Penobscot River 2007 Data Report July 2008

Home , Great Works Dam, Penobscot River, Stillwater River (Maine), Veazie Dam

Prepared by Donald Albert, P. E. Bureau of Land and Water Quality Division of Environmental Assessment DEPLW-0882 Table of Contents

Introduction ...... 1 Technical Design of Study ...... 1 Hydrologic Data ...... 4 Ambient Chemical Data ...... 4 -DO, Temperature and Salinity ...... 5 -Ultimate BOD ...... 8 -Phosphorus Series ...... 11 -Nitrogen Series...... 13 -Chlorophyll-a ...... 15 -Secchi disk transparency...... 17 Effluent Chemical Data ...... 18 Sediment Analysis...... 26 Plant Growth...... 26 Tributaries ...... 27 Quality Control...... 27 Sondes Data...... 43

Appendices A - Location Map B - Penobscot River Intensive Survey Field Data (DO, Temperature and Salinity) C - Ambient Penobscot River Samples (Nutrients, Chlorophyll a, and BOD) D - Effluent Samples E - Field Filtered versus Lab Filtered

Figures 1. Penobscot River Flow at West Enfield...... 4 2. Penobscot River DO Data Compared to Minimum Criteria...... 5 3. Penobscot River Diurnal DO...... 6 4. Penobscot River Temperature ...... 7 5. Penobscot Estuary Salinity...... 8 6. Penobscot River Ultimate BOD ...... 9 7. Penobscot River Phosphorus...... 11 8. Penobscot River Nitrogen ...... 14 9. Penobscot River Chlorophyll a ...... 16 10. Penobscot River Secchi disk transparency ...... 18 11. Effluent Ultimate BOD Discharged 7/31 to 8/2, 2007 ...... 19 12. % of License BOD5 ...... 21 13. Total Phosphorus Discharged (lb/day) 7/31 to 8/2, 2007...... 23 14. TKN Discharged 7/31 to 8/2, 2007 ...... 24 15. DO Meter Cross Checks 7-31-07 ...... 28 16. DO Meter Cross Checks 8-01-07 ...... 28 17. DO Meter Cross Checks 8-02-07 ...... 29 18. DO and Temperature Duplicate Sampling ...... 30 19. DO and Temperature Duplicate Sampling ...... 32 20. DO and Temperature Duplicate Sampling ...... 32 21. DO, Temperature and Salinity Duplicate Sampling ...... 34 22. DO, Temperature and Salinity Duplicate Sampling ...... 35 23. DO, Temperature and Salinity Duplicate Sampling ...... 36 24. Ambient Total Ultimate BOD Samples Vs Duplicates ...... 37 25. Ambient Total Phosphorus Samples Vs Duplicates ...... 38 26. Ambient Chlorophyll a Samples Vs Duplicates...... 38 27. Ambient Total Kjeldhal Nitrogen Samples Vs Duplicates...... 39 28. Ambient NO2+NO3-N Samples Vs Duplicates ...... 39 29. Effluent Samples Vs Duplicates...... 40 30. Effluent Samples Vs Duplicates...... 40

Tables 1. Penobscot River Sampling Locations and Parameters...... 3 2. Penobscot Tributary Sampling Locations and Parameters ...... 3 3. Point Source Sampling Locations and Parameters ...... 3 4. Penobscot River Sediment Analysis...... 26 5. Duplicate Sample Deviation...... 30 Introduction

The Penobscot River Basin is the largest river basin lying entirely within the state of Maine. It has a drainage area of 8592 square miles at its mouth. The river segment of interest on the Penobscot River begins in Millinocket below Ferguson Lake as the West Branch, where after 10 miles it joins with the East Branch. It then flows an additional 72 miles before reaching head of tide at the Veazie Dam, 12.5 miles to Reed Brook in Hampden where the classification changes to the marine class SC, and then over 14 additional miles of tidal waters to Bucksport. In this 103 mile segment, there are 15 point source discharges, 12 dams, 11 of which are retrofitted for hydropower, and 9 tributaries that have a drainage area of over 100 square miles.

In the summer of 2007, the DEP and various stakeholders conducted a basin wide sampling effort on the 103 miles of river from Millinocket to Bucksport, which is a follow up to a similar data collection effort in 1997 and 2001. In the spring of 2007, the DEP met with many interested stakeholders in the river basin who participated in both the planning and actual field sampling, similar to 1997 and 2001. Participants in the study included representatives from Maine DEP, Penobscot Nation, USEPA, Kathadin Paper Co, Verso Paper Co, Lincoln Sanitary District, Bangor WWTF, Lincoln Paper & Tissue, Millinocket WWTP and Red Shield of Old Town.

The purpose of the 2007 sampling effort was to collect a third data set, which in conjunction with the 1997 and 2001 data will be used for calibration and verification of a water quality model.

Suitable low river flows (less than 4400 cfs) were present during August of 2007, ideal conditions for the collection of excellent quality data.

Technical Design of Study

The technical design of this study is explained in detail in the Penobscot River Basin Work Plan (Maine DEP, June 2007). Some of the highlights are repeated here for convenience. The sampling that was undertaken involved one three-day intensive survey. The sampling was tentatively targeted for three weeks of the summer of 2007 (July 31, August 1, and 2; August 7, 8, and 9; or August 21, 22, and 23) and was dependant upon achievement of a satisfactory low flow condition. The sampling occurred from July 31 and August 1st to 2nd, when low flow was less than 4400 cfs.

Dissolved Oxygen (DO) and temperature (all locations), and salinity (tidal locations only) were sampled twice daily at thirty main stem locations (Table 1), and eleven tributary locations (Table 2). In addition, samples were collected for nutrient analysis (NH3-N, TKN, NO2+NO3-N, TP, and PO4-P); chlorophyll a, and ultimate BOD (all) and Secchi disk transparency (where possible) at eighteen main stem locations (Table 1) and eleven tributary locations (Table 2). Composite samples were collected for fifteen point sources inputs (Table 3) for nutrient, ultimate BOD, and BOD5 analysis.

The data collection effort also resulted in the placement of continuous recording equipment for DO and temperature by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Penobscot Nation. In addition, core samples were collected for sediment oxygen demand analysis at twelve locations by the EPA later in the summer, separate from the three day event.

