- f-""'-

--

~ -I- l- I- - l- I-- 1--1_

-N

0:::

.U..J.

-<

3



o ... ooo
o
ST ARTI NG DATE 72/1 /25

SAMPLE DATE

FIGURE 41 YELLOW RIVER DISSOLVED OXYGEN AT GEORGIA HIGHWAY 212
1973-1987

ISl73 ISl74 ISl75 1971 tin tl71 1979 1910 , SlI' tl82 1113 1184 1115 till tl87 1188
-

..J

-N

"-
(!)
1:

~

'-J 0'\

-0

t
- f-f-~ f-. ..;

~

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I-- 1-

,.. I-- 1-1-

,
r~,
f-- :.... ,...-- i- I- .:



.. ~t ~,

~
V

\~
~

1 ~ \ ~

co

o

N

o

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oo

o

ST ART I NG DATE 72/1 /25

SAMPLE DATE

FIGURE 42 YELLOW RIVER BODS AT GEORGIA HIGHWAY 212
1973-1987

.
I/)

-J

"-
C)
I:

.I/)

.... U7J U74 1975 U7& 1977 1978 U7. 1980 1981 U82 un 1184 1915

1987 1988

'-J

'J

..I.I,I

><-

0

l/')
....

(II

oo
CD

.Gl
,o., o

oo

o

o

~ .-m-

~

-
't

~ ~1 ~

... ~- --l- J

; 1 ~

~~~

Ij

.-
~

~

~'-

~
~

..

ST ART I NG DATE 72/1 /25

SAMPLE DATE

FIGURE 43 YELLOW RIVER CONDUCTIVITY AT GEORGIA HIGHWAY 212
1973-1987

1173 1174 1175 1976 1177 1178 1171 1180 U81 1982 lin 1184 1185 1186 1187 ..88

o0r
N

0
~
:J:

0

0

0::
.0...

0 N

:J:

'-J

0::

0

-0
10

If)

N

I-
<
-0
N

>-
>

I-

0
a:z:>

0 II

0

o0r
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0 0 0
0

-~ ~r ~~: ~ V 11

h1.1\
~ -1& '

~

, -l.1- 1-1

-

~
'j I-
- f~

~ ~ l-~
r.l

~~

STARQNG DATE 72/1 /25

S.a.MPLE DATE

FIGURE 44 YELLOW RIVER LAB pH AT GEORGIA HIGHWAY 212
1973-1987
1174 1875 1976 1177 1178 1171 1180 118. 1182 .183 14 IllS 1.1. .117 .188


:z::
0..

Q.)
-<
oJ
,."
oov
o
o
ST ART) NG DATE 73/7 120

SAMPLE DATE

FIGURE 45 YELLOW RIVER TURBIDITY AT GEORGIA HIGHWAY 212
1973-1987

187J 1174 1975 1976 1977 1978 1979 1980 1981 1982 1983 1984 1185 lil6 1187 1988
..,0
II)

.:.:..J.
ll. .00.,

::I:
0<
::I:

0

():)

II)

0

C\I

.0..:.:.

-1:
0
m

0 0 C\I

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-0
II)

m

0::

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-0
0

U)

~

"aaa'-

o

~ In ~~ 'A~ ,

of

WJ
~

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~. ~

~

~

- ~~ ~ r\A ~ Jl

~

I ' ~,

t-
-. -I It

STARTING DATE 72.'1 /25

SAMPLE DATE

FIGURE 46 YELLOW RIVER SUSPENDED SOLIDS (RESIDUE) AT GEORGIA HIGHWAY 212
1973-1987

1173 1174 1175 1176 1177 1178 1171 1180 1181 U82 lin 1884 1185 1186 1117 U88 o
N

...J

0-

"C)

~

-0
IIJ CO

--1

.....

...J

IJ. Z
.....

-0
N

.0....

0.,.

UJ

-::>
0
(J)

.0.

UJ

Ir

,0.,
0
I") II')
0 0
0

- - t - - f-- _ r--_

UI

....

~ ..

- r- _
~~

tfA I
.....

~

~
rv, ~ lI..t.c \ '8.

STARTING DATE 72/4 /18

SAMPLE DATE

FIGURE 47 YELLOW RIVER
NH3+NH4-N AT GEORGIA HIGHWAY 212 1973-1987

1113 1174 1175 1976 1977 1978 1179 1980 1181 1982 lin 1884 1185 1886 1887 1188
u
II)
0



-J

0

"C)
1:

0
0

0' N

<-J .N.,

~
0

0

~

Z
N

0

I

V

:I:

Z
+
I")

-lG

:I:

0

Z

0

0

0

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0

0

0
0
0

j

~
...

~-IO .r<!

b~l t

~-...-. r

~

~ f ...- -, 1- - I-
~ L~~ ~~

~~

~ j

ST ART! NG DATE 72/1 /25

SAMPLE DATE

FIGURE 48 YELLOW RIVER N02+N03-N AT GEORGIA HIGHWAY 212
1973-1987

1173 ISt74 lSt7S I St7, 1177 ISt"1 1I7St 1110 I Stll 1112 1183 I StU lltl5 118. 1117 1118
lD
II)

-oJ
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...

I:

.0.,
00 W

<-oJ

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0
~

N
I')

I

Z

..,

N

I")

0 Z

e(J

N 0

lD I-

Z



0

0

I")

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0

0
0

0

~ ..... J"~~ 1r ~ A4 'aJ

~" ..A.~,...-....

1. !
-Jr.)f~

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1~

Ii

:

;.
}

y'

~l

W4

j

~
,

START 1NG DATE 72/1 /25

SAMPLE DATE

FIGURE 49 YELLOW RIVER TOTAL PHOSPHORUS AT GEORGIA HIGHWAY 212
1973-1987
1973 1974 1975 197. 1977 U78 1971 1980 1981 1982 un U8.. 1985 198. 1117 ..88
o

o

.... ... .e... 0
I (I)
e:z::
0-
.N
0

I/)

CD

eCD

0

0

0

!J ~

~I-

-~ 14

~~

~ ~ ~\

~~ J l _
~ 'lWl'

~~

~~ M~,

4

~

.
~,

~

ST ARTI NG DATE 72/1 /25

SAMPLE DATE

FIGURE 50 YELLOW RIVER FECAL COLIFORM BACTERIAL DENSITY AT GEORGIA HIGHWAY 212
1973-1987

1173 '974 '975 197. 1977 1978 1979 1980 1981 1982 1983 1984 1985 198. '9S7 '''S

I')

0 .-..

0

X

0

~

(V)

~

O"l

1: 0 0

-N

I

(V)

.......

...... "-

O"l

N

~

-0

.0"..-.
i<

<'11

C

l&J

1:

0

l&J Z 0-



1:

- lD
~
0 0

0 l&J

...

U.

0

0

0

0

0

~

0
..,.~
(W)

....0
(W)

0 0 0
~
(W)

(W)

I

I

I

N

0

00

..,.

.0...0....
.,.e.......n......

.N"..-.
........
.0..0

."0.,0-.
..e"n-

o

.1 -

-

"~

1m- - r-- - I-- _
~ ~~ Jt-.. V ~~iM ~ ~-J ~ ~

ST ART I NG DATE 72/1 /25

SAMPLE DATE

Data from water and macroinvertebrate samples collected during the investigation and for EPD trend monitoring were representative of good water quality. Two samples, including one trend monitoring sample, contained fecal coliform bacterial densities which marginally exceeded the criterion for the fishing water use classification.
STATION 14
Station 14 was established on the Yellow River at Georgia Highway 36, 2.8 miles downstream from Station 13 and 0.3 mile upstream from Jackson Lake. Although a large channel was distinct, the river was bordered by swamps.
Data from water samples indicated that water quality was good at this station. Average concentrations for N02+N03-N, and NH3-N were similar to those at stations upstream. Fecal coliform bacterial densities were very low. Compared to those at Station 13, average values for BODS, suspended solids and turbidity were up and dissolved oxygen concentrations were down; however, this was a natural effect of the swamps bordering the river in this region.
Metals in water and sediment samples were either undetected or present in concentrations comparable to mean concentrations in EPD trend monitoring samples. No organic compounds were detected in water. The only organic compounds detected in sediment were chlordane and 2-hexanone. As previously explained, chlordane, a pesticide, is also occasionally detected in trend monitoring sediment samples collected from the South and Chattahoochee Rivers downstream from the Atlanta area. Chlordane probably enters these streams as runoff. As previously explained, 2-hexanone is a product of organic decay and is commonly measured in sediment.
Data from water and sediment samples were representative of good water quality at this station. All applicable data were in accord with the criteria of the fishing water use classification.
86

CONCLUSIONS
A water quality investigation of the Yellow River from Lilburn, Georgia to Lake Jackson was conducted from August to November 1987, to document present water quality. Critical low flow conditions existed during the investigation. Stream samples were collected for routine water quality characteristics, metals in water and sediment, organic compounds in water and sediment and aquatic life. Compliance Sampling Inspections were conducted at four of the major Water Pollution Control Plants (WPCPs) in the study area. After the completion of the investigation the following conclusions were derived.
1. Water quality was good in the Yellow River throughout its length. Dissolved oxygen concentrations were high. Although sometimes elevated compared to the control station, values for fecal coliform bacteria, BODS, NH3-N and phosphorus were usually low downstream from WPCPs.
