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8-1970

Water Resources News, Volume 2, No. 7, 1970

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NEBRASKA WATER RESOURCES RESEARCH INSTITUTE 212 AGRICULTURAL ENGINEERING BUILDING THE UNIVERSITY OF NEBRASKA LINCOLN, NEBRASKA 68503

Volume 2 Number 7 August 1970

NEW PROTECTION AGENCY PROPOS~& Nixon may well combine what's left of Interior with some ele­ ments of the Agriculture Depart­ President Nixon recently pro­ ment -- the Forest Service, for posed the creation of a new instance, and maybe the Army's Environmental Protection Agency Corps of Engineers -- to form a which would consolidate the Department of Natural Resources." Federal government's major air and water pollution control programs. So far the widespread ~fW OCEANIC GROUP speculation that the Corps of Engineers' civil works functions President Nixon has also recom­ would be transferred to some mended creation of a National other agency or department did Oceanic and Atmospheric Admini­ not pan out. stration (NOAA) to be located in During hearings before the the Department of Commerce. House-Government Operations This new agency would combine Committee, Administration spokes­ m,n indicated that additional all government oceanic programs -- which are located in six changes would be recommended in the government's natural different department and agencies -- and handle such far-reaching resources program. proposals as coastal zone manage­ President Nixon in his trans­ ment and regulations. mittal message stated: "1 The only opposition to the NOAA think *** it is better to plan has come from conservation­ proceed a step at a time.*** ists. Some oppose the transfer As we see how these changes of the marine sport fish program work out, we will gain a better to the new agency from thp Bureau understanding of what further of sport Fisheries and ltI.ildlife changes -- in addition to and others don't want NOAA in these -- might be desirable." the Commerce Department because It has even been suggested they claim it represents the that the Corps' civil works "industrial & economic viewpoint". functions might be transferred to the Interior Department. Congr. Alton A. Lennon, chair­ man of the HOuse Subcommittee Chemical and En~ineering News reports: "Some l'!hite House on Oceanography, contends NOAA would champion and conserve the obse~ver~ predi6t that Mr. environment. --2-

humus (organic matter) washed down­ hill by the rains that fall upon A recent statement by a committee the land.' of the Soil Conservation Society of America said change is inherent in the conservation of natural resources. "If conservation is to be effective, changes must occur When sulpher dioxide and carbon in the use of such resources as dioxide in the air are dissolved land, water and air:', the comm.i.ttee by fog or rain, the result is a said. Changes in the environment weak air-borne acid which may can be helpful as well as harm­ eventually eat away at the stone, ful. concrete and even metal founda­ tions of buildings. Par Pond in Aiken, South Caro­ lina is a good example which Limestone, marble and colomite receives the water discharged by are particularly susceptible to a nuclear plant. corrosion by sulphates. The Wall Street Journal reports Calcium in these rocks combines this: "T'her-rnaI pollution may with sulpher from the air to form be bad, but the fish in nearby gypsum, which is 32 times more Par Pond donft seem to know it.'; soluble than limestone. In fact, scientists here say they The changes in humidity in dry are finding that the very thermal climites are sufficient to cause pollution that threatens fish in a shrinking and swelling of gypsum some bodies of water seems to make subjecting the pores and cracks them grow faster and bigger in to high pressures and eventually Par Pond. II weakenin~ the stone in the building.

~lYT;-1 (8 I TIC p';-T"' '-'l\oVr:~TI"'G i\U~I\r: Dr. William T. Pecora, director of the U.S. Geological Survey, A West German Company has de­ delivered a message stating that veloped a low-cost method for the current concern over air and transforming a green variety of water pollution is caused by man. algae into a power product that can be used as a protein source in Dr. Pecora stated: lilt is food having between 50 and per­ believed by many people in this 56 cent protein content. country that it is man who is degrading and polluting his The product can be used in soup environment because of our modern powders, cookies and pastas. industrial society. Some myths, Early reports indicate that a hcwever , need to be destoryed." medium size plant, in a sub­ Dr. Pe cora also added: lIThe tropical climate, producing 200 rivers of our Nations are being tons of algae a year on 7.6 acres called dirty because of the works can be built for $300,000. of man". liWe must understand indi~ - - It is estimated that an that rivers are the natur-al trans- V~§fi~i§ prof§ifl2heeds-d~nfb@ m~t port systems for sediment and tor as little ~§~n~8ac~fi~s a day. -3-

