STEVENS-WELLS-WAITS-OMPOMPANOOSUC RIVER BASIN WATER QUALITY MANAGEMENT PLAN
MAY, 1976
AGENCY OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION DEPARTMENT OF WATER RESOURCES •.:1· ·,
Prepared pursuant to Section 303(e) of P.L. 92-500 and the State of Vermont Continuing Water Quality Planning Process.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS PAGE DEFINITIONS ii 1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE 1-1 2 GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF THE BASIN 2-1 3 WATER QUALITY STANDARDS 3-1 4 EXISTING WATER QUALITY 4-1 5 FISHERIES s�1 6 DESIGNATION AND RANKING OF WATER QUALITY 6-1 AND EFFLUENT LIMITATION SEGMENTS 7 NON�POINT SOURCES 7-1
8 DAMS AND IMPOUNDMENTS 8-1 9 GROUNDWATER 9-1 10 PERMITS AND DISCHARGE INVENTORY 10-1
11 ASSESSMENT OF MUNICIPAL NEEDS AND 11-1 INDUSTRIAL DISCHARGES 12 RESIDUAL WASTES 12-1 13 CONDITION OF LAKES AND PONDS 13-1 14 MONITORING AND SURVEILLANCE 14-1 15 PLANS AND STUDIES RELATED TO WATER QUALITY 15-1 MANAGEMENT 16 PROCEDURES FOR PLAN REVISION 16-1
17 SUMMARY OF PUBLIC PARTICIPATION 17-1
18 SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS 18-1
19 REFERENCES 19-1
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TABLES PAGE TABLE 1 METALS CONCENTRATIONS AND pH IN WATERS NEAR THE ELIZABETH MINE TABLE 2 METALS CONCENTRATIONS AND pH IN WATERS NEAR THE 4-4 ELY MINE
TABLE ·3 ALLOWABLE METALS CONCENTRATIONS IN POTABLE WATER 4-5 TABLE 4 SEGMENT RANKING 6 4 TABLE 5 DAMS AND IMPOUNDMENTS ON THE STEVENS RIVER AND 8-2 TRIBUTARIES 8-3 TABLE 6 DAMS AND IMPOUNDMENTS ON THE WELLS RIVER AND TRIBUTARIES
TABLE 7 DAMS AND IMPOUNDMENTS ON THE WAITS RIVER AND TRIB 8-4 UTARIES
TABLE 8 DAMS AND IMPOUNDMENTS ON THE OMPOMPANOOSUC RIVER 8-5 AND TRIBUTARIES 10-3 TABLE 9 PERMITS AND DISCHARGE INVENTORY TABLE 10 ASSESSMENT OF MUNICIPAL NEEDS 11-5 13-3 TABLE 11 LAKES AND PONDS GREATER THAN 20 ACRES IN THE STEVENS WELLS-WAITS-OMPOMPANOOSUC RIVER BASIN DESIGNATED AS EUTROPHIC
TABLE 12 LAKES AND PONDS GREATER THAN 20 ACRES IN THE STEVENS 13-4 WELLS-WAITS-OMPOMPANOOSUC RIVER BASIN DESIGNATED AS OLIGOTROPHIC, TENTATIVE, OR UNDESIGNATED
TABLE 13 WATER QUALITY SURVEYS IN THE STEVENS-WELLS-WAITS 14-1 OMPOMPANOOSUC RIVER BASIN APPENDICES I.. REGULATIONS GOVERNING WATER CLASS.IFICATION AND I-1 CONTROL OF QUALITY
II. MAP OF WATER QUALITY SAMPLING STATIONS AND. WASTE II-1 DISCHARGE LOCATIONS (INCLUDING A LIST OF SAMPLING STATION LOCATION DESCRIPTIONS) FIGURES FIGURE 1 LOCATION MAP, STEVENS-WELLS-WAITS-OMPOMPANOOSUC RIVER 2-2 BASIN
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DEFINITIONS Terms and abbreviations used in this plan are defined below: BIOCHEMICAL OXYGEN DEMAND (BOD) - A measure of the oxygen required to oxidize organic material u�able as a source of food by aerobic organisms. BODs is a measure of the oxygen required for this process a period of five days at 2ooc. Ultimate oxygen demand (UOD) is the amount of oxygen required to take the process of degradation through both the carbonaceous and nitrogenous phases of degradation to completion, usually in about 30 .days. CLASSIFICATION - A method (defined in 10 V.S .A. , Chap.ter 47) of designating the waters of the state into categories suitable for different uses. (See also WATER CLASS). CONTINUING WATER QUALITY MANAGEMENT PLANNING PROCESS - A document which governs the development and contents of River Basin Water Quality Management Plans. DISCHARGE PERMIT - A permit issued by the Secretary of the Agency of Environmental Conservation to dischargers to waters of the state when it is determined that such discharges will not reduce the quality of receiving waters below established classification and will not violate any applicable provisions of state or federal laws and regulations. DISSOLVED OXYGEN (D.O.) - A measure of the dissolved oxygen content of water, usually expressed as milligrams per liter. Dissolved oxygen is necessary for sustaining fish and other aquatic life and is one of the most important indicators of water quality. iv EFFLUENT LIMITATION SEGMENT - Designated portions of rivers, streams and lakes which will meet �pplicable water quality standards when waste discharge effluent limitations are applied to all dischargers. EFFLUENT LIMITATIONS - Restrictions on the quantities, rates and concentrations of chemical, physical, biological and other constituents which are discharged to waters of the state. EUTROPHIC - Condition of a lake characterized by shallow depths, high primary productivity, abundance of littoral plants, high plankton density, presence of plankton blooms, depleti.on of oxygen in deeper parts of the lake below the thermocline, high concentrations of dissolved and suspended solids, and absence of cold water fishes. Eutrophication is a lake aging process whereby its enrichment with inorganic nutrients (most notably phosphorus and nitrogen) from waste discharges and land runoff provide adequate nutrients for increasingly abundant plant growth. In this process the lake is gradually filled in with sediments and organic matter. Eutrophication occurs naturally due to natural runoff of nutrients and sediments into the lake from its watershed, but may be accelerated by acti�ities in the watershed such as logging, construction, agriculture, and waste discharges from municipalities and industries. This acceleration is often termed "cultural eutrophication" .. FECAL COLIFORM (Fecal Coli) - Bacteria present in the lower digestive tract and feces of warm-blooded animals which may indicate the presence of pathogenic organisms. Specific laboratory tests results indicate·the amount of fecal coliform in water samples as number of organisms per 100 milliliters. v MESOTROPHIC Condition of a lake which exhibits characte stcs falling between the two extremes of lake primary productivity. (See eutrophic and oligotrophic). NATIONAL POLLUTION DISCHARGE ELIMINATION SYSTEM (NPDES) - A federal permit system for controlling and abating discharge of pollutants to the nation's waters. (The State of Vermont has taken the responsibility of administering this system in Vermont). NITROGEN - A chemical element of significance both as a nutrient for aquatic plant growth and as a component of the oxidation process of organic nitrogen and ammonia nitrogen to nitrite nitrogen to nitrate nitrogen, which results in a demand on the dissolved oxygen in water. The stage of this oxidation process can be determined from the relative amounts of these four forms of nitrogen. NON-POINT SOURCE POLLUTION - Pollution resulting not from a point source, such as an outfall pipe of a sewage treatment plant, but rather from diffuse sources such as overland runoff from construction areas, agricultural lands,. forest lands, or groundwater-borne pollutants, such as leachate from sanitary landfills. OLIGOTROPHIC - Condition of a lake characterized by deep water low primary productivity, scarcity of littoral plants, low plankton density, absence of plankton blooms, little, if any, oxygen depletion in the �ypolimnion, and presence of cold water fishes. PHOSPHORUS - A chemical element which, when in the form of phosphate, acts as a nutrient for aquatic plant growth and is often the limiting nutrient, which determines whether rapid vi aquatic growth will occur. In excess amounts, phosphorus may contribute to acceleration of the lake eutrophication process. PRIMARY TREATMENT - Removes the material that floats or will settle in sewage by the use of physical processes. PUBLIC LAW 92-500 - The Federal Water Pollution Control Act Amendemnts of 1972. E!:!_ -l\ measure· of the hydrogen ion concentration in water on an inverse logarithmic scale ranging from Oto 14.· A pH of under 7 indicates more hydrogen ions and, therefore, more acidic
solutions. A pH greater than. . 7 indicates a more alkaline solution. A pH of 7.0 is considered neutral, neither acidic nor alkaline. SECONDARY TREATMENT - Removes the orgqnic parts of sewage wastes by biological processes. SEVEN-DAY LOW FLOW, TEN-YEAR RETURN PERIOD - (7Ql0) - A statistical measure of the magnitude and frequency of low flqw in a river often used as the lowest mean discharge for seven consecutive days, which has a 10% chance of occurring in any given year. Stated another way, actual flow in the river exceeds the 7Ql0 flow ab6ut 98% to 99% of the time. SIGNIFICANT NON-POINT SOURCE POLLUTION - Pollution which causes impairment of designated water uses, causes violations of water quality, either directly or indirectly, or is of a magnitude comparable to a point source causing such impairment or violations. SUSPENDED SOLIDS - Solids which can be removed by passing a water sample through a filter. 'I.1EMPORARY POLLUTION PERMIT - A permit issued to dischargers
which do not qualify for a discharge permit and which specifies vii necessary action to be taken by the discharger to abate pollution of the discharge. TERTIARY TREATMENT - A level of treatment beyond secondary, which employs chemical or physical processes_. TOTAL COLIFORM (Total Coli} - Bacteriological organisms used as indicators of pathogenic organisms, but which include not only bacteria present in the lower digestive tract and feces of lYarm-blooded animals, but also bacteria present in soil, on plants and in insects. TOTAL SOLIDS - A measure o'f all solids in water, including those suspended (TSS) or dissolved (TDS}, organic or inorganic. TURBIDITY - (Turb.) - The capacity of materials suspended in water to scatter light usually measured in Jackson Turbidity
Units (JTU). Highly turbid watersI appear dark and "muddy". ULTIMATE OXYGEN DEMAND (UOD) - See BIOCHEMICAL OXYGEN DEMAND. WATER QUALITY SEGMENT - A designated portion of rivers, streams, and lakes, where applicable water quality standards are not now and will not be met, or where it is uncertain whether they will be met even after all discharges in the segment meet effluent standards based on best practicable treatment by private discharges and secondary treatment by municip�lities. WATER QUALITY STANDARDS - The minimum or maximum limits specified for certain water q uality parameters at specific locations for the purpose of managing waters to realize �heir most beneficial uses. In Vermont, Water Quality Standards include both Water Classification Orders and the Regulations Governing Water Classification and Control of Quality. viii WATER CLASS .- One of three classes (A, B, o.r C) used to designate the actual or intended use of waters. Waters of high quality suitable for public water supply are designated Class A. Waters suitable for bathing, recreation and irrigation with good fish habitat are designated Class B. Waters suitable for recreational boating, industrial uses ·and irrigation for crops not used for consumption without cooking, are designated as Class C. (See also Appendix I, Rules 5, 15, 16 and 17 for technical requirements of each class).
WATER TYPE - A designation of waters for the purpose of protecting and managing aquatic life (see Appendix I, Rule 7). 10 V.S.A., CHAPTER 47 - Title 10 of the Vermont Statutes Annotated, Chapter 47, Water Pollution Control, which is Vermont's basic water pollution control legislation. NOTE
Due to the fire of March 7, 1976 in which certain materials were destroyed, this plan contains maps which were reproduced from salvaged copies and may not be of the best quality.
1-1 1. PURPOSE AND SCOPE The basic purpose of this plan is to prepare a water quality management program for the Stevens-Wells-Waits Ompompanoosuc River Basins which will result in achievement and maintenance of. water quality which is equal to or better than adopted water quality standards. Where insufficient data is available to establish certain elements of a watei quality manage ment program, this plan will make recommendations for needed data collection and monitoring. Preparation of this plan is part of the effort to achieve the national objective of restoring and maintaining the chemical, physical and biological integrity of waters in the United States as stated in the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, Amendments of 1972, and to protect the water resources of Vermont in the public interest and to promote the general welfare as stated in Vermont Statutes (10 V.S.A. 901). This plan, which is one of 15 river basin plans which are to be prepared by Jtine 30, 1976 in response to Section 303(e) of P.L. 92-500, deals primarily with the water quality aspects of water resources management. As such� it will inventory significant waste discharges in the basin, identify water quality standards (classification) and indicate areas where certain water quality parameters fall below standards; the plan will assess municipal waste treatment needs, cite effluent limitations and schedules of compliance contained in temporary pollution permits and discharge permits; it will assess existinq controls over residual wo.stes, identify naturally and culturally eutrophic lakes to the extent present data allows and it will describe the basin monitoring and 1-2 surveillance program. Additional information is included where available on fisheries, non-point sources, darns, and groundwater.
Wherever possible, information contained in related water quality and natural resources plans has been utilized in the preparation of this plan. This plan is meant to be compatible with the Capability and Development Plan, and therefore, when used in conjunction with existing laws and regulations, should be useful to the Environmental Board and the District Environmental Commissions in helping to evaluate development applications. 2-1
2. BASIN
The location of the Stevens-Wells-Waits-Ompompanoosuc River
Basin within the State of Vermont is shown on the map in Figure
1 �n the following page. The map also shows the counties in which the basin lies.
A general description of each of the four sub-basins taken from various sources is given below: 1. STEVENS RIVER - The Stevens River Basin is located adjacent to and just south of the Passumpsic River Basin. The Stevens River drains �bout 49 square.miles of land in Caledonia
County and flows to the Connecticut River. The length of the main
stem of the Stevens River is 11 miles with an approximate fall
of 1000 feet. There are two major tributaries to the Stevens River.
Peacham Hollow Brook, which has a drainage area of 17.2 square miles
and a length of 7 miles, and South Peacham Brook, which has a
drain�ge area of 12.5 squ�re miles and a length of 4.5 miles,
join to form the Stevens River in the town of Barnet. The Stevens River Basin contains five lakes and ponds with a surface area greater than 20 acres. The largest of these is Harveys Lake (341 acres) which has been designated as oligotrophic.
2. WELLS RIVER - The following description of the Wells
River drainage basin is taken from Water Resources of the Wells
River Basin, Reference 9 ...... The Wells River Drainage Basin is bounded on the north by that of the Stevens River, on the s6uth by that of the Waits River and on the west by the Winooski River Basin. Three-fourths of the basin is in the most southerly portion of Caledonia County, the remaining one�fourth lying in the most northeaster ly portion of Orange County. A very small fringe area lies in Washington County. ·�I
LOCATION MAP STEVENS-WELLS-WAITS-OMPOMPANOOSUC RIVER BASIN
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FIGURE 1
COUNTY AND TOWN OUTLINE MAP OF z VERMONT
COUNTIES IN THE BASIN (S:SSJ ORANGE COUNTY
0 F0 0O OJ CALEDONIA COUNTY
� WINDSOR COUNTY 1111 WASHINGTON COUNTY
VERMONT DEPARTMENT OF HIGHW4T' L� 1-tlGHWAY PLANH1'4:; OIVJ,\')l'C ·
,JULY, 1963 2- 3
. I The maximum width of the basin is approximately 9 miles and its length roughly 18 miles; the river follows a 16.6 mile course through the basin from its outlet at Lake Groton to its confluence with the Connecticut River ... in the Village of Wells River. Approximately 99 square miles (63,400 ac s) a are contained in the basin. This represents 1% l. · � the totai area of the state.