2. The only parameters whose values substantially changed as a result of WPCP discharges were N02+N03-N and conductivity; the values for these parameters were elevated downstream of the WPCP discharges and remained so for the remainder of the river's length.
3. Organic compounds, such as pesticides and solvents, were undetected in all water samples. Organic compounds were usually undetected in sediment. However, as a result of urban runoff, some organic compounds were detected. These were present in concentrations similar to those occasionally measured in EPD trend monitoring sediment samples collected from the South and Chattahoochee Rivers downstream from the Atlanta area.
4. Metals in water and sediment samples were either undetected or present in concentrations commonly measured in EPD trend monitoring samples collected from the South and Chattahoochee Rivers downstream from the Atlanta area. As a result of urban runoff, some metals concentrations in water and in sediment were higher than natural levels.
5. In water samples collected following rainfall, values for BODS, some metals, and fecal coliform bacteria were increased. These increases were within the range expected for a stream receiving urban runoff.
87

6. In some water samples collected following rainfall, the suspended solids concentration and turbidity were greatly increased as a result of si It suspended in the stream.
7. Macroinvertebrate streamlife was indicative of good long-term water quality at all river stations where aquatic life was collected.
8. Data collected since 1972 at three trend monitoring stations on the Yellow River indicated that water quality has been good since that time. Values for BODS, NH3-N, N02+N03-N, phosphorus and conductivity have increased as a result of the increase in volume of WPCP discharge.
9. Sweetwater Creek, No Business Creek, Big Haynes Creek, and Dried Indian Creek were sampled near their respective confluences with the Yellow River. Each of these tributaries had water of good quality. However, Sweetwater Creek had elevated N02+N03-N and phosphorus concentrations and Dried Indian Creek aquatic life was adversely affected by urban stormwater runoff from the Covington area.
10. Four of the five major wastewater treatment facilities included in the investigation were operating within NPDES Permit limits. The exception was the City of Conyers Boar Tusk Creek WPCP, which has since been eliminated from service.
11. As a result of the discharge of poorly treated wastewater by the Boar Tusk WPCP, the water quality of Boar Tusk Creek was poor. However, as this investigation was being terminated, this facility was taken out of service and the wastewaters previously treated at this facility were diverted to the new Quiggs Branch WPCP. Wastewater treatment at the new facility has been very good.
88

()
Im
~ :>
() "'0
:r> z~
:tm~ 0 X
oo
VI

PROCEDURAL INFORMATION KEY TO REFERENCES USED IN ANALYSES 1. EPA Method 200.7 - "Inductively Coupled Plasma - Atomic Emission Spectrometric - - Method For trace Element Analysis of Water And Wastes." 2. Interim Methods For The Sampling And Analysis Of Priority Pollutants In Sediment And Fish Tissue, Environmental Protection Agency, Environmental Monitoring and Support Lab, Cincinnati, Ohio 45268. 3. Methods of Chemical Analysis of Water and Waste, 1979, Environmental Protection Agency, Cincinnati, Ohio. 4. Standard Methods For The Examination Of Water And Wastewater, 15th Ed., 1980, American Public Health Association, Inc., New York.
90

PROCEDURAL INFORMTION ROOTINE WATER ANALYSIS

Detenllination

Units

Method

HinilllUll Detectable Value

Total Organic Carbon Alkalinity Hardness Turbidity Color Total Solids Fecal Coliform Dissolved Oxygen Specific Conductivity Biochemical Oxygen Demand pH Suspended Solids Ammonia Nitrogen Nitrite-Nitrate Nitrogen Phosphorus Chemical Oxygen Demand

(C) mg/l (CaC03) mg/l (CaC03) mg/l NTU APHA units mg/l MPN/100 ml mg/l IJIllho/cm @25C mg/l pH units mg/l mg/l mg/l mg/l mg/l

Combustion r-R Potentiometric with 0.2N H2SO4 EDTA- T i t r a t i o n Nephelometer Color Comparison Total Residue Multiple Tube Dilution YSr D.O. Meter Conductivity Meter 5 days @20C Potentiometric Non-Filterable Residue Alkaline Phenolate Cu-Cd Reduction Ascorbic Acid Reduction Oxidation-Chromic Acid

1 1 1 0.1 5 1 30 0.1 2 0.1 0.1 1 0.02 0.02 0.02 5

Reference
3 4 4 3 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 3 3 4

Ele.ent/ COIIpound
Ag Al As Ba Be Cd Co Cr Cu Fe Mn Ni Pb Sb Se Sn Ti
V
Zn Ca
K
Mg Na

ANALYSIS OF METALS IN WATER AND SEDIMENT

Method

Units Water

Mini_ Detectable Value-Water

Units, Sedi.ent

Her Digestion, rcp

Ilg/ l

Hcr Digestion, rcp

Ilg/l

Hcr Digestion, rcp

Ilg/ l

Hcr Digestion, rcp

Ilg/l

HCr Digestion, rcp

Ilg/l

Hcr Digestion, rcp

Ilg/l

Hcr Digestion, rcp

Ilg/l

Hcr Digestion, rcp

Ilg/l

HCr Digestion, rcp

Ilg/ l

Hcr Digestion, rcp

Ilg/l

Hcr Digestion, rcp

Ilg/ l

HCr Digestion, rcp

Ilg/ l

HCr Digestion, rcp

Ilg/ l

HCr Digestion, rcp

Ilg/ l

Hcr Digestion, rcp

Ilg/ l

Hcr Digestion, rcp

Ilg/l

Hcr Digestion, rcp

Ilg/l

HCr Digestion, rcp

Ilg/ l

Hcr Digestion, rcp

Ilg/l

Hcr Digestion, rcp

mg/l

HCr Digestion, rcp

mg/l

Hcr Digestion, rcp

mg/l

Hcr Digestion, rcp

mg/l

10 200 30 10 10 10 10 10
10
25 10 15 25 40 5 30 40 10 20
.2 .2 .025 .3

mg/kg mg/kg mg/kg mg/kg mg/kg mg/kg mg/kg mg/kg mg/kg mg/kg mg/kg mg/kg mg/kg mg/kg mg/kg mg/kg mg/kg mg/kg mg/kg mg/kg mg/kg mg/kg mg/kg

Hi ni IIIUIII
Detectable Value-Sediment
1
6
3 2 1 1 5 1 2
10
1 2 2 5 5 5 1 1 5 20 20 2.5 50

Reference
1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1

91

ANALYSIS OF ORGANIC COMPOUNDS IN WATER AND SEDIMENT

Ele.nt/ Cc.pOund

Method

Chlordane l,2-Dichlorobenzene l,3-Dichlorobenzene l,4-Dichlorobenzene Bis (2-chloroethyl)
ether Hexachloroethane Bis (2-Chlorisopropy)
ether Nitrobenzene Hexachlorobutalene l,2,4-Trichloro-
benzene Naphthalene Bis (2-Chloroethoxy)
methane 2-Chloronapthalene Acenaphthalene Acenaphthene Dimethyl phthalate Toluene 2,4-Dinitrotoluene 2,6-Dinitrotoluene 4-Chlorophenyl
phenyl ether Fluorene Diethyl Phthlate l,3-Diphenylhydra-
zine N-Nitrosodi-
phenylamine Hexachlorobenzene 4-Beomophenyl phenyl
ether Phenanthrene Anthracene Di-N-Butyl phthalate Fluoranthene Pyrene N-Buthylberzyl
phthalate Bis (2-Ethylhexyl)
phthlate Crysene Benzo-(A)-Anthracene Di-N-Octyl phthalate Benzo-(B) fluoranthene

GCMSDS* GCMSDS GCMSDS GCMSDS
GCMSDS GCMSDS
GCMSDS GCMSDS GCMSDS
GCMSDS GCMSDS
GCMSDS GCMSDS GCMSDS GCMSDS GCMSDS GCMSDS GCMSDS GCMSDS
GCMSDS GCMSDS GCMSDS
GCMSDS
GCMSDS GCMSDS
GCMSDS GCMSDS GCMSDS GCMSDS GCMSDS GCMSDS
GCMSDS
GCMSDS GCMSDS GCMSDS GCMSDS GCMSDS

Units, Water
I!g/l I!g/l I!g/l I!g/l
I!g/l I!g/l
I!g/l I!g/l I!g/l
I!g/l I!g/l
I!g/l I!g/l I!g/l I!g/l I!g/l I!g/l I!g/l I!g/l
I!g/l I!g/l I!g/l
I!g/l
I!g/l I!g/l
I!g/l I!g/l I!g/l I!g/l I!g/l I!g/l
I!g/l
I!g/l I!g/l I!g/l I!g/l I!g/l

Mini_ Detectable Value-Water
10 10
10
10
10
10
10 10
10
10 10
10
10 10
10
10 10
25
10
10 10
10
10
10 10
10 10 10 10 10
10
25
10 100 100 25 100

Units Sediment
I!g/kg I!g/kg I!g/kg I!g/kg
I!g/kg I!g/kg
I!g/kg I!g/kg I!g/kg
I!g/kg I!g/kg
I!g/kg I!g/kg I!g/kg I!g/kg I!g/kg I!g/kg I!g/kg I!g/kg
