Observations from Smith Creek
Observations from Smith Creek
In keeping with my promise to keep the public informed on any water problems found by the Citizens Water Monitoring of the local chapter of the Izaak Walton League of America, This article will address Smith Creek near Waynesburg. The following observations have been taken on Smith Creek beginning in March of 2011:
?SMITH CREEK STATUS:
n Fluctuating Electronic Conductivity
n DEP Lab Results Revealed High Bromide Levels
n Contamination Sources Identified
n Data Shared With DEP and EPA
n Present Situation, Stream Being Continually Monitored
The Citizen’s Water Monitoring (CWM) unit of the Izaak Walton League of America (IWLA), Harry Enstrom Chapter of Greene County, began monitoring on Smith Creek on March 2. Smith Creek is a tributary of Ten Mile Creek. During the summer months, the stream flow above the mine discharge will dry. The drying of the stream can be attributed to drought conditions and the area being long-wall mined. The stream was once a vibrant stream and a high quality area to seine baitfish. Currently, there is little to no baitfish present.
The following data are the results that the IWLA monitors have recorded since March 2. The stream is being monitored for Temperature, pH, Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) and Electronic Conductivity (EC). Since the state’s DEP and EPA use EC as the base for stream quality, the following results are of the EC conditions from sampling by the Citizen’s Water Monitors. On March 2, the EC was 593; on March 9, the EC was 608; on March 16, the EC was 826; on March 23, the EC was 1,440; on March 30, it was 890; on April 13, the EC was 631; on April 27, the EC was 906; on May 4, the EC was 620; on May 11, the EC was 1,200; on May 18, the EC was 405; and on May 25, the EC was 1,080 µS.
Once the EC rose over 1,000µS, the stream was “red tagged” and samples were taken and analyzed by the DEP. In the most recent sampling (June 1, 2011), the EC at the discharge from the mine into Smith Creek was over 4,000µS and in Smith Creek the EC was over 1,500µS.
The results of the DEP testing also showed an elevated level in bromides. The results that were issued on April 20 showed the bromide level was 481.30 µg/l (parts per billion). The recommended level for bromides that are in relationship with trihalomethane for drinking water, is 80 µg/l. The area has been placed on an elevated testing list and is currently being monitored closely.
To simplify the above context, Smith Creek is being impaired by existing conditions. These conditions may be attributed to low water flows, mining or discharges into the stream. What should be of most concern is the high levels of bromide found in the stream. At the present time, there are not levels set by the DEP or EPA for bromide discharges into streams and rivers. If you have been watching the news or reading the paper, you have noticed that Carmichaels is having difficulty with treating their drinking water. Along with the problem in Carmichaels, the borough of Marianna has issued a caution notice to the users of their drinking water. For the last quarter, the amount of trihalomethane has exceeded the EPA standard of 80ug/l.
A lot of people are lost when it comes to explaining how bromides and trihalomethane intertwine. Let me try to explain what takes place in water treatment. We all know that bacteria is found everywhere. This is also true for water. To remove the bacteria and other elements from the water, chlorine is used. A good example of this is the use of Clorox in households for sanitation. The Clorox kills bacteria by a bleaching action. In water treatment, the chlorine kills the bacteria, algae, etc. This is a good thing, since the chlorination process cleans our drinking water.
However, this is not good when the chlorination process in done in the presence of bromide. During chemical reactions between the chemicals in the water and chemicals being used to clean the water, bromide and chlorine and other elements react to produce trihalomethane.
This compound will cause bladder cancer if used in high concentrations or if used at lower concentrations for a long period of time. The answer to the problems with the drinking water in Carmichaels and Marianna can be easily corrected if the bromide is removed from the water.
Where does this bromide come from? One source is the compound occurs naturally deep in the earth. This depth is generally over 6,000 feet. Think about our current situation and one can guess where the bromide may be coming .
For more results on the streams in Greene County and two in Washington County, one can find the information on www.iwla.org/harryenstrom web site. Each stream is listed by township of location. To become more involved in water testing in Washington County, one can call Richard Yanock at 724-228-7804 or in Greene County, Ken W. Dufalla at 724-377-0901 or Chet at 847-910-9417 or by email at chetwaters@watershedmonitors.us, or Emily at 724-299-3550 or emily@coalfieldjustice.org.
By the way, an update on Whiteley Creek on June 1 shows EC levels over the recommended maximum of 1,000µS.