Study of Biological, Chemical and Physical Nature of Water Quality Factors Under Utah Conditions, Annual Report - CWRR-13, Fiscal Year 1965

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ANNUAL REPORT
Fiscal Year 1 965
Title:        A Study of Biological,   Chemical and Physical Nature of Water Quality
Factors Under Utah Conditions,
Personnel: Dr,   John M.   Neuhold,   Norman B,   Jones.   Susan S,   Martin,   and
John Matthew s.
Description of Work Performed:
The first study of physical,   chemical,   and biological aspects of water quality
factors under Utah conditions was initiated on the Logan City.   Utah,,   sewage out¬
flow system and the confluent Logan River.     The    system is defined by two sewage
outfalls collected into an open,   rel atively high velocity flow ditch which extends
west from Logan for 12 miles before broadening into an 11-acre lagoon.     Water
and sewage passes through the lagoon into the Logan River by natural fall (Figure
1).    During summer months water is diverted from the lagoon (and consequently
the Logan River) for irrigation use.
The purpose of the study is to construct a quantitatively descriptive model
of the sewage  system and its receiving environment by utilizing observations
on the patterns of flow,  water chemistry dynamics,  bacterial activity and
distribution,   benthic fauna and flora distribution^   and aquatic fauna and flora
distribution.     Once the model is constructed,   it will be tested on a system of
waste stabilization ponds that are contemplated to replace the existing
disposal system within the next two years.     The relatively high dilution of the
Logan sewage by groundwater,   the existence of a  small impoundment and the
aeration effect of a relatively long open channel between the outfall and the river
provide an opportunity for rather sensitive resolution of physical,   chemical,
and biological factors associated with changing water quality.     This opportunity
can form the background for water quality control (and its implications) of a
formal treatment by the contemplated waste stabilization ponds.
Arrangements have been made to add the services of Dr,   Fred Post,
bacteriologist and project associate;  Mr,   Gary Beers,  benthic production specialist
and research assistant; and Mr.   Al Collotzi,  plankton and drift organism
specialist and research assistant.