OSW Director, Dr. Chung-ming Wong, said that the program will include According to federal health tests of irrigation return flows, officials, millions of pounds of saline mineral springs and com­ mercury may be flowing undetected munity water supplies with a high in the nation's waterways. The level of undesirable constraints, health officials also suspect that such as selenium. Water to be userl cases of mercury poisoning do exist in the Potomac tests contain up to but have escaped correct diagnosis 4,000 parts of dissolved solids because of the relatively recent per million parts of water. detection of the problem. Tests by the Food and Drug Administration have s hovrn "signi­ }'/ATER POlLllIJQ'_GQrlTROL.RUL:$ ficant amounts of mercury contam­ ination in some waters of Alabama, New regulations applying to Georgia, New York, , federal water programs require that: Kentucky, New , Michigan, (1) New treatment facilities for Pennsylvania, Ohio, Texas, West comprehensive river basin-wide Virginia, Tennessee, Vermont and Drograms for pollution abatement Wisconsin. ~ust be devebped before projects Onondaga Lake near Syracuse, N.Y. become eligible for federal aid; has been closed to fishing and (2) In evaluating new applicants warnings have been issued for parts the FWQA may demand detailed data of Lake Champlain, Lake Erie, the on pollution in the entire basin, St. Lawrence River, the Tennessee, volume of discharge from each source, the Wisconsin, the Tombigbee, effluent types, treatment, and the Mobile and the Tensaw Rivers. water quality effect; Federal officials originally (3) No new federal grant may believed that mercury would not be made to any system designed for dissolve in water. However, fur­ industrial wastes only. Industry ther tests have shown that the must pretreat wastes going to muni­ metal rlissovle~ into a toxic chem­ cipal systems; ical that is immune to the destructive effects of other (4) Industries will assess a chemicals in water and is said to share of the operating costs and costs of amortizing the debt in last 100 years before becoming proportion to their contributions harmless. to the total cost of waste treat­ ment; .. POTO~AC RIVF.R SITES FOg (5) Once a year for the first DESALTI: 'G TESTS_ three years the State Water Pollu­ tion Control Agencies must inspect Fer the next six months the Office new federally aided facilities for of Saline Water will run desalting efficiency and economy; tests on Potomac River Water as (6) Design of any new treatment part of a project designed to plant must be aODroved in advance determine the role of 13salination in the rehabilitation of the ~s economical, efficient and nation's surface water supplies. effective under FWQA requirements. -4-·

These regulations, offered by r':~ouljtai.f'li National Psrk~ 7Ur President Nixon in February, were Force Academy and the Colorado first published in March with a 45­ Springs area, the Colorado-Big day period allotted for changes. Thompson Irrigation Project, and tours in Denver and surrounding area. PRIer: I'lc.rEAsrs TO LR(Y\'~1r:rIT Inquires are to be sent to: Ir"1P ROVr.: r.r 'V General Chairman, A.I. Johnson, A recent survey of the cost of Chief, Water Resources Division Water Quality Control shows that the Training Center, U.S. Geological Survey, Federal Center Denver, nation's leading chemical manu~ facturing companies spent approxi­ Colo. 80225. mately $140 million last year with 50 percent invested in the purchase of equipment to do the job. Information from 14 companies Project Title: "Physiological showed that they spent more money and Biochemical Responses of Plants on water quality management than on any other environmental improve­ to Different Internal Water Poten­ tials tT ment. A few companies reported price jncreases were due to pollu­ Principal Investigators: Dr. tion control spending, but several E. J. Kinbacher, Dr. C. Y. said that increased plant effj­ Sullivan, Dr. Jerry D. Eastin ciencies due to more rigid process control offset some of the cost of Dates: July, 1969 to June, 1972 environmental improvement projects. The objectives of this research Delays caused by overlapping are: government regulations were cited 1. To investigate the biochemical as a cost factor. effects of internal water stress Precipitate legislative reaction on some physiological (biochemical) is seen as a threat to orderly processes such as photosynthesis, improvement because of specific respiration and dark fixation carbon equipment lacks. dioxide during stress and the recovery period. 2. To investigate the mechanisms by which plant water potentials A national symposium on water­ and water use (transpiration) are shed management will be sponsored controlled or influenced by the plants. by the American Water Resources Association from -22, 1972. Accomplishments: The photo­ The symposium will be held at synthetic rate of attached sugar Colorado State University, Fort beet and bean leaves were monitored. , Colorado. Radiation intensities between .05 to .09 uE/cm2/sec caused similar The symposium will include pre­ meeting and post-meeting trips for photosynthetic rates for individua­ members and their families to such leaves in a leaf chamber. Photo­ exciting locations as Rocky synthesis proceeded at the same rate with a range in relative -·5-- humidity of 60 to 90% when the soil of drought stress will be i~ves­ was near field capacity. Sugar tigated. beet leaves recorded the maximum Photosynthesis rates when the leaf It is well known that much of temperature was about 35 c. It the utilization of the nation's was found that the Hill reaction water resources follows the s011-­ by chloroplasts isolated from plant--atmosphere pathway. Avail­ sorghum, corn and pearl millet, ability of soil water and atmos­ which had been exposed to drought pheric demand both markedly in­ stress, was more susceptible to fluence this utilization, but the thermal inactiviation than those response of the plant to it's from irrigated controls. There influential in regulating this was no apparent effect of drought utilization. Much is unknown about stress on cyclic photophosphorla­ the biochemical and physiological tion. Chloroplasts from pearl responses of plants to water­ millet were the most stable in deficits, and for maximum produc­ their ability to carryon photo­ tion, or most efficient plant chemical activity after stress. water use, we must understand the Graduate Research Assistants have internal effects of different been given special training and water potentials. Por example, problems in plant water relations. our finding of specific photochem­ ical reactions which are- affected The effect of internal water by drought conditions, and the deficits on photosynthesis and finding of significant differences transpiration will be investigated between crop species and varieties with an improved experimental will greatly aid plant breeders in system. Net photosynthesis and developing species which are transpiration of individual leaves efficient in water utilization. and entire plants will be monitored during several drying cycles. The effect of furrow irrigation 'T'" P' 'Tl'_LCt\.IIQl~..,

