Browsing by Subject "St. Louis River"

Now showing 1 - 8 of 8
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    Alternative Technology for Sediment Remediation
    (University of Minnesota Duluth, 2000-11-02) Wu, Chuying
    Duluth-Superior is a major port of the Great Lakes located at the extreme southwest end of Lake Superior in the cities of Duluth, Minnesota and Superior, Wisconsin. The harbor area occupies roughly 32 square miles and has 100 miles of waterfront. The harbor and lower St. Louis River have a history of water quality problems resulting primarily from municipal and industrial discharges in and upstream of the harbor. As a result, the harbor has been listed by the International Joint Commission as an Area of Concern (AOC) within the Great Lakes ecosystem. The 1995 progress report on the Remedial Action Plan (RAP) for the area identified sediment contamination as the major cause of many impaired uses in the St. Louis Estuary. Contaminants of concern include ammonia nitrogen, phosphorus, metals, oil and grease, PCBs, and PAHs. Contaminated sediments are thought to have detrimental effects on water quality, the diversity and abundance of aquatic and benthic organisms, human health, and disposal options for material dredged during harbor maintenance. The dredged material is stored in the Confined Disposal Facility (CDF) at the Erie Pier in Duluth. The CDF is nearing its capacity, and additional space is required for storage of dredged materials either by construction of a new facility or by extending the life for the one currently used. The Coleraine Minerals Research Laboratory (CMRL) of the Natural Resources Research Institute (NRRI) has, in the past, conducted several research programs to evaluate the construction of a sediment treatment plant at the Erie Pier CDF as an effective way of extending its life. CMRL is currently contracted by the US Army Corps of Engineers (ACE) to develop and engineer a plant to treat the sediment contained in the CDF. This study is being conducted in response to Section 541 of the Water Resource Development Act of 1996, initiated by Congressman Jim Oberstar, which states: "The Secretary shall develop and implement methods for decontamination and disposal of contaminated dredged material at the Port of Duluth, Minnesota". Various agencies including USEPA, Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MNPCA), and NRRI conducted numerous research and survey projects. The sediments in the federal channels were analyzed as part of Dredged Material Management Plant (DMMP), and analyses revealed that metal concentrations in the sediments of all management units were comparable to those found in the regional soils, and that PCBs, pesticides, and PAHs were generally non-detectable. No PCBs and only low levels of PAHs were found in a survey study in Erie Pier CDF conducted by NRRI in 1997. Due to its relatively low contamination level, it is safe to study a number of variables before implementation of the technology to the other highly contaminated areas. The treatment plant should generate data on the effectiveness of using mineral processing technology for separation and decontamination of the sediments. In some cases, the separation products could be cleaned and used for other purposes such as brick manufacturing, landfill cover, beach nourishment, construction fill, and/or habitat enhancement.
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    Breeding Bird Inventory of the St. Louis River, Minnesota and Wisconsin, 1999
    (University of Minnesota Duluth, 2000) Niemi, Gerald J; Solin, Jeremy; Watters, Deborah; Wolter, Peter T.
    An inventory of breeding birds associated with wetlands and upland habitats in the St. Louis River system from Duluth and Superior to Jay Cooke State Park was completed during the summer of 1999. A total of 39 wetland areas, each a minimum size of 1 hectare, and 9 forest areas consisting of a total of 79 point samples, were inventoried. Swamp Sparrow, Red-winged Blackbird, Common Yellowthroat, Song Sparrow, and Yellow Warbler (in rank order of decreasing abundance) were the most common species observed in the wetlands. Red-eyed Vireo, Common Yellowthroat, White-throated Sparrow, Ovenbird, American Redstart, Song Sparrow, Veery, and Yellow Warbler (also in rank order) were the most common species observed in the upland habitats. Colonial nesting birds within the St. Louis River system include the Ring-billed Gull (12,343 nests, Pearson 1999), Herring Gull (13 nests, Pearson 1999), Common Tern (215 nests, Pearson 1999), and Great Blue Heron (14 nests). Species of interest to The Nature Conservancy (Ewert 1999) that were found in the inventory included the following: primary focus species included Peregrine Falcon (1 occasional individual), Bald Eagle (frequently observed, one possible nesting pair in Jay Cooke State Park), Sedge Wren (15), Wood Thrush (2), and Black-and-White Warbler (16). Secondary focus species of interest that were observed include Wood Duck (5), Black-billed Cuckoo (3), Belted Kingfisher (7), Eastern Wood Pewee (14), Least Flycatcher (25), Marsh Wren (18), Veery (72), Brown Thrasher (3), Warbling Vireo (12), Chestnut-sided Warbler (26), Black-throated Green Warbler (14), Mourning Warbler (16), Rose-breasted Grosbeak (8), Clay-colored Sparrow (11), Baltimore Oriole (1 ), and Purple Finch (1 ). The following species of primary focus have historically been found in the area, but none were observed in 1999: American Bittern, Piping Plover, and Black Tern. Of the primary focus species, the Sedge Wren is found in highest densities in the sedge/grass wetlands in Allouez Bay, the Oliver Bridge area, and at Boy Scout Landing. These areas, along with Spirit and Mud Lake would also provide potentially excellent habitat for American Bittern and, especially Allouez Bay, for the Black Tern where the species has historically nested. The primary focus species associated with forests were found in highest abundance in the forested regions on the Wisconsin side of the St. Louis River system and in scattered locations in Fond du Lac. High relative abundance for many of these species would also be found in the Jay Cooke State Park area which was not sampled because of the limited time and it is already a protected area. For the secondary focus species, the Marsh Wren was found in highest abundance in the Spirit and Mud Lake areas where extensive patches of cattail wetlands are found. The forest associated species that were identified as secondary focus species were also found most abundantly in the forested regions on the Wi~consin side of the river, Fond du Lac, and they would also be found commonly at Jay Cooke State Park. Clay-colored Sparrows were found commonly in the brush/grass open areas on the Wisconsin side of the river where the Bong Bridge enters Superior.