Table 1 Table 2 Penobscot River Sampling Locations Tributary Sampling Locations

Penobscot Data Report January 2008 Page 2 Station Station Location Chemical Station Station Location Chemical Code Parameters Code Parameters West Branch Penobscot MiS Millinocket Stream All WBP1 Ferguson Lake Outlet All EBPn East Branch Penobscot All WBP2 Dolby Pond Inlet All MaR Matawamkeag River All WBP3 Above Dolby Dam All PiR Piscataquis River All WBP4 Above Mill Dam 2 DO / Temp StR Stillwater River All WBP5 Above Rockabema Dam All DupT Tributary Duplicate All Main Stem Penobscot Pn1 Above Weldon Dam All PaR Passadumkeag River All param. Pn2 Winn DO / Temp PuS Pushaw Stream day 2, only Pn3 North Lincoln All KeS Kenduskeag Stream Pn4 South Lincoln All SoS Soudabascook Stream DO / Temp Pn5 Above West Enfield Dam All MaS Marsh Stream all 3 days Pn6 Passadumkeag DO / Temp Pn7 Greenbush DO / Temp Table 3 Pn8 Costigan DO / Temp Effluent Sampling Locations Pn9 Milford Dam All Station Station Location No. Days Code Sampled Pn10 Great Works Dam DO / Temp KATW Kathadin Paper West 3 Pn11 Orono near Water Co. DO / Temp Mill Millinocket 3 Pn12 Above Veazie Dam All KATE Kathadin Paper West 3 Pn13 Above Bangor Dam All Lpp Lincoln Paper & 3 Tissue DupR River Duplicate All Linc Lincoln S.D. 1 Tidal Howl Howland 1 PnE1 Bangor Rte 9 / 1a Bridge DO/Temp/Sal OldT Old Town 3 PnE2 South Brewer All REDS Red Shield 3 PnE3 North Orrington (ledges) DO/Temp/Sal Orono Orono 3 PnE4 Orrington (near PERC) DO/Temp/Sal Veaz Veazie 1 PnE5 Orrington Center All Bang Bangor 3 PnE6 Bald Hill Cove DO/Temp/Sal Brew Brewer 3 PnE7 South Orrington All Wint Winterport 1 PnE8 North Bucksport DO/Temp/Sal Buck Bucksport 1 PnE9 Winterport All VER Verso Bucksport 3 PnE10 Confluence Marsh Stream DO/Temp/Sal Note: Effluents were collected as composite PnE11 Harriman Cove DO/Temp/Sal samples and analyzed for BOD5, ultimate BOD, PnE12 Fort Knox All TP, PO4-P, TKN, NH3-N, and NO2+ NO3-N. DupE Estuary Duplicate All

Penobscot Data Report January 2008 Page 3 Hydrologic Data

River flow data are available at a number of locations on the Penobscot River and some limited tributaries. There is a USGS gage at West Enfield. Flow estimates are available from Katahdin Paper Co. on the West Branch at Dolby dam, the East Branch of the Penobscot, and Weldon dam; and flow estimates from Bangor Hydro Co. at Milford and the Stillwater Branch. There are also tributary gaging data from USGS on the Piscataquis River at Dover Foxcroft and Medford and the Mattawamkeag River at Mattawamkeag.

Trigger flows were established utilizing the USGS gage in West Enfield to determine whether or not flow was sufficiently low enough to make the sampling effort worthwhile. For the three-day survey 90% flow duration (4400 cfs) was set as the upper trigger flow. The three day average flow of 4290 at West Enfield when sampling was undertaken is lower than the upper target flow (Figure 1) indicating acceptable low flow conditions occurred.

Figure 1 Sampling Days of Intensive Survey Compared to River Flow at USGS West Enfield Gage

40000

35000

30000

25000

20000

15000 Flow (cfs) 10000

5000

0 5/14/2007 5/30/2007 6/14/2007 6/29/2007 7/14/2007 7/29/2007 8/13/2007 8/28/2007

Ambient Chemical Data

The chemical data collected for the three day intensive survey were DO (DO), temperature, salinity in tidal waters, total phosphorus (TP), orthophosphorus (PO4-P), total kjeldhal nitrogen (TKN), ammonia nitrogen (NH3-N), nitrite plus nitrate nitrogen (NO2+NO3-N), chlorophyll a (chl a), and ultimate BOD (TBODu). All of these parameters were measured in the early morning before 10:00 am and, in addition, mid afternoon readings of DO, temperature, and salinity were made to capture diurnal effects. Secchi disk transparency measurements were made on one day of the three day surveys.

Penobscot Data Report January 2008 Page 4 To improve the accuracy of the Water Quality Model it is desirable to sample the river under steady state conditions of flow and water chemistry. Not only is it easier to interpret the data under steady conditions, but is also essential for application of the water quality model, which assumes steady state. The flow, water chemistry and effluent data were very constant from day to day and the quality is therefore considered good for application with the model.

DO, Temperature, and Salinity

DO and temperature were measured with YSI portable meters. The meters were calibrated in the early morning and checked frequently during sampling. In addition, the meters were cross checked with other meters from adjacent sampling teams both prior to and after sampling.

The DO readings on the Penobscot River from July 31st to August 2nd did not meet DO criteria at a number of locations (Figure 2). Class C minimum DO criteria of 5 ppm and 60% of saturation were met at all 6 sampling locations that are classified C (five locations on West Branch, and one above Weldon impoundment). However on class B segments, where there are fifteen sampling locations, only five locations (Winn, N. Lincoln, S. Lincoln, Passadumkeag and above Great Works dam) met minimum class B criteria of 7 ppm and 75% of saturation. DO readings of sampling locations which didn’t meet class B minimum criteria, ranged from 6.4 to 6.9 ppm. In the estuary, a minimum class SC D O criterion of 75% of saturation was met at all nine sampling locations.