Eight of the state's 237.organized towns contribute to·the land area of the basin. Of these� three pr9vide 82� of the total area. Nearly 51% of the basin lies within the town of Groton alone.
The Wells River has 18 tributaries which have a I drainage area of 1 square mile or more. Most of these tributaries are small, and only two drain more than ten I square miles. The Wells River rises in Lake Groton, in the northern part of the town of Groton; flows southeastward. through Ricker Pond, crossing Groton and the southwestern corner of Ryegate into the northeastern corner of Newbury, where it joins the Connecticut River.
, I The topography of the ·northwestern portion of the b�sin is, for the most part, steep and almost completely forested. Most of this region lies within Groton· State Forest. Little Spruce Mountain, at an elevation of 2515 feet, is one of the highest points within the basin. Several other peaks forming this boundary Of the basin exceed 2,000 feet. These provide the runoff to Kettle · I Pond, Osmore Pond, Lake Groton, Ricker Pond and Levi Pond and constitute the headwaters of the North Branch and main stem of the Wells River. The valley floor at the confluence of t6ese two streams is �tan elevation of 1820 feet.
The southwestern boundary of the basin is formed by Signal and Spruce Mountains, with elevations of 3348 and 3037 feet, .respectively, along with other peaks ranging from 2100 to 2700 in elevation. These peaks constitute the headwaters of the Sciuth Branch, which drops dowri to an elevation of 890 feet at the confluence with the main stem. This portion of the basin is also quite precipitous and heavily forested. The. rest of the basin is comprised for fhe most part of the main valley floor of the Wells River. Th.is va.l l<�Y has relatively .steep, high sides· all t.he way down Io .i tf.: confluence with the Connecticut River. 'l'tw va.L lcy Lloor drops from an el�vation of 820 feet at the mouth of the· I North Branch to an elevation of 401 fc6t nt the Connecticut ver . . I Ri. 2-4
At the confluence with the South Branch the drainage area of the Wells River is 41.4 square miles and by the time the North Branch has joined the main stem the drainage area has increased to 52 square miles, or more than half of the drainage of the basin. This is 13 river miles upstream from the mouth of the Wells River.
From the confluence of the North Branch, the river falls rather uniformly with a slope of 0.4% for a distance of 7.8 ·miles to Boltonville. In the next 0.7 mile the river falls 100 feet and then levels out again for another 2.5 miles. The final 2 miles of the journey to the Connecticut River are again precipitous, with a drop of 140 feet.
There are 7 ponds in the basin (with a surface area greater than 20 acres) with a combined surface area of 751 acres, comprising about 1.2% of the basin's area. The most notable of these is Lake Groton (396 acres) in the northwestern portion of the watershed. 3. WAITS RIVER - The following description of the Waits River is taken from Reference 20. The Waits River rises in the mountainous area of Groton just inside the southern boundary of this town. The river continues in a southerly and then a southeasterly direction through the villages of West Topsham, Waits River, Bradford Center, and finally through the village of Bradford before ·it enters the Connecticut River in the Lake Wilder section, so-called. The total drainage area of the Waits River and its tributaries is 144.3 square miles. The water is in natural condition for some 5.75 miles to the point where the brook from Riddle Pond enters. From this point to the mouth, the river is in varying conditions hereinafter described.
The right bank tributaries going downstream are: Riddle Pond Brook which enters about .7. miles downstream from Route Junction 25 & 302; East Orange Branch which enters midway between West Topsham and Waits River Villages; Pike Hill Brook which enters one mile above the mouth of Tabor Branch; South Br�nch with a drainage area of some 44 square miles, which enters some 2.25 miles above the Bradford Village line. There are also 14 known small unnamed.tributaries scattered along the length of the main stem that enter on the right bank. The left bank tributaries going downstream are: Perry Brook which enters some 1.0 miles upstream from West Topsham, Tabor Branch with a drainage area of some 28.4 square miles, which enters about 4.5 miles below Waits River Village; Meadow Brook which enters about 2 miles below Tabor Branch, and Chase Brook which enters about .25 miles above Bradford Center. There are also 18 small unnamed left bank tributaries. 2-5 4 .. OMPOMPANOOSUC RIVER - The following description of the Ompompanoosuc River watershed is taken from a Corps of Engineers Report, Reference 2. The Ompompanoosuc River watershed, ... is located in east central Vermont primarily in Orange County with a small portion at the mouth of the river in Windsor County. The watershed is roughly fan shaped, about 17 miles long by 12 miles wide. It has a drainage area of 136 square miles, 126 of which lie upstream of Union Village dam. The terrai� in the watershed is steep and is (conducive) to rapid runoff in a southeasterly direction. The elevation of the perimeter of the basin varies from over 2,300 feet, msl (mean sea level) in the northwestern headwaters to 385 feet at the mouth in the eastern portion with an average watershed elevation of about 1,300 feet. The watershed has one major tributary, the West Branch Ompompanoosuc River.
The Ompompanoosuc River originates above the town of Vershire, in Vershire Heights, and flows southeasterly for about six miles, thence southerly for about 18 miles to its confluence with the Connecticut River near Pompanoosuc, Vermont. The main river channel lies on the easterly side of the watershed and is elongated in a north-south direction. It has a fall of 1,020 feet in the first six miles and 430 feet in the remaining 18 miles to the confluence. Union Village dam is located approximately four miles upstream from the mouth and the channel capacity in the controlled reach of the river is about 2,100 cfs. The principal tributary in the watershed is the West Branch Ompompanoosuc River with a drainage area of 60 square miles. West Branch Ompompanoosuc River. The largest tributary of the Ompompanoosuc River is located in the western portion of the basin and originates near Hawkins Mountain. It is oval in shape and flows in a southeasterly direction. It falls about 1,140 feet in 5-1/2 miles and an additional 540 feet in 11 more miles to its confluence with the Ompompanoosuc River, 5 miles from the mouth of that river. Lake Fairlee Brook. This tributary, with a drainage area of 2.1 s<1uare miles, originates at Lak0 Fairlee, the only siqnificunt natural storage area in the watershed. It flows in a westerly direction for a distance of about 2- 6
1-1/2 miles to its confluence with the Ompompanoosuc River. Several brooks flow into Lake Fairlee, which has a drainage area of 20 square miles. The largest is Middle Brook which has drainage area of 11 square miles and has its source near Tebbetts Notch and flows in a southerly direction700 for a distance of about 7 miles, with a fall of about feet, to Lake Fairlee.
Lake Fairlee. The lake has a water surface area of approximately 500 acres. The dam, made of stone and capped with cement, is 40 feet long and is one foot higher than the 30 foot spillway. The outlet, which is a 30 inch conduit, has a hand operated wood gate. Most of the drainage area of the Stevens-Wells-Waits-
Ompompanoosuc River Basin is within Orange and Caledonia Counties, with minor portions in Windsor and Washington Counties. Given below are the 1970 Census populations for townships lying within or with a significant portion lying within the basin:
TOWN 1970 POPULATION
Barnet + 1,342 Bradford + 1,627* Corinth 683 Groton + 666* Newbury + 1,440* Orange + 540 Peacham + 446 Ryegate + 830 Strafford + 536 Thetford + 1,422 Topsham 686 Vershire + 299 Washington + 667 West Fairlee 337
+ PORTION OF TOWN IS OUTSIDE THE BASIN * INCLUDES VILLAGE POPULATION Eight other towns have minor portions lying within the basin. These are the towns of Chelsea, Danville, Fairlee,
Marshfield, Norwich, Plainfield, Sharon, and Tunbridge.
Most of the basin lies within the planning jurisdiction of the Two Rivers Regional Planning and Development Commission, with smaller portions lying within the boundaries of the Upper Valley
Planning and Development Council, the Northeastern Vermont 2- 7
Development Association, Inc., and the Central Vermont Regional Planning Commission. 3-1
- 3. WATER QUALITY STANDARDS,1-
Water quality standards are the objectives or minimum and maximum limits specified for certain water quality parameters at specific locations. These limits ·are set for specific waters for the purpose of managing those waters to realize their most beneficial uses. In Vermont, water quality standards are composed of two parts. The fi�st part Regulations Governing Water Classification and Control of Quality is a document app�oved by the Water Resources Board. These regulations set the policies and technical criteria for several classes of waters and also specify the management type for all streams and some lakes. · These regulations are reproduced in Appendix I.
A summary of the water quality limits specified in the regulations is presented below for parameters dealt with in the next section. It should be noted that these limits apply where waste discharges are affecting water quality. Natural conditions may result in water quality conditions which fall- outside of these limits. (See Appendix I for a complete specifi- cation of allowable limits).
D.O. TURB. pH FECAL COLI. TOTAL COLI. Class A * * * * 100/100 ml
Class B By Type By .Type 6.5-8.0 200/100 ml 500/100 ml
Class c By Type By Type 6.0-8.5 1000/100 ml No Limit
Types I I 6 mg/1** 10 JTU By Class By Class By Class II, IV
Types III, 5 mg/1 25 JTU By Class By Class By Class
* AS NATURALLY OCCURS ** 7 MG/1 SPAWNING AREAS IN TYPE I WATERS 3-2
All streams, rivers and brooks in these basins are further designated as either Type I or Type II. Lakes within the basin have not been designated as to types, so dissolved oxygen, turbidity and temperature change requirements cannot be definitely established. As situations arise where a specific discharge must be evaluated, the type is then determin'ed to allow an evaluation based on the proper criteria. The second part of the water quality standards is the
Classification Order issued by the Vermont Water Resources Board which specifies the class applicable to each stream and lake in a particular basin. In accordance with Vermont Statutes (10 V.S.A., Chapter 47), the waters of the Wells and Waits River
Basins have been classified by the Vermont Water Resources Board� The Wells River Basin was classified on January 22, 1958 (Reference
19). The Waits River Basin was classified.on December 17, 1959 (Reference 18). There are no colored maps available which depict the locations of the various classes of waters. However, a summary of the Classification Orders can easily be given since the waters in the Wells and Waits River Basins were all.classified as Class B except for three Class C mixing zones and one Class A area. The Class C mixing zones are located as follows:
Wells River - Upper Railroad Bridge in South Ryegate to Boltonville Dam (4.0 miles).
Wells River - Adams Paper Company to Mouth (1.0 mile).
Waits River - Bradford Village outfall sPwer to Mouth ( 0. 9 mi le) .
The Class A ar0a is located in the headwat<:�rs ol Mi 11 l'c,wl
Brook, a tributary to the Waits River, and includes the waters above the Bradford Village water intake, some 3.2 miles. The 3-3
Department of Health recognizes another Class A area which is the impoundment serving as the Peacham Fire District Number One water supply. These Class A and Class C areas are shown on the maps in Appendix II.
Although the waters of the Wells and Waits River Basins were classified many years ago, the classifications still are appropriate except that a Class C zone may be needed in the area of the abandoned Pike Hi.11 _Co�_per Mine.
Depending on the feasibility of abating the pollution from abandoned copper mines in the Ompompanoosuc River Basin, con sideration should be given to establishi�g Class C mixing zones below the discharges from these mines. In some cases where the Water Resources Board has not issued classification orders, waters have been classified by
Legislative Act as Class B. This is the case for ·waters in the Stevens and Ompompanoosuc River Basins. The Stevens River Basin is currently undergoing reclassification by the Water Resources Board in conjunction with reclassification of the Passumpsic
River Basin. The Ompompanoosuc River Basin will be reclassified in conjunction with reclassification of the White River Basin. 4-1 4 EXISTING WATER
In-stream water quality for the four major rivers and their larger tributaries in this basin was determined by analysis of
grab samples at various locations. The locations of the specific
sampling stations are shown on the maps in Appendix II. Also, a list of sampling stations is provided in the same appendix.
Given below· is a brief summary of existing water quality · data for each of the subbasins. STEVENS RIVER - The Stevens River and its major tributaries
were last sampled in August and September of 1955. At that time dissolved oxygen levels were well·above the lower limit of
6.0 mg/1, and biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) levels were
correspondingly low. Total coliform levels in 1955 were con
sistently quite high at most stations even in the headwater areas with values as high as 250,000 per 100 ml. pH values appear to
be naturally high with values often exceeding the upper limit for Class B waters of 8.0. Recent sanitary surveys have indicated that there has been a total cleanup of pollution sources in the Stevens River Basin. It should follow that water quality in the basin at this time
would be excellent. Four grab samples from the Stevens River and tributaries on May 14, 1975 indicate that Class B fecal coliform standards are being met. Testing for pH at the mouth of the Stevens River is recommended to check whether the trend in decreasing pH which has been noted in other parts of the basin, is also the trend in the Stevens River.
WELLS RIVER - The Wells River and its major tributaries were last sampled comprehensively in the 1950's. Selected stations were sampled and analyzed for fecal coliform in 1971 and a primary monitoring network station was installed near the mouth of the 4-2
Wells River in 1974. Dissolved oxygen levels have been well over the limit of 6.0 mg/1 except at stations 3 and 5 in the summer of 1953 when values of 5.6 and 5.5 mg/1 were recorded respectively. BOD values were correspondingly low except near the mouth of the Well� River where values as high as 7.2 mg/1 were recorded. At most stations and on most occasions both total and fecal coliform levels have exceeded the allowable limits of current standards. High total and fecal coliform levels can be expected in the lower portion of the Wells River_ until the untreated municipal discharges from South Ryegate and the village of Wells River are abated.
There appears to be a trend of decreasing pH values near the mouth of the Wells River. pH values up to 1959 ranged from
7.1 to 8.7 while 1974 and 1975 values ranged from 5.8 to 8.4. WAITS RIVER - The Waits River and its major tributaries were last sampled com12rehensively in the 1950's. A primary monitoring network station was located_ near the mouth of the
Waits River in 1974. Dissolved oxygen levels, both in the 1950's and in the mid 1970's have been well above 6.0 mg/1. BOD levels were also quite low in the 1950's. Total coliform levels were consistently high in the 1950's as well as in the 1974 to 1975 period,exceeding standards on most occasions, with values ranging as high as 250,000 and 3,800 per ml, respectively. Fecal coliform levels at station PMNS-14 near the mouth in 1974 and 1975 ranged from 180 to 240 per ml well below the limit of 1,000 per 100 ml allowed in a Class C zone.
pH levels in the 1950's ranged from 7.6 to 8.9, while in the 1974 to 1975 period values ranged from 6.2 to 8.3 again 4-3 indicating a trend of decreasing pH values.
OMPOMPANOOSUC RIVER - The Ompompanoosuc River and its
tributaries were last sampled comprehensively in· the mid 1950's
Some special sampling and analysis was performed in 1966 and
in 1967 to support prepaiation of a report on mine pollution. (See Reference 6). Dissolved oxygen levels at all ·except one sample station were consistently above the lower limit of
6.0 mg/1. At station 1-4, Copperas Brook, which receives drainage from the abandoned Elizabeth Mine, dissolved oxygen levels ranged
from 3.1 to 3.5 mg/1 in the late summer of 1954 sampling period.