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    Linking Riparian Flow-Concentration Integration Modeling and HSPF to Predict Background Methylmercury Concentrations in Northeastern Minnesota Streams
    (2017-05) Rutelonis, Wes
    The St. Louis River Watershed in Northeastern Minnesota has been studied extensively to determine the degree to which sulfate loading from the Mesabi Iron Range affects microbial methylation and bioaccumulation of mercury. Recent studies have identified natural processes unrelated to mining, most often in non-mining portions of the region, as the primary source of methylmercury loading to the river. Here, we further evaluate those contributions by interpreting water chemistry (DOC, THg, MeHg and Fe) from seven St. Louis River tributaries and three main channel sampling sites with the Riparian Flow-Concentration Integration Model (RIM) which was developed for interpretation of stream chemistry in boreal streams in Sweden. This model assumes that riparian wetland soil, the last substrate that porewater encounters before becoming river water, controls the chemistry of local groundwater recharging the river. In locations that contain mixed mining and non-mining contributions, a watershed model (Hydrologic Simulation Program – Fortran: HSPF) was used to estimate the relative groundwater and point source contributions. The RIM approach with soil temperature incorporated as a time-varying parameter is more physically based compared to regression-based methods that have been used previously to interpret stream loads in the region. The comparison of Nash-Sutcliffe model efficiency calculations for both RIM and regression-based models indicate that RIM offers a significant improvement in model predictive power. Since stream flow and temperature are the main drivers, RIM reduces the necessity for widespread, repetitive methylmercury sampling efforts to estimate methylmercury loads.
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    Natural Resources of Minnesota Point: Maps and Data in Support of the Minnesota Point Environmental Plan
    (University of Minnesota Duluth, 1999) Johnston, Carol A; Trauger, Amy; Meysembourg, Paul; Bonde, John; Hawrot, Rita Y; Walton, Gary B
    Includes maps and data regarding ecological subsections of Minnesota, information regarding the distribution and relationships of habitats and birds in the St. Louis River estuary, a map and inventory of open space in Duluth, and a map and data from an aquatic habitat survey (fish monitoring) in the Park Point area.
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    OFR21-08, Compilation Geologic Model for St. Louis River Watershed: A Pilot Project
    (Minnesota Geological Survey, 2021-08) Steenberg, Julia R; Retzler, Andrew J; Wagner, Kaleb G; Hamilton, Jacqueline D
    This report is a summary of year one of a two-year pilot project conducted by the Minnesota Geological Survey for the Minnesota Department of Health Groundwater Restoration and Protection Strategies (GRAPS) program designed to support watershed planning efforts in the St. Louis River Watershed. Our goal was to provide a compilation of both surface and subsurface geologic data within selected Board of Water and Soil Resources One Watershed One Plan boundaries in a format suitable for both modelers and the general public. Seamless geologic products provided within the watershed are based on a compilation of previously published MGS maps along with new mapping where necessary. Compilation methods and limitations associated with the subsurface modeling processes are described in the report. These products were transferred into web-based 3D models so they could be readily visualized and used outside of a GIS environment by water planners, other state agencies involved in the GRAPS process, and the public. The 3D model is available online at https://arcg.is/1mbDPC.
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    Population, Economy, Land Use: Lake Superior Basin Water Quality Management Plan Non-Metro Minnesota Portion
    (1974-06) Arrowhead Regional Development Commission
    This report examines the population, economy, and land use in the Minnesota non-metropolitan part of the Lake Superior Basin. Its objective is to evaluate existing land use problems and proposed development plans and socio-economic forecasts in terms of their relationships to water quality and water resources so that these plans and forecasts can be modified, if necessary, to correlate with water quality related considerations. The report also incorporates information on the area's hydrology and water quality and the status of wastewater treatment facilities. This is intended to provide a frame of reference for estimating future wastewater treatment needs, their costs, staging and priorities. Other objectives of the report are to identify the trends and parameters of growth; to identify the water quality implications of existing development patterns and trends; to identify development issues and conflicts; all to provide a basis for the continuing water quality plan and strategy for the Region.
