17

Water quality monitoring of five major tributaries in the Otsego watershed, summer 2000

Mary M. Miner l

INTRODUCTION

For the past three decades, research conducted by the Biological Field Station has recognized trends toward eutrophy in (e.g. Harman et al., 1997). Recent studies have continued to document these trends (Albright, 1998;1999; 2000). These include algal blooms which lead to undesirable tastes, odors and colors, pose health concerns to those who use the lake as a source ofdrinking. Dissolved organics resulting from increased algal blooms react with chlorine used to disinfect drinking water to form carcinogens (Harman et a!., 1997). Low dissolved oxygen concentrations also raise concern as they jeopardize the cold water fisheries ofthe lake. Water flowing into the lake is the key factor for the character ofthe lake; the quality ofinflowing water is dependent upon landforms and land used within the watershed (Albright, 1996). This study continues ongoing monitoring ofthe northern watershed ofOtsego Lake, which contributes two-thirds ofthe water flowing into the lake.

Otsego Lake has a U·shaped basin with a north-south orientation. It lies in the glacially over-deepened valley. The northern watershed consists of five drainage basins: those drained by White Creek, Cripple Creek, Hayden Creek, Shadow Brook and a small tributary on Mount Wellington. Problems exist in this part of the watershed due to cultural development and agriculture activities on nutrient-rich soils (Harman et al., 1997). Nutrients from agricultural non-point sources have been identified as the main cause ofcultural in freshwater inland ofthe U.S. (Daniel, 1994).

Through the 1996 Farm Bill, the USDA established the Environmental Quality Incentive Program (EQIP) to assist crop and livestock producers in addressing environmental and conservation improvements on the farm (USDA, 1996). Along with matching funds from the Otsego County Conservation Association, EQIP Best Management Practices (BMPs) have been instituted on 22 sites throughout the northern watershed (Pullano, 2000). Asterisks in Figure 1 indicate these sites. The goals ofthis study are to measure the effectiveness ofthese practices and to evaluate nutrient contributions along various stretches ofeach tributary. In addition, this research will help provide background information for future decision-making on the establishment of additional projects, allowing for the best allocation ofresources. It is expected that shortcomings in the seasonality and temporal nature of data collection will be compensated by its long term.

1 Rufus 1. Thayer Otsego Lake Research Assistant, summer 2000. Bowdoin College, Maine. 18

Methods

Between the 30 May and 15 August 2000, water samples were collected weekly at 23 sites on five tributaries in the northern watershed ofOtsego Lake (Figure 1). Sites were first established in 1995 (Heavey, 1996), and expanded upon in 1996 (Hewett, 1997). These tributaries include White Creek, Cripple Creek, Hayden Creek, Shadow Brook an the stream draining Mount Wellington. Best Management Practices completed by the commencement of 2000 monitoring are indicated by askerisks. Two new projects are currently in developmental stages in the northern watershed as ofspring 2000. Sampling site descriptions are given in Table 1. These same sites have been monitored since at least 1995.

On site, temperature and dissolved oxygen were measured using a YSI model 95 Dissolved Oxygen and Temperature System®. The system was calibrated immediately prior to use and twice while in the field following manufacturer's protocol (YSI, 1998). Studies from previous years were used to establish a baseline on conductivity and pH readings. Water samples were collected and analyzed weekly for total phosphorus using the ascorbic acid method following persulfate digestion (APHA, 1992) and analyzed bi­ weekly for nitrite+nitrate using the cadmium reduction method (APHA, 1992).

Table 1. Physical descriptions and coordinates of sites sampled throughout the summer of 2000 (from Poulette, 1999). Sites are seen in Figure 1.

White Creek 1: N 42° 49.646' W 74° 56.986' South side ofAllen Lake on County Route 26 near outlet to White Creek. This lake is the water supply for the town of Richfield Springs.

White Creek 2: N 42° 48.931' W 74° 55.303' North side of culvert on County Route 27 (Allen Lake Road) where there is a large dip in the road.

White Creek 3: N 42° 48.355' W 74° 54.210' East side oflarge stone culvert on Route 80.

Cripple Creek 1: N 42° 48.919' W 74° 55.666' Weaver Lake accessed from the north side ofRoute 20. Water here is slow moving and there is an abundance of organic matter.

Cripple Creek 2: N 42° 50.597' W 74° 54.933' Young Lake accessed from the west side of Hoke Road. The water at this site is shallow; some distance from shore is required for sampling.