Figure 2 Dissolved Oxygen Data Compared to Minimum Criteria July 31 to August 2, 2007

8 High Avg 6 Low

DO (mg/L) 4 DO Criterion

0 Winn Costigan S.Brewer Fort Knox Fort S. Lincoln S. N. Lincoln N. Winterport Greenbush N. Orington N. Bald Hill Cove Hill Bald Passadumkeag South Orrington South North Bucksport North Dolby Pond Inlet Pond Dolby Orrington Center Orrington Orono Water Co. Water Orono Ferg. Lake Outlet Lake Ferg. Above Dolby Dam Dolby Above Above E. Mill. Dam Mill. E. Above Above Milford Dam Milford Above Above Veazie Dam Veazie Above Adj. Harriman Cove Harriman Adj. Above Bangor Dam Bangor Above Above Weldon Dam Weldon Above Confl. Marsh Stream Marsh Confl. Orrington near PERC near Orrington Above W. Enfield Dam Enfield W. Above Rte 9/1A Bangor/Brewer 9/1A Rte Above Rockabema Dam Rockabema Above Above Great Works Dam Works Great Above Stations

Diurnal DO is the range of DO measured at a specific sampling location over a given day. Large diurnal DO fluctuations indicate the presence of algal activity and a productive system. One disadvantage of a productive system is low early morning DO, which typically occurs after an extended period of nighttime plant respiration. The daily minimum DO usually occurs in the

Penobscot Data Report January 2008 Page 5 early morning before sunrise and daily maximum DO occurs in mid to late afternoon. The differences between early morning and mid afternoon DO readings in any given day are used to estimate the diurnal DO range at various sampling locations (Figure 3).

Figure 3 Penobscot River Diurnal Dissolved Oxygen July 31 to Aug 2, 2007

3 2.5 2 MAX 1.5 1 AVG 0.5 0 Winn Orono Costigan S.Brewer Fort Knox Fort S. Lincoln S. Diurnal D.O. (ppm) D.O. Diurnal N. Lincoln N. Winterport Greenbush N. Orrington N. Bald Hill Cove Passadumkeag South Orrington South North Bucksport North Dolby Pond Inlet Pond Dolby Orrington Center Orrington Ferg. Lake Outlet Lake Ferg. Above Dolby Dam Dolby Above Above E. Mill. Dam Mill. Above E. Above Milford Dam Milford Above Dam Veazie Above Above Bangor Dam Bangor Above Adj. Harriman Cove Adj. Above Weldon Dam Weldon Above Confl. Marsh Stream Marsh Confl. Orrington near PERC Orrington Above W. Enfield Dam Enfield W. Above Rte 9/1A Bangor/Brewer 9/1A Rte Above Rockabema Dam Rockabema Above Above Great Works Dam Works Great Above Sample Locations

The average diurnal DO fluctuation between early morning and midday is 2 ppm at some sampling locations (above Dolby dam, above Weldon dam and the confluence of Marsh Stream) and 0.5 ppm at other locations.

Water temperatures on the Penobscot in 2007 during the sampling period were high compared to most summers. The data were collected during an extended heat wave in which air temperatures typically exceeded 32oC during the afternoon sampling run. Penobscot River temperature generally was lowest at the upstream boundary or most inland station (Ferguson Lake outlet) and increased in the downstream direction reaching the maximum temperature in the Bangor area. The three-day average temperature for all riverine sampling locations varied from a low of 24oC at Ferguson Lake outlet to a high of 27.4oC at Bangor (Figure 4).

Penobscot Data Report January 2008 Page 6 Figure 4 Penobscot River Temperature July 31 to Aug 2, 2007

30 25 20 High 15 Ave 10 Low Temp (C) 5 0 Winn Costigan S. Lincoln Winterport N. Orrington N. Passadumkeag South Orrington Orrington Center Orrington Ferg. Lake Outlet Lake Ferg. Above Dolby Dam Dolby Above Above Veazie Dam Veazie Above Adj. Harriman Cove Above Rockabema Dam Rockabema Above Rte 9/1A Bangor/Brewer 9/1A Rte Above Great Works Dam Works Great Above Sampling Location

In the estuary, temperatures were highest at the most landward stations in the Bangor area and decreased in the seaward direction reaching the minimum at the downstream boundary station at Fort Knox. Temperatures were also lower at high tide conditions when compared to low tide conditions. Both of these effects are due to the influence of the cooler ocean water. The three- day average temperature for all estuarine sampling locations varied from a high of 26.9 oC in Bangor to a low of 17.7 oC at Fort Knox.

There is usually negligible salinity from Bangor to South Brewer. The first measurable salinity is observed at the North Orrington site. The average salinity observed were 1.69 parts per thousand at the Orrington site near PERC, 4.98 ppt at Bald Hill Cove, 10.14 ppt at Winterport, and 18.39 ppt at Fort Knox (Figure 5).

Penobscot Data Report January 2008 Page 7 Figure 5 Penobscot Estuary Salinity July 31 to Aug 2, 2007

25 20 High 15 Ave 10 5 Low Salinity (ppt) Salinity 0 South North Center Orrington Orrington Cove Fort Knox Fort S. Brewer Stream Bucksport PERC Winterport Rte 9/1A Rte N. Orrington N. Confl. Marsh Adj. Harriman Bald Hill Cove Orrington near Orrington Bangor/Brewer Sampling Locations

Ultimate BOD

The ultimate biochemical oxygen demand (BODu) procedure follows the overall BOD5 test of standard methods with some modifications. The tests are run for at least 60 days until there is no more significant depletion of DO. Ambient samples are run without reagents. When samples readings for DO approach 2 ppm, the samples are reaerated. A minimum of 10 to 12 readings of DO was taken over the duration of the tests.

The final result estimates the ultimate or final BOD (BODu) as well as a partitioning of carbonaceous and nitrogenous portions. The BODu is estimated from a plot of BOD (DO consumed) vs. time and is typically determined at the “leveling off" of the curve or where no additional oxygen is consumed over time. This value is not necessarily the last BOD reading of the test and is typically estimated with a model. A two stage model accounting for both the carbonaceous and nitrogenous fractions was employed to estimate CBODu.

If the final nitrate reading (taken after commencement of test) is larger than the initial nitrate reading, it can be deduced that ammonia nitrogen has oxidized to nitrate nitrogen, consuming oxygen in the process as nitrogenous BOD (NBOD). An estimation of NBODu is made by the difference of initial and final nitrate readings times 4.33, the stoichiometric coefficient of nitrogen, i.e. amount of oxygen consumed per unit nitrogen converted.