I!g/kg I!g/kg I!g/kg
I!g/kg
I!g/kg I!g/kg
I!g/kg I!g/kg I!g/kg I!g/kg I!g/kg I!g/kg
I!g/kg
I!g/kg I!g/kg I!g/kg I!g/kg I!g/kg

Mini_ Detectable Value-Sediment
6 200 200 200
200 200
200 200 200
200 200
200 200 200 200 200
1 200 200
200 200 200
200
200 200
200 200 200 200 200 200
200
200 200 200 200 200

Reference
2 2 2 2
2 2
2 2 2
2 2
2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2
2 2 2
2
2 2
2 2 2 2 2 2
2
2 2 2 2 2

92

ANALYSIS OF ORGANIC COMPOUNDS IN WATER AND SEDIMENT

Ele.nt/ COIIIPOund

Method

Benzo-(K) fluoranthene Benzo-A-pyrene Indeno (1,2,3-CD)
pyrene Benzo (CHI) perylene 2-Chloro-phenol 2-Nitro-phenol Phenol 2,4-Dimethylphenol 2,4-Dichlorophenol 2,4,6-Trichclorophenol Parachlorometa cresol 2,4-Dinitrophenol 4,6-Dinitro-o-cresol Pentachlorophenol 4-Nitro-phenol PCB-1242 Acetone Methyl Ethyl Ketone 2-Hexanone Dimethyl Disulfide

GCMSDS GCMSDS
GCMSDS GCMSDS GCMSDS GCMSDS GCMSDS GCMSDS GCMSDS GCMSDS GCMSDS GCMSDS GCMSDS GCMSDS GCMSDS GCMSDS GCMSDS GCMSDS GCMSDS GCMSDS

Units, Water
Ilg/l Ilg/l
Ilg/l Ilg/ l Ilg/l Ilg/ l Ilg/ l Ilg/ l Ilg/ l Ilg/ l Ilg/l Ilg/ l Ilg/l Ilg/l Ilg/ l Ilg/ l Ilg/ l Ilg/ l Ilg/ l Ilg/ l

Mini.... Detectable Value-Water
100 100
100 100 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 100 50 25 25 10 10 10 10 10

Units Sedillent
Ilg/ kg Ilg/ kg
Ilg/kg Ilg/kg Ilg/ kg Ilg/ kg Ilg/kg Ilg/ kg Ilg/ kg Ilg/ kg Ilg/ kg Ilg/ kg Ilg/ kg Ilg/ kg Ilg/ kg Ilg/ kg Ilg/ kg Ilg/ kg Ilg/ kg Ilg/ kg

Mini_ Detectable Value-5edi.ent
200 200
200 200 200 200 200 200 200 200 200 200 200 200 200
6 10 10 1 1

Reference
2 2
2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2

*Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrophotometry Data System

93

Georgia Department of Natural Resources
205 Butler Street. S.E .. Floyd Towers East. Atlanta. Georgia 30334
J. Leonard Ledbetter, Commissioner Harold F. Reheis. Assistant Director
Environmental Protection Division

WPCP COMPLIANCE S~~LING INSPEGT~ON

General Information . . . - --- ... Name and Address of Facility (include County, State andZip--eo-de-)-
Gwinnett County-Beaver Ruin/Sweetwater Creek WPCP Water Pollution Control Division Department of Public Utilities 250 Scenic Highway Lawrenceville. Georgia 30245 Phone No.
(404) 923-3126

Date- of Inspection 9-30/10-1/87
NPDES Permit No. GA0032841

Type of Treatment Facility: Activated Sludge-Extended Air

Design Flow

'4.5 MGD

Responsible Official: Ron Seibenhener

Title: Director of Water Pollution

. -Control Division

-Facility Representative: Jay Bartlett

Title: Supervisor

Inspected By: Ben Tidwell

Title: Environmental Engineer

Summary of Findings

The facility has a copy of the current permit.

X Yes

No

The facility meets all requirements of the permit regarding sampling.
The facility meets all requirements of the permit regarding flow monitoring.
The facility had unusual conditions or occurrences which affected the operation, sampling or the quality of the effluent.

X Yes
Yes Yes

No
x No
x No

The facility data was within the EPD acceptability standard, where applicable.

Yes

x No

95

.., ' , Georgia Department of Natural Resources
WPCP COMPLIANCE SAMPLING INSPECTION

Facility Name: Gwinnett County-Beaver Ruin/ Inspected By:

Ben Tidwell

Sweetwater Creek WPCP

Permit No. GA0032841 Facility Representative: Jay Bartlett

Date: 9-30/10-1/87

A. Sampling

COMMENT

1. Locations provide for representative

Yes

sampling.

2. Samples are taken at the sites specified

Yes

in the permit.

3. Samples collected for all parameters

Yes

required by the permit.

4. Samples collected at the frequency

Yes

required by the permit.

5. Sample types correct.

Yes

6. Composite samples are flow proportioned

Yes

where required by the permit.

7. Automatic samplers used.

Yes

8. Enough a1iquots taken for composite sample. Yes

9. Each aliquot contains at least 100 mI.

Yes

10. Samples are refrigerated at 4-l0C during

Yes

compositing.

11. Proper preservation techniques are used

Yes

when required.

12. Sample containers are appropriate for

Yes

parameters (plastic vs. glass).

13. Holding times are within 40 CFR 136

Yes

requirements.

14. The permittee has Division approval on

Yes

file for monitoring BODS after

disinfection (if applicable).

96

WPCP COMPLIANCE SAMPLING INSPECTION (Contd)

B. Flow Monitoring

1. Type of devices: Influent

Effluent

2. NPDES flow measuring device used.

a. Critical dimensions are within acceptable tolerances (throat width, weir length, etc.).

b. Submergence within acceptable ranges.

c. Stilling well clean and free of debris.

d. Type of head measurement device (float, bubbler, ultrasonic, etc.).

3. Secondary devices for NPDES flow measurement calibrated within 10% of actual flows.

a. Indicator

Date/Time

Head Measurement

Actual Flow Rate

COMMENT
Parshall flume- 18 inches Effluent Yes
Yes Yes Float and ultrasonic Yes

Facility Flow Rate

% Error

b.
Date/Time 9/30/87-1131 10/1/87-1114

Recorder
Head Measurement
1.44' 1.16'

Actual Flow Rate (MGD)
6.80 4.87

Facility Flow Rate (MGD)
6.35 4.80

% Error
-7 -1

c. Totalizer (24 hour reading)

ISCO 1870 Flow Meter Value, MGD
4.7

Facility Totalizer Value, MGD
4.4

% Error
-6

97

Georgia Department of Natural Resources WPCP COMPLIANCE SAMPLING INSPECTION (Contd)

4. Influent flow is measured before all return lines.

5. Effluent flow is measured after all

Yes

return lines.

6. Plant flow meter calibration verified at

No

least once during each composite sampling

period and records maintained.

C. Facility Data Comparability and Compliance

1. Laboratory Data

Parameter
InfI. BODS Eff!. BODS
Inf!. TSS EffI. TSS

*Monthly Permit Limit mill
--
10
--
20

EPD Value mg/l
160 12
210 S

Facility Value mg/l
197 3
203 3

*Acceptability Standard mg/l ()
40 5
40 5

Inf!. NH3-N Eff!. NH3-N
Fecal Coliform MP N/lOO ml

2.0 200

.0.4 50

.0.4 16

1.0
--

Inf!. P Eff!. P

1.0

0.4

kWeekly maximum limits:

BODS TSS
NH3-N Fecal Coliform P

0.4

1.0

15 mg/l 30 mg/l 3.0 mg/l 400 MPN/lOO ml 1. S mg/l

Acceptability Standard Met (Yes, No)
Yes No Yes Yes
Yes Yes
Yes

*EPD Acceptablity Standards are computed based upon data compiled from previous compliance sampling inspections at facilities throughout the state. Individual standards have been determined for certain parameters and will vary dependent upon the concentration range. Therefore, each acceptability standard listed above applies only to the concentration range under consideration.
98

Georgia Department of Natural Resources WPCP COMPLIANCE SAMPLING INSPECTION (Contd)

2. Effluent Field Data

Parameter

Permit Limit

Infl. pH Effl. pH
Effl. D.O.

6.0-9.0 )6.0

Effl. Cl2 RESD Effl. Cl2 Total

D. Observations and Comments

EPD Value
6.3 7.6
0.2 0.5

Facilitv Value 6.5

EUE/lde/7/13 99

A - Clarifiers B - Oxidation Ditches C - Screw Lift Pumps

Gwinnett County - Beaver Ruin /Sweetwater Creek WPCP - Lilburn NPDES Permit No. GA0032841

DO

Effluent

Eff

luent Loca

t

Sam ion

p

l~in~g...

.--

--

-

:

:::

.

Sw :--.

e

e

tw. ~at_er

Parshall Flume 18 inches

Control Buildings

Sand Filters
.------------------------------:>1 (Top)

WAS

-.l

.+- - - --1\-

RAS~
B ~tr B

@ RAS\~

B

B

No.

~ No.

No.

No.

I

6

I

5

I

4I

3

- -if'-