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    Sulfate and Mercury Chemistry of the St. Louis River in Northeastern Minnesota: A Report to the Minerals Coordinating Committee
    (2009) Berndt, Michael; Bavin, Travis
    This report presents technical data and information on water quality sampling from the St. Louis River related to sulfate and mercury contamination from mining that may affect human health. However the report contains raw data with little interpretation, and gives little guidance as to application of the findings to decision-making. The abstract and key findings are reproduced below. The St. Louis River and its major tributaries were sampled upstream from Cloquet during periods of high, medium, and low flow between September 2007 and October 2008. Special emphasis was placed on measuring sulfate (SO4) and mercury (Hg) distributions as well as other chemical parameters that might help to determine whether SO4 releases from the Iron Range have an impact on Hg speciation in the St. Louis River. These included, but were not limited to, dissolved organic carbon (DOC), dissolved iron (Fe), and the isotopic ratios for sulfur and oxygen atoms in dissolved SO4 (δ34SSO4 and δ18OSO4). Dissolved and particulate fractions of methyl mercury (MeHg), total mercury (THg), and bioavailable mercury (AHg) were additionally determined over a range of hydrologic conditions to identify primary source regions and transport mechanisms for Hg species. Results confirm that the majority of SO4 is derived from the iron mining district, and that SO4 added in the upstream portion of the St. Louis River is generally diluted downstream by waters from larger watersheds containing high percentages of wetlands. SO4, magnesium (Mg), calcium (Ca), sodium (Na), and chloride (Cl) concentrations all increase in the river, especially in the mining region, during periods of low-flow when groundwater inputs dominate chemistry of dissolved components. Variations in the relative concentrations of major elements and inδ34SSO4 and δ18OSO4 among the tributaries provide important clues to specific SO4 sources for each of the individual watersheds under varying flow conditions. Chemical data indicate that most SO4 from the mining region is derived from oxidation of small amounts of iron sulfide minerals present in stock piles, tailings, and pit walls containing Mg-rich carbonate minerals that are common in the Biwabik Iron Formation. Comparison with stream chemistry from 1955 to 1961 indicates SO4 sources were commonly present in the mining region before taconite mining became widespread in the region. Other chemical parameters in these data, particularly Ca and Mg, indicate the primary source for this SO4 was different from today. In contrast to SO4, Hg appears to be derived predominantly from wetlands, and is highest during periods of increased flow in the rivers. THg is well correlated to DOC concentration under most conditions, but quite variable during precipitation events when dissolved AHg and particulate SHg become more abundant in the rivers. MeHg concentrations in the St Louis River and its tributaries are also strongly correlated to DOC. Four sources of DOC are preliminarily inferred to be present in the river depending on the season and watershed characteristics, and it is believed that the relative amounts of DOC from each source may control the MeHg concentrations present in the river. These include: (1) DOC released from surface wetland areas containing low Fe (approximately 0.2 ng/mg Hg and 0.02 ng/mg MeHg in the DOC), (2) DOC containing almost no MeHg that is either produced in-stream or present in small amounts in natural groundwater, (3) DOC released from deep wetland areas following a major summer rain event containing very high MeHg and high Fe, and (4) DOC containing almost no MeHg in waters containing elevated dissolved Fe that seep slowly from deep within wetland areas under dry conditions. MeHg systematics appear to be very similar to those reported in two well-studied low-SO4 tributaries of the Rum River in east-central Minnesota. Additional sampling is planned to verify the above model and to more fully characterize mercury speciation during the warm summer months, particularly during periods when high Fe concentrations are present in the streams.
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    A Winter Survey of Fishes in the Vicinity of the WLSSD Sewage Treatment Plant: November 1991-April 1992
    (University of Minnesota Duluth, 1992) Richards, Carl; Kutka, Frank; Tucker, Paul
    The Western Lake Superior Sanitation District’s (WLSSD) waste treatment facility on the shore of the St. Louis River estuary contributes a large volume of warm effluent to the St. Louis River on a continuous basis. The effluent mixes with the river in a relatively shallow embayment adjacent to the treatment facility and forms an area approximately 0.5 kilometer in diameter in which water temperatures and conductivities may be considerably different than surrounding river waters. This mixing zone can also have chemical characteristics that contrast significantly with unmixed river water. During winter conditions, elevated temperatures within the mixing zone may provide a potential refuge for fish species that are unable to exist in the cold waters of the river, and, some native species may seek warmer temperatures during winter when they are available. Alternatively, fish species may avoid the elevated temperatures or water chemistry characteristics of the mixing zone. Either of these situations could result in altered fish community characteristics during winter months. The purpose of this study was to provide preliminary data on the types and relative abundances of fish that inhabit the mixing zone during several winter months. Surveys were only conducted within 0.3 km of the outfall pipe; results were compared to other winter fish abundance data from the St. Louis River estuary.