In a late spring sample in 1966 the dissolved oxygen level at
station 1-4 was 7.9 even though the stream temperature was higher than during the 1954 sampling period.. BOD levels at most stations were quite low, however, at stations 10, West !airlee, and station 1-4, Cbpperas Brook, values for BOD ranged from 0.8 to 6.8 mg/1
and 1.1 to 7.5 mg/1 respectively.
pH values at most stations appear to be naturally high
with values often exc�eding the upper limit of 8.0. At two stations very low pH values have been recorded due to mine · drainage which are violations of current water quality standards. At station 1-4, Copperas Brook, pH values ranged from 3.1 to 8.0 and at station lOC, near the Ely Mine, a value of 3.40 was recorded
in 1955. As noted in two other subbasins, lower pH values have been observed recently at the mouth of the Ompompanoosuc (6.7 to
8�0) than were observed in the 1950's and ·1960's (7.8 to 8.1). Total coliform levels exceeded the allowilb.Le limiL ol �.>00
per 100 ml at most stations in the basin for samples taken in the
1950's and 1960's. However, recent (1974 and 1975) data recording 4-4 fecal coliform levels at the mouth indicate the limit of 200
µer LOO ml for Class B waters was not exceeded. The following table summarizes sampling and analysis for the metals chromium, copper, iron, lead, manganese, zinc, and aluminum for waters in the vicinity of the Elizabeth and Ely Mines. TABLE 1
METALS CONCENTRATIONS* AND PH IN WATERS NEAR** THE ELIZABETH MINE STATION DATE Cr Cu Fe Pb Mn �n Al pH l-4A 9/14/67 60 210 50 240 8.7 1-3 1/5/55 0 11 678 82 346 103 2,500 7.65 9/14/55 220 140 120 1-4 9/3/54 44 823 12,800 135 4,560 4,710 50 3.10 1/5/55 0 64 10,700 149 6,120 ·1,380 3,800 5.99 6/14/66 40 30 10,470 730 40 340 10,000 8.00 9/14/67 630 330,000 1,100 3.80 L-4B 9/14/67 130 8,000 250 7.5 1-2 9/3/54 20 0 68 0 440 0 306 7.9 1-1 9/3/54 12 0 199 0 0 14 460 8.0 6/14/66 0 20 820 30 50 80 270 8.22 9/14/67 110 1,260 100 150 8.10 2A 9/14/67 100 420 380 8.0 2 6/14/66 0 20 400 40 0 70 210 7.98
TABLE 2
METALS CONCENTRATIONS* AND pH IN WATERS NEAR** THE ELY MINE
STATION DATE Cr Cu Fe Pb Mn �n Al E!! lOC 1/5/55 0 69 5,900 0 1,440 865 2,500 3.40 lOB 1/5/55 0 51 1,002 12 260 130 5,000 6.99 3 6/14/66 0 10 320 0 0 100 180 7.92
* ALL VALUES IN MICROGRAMS PER LITER ** SEE APPENDIX II FOR SAMPLING STATION LOCATIONS 4-5
TABLE 3
Cr Cu Fe Pb Mn
50 1,000 300 50 50 5,000
* MICROGRAMS PER LITER ** VERMONT PUBLIC WATER SYSTEM REGULATIONS 1973 Although the waters near the Elizabeth and Ely Mines are not
Class A, the allowable metals concentrations for potable water are given in Table 3 as a comparison to the in-stream values. As can be seen, iron, lead and manganese appear in especially high concentrations particularly at station 1-4, which is on Copperas
Brook below the Elizabeth Mine. 5-1
5. FISHERIES
The following brief summaries of fisheries in the waters of each sub-basiri of the Stevens-Wells-Waits-Ompompanoosuc River
Basin were prepared oy the Fish and Game Department. Stevens River - The fishery emphasis in this small watershed is oriented toward lake and. pond trout fishing. Harvey Lake provides fishing for lake trout, rainbow and landlocked salmon. In addition, this lake has good populations of small mouth bass, smelt and yellow perch. Two other ponds, Martins and Fosters are operated as brook trout fisheries. Ewell Pond at present provides warm water fishing but could, with reclamation, support a good trout fishery.
Peacham Hollow and South Peacham brooks are essentially brook trout fisheries. The Stevens River itself from Harvey Lake to the Connecticut River provides a mixed brook and brown trout fishery. Wells River - The Wells River provides good fishing for both cold and warm water species. Brook, brown and rainbow trout are found in the Main stem and some of its tributaries. One of the 6 ponds in the watershed, Noyes Pond, is operated as a brook trout fishery in conjunction with a Forests and Parks recreation area. One other pond, Osmore, provides a marginal trout fishery. The remaining four ponds, Kettle, Groton, Rickers and Ticklenaked - provide varying qualities of warm water fishing with small mouth bass, chain pickerel, yellow perch and bullhead catfish predominant. Waits River - The Waits River is one of the few major watersheds of Vermont with little or no standing water in the form of natural or artificial ponds. It is entirely a stream fishery. Three species of trout-brook, brown and rainbow--make up the fishery. All three species of trout show evidence of reproduction with brook tiout predominant, followed by rainbow and brown in that order.
From the fisheries standpoint, water quality is good except that high natural temperatures in the lower end of the South Branch and in the main stem at and below East Corinth discourage trout populations in those reaches. 5-2
�-=--�����--���River - This watershed provides warm water fishe Stream trout is restricted mostly to the West Branch above South Strafford and the East Branch above West Fairlee. Below these levels on both branches the water becomes somewhat warm for trout. In addition, the West Branch below the old South Strafford copper mines is polluted by heavy metals carried in drainage from abandoned tailings lagoon. Both brook and brown trout are found in the West Branch and some of its tributaries. The East Branch above West Fairlee provides brook trout.
There are two ponds that provide brook trout angling. These are Miller Pond and Malmquist Pond, both in Strafford. Lake Fairlee in West Fairlee and Thetford has some excellent rainbow fishing This lake also has. superior angling for both small mouth bass and yellow perch.
Below the large flood control dam at Union Village the river widens out into a large set back of the Connecticut river the level of which is controlled by Wilder Dam a few miles downstream. Fishing here is mainly for warm water species such as bullhead, yellow perch, walleyes and small mouth bass. 1 6. DES IGNNrION AND RANKING OF Wl\'l ER QUALITY AND EF'FLUEWr LIMITATION SEGMENTS pL1n1li11q ptH"po:::;<�::; and arc� localed on the maps i.n l\ppcnd..i.:x IJ.
The following pages list and describe the different types of segments and present an analysis of each of the 4 segments in the basin with respect to various water quality related problems. Waters are designated as Water Quality Segments (WQ-1) where applicable water quality standards are not now and will not be met, or where it is uncertain whether they will be met even after the application of effluent standards based on best prac- ticable treatment for private sources and secondary.treatment by municipalities. Also, waters in the category of upland streams, where no waste discharges are allowed, are designated as water quality segments with a waste load allocation of zero. All other waters are classed as Effluent Limitation Segments (EL), i.e., waters which will meet water quality standards when effluent standards are applied and no load allocations are necessary. The status codes, for the various segment types, are listed and defined below: EL-1 - EFFLUENT LIMITATION SEGMENT (presently.meets water quality standards) EL-2 - EFFLUENT LIMITATION SEGMENT (presently not meeting water quality standards)
WQ-1 - WATER QUALITY SEGMENT (for parameters or wastes noted) WQ-2 - WATER QUALITY SEGMENT (with existing polluting discharge to upland stream)
There are only two segments designated by the Continuing
Water Quality Management Planning Proce�s (Reference 22) for the 6-2 Stevens-Wells -Ompompanoosuc River Basin. Both of these
segments are ff limited presently not meeting water quality
standards (EL-2) but are expected to meet standards when waste discharges receive secondary treatment.
The following chart lists the segments by number, describes
their location, indicates their status (described previously), ranks them, and sts the pollutants entering the segment and the respective parameters that are substandard with respect to water quality standards in that segment:
SEGMENT # SEGMENT DESCRIPTION STATUS RANK* POLLUTANTS/PARAMETERS 14-1 Wells R.-S Ryegate** EL-2 Municipal wastes/ to Conn. River coliform 14-2 Stevens R.-Barnet to EL-1 NO�E: Status changed Conn R. from EL-2 to EL-1 to reflect actual conditions. * SEE p 6-3 FOR RANKING METHODOLOGY ** THIS SEGMENT DESCRIPTION IS CORRECTED TO READ "S. RYEGATE" INSTEAD OF "BONDVILLE" WHICH IS NOT IN THE WELLS RIVER BASIN In addition to the above two segmentslisted in the Continuing
Planning Process it is recommended that the following segments be added:
SEGMENT# SEGMENT DESCRIPTION STATUS RANK POLLUTANTS/PARAMETERS
14-3 Tributary to Ompom- WQ-1 3 Mine drainage/ panoosuc River-Ely metals, pH, D.O. Mine to Main Stem
14-4 Copperas Brook and West WQ-1 1 Mine drainage/ of the Ompompanoosuc metals, pH, D.O. River-E abeth Mine to the main stem
14-5 Waits River-Bradford EL-2 4 Municipal wastes/ upstream municipal coliform boundary to mouth. Each segment which begins at a discharge or municipality includes that di or municipality. All upland streams not specifically listed above are WATER QUALITY SEGMENTS without polluting discharges and meeting water quality standards. All upland streams have a load allocation of zero. 6-3
'I1he ranking of seqmcnLs .1_n order of priority is performed by using a point system LhilL assigns points to a segment based on the type. and degree of problems or potential problems that exist there. Points are then tallied for each segment and the segment with the greatest number of points receives the highest ranking. This ranking is only an indication of the number and kind of problems in each segment and is not a strict priority ranking since a wide diversity of problems mat be encountered in each segment.
The following point system, is used to rank each segment:
CATEGORIES ASSESSED FOR SEGMENT RANKING POINTS 1) Dissolved Oxygen: Below criteria once 5 Below criteria twice or more 10
2) Coliform: Criteria exceeded 2 or more times 5 3) Most upstream segment with significant discharge 5
4) Municipal discharges: No treatment 10 Partial treatment or small discharge 5
5) Industrial discharges: No treatment 10 Partial treatment or discharge permit 5
6) Discharge to lake or reservoir: Direct 10 Indirect 5
7) Stream Flow: 10 cfs or less 10 at ( 7Ql0) 10-25 cfs 5 8) Non-point source problem 10 9) Groundwater problem 10
10) Population Centers: Greater than 10,000 and closer than 10 miles 10 Greater than 5,000 and closer than 20 miles 5 6-4
Based on the above e tern, the 5 segments in the Stevens-Well Ornpompanoosuc r Basin have been ranked. A summary of ranking is given below in tabular form:
TABLE 4
SEGMENT Ri\NKING 9 CATEGORY 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 10 TOTAL RANK
SEGMENT NO. 2 14-1 5 5 20 5 5 10 45 5 5 14-2 5 10 20 3 14-3 5 5 10 10 10 40 l 14-4 10 5 5 10 10 10 50 10 5 25
TOTAL 10 20 25 30 5 0 40 20 20 15 7-1 7.
pollution resulting not from a point source such as an outfall pipe of a sewage treatment plant, but rather it is pollution resulting from diffuse sources such as overland runoff from construction areas, agricultural lands and forest lands or groundwater borne pollutants such as leachate from sanitary landfills. A significant non-point source of pollution is further defined as one which causes impairment of designated water uses, causes water quality standards violations directly or indirectly, or one which is of a magnitude comparable to a point source causing such impairment or violations. The major sources of non-point source pollution have been grouped into the following four categories: Agriculture, silviculture, mining, and construction. For the most part, these "sources" actually describe practices that result in erosion, surface runoff and the eventual loading of a stream with sediment. While sediment alone is a major problem, it is usually accompanied by (depending on its source) varying quantities of fertilizer nutrients, chlorides, herbicides, pesticides, fungicides, .or other toxic chemicals, fecal bacteria, pathogens, and oxygen demanding materials that may be ·adsorbed on the soil particles, or in solution or suspension in the surface runoff.
Probably the most dramatic non-point pollution problem in Vermont is found in the Ompompanoosuc River Basin, at South Strafford. The Elizabeth Mine from which copper ore was extracted beginning in 1793 and continuing until as recently as 1961. A 7-2 report on problem was 1969 (Reference 6 ) by the of Water Resources and the following description and scussion is taken rectly from that report: The stream that drains the area of the now abandoned E zabeth Mines at South Strafford, Copperas Creek, has been polluted as long as man has known of ore deposits. Hearsay history tells us that copper was found because of the colored water of the Creek. However, since the mining ope have opened large diggings on the east side of.Copperas Hill and drilled two shafts to the lode, this pollution problem ed .. There are locations which directly contribute wastes to Creek or to the West Branch ... All of these except the air hole near the river are discharging to the creek. The air hole discharges directly to the river. The northern-most shaft is not discharging presently since the water in that mine is discharging from the forementioned air hole which is about 300 feet lower than the shaft opening, adit #1. It is difficult to assess the magnitude of each individual problem area since there is considerable leaching from around and out of the open cuts as well as rect discharges from the shaft #2. The waters that flow from the open pits and the shafts are collected in a pool on top of the tailings piles and from here either percolate thru or are piped to the base of the pile into a swamp that forms Copperas Creek ..
t sampling by the Water Resources Department dates back to 1954 with more recent sampling analyses in 1967 .. (see Table 1 Section 4 ) . It is evident that the waters of Copperas Creek contain excessive amounts of iron which accounts for the red water, as well as cons concentrations of copper, zinc, and lead The iron although readily noticeable and the main cause of the aesthetic pollution is not considered a primary toxic substance to general aquatic life. However, copper, zinc, and lead either alone or in combination with each other, are extremely toxic. The acid conditions which exist in the creek are also p y p artial. l r<:s onsible for the lack of the flora and1 fauna. One pa ram< .J , · r p r c� v i o u : ; I o v < • r l o o k <' d i �; c y ii n i de . 1' h < • l.iteratun� indicate:�; I.Ii.it. :_;odium t:y<111id<· i:; tJ�i(�d in I.Ii<� process to separate pyrrhotite which is port of Uw :daq ... 7-3
The net results from the presence of heavy metals in Copperas Creek and the West Branch of · the Ompompanoosuc River are demonstrated... (by) what fish species exist at different locations in the river... (From) the confluence of Copperas Creek to the confluence of the East Branch, the West Branch of the Ompompanoosuc does not supply an environment necessary to sustain a normal fish population.
This fish population study of the river was conducted by the Vermont Fish and Game Department in September 1967 at the same time that the last samples were taken for water quality analyses. The electric shocker technique was used.
All comments in this report are made with respect to water quality and do not pertain to mining, economics, market possibilities and the like. The problem with which we are concerned is the degradation of water quality in the West Branch of the Ompompanoosuc River such that it is unsuitable for recreation of any variety, is unable to support normal or typical forms of aquatic life and is aesthetically unpleasing. As defined by Vermont Water Quality Standards it would be a Class D* or below river.
In order to improve the condition of the West Branch specific action must be taken to keep the drainage waters from becoming contaminated� The approach at this point becomes selective or specific becau�e there are three different types of problems.: (1) drainage fro� the mine shafts; (2) drainage from the open cuts which are connected with the shafts and which spills out to become surface runoff; and (3) drainage which leaches thru the tailings pile and is carried in a concrete pipe to the downstream base of the pile.
The elimination of drainage from the shafts and from the open cuts should be undertaken concurrently because the.two areas are directly linked by tunnels and rock strata. Whatever drains into the open cuts goes into the tunnels and directly to the river or creek. The solution appears quite straight forward f£11 in the open cuts and seal the shafts and air holes.