~~~~'~N1o.

B

No.

No.

2

I

1

Pumps

Control Building

I Chlgrine I Contact
Chamber
WASI' (Bottom)

0 0

I

I Diversion

I
I
I

Aerated Influent Sampling Location Grit

L-_~~ "Bar Screen
"" Comminutor

0

Chamber

Storage

Lime Addition

Aero

Dige

I I I
~--- _ _t
\
No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No.

Su ernatant

8 7 654

321

-~._Influent

Diversion (Pond) Digested

Sludge~

II"

)

-

~------

\

\

)\ \

,

Holding Pond
Sludge Drying Beds

Georgia Department of Natural Resources
205 Butler Street, S.E. Floyd Towers East, Atlanta, Georgia 30334
J. Leonard Ledbetter. Commissioner Harold F. Reheis. Assistant Director
Environmental Protection Division

WPCP COMPLIANCE SANPLING-INSPEGT-ION

. General Information .,

.

Name and Address of Facility (include County, State and ZipCooe.)

Gwinnett County-Jackson Creek WPCP

Water Pollution Control Division

Department of Public Utilities

250 Scenic Highway

Lawrenceville, Geor~ia 30245

Phone No. (404) 921-7570

Date of Inspection 9-30/10-1/87
NPDES Permit No. GA0030732

Type of Treatment Facility: Activated Sludge- Extended Air

Design Flow

.' 3.0 MGD

Responsible Official: Ron Seibenhener

Title: Director of Water Pollution

.. Control Division

Facility Representative: Jay Bartlett

Title: Supervisor

Inspected By: Ben Tidwell

Title: Environmental Engineer

Summary_ of Fil!('1ings

The facility has a copy of the current permit.

X Yes

No

The facility meets all requirements of the permit

X Yes

No

regarding sampling.

The facility meets all requirements of the permit regarding flow monitoring.
The facility had unusual conditions or occurrences which affected the operation, sampling or the quality of the effluent.

Yes

X No

Yes

x No

The facility data was within the EPD acceptability standard, where applicable.

Yes

x No

101

Georgia Department of Natural Resources WPCP COMPLIANCE SAMPLING INSPECTION

Facility Name: Gwinnett County-Jackson Creek Inspected By: __~B~e~n~T~i~d~w~e~l~l~

__

WPCP

Permit No. GA0030732 Facility Representative: Jay Bartlett

Date: 9-30/10-1/87

A. Sampling

COMMENT

1. Locations provide for representative

Yes

sampling.

2. Samples are taken at the sites specified

Yes

in the permit.

3. Samples collected for all parameters

Yes

required by the permit.

4. Samples collected at the frequency

Yes

required by the permit.

5. Sample types correct.

Yes

6. Composite samples are flow proportioned

Yes

where required by the permit.

7. Automatic samplers used.

Yes

8. Enough aliquots taken for composite sample.

Yes

9. Each aliquot contains at least 100 mI.

Yes

10. Samples are refrigerated at 4-l0C during

Yes

compositing.

11. Proper preservation techniques are used

Yes

when required.

12. Sample containers are appropriate for

Yes

parameters (plastic vs. glass).

13. Holding times are within 40 CFR 136

Yes

requirements.

14. The permittee has Division approval on

Yes

file for monitoring BODS after

disinfection (if applicable).

102

WPCP COMPLIANCE SAMPLING INSPECTION (Contd)

B. Flow Monitoring

1. Type of devices: Influent

Effluent

2. NPDES flow measuring device used.

a. Critical dimensions are within acceptable tolerances (throat width, weir length, etc.).

b. Submergence within acceptable ranges.

c. Stilling well clean and free of debris.

d. Type of head measurement device (float, bubbler, ultrasonic, etc.).

3. Secondary devices for NPDES flow measurement calibrated within 10% of actual flows.

a. Indicator

.. Date/Time

Head Measurement

Actual Flow Rate

COMMENT Venturi meter
Influent

Pressure differential

Facility Flow Rate

% Error

b. Date/Time

Recorder
Head Measurement

Actual Flow Rate (MGD)

Facility Flow Rate (MGD)

% Error

c. Totalizer (24 hour reading)

ISCO 1870 Flow Meter Value, MGD

Facility Totalizer Value, MGD
3.0

i. Error

103

Georgia Department of Natural Resources WPCP COMPLIANCE SAMPLING INSPECTION (Contd)

4. Influent flow is measured before all
return lines.
5. Effluent flow is measured after all return lines.
6. Plant flow meter calibration verified at least once during each composite sampling period and records maintained.

No No; only monthly

C. Facility Data Comparability and Compliance

1- Laboratory Data

Parameter
Infl. BODS Effl. BODS
Infl. TSS Effl. TSS

*Monthly Permit Limit mill
--
10
--
20

EPD Value mg/l
240 3
860 3

Facility Value mg/l
288 5
735 3

*Acceptability Standard mg/l ()
40 5
100 5

Infl. NH3-N Effl. NH3-N
Fecal Coliform MPN/IOO ml

2.0 200

0.2 <20

0.1 <2

1.0
--

Infl. P Effl. P

1.0

0.3

*Weekly maximum limits:

BODS TSS
NH3-N Fecal Coliform
P

0.3

1.0

15 mg/l 30 mg/l 3.0 mg/l 400 MPN/IOO ml 1.5 mg/l

Acceptability Standard Met (Yes, No)
No Yes No Yes
Yes Yes
Yes

*EPD Acceptablity Standards are computed based upon data compiled from previous compliance sampling inspections at facilities throughout the state. Individual standards have been determined for certain parameters and will vary dependent upon the concentration range. Therefore, each acceptability standard listed above applies only to the concentration range under consideration.
104

Georgia Department of Natural Resources WPCP COMPLIANCE SAMPLING INSPECTION (Contd)

2. Effluent Field Data

Parameter

Permit Limit

Infl. pH Effl. pH

6.0-9.0

Effl. D.O.

)6.0

Effl. C12 RESD

Effl. C12 Total

D. Observations and Comments

EPD Value
7.0 8.3 0.2 1.2

Facility Value 7.3

EUE/ Ide/7 /13 105

COMPLIANCE MONITORING SAMPLING IN~PtCIIUN
Jackson Creek ~lPCP - Gwi nnett County
NPDES Permit No. GA0030732

t'f--

Effluent Sampling Location

J"- .

__. _... _ _--..J

Effluent

Influent
I Wet 0-------0 - - - - -H-el-'_.
Comminutor
---_ Control...'B,.-u_il.d_i-n-g-
---_. l--~CC~C:.._ _._L_Sr-/_'F_--, ';-.\ __._. _..... ~ _

Aeration Basin

111

~-
I
'\{,

- - -,<:- - - - - '"

I

4

t

I Aerobic Aerobic
Digester! Digeste~

I
,I<.- _ ../ "-
!

I

I

~y~

cC ~ ~~ilfc t reSt\klo" anr diaI rfy- ie.~-

~m "~l,/ I'

I I #1

#2

~ I Pl iter , Box ~""

\
1_---1-.---
Aera t"10n BaS1"n

_ _#_2

____

:

: RAS

't._ .... --r-- ..i-

. '\.Influent Sampling Location

I
I I I
I
_L~ I

",-, Aeration Basin

1<;- -

Dryi ng Beds

.- ._ ---_ .. - - - - - _ __ .-p._ ' - -

Georgia Department of Natural Resources
205 Butler Street. S.E . Floyd Towers East. Atlanta, Georgia 30334
J. Leonard Ledbetter, Commissioner Harold F. Aeheis. Assistant Director
EnvIronmental ProteclJon Division

WPCP COMPLIANCE SAJIPLING -INSPECTION

General Information Name and Address of Facility (include County, State andZip-Code-)

Date- of Inspection

Gwinnett County-Yellow River/Sweetwater Creek WPCP 858 Tom Smith Road Lilburn, Georgia 30247

10-6-87

Phone No.

NPDES Permit No.

404/923-7661

GA0047911

Type of Treatment Facility: Activated Sludge_

Design Flow 6.0

Responsible Official: Ron Seibenhener

Title: Director of Water Pollution .. Control _.

Facility Representative:

Title:

David Moore

Chief Operator-

Inspected By: Neil Pharr

Title: Environmental Specialist

SummarY9f Findings

The facility has a copy of the current permit.

-x- Yes

No

The facility meets all requirements of the permit regarding sampling.

- -x Yes

No

The facility meets all requirements of the permit regarding flow monitoring.

-x- Yes

No

- - The facility had unusual conditions or occurrences
which affected the operation, sampling or the

x Yes

No

quality of the effluent.

The facility data was within the EPD acceptability standard, where applicable.

Yes

x No

107

Georgia Department of Natural Resources

WPCP COMPLIANCE SAMPLING INSPECTION

Gwinnett County-Yellow River/

Facility Name: Sweetwater Creek WPCP

Inspected By: ~N~e~1~~1~P~h~a~r~r

__

Permit No. GA00479ll A. Sampling

Facility Representative: David Moore

-- Date: 10-6-87
COMMENT

1. Locations provide for representative sampling.

-Ye-s

2. Samples are taken at the sites specified in the permit.

-Ye-s

3. Samples collected for all parameters required by the permit.

-Ye-s

4. Samples collected at the frequency required by the permit.

-Ye-s

5. Sample types correct.

-Ye-s

6. Composite samples are flow proportioned where required by the permit.

Y-e-s

7. Automatic samplers used.

N/A

8. Enough aliquots taken for composite sample.

Yes

9. Each aliquot contains at least 100 mI.

-Ye-s

10. Samples are refrigerated at 4-l0C during

Yes

compositing.