A plot of the BODu vs river mile (Figure 6 a,b,c) reveals that more than 80% the BODu is carbonaceous. Average NBODu levels were always less than 1.2 ppm and CBODu levels ranged from 3 to 6 ppm. The observed BODu of the Penobscot River are typical values seen on rivers with low levels of pollution.

Penobscot Data Report January 2008 Page 8 Figure 6a Penobscot River Ultimate BOD July 31, 2007

8 6 TBODu 4 CBODu NBODu 2 UBOD mg/L 0 Dam S. Dam Dam West Dam North South Milford Veazie Enfield Lincoln Lincoln Lake Bangor Weldon Inlet Center Dam Dam Orrington Orrington Ferguson Fort Knox Fort S. Brewer Dolby Pond Dolby Pond Dolby Rockabema Sample Location

Penobscot Data Report January 2008 Page 9 Figure 6b Penobscot River Ultimate BOD Auguust 1, 2007

8 6 TBODu 4 CBODu 2 NBODu UBOD mg/L 0 Lake Inlet Center Dam Dam Orrington Ferguson Fort Konx Fort S. Brewer S. Winterport Dolby Pond Dolby Pond S. Orrington S. West Enfield Weldon DamWeldon Lincoln North South Lincoln South Sample Location

Figure 6c Penobscot River Ultimate BOD August 2, 2007

7 6 5 TBODu 4 3 CBODu 2 NBODu 1 UBOD mg/L 0 S. Dam Dam Dam West Dam Milford Veazie Enfield Lake Bangor Weldon Inlet Center Dam Dam Orrington Orrington Ferguson Fort Knox Fort S. Brewer S. Lincoln S. N. Lincoln N. Winterport Dolby Pond Dolby Pond Rockabema Sample Location

Penobscot Data Report January 2008 Page 10

Phosphorus Series

Average total phosphorus observed below point source discharges was usually in between 20 and 30 ppb on the riverine sample stations with the exception of the sampling locations South Orrington and Fort Knox (Figure 7a,b,c). TP ranges of 20 to 30 ppb are indicative of nutrient enrichment, and 70 ppb a high level of nutrient enrichment. Orthophosphorus (OPO4-P) was usually less than 10 ppb at riverine locations.

Figur e 7 a Penobscot River Phosphorus July 31, 2007

70 60 50 40 TP 30 PO4-P 20 10 0 TP or OPO4-P (ppb) Dam West Dam Enfield Bangor Center Lake Weldon Inlet Orrinton Dam Dam Fort Knox S. BrewerS. Ferguson S. Lincoln S. N. Lincoln N. Winterport Dolby Pond Dolby Pond Dolby S. OrringtonS. Milford Dam Veazie Dam Rockabema Sample Location

Penobscot Data Report January 2008 Page 11 Figure 7b Penobscot River Phosphorus August 1, 2007

60 50 40 TP 30 PO4-P 20 10 0 TP or OPO4-P (ppb) OPO4-P TP or Fort Knox Fort S. Brewer S. Lincoln N. Lincoln N. Winterport Milford Dam Milford Veazie Dam Veazie Bangor Dam Bangor West Enfield West Weldon Dam Weldon South Orrinton Ferguson Lake Ferguson Dolby Pond Inlet Dolby Orrington Center Orrington Dolby Pond Dam Dolby Rockabema Dam Rockabema Sample Location

Penobscot Data Report January 2008 Page 12 Figure 7c P enobscot River P hosphorus August 2, 2007

TP OPO4-P TP orTP OPO4-P (ppb)

Sample Location

Nitrogen Series

Average TKN for all riverine and estuarine locations ranged from 0.2 to 0.5 ppm (Figure 8). Average ammonia nitrogen was less than 0.01 ppm at all locations. Average nitrite plus nitrate nitrogen for all riverine and estuarine stations was less than 0.01 ppm at all locations. These values represent relatively low levels of nitrogen and are consistent with the reported low NBODu levels. Tributary stations had similar low nitrogen levels, except TKN levels on two occasions were 0.5 ppm.

Penobscot Data Report January 2008 Page 13 Figure 8a Penobscot River Nitrogen July 31, 2007

0.6 0.5 0.4 TKN 0.3 NH3 0.2 NO2 + NO3 0.1 TKN, NH3-N or NO2+3N (ppm) 0 Fort Knox S. Brewer S. Lincoln N. Lincoln Winterport Rockabema Milford Dam S. Orrington Veazie Dam Veazie Bangor Dam West Enfield West Weldon Dam Weldon Feguson Lake Dolby Pond Inlet Dolby Orrington Center Dolby Pond Dam Dolby Sample Location

Figure 8b Penobscot River Nitrogen August 1, 2007

0.6 0.5 0.4 TKN 0.3 NH3 0.2 NO2 + NO3 0.1 0 TKN, NH3 or NO2+NO3

Sample Location

Penobscot Data Report January 2008 Page 14

Figure 8c Penobscot River Nitrogen August 2, 2007

1 0.8 TKN 0.6 NH3 0.4 NO2 + NO3

NO3 (PPM) 0.2 0 TKN, NH3 or NO2 + TKN, NH3 or Fort Knox S. Lincoln S. Brewer N. Lincoln Winterport Rockabema Milford Dam S. Orrington Veazie Dam Bangor Dam West Enfield Weldon Dam Ferguson Lake Orrinton Center Dolby Pond Inlet Dolby Pond Dam Sample Location

Chlorophyll a

Chlorophyll a is used as an indicator of the amount of algal biomass in a water body. Higher values are generally undesirable and can result in DO depletion and a poor aesthetic quality from green tainted waters. The algae produce oxygen during daylight hours which often results in supersaturated DO in the afternoon and consume oxygen during night time hours resulting in minimum DO readings at dawn. Low DO can persist all day in deeper stratified waters as well.