Cripple Creek 3: N 42° 49.437' W 74° 53.991' North side of culvert on Bartlett Road. The water at this location is cold and swift. This site is immediately downstream of an active dairy farm.

Cripple Creek 4: N 42° 48.836' W 74° 54.037' Large culvert on the west side ofRoute 80. The stream widens and slows at this point; this is the inlet to the Clarke Pond. 19

SCALE IH KILOMETERS o 2 3 4 5 I I I J I

Figure 1. Map of the five major tributaries to Otsego Lake showing the sampling stations. Symbols represent agricultural best management projects, funded through EQIP, completed by summer 2000 (Modified from Poulette, 1999). 20

Cripple Creek 5: N 42° 48.822' W 74° 53.779' Dam just south of Clarke Pond accessed from the Otsego Golf Club.

Hayden Creek 1: N 42° 51.658' W 74° 51.010' Summit Lake accessed from the east side of Route 80, north of the Route 20 and Route 80 intersection.

Hayden Creek 2: N 42° 51.324' W 74° 51.294' North side of culvert on Dominion Road.

Hayden Creek 3: N 42° 50.890' W 74° 51.796' Culvert on the east side ofRoute 80 north of the intersection of Route 80 and Route 20.

Hayden Creek 4: N 42° 50.258' W 74° 52.144' North side oflarge culvert at the intersection of Route 20 and Route 80. This site is adjacent to an active dairy farm. .

Hayden Creek 5: N 42° 49.997' W 74° 52.533' Immediately below the Shipman Pond spillway on Route 80.

Hayden Creek 6: N 42° 49.669' W 74° 52.760' East side ofthe culvert on Route 80 in the village ofSpringfield Center.

Hayden Creek 7: N 42° 49.258' W 74° 53.010' Large culvert on the south side of County Route 53.

Hayden Creek 8: N 42° 48.874' W 74° 53.255' Otsego Golf Club, above the white bridge adjacent to the clubhouse. The water here is stagnant and murky.

Shadow Brook 1: N 42° 51.831' W 74° 47.731' Small culvert on County Route 30 south of Swamp Road. Although flow was recorded throughout the summer of 1998, this site has a history of drying up by mid-summer.

Shadow Brook 2: N 42° 49.882' W 74° 49.058' Large culvert on the north side ofRoute 20, west ofCounty Route 31. There is heavy agricultural activity upstream of this site.

Shadow Brook 3: N 42° 48.788' W 74° 49.852' Private driveway (Box 2075) leading to a small wooden bridge on a dairy farm.

Shadow Brook 4: N 42° 48.333' W 74° 50.60S' One lane bridge on Rathbun Road near active dairy farm. This site is located on an active dairy farm where the animals have been observed wading in the stream on several occasions. The stream bed consists of exposed limestone bedrock.

Shadow Brook 5: N 42° 47.436' W 74° 51.506' North side oflarge culvert on Mill Road behind .

Mount Wellington 1: N 42° 48.864' W 74 ° 52.594' Stone bridge on Public Landing Road adjacent to an active dairy farm.

Mount Wellington 2: N 42° 48.875' W 74° 52.987' Small stone bridge is accessible from a private road offPublic Landing Road; at the end ofthe private road near a white house there is a mowed path which leads to the bridge. Water here is stagnant and murky. 21

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

Temperature

Temperature affects aquatic organisms both directly and indirectly. Stenothermal species ofaquatic biota can only tolerate a narrow range. The biota may also be indirectly affected, because dissolved oxygen concentrations are inversely related to temperature. Temperature ranged from 15.5 COat WC3 to 21.88 Co at HC1. Figure 2 gives mean temperature for all sites. Temperatures for this year's study were significantly lower than those found in the summer of 1999, undoubtedly due to the cool, wet weather predominating throughout the season.

Dissolved Oxygen

Dissolved oxygen is an important factor in determining the health of an aquatic ecosystem. Decreased levels indicate increased organic matter or excessive temperatures. When there is an abundance of organic material dissolved oxygen is consumed during microbial decomposition. The minimum concentration to support most warm water biota is 3 mg/L (Novotny & Olem, 1994). Concentrations should be above 6 mg/L to support a diversity of aquatic biota (Harman et aI., 1997). Average values ranged from 6.4 mg/l (SB1) to 10.92 mg/l (SB4). Mean concentrations for all sites are given in Figure 3. Dissolved oxygen values for this year's study were higher than those found in the summer of 1999. This can best be explained by the cool weather experienced during the summer of2000, since there is an inverse relationship between temperature and dissolved oxygen concentrations.