11. Proper preservation techniques are used when required.

-Ye-s

12. Sample containers are appropriate for parameters (plastic vs. glass).

-Y-e-s

13. Holding times are within 40 CFR 136 requirements.

-Ye-s

14. The permittee has Division approval on

Yes

file for monitoring BODS after

disinfection (if applicable).

108

Georgia Department of Natural Resources WPCP COMPLIANCE SAMPLING INSPECTION (Contd)

4. Influent flow is measured before all

Yes

return lines.

5. Effluent flow is measured after all

Yes

return lines.

6. Plant flow meter calibration verified at

Yes

least once during each composite sampling

period and records maintained.

C. Facility Data Comparability and Compliance

1. Laboratory Data

Parameter
In1. BODS Ef1. BODS
In1. TSS Ef1. TSS

*Monthly Permit Limit mill
-
10
-
30

EPD Value mg/l
215 15
172 11

Facility Value mg/l
197 10
216 4

*Acceptability Standard mg/l ()
40 5
40 5

Eff1. NH3-N

2.0

0.94

0.9

1.0

Fecal Coliform

N/lOO ml

200

<20

2

Effl. Phosphorus 1.0

0.44

0.4

1.0

rWeekly maximum limits:

BOD TSS NH3-N Fecal Coliform Phosphorus

15 mg/l 45 mg/l 3.0 mg/l 400 N/lOO ml 1.5 mg/l

Acceptability Standard Met (Yes, No) Yes Yes No No
Yes
Yes

*EPD Acceptablity Standards are computed based upon data compiled from previous compliance sampling inspections at facilities throughout the state. Individual standards have been determined for certain parameters and will vary dependent upon the concentration range. Therefore, each acceptability standard listed above applies only to the concentration range under consideration.
109

WPCP COMPLIANCE SAMPLING INSPECTION (Contd)

B. Flow Monitoring 1. Type of devices: Influent

COMMENT N/A

Effluent

Parshall flume - 18 inches

2. NPDES flow measuring device used.

Effluent

a. Critical dimensions are within

~Y:.:e:.:s~

_

acceptable tolerances (throat width,

weir length, etc.).

b. Submergence within acceptable ranges. ~Y~e::.:s~

_

c. Stilling well clean and free of debris. ~N!.L/~A~

_

d. Type 0 f head measuremen t device

....l:u~l!:.!t~r:..la:..:s::.:o~n~i;.c::...

_

(float, bubbler, ultrasonic, etc.).

3. Secondary devices for NPDES flow

Yes

measurement calibrated within 10% of

actual flows.

a. Indicator

.Date/Time
9-5/1300 9-6/1310

Head Measurement(Ft.)
0.83 0.86

Actual Flow Rate (MGD)
2.9 3.0

Facility Flow Rate (MGD)
3.0 3.1

%
-Error
3 3 3 Avg.

b.
Date/Time 9-5/1300 9-6/1310

Recorder
Head Measurement (Ft.)
0.83 0.86

Actual Flow Rate (MGD)
2.9 3.0

Facility Flow Rate (MGD)
3.1 3.1

%
-Er-ro-r
7 3
'5 Avg.

c. Totalizer (24 hour reading)

ISCO 1870 Flow Meter Value, MGD

Facility Totalizer Value, MGD

4.80

%
-Er-ro-r

110

t.

Georgia Department of Natural Resources WPCP COMPLIANCE SAMPLING INSPECTION (Contd)

2. Effluent Field Data

Parameter
Infl. pH Effl. pH

Permit Limit
-
6.0-9.0

Effl. D.O.

6.0

Effl. C12 RESD

-

EPD Value 7.1 7.2
9.5
0.5

Facility Value 7.12 7.38
7.0
0.4

D. Observations and Comments The secondary clarifier No. 4 was out of service during the sampling period.

EUE/lde/7/13 111

Gwinnett County-Yellow River/Sweetwater Creek WPCP NPDES Permit No. GA00479ll
Influent

Influent Sampler

Influent Pump Station

Equalization Basin

Primary Clarifier
D

To Drying Beds of'

1

l

I

I

.-'"'\

I

\\ Digester

"

v

I

I
I

\

I

No.2

~L_.' ~

!I

D
Control
Building

,

'--- d- 0;e~:rn- ~l~~g: 'L. - AA- S- -+-..... ~-

I
.JI

, . . - . - - - I'

Secondary Clarifier

Building

Parshall Flume

h- Chlorine Contact ~ ~ Chamber
~Effluent Sampler
~
112

Sand Filters

\..7eorg.a uepartment ot Natural Kesources
205 Butler Street. S.E . Floyd Towers East. Atlanta. Georgia 30334
J. Leonard Ledbeller. Commissioner Harold F. Reheis. Assistant Director
Environmental Protection Division

WPCP COMPLIANCE SAl-IPLINGINSPEC1'ION

. General Information . ,'-.--. ,-. - - - - ,'----- _e. '---'" -

Name and Address of Facility (include County, State and, -Zip-Co-de-)-

Date of Inspection

Gwinnett County - Jacks Creek WPCP 858 Tom Smith Road Lilburn, Georgia 30247

9-6-87

Phone No. 404/972-7229

NPDES Permit No. GA0047627

Type of Treatment Facility: Activated Sludge/Sand Filters

Design Flow 1-.00

Responsible Official: Ron Seibenhener Facility Representative: Phillip Mees

Title: Director of Water Pollution -- - 'Control
Title: Chief Ope.~ator

Inspected By: Neil Pharr

Tit Ie: Environmental Specialist

Summary of yindings

The facility has a copy of the current permit.

The facility meets all requirements of the permit regarding sampling.

The facility meets all requirements of the permit regarding flow monitoring.

The facility had unusual conditions or occurrences which affected the operation, sampling or the quality of the effluent.

The facility data was within the EPD acceptability standard, where applicable.

Yes

x No

113

Georgia Department of Natural Resources WPCP COMPLIANCE SAMPLING INSPECTION

Facility Name: Gwinnett County-Jacks Creek Inspected By:
WpCP

N_e_i_1__P_h_a_r_r

Permit No. GA0047627 Facility Representative: Phillip -Mees

Date:

A. Sampling
1. Locations provide for representative sampling.

COMMENT Yes

2. Samples are taken at the sites specified

Yes

in the permit.

3. Samples collected for all parameters

Yes

required by the permit.

4. Samples collected at the frequency

Yes

required by the permit.

5. Sample types correct.

Yes

6. Composite samples are flow proportioned

Yes

where required by the permit.

7. Automatic samplers used.

Yes

8. Enough a1iquots taken for composite sample.

Yes

9.. Each aliquot contains at least 100 mI.

Yes

10. Samples are refrigerated at 4-lOC during

Yes

compositing.

11. Proper preservation techniques are used

Yes

when required.

12. Sample containers are appropriate for

Yes

parameters (plastic vs. glass).

13. Holding times are within 40 CFR 136

Yes

requirements.

14. The permittee has Division approval on

Yes

file for monitoring BODS after

disinfection (if applicable).

__ 9-6-87

114

,"

WPCP COMPLIANCE SAMPLING INSPECTION (Contd)

B. Flow Monitoring

COMMENT

1. Type of devices: Influent
Effluent
2. NPDES flow measuring device used.
a. Critical dimensions are within acceptable tolerances (throat width, weir length, etc.).
b. Submergence within acceptable ranges.

N/A Parshall flume - 6 inches and V-notch weirs 90(2) V~notch weir IF!
Yes
Yes

c. Stilling well clean and free of debris.

N/A

d. Type of head measurement device (float, bubbler, ultrasonic, etc.).

Ultrasonic

3. Secondary devices for NPDES flow

Yes

measurement calibrated within 10% of

actual flows.

a. Indicator

Date/Time

Head Measurement

Actual Flow Rate

Facility Flow Rate

%
Error

b.
Date/Time 9-5/1100

Recorder
Head Measurement (ft.)
0.53

Actual Flow Rate (MGD)
0.33

Facility Flow Rate (HGD)
0.34

% Error
3

c. Totalizer (24 hour reading)

ISCO 1870 Flow Heter Value, MGD

Facility Totalizer Value, HGD

0.43

% Error

115

Georgia Department of Natural Resources WPCP COMPLIANCE SAMPLING INSPECTION (Contd)

4. Influent flow is measured before all

Yes

return lines.

5. Effluent flow is measured after all

Yes

return lines.

6. Plant flow meter calibration verified at

No

least once during each composite sampling

period and records maintained.

C. Facilitv Data Comparability and Compliance

1. Laboratory Data

Parameter
Infl. BODS Effl. BODS
Infl. TSS Effl. TSS

*Monthly Permit Limit mg/l
-
10
-
20

EPD Value mg/l
255 15
372 7

Facility Value mg/l
206 2
3S9 4

*Acceptability Standard mg/l ()
40 5
100 5

Effl. NH3-N

2.0

0.07

Fecal Coliform

N/lOO ml

200

<20

Effl. P04

1.0

0.67

*Weekly maximum limits:

BODS TSS NH3-N Fecal Coliform
P04

<0.1
<2
0.7
15 mg/l 30 mg/l 3.0 mg/l 400 N/lOO ml 1.5 mg/l

Acceptability Standard Met (Yes, No)
-
No No
Yes Yes

*EPD Acceptablity Standards are computed based upon data compiled from previous compliance sampling inspections at facilities throughout the state. Individual standards have been deter::lined for certain parameters and will vary dependent upon the concentration range. Therefore, each acceptability standard listed above applies only to the concentration range under consideration.
116

Georgia Department of Natural Resources WPCP COMPLIANCE SAMPLING INSPECTION (Contd)

2. Effluent Field Data

Parameter

Permit Limit

Infl. pH Effl. pH

6.0-9.0

Effl. D.O.