Chlorophyll a levels at seven of the ten stations on the Penobscot ranged from 2 to 3 ppb indicating low levels of algae (Figure 9 a, b, c). Chlorophyll a was similarly low on all of the tributary stations. At Dolby Pond, and Weldon dams chlorophyll a values ranged from 20 to 30 ppb and represent conditions of a bloom. Chlorophyll a in the tidal portion gradually increased in the seaward direction reaching levels indicative of mild bloom conditions at Orrington Center location. It can be concluded that cultural eutrophication on the Penobscot is at levels of concern.

Penobscot Data Report January 2008 Page 15 Figure 9a Penobscot River Chlorophyll-a July 31, 2007

30 25 20 15 10 5 Chl-a (ppb) Chl-a 0 Inlet Center Dam Orrington Fort Knox S. Brewer S. Lincoln N. Lincoln N. Winterport Dolby Pond Dolby Pond Dolby Rockabema Milford Dam Milford S. Orrington S. Veazie Dam Bangor Dam Bangor West Enfield West Weldon Dam Weldon Feruson Lake Feruson Mattawamkeag Sample Location

Figure 9b Penobscot River Chlorophyll-a August 1, 2007

35 30 25 20 15 10 Chl-a (ppb) 5 0

Sample Location

Penobscot Data Report January 2008 Page 16 Figure 9c Penobscot River Chlorophyll-a August 2, 2007

35 30 25 20 15 10 Chl-a (ppb) 5 0 Inlet Center Dam Orrington Fort Knox S. Brewer S. Lincoln N. Lincoln Winterport Dolby Pond Dolby Pond Rockabema S. Orrington Milford Dam Veazie Dam Bangor Dam West Enfield Weldon Dam Ferguson Lake Sample Location

Secchi Disk Transparency

Secchi Disk transparency is a measure of water transparency or clarity that is accomplished by lowering a black and white disk on a chain into the water column by an observer in a boat. Secchi disk transparency was measured on a minimum of one day at all locations with sufficient depth. All values ranged from 1.4 to 4.2 meters (Figure 10). The lowest readings occurred at Weldon dam, which also had high chlorophyll-a levels. All of the estuary sites had low transparency readings. Transparency readings on the low end of this range would be considered poor readings for lakes, but are not necessarily an indication of algae or a cause for concern in rivers. Besides being more turbid than lakes, rivers often have high color that influences transparency. Secchi disk transparency measurements in waters with color exceeding 30 platinum cobalt units are not used as primary indicators of algal blooms. Data taken by the DEP in the late 1980's indicated that the Penobscot River and its tributaries have a moderately elevated color of natural origin that is further elevated by both paper mill and non point source discharges.

Penobscot Data Report January 2008 Page 17 Figur e 1 0 Penobscot Secchi Disk Transparency 7/31/07

Sample Location Dam Inlet Dam Outlet South Dam Center Ferg. Lake Pond Dolby Dam Dolby Rockabema Weldon Lincoln N. Lincoln S. EnfieldW. Milford Dam Veazie Dam Dam Bangor BrewerS. Orrington Orrington Winterport Fort Knox 0 1 2 3 4 5 Secchi Depth (m)

Effluent Chemical Data

Effluent chemical data collected included composite samples of BOD5, BODu, total phosphorus, orthophosphorus, total kjeldhal nitrogen, ammonia nitrogen, and nitrite plus nitrate nitrogen. In addition, BOD5 data and treatment plant flow information were available as discharge monitoring data from the point source discharges on the Penobscot. Effluent total ultimate BOD results are summarized in plots of loads experienced during the three-day intensive survey (Figure 11a to 11c). The loads are more indicative of potential impact to the river and concentrations more indicative of the waste strength. The lower concentrations represent better treated waste.

Penobscot Data Report January 2008 Page 18 Figure 11a Effluent Total Ultimate BOD Discharged July 31, 2007

6000 5000 4000 3000 2000 1000 UBOD lbs/day 0 lin lpt mill kate katw verso orono veazie brewer bangor bucksp oldtown red shield Sample Location

Figur e 1 1b Effluent Total Ultimate BOD Discharged August 1, 2007

6000 5000 4000 3000 2000 1000 UBOD lbs/day UBOD 0 lpt lin mill kate katw verso orono veazie brewer bangor bucksp oldtown red shield red Sample Location

Penobscot Data Report January 2008 Page 19 Figure 11c Effluent Total Ultimate BOD Discharged August 2, 2007

7000 6000 5000 4000 3000 2000 1000 UBOD lbs/day 0 lin lpt mill kate katw verso orono veazie brewer bangor bucksp oldtown red shield Sample Location

It can be seen that, although Bucksport has a much higher waste strength when compared to other discharges, its low flow volume results in a small pollutant load. The higher waste strength is expected since this town has primary treatment compared to secondary treatment of the other discharges. Many of the discharges sampled during the survey had very low concentrations of BOD, indicating good treatment.

Point source discharges are licensed as BOD5 concentration (mg/L) and/or mass (lbs/day). Actual loads discharged are plotted comparatively as a percent of the allowable licensed mass loads (Figure 12 a,b,c). This is for a worse case scenario in which it is assumed point sources are discharged at their allowable licensed load. This indicates that on the average, point sources collectively were only at about 5% of their permitted allowable daily maximum load. As to be expected, the paper mill discharges have the highest mass loading of BOD5 due to their large volume of flow.

Penobscot Data Report January 2008 Page 20 Figure 12a % of License BOD5 July 31, 2007

5 % Lic BOD5

0 lin lpt mill kate katw verso orono veazie brewer bangor bucksp oldtown red shield Sample Location

Figur e 1 2 b % of License BOD5 August 1, 2007

20 15 10 5 % Lic BOD5 % Lic 0 lpt lin mill kate katw verso orono veazie brewer bangor bucksp oldtown red shield red Sample Location

Penobscot Data Report January 2008 Page 21 Figure 12c % of License BOD5 August 2, 2007

20 18 16 14 12 10 8 6 % Lic BOD5 4 2 0 lin lpt mill kate katw verso orono veazie brewer bangor bucksp oldtown red shield red Sample Location

Total phosphorus and total nitrogen (TKN + NO2+NO3-N) are also plotted and compared (Figures 13a,b,c, and,14a,b,c). Some facilities were sampled only one out of the four days. When considering nutrient sources for eutrophication, phosphorus is generally the limiting nutrient in fresh water systems, and conversely nitrogen is limiting in estuarine systems. Kathadin West, Red Shield, Verso and Bangor had the highest TP effluent discharge. Kathadin West, Red Shield, Verso, Lincoln Paper and Tissue, and Bangor had the highest nitrogen discharged.