*A VERY LOW CLASSIFICATION SINCE ELIMINATED AS ALLOWABLE CLASSIFICATION 7-4
is to , the le could be s the cuts studies are available from Bureau of Mines on the techniques of sealing abandoned mine shafts. Problem number three requires an immediate resolution of the entire matter with the immediacy rel to a drainage system for the lings pile. As exists, the tailings are extremely high in sulphur which when combined with water results in sulphuric acid. When flowing through concrete pipe the acid will the concrete. When the pipe los�s its strength 11 collapse and the tailings pile and pond will no be drained except by percolation through the It is evident from observation that percolation alone would not be able to pass the incoming drainage from the upland areas during spring runoff period. The result could be a pool of water covering the old tailings pile and perched about 100-150 feet above the ground level. Under these conditions it is expected that the tailing pile would slump or erode away very rapidly and release a tremendous amount of pollution to the downstream area. The drainage to the pile can be diverted by constructing a channel around the south side. This should be done first since actions taken to'seal and fill the cuts and shafts will cause more runoff and increase the drainage to the le .. A further water quality condition which should be considered is the situation which will occur in the backwater of the pool proposed to be developed at the Union llage Dam. When a low pH water containing significant quantities of iron is aerated it becomes red as is evidenced by the "clear" water in the ·open cuts, and the red water in the creek. (The ore contains 36.4% iron and 23.0% sulphur). In the quiescent conditions of a pool this water would remain red for a substantial period of time until the and the alkalinity increased to sufficient levels to cause precipitation. The water would then become clear and the bottom would be covered with an iron deposit. It can be concluded that the waters of Copperas Creek and the West Branch of the Ompompanoosuc River are being polluted by the drainage from the workings at the abandoned copper mines in South Strafford. The pollution is l:V.idc�ncod by an excess of heavy metals, low pll, o.nd cxct:'SSi V(' color and turbidity. Cyanide may also be a problem. 'l1hC' pollution can be reduced or nearly eliminated by filling the open cuts, sealing the shafts and air holes and diverting all drainage away from existing tailings pile. 7-5
To abate this pollution it is recommended that the filling, sealing and diverting actions stressed above be completed. The cyanide concentration in the drainage from the slag pile should be determined. No cost estimate for the recommended work has been made,
and no funds are available for attempting to solve the problem.
Solution to the problem will depend o� the financial resources
available, where the liability for the pollution lies, and on the
priority assigned to solving this problem in relation to other pollution problems in Vermont.
The referenced report does not address or describe the conditions resulting from the Ely and Pike Hill Mines which are
· also inactive and located in Vershire and Corinth, respectively. Limited sampling below the Ely Mine (see Table 2) indicates that
a problem may exist. No sampling has been done in the vicinity
of the Pike Hill Mine but visual observations are not encouraging., As recommended in the 1969 report quoted above, the cyanide concentration in the mine discharges should be deterrnirted to
indicate whether concentrations are at toxic levels.
At present, identification of other significant non-point source pollution problems (mainly sedimentation problems) is
made visually by state personnel, sometimes as the result of
complaints by concerned citizens.
Not enough recent comprehensive water quality data and visual information is available to adequately.access the location and
magnitude of non-point source problems in Vermont. More compre- hensive water quality monitoring is now being instituted in accordance
with a Non-Point Source Pollution Strategy (Reference 7), and the 7-6 non-po source problem should be better assessed in s s of this plan. 8-1
8. DAMS AND IMPOUNDMENTS
There are 34 darns and impoundments in the Stevens�Wells Waits-Ornpornpanoosuc River Basin. Most 0£ these serve to impound water for recreation purposes. Many structures were utilized in the past to manage water for small scale power production.
Currently reconstruction of the penstock and refurbishment of the watershed and attendant apparatus is proceeding at the Noyes Pond Darn site. The Agency of Environmental Conservation will utilize this site as a demonstration project which can be viewed by the public. The largest darn in the basin is located on the Ornpornpanoosuc
River in Thetford at Union Village and was constructed in 1950 by the Army Corps of Engineers for flood control purposes. An inventory of darns and impoundments is provided in Table 5 through 8. An "R" in the Remarks column signifies th<;1t the darn is utilized to impound water for recreation purposes. In formation contained in these tables was taken from References 9, 16 and 17. TABLE 5 ... DAMS AND IMPOUNDMENTS ON THE STEVENS RIVER AND.TRIBUTARIES
NA.t'\f.E LOCATION RIVER HEIGHT OF IMPOUNDMENT C..JWN'.l::S.K REMARKS MILE DAM VOLUME (MAX) Stevens River Town of Harvey's Lake 6 .. 4 6 0 x 106 ft3 R Barnet 10 Barnet 11 Stevens River B.A .. Judkin's 3 $ 6 12 500,000 ft3 Barnet Thresher Saw Mill Power Jewett Pond Tributary to Har, �ey' s - 5 Breached Barnet Lal �e Peacham Hollow B} . Leonard.Aikeh Aiken 15.5 500,000 ft3 R Peacham (Frances Cla trk) I Peacham Hollo�--�� . 4 .1- James Ewell Pond ...... _ . 10 15 x 106 ft3 Not in use Peacham 5.5 Robertson .. Peacham Hollow BJ Goslant Goslant 12 500,000 ft3 R Peacham Estate
s. Peacham Brk. 6 Dept. of Martin' s Por�d 6.2- 7 15 x 10 ft3 Peacham Trio. Fish & Game R I
I
00 I TABLE 6. DAMS AND IMPOUNDMENTS ON THE WELLS RIVER AND TRIBUTARIES
NAME LOCATION RIVER HEIGHT OF IMPOUNDMENT OWNBR P��L:....RKS MILE DAM VOLUME (MAX) Lake Groton Wells River Dept. of :,Groton Pond) 3 6 3 Groton 16.5 10 0 x 10 ft Water Resou --ces
I Wells River Milton Ricker Pond 15.5 5 11,000,000 R (2 Dams) Groton cu. ft� Ricker I Wells River i 8 3 Henry I Sanville 11. 9 R Groton 500,000 ft Sanville i Wells River Dept. of Franconia Paper rn Highways Gone i Groton Wells River l,000,000 Adams Paper Water supply, 0.9 16 Fa ilities for ri� ·Adams Paper Co. Newbury cu. ft. Company va� e power exis�.
Wells River 8 500,000 Warren Not in use, was Boltonville 5.2 used for ower Newbury cu. ft. Ka until 195 � South Branch 13.5- 10,000,000 Dept. of Noyes Pond 15 R Groton 4.8 cu. ft .. Forest & P� rks
--
I t,..; TABLE 7. DAMS AND IMPOUNDMENTS ON THE WAITS RIVER AND TRIBUTARIES
NAME LOCATION RIVER HEIGHT OF IMPOUNDMENT OWNBR REMARKS MILE DAM VOLUME (MAX) 6 Waits River 3 I Bradford 1..0 70 10 ft CVPSC Not use Bradford I I Pike 11 Brook Bert Holland 12 6 6 3 Corinth 82 , 40 ft Holland R I Unnamed trib. A.G .. Riddel Pond 8 1,500,000 R Orange cu. ft. Riddel
Tabor Branch Trib. I Gordon Clark, Site #2 25 3.4 x 106 ft= I R Topsham � Clark I - Tabor Branch Trib. Graham Blake 22 L 3 x 106 ft- R Topsham Blake I E. Orange Branch Trib. Raymond Green 12 Washington Green
I
I
co i ..i::,. TABLE 8. DAMS AND IMPOUNDMENTS ON THE OMPOMPANOOSUC RIVER AND TRIBUTARIES
I
NAME LOCATION RIVER HEIGHT OF IMPOUNDMENT OWNBR REMARKS MILE DAM VOLUME (MAX)
Pond Unnamed Trib. Dept. of c.c.c. 10 1.9 6 x 1o 3 R Sharon it Fish & Game
Abbott Brook Trib- r 7 6 Dept. of R Miller Pond Strafford 7.4 x 10 ft- Fish & Game I West Branch South Strafford Rosa Tyson Gone i Strafford
! Unnamed Trib. Camp Lake Abenaki 18 13.5 x 106 R Thetford ft 3 Farnsworth
I Walter Unnamed Trib. 6 3 i Lake Fairlee 6 R I Thetford 11 2 x 10 ft Malmquist : ord Brook Trib. Gove Hill Christ-r� 6 3 Gove Hill 18 bSOC. I ian Association 10 ft Christian Ai R ) Thetford I West Branch Trib. 500,000 Harland Manchester 11 R I cu. ft. ' Thetford Manchester Unnamed Trib. 1,3000,000 Forsythe Pond 9 Oscar A. (Nikak Corp.) Thetford cu. ft. Hauger R Ompompanoosuc R. 1,655 millior Corps. of Union Village 150 Flood Control Thetford 4.1 cu. ft. Engineers � Unnamed trib. Henry Payson 6 R Thetford 1 3 2.2 x 10 ft- Payson
00 r U1 TABLE 8. (CONTINUED)
NAME LOCATION· RIVER HEIGHT OF IMPOUNDMENT OWNER REMARKS MILE DAM VOLUME(MAX) Middle Brook Trib Keefe Web 1west Fairlee 23 Keefe R Middle Brook Middle Brook 3,000,000 D. West Fairlee 14 cu .. ft. Beebe Norford Lake R Norford Lake Avery Stream Trib 14 5.23 x 106 Thetford ft 3 Club, Inc.
I 'Lake Fairlee Trib 6 Webster Fin'n Feather 14 0. 6 5 x 10 3 Keefe R Thetford - ft
I
I
cc I O'I 9-1 9. GROUNDWATER
Areas of varying groundwater potential in this river basin have been generally identified in Reference 4, Groundwater
Favorability Map of the Wells-Ompompanoosuc River Basin, Vermont and Reference 3, Groundwater Favorability Map of the Nulhegan Passumpsic Basin, Vermont.
No groundwater problems have been noted in the basin except near the Connecticut River where high iron and manganese concen trations are found. These concentrations are typical of the
Connecticut River Valley and appear to be due to natural causes.
Water pumped from these aquifers can be improved with the use of Potassium Permanganate filters.
Although some information on groundwater quality is obtained from a limited number of test wells and from wells serving as public water supplies, no other formal state programs to monitor groundwater quality exists. In order to identify groundwater problems and to establish a state groundwater program there is a need to: 1) monitor the groundwater quality of identified aquifers especially near suspected pollution
sources to identify trends in groundwater quality
and to identify the direction and rate of groundwater movement;
2) control discharges to the groundwater especially in the area of wells or springs and near surface waters;
3) further define and identify aquifers so realistic protection programs can be developed. 10-1 10 PERMITS AND DI
In accordance with Vermont Statutes (10 V.S A,Section
1259), every discharger to waters of the State must obtain a permit from the Secretary of the Agency of Environmental
Conservation for that discharge. If it is determined that the discharge will not reduce the.quality of the receiving waters below the established classification and will not violate other applicable state and federal laws or regulatons, a discharge permit is issued. Dischargers which do not qualify for a discharge permit may be issued a temporary pollution permit for a limited duration, which specifies necessary actions to be taken by the discharger to abate pollution of that discharge. Table 9, Page 10-3 Permits and Discharge Inventory, includes a listing of all dischargers and respective permits in the basin except for small individual discharges with volumes of less than 1,000 gallons per day which will abate their polluting discharges by installing individual off-stream waste disposal systems or will connect to municipal waste treatment facilities. Since all dischargers require a permit, the permit inventory and discharge inventory have been combined into one listing.
Table 9 gives the name, location (see Appendix II for geographical locations), schedule of compliance, if applicable, and effluent limitations of each discharger, along with the permit and file numbers, the type of permit and its expiration date. Each discharger is characterized by appropriate parameters where available sampling data is sufficient, and by volume of discharge. Also identified are the stream classification at the 10-2 discharge, the treatment the discharge is receiving, the approximate 7 day, 10 year,. return stream flow ( 7Ql0) at the discharge, an estimate of the waste load entering the stream in pounds of ultimate oxygen demand per day, and an estimate of. the assi�ilative capacity of the stream at the point of discharge.
A surrunary analysis of discharges and permits in the Stevens
Wells-Waits-Ompompanoosuc River Basin shows the following:
1. There are three municipal type discharges in the basin the corrununity of South Ryegate and the Villages of Bradford and
Wells River, all with temporary pollution permits.
2. There is one industrial discharge, the Wells River Paper Company, which had a temporary pollution permit. The company is now shut down a�d it is unknown when and if operations will begin under new ownership. 3. There are two small sanitary type discharges, both of which are to be issued temporary pollution permits ..
In accordance with Section 1259 of 10 V.S.A. Chapter 47 "pretreatment permits" are being issued to industries which discharge to municipal waste treatment facilities and which may have a substantial effect on the operation of such municipal systems. In the Stevens-Wells-Waits-Ompompanoosuc River Basin it app�ars that only one pretreatment permit will be required to be issued. The Wells River Creamery d�scharges to the Village of Wells River sewer system and, in order to a�sure that this discharge is compatible with the municipal waste treatment facility when constructed, a pretreatment permit with appropriate discharge restrictions will need to be issued. r'.l'.,J'(lVlJT� Al\JU UJ..bUil\.H.GE INVENTORY TABLE 9 - 10 3 Segment 14-1 Name w F i 1 Laun- General Location w dromat S+-nre . .yeg Stream o--.,_JI --.,. UC R .. w .. h Ompom- W 11 Ri River Mile panoos�� File No. 09 16-002 09 10 003 03 10 001 Permit No. To be i sued To be issued 4-0035 Type Temp .. pollution Expiration 10/1/76 Eng. Report 8/1/74 Cf) :::> Final Plans 4/1,/75 Start Constr. 10/1/75 8 Start Operation 10/li76 Cf) Operator Cert. --- 8. H Effluent Limit. � i
-- I Discharge Type Wash water* Sanitary wast�---- Municipal wastes! Existing Treat Dry well** None* None Cf)u Temp. H ·�· 8 IPH Cf) D.O. (mg/1) H I � B . O . D . s ( mg l ) Turbidity (JTU) u #Fecal Col/100 ml - p � (mg/ 1) or tho � p mg total tt: ( /1) u N as NH3 (mg/ l) 8 N as N03 (mg/1) z Organic N (mg/1) ! µ:J p Solids Set. (mg/1) Sus. µ.J Total i µ:J Volume Ave. (GPD) Max .. I Stream Classification B c i I Ave. Stream Q (cf s ) 7 d ay low flo (cfs) L7 1. 5 estimate �} estimate ----- 8.0 estimate 10 year return - i: f'Vaste load, est. ave (pounds uOD#/day) -·------·--·- --·------.------city ····r-- A.ssimilative Capa 180 160 580 Estimate, UOD #/day *No sanitary wastes *Pipe to dry well across river brok1 �n. **Dry well overflows
------· -----·- .. --- ·------�------· .. ------·------J....t:1.JJ.LJ.L'..t 7 \ "-,.Vl\JT • ) .1.v-'±
Segment 14-1 14-1 14-5 Name Wells River Paper Village of Wells R. Village of Brae Location Wells1River r'r. Wells River Bradford fOJ - Stream Wells River Wells R. & Conn. R .. Waits River ----River Mile ---- File.No. --- 09-07-002 09-07-00.3 I 09-01-001 - Permit No. 4-1002 4-1061 4-1036 Type Temp. pollution Temp. pollution Temp. pollution Expirc1tion 11/1/74* 2/1/77 7/1/77 - Eng. Report (!) 2/76** Complete ::::> Final Plans 12/76** 12/75* 8 ,::t; Start Cons tr. 5/77** 6/1/76 8 Start Operation 5/78** 7/1/77* - (!) Operator Cert. 8 H Effluent Limit. . As presently dis- As presently dj � Ill charged. No further charged. No connection without further connec- written approval tions without
i from the Dept. of written approve Water Resources. of the Dept. of water Resources.