6.0

Eff1. ClZ RESD

-

EPD Value
7.00 8.2 1.0

Facility Value 6.88

D. Observations and Comments The effluent Parshall flume flow meter was repaired and recalibrated on 10-5-87.

EUE/lde/7 /13 117

COMPLIANCE MONITORING SAMPLING INSPECTION Gwinnett County - Jacks Creek WPCP Snellville NPDES Permit No. GA0047627

Effluent Sampling Location
Influent Grit Chamber
Blower Building

~
~............. Parshall
Flume

Effluent to Yellow River

Influent Sampling Location

Sand ilter

Digestor
Secondary _i-\--Clarifier

- - Digestor

Aeration Basin

118

CD
o

>
"'C

-l
()
o > ->l

"m'C
oZ x
w

STATION 1 YELLOW RIVER Oak Road Near Lilburn August 19, 1987

Scientific Name
PLECOPTERA Pteronarcys ~. Perlesta ~.
EPHEMEROPTERA Baetis ~. Pseudocloeon ~. Stenonema femoratum Stenonema modesta
TRICOPTERA Hydropsyche ~. Cheumatopsyche ~. Leucotrichia pictipes
COLEOPTERA Macronychus glabratus (adults) Helichus lithophilus (adult)
ODONATA
Argia~.
Boyeria vinosa
Gomphus~.
Progomphus ~. Cordu legaster ~.
MEGALOPTERA Corydalus cornutus Nigronia serricornis
DIPTERA Empididae Thienemannimyia complex Corynoneura ~. Rheotanytarsus exiguus Polypedi lum ~. Crictopus ~. Rheocricotopus ~.
DECAPODA Procambarus spiculifer Cambarus ~.
PELECYPODA Corbicula manilensis

Common Name STONEFLY NYMPHS MAYFLY NYMPHS CADDISFLY LARVAE BEETLES DRAGONFLY NYMPHS
DOBSONFLY LAR VAE FLY LARVAE
CRAYFISH CLAMS

120

Abundance
2
37
21 2 1
7
18
3
1
21 1
1 16 26 1 1
4
2
1
2 2
16 5 18 11
4
1
2

STATION T-1 SWEETWATER CREEK Seaboard Coastline Railroad
September 17, 1987

Scientific Name

Common Name

EPHEMER OPTERA
Baetis ~. Stenacron ~. Tricorythodes ~. Stenonema femoratum
Stenonema modestum

MAYFLY NYMPHS

TRICOPTERA
Cheumatopsyche ~. Hydropsyche ~. Leucotrichia pictipes

CADDISFLY LARVAE

COLEOPTERA Macronychus glabratus (adults) Ancyronyx variegatus (adults)

BEETLES

ODONATA
Boyeria vinosa
Macromia~. Argia~.
Calopteryx ~. Gomphus ~. Progomphus ~.

DRAGONFLY NYMPHS

MEGALOPTERA Corydalus cornutus Nigronia serricornis

DOBSONFLY LAR VAE

DIPTERA
CERATOPOGINIDAE
EMPIDIDAE
DOLICHOPODIDAE
Corynoneura ~. Thienemannimyia complex
Rheotanytarsus ~.
Simulium~.
Rheocricotopus ~. Polypedi lum ~. Cricotopus ~. Chironomus ~.

FLY LARVAE

DECAPODA Procambarus spiculifer

CRAYFISH

PELECYPODA Corbicula mani lens is

CLAMS

121

Abundance
47 1 7 4
43
33
69
1
2
7
4 3 17
2
13
2
7 4
1
5
1 11
9
10 1
22
10 14 3
8
9

Scientific Name
PLECOPTERA Perlesta ~. Paragnetina ~.
EPHEMEROPTERA Stenonema modestum Stenonema fermoratum Hexagenia ~. Baetis ~. Tricorythodes ~.
TRICHOPTERA Hydropsyche ~. Cheumatopsyche ~.
COLEOPTERA Macronychus glabratus (larva) (adults) Ancyronyx variegatus (adult)
ODONATA
Gomphus~. Argia~. Macromia~.
Boyeria vinosa
MEGALOPTERA Corydalus cornutus Nigronia serricornis Sialis ~.
DIPTERA Thienemanniella ~. Corynoneura ~. Rheotanytarsus ~. Polypedilum ~. Cricotopus ~. Rheocricotopus ~.
Tipula~.
AMPHIPODA Crangonyx ~.
ISOPODA Asellus ~.
DECAPODA Procambarus ~iculifer
PELECYPODA Corbicula mani lensis

STATION 2 YELLOW RIVER
River Road August 20, 1987 Common Name STONEFLY NYMPHS MAYFLY NYMPHS
CADDISFLY LARVAE BEETLES
DRAGONFLY NYMPHS
DOBSONFLY NYMPHS
FLY LARVAE
AMPHIPODS ISOPODS CRAYFISH CLAMS
122

Abundance
4 3
33 4 2
24 1
19 7
1 9 1
12 4 1 1
1 1 3
2 3 4 3 19 13 1
1
7
11
21

STATION 3 YELLOW RIVER Five Forks - Trickum Road August 20, 1987

Scientific Name

Common Name

PLECOPTERA Pteronarcys ~.

STONEFLY NYMPHS

EPHEMER OPTERA
Hexagenia ~. Tricorythodes ~. Stenonema modestum
Stenonema femoratum

MAYFLY NYMPHS

TRICOPTERA
Hydropsyche ~. Cheumatopsyche ~.

CADDISFLY LARVAE

COLEOPTERA

Gyrinidae

(larvae)

Macronychus glabratus (adult)

Microcylloepus pusi Ilus (larva)

BEETLES

ODONATA
Gomphus~. Argia~.

DRAGONFLY NYMPHS

MEGALOPTERA Nigronia serricornis Corydalus cornutus
Sialis~.

DOBSONFLY LAR VAE

DIPTERA
Thienemannimyia complex
Cricotopus ~. Rheocricotopus ~. Brillia ~. Thienemanniella ~. Corynoneura ~. Rheotanytarsus ~. Psectrocladius ~.

FLY LARVAE

DECAPODA Procambarus ~iculifer

CRAYFISH

ISOPODA Asellus ~.

ISOPODS

OUGOCHAETA Nais ~.

SEGMENTED WORMS

123

Abundance
1
22
3 7 1
7 5
2
1 1
6 4
1 6 11
4 77 41
1 4 1 19 1
8
4
2

Scientific Name
PLECOPTERA Perlesta ~. Pteronarcys ~.
EPHEMEROPTERA Isonychia ~. Hexagen ia ~. Baetis ~. Stenacron ~. Stenonema femoratum Tricorythodes ~. Stenonema modestum Pseudocloeon ~.
TRICOPTERA Hydropsyche ~. Cheumatopsyche ~.
COLEOPTERA Macronychus glabratus (adults) Ancyronyx variegatus (adult)
ODONATA Boyeria vinosa Tetragoneuria ~.
Argia~. Gomphus~.
Progomphus ~.
Macromia~.
MEGALOPTERA Corydalus cornutus Sialis ~.
DIPTERA Rheotanytarsus ~. Thienemanniella ~.
Tipula~. Simulium~.
Rheocricotopus ~. Rheotanytarsus exiguus Thienemannimyia complex Cricotopus ~.
DECAPODA Procambarus spiculifer

STATION 4 YELLOW RIVER Killian Hill Road September 17, 1987 Common Name STONEFLY NY MPHS MAYFLY NYMPHS
CADDISFLY LARVAE BEETLES DRAGONFLY NYMPHS
DOBSONFLY LARVAE FLY LARVAE
CRAYFISH

124

Abundance
1 4
3 2 13 4 27 7 51 4
43 8
4 1
1 2 24 5 1 1
9
1
1 1 2 1 16 21 18 7
12

()

~~lU-;
CD;;U <0 lU-o

Vl
-00
VlO ~O
C

nVl tD'
~
:r;t;
rr

VI

CXDoO
~

~

Z
I
~

....1
IV V1

zVl
r
Vl

Vl
-00
0 0
Vl

n
0
3
~
~
z
I
~

~
~
0 Z
~
.n......
0
~
:r;t'

c:

CD

B

STATION 5 YELLOW RIVER Georgia Highway 78 September 14, 1987

Scientific Name

Common Name

PLECOPTERA
Perlesta~.
Pteronarcys ~.

STONEFLY NYMPHS

EPHEMEROPTER A
Hexagenia ~. Isonychia ~.
Caenis~.
Baetis ~. Tricorythodes ~.
Stenonema modestum
Stenacron ~.

TRICOPTERA
Hydropsyche ~. Cheumatopsyche ~.

CADDISFLY LARVAE

COLEOPTERA Ancyronyx variegatus (larva) (adu Its)
Machronychus glabratus (larva) (adults)

BEETLES

ODONATA
Macromia~. Gomphus~. Argia~.