Penobscot Data Report January 2008 Page 22 Figure 13a Effluent Total Phosphorus Discharged July 31, 2007

300 250 200 150 100 50

TP Load lbs/day 0 lin lpt mill kate katw verso orono veazie brewer bangor bucksp oldtown red shield Sample Location

Figure 13b Effluent Total Phosphorus Discharged August 1, 2007

250 200 150 100 50

TP Load lbs/day 0 lin lpt mill kate katw verso orono veazie brewer bangor bucksp oldtown red shield Sample Location

Penobscot Data Report January 2008 Page 23 Figur e 1 3 c Effluent Total Phosphorus Discharged August 2 2007

250 200 150 100 50

TP Load lbs/day 0 lpt lin mill kate katw verso orono veazie brewer bangor bucksp oldtown red shield red Sample Location

Figur e 1 4 a Effluent TKN Discharged July 31, 2007

2000 1500 1000 500

TKN Load lbs/dayTKN 0 lpt lin mill kate katw verso orono veazie brewer bangor bucksp oldtown red shield red Sample Location

Penobscot Data Report January 2008 Page 24 Figure 14b Effluent TKN Discharged August 1, 2007

800 600 400 200 0 TKN Load lbs/day lin lpt mill kate katw verso orono veazie brewer bangor bucksp oldtown red shield Sample Location

Figure 14c Effluent TKN Discharged August 2, 2007

1000 800 600 400 200

TKN Load lbs/day 0 lin lpt mill kate katw verso orono veazie brewer bangor bucksp oldtown red shield Sample Location

Penobscot Data Report January 2008 Page 25

Penobscot River Sediment Analysis

The ten sampling locations selected were based on the presence of fine sediment and proximity to stations used in the MDEP Water Quality Surveys. A fifth sample location at the mouth between High Head and Oak Point was attempted, but the seas were too rough during the survey to sample.

MEDEP WQ SOD SOD Station ID g/m2day Std dev Dolby Pond WBP3 1.03 0.33 Rockabema WBP5 1.56 0.68 Mattaseunk PN1 0.69 0.69 West Enfield PN5 0.42 0.42 Milford PN9 1.03 1.03 Veazie PN12 0.61 0.49 South Brewer PNE2 0.96 0.67 Orrington Center PNE5 0.77 0.21 South Orrington PNE7 1.28 0-.21 Winterport PNE9 1.27 1.01

Plant Growth

Observations were made to describe the relative growth of rooted and attached growth within two weeks of the intensive survey. These observations were made by transecting the river at the sample locations from one bank to another. An acquascope (same as used for Secchi Disk reading) was tried without success. We were note able to view the bottom as all times with the acquascope. An aqua vue (an underwater camera with light) was used with some success; however, power failure limited its use.

Station Location Observation

WBP2 Dolby Pond Dam (inlet) Very little attached growth

WBP3 Dolby Pond Dam (above) Some rooted growth on shoreline

WBP4 Rockabema Dam (below) Some rooted growth on shoreline

Pn1 Weldon Dam (above) Very little attached growth/silty bottom

Pn1 Weldon Dam (below) Some attached algae

Pn2 Winn Very little rooted/Rocks have very little attached

Pn3 North Lincoln Very little attached growth

EBPu East Branch Penobscot Very little attached growth

Penobscot Data Report January 2008 Page 26 ENP4 E. Millinocket Dam (above) Very little rooted growth or attached algae

WBP5 Rockabema Dam Limited growth on shoreline

WBP4 E. Millinocket Dam (below) Limited growth on shoreline

MiS Millinocket Stream Some rooted growth

KeS Kennduskeag Str. Some attached and some filamentous

Pn5 West Enfield (above) Clean

PiS Piscataquis R. Clean

SoS Soudabascook Str. Little rooted and some filamentous

Pn6 Passadumkeag Some rooted and attached growth

Pn7 Greenbush Some rooted near shore

Pn8 Costigan Some rooted near shore

Pn9 Milford dam (below) Clean

Pn10 Great Works Dam (above) Clean

Pn10 Great Works Dam (below) Very little attached

PuS Pushaw Stream Some attached growth

Pn11 Orono nr. Water Co. Clean

Pn12 Veazie Dam Some attached growth

Pn13 Bangor Dam Clean

Tributaries

In appendix B, the field monitoring data show that 5 out of the 8 tributaries had DO levels below 7.0 mg/L on July 31, 2007. On August 1 and 2, 2007 the monitoring data shows that 3 out of the 8 tributaries had DO levels below 7.0 mg/L. Afternoon DO levels were always above 7.0 mg/L.

Quality Control

Proper quality control is essential for any sampling effort to assure data collected are of acceptable quality. Quality control procedures were practiced in both field sampling and the laboratory analysis of various parameters. DO meters were calibrated prior to and as needed during sampling. In addition, meters were cross checked amongst adjacent sampling teams to assure consistency and accuracy of results. The DO meters were cross checked after initial morning calibration and again after commencement of sampling. This procedure was repeated for the afternoon sampling run. If meters did not agree favorably after commencement of sampling, meters were re-calibrated and rechecked.

Penobscot Data Report January 2008 Page 27

The work plan specified that DO readings amongst sampling teams should be within 0.3 ppm and temperature within 2 oC when cross checking readings. A column plot of crosscheck for the DO meters indicates that this criterion was met (Figures 15-17).

