Water quality of interstate streams in the Susquehanna River Basin monitoring report No. 3, water year 1989 (October 1988-September 1989)

Book · Mon Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1990

OSTI ID:6993871

McMorran, C P; Bollinger, S W

Water samples were collected from twelve stations on interstate streams in November 1988, and February, May and August 1989. Water samples were collected from 23 stations on other interstate streams. Benthic macroinvertebrates were sampled from each station in July and August 1989. The data collected is used: (1) to assess compliance with water quality standards; (2) to assess impacts on water quality; (3) to characterize ambient and seasonal stream quality; and (4) for future trend assessment. Scott Creek is the only interstate stream having poor water quality. Untreated sewage discharged from Cardiff, maryland impairs water quality and biological conditions. The Cowanesque River exhibits biological impacts due to Cowanesque Lake, but impacts on water quality were minor. The Chemung River showed slight to moderate impairment of macroinvertebrates and water quality due to wastewater discharges from Elmira. Octoraro Creek and Tioga River showed moderate macroinvertebrate impairment coincident with elevated concentrations of some chemical parameters. Elevated chemical concentrations were observed in the Susquehanna River at Sayre and Cayuta Creek; however, no macroinvertebrate impairment was observed. Falling Branch Deer Creek, Big Branch Deer Creek, Troups Creek and Trowbridge Creek showed varying degrees of macroinvertebrate impairment, but no specific causes were indicated by water quality. Most interstate streams have good water quality. Only 39 out of 1,460 observations exceeded water quality standards. Aluminum most commonly exceeded standards.

• OSTI ID: 6993871
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
540320* -- Environment
Aquatic-- Chemicals Monitoring & Transport-- (1990-)
560300 -- Chemicals Metabolism & Toxicology
63 RADIATION, THERMAL, AND OTHER ENVIRON. POLLUTANT EFFECTS ON LIVING ORGS. AND BIOL. MAT.
ALUMINIUM
ANIMALS
AQUATIC ORGANISMS
BENTHOS
ECOLOGICAL CONCENTRATION
ELEMENTS
ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS
INVERTEBRATES
METALS
MONITORING
POLLUTION
RIVERS
SENSITIVITY
STREAMS
SURFACE WATERS
SUSQUEHANNA RIVER
TOXICITY
WATER POLLUTION