Discharge Type Paper Process WastE�s Municipal Municipal - Existing Treat. None l None - (!) CJ Temp. 30.5* H 8 IPH 5.4* (!) D.O. (mq/1) 0 ..O* - H I ... p::; B1 .0 .D . r; ( mg l ) 420 lbs/dav** 3,300* '1 urbidity 8 (JTU) 500� CJ #Fecal Col/100 ml > L_Q_OO,000* - p :r;� (mg/1) or tho ,::I; p m l total ::I! ( g/ ) u N as NH3 (mg/1) 8 N as N03 (mg/1) Organic N (mg/1) ::::> Solids Set. H µ.. (mg/1) Sus. 467 lbs/day** 1,216* li-l Total - Ill Volume Ave. 280,000** 7,100* (GPD) Max. - Stream Classification c c c - Ave. Stream Q ( cf s) 133 133 7 day low flow 13.7 13.7 20 estimate } ( cfs) i l_Q_�r return __ --··-----·--· - 1astc load, est. ave. (pounds uOD#/o.ay) ----·----·--- -·-- --· l\ssimilative Capacity �stimate, UOD #/day 1,000 I 1,000 1,400 *Operations- shut- *From sample taken *Target dates down New permit July 1, 1971. to be issued to next operator. I **Target dates **Expected efflueni� after process mod-- ifications
------,---- -·--··-·------·--·-·--- 11-1 11.. ASSESSMENT MUNICIPAL
Munic 1 on a statewide basis have already been set forth in the Program Plan (Reference 1). This basin plan presents a somewhat more detailed inventory of municipal needs for the basin Table 10, Assessment of Municipal Needs, gives an inventory of the larger communities in the basin located on designated segments which will require some form of municipal waste treatment facilities. The remaining small upland communities are not listed in Table 10. These communities will abate any existing pollution by use of individual waste disposal systems such as septic tanks and leaching fields. For each community listed in Table· 10, pertinent information concerning waste disposal is noted such as existing waste treatment, proposed waste treat ment and plant capacities, estimated project costs and existing waste loads to the stream. Given below is a brief description of the pollution abatement status in each of the larger communities in each subbasin. STEVENS RIVER BASIN
All of the communities in this basin, including Peacham, South Peacham, West Barnet, and Barnet have elected to solve their water pollut problems with the use of individual waste disposal systems According to recent sanitary survey investigations, all pollution due to individual sanitary disposal has been eliminated in the Stevens River Basin. Accordingly Segment 14-2
(Stevens River-Barnet to the Connecticut River) should be designated as EL-1, an effluent limited segment presently meeting water quality standards (see Section 6). 11-2 WELLS RIVER BASIN
South Ryegate - The community of South Ryegate had an estimated population of 236 persons in 1974. Domestic wastes were disposed of by discharges to combined storm and sanitary sewers, by direct discharges to ·the Wells River, or by septic tank and leaching field systems. The community has elected to solve its pollution problems by utilizing individual waste disposal systems. Most of the discharges have been eliminated with the installation of septic tank and leach field systems, but 12 homes located in the central area of the community do not have sufficient land for leaching fields. Therefore, some type of municipal waste treatment system will be required. Due to the small number of users, a municipal waste treatment system will be prohibitively expensive. Investigations are being made to solve this problem without federal aid which may prove less expensive. There are three granite processing plants in the community of South Ryegate. Wastes-from these plants are discharged to no-discharge holding lagoons.
Village of Wells River - The village of Wells River had a population of 419 in 1970, 151 persons less than in 1950. Municipal wastes are disposed of by discharges to sanitary and storm sewers which flow directly to the Wells River without any treatment.
The village of Wells River has begun to take the preliminary steps towards pollution abatement. The preliminary engineering report developed in 1970 is now being updated. One alternative to construction of a facility for the village is to transfer its wastes across the Connecticut River to Woodsville, New Hampshire, a much larger community. Agreements between the village of Wells 11-3
River and lle and between the State of Vermont and
New Hampshire will be red before such an alternative can be legally undertaken. The Temporary Pollution Permit is to be amended to reflect the decision on joint treatment. The target dates for actions leading to pollution abatement
for the village of Wells River are given below: Complete lities plari February, 1976 Complete final design December, 1976 Begin construction May, 1977 Begin operations May, 1978 The Wells River creamery discharges about 5,000 gpd of
sanitary wastes and wash water to the municipal sewer. Whey from
the processing of between 100,000 and 150,000 pounds of milk per
day is disposed on the land of several farms in the area.
Wells River Paper Company - The Wells River Paper Company has not been operating since March of 1975. About 30 workers
had been employed at the plant which discharged approximately
200,000 gpd the Wells River. Sanitary wastes were treated with a package waste treatment facility and paper process wastes were treated with a "Sav-all" filter. A new permit will be required when the plant resumes operation. Other communities in the Wells River Basin, Groton, West
Groton, Ricker Mills, and Boltonville will rely on individual waste disposal systems to abate any pollution to the Wells River and
its tributaries. 11-4
WAITS RIVER BASIN
Village of Bradford. - The village of Bradford had a population of 709 in 1970; a decrease of 51 persons since 1960.
Sanitary wastes from about 250 persons and about 30 commercial establishments are discharged through municipal sewers directly to the Waits River without treatment. A secondary sewage treat ment facility will be required to abate pollution. According to a Temporary Pollution Permit issued to the village, construction of the facility is to begin by June 1, 1976. The facilities plan �s complete and final plans are scheduled to be complete py December, .1975, with the plant operational by July, 1977.
The smaller communities in the Waits River Basin, such as Waits River, West Corinth, Cookville, East Corinth, East Topsham, and West Topsham, are not large enough to warrant construction of municipal type sewage treatment facilities pollution abatement in these communities will be effected by use of individual waste disposal systems.
OMPO.MPANOOSUC RIVER BASIN
There are no communities in the Ompompanoosuc Rive.r Basin which are large enough or which have special problems to warrant the �onstruction of m�nicipal type sewage treatment facilities. The communities in this basin will rely, for the present, on individual waste disposal systems to abate any pollution to the Ompompanoosuc River Basin and its tributaries. TABLE 10 ASSESSMENT OF MUNICIPAL NEEDS 11-5
14 1 14 1 14-5 Community Ryegate Village of Wells Bradford Ryegate Newbury River Population 960 894* 472 760 970 830 * 419 836 & �9 80 920 000 1113 Projections
Type None None None
z Design E-i� Capacity GPD
! Average Daily Flow s Waste Load �pre� - - �.ent� �t--��������--i��������__;-+-���������--J H� design �Approx.Population 45 263 250 + 30 ti!x Presently Served commercial units· Sewer Status Combined 80% Sanitary Combined* 20% Storm
Septic tank & Secondary Secondary leach field
Design GPD *' Capacity 9,450 39 2, 000 150,000
� Wa,ste Load Ef f t 0 2 At Design "' Estimated Total Project Cost $165,000 $593,000** $1,000,000
*Town population *Includes flow *Some storm wate� Remarks 1974 population from Woodsville, sewers have beeDj· of the community New Hampshire; connected to I of S .. Ryegate 40,000 gpd from sanitary sewers . 1 was 236 persons. Wells River. **Wells River por tion only.
\ 12-1
12. RESIDUAL AND SOLID WASTES At the present time, controls over the disposition of residual wastes from sewage and waste water treatment plants and from private disposal systems stem from a regulation adopted by the State Board of Health in 1962 (see Page 12-5).
This regulation generally states that residual wastes from private disposal systems must not be deposited in such a way as to create a public health hazard. It also states that digested sludge from sewage treatment plants may be used for agricultural fertilization· in areas where it is not likely to be directly contacted by humans.
In accordance with federal construction grant regulations, sludge disposal sites will be identified, investigated and approved during facilities planning for each municipal waste treatment project. Such sites and disposal methods must conform to the regulations of the Vermont Department of Health.
The 1962 regulation does not adequately control disposal of residual wastes from wastewater and water treatment plants to assure their proper disposal. Such items as location of disposal, amount of waste allowed per acre per year, times of year when disposal is not allowed, proper storage of wastes and assurance that toxic materials and heavy metals are not at pollutant or cumulative toxic levels when applied to agricultura.l land are not addressed in the existing regulation.
Since there are no sewage treatment facilities in this basin, disposal of residual wastes is not a probl�m. However, the problem 12-2 of disposing of res from individual waste treatment systems is greater than that arising from municipal sewerage systems. Many homes in Vermont are served by septic tank leach field systems, requiring sludge removal each 3 to 5 years.
Disposal of these residues represents a continous problem for privately owned scavenger operations which often do not have access to municipally-owned sewage treatment plants with sludge handling facilities a Under Vermont law, municipalities are not obligated to accept sludge. Receipt and handling of septage through normal raw sewage processes may result in a lowering of effluent quality, putting the municipality in violation of its discharge permit. For this reason most communities will not accept septage at all or will only accept septage from within their municipal boundaries. The private septage haulers must therefore develop and maintain their own sludge disposal site where spreading and/or direct burial can be accomplished in accord with State regulations. The regulations require that a significant amount of land be held for this purpose. Also, significant costs are usually incurred in earth moving operations to bury the septage. This situation is a negative incentive for septage haulers to conscient iously follow the regulations. Secondly, septage does not dewater well when pumped into a hole because the sewage solids plug the pores in the soil and prevent the passage of water into the soil.
Attempts to cover this material result in displacing the semi liquid sludge with each addition of fill. Thirdly, none of these sludge disposal methods work when the ground is frozen, about 5 12-3 months of the year. The solution to these difficulties rests with the develop ment of new, reliable, simple and inexpensive methods of sludge disposal or use on the land. The Engineering Division of the
Agency of Environmental Conservation is currently conducting investigations into the feasibility of stockpiling municipal treatment plant sludge on agricultural fields during cold weather for subsequent spreading during warm weather. They are also investigating the feasibility of the direct spreading of septage onto hay fields ,to determine acceptable hydraulic · application rates, nuisance potential, effects upon plant life and the potential for a health hazard. Results of these investigations may lead to new or modified regulations governing sludge disposal. A pilot contr61 program for septage has presently been funded by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to explore various institutional relationships as they pertain to individual domestic waste water disposal systems within the State and examine all.methods available for evaluating and controlling pollution from these septic systems. This program was funded in early July, 1975 for a time period of eighteen months.
Sanitary landfills are a pot�ntial poll�tioh source and if not properly operated they may become an actual source of pollution to both surface and groundwaters.
In the Stevens River Basin there is an open dump on the bank of Peacham Hollow Brook in the town of Peacham. This dump is a potential source of stream and groundwater pollution. It should 12-4
be investi ate ac on taken as necessary to protect both surface and groundwater. 12-5
Bureau of Environmental Sanitation State Department of Health 115 Colchester Avenue
DISPOSAL OF SEWAGE SLUDGE, EFFLUENT OR WASTE
Regulation adopted by the State Board of Health April 19, 1962
Sewage, sewage sludge, sewage effluent or any waste material removed or pumped from a septic tank, cesspool, seepage pit, privy pit or any other portion of a sewage disposal system or sewage treatment system must not be dumped, discharged or deposited in a location or in a manner that will constitute oi create a public health hazard. Such sewage, sludge, effluent or waste material must either be buried under the surface of · the ground in a location that will not adversely affect water supply sources, streams, rivers, ponds or lakes or it may be discharged into a sewage treatment plant where it will be properly and adequately processed. The digested sludge from a properly and adequately operating sewage treatment plant may be deposited on the ground surface for agricultural fertilization in an area where .it is not likely to be directly contacted by humans. 13-1
13 CONDITION OF LAKES AND PONDS Based on water quality data gathered on lakes and ponds
20 acres or larger in the basin, and based on other observations
for unsampled ponds, each pond has received a designation as to its trophic condition where sufficient information was available (see Tables 11 and 12) A lake's trophic level can be designated as one of three types (Oligotrophic, Mesotrophic or Eutrophic) as measured by its productivity of fertility, a condition dependent on nutrient
concentrations received from watershed drainage, on geologic age
and on lake depth. Of 15 lakes and ponds with areas of 20 acres or more in the basin, one has been classed as oligotrophic, two·
as mesotrophic and three as eutrophic. The remaining nine ponds
have not been designated as to trophic typec
Eutrophication of lakes or ponds is usually a slow natural proce�s {natural eutrophication) but it can be accelerated by
human activity (cultural eutrophication). Cultural eutrophication occurs when increases in concentrations of organic matter, nitrogen, phosphorus, and other elements in a lake or pond from nutrient rich wastes and/or runoff caused by human activity enter and accumulate in a body of water. Eutrophic conditions in a deep lake or pond may be localized in specific shallow areas such as bays and shoreline areas or, as is usually the case in shallow
lakes or ponds, include the entire lake. · Assessment of the cause of eutrophication involves the consideration of the history of
land and water usaqe in the c�ntire watershed contributinq runol to the lake or pond. A determination can then be made as to whether the cause of eutrophication is cultural, natural, or a 13-2
combination of both. Further data collection and analysis
is required to better specify the exact trophic condition of some ponds in this basin before any decisions can be made with regard to restoration, protection or management programs.
A Vermont Lake Management Strategy has been prepared by the Department of Water Resources which sets forth procedures and needed actions to assure that lake protection, management, and if necessary, restoration measures are being pursued in a
coordinated and systematic fashion (see Reference 8).
It is reported that during high flow periods, South Peacham
Brobk flows into Harvey's Lake due to the particular chinnel
configurations in outlet area of Harvey's Lake and South Peacham Brook. If �uch a condition does, in fact, exist to a significant
degree, the drainage area of Harvey's Lake is effectively
· tripled. Because Harvey's Lake is now oligotrophic and because
nutrients carried by high flow runoff events are often significant,
this situation may result in accelerated eutrophication of the lake. This situation should be further studied to determine if a problem exists. SOUR CE
PHYSICAL DATA INDICATOR NI rs TABLE 11. LAKES AND PONDS GREATER THAN 20 ACRES IN THE STEVENS-WELLS- WAITS-OMPOMPANOOSUC RIVER BASIN vi AS EUTROPHIC "' C\J z w w IJJ z u 0 E 0 0::: <.!) <.!) (f) :::> --; >- <( w <( <( � 0 .;:: w x 0::: � u w 0::: 0:: 0 0::: 0::: ow I- 0 I <( 0 > :::> I- I- <( z _J 0 w w O LL.I z z > o CD (/) uJ ('.) I u 0 ;s': <( 0. _J I- _J I <( z I- 0.. 0 z Oz 0 <( (/) I LL I z z 0::: (!)
I I I I
I-' w I w ------: . . - --- ·- �� - -.- --� - - :r::ee . ------·------:. -:-----�, ,;.,-� - ,.._,,---·-·---� - -�-"- �------=-=-==.-�-- -·------
TROPHIC . PHYSICAL DATA TYPE T ABLE 12. LAKES AND PONDS GREATER THAN 0z 20 ACRES IN THE STEVENS-WELLS- ...... <( WAITS-OMPOMPANOOSUC RIVER BASIN -lilt (.) II - DESIGNATED AS OLIGOT N - ROPHIC, u... lJ.. TENTATIVE OR UNDESIGNATED -E (I) <( - <( <( w (.) ....J w 0::: (.) - 0::: <( i: - :I: <( a. :I: w ...... w 0 a. � > a. w 0::: 0 :I: 0::: w u <( ...... a. <( 0 ...... 0 z 0 0::: a: <( (/) ..... > ::::, 0::: ....J w ::::, wz LAKE TOWN <( (/) 0 0 � w J- x H�rvey's Lake Barnet 341 20.0 Lake Fairlee Thetford/Fairlee/W. Fairle1e 427 19.7 x x x x Levi Pond Groton 24 0.3 Ticklenaked Pond Ryegate 55 2.2 x x
Ewell Pond Peacham 40 1. 5 Fosters Pond Peacham 56 1.1 Kettle Pond Marshfield/Groton -103 1.1 Martins Pond Peacham 73 1. 3 Miller Pond Strafford 68 1.0 Mud Pond Peacham 31 · 0.5 Noyes Pond (Seyon Pond) Groton 37 3.8 Osmore Pond Peacham 51 1. 3 I-' 20.5 w Ricker Pond Groton 85 I .t:,. 14 1 14 MONITORING AND SURVEILLANCE As indicated in Section 4, no recent comprehensive quality
monitoring has been performed in this basin. The waters in all
four subbasins were comprehensively sampled in the 1950's. Since
that time a special survey was performed on the Ompompanoosuc River for metals, pH, and acidity to analyze the effects of drainage
from the Elizabeth mine. The most recent water quality data av.ailable is from the
primary monitoring network stations which were established in 1974, one each at the mouths of the Wells, Waits, and Ompompanoosuc Rivers. Water quality parameters usually sampled in comprehensive surveys
are pH, temperature, dissolved oxygen, 5 day biological oxygen demand, turbidity, total coliform,_color and chlorides. In the past, some data on hardness, calcium, magnesium, alkalinity, and solids were obtained. Recent sampling in other basins has obtained data on nitrates, ammonia and organic nitrogen, phosphates (total and ortho), and fecal coliform. Table 13 below gives a summary of sampling in the four subbasins.