Figur e 1 5 DO Meter Cross Check 7/31/2007

7.4 7.2 7

DO ppmDO 6.8 6.6 11223344 Team

Penobscot Data Report January 2008 Page 28 Figur e 1 6 DO Meter Cross Check 8/1/2007

7.4 7.3 7.2 7.1

DO ppm 7 6.9 6.8 1123344 Team

Figure 17 DO Meter Cross Check 8/2/2007

7.6 7.4 7.2 7 DO ppm DO 6.8 6.6 1123344 Team

Penobscot Data Report January 2008 Page 29

Field duplicate samples were collected for all parameters at a river, estuary, tributary, and effluent station each day during the intensive survey. When the results for some of various parameters are compared graphically for ambient (Figures 18-28) and effluent (Figure 29-30) samples, good agreement occurs for most of the samples. An examination of the deviation of the duplicate from the actual sample indicates the following:

It can be concluded from Table 5 that the average deviation of 64 duplicate samples is 4.6%. Also 98% of all duplicates were within a 10% deviation and 100% were within a 20% deviation. Chlorophyll a and TKN were the most accurate reading with an average deviation of 0%. Temperature was also very accurate with deviations of 0.32%. Nitrite and nitrate were the least accurate with an average deviation of 14.2%. The favorable quality control results and consistency of the data results in a conclusion that the data are good quality and adequate for re-calibration of the water quality model.

Table 5 Duplicate Sample Deviation Parameter Number Ave Deviation % with Deviation % with Deviation < 10% < 20% DO 40 0.95 % 100% 100% Temperature 19 0.32% 100% 100% Total Phosphorus 1 8.1% 100% 100% Ultimate BOD 1 8.7% 100% 100% Chlorophyll a 1 0% 100% 100% Total Kjeldhal Nitrogen 1 0% 100% 100% Nitrite + Nitrate Nitrogen 1 14.2% 0% 100% Totals 64 4.6% 98% 100%

Penobscot Data Report January 2008 Page 30 Figure 18a Dolby Pond Inlet DO Duplicate Sampling

7.05 7 6.95 6.9 DO (ppm) DO 6.85 6.8 0123 Sampling Depth (m)

Figure 18b Dolby Pond Inlet Temperature Duplicate Sampling

24.35

24.3

24.25

Temp (c) 24.2

24.15 0123 Sampling Depth

Penobscot Data Report January 2008 Page 31 Figure 19a Weldon Dam DO Duplicate Sampling

9.5

8.5

DO (ppm) 8

7.5 0123456 Sampling Depth (m)

Figure 19b Weldon Dam Temperature Duplicate Sampling

25.4 25.3 25.2 25.1 25

DO (ppm) 24.9 24.8 24.7 0123456 Sampling Depth (m)

Penobscot Data Report January 2008 Page 32

Figure 20a Stillwater R. DO Duplicate Sampling

6.75 6.7 6.65 6.6 6.55

DO (ppm)DO 6.5 6.45 6.4 0123 Sampling Depth (m)

Figure 20b Stillwater R. Temperature Duplicate Sampling

26.8 26.6 26.4 26.2 26 Temp (C) 25.8 25.6 0123 Sampling Depth (m)

Penobscot Data Report January 2008 Page 33

Figure 21a Winterport DO Duplicate Sampling

7.35 7.3 7.25 7.2 7.15

DO (ppm) DO 7.1 7.05 7 01234 Sampling Depth (m)

Figure 21b Winterport Temperature Duplicate Sampling

23 22 21

20 Temp (C) 19 18 01234 Sampling Depth (m)

Penobscot Data Report January 2008 Page 34

Firgure 21c Winterport Salinity Duplicate Sampling

16 14 12 10 8 6

Salinity (ppt) Salinity 4 2 0 01234 Sampling Depth (m)

Figure 22a Fort Knox DO Duplicate Sampling

7.6 7.5 7.4 7.3 7.2

DO (ppm)DO 7.1 7 6.9 01234567 Sampling Depth (m)

Penobscot Data Report January 2008 Page 35

Figure 23a South Orington DO Duplicate Sampling

6.8 6.7 6.6 6.5 6.4 6.3 6.2 DO (ppm) DO 6.1 6 5.9 01234 Sampling Depth (m)

Figure 23b South Orington Temperature Duplicate Sampling

26 25.5 25 24.5 Temp (C) 24 23.5 01234 Sampling Depth

Penobscot Data Report January 2008 Page 36

Figure 23c South Orington Salinity Duplicate Sampling

6 5 4 3 2

Salinity (ppt) Salinity 1 0 01234 Sampling Depth

Figur e 2 4 Ambient Total Ultimate BOD Sample vs. Duplicate

3.8 3.7 3.6 3.5 3.4

TBODu (ppm) 3.3 3.2 Duplicate Sample Winterport July 31, 2007

Penobscot Data Report January 2008 Page 37 Figur e 2 5 Ambient Total Phophours Sample vs. Duplicate

23.5 23 22.5 22 21.5 TP ppb 21 20.5 20 Duplicate Sample Winterport July 31, 2007

Figure 26 Ambient chl-a Sample vs. Duplicate

3 2.5 2 1.5 1 Chl-a (ppb) 0.5 0 Duplicate Sample Winterport July 31, 2007

Penobscot Data Report January 2008 Page 38

Figure 27 Ambient TKN Sample vs. Duplicate

0.35 0.3 0.25 0.2

TKN 0.15 0.1 0.05 0 Duplicate Sample Winterport July 31, 2007

Figure 28 Ambient NO2 + NO3 Sample vs. Duplicate

0.07 0.06 0.05 0.04 0.03 0.02 0.01 NO2 + NO3 (ppm) NO2 + NO3 0 Duplicate Sample Sample Location & Day

Penobscot Data Report January 2008 Page 39

Figure 29 Effluent Samples vs. Duplicate

25 20 15 10 (ppm) 5 0 Chemical Parameter TP TKN BOD5 TBODu NO2+NO3 Orono 8/1

Figure 30 Effluent Sample vs. Duplicate

30 (ppm) 20

0 Chemical Parameter TP TKN BOD5 TBODu NO2+NO3 Red Shield 7/31

Penobscot Data Report January 2008 Page 40 Sondes Data

The sondes data show that the DO criteria were met almost all of the time. The only DO violations occurred at the Rockabema Dam site on August 2, 2007.