DRAGONFLY NYMPHS

MEGLALOPTERA Corydalus cornutus Nigronia serricornis Sialis ~.

DOBSONFLY LARVAE

DIPTERA
Ablabesmyia ~.
Simulium~.
Eukiefferiella ~. Polypedilum ~. Corynoneura ~. Thienemanniella ~. Rheocricotopus ~. Cricotopus ~. Rheotanytarsus ~.
Thienemannimyia complex

FLY LARVAE

AMPHIPODA Asellus ~.

AMPHIPODS

126

Abundance
15 3
5 2 18 19 35 61 8
42 21
1 5 1 13
3 10 17
2 1 2
3 1 1 17 20 5 7 11 16 5
2

Scientific Name
DECAPODA Procambarus spiculifer
PELECYPOD A Corbicula manilensis

STATION 5 (Continued) Common Name CRAYFISH
CLAMS

Abundance
21 10

127

Scientific Name
PLECOPTERA
Pteronarcys .?E. Per lesta .?E.
EPHEMEROPTERA
Tricorythodes .?E.
Stenonema modestum Stenonema femoratum
Hexagenia .?E. Baetis .?E. Pseuducloeon .?E.
TRICOPTERA
Hydropsyche .?E. Cheumatopsyche .?E. Neotrichia .?E.
COLEOPTERA Macronychus glabratus (larva) (adults)
ODONATA Tetragoneuria ~.
Argia .?E. Macromia .?E. Gomphus .?E.
MEGALOPTERA Corydalus cornutus Nigronia serricornis
DIPTERA
Thienemanniella .?E. Rheotanytarsus .?E.
Polypedilum ~.
Euk iefferiella .?E. Cr icotopus .?E. Rheocr icotopus .?E.
DECAPOD A Procambarus ~iculifer
OLiGOCHAETA Stylaria lacustris
Nais~.

STATION 6 YELLOW RIVER Annistown Road August 20, 1987 Common Name STONEFLY NY MPHS MA YFLY NY MPHS
CADDISFLY LARVAE
BEETLES DRAGONFLY LARVAE
DOBSONFLY LARVAE FLY LARVAE
CRAYFISH SEGMENTED WORMS

128

Abundance
1 3
8 4 1 21 3 73
51 8 1
1 5
1 1 4 10
7 1
1 9 29 9 7 8
7
2 3

STATION 7 YELLOW RIVER Georgia Highway 124 September 16, 1987

Scientific Name

Common Name

PLECOPTERA Paragnetina ~.

STONEFLY NYMPHS

EPHEMEROPTERA
Isonychia ~. Hexagenia ~. Tricorythodes ~.
Caenis~.
Stenonema modestus
Habrophlebiodes ~. Baetis ~. Pseudocloeon ~.

MAYFLY NYMPHS

TRICOPTERA
Ceraclea~.
Hydropsyche ~. Cheumatopsyche ~. Ochrotichia ~.

CADD ISFLY LAR VAE

COLEOPTERA Machronychus glabratus (larvae) (adults) Ancyronyx variegatus (adults)

BEETLES

ODONATA
Boyeria vinosa
Macromia~. Argia~. Gomphus~.

DRAGONFLY NYMPHS

MEGALOPTERA Corydalus cornutus
Sialis~.

DOBSONFLY LAR VAE

DIPTERA
Empididae
Polypedi lum ~. Cricotopus ~. Thienemanniella ~.

FLY LARVAE

DECAPODA Procambarus spicu lifer

CRAYFISHES

PELECYPODA Corbicula manilensis

CLAMS

GASTROPODA
Pleurocera ~. Ferrissia ~.

SNAILS

129

Abundance
3
1 32 46 14 26
1
7
3
1 81 63
1
5 22
3
3 6 12 10
23 1
1 2 1 2
23
1
9 2

Scientific Name
PLECOPTERA Paragnetina ~.
Perlesta~.
EPHEMEROPTER A Isonychia ~. Baetis ~. Tricorythodes ~.
Caenis~.
Stenonema modestum
TRICOPTERA Hydropsyche ~. Cheumatopsyche ~.
COLEOPTERA Helichus lithopholus (adu Its) Macronychus glabrat.~ (adults) (larvae) Ancyronyx variegatus (larvae)
ODONATA Calopteryx ~.
Argia~.
Progomphus ~.
Macromia~.
Boyeria vinosa
Gomphus~.
MEGALOPTA Corydalus cornutus
Sialis~.
DIPTERA Polypedi lum ~. Corynoneura ~. Thienemanniella ~. Cricotopus ~. Eukiefferiella ~. Rheotanytarsus ~. Thienemannimyia complex
DECAPODA Procambarus ~iculifer
PELECYPODA Corbicula ~.
GASTROPODA Pleurocera ~. Gyraulus ~.

STATION 8 YELLOW RIVER Pleasant Hill Road October 15, 1987 Common Name STONEFLY NY MPHS MAYFLY NYMPHS
CADDISFLY LARVAE BEETLES
DRAGONFLY NYMPHS
DOBSONFLY LARVAE FLY LARVAE
CRAYFISH CLAMS SNAILS
130

Abundance
11 15
1 23 7 3 41
17 10
3
9
14
9
1 4 4 1 10
13 3
8 5 4
9
3 7 11
9
1
18 1

Scientific Name
DIPTERA
Chironomus ~.
Simulium~.
GASTROPODA
Gyraulus~. Physa~.

STATION T-3 BOAR TUSK CREEK
Boar Tusk Road October 15, 1987 Common Name
FLY LARVAE
SNAILS

Abundance
237 16
17 63

131

STATION 10 YELLOW RIVER Gees Mill Road September 16, 1987

Scientific Name

Common Name

PLECOPTERA Paragnetina 32,Per lesta 32,Pteronarcys 32,-

STONEFLY NY MPHS

EPHEMEROPTER A Hexagenia 32,Tricorythodes 32,Caenis 32,Stenonema modestum Habrophlebiodes 32,-

MAYFLY NY MPHS

TRICOPTERA Hydropsyche 32,-

CADDISFLY LARVAE

COLEOPTERA

Macronychus glabratus (larvae)

(adults)

Ancyronyx variegatus (adults)

Dubiraphia 32,-

(larva)

BEETLES

ODONATA Progomphus 32,Argia 32,Macromia 32,Calopteryx 32,Gomphus 32,-

DRAGONFLY NYMPHS

MEGALOPTERA Nigronia serricornis Sialis 32,Corydalus cornutus

DOBSONFLY LARVAE

DIPTERA Labrundinia 32,Rheocricotopus 32,Cricotopus 32,Corynoneura 32,Polypedilum 32,Thienemannimyia complex Thienemannilla 32,Rheotanytarsus 32,-

FLY LARVAE

DECAPODA Procambarus spiculifer

CRAYFISH

132

Abundance
5 4 2
34 35 46 32
1
1
2 10 4 1
3
4 4 2 18
2 1 7
5
3
7 14 27 4
9
18
16

Scientific Name
OLiGOCHAETA
Nais~.
HIRUDINEA
PELECYPODA Corbicula manilensis
GASTROPODA Campeloma ~. Ferrissia ~.

STATION 10 (Continued) Common Name SEGMENTED WORMS
LEECHES CLAMS
SNAILS

Abundance
1 1
26
5 3

133

STATION T-4 BIG HAYNES CREEK Georgia Highway 20
September 14, 1987

Scientific Name

Common Name

PLECOPTERA
Perlesta ~. Paragnetina ~. Peltoperla ~.

STONEFLY NYMPHS

EPHEMER OPTERA
Isonychia ~. Habrophlebiodes ~. Stenonema modestum
Baetis ~. Pseudocloeon ~.
Caenis~.

MA YFLY NY MPHS

TRICOPTERA
Hydropsyche ~. Cheumatopsyche ~. Wormaldia ~.

CADDISFLY LARVAE

COLEOPTERA Machronychus glabratus (adults) Ancyronyx variegatus (adults)

BEETLES

ODONATA
Progomphus ~.
Gomphus~.
Boyeria vinosa
Argia~.

DRAGONFLY NYMPHS

MEGALOPTERA Cor~alus cornutus

DOBSONFLY LARVAE

DIPTERA
Simulium~.
EMPIDIDAE
Polypedi lum ~. Cricotopus ~. Rheotanytarsus ~. Ablabesmyia mallochi

FLY LARVAE

DECAPODA Procambarus ~.

CRAYFISH

PELECYPODA Corbicula ~.

CLAMS

GASTROPODA
Physa~.
Gyraulus ~.

SNAILS

134

Abundance
2 5 1
42 11
38
24 7 1
21 5
3
19
6
1 2 1 1
15
42 1 17
3 3
2
5
1
2 1

STATION 11 YELLOW RIVER Porterdale Water Intake September 16, 1987

Scientific Name
PLECOPTERA Perlesta ~. Paragnetina ~. Pteronarcys ~.
EPHEMEROPTER A Baetis ~. Pseudocloeon ~. Hexagenia ~. Stenonema modestum Habrophlebiodes ~. Tricorythodes ~.
TRICOPTERA Hydropsyche ~. Cheumatopsyche ~. Hydroptila ~.
COLEOPTERA Helichus lithophilus (adult) Machronychus glabratus (adults) (larva)
ODONATA Boyeria vinosa
Argia~.
Tetragoneuria ~.
Gomphus~.
MEGALOPTERA Corydalus cornutus
DIPTERA Polypedilum ~. Thienemanniella ~. Cricotopus ~.
DECAPOD A Procambarus ~iculifer
PELECYPODA Corbicula manilensis
GASTROPODA Somatogyrus ~. Pleurocera ~.