Nitrogen

Nitrogen is a nutrient that often contributes to eutrophication and is often concentrated in agricultural runoff. The site having the lowest mean concentration was 0.06 mg/l (CC1); the highest mean concentration was 1.57 mg/l at site SB3. Average nitrite+nitrate for all sites are seen in Figure 4. There was a significant increase in nitrogen levels in Shadow Brook and Hayden Creek compared to last year's data. Concentrations in Mount Wellington and Cripple Creek were slightly higher than those found in 1999. Concentrations in White Creek were lower.

Phosphorus

The consumes 25% ofthe world's phosphorus and 76% ofthat is used in agricultural fertilizers (Kramer, 1972). The productivity of Otsego Lake is limited by phosphorus (Harman et al., 1997). The use of agricultural fertilizers, including nutrient recycling through manure applications, and possibly by septic leachate, have presumably increased nutrient loading to the lake. Phosphorus is the single most important nutrient to manage for controlling accelerated eutrophication in freshwater lakes (Daniel, 1994). Mean concentrations ranged from 19 ug/l at WC3 to 142 ug/l at 22

I SB4 ~ 11

10 ::J .sC, c::: G> Cl 9 >. )( 0 '0 G> 8 > '15 III III Ci 7

6 14 12 10 8 6 4 2 0 Distance from Otsego Lake (KM)

B White Creek ...... - Cripple Creek --+- Hayden Creek ...... - Shadow Brook -0-Mount Wellington I

Figure 2. Average dissolved oxygen (mg/I) at tributary sites in the Otsego Lake Watershed, summer 2000.

I 23 122 21

20 Q: CCl ~ ....:::l 19 ...CIl G> 0­ 18 ~ I­

17

C8 SB' ------A--- 16 SB2 15 14 12 10 8 6 4 2 0 Distance from Otsego Lake (KM)

__ White Creek ...... - Cripple Creek --+-Hayden Creek ...... - Shadow Brook -0-Mount Wellington

Figure 3. Average temperature (CO) at tributary sites in the Otsego Lake watershed, summer 2000. 23

SB3

1.2 ~ Cl .§. 1.0 ~

0.8 ¥ SB1 .;:$ 0.6 :!: Z

0.4

WC3 W.II...1------1_.._----. r 0.2 WC2 0.0 14 12 10 8 6 4 2 o Distance from Otsego Lake (KM)

___ White Creek ...... - Hayden Creek ---.- Shadow Brook -0-Mount Wellington ...... - Cripple Creek

Figure 4. Average nitrite+nitrate (mg/I) at tributary sites in the Otsego Lake watershed, summer 2000.

MW2 (142) 100

90

80 :; 70 C, 2­ SB2 60 en SB1 ..::l r-0 50 Oo en r­0 40 Q. C8 30 ~ I­ 20 WC3 10

0 14 12 10 8 6 4 2 0 Distance from Otsego Lake (KM)

I ---White Creek ...... -Cripple Creek ...... - Hayden Creek ---.- Shadow Brook -0-Mount Wellington

Figure 5. Average total phosphorus (ug/I) at tributary sites in the Otsego Lake watershed, summer 2000. 24

MW2, which consistently had the highest concentration ofany site monitored. Average total phosphorus for all sites are shown in Figure 5.

CONCLUSION

The summer of2000 has provided some interesting results in the monitoring of water quality in the five main tributaries to Otsego Lake. There have been two new barnyard improvement projects implemented this year, one in the Hayden Creek basin and the other on Mount Wellington, the first in that . Nutrient levels continue to be high in this basin, which is drained, by a small stream ephemeral in nature. Its contribution to the lake is negligible compared to that ofother tributaries in the northern watershed. Mount Wellington was the only tributary which did not experience a substantial decline in phosphorus levels since the summer of 1999. Hayden Creek currently has 10 BMP sites in its drainage basin, the most in the watershed. There were high levels ofnitrites+nitrates in this stream, as well as in Shadow Brook. These high levels could be related to the great amount ofprecipitation experienced throughout the summer of2000. As flow increases, nutrient concentrations from non-point sources increase and those from point sources will decrease due to dilution (Brown et ai., Undated), though phosphorus levels were seen to drop. This may relate to the nature of nitrite+nitrate, which is more soluble in water than phosphorus compounds (Canter, 1986). Similar trends were noted in last year's survey, which suggests nitrogen levels should be closely monitored to determine ifchanges are due to climactic patterns or changes in land use.