Penobscot Data Report January 2008 Page 41

Appendix A LOCATION MAP

Penobscot Data Report January 2008 Page 42 North Yarmouth Academy Grant Twp MIS T3 Indian Purchase Twp WBP2 WBP4 !O EBPn Millinocket !O East Millinocket !O Macwahoc Plt Frenchtown Twp TA R11 WELS TA R10 WELS T4 Indian Purchase Twp !O Shawtown Twp !O !O Molunkus Twp TA R7 WELS Medway WBP1 !O Veazie Gore WBP4 Pn1 Hopkins Academy Grant Twp !O Kingman Twp Long A Twp WBP5 Mattawamkeag TB R10 WELS TB R11 WELS Woodville Bowdoin College Grant East Twp !O T2 R9 NWP MaR Bowdoin College Grant West Twp !O T3 R9 NWP Webster Plt T4 R9 NWP Winn T5 R9 NWP Pn2 Area of Interest Katahdin Iron Works Twp Chester !O T7 R9 NWP Pn3 T2 R8 NWP Springfield Seboeis Plt Lake View Plt Lee Brownville Williamsburg Twp !O Mattamiscontis Twp Lincoln Bowerbank Pn4 Willimantic Barnard Twp Maxfield T3 R1 NBPP Medford Enfield Milo Howland !O Pn5 Burlington Sebec PiR !O Lowell

Guilford PaR Pn6 Dover-Foxcroft !O!O Passadumkeag Orneville Twp T3 ND Lagrange Edinburg Atkinson

Grand Falls Twp Sangerville Summit Twp

Bradford Greenbush Charleston Argyle Twp !O T40 MD Garland Pn7 T39 MD Alton Dexter Greenfield Twp !O Pn8

Ripley Hudson PuS Corinth Milford Indian Island T34 MD Exeter !O Pn9 Great Pond Plt Corinna !O Indian Island!O T32 MD Saint Albans Old Town Pn10 Kenduskeag Glenburn

StR T28 MD !O!O Bradley Stetson Orono Pn11 Aurora Levant Newport Amherst Palmyra Veazie Pn13 Bangor !O Pn12 KeS Hermon !O Clifton !O Eddington Carmel !O Etna PnE1 Osborn SoS Brewer Mariaville Plymouth !O Detroit PnE2 Holden !O PnE3 PnE4 !O Hampden !O !O PnE5 Newburgh Orrington Otis PnE6 Dixmont !O Dedham Waltham Eastbrook !O PnE7 Troy Burnham PnE8 Winterport !O Bucksport PnE9 !O

Unity Twp Jackson PnE10 T9 SD Monroe Frankfort !O !O T8 SD Franklin Unity Thorndike !O PnE11 Orland Ellsworth MaS !O Hancock

Prospect PnE12 Verona Sullivan Brooks Knox Swanville

Appendix B PENOBSCOT RIVER INTENSIVE SURVEY FIELD DATA (see station numbers in Penobscot River 2007 data file)

Appendix C PENOBSCOT RIVER AMBIENT WATER QUALITY SAMPLES DATA (see Penobscot River 2007 data file)

APPENDIX D EFFLUENT SAMPLES DATA (see Penobscot River 2007 data file)

APPENDIX E FIELD FILTERED VERSUS LAB FILTERED

Comparison Of for ortho- Phosphorus

samples filtered in the field vs. filtered in the lab.

HETL FILT IN FILT IN FIELD LAB folder # sample date C035062 7/31/2007 o phos o phos (ppb) (ppb) report date wbp1 d01 1 1 12/4/2007 wpb2 d01 9 8 mis d01 2 2 wbp3 d01 2 1 wbp5 d01 2 2 pn1 d01 2 1 pn3 d01 1 1 pn4 d01 1 1 pn5 d01 1 1 mar d01 1 1 pis d01 2 1 ebpn d01 1 1 katw d01 1700 kate 8 orono d01 3400 3400 REDS 1200 1200 REDS DUP 1300 NO SAM OLD TN 3000 3100 LPT 240 220 MIL 2200 STR <1 1 PN9 D01 1 1 PN 12D01 2 1 PN13D01 1 1 PNE12 D01 14 14 PNE 9 D01 10 9 PNE 7 D01 8 8 PNE 5 D01 5 3 PNE 2 D01 3 1 PAR D01 2 NO SAM PUS 2 1 MAS 1 1 VER 1100 1200 BREW 1300 1300 BANG 2500 2500 TRIB DUP <1 <1 rivdup1 d01 9 9 ESTU DUP 9 8

Ultimate versus BOD5 Ratio

2007 2001 1997 KATW TBODu 20.3 84.3 72.7 BOD5 7.1 21.5 15 BODu/BOD5 2.86 3.92 4.85 MILL TBODu 62.3 109 73.4 BOD5 9.5 15 10 BODu/BOD5 6.36 7.26 6.67 KATE TBODu 4.5 9.5 14.7 BOD5 1.86 1.96 6.33 BODu/BOD5 2.42 4.85 2.32 LPT TBODu 52.3 51.7 BOD5 16 27.6 BODu/BOD5 3.27 1.87 LINC TBODu 18 29 45.8 BOD5 5.1 11.36 17 BODu/BOD5 3.53 2.55 2.69 HOWL TBODu 45 36 BOD5 8.8 12 BODu/BOD5 5.11 3 OLDT TBODu 30.3 117.3 103.3 BOD5 7.7 39 35.3 BODu/BOD5 3.93 3 2.9 REDS TBODu 40.3 44 30.7 BOD5 11.16 9.3 4.86 BODu/BOD5 3.61 4.73 6.3 ORONO TBODu 23 19 18.6 BOD5 4.6 6.33 9.66 BODu/BOD5 5 3 1.93 VEAZ TBODu 28 43 55.6 BOD5 6.5 9 12 BODu/BOD5 4.3 4.77 4.63 BANG TBODu 66.6 46 28.3 BOD5 7.36 5.66 8.33 BODu/BOD5 9 8.13 3.94 BREW TBODu 10.3 9.2 91 BOD5 3.06 3.33 2.96 BODu/BOD5 3.36 2.79 3.07

WINT TBODu 500 321 244 BOD5 210 200 153

BODu/BOD5 2.38 1.6 1.59 BUCK TBODu 380 403 262 BOD5 140 120 105 BODu/BOD5 2.7 3.35 2.49 VER TBODu 38.3 32.3 28.3 BOD5 8.46 9.0 8.16 BODu/BOD5 4.53 3.58 3.47