TABLE 13. WATER QUALITY SURVEYS IN THE STEVENS-WELLS-OMPOMPANOOSUC RIVER BASIN COMPREHENSIVE BASIN SURVEY SPECIAL SURVEYS Stevens River 1955
Wells River 1950-52 1953-1959 (intermittent) Waits River 1953 1955, 1957 (selected stations) Ompompanoosuc River 1954 1966, 1967 (metals)
In accord with compliance monitoring requirements, additional sampling is performed annually on municipal waste treatment plant effluent and on some industrial discharges. In conjunction with 14-2 th i!; sarnp l in I h<' di scha r.qc. Due to limited personnel and funds to perform sampling and analysis and the large amount of monitoring that would be desirable, a priority should be assigned to monitoring which would be performed to obtain necessary data where problems are expected or suspected to occur in order to evaluate those problems. In the Stevens Wells-Waits-Ompompanoosuc River Basin, since water quality problems appear not to be complex or subtle, there is not a high pr�ority on comprehensive monitoring. However, there is a need to establish a primary monitoring network station on Copperas Brook.on the West Branch of the Ompompanoosuc River below the Elizabeth mine discharge to detect'seasonal and long term changes in the discharge. Sanitary surveys in the Stevens-Wells-Waits-Ompompanoosuc River Basin have been conducted to detect individual and unreported sources of pollution. The original sanitary surveys were performed in the 1950's and.1960's. Follow-up surveys have recently been performed on the Stevens and Wells River Basins indicating that virtually all iridividual type pollution sources have been abated. The follow-up sanitary surveys are performed to assure that polluters identified in earlier surveys have installed.proper waste disposal facilities,. to identify any new sources of pollution and to detecit failing waste disposal systems which may be polluting waters of the state. As sources of pollution are discovered, these must be immediately abated or the discharger must apply for a temporary pollution permit which allows a certain amount of time to install proper facilities. 14-3 AS on the Ompompanoosuc River Basin has never been conducted and the survey on the Waits River is so old (1953) that new surveys will be required in these subbasins. Areas which are within the sewerable limits of municipalities soon to construct municipal waste treatment facilities are not included in the sanitary surveys. As the design size and sewerable limits change before the projects are finalized, sanitary surveys must be readjusted to include the areas excluded from municipal service areas. 15-1 15. PLANS RELATED TO WATER QUALITY MANAGEMENT Listed below are exis�ing plans or plans in preparation which relate to water quality management within this River Basin. The relationships of these plans to this River Basin Water Quality Management Plan are given. Vermont Capability and Provides constraints on Development Plan certain developments to avoid undue water pollution. State. Land Use Plan Considered for adoption during 1974 and 1975 Legislative Sessions. Action postponed until 1976 Legislative Session. Preliminary Engineering Provide basic information on Reports existing community water and/or (Refs • 10 , 11 , 14 ) sewer facilities, population, and waste loads in preparation to develop final plans for community sewerage and waste treatment facilities. Water and Related Land Provides a point of departure Resources of Vermont (basic general information) (Ref. 16) from which more detailed river basin studies may be undertaken. State of Vermont 106 Surrunarizes the Vermont ·pollution Program Plan (Ref.. l) abatement program. Regional and Town Plans Give general background data (Ref. 15) and reiterates recommendations for community water, sewer and waste treatment facilities. Rural Comprehensive Water Provides socio-eccinomic material and Sewer Plans of a general nature and specific ( Re f s . 12 , 13 ) information on .a municipal basis. Information from the above plans has been utilized wherever possible in the preparation of this plan. 16-1 16 PROCEDURES FOR PLAN REVISION Updating and revision of this plan will be undertaken by November, 1978 to reflect new water quality data, changing conditions in the basin, and changing needs within the basin. Any significant revisions of this plan will undergo the same adoption process as set forth in the State of Vermont Continuing Water Quality Management Planning Process (Reference 22). 17-1 17. SUMMARY OF PUBLIC PARTICIPATION Certain parts of this plan have already undergone or will under�o formal adoption procedures which provide for public participation. These parts are Regulations Governing Water Classification and Control of Quality (Appendix I), the water classification which is a result of the Classification Order upon which public hearings are held by the Water Resources Board before their adoption (see Section 3), and Permits (Section 10) for which an opportunity for public hearing is provided. A conference was also held with the Regional Plann.ing Commissions, the State Planning Office, and the Agency of Development and Community Affairs at which their input was solicited. Opportunity for public participation concerning water quality management within the basin will be provided when the Ompompanoosuc and Stevens River Basins are reclassified in the future. In addition, several public meetings are held in each ,community where a sewage treatment facility is required to gain public advice on the project and local project approval. An opportunity for a public hearing on the plan was provided. No requests for a public hearing were received, and a public informational meeting was scheduled on May 5, 1976 in lieu of the ptiblic hearing. Advertisements about the meeting were pub.lished on April 2 and April 9 in The Times Argus (see the Public.Notice on th� next page). Notice of the meeting was also carried on WTWN Radio, St. Johnsbury and WDEV, Waterbury. Three personnel from the Department of Water Resources attended the meeting, but no one else appeared. PUBLIC NOTICE In accordance with Title 3, VeS.A .. , Section 803, the Vermont Agency of Environmental Conservation will provide an opportunity for all rested persons to submit data, views, or arguments, orally or in writing, on the Stevens-Wells-Waits Ompompanoosuc River Basin Water Quality Management Plan, which has been prepared pursuant to Section 303(e) of Public Law 92-500 (Federal Water Pollution Control Act, Amendments of 1972). A Hearing will be held if requested in writing at least five days prior to the Hearing date by 25 persons, by a governmental subdivision or agency, or by an association having not less than 25 members. Such Hearing, if requested, will be held on Wednesday, May 5, 1976 at 7:30 P.M .. in the Village Hall, Newbury, Vermont .. If a Hearing is not requested, an informational meeting will be held at the above time and place. The Stevens-Wells-Waits-Ompompanoosuc River Basin Water Quality Management Plan is a summary compilation of existing water quality data, outstanding water quality standards and regulations, discharge and temporary pollution permits, and technical information regarding municipal waste treatment facilities. A listing of the contents of this plan follows: DEFINITIONS - A glossary and explanation of technical and other terms used in the report. 1. PURPOSE AND SCOPE - Delineates State and Federal authority for adoption of the plan and outlines basic parameters within the scope of the plan. 2. GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF THE BASIN - Describes the physical character- istics of the basin, and pertinent information as to present and anticipated future populations. 3. WATER QUALITY STANDARDS - Describes legislative action and decisions of the Water Resources Board in establishing standards for water quality for various waters within the basin. 4. EXISTING WATER QUALITY - Provides data relating to actual water quality analysis and evaluates effect of present water uses on water quality. 5. FISHERIES - Provides an inventory cif existing species of indigenous fishes ... 6. DESIGNATION AND RANKING OF WATER QUALITY AND EFFLUENT LIMITATION SEGMENTS - Lists specific component sections within the basin, and ranks them in accordance with factors affecting water quality. 7. NON-POINT SOURCES - Discusses implications of surface runoff from various land uses and impact upon water quality. 8. DAMS AND IMPOUNDMENTS - Lists major artificial impoundments, their uses, and their effect upon stream qual\ty and flows. 9. GROUNDWATER - Outlines potential contamination of wells and streams from inadequate subsurface sewage disposal, and proposes methods of moni.tori:ng and prevention of contam ination. 10. PERMITS AND DISCHARGE INVENTORY. � Defines scope of DISCHARGE PERMITS AND TEMPORARY POLLUTION PERMITS and manner of evaluation. 11. ASSESSMENT OF MUNICIPAL-NEEDS AND INDUSTRIAL DISCHARGES - Discusses _status of each municipality and each industrial discharge within various segments of the basin, and evaluates methods and facilities present or necessary to preserve and attain established water qu ality standards. 12. RESIDUAL WASTES - Discusses residual wastes from individual and community treatment facilities and potential methods for disposal. 13. CONDITION OF LAKES AND PONDS - Evaluates lakes and ponds as relates to their trophic conditions and potential manage ment or �estoration. 14. MONITORING AND SURVEILLANCE - Discusses location of sampling stations evaluation of data. 15. PLANS AND STUDIES RELATED TO WATER QUALITY MANAGEMENT - Bibliography and description of related existing planning studies. 16. PROCEDURES FOR PLAN REVISION - Provides for updating of plan. 17. SUMMARY OF PUBLIC PARTICIPATION - Provides for evaluation of inputs and comments received from government.al bodies, groups and individuals, and for a public hearing on the proposed plan. 18. SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS - Lists specific conclusions based upon data and review of plan and inputs, and makes specific recommendations for attainment of desired water quality. 19. REFERENCES - Bibliography of various source materials utilized in the development of the plan. APPENDICES - Contains maps, charts and graphs utilized in the development of the plan. Complete copies of this plan are available for revie¥ at the Department of Water Resources, Montpelier; at the offj_ce of the Two Rivers Regional Planning and Dev�lopment Commission Masonic Hall, Sharon; and at the Town Clerk's office of Newbury and Vershire.· 18-1 SUMMARY, CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS: 1. The wateri of the Wells and Waits River Basins were classified by the Water Resources Board in 1958 and 1959, respect ively. These classifications are, for the most part, .still appropriate (see Section 3 and Recommendation 1). 2. The waters of the Stevens and Ompompanoosuc River Basins were classified as Class B by the legislature and will be reclassified by the Water Resources Board in the near future. 3. There appears to be a trend of decreasing pH values at the mouths of the Wells, Waits, and Ompompanoosuc Rivers (see Section 4) . 4. All known discharges to the waters of the Stevens River Basin have been eliminated and limited sampling for coliform during May of 1975 shows the waters a.re meeting Class B standards for fecal coliform. 5. Most water quality sampling in this basin was performed in the 1950's with some special surveys done in the 1960's and with recent sampling continuing at three primary monitoring network stations (see Section 14) 60 Violations of fecal and total coliform standards have occurred at most stations sampled due most likely to untreated municipal and domestic sewage being discharged to the waters. A notable exception is at the mouth of the·ompompanoosuc river where recent samples indicate fecal coliform standards are being met (see Section 4). 18-2 7. There are three inactive copper mines in this basin (two in the Ornpornpanoosuc River Basin and one in the Waits River Basin). Discharges from two of these mines (the Elizabeth mine and Ely mine) are contributing to low dissolved oxygen levels, low pH values and high concentrations of metals, partic ularly iron, lead, and rnanagnese, in waters downstream of the discharges (see Sections 4 and 7). No data is available concerning the Pike Hill discharge, but it is reported that a discharge sirniliar to the Elizabeth and Ely mines exists, but is smaller in magnitude. 8. There are 34 darns and impoundments in this basin, most of which serve to impound Water or maintain lake levels for recreation. 9. The Agency of Environmental Conservation is refurbishing the waterwheel and attendant apparatus at Noyes Pond to serve as a demonstration project for viewing by the public. 10. No grouridwater problems have been identified �n the Stevens�w�lls-Waits-Ompompanoosuc River Basin with the one exception of an open dump in the town of Peacham which is a potential source of groundwater pollution (See Sections 9 and 12). 11. There are three municipal type discharges in ·the basin the community of South Ryegate and the villages of Bradford and Wells River which will require some form of sewage treatment facilities. All have temporary pollution permits containing schedules requiring certain actions leading to pollution abatement. 12. New regulations and procedures are needed to properly utilize or dispose of sludge from sewage treatment plants and septage from individual waste disposal systems. 18-3 13 There are 15 lakes and ponds with areas of 20 acres or more in the Stevens-Wells-Waits-Ompompanoosuc River Basin One (Harvey's Lake) is designated as oligotrophic, two are designated as mesotrophic, and three are designated as eutrophic. Not enough information exists on other lakes to designate them as to trophic type (see Section 13). RECOMMENDATIONS: 1. Establishment of Class C mixing zones below the abandoned copper mine discharges in the basin should be considered by the Water Resources Board in their reclassification proceedings. 2. Testing for pH at the mouth of the Stevens River should be performed to see if the trend of decreasing pH values is also occurring there as it is in the other three subbasins of this basin. 3. Establishment of two additional water quality segments is recommended, one below Elizabeth Mine and one below the Ely Mine (see Section 6) o 4. A primary monitoring network station should be established on Copperas Brook below the Elizabeth Mine discharge to detect seasonal and long term changes in the discharge. 5. Cyanide concentrations from the copper mine discharges should be determined to indicate whether concentrations are at toxic levels (see Section 7). 6� Appropriate action should be taken to prevent possible. surface and groundwater contamination resulting from an open dump in the town of Peacham. 7. Sanitary surveys to detect individual sources of pollution should be conducted in the Waits River and Ornpompanoosuc River Basins (see Section 14). 18-4 8. The "reversal-of-flow"· phenomenon during high flows of South Pea�ham Brook should b� �tudied �o.determine if a problem of accelerated eutrophication of Harvey's Lake exists. See Section 13. 19-1 19. REFERENCES 1. Agency of Environmental Conservation, Vermont Water Pollution Control Program, Fisca Year 1976 (106 Program Plan). 2. Department of the Army, Corps of Engineers, Connecticut River Flood Control Master Manual of Reservoir Regulation, Union Village Dam and Reservoir - Appendix A, Ompompanoosuc River Watershed Vermont (Revised May 1971). 3. Department of Water Resources and U.S. Geological Survey, Groundwater Favorability Map of the Nulhegan-Passumpsic River Basin, Vermont (1967). 4. Department of Water Resources and U.S. Geological Survey, Groundwater Favorability Map of the ��lls-Ornpompanoosuc River Basin, Vermont (1968). 5. Department of Water Resources, List of Vermont Dams by Basin (1973). 6. Department of Water Resources, Report on Mine Pollution in the Ompompanoosuc River Basin (1969). 7. Department of Water Resources, State of Vermont Non-Point Source Pollution Strategy (2/1/75). 8. Department of Water Resources, Vermont Lake Management Strategy (June 1975). 9. Department of Water Resources, Water Resources of the Wells Basin (Unpublished, 1973). 