PICKMAN PARK-WATER QUALITY IN SWIMMING AREA PICKMAN PARK-WATER QUALITY
IN13 S-7 4fING AREA
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Juty 3, 1975
Counc Eton PeteA P. Boutey
3 1/2 Meadow Street
Satem, MA 01970
DeaA CouneiUoA Boutey:
Many phone caUz have been n.eeeived Snom nes.idents os your
Wand 7 area .in %egand to baetenia.0 quaeity ob watch at
P.ichman PaAk.
Osgood PaAh
Forest Rivet Pante. Poot and
bathing aneu.
AU og these aw,imming aAea.b have been .tested and bound to be
.in the eati.abaatony Aange. Samp.-ing ob these wateu jon
baeteni.ae quaP.ity wiU continue throughout the summeA.
Vehy twly yours, Repty to:
FOR THE BOARD OF HEALTH
Jahn J. Toomey, D.P.M. Cotin E. Camen.on, R.S.
Health Agent Senior San tattian
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January 27, 1975
Dr. John J. Toomey, Health Agent
5 Broad Street
Salem, Mass.
Dear Sir:
At a regular meeting of the City Council held in the Council
Chambers on Thursday, January 23, 1475 the enclosed Order
was adopted and approved by Mayor Jean A. Levesque on
January 27th. `
Very truly yours
'.,.r. '
Helen M. Coughlin
Acting City Clerk
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CITY OF SALEM
In City Gouncil;_January 23 _ ....
___-1975 _
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AfOIMiN¢tAtA
Ordered:
that the Board of Health take the necessary steps to insure that
the beach at Piekman Parts will be open for the summer season and
will be able to remain open.
In City Council January 23, 1975 ,
Adopted l
Approved by the Mayor on JAN 27 1975 k
BELEN M. '-(U ,
ATTEST: A�AT `fig�'C�irerk
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January 22, 1975
Councillor Peter P. Bouley
3 Meadow Street
Salem, 1,1& 01970
Dear Councillor Bouleys
jEnclosed is the proposal for a Bio-Engineering Study of the
Pickman Park Area from Allied Biological Control Corporation.
It is noted that the cost of the proposed services would be
$7,313.00. After making the survey, additional funds will be
required to carry out their recommendations..
While we had hoped that this study would qualify for the program
in which the Commonwealth and City of Salem would share the cost,
our program does not fit into the requirements for sharing of
funds.
After reviewing the proposal we would appreciate receiving your
comments.
Very truly yours,
FOR THE BOARD OF HEALTH
JOHN J. T00MM D.S.C.
Health Agent
A
Encl. (1) Allied Biological proposed Bio-Engineering Study of
Pickman Park Swimming Area (this is your copy)
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November 13, 1974
Mr. Frederick M. Berk
Allied Biological Control Corporation
194 Worcester Street
Wellesley Bills, Massachusetts
Dear Mr. Berk:
In your recent survey of Pickman Park Swimming Area it was mentioned that
a comprehensive study would be required if the City of Salem feels that
the Dickman Park Swimming Area is a valuable resource.
The following information is requested in regard to the comprehensive
study:
(1) What is the cost of the .study?
(2) Would this area qualify on the "algae and weed
control program" where the Commonwealth and the
Cities share in the cost?
An early reply will be appreciated.
Very truly yours, Reply to;
FOR THE BOARD OF HEALTH
JOHN J. TOOMEY, D.S.C. Colin H. Cameron, R.S.
Health Agent Senior Sanitarian
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' ALLIED
BIOLOGICAL
' CONTROL
CORPORATION
ALLIED BIOLOGIGIL CONTROL CORPORATION
' 194 Worcester Street Wellesley Hi I Is,Massachusetts 02181 617-235-6620
1
' REPORT OF
BIOLOGICAL SURVEY
' PICKMAN PARK SWIMMING AREA
SALEM, MASSACHUSETTS
' SUBMITTED To ;
i BOARD OF HEALTH
' SALEM, MASSACHUSETTS
' SUBMITTED BY ;
' ALLIED BIOLOGICAL CONTROL CORPORATION
' 194 WORCESTER STREET
WELLESLEY HILLS, MASSACHUSETTS
1 SEPTEMBER 10, 1974
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ALLIED BIOLOGICAL CONTROL CORPORATION
' 194 Worcester Street Wellesley HiIIs,Massachusetts 02181 617-235-6620
September 10 , 1974
' Mr. Colin E. Cameron, R.S.