Hexadecanol and Octadecanol i', by W. 16. "Report of the University of D. Langley, Texas A & M University, Kentucky Water Resources Institute June 1970. for FY 1970:;, University of 5. "Influence of Transpiration Kentucky, . Suppressants, Sprinkler Irrigation 17. "F'Locd Series for Gaged and Moisture Levels on Transpira­ Pennsylvania Streams", BJ'l. Reich, tion and Evapot r-an sp t r-at Lorr'", by Fennsylvania State University, C. J. Gerard, Texas A & M Univer­ . sity, nay 1970. 13. IIS eminar--I1odifying the. Soil 6. "Ground-Water Levels in New and Water Environment for Approach­ 1 nexico, 1968 ;, by F. E. Busch & ing the Agricultural Potential of J. D. Hudson) U.S. Geological Sur­ the Great Plains", Vol. II, Kansas 'ley, 1970. State University, March 17-19, 7. "Sys t erns Simulation for filanage-­ 1969. ll ment of a Total Water Resource , 19. "Eutrophication Program", by Texas Water Development Board University of Wisconsin, May 1970. 11 & Water Resources Engineers, Inc., 20. "Annual Report 1969-1970 , May 1970. University of , 1969-70. 8. "Report of ~{ater Resources 21. liThe Numerical Solution of Research July 1, 1968-,1969", Transient Supercritical Flow by by U. S. Geological Survey, Jan­ the Method of Characteristics with uary 1970. a Technique for Simulating Bore ll 9. "Applied Mathematical Pro­ Propagation , J. J. Zovne, Georgia gramming in Water Resources, Vol. Institute of Technology, May 1970. 1 & 2 , sponsored by Nebraska 22. lIAn Analysis of the Law Water Resources Research Institute Governing Six Selected --Civil Engineering & Ag. Engi­ Hater-Oriented Special Districts", neering, University of Nebraska, M.D. Garvey, J.D. Morgan, and K. Summer Institute -August 7, L. Schubert, University of Wash­ 1970. ingrrn and Washington State 10 . "Eutrophication Program ) University, June 1970. Unjversity of Wisconsin, May 1970. 23. !! A Summary II, or preceding 11. "Sedimentation", U.S. De­ listing of Part A & B, University partment of Agriculture & National of Washington, Washington State Science Foundation, Washington University, June 1970. D.C., 1967-68. 24. "Res e ar-c h on \'.'ater Quality!!, 12. "The Progress of Hydrology", R. Coppock, University of Califor­ University of Illinois, ­ nia, ,July 1970. 25, 1969, Vol. 1 & 3. 25. "Virus r·10vement in Ground­ 13. "Sixth Annual Report of watel' Syst ems ", 1;.J. A. Drewr-y , University of Idaho Water Resources University of Arkansas, September, Research Lns t l t ut e ?, University 1969. of Idaho, July 1970. 26. "RequLr-emen t s and Costs of 14. "Annual Report of the Iowa Alternative Systems for Treating State Water Resources Research Peach Cannery Wastes!!, G. H. Liner Institute for FY 1970", University & J. M. Stepp, Clemson University, of Iowa & Iowa State University, . July 1970. 27. liThe Persistence of Pesticides 15. "Sixth Annual Report for in Impounded Waters!!, R. A. Lauder­ University of for FY dale, University of Kentucky, 1969. 1970'1, University of Puerto Ri co ~ 28. HUse of Interrelated Records , 1970. 1'0 Simulate Streamflow!! ,L. R. Beard, -7-

