Investigating Sources of Toxicity in Stormwater: Algae Mortality in Runoff Upstream of the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory

Abstract

A source evaluation case study is presented for observations of algae toxicity in an intermittent stream passing through the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory near Livermore, California. A five-step procedure is discussed to determine the cause of water toxicity problems and to determine appropriate environmental management practices. With this approach, an upstream electrical transfer station was identified as the probable source of herbicides causing the toxicity. In addition, an analytical solution for solute transport in overland flow was used to estimate the application level of 40 kg/ha. Finally, this source investigation demonstrates that pesticides can affect stream water quality, regardless of application within levels suggested on manufacturer labels. Environmental managers need to ensure that pesticides that could harm aquatic organisms (including algae) not be used near streams or storm drainage areas, and that application timing should be considered for environmental protection.

Environmental Monitoring Plan, Revision 6

“…To evaluate LLNL storm water effluent, analysts carry out the following ordered sequence (Campbell et al 2004;Campbell and Mathews 2006 3. If an effluent concentration is lower than the influent concentration, assume that the source is off site or naturally occurring, and take no further action.…”

Environmental Monitoring Plan

“…To evaluate LLNL storm water effluent, analysts carry out the following ordered sequence (see also Campbell et al 2004):…”