ILLINOIS POLLUTION CONTROL BOARD
    October 11, 1973
    VILLAGE OF AUGUSTA
    v.
    )
    PCB 73—327
    ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY)
    VILLAGE OF COULTERVILLE
    v.
    )
    PCB 73—370
    ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY)
    OPINION AND ORDER OF THE BOARD (BY MR. DTJMELLE)
    Both petitions request variance from Rule 203 (f) of The
    Water Pollution Regulations (which sets maximum values of
    0.02 mg/i of copper) in order that treatment of water supply
    reservoirs with copper sulfate may be performed to reduce algae
    growth.
    No hearings were held in either case. The Agency has recommended
    granting the variances which we do subject to certain conditions.
    One major reason for being prudent about the use of copper
    sulfate in water reservoirs is the fear that toxic amounts of copper
    may build up over time in the bottom muds and inhibit a well-
    balanced aquatic life. Dr. Charles B. Muchmore of Southern
    Illinois University has completed a study for the Institute for
    Environmental Quality titled “Algae Control in Water Supply Reservoirst’
    (July, 1973). In his study, Dr. Muchmore cites a level of 9000 ppm.
    ppm (dry basis) found in a 1952 Wisconsin study as being the copper
    content necessary to affect bottom dwelling organisms. But no data
    are given as to the present copper content of Illinois reservoir
    bottoms.
    Since the passage of ~he Water Pollution Regulations in
    March, 1972, we have had the question of copper sulfate algae
    control before us for two years. It would seem that even now we
    do not know what is happening in Illinois water supply reservoirs
    over the years so far as toxic copper accumulations are concerned.
    We urge the Institute and the Agency to accomplish bottom sampling
    yet this year, before winter, so that by next spring, we will have
    long-needed answers.
    9
    477

    —2—
    The Muchmore Report deals with alternative algicides including
    chlorine, lime, potassium permanganate and ~-Iydrothol—47. If
    no problem exists from the use of copper sulfate then these or
    any other alternatives need not be considered at all. The
    basic question remains “Is there a problem in using CuSO4 for
    algae control?”
    Another concern in using copper sulfate is its effect upon
    fish. Dr. Muchmore gives one reference (Wilbur, 1969) who
    suggests that levels used may kill fingerling trout or bass fry.
    Again, no experience in Illinois is given and we do not know if
    a problem ~tofish exists in our waters.
    In conclusion, as we complete another algae “season”, we
    seem to know only that copper sulfate used to control algae
    probably does not create a short term problem and we do not know
    the answer to the long term question. More and prompt field
    research is needed.
    ORDER
    1. Variance is granted from Rule 203 (f) of the Water
    Pollution Regulations to the Village of Augusta and the Village
    of Coulterville to use copper sulfate to prevent algae growths
    during September and October of 1973 for Augusta and during
    August through and including October, 1973 for Coulterville.
    2. Treatments shall be once monthly and shall not exceed
    600 lbs. of copper sulfate for Augusta and 400 lbs. of copper sulfate
    for Coulterville.
    3. Copper concentrations in the raw water intake to the
    water treatment plant shall not exceed 1.0 mg/l as copper at
    any time.
    4. The copper concentration in the reservoir shall be
    measured before and after each copper sulfate treatment and the
    results submitted monthly to the Agency.
    IT IS SO ORDERED.
    I, Christan Moffett, Clerk of the Illinois Pollution Control
    Board, certify that the above Opinion and Order was adopted
    on the
    //-~i’~
    day of c~t,tJ~.g~J
    11L
    ,
    1973,
    4~k~s~
    by a vote of
    to
    p
    9
    478

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