Common Name STONEFLY NYMPHS MAYFLY NYMPHS
CADDISFLY LARVAE BEETLES DRAGONFLY NYMPHS
DOBSONFLY LARVAE FLY LARVAE CRAYFISHES CLAMS SNAILS

135

Abundance
14 5 9
3 4 2 16 4 1
31 15 2
1 10 1
1 13 2 2
12
7
3 4
3
1
38 19

STATION T-6 DRIED INDIAN CREEK Flat Shoals Road Downstream From Covington WPCP and Land Application
October 15, 1987

Scientific Name
EPHEMEROPTERA Hexagenia ~. Stenonema modestum
TRICOPTERA Hydropsyche ~. Cheumatopsyche ~.
COLEOPTERA Macronychus glabratus (adult) (larvae)
ODONATA Promogomphus ~.
Gomphus~.
MEGALOPTERA Nigronia serricornis
DIPTERA Rheotanytarsus ~. Cricotopus ~.
Tipula~.
DECAPODA Procambarus spiculifer
OUGOCHAETA
Nais~.

Common Name MAYFLY NYMPHS CADDISFLY LARVAE BEETLES
DOBSONFLY LARVAE FLY LARVAE
CRAYFISHES SEGMENTED WORMS

Abundance
1 31
9
8
1 4
2 1
1
2 1
12
26
2

136

STATION 12 YELLOW RIVER Rocky Plain Road October 8, 1987

Scientific Name

PLECOPTERA
Neoperla~.
Pteronarcys ~. Perlesta ~.

EPHEMER OPTERA
Hexagen ia ~. Stenonema modestum Isonychia ~.
Baetis~.

TRICOPTERA
Hydropsyche ~. Cheumatopsyche ~.

COLEOPTERA

Helichus lithophilus (adu Its)

Macronychus glabratus (adults)

(larvae)

Ancyronyx variegatus (larva)

Stenelmis ~.

(adults)

(larva)

ODONATA
Gomphus~. Argia~.
Boyeria vinosa
Didymops ~.

MEGALOPTERA Corydalus cornutus

DIPTERA
Labrundinia ~. Thienemannimyia complex
Polypedi lum ~. Rheotanytarsus ~. Cricotopus ~. Corynoneura ~. Ablabesmyia ~. Micropsectra dubia

DECAPOD A Procambarus spiculifer

Common Name STONEFLY NYMPHS MAYFLY NY MPHS CADDISFLY LARVAE BEETLES
DRAGONFLY LARVAE DOBSONFLY LARVAE FLY LARVAE
CRAYFISHES

137

Abundance
5 1 22
3 38 2 3
2 2
4 37 21
1 16 1
9 13 2 3
7
1 8 51
8
14 19 6
1
12

Scientific Name
ISOPODA Asellus ~.
OLiGOCHAETA
Nais~.
PELECYPODA Corbicula manilensis
GASTROPODA Ferrissia ~.

STATION 12 (Continued) Common Name ISOPODS SEGMENTED WORMS CLAMS SNAILS

Abundance 1 1
13 3

138

STATION 13 YELLOW RIVER Georgia Highway 212 October 7, 1987

Scientific Name

PLECOPTERA
Pteronarcys ~. Paragnetina ~.
Neoperla~.
Perlesta ~.

EPHEMER OPTERA
Stenonema modestus Tricorythodes ~. Baetis ~.

TRICOPTERA Triaenodes ~.

COLEOPTERA

Stenelmis ~.

(adults)

(larvae)

Macronychus gJabratus (adults)

(larvae)

Helichus ~.

(adult)

ODONATA
Gomphus~. Argia~.
Boyeria vinosa
Macromia~.

MEGALOPTERA Nigronia serricornis

DIPTERA
Corynoneura ~. Thienemanniella ~. Rheocricotopus ~. Cricotopus ~. Ablabesmyia ~. Thienemannimyia complex
Rheotanytarsus ~.

DECAPODA Procambarus ~iculifer

OLIGOCHAETA Tubificidae

Common Name STONEFLY NYMPHS
MAYFLY NYMPHS CADDISFLY LARVAE BEETLES
DRAGONFLY NYMPHS
DOBSONFLY LARVAE FLY LARVAE
CRAYFISHES SEGMENTED WORMS

139

Abundance
6
3
2 5
20 10
9
1
13 11 18
4
1
4
11 2
6
1
17 2 7
4 4
3 2
6
3

Scientific Name
PELECYPODA Corbicula manilensis
GASTROPODA
Laevapex~. Gyraulus~.

STATION 13 (Continued) Common Name CLAMS
SNAILS

Abundance
4
9
2

140

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YELLCII RIVER WATER QUALITY DATA SEPTEMBER 15. 1977

STATIIIl /IUIlIIER

LOCATIIIl

TEJI'.

D.O.

BODS

TIME (0e)

h!g/l )

(1!!!/1)

pH

SPEC. CillO. (p!hos/Cl 25C)

HHTH
(1IlI/1)

N02-tflOTH
(1IlI/1 )

P

SUSPEIlDED

TURBIDITY FECAL COLIFORIl

(1IlI/1 ) SOLIDS (1IlI/1)

(JCU)

(R/lOD .1)

3

Yellow River

1200 24.0

6.6

1.0

7.3

113

Five Forks-

Trickum Road

<0.02

0.61

0.30

37

56

3.300

6

Yellow River

1015 23.0

6.8

0.7

7.5

103

0.02

0.59

0.11

28

50

930

Annistown Road

STATION 3 YELLOW RIVER Fi ve Forks - Trick1Jm Road

MACROINVERTEBRATES SCIENTIFIC NAME

COMMON NAME

PLECOPTERA Paragnetina ~. Peltoperla ~. Pteronarcys ~. Acroneuri a ~.

STONEFLY NYMPHS

EPAEMEROPTERA

MAYFLY NYMPHS

Isonychia ~.

Heetagenia ~.

Trlcorythodes ~.

Baetis ~.

~tenonema~. (pulchellum group)

. (interpunctatum group)

TRICHOPTERA Cheumatopsyche ~. Hydropsyche ~.

CADDISFLY LARVAE

COLEOPTERA

BEETLES

Dineutus ~. (larva)

Macronychus glabratus (adults)

Helichus ~. (adult)

Agabus~. (larva)

MEGALOPTERA Corydalus cornutus Nigronia serricornis

DOBSONFLY LARVAE

DECAPODA Procambarus ~.

CRAYFISHES

GASTROPODA Laevapex ~. Goniobasis ~.

SNAILS

DIPTERA Tipula sp. PolypedITum ~. Trichocladius ~. Conchapelopia ~. Thienemanniella ~. Atherix variegata Simul ium ~.

FLY LARVAE

OLIGOCHAETA Nais ~.

SEGMENTED WORMS

Qualitative 8-22-77 ABUNDANCE
18
2 15 27
74 1 1 20 84 8
89 122
1 12 1 1
20
18
1 10
1 1 8
2
6 1 1
21

143

GLOSSARY
BODS or 5-Day Biochemical Oxygen Demand is a measure of the quantity of dissolved oxygen,
in milligrams per liter, necessary for the decomposition of organic matter by microorganisms, such as bacteria, during a period of 5 days.
Conductivity is a measure of the ability of a water solution to conduct an electrical current.
Conductivity is related to the type and concentration of ions in solution and can be used for approximating the amount of matter dissolved in water.
CFS or CLbic Foot Per Second is the rate of streamflow representing a volume of 1 cubic
foot passing a given point during one second and is equivalent to approximately 7.48 gallons per second or 448.8 gallons per minute.
Dissolved Oxygen is primarily atmospheric oxygen which has dissolved in water. Dissolved
oxygen in water may be reduced or eliminated by the decomposition of organic matter by microorganisms, such as bacteria.
Fecal Coliform Bacteria are bacteria that are present in the intestines and feces of warm-
blooded animals. They are often used as indicators of the sanitary quality of water. Density is expressed as most probable number per 100 ml (MPN/100 mD.
~ or Micrograms ~ liter is a unit expressing the concentration of chemical constituents
in solution as mass (micrograms) of solute per unit volume (liter) of water. One thousand micrograms per liter is equivalent to one milligram per liter.
~ or Milligrams ~ liter is a unit for expressing the concentration of chemical constituents
in solution. Milligrams per liter represent the mass (milligrams) of solute per unit volume <liter) of water. One milligram per liter is equivalent to 1,000 micrograms per liter.
N02+N03-N or Nitrite + Nitrate Nitrogen refers to nitrogen in the nitrite and nitrate form. NHrN or Ammonia Nitrogen - refers to nitrogen in the form of ammonia. Suspended Solids refers to the particulate matter suspended in water. The matter is filtered
from the water, weighed and the result reported as milligrams per liter( weight per volume of water). Suspended solids is related to turbidity, but is measured in a different way.
Turbidity is a measure of an optical property of the fine suspended matter in a sample.
The interference of the passage of light rays passing through a sample is compared with interferences in standard samples. Turbidity is related to suspended solids, but is measured in a different way.
145

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