Corps of Engineers Technical Paper 41. "A Hydrologic Water Resource No. 1- System Node Lf ng Technique", L. G. 29. "Optimization TechniquAs For Hulman, D. K. Erickson, Corps of Hydrologic Engineering", L. R. Engineers Technical Paper No. 16. Beard, Corps of Engineers Technical 42. "Hydrologic Engineering Paper No.2. Techniques For Regional Water 30. "Net ho ds for Determination Resources Planning", A. J. Fredrich, of Safe Yield and Compensation E. F. Hawkins, Corps of Engineers \\Tater From Storage Re aer-vo Lr-s!", Technical Paper No. 17. L.R. Beard: Corps of Engineers 43. "Estimating r~onthly Stream­ Technical Paper No.3. flo\'1s Within a Region", L. R. Beard, 31. "Functional Evaluation of a A. J. Fredrich, E. F.Hawkins, n Water Resources System , L. R. Corps of Engineers Technical Paper Beard, Corps of Engineers Tech­ No. 18. nical Paper No.4. 44. "An Approach to Reservoir ll 32. "St.r-eamfLow Synthesis For Temperature Analysis , L. R. Beard, Ungaged Rivers", L. R. Beard, R. G. Willey, Corps of Engineers Corps of Engineers Technical Paper Technical Paper No. 21. No.5. 45. "A Finite Different Method 33. "Pilot Study For Storage For Analyzing Liquid Flow in Requirements for Low Flow Augmen­ Variably Saturated Porous r~edia", tat i on", A. J. Fredrich, Corps of R. L. Cooley, Corps of Engineers Engineers Technical Paper No.7. Technical Paper No. 22. 34. "Worth of Streamflow Data 46. "Re s ear-c h Reports", supported for Project Design A Pilot Studyll, by Office of Water Resources D.R. Dawdy, H. E. Kubik, L. R. Research under Water Resources Beard, E. R. Close, Corps of Research Act of 1964, U.S. Depart­ Engineers Technical Paper No.8. ment of the Interior, Washington, 35. "Economic Evaluation of D.C . .l -June 1970. Reservoir System Accomplishments", 47. rlFY 1970 Annual Repor-t.". L. R. Beard, Corps of Engineers North Dakota Water Resources Re­ Technical Paper No.9. search Institute, North Dakota 36. "Survey of Programs for State University, University of Water Surface Profiles", Bill S. North Dakota, July 1970. Eichert, Corps of Engineers Tech­ 48. "Annual Report 1970:1, Texas nical Paper No.9. A & M University Water REsources 37. "Hypotetical Flood Compu­ Institute, July 1970. tation For a Stream Sy s t em: , L. 49. "Annual Report of Activities R. Beard, Corps of Engineers for Fiscal Year 1970", University Technical Paper No. 12. of Illinois Water Resources Center, 38. "Haximum Utilization of Annual Report No.6, July 1970. Scarce Data in Hydrologic De s t gri'", 50. rlSixth Annual Report Fiscal L. R. Beard, A. J. Fredrich, Corps Year 1969-70rl, Clemson University, of Engineers Technical Paper No. July 1970. 13. 51. "Irrigation Water Supply: 39. "Techniques For Evaluating Efficiency and Cost Aspects", R. D. Long-Term Reservoir Yields", A.J. Cacek, M.S. Thesis, University of Fredrich, Corps of Engineers Nebraska, May 1970.

Technical Paper No. 14. 52. "Tnput c Out.put. Analysis of 40. 1!Hydrostatistics·-Principles vlater Use for Nebraska Industries", ''.Jf Application r , L. R. Beard 5 Corps A.W. Epp, M. BaKer, University of pf Engineers Technical Paper No. 15. Nebraska, Technical Research -8--

Project Completion Report, Project A-004-NEB, August 1970. 53. "Water Quality Aspects of the State of Washington!!, B. H. Mar, Newsletter items and inquiries D. A. Nunnallee, W. Mason & N. should be sent to : Dr. Warren Rapp, University of Washington, Viessman, Jr., Director, N.W.R.R.I., June 1970. 212 Agricut1rua1 Engineering 54. "Environmental Quality", Building, East Campus, Lincoln, First Annual Report of the Council Nebraska 68503. on Environmental Quality, Trans­ mitted to Congress, August 1970. 55. "Annual Report 1970", Insti-­ tute of Water Research, Michigan State University, July 1970. 56. ll'The Application of Phase Selective Alternating Current Polarography to the Analysis of Heavy Metals in Water'f, P. E. Sturrock, R. L. Poole, Jr., Georgia Institute of Technology, June 1970.