| Contents Notes |
I. Introduction -- II. Summary and conclusions -- III. Study methods -- Stream characterization -- Cinder bank evaluation -- Effluent characterization -- IV. Process investigations -- Reconnaissance inspection -- Production facilities -- Process description East Plant -- Process description West Plant -- Wastewater treatment - East Plant -- Solid waste disposal (Cinder bank) -- Water Supply -- V. Findings -- VI. Assessment of best management practices -- Bibliography -- Appendices -- A Pennsylvania water quality standards -- B Analytical methods -- C NJZ laboratory evaluation - D Background data From May 1 to 15, 1979, NEIC conducted an investigation of the New Jersey Zinc Company's East Plant at Palmerton, Pennsylvania. The study consisted of a characterization of Aquashicola Creek, an evaluation of the Cinder Bank and its impact on the creek, an evaluation of East Plant discharges, and development of Best Management Practices for the plant. Aquashicola Creek stream characterization included seven consecutive days of water sampling, flow measurement and field measurement for pH and temperature, as well as sediment sampling, benthic population studies, periphyton sampling and fish survival tests. Based on data from five of the sampling days, mass balance calculations were performed to characterize zinc and cadmium levels in the reach from Harris Bridge to the 6th Street Bridge. Additional limited studies were conducted on the Lehigh River in the Palmerton vicinity. The Cinder Bank was evaluated in terms of physical features, including area, volume, configuration, stability, runoff, infiltration, and erosion characteristics. Four sets of grab samples for total and dissolved metals analysis were collected of Blue Mountain runoff, runoff and seepage from the Cinder Bank; two sets of water samples were collected for metals analysis from wells in the vicinity of the East Plant. Field measurements were performed for pH, temperature and conductivity. East Plant effluent characterization was conducted for seven consecutive days at ten permitted Outfalls, and for twelve days at the main process discharge Outfall 001. Monitoring at Outfall 001 was conducted five extra days to characterize the discharge before a reduction in plant operations began on May 5. Influent and effluent sampling was conducted for six days at the Waste Acid Treatment Plant. Composite and grab samples were collected and analyzed for TSS, total metal, and oil and grease; also flow, pH and temperature were measured. Bioassay tests were conducted to measure the toxicity of all East Plant discharges. Based on the results of these studies and an investigation of East Plant processes and operations, Best Management Practices for controlling the impact of the plant on Aquashicola Creek were developed. These practices specifically address the Cinder Bank, raw materials and waste sludge handling, and waste treatment strategies. |