Figure 6 shows total phosphorus at the stream outlets for the years 1991, 1992 and 1995-2000. White Creek and the stream on Mount Wellington were not monitored in 1995. The summer of2000 indicated significant declines in phosphorus levels in four out offive streams since 1999. The fifth stream, Mount Wellington, did not contain any BMPs until the spring of 2000. In some cases, such as Hayden Creek and Shadow Brook, phosphorus levels were the lowest recorded since monitoring ofthese tributaries began, despite above average precipitation. These two streams have been the most managed for barnyard improvements, with 10 and 8 BMP sites respectively. Shadow Brook is perhaps the best indicator ofthe effectiveness ofBMPs. While it's basin has not had the most projects, they were initiated earliest, they tend to be closer to the main stem ofthe stream and they are generally projects that one would expect to have the greatest impact. For instance, the only three manure storage facilities in the watershed are in this sub basin. These facilities allow for manure storage until the spring and fall, when the applied nutrients will largely be retained in the soil. Shadow Brook had the largest decline in phosphorus levels since 1999. Results for this year are promising and monitoring will continue to see ifthese trends ofdeclining levels in phosphorus continue. The EQIP program in the Otsego Lake watershed ends in 2001. 25

200

::J Q ::J ';'150 2 o ..r:: Q. ofit ..r:: a... 100 E t!.

50

o WC3 CC5 HC8 SB5 MW2 Stream Outlets I !l3 1991 1llI1992 .1995 mJ 1996 .1-99-7-­II1II-1998--.-1-999--.-2-00-0J Figure 6. Mean total phosphorus concentrations at the stream outlets ofeach tributary Monitored, summers of 1991, 92 and 95-00 (modified from Poulette, 1999).

It should be noted that on collection dates when high levels ofphosphorus and nitrite+nitrate were observed, samples were taken during rainstorm events. For streams lacking point sources, there is an increase in the range ofobserved phosphorus and sediment concentrations with increasing stream discharge (Brown et al., Undated). Discharge rates are not included in this study. Measuring discharge rates is necessary to determine nutrient loading, which best provides the means to evaluate the effectiveness ofBMPs. However, as more years ofdata accumulate, meteorological variations become less significant due to the larger sample size. Surveys conducted 1991-93 (Albright, 1997) provide baseline nutrient concentration data; those years constant flow data were collected on Shadow Brook. The BFS continues a precipitation-based monitoring protocol on Shadow Brook initiated in 1999, thanks to funding by OCCA.

REFERENCES

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Albright, M.F. 1999. Otsego Lake Monitoring, 1998. In 31 st Annual Report (1998). SUNY Oneonta Bio. Fld. Sta., SUNY Oneonta.

Albright, M.F. 2000. Otsego Lake Monitoring, 1999. In 32nd Annual Report (1999). SUNY Oneonta Bio. Fld. Sta., SUNY Oneonta.

Albright, M. F. 1996. Hydrological and Nutrient Budgets for Otsego Lake, N.Y. and Relationships Between Land FormlUse and Export Rates ofits Sub-basins. Occasional Paper # 29. SUNY Oneonta Bio. Fld. Sta. SUNY Oneonta.

American Public Health Association. 1992. Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater. 18th Edition. American Public Health Association, Washington, D.C.

Brown, M. P. M. R. Rafferty, and P. Longabucco. Undated. Nonpoint Source Control of Phosphorus - A Watershed Evaluation. Vol. 3 Phosphorus Transport in the West Branch ofthe Delaware River Watershed. Bureau of Water Resources. NYSDEC.

Canter, Larry W., Robert C. Knox. 1986. Septic Tank System Effects on Ground Water Quality. Lewis Publishers, INC. Chelsea, Michigan.

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Harman, W. N., L. P. Sohacki, M. F. Albright and, D. L. Rosen. 1997. The State of Otsego Lake, 1936 - 1996. Occasional Paper # 30. SUNY Oneonta Bio. Fld. Sta., SUNY Oneonta.

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Novotny, V. and H. Olem. 1994. Water Quality: Prevention, Identification, and Management ofDiffuse Pollution. Van Nostrand Reinhold. New York.

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