10. Donald L Hamlin Consulting Engineers, Inc., Environmental Assessment Statement and Cost· Effective Analysis, Village of Bradford, ve·rmont (1975). 11. Donald L. Hamlin Consulting Engineers Inc. UEdating of Preliminary Engineering Report on Sewerage and Sewage Treatment in the Village of Bradford, Vermont (1969). 12. DuBois and King, A Rural Comprehensive Water and Sewer Plan for Caledonia County, Vermont (1969). 13. DuBois and King, A Rural Comprehensive Water and Sewer Plan for Orange County, Vermont (1969). 19-2 I /1.. l>uf n·:-;i1t2-llcnry Engineering. Corporation, Facilities P l_..:m11in9 on Municipal Wa$ tewa ter Treatment by �ubsurfacc Disposal (Prepared for rl'own of Ryegate Vermont, Village of South Ryeqate, 1975). 15. Hans Klunder Associates, Inc.,Comprehensive Plan for 'rwo Rivers Regional Planning and Development Commission (1970)·. 16. New England River Basins Commission and the Vermont Department of Water Resources, Water and Related Land Resources of Vermont, June 1974. 17. Vermont Public Service Commission Report (1950-·1952) Summary of Vermont Dams. 18. Water Resources Board, Classification of the Waits River and its Tributaries, Report and Ord�r (2/19/60) . 19. Wate1· Resources Board, Classification of Wells River �pd_its Tributaries, Report and Order (1/22/�8). 20. Water Resources Board, Report Describing the Tentative Classification of the Waits River and its Tributaries (Undated). 21. Whitman and Howard, Report on Waste Treatment and Collection Facilities, Wells River, VermoDt (1970). 22. Agency of Environmental Conservation, State of Vermont Continuing Water Quality Management Planning Process (November 1973). APPENDIX I REGULATIONS GOVERNING WATER CLASSIFICATION AND CONTROL OF QUALITY E OF VERMONT AG NCY O ENV RONMEN AL CONSERVATION W UR ES BOAR REGULATIONS GOVERNING WATER CLASSIFICATION AND CONTROL OF QUALITY I n ac c o rd a n .c e w i t h th e p r o vi s i o n s o f lO V . S . A . 9 0 5 ( a ) ( l 2 ) , the Vermont Water Re re Board propo e to adopt the following rules gove n ng t classi ic tion of the State's waters and for th o their quali These rules are intended o supe he Regulations Governing Water Classificatio an C ol f Qual ty adopted by the Vermont Water Resources Board on May 2 971 which regulations are repealed as of the e c ive date of these regulations. RULE 1: Definitions Whenever used or d to in these regulations, unless a different meaning cle r y a pears from the context: 11 11 (1) Act means t e Vermont Water Pollution Control Act, 10 V.S.A., Chapter 4 ; 11 11 ( 2 ) Bo a rd means Ve mont Water Resources Board; 11 e 11 ( 3 ) Di s ch a r g rn ea s he p acing, depositing, or emission of any wastes, d rect yo ind rectly, into the waters of the State; 11 11 ( 4 ) E f fl u en i m on means any restrictions or prohibitions established o uan ties, rates, and concentrations of chemical, physical ) b o og cal, and other constituents which are discharged into water o the State, including schedules of compliance; -2- 11 Pe s on II n n di v d a 1 , pa ( 5 ) means ership pu lie or pr vate co poration, mun cipal st tut on, or ag n of the State,. and inc udes a y off cer or governing or managing body of a par nership, association, rm or corporation; (6) 11 Public Interest" me s that which shall be or he greatest benef to h peop of t e Sat as ete m ned by the standards set forth in Sect on 1253(e) of the Act; 11 11 Schedule of comp i nee means a chedul e o remedial measures ncluding an enfo ce e seque c of actions or operat ons e ding to c mpl ace w th an eff uent l m tation, or any othe m tation, p ohi tion, or standard, i clud g any water q u al i standa d; ( 8) 11 Secre a II means he Secreta of t e Agency o Env ronmental Conse vat on o his du y author zed represen tive; 11 (9) 11 Waste means effl ue t, sewage or a y substa or mater al, liq id, gaseo s, solid or rad oactive, nc ud g he ted qui s whethe or not harmful or de eter ous to w te 11 11 (10) Waters sha l inc·lude all rivers, streams, c eeks brooks, reservo rs, ponds, lakes, spr ngs and all bodies of surface wat rs, artificial or natural, wh ch are contained wi hin flow th ough or borde upon he State o any po tion thereof. RULE 2: Policy It s he l cy of the State that the waters of e S te e p otected and used to promo e the gen ra public we fa e and t e for he purpose o p v ding th people of the Sta e with the maximu h te of the State; and h he h gh and best public interest that all f the Sae be of a quality conforming with o x cl ific ton standards for Class B water d by the At nd further defined by these regulat s d pp nd hereto RU Certain wa e po se s an ex s ng high quality which is better n om e an the class fication standards assig e h o. e qu of these high grade waters shal 1 be m s p ov ded n the act and in these rules, in the pub To accomplish this objective all proposed new o discharges of wastes to such waters shall receiv th h g est pr ctical degree of treatment currently availab e. In implemen ing th s cy, e Administrator of the United States Env ronme P otect on Agency will be kept advised and prov ded w uh nfo mation as he will need to discharge his respons t unde the Fede al Water Pollution Control Act, as ame d RU Water of the State s 11 be classified on the basis of the quality of the w e to e ob ained and maintained under the Act or Order of the Board a er giv ng due consideration to all factors pertinen h pu l c interest as defined in Section 1253(e) of the Ac and the regulations of the Board, and incl d ng b 0 0 c m n and us prop at n f a d a m n 0 dev nt of e e h t of the Sta w f b c i n ace ce th s u b s t ac u or n d h ct a r e t c he om p m g 0 p nd h u c m re qui w s e f s 0 t p c n w en ml e w r n 0 0 p bl u a r s pp n d ti ( 3) e rs re e rs suit b er n b n ' of r 0 mp c oki g ' 0 0 od a d s es r ind s l u r c n h c a u s . The standards and req rements governing water quality set forth in these ru es apply to all waters of the State except where natural causes or c n ions p vent their a tainment. In such cases the establ shed classi ication toge her with all applicable stan ar d r quirements, will remain in effect unless altered ough the classification process after considerat on f he publi intere t. (1) For he rot ti n and management of aquatic life, in addition to and s a part of the water quality classification standards, waste sha e re ted so that oxygen and temperature levels of receivin r l be maintained in accordance with the Technic R ment. Oxygen and temperature standards are es ab n ccordance with the Type I, Type II, Type III, Type IV, r e V designation of the waters in conjunction w th h cla sification. (2) I The State's in rastate streams, rivers, creeks and brooks are designated as Types I and II as defined in Rule 18 with the exception of those streams or portions thereof ly ng west of Vermont Route 22A south of Vergennes and thos treams lying within G and Isle County which are designat as pe III st earns. e S s t rs ta wa t rs are desig ate y p W ERS s N I (b s I I I ( c v n w ( ) \f I s , I ' v e) R �- ur t N . y , v l' n ( ) y . - I So r 0 N , ( g N,L Sour to L s ( h ) w y , s ur N 7 WATERS TY PE (i) WALLOOMSAC RIVER I N.Y.-Vt. State Line (j) HOOSIC RIVER o Vt.-N.Y. I I I Vt. urc t Mass. I k ou ce to North (k) All other unlisted m e l neous Vermont interstate streams ch enter New York s N.Y.-Vt. Sta Line I ( l ) Vt.-N.H. St te Line to Nulhegan I n River to Whe stone Brook II ne Brook to Mass.-Vt. State e I I I ( m) I SOU Y' o V • Mass. State Line (n) MISCELLANEOUS INTE ATIONAL STREAMS r-Source to Canadian Border I Border to Lake Champlain II v Source to Canadian Border II k R ver-Source o Canadian I e Johns River-All Vermont Portions I Ste r Brook-Source to Canadian B I Hol Brook-Source to Canadian Bo I A reek Source to Canadian B r r I Tomifobia River-Canadian Border to De by Line Sewage Treatment Plant Der y ne Sewage Treatment Plant di n Border I I A r unlisted international m - A 11 Vermont Portions I 8- RS N yp ------·-w SEC (o L r i n ( p ) w v no s w e s 0 n r sue s es of wa g na ng g rm 0 c 0 f s w i ch l eu r a on J of we or a ae. D s c a ges of as 0 a. me 0 It\/ s conta g pa g p 0 be perm t d n c SS w e v 0 tr a me t pro e af s RULE 9: Al l discharges he e ch l c n ot r n p r cu a 0 n r 0 ai c or a s pr a men s l l s h n v d t 0 of e rul s . There shall b n i of wa te o ginat ng after May 27, 1971 containing ny form of nutrients which would encourage eutrop ation or growth of weeds and algae in any lake, pond or eserv ir, natural or artificial. Any waste discharge existing prior to May 27, 971 and containing soluble or other nutrients, which would encourage eutrophication o growth of weeds and algae in any lake, pond or reservoir h be treated so as o remove such nutrients to the maximum xtent that such removal is or may become technically re onably feasible. RULE 10: DischargP___ �--���·��-'--�����- In addition to he o her requirements of these rules, this rule except as therwise herein provided, applies to all Class A or Class B r ms and tributaries thereof upstream of the most ups re m discharge of wastes from an existing municipal treatment p ant, or of a municipality or community discharg ng w te requiring treatment in a manner to be approve by Secret ry, or upstream of such other point as may be de emned upon public hearing by the Board, in the public nter st, which waters are hereby 11 designated as 11 upland str ams • There shall be no new or increased discharges into upland streams of any r ated or untreated domestic, sanitary, commercial or industrial wastes nor shall there be a new or increased discharge of any other wastes which would degrade in any respect the quali of the receiving waters after the da e of dop ion of the s . 0 s c h es n ex st nee n h t 0 0 s r atme e of sha be u i l i ffs d Sp s echn q s w c c w no echn c l 1 f a b h q n p b r e s c s m e isp s on a n r am m be ade b the a c h emen s 1c 0 l O v. s. § 6 p 0 c i r commends he Boa a e 0 n u am b up m g h an prop r h st se cases n 0 0 n i g na u 0 t s h c n SU e e gn n 0 i O n s ch auth r atio s n cl u 0 ha he s re of t r r cl s h e n ormw n ta e n n g e r q 0 0 h cei ng l - No settleable soli oil , grease, scum or other similar degrading substance shall be discharged to the waters of the State which will reduce the quality of the receiving waters below the technical and other requirements for the assigned water clas . No wastes containing such substances or materials shall be discharged until and unless they have received adequate and app opriate treatment as required by the Secretary. RULE 12: Chemical� Radiological Constituents Wastes shall e free from chemical and radiological constituents which would be harmful to governing water class uses. In areas where fisheries are the governing consideration and approved limits have not been established, bio-assays shall be performed as requi ed by appropriate state agencies in order to establish acceptable limits of such constituents. Discharge of radioactive materials to waters of the State shall not exceed the lowest practicable limits after utilization of the latest techno ogica developments and equipment for control of radioactive emissions and in no event shall such discharges exceed the limits established by the Secretary of the Agency of Human Services. There shall be no discharge of wastes resulting from any industrial, commercial,· or other process containing chemical constituents, heavy metals, toxic materials or other degrading - 2- s stances i n xc s 0 l cable e u n t 0 s established by the Secret n es e fluen l m t ons the Sec c e on 0 a y bst nc 0 m t Y' receiv ng s an r ch m ex i th n i ch d n thos x g i n T ere sha be c a of h f l g ub s n c s t er to w e s 0 e s te or 0 mu ol c on and 0 t eatment s s em ro ded c ses w e a rocess w er co t i s c 0 ow g s bstances ue to n r 0 0 u n i n 1 n the a tu s e dis ch rg s 0 ea e m 0 p ro ha - r ch i d n : he ch c l 3- RULE 13: Color and Turbidity Color levels shall not exceed 25 standard units in all waters, and turbidity levels shall not exceed 10 J.T.U. (Jackson Turbidity Units) in any Type I, II or IV waters nor 25 J.T.U. in any Type III or V waters, as a result of any discharge or activity, except as may result from natural conditions or as may be permitted in accord with the conditions of a temporary pollution permit or order of the Secretary. RULE 14: Hydrology Water quality classification standards and associated requirements shall apply in all instances except during periods when the low natural streamflow is less than the consecutive seven day mean low flow with a ten year return period. On those rivers and streams whose rate of flow is artificially regulated, the flow shall not be reduced to a point where these standards and requirements governing water quality cannot be met nor shall such flow be regulated in such a way as to produce erosion or sedimentation with resulting discoloration or turbidity in excess of the limits provided in these regulations. The Secretary will cooperate with appropriate federal, state, municipal and private interests in the development and maintenance of streamflow requirements. This rule shall in no way be construed to permit less than the normal design operation of any treatment facility during periods of low stream flow or to otherwise waive any discharge prohibitions or restrictions. - 4- R (l) Dis O gen s ra curs. ( 2 ) eposits, h h o na u d r use ng soli s gr ase and (3) Co o & T i di n f n a u ( ) CO orm Bacter a b - (5) Taste and Odor N e an o a ur l 0 ( 6) pH s t s . ( 7) em r ure s na u a ly o c s. -15 RULE 16: Class B Waters ( 1 ) Di s s o l v e d O xygen Determined by management types in accordance with Rule 18 (2) Sludge deposits, None other than of natural sol·id refuse, origin. floating solids, o i 1 , grease and scum (3) Color & Turbidity None in such concentrations that would impair any usages specifically assigned to this class. Also see Rule 13. (4) Coliform Bacteria Total coliform not to exceed 500/100 ml. Fecal coliform not to exceed 200/100 ml. (5) Taste and Odor None in such concentrations that would impair any usages specifically assigned to this class nor cause taste and odor in edible fish. (6) pH 6.5 - 8.0 ( 7) Temperature Determined by management type in accordance with Rule 18. ( 8) Free of po11 utants that: a) affect the composition ·of bottom fauna; b ) affect the physica or chemical nature of the bottom; and, c) interfere with the propagation of fish. E l : (l) D s l d O e 2) 3 ( 4 rm ac r T s e a o ( 6 ) Temp rature t ( 8) e Po n f -17 Type I: Streams and rivers sustaining natural populations of brook trout, salmon, rainbow trout, and brown trout. Dissolved oxygen content of these waters at and near spawning areas shall not be less than 7 mg/1, and not less than 6 mg/1 in non-spawning areas, and normal seasonal, daily and diurnal variations above these limits will be maintained. There shall be no wastes discharged to such waters at any time which, after suitable treatment, raise the temperature of the receiving waters more than one degree Fahrenheit ° (1 F.) at the perimeter of a designated thermal mixing zone. Type II: Streams and r vers containing mixed populations of such fish as rainbow trout, brown trout, and small mouth bass. Dissolved oxygen shall not be less than 6 mg/1 and normal seasonal, da1ly and diurnal variations above these limits will be maintained. There shall be no wastes discharged to such waters at any time which, after suitable treatment, raise the temperature of the receiving waters more than one degree Fahrenheit (l ° F.) at the perimeter of a designated thermal mixing zone. I I : pe Str s n rm a h b p re n s d w i l Si d he i h r t m u s as m m x m m a u ·1 h u p M n h 0 no Q Q l e i -19 Type IV: Oligo rophic lakes, ponds, and reservoirs natural or artificial, supporting natural populations of brook trout, salmon, lake trout and other associated species. Dissolved oxygen levels for this class shall not fall below 6 mg/1 due to the addition of oxygen-demanding wastes and other materials. Normal seasonal, daily and diurnal variations above 6 mg/1 will be maintained. There shall be no wastes discharged to such waters at any time which, after suitable treatment, raise the temperature of the receiving waters more than one degree Fahrenheit 0 (1 F.) at the perimeter of a designated thermal mixing zone. No process or cooling water shall be withdrawn from or discharged to the hypolimnion of such waters with the exception of the withdrawals for public water supply or for the enhancement and maintenance of fish and wildlife habitat. Type V: Lakes, ponds and reservoirs, natural or artificial, or portions thereof, not designated as Type IV. Dissolved oxygen levels for this class shall not fall below 5 mg/1 due to the addition of oxygen demanding wastes and other materials. Normal seasonal, daily and diurnal variations above 5 mg/1 will be maintained� Heated wastes may be discharged into these waters i n a c r an c h t fo n ab whi t s ol mn 0 m mu p h r p t u a e um e a re r pe h 0 s g er he t te 0 w sh a 11 c Oc n r pro 0 c 0 r m 0 ge r p h -21- As a condition or part of any permit for the discharge of heated wastes to the waters of the State the Secretary may designate a certain length or area of the receiving waters as a thermal mixing zone. Any such thermal mixing zone shall be only for the disper�al and dilution of heated wastes which have been treated as necessary in the judgement of the Secretary and may only be allowed if the wastes otherwise conform substantially with the technical and other requirements established for the receiving waters. Any such thermal mixing zone shall not constitute a barrier to the passage or migration of fish or produce adverse effects on any fishery or other forms of wild or aquatic life. As a guideline, thermal mixing zones shall be limited to no more than 25 per cent of the cross-sectional area and/or volume of the stream leaving at least 75 per cent free as a zone of passage. RULE 20: Sampling and Analysis All methods of sample collection, preservation, handling and analysis shall conform as closely as practicable to those methods contained in the latest edition of STANDARD METHODS FOR THE EXAMINATION OF WATER AND WASTEWATERS, American Public Health Association, New York, N.Y., except that when applicable and approved by the Secretary those methods shall apply as contained in the latest editions of A.S.T.M. STAND/\R_DS_, Pdrt A mo e Q s 0 From e d s 5 i or he ch h t r s w t a s . -23- With respect to such pipes or other connections to waste treatment plants, as are in existence on the date of the adoption of these rules, separation of the piping carrying such rain and stormwater from the piping carrying sewage, together with containment and/or treatment of the stormwater shall be made to the extent funds are available and as required by the Secretary. RULE 22: Permit Required for Discharge of Wastes As required by Section 1259 of Chapter 47, Subchapter of Title 10 V.S.A., no person shall discharge any waste, substance or material into waters of the State without first obtaining a permit for such discharge from the Secretary. This subsection shall not prohibit the proper application of fertilizer to fields or crops nor reduce or affect the authority or policy declared in Joint House Resolution 7 of the 1971 Session of the General Assembly. RULE 23: Appeals to the Board Any person or party in interest aggrieved by an act or decision of the Secretary pursuant to these rules may appeal · such act or decision to the Board within thirty days from the date thereof. The Board shall hold a hearing at which all persons and parties in interest may appear and be heard and shall issue its orde'r affirming, reversi.ng or modifying the act or decision of the Secretary but in no case shall the decision be in conflict with the limits contained in these gu ions. u c a A e d u t t p e rmin n y h ** g ii O g w n O h The following Rule has been adopted by the Vermont Water Resources Board as an addition to its and Control of which Regulations were adopted by the Board on December 20, 1973. RULE 24: Investigations, Studies, Scientific Research The Board recognizes that investigations for purposes of enforcement, and studies and scientific research related to the aquatic environment are necessary elements in the proper protection and management of the State's water resources and that the conduct of such programs may result in technical or incidental violations of these rules. By this rule, the Board authorizes, under certain conditions set forth below, necessary investigative and study programs that may result in technical or incidental violations of the rules. (1) Authorization shall be granted by the Secretary only for programs conducted or controlled by the Department of Water Resources (hereinafter Department). (2) In the case of investigative programs conducted by the Depart�ent, continuing authorization to make discharges which may result in technical or incidental violations of water quality standards shall be granted only for determining whether a discharge exists or whether it is in violation of the statutes and rules. In such cases, the Secretary may authorize the Department to conduct on-going and routine investigations. (3) Authorization shall be granted to conduct technical studies and scientific research related to the aquatic environment, where technical or incidental violations of the rules may result, to determine the adequacy or propriety of an existing or proposed rule where a) the object of the study or research cannot readily be determined by any other method which does not involve a discharge into the waters of the State and b) where such studies and research will not result in either an adverse effect on human health or an irreversible or unduly adverse effect on the aquatic environment. 6 all -27- placed on record in a central file in the Department of Water Resources and made available during normal working hours for review by the public. -- Adopted this ,;2..._1 day of March, 1976 VER�ONT WATER RESOURCES BOARD J'L/•J.AJ./(.,v{fL�� !)·, /} J// /)/} Frederick G. Mehlman, Chairman Roderic APPENDIX II MAP OF WATER QUALITY SAMPLING STATIONS AND WASTE DISCHARGE LOCATIONS (INCLUDING A LIST OF SAMPLING STATION LOCATION DESCRIPTIONS) II-1 STEVENS RIVER Station No. L STEVENS RIVER - Route 5 highway bridge at Barnet, 100 yds. north of power station. 2. STEVENS RIVER First side road above Barnet - drive down to concrete bridge, turn off opposite bakery shop. 3 e STEVENS RIVER - At bridge below intersection at Cities Service Station. 4 • SOUTH PEACHAM BROOK - 0.7 miles south of West Barnet, 250 yds. down from large red barn where stream comes near road 5. SOUTH PEACHAM BROOK - 0.8 miles south of South Peacham on new concrete highway bridge near barn which is falling down. 6. SOUTH PEACHAM BROOK - on small farm road bridge just south of South Peacham ( 200 yds.) 7. SOUTH PEACHAM BROOK - above South Peacham. Take road in back of Amoco Gas Station and go 100 yds. past last house to where stream is easily visible from road. PEACHAM HOLLOW BROOK - 0.5 miles below East Peacham at stone culvert near farm at fork below East Peacham. 9 . PEACHAM HOLLOW BROOK - 1.1 miles below station 10 and 200 yds. upstream from first house outskirts of East Peacham 10. PEACHAM HOLLOW BROOK - 0.1 mile below Ewells Mills at first bridge. lL PEACHAM HOLLOW BROOK - turn at side road opposite lumber mill, Ewells Mills Take first right and stop at first bridge. II-2 WELLS RIVER Station No WELLS RIVER - at highway bridge at junction of Rts e (PMN-15) 302 & 5 2. WELLS RIVER - U.S.G.S. gage above Wells River 2A. In t lrace of Adams Paper Co., Wells River. 3" WELLS RIVER at Boltonville Dam 3A. WELLS RIVER - upper end of setback from Boltonville Dam. 4 .. WELLS RIVER - green bridge below South Ryegate 5. WELLS RIVER - just below the mouth of Scott Brook at east edge of South Ryegate. 6. SCOTT BROOK - at railroad bridge above mo�th 7. WELLS RIVER green bridge above South Ryegate 8. WELLS RIVER - below Groton, below bridge going to old dump. 9 . WELLS RIVER - opposite plastic plant above Groton at bridge over river on side road. 10. WELLS RIVER - just above mouth of South Branch 11 WELLS RIVER - 5 mile below Rickers Mill. 12. Outlet Rickers Pond 1-1 SOUTH BRANCH - at highway bridge Route 302 below Lunch Room 1-2 SOUTH BRANCH - above underpass on Route 302 II-3 WAITS RIVER No. L WAITS RIVER - below Bradford below highway bridge Rt. #5 in Bradford. No gage. 2. WAITS RIVER below highway bridge Rt 25, .5 miles above Bradford. GAGE: Mark on right abutment. Arrow point 3. MILL POND BROOK - above highway bridge Rt. 25. GAGE: Stake above bridge. 1 mile above Bradford 3A. WAITS RIVER just below mouth of Mill Pond Brook - between cabins and slaughter house. 3B. WAITS RIVER - just above mouth of Mill Pond Brook - between cabins and slaughter house� 3C. In mouth of Mill Pond Brook 3D. At mouth of next small brook above that which flows between a house on the left and a house on the right side of Route 25 3E. WAI'TS RIVER above slaughter house at Shantyville 4. WAITS RIVER - at highway bridge Rt. 25 Bradford Center. GAGE: Under bridge on center abutment, left side. Measure from point of arrow put on in red chaulk. 5. SOUTH BRANCH - 1.3 miles from mouth at u�s.G.S. gage. At highway bridge. For gage measure from the one foot mark on slanting gage if below one foot. 6. WAITS RIVER - .7 miles beyond Bradford and Corinth town line at highway bridge Rt. 25. Gage is stake below bridge on right shore 7. At ghway bridge Rt. 25, 1.5 miles below Waits River. GAGE: Stake with a nail above bridge on right shore 8. At highway bridge Rt. 25, 1 mile above Waits River. GAGE: Nail driven in old form work under bridge on left abutment near upstream end. 9 . ORANGE BRANCH - just below East Orange at farm bridge at farm on left. GAGE: Stake with nail in it below bridge on right shore 10. 2 mile below West Topsham, where road comes very close to river on a curve. GAGE: Stake with nail in it on right shore. II 4 Station No. 11. At bridge Rt. 25, .3 mi above West Topsham. GAGE: Metal pin in left abutment of downstream end. 12. Just below Jct. of Rt. 302 and 25, at highway bridge Rt. 25 GAGE: Stake with nail in it above bridge. 1-1 TABOR BRANCH 25 mile below East Corinth at highway bridge GAGE: Steel pin with red circle around center in center of right abutment 1-2 TABOR BRANCH - 1 mile above East Corinth. Dirt road on left going up at wooden bridge. GAGE Stake driven in stone abutment above bridge on left shore. 1-3 TABOR BRANCH - 5 mile below East Topsham where stream comes real close to road. An elm tree is spotted. GAGE: Stake with nail on left shore. 1-4 TABOR BRANCH - at highway bridge .5 miles above E. Topsham. GAGE: Nail in old form work under bridge in center of left abutment. PMN-14 WAITS RIVER - at Railroad bridge at mouth. II-5 RIVER Station No. L MAIN STREAM - at concrete highway bridge, Route (PMN-11) No. 132, approximately 1.0 miles above the mouth. Sample taken on the downstream side from the left bank .. GAGE: No gage MAIN STREAM at Union Village, at a point across the road from the Methodist Church, approach station along wire fence that runs from utility pole #277 to streambank. Sample taken from the right bank. GAGE U.S.G.S. - 100 feet upstream from covered bridge in Union Village, approximately 0.8 miles above sample station . 2A. .MAIN STREAM - at old bridge abutment in backwater of Union Village Dam. 3. MAIN STREAM - Follow side dirt road, at foot of hill entering Thetford Center, for approximately 0.6 miles to a parking area on the right side of road. Sample taken in swimming area, from the left bank. GAGE: Nail in stake. 4. OUTLET OF ABENAKI LAKE - at concrete highway bridge near entrance to Camp Hanoum, on Route #113A. Stake nailed to guide post. Sample taken at convenient location, depending on flow. GAGE: No gage. 5 . MAIN STREAM - at steel truss highway bridge, just off Route 113A approximately 1.2 miles upstream from Thetford Center .. Sample taken on the downstream side, from the left bank. GAGE: Nail in stake. 6 ;, MAIN STREAM 300 yards downstream from concrete highway bridge in Post Mills, proceed through yard of Malmquist Wood Products Co. to lumber tiers, bear right and follow bank of river to a large pile of boiler tubes. Sample taken at this point, from the right bank. GAGE: ·Nail in stake. 7. OUTLET FROM LAKE FAIRLEE - at highway bridge in outlet to Lake Fairlee. Stake nailed to guard post on bridge. Sample taken on the downstream side from the left bank. GAGE: No gage. 8. MIDDLE BROOK - at concrete highway bridge, Route #113A, just upstream from the mouth. Near Camp Wyoda. Stake nailed to guard rail fen�e. Sample taken on the down- stream side from the right bank. GAGE: No. gage. II-6 Station No .. 9" MAIN STREAM - at concrete highway bridge, just off Route #113, approximately 1.0 mile upstream from Post Mills. Sample taken on the downstream side, from the left bank. GAGE: Nail in stake. 10 .. NO NP.ME BROOK - flows southeast into West Fairlee - at concrete highway bridge approximately 0.1 mile below center of West Fairlee� Stake nailed to guard post. Sample taken on the downstream side, from the left bank. GAGE: No gage .. lOA .. MAIN STREAM - West Fairlee first bridge (wooden floor and iron railing) above creamery lOB. Just below mouth of small tributary brook from north above Beanville. lOC. Outlet of small pond draining into tributary brook of lOB. 11. MAIN STREAM - at point where stream comes close to the road, approximately 1.2 miles upstream from West·Fairlee, and approximately 0.9 miles downstream from Brimstone Corner. At a farm bridge. Sample taken on the upstream side, from the right bank. GAGE: Nail in stake. 12. MAIN STREAM - at first concrete highway bridge, Route #113, approximately 0.9 miles downstream from Mill Village. Sample taken under bridge, from the left bank. GAGE: Nail in stake. 13. MAIN STREAM - at concrete highway bridge, Route #113, approximately 0.5 miles downstream from the center of Vershire - the 5th concrete bridge upstream from Station #12. Is near Rose Titus Cities Service Station. Sample taken on the downstream side from the left bank. GAGE: Nail in stake. 1-1 WEST BRANCH - at first concrete highway bridge above mouth, approximately 0.2 miles downstream from Rices Mills. Sample taken under the bridge from the left bank. GAGE Nail in stakeo 1-2 WEST BRANCH - at point just above the junction of the West Branch and Abbott Brook. Sample taken from the left bank. GAGE: Nail in stake. II 7 1-3 ABBOTT BROOK - at highway culvert just above the mouth. Sample taken on the downstream side, from the right bank. GAGE: Nail in log bed under culvert, on the left side. 1-4 COPPERAS BROOK - is 0.8 miles above the mouth of Abbott Brook. A stake on the left hand side of the road is at the head of a blazed trail to the brook. Follow blazed trail through woods to the main stream. At this point there should be an Island, cross the island to the mouth of Copperas Brook. Mouth of brook is approximately 200 yards from the road. GAGE: No gage. l-4A .. WEST BRANCH - just above confluence with Copperas Brook. l-4B. WEST BRANCH - just below confluence with Copperas Brook after mixing with river. 1-5 WEST BRANCH - at wooden highway bridge, approximately 0.7 miles downstream from South Strafford, on paved road that runs between Route #132 and road to the Elizabeth Mine. Sample taken on the upstream side, from the left bank. GAGE: Nail in stake. 1-SA. NO NAME BROOK - Brook flows northeast into South Strafford - at concrete highway bridge in South Strafford, above mouth. Sample taken on the upstream side from the left bank. GAGE: Nail in stake. 1-6 WEST BRANCH - at concrete highway bridge, approximately 0.1 miles upstream from Kibling Cemetery and approximately 1.3 miles above South Strafford. Sample taken 100' upstream from bridge, from the left bank. GAGE: Nail in stake. 1-7 WEST BRANCH - at point where road comes within 200 feet of stream, approximately 0.4 miles upstream from Strafford. Watch for stake at side of road and proceed across field on farm road to a farm bridge. Sample taken on the downstream side, from the left bank. GAGE: Nail in stake. 1-8 OLD CITY BROOK - at concrete highway bridge just above mouth. Stake at end of bridge on the left bank. Sample taken on the upstream side, from the left bank. GAGE: Nail in concrete bridge abutment, on tho left side. 1-9 NO NAME BROOK - first highway bridge above mouth in Strafford.