Senior Sanitarian
Board of Health
' 5 Broad Street
Salem, Massachusetts 01970
t
Dear Mr. Cameron:
' On August 26 , 1974, our aquatic biologist, Gerald N. Smith,
completed a biological survey of the Pickman Park Swimming Area
located in Salem, Massachusetts. At the time of the survey,
' there was very little water in the swimming area. The flood gate
had been opened, draining the pond, and only a small stream of
water was flowing through the swimming area. Nevertheless, suf-
ficient information was gathered during the survey to make the
necessary recommendations to the Board of Health. The following
pages will include a report of our biological survey along with a
' discussion of our findings and recommendations for methods to
improve water quality at Pickman Park Swimming Area.
' MORPHOLOGICAL DATA AND BACKGROUND INFORMATION
Pickman Park Swimming Area encompasses a surface area of approximately
' one acre with an average depth of approximately two to three feet
when full.
The water level of the swimming area is regulated by a tide gate
located on the Forest River at Lafayette Street. When the tide
comes in, the tide gate can be opened, thereby filling the swimming
area. The gate can then be closed to retain the water.
ALLIED BIOLOGICAL CONTROL CORPOfWTION
1
Salem Board -2- September 10 , 1974
of Health
Every few days, it is the practice of the Town to drain and refill
the swimming area. Bacteria levels in the swimming area have been
approaching the U.S.P.H.S. maximum standards permitted in bathing
' areas. By periodically flushing the swimming area and exchanging
the water when the bacteria level is on the rise, the Health Department
has been able to keep the bacteria count down.
' The stream referred to in this report is the tidal stream flowing
through the swimming area.
' AQUATIC FLORA POPULATION
' The following species of marine vegetation were found in the swimming
area:
Fucus vesicullosus rock weed
UZva Zactuca sea lettuce
Spavtina aZternifZora marsh grass
' At the time ,of our survey, there were no species of attached vegetation
or algae actually growing in the swimming area. However, Fucus
vesicullosus, rock weed, Ulva Zactuca, sea lettuce, and Spartina alter-
' niflora, marsh grass were observed in substantial quantities in the
stream flowing through the swimming area.
It appears that the Fucus and the UZva grow in the estuary and are
brought in with the incoming tide, while the Spartina grows in the
marsh above the swimming area and is carried down to the swim pond by
the outgoing tide.
' These species are not rooted in the swimming area and are washed in and
out with the tides.
' Because the water was almost completely emptied out of the swimming
area, Mr. Smith determined that a microscopic algae analysis would not
give a representative reading of the algae population that may cloud
' the area. Therefore, an algae count was not conducted. If the Board
of Health would like to have the results of an algae count, samples
should be taken when the swimming area is full and returned to our
' Water Quality Laboratory.
ALLIED BIOLOGIGALCONfROLCORPOWON
Salem Board -3- September 10, 1974
of Health
BENTHIC ORGANISMS
' Benthic invertebrates found colonizing the substrate were the following:
Mya arenaria soft shelled clam
Modiolus demissus ribbed mussel
Neris virens clam worm
' These are common marine invertebrates.
WATER QUALITY ANALYSIS
Several water quality parameters were analyzed at two stations. Sample
Station 1 was at the swimming area and Sample Station 2 was at the
' flood gate at Lafayette Street. For exact values, see the attached
Water Quality Laboratory Sheets.
' The dissolved oxygen content was higher in the pond than at the gate.
Carbon dioxide levels were greater at the gate than in the pond. The
most logical and probable explanation for this difference in dissolved
oxygen and carbon dioxide concentrations is that a higher rate of
aerobic decomposition of organic matter (decaying plant and animal
material) was occurring toward the mouth of the estuary than was
occurring in the swimming area.
' Dissolved oxygen concentrations at both stations were adequate to
support those organisms that require high concentrations of oxygen.
' Although the Board of Health has observed high turbidity in the
swimming area, we were unable to document this condition because
there was so little water in the pond. Laboratory analysis of
water samples collected at the time of our survey revealed that
color and turbidity were low.
' Mr. Smith reported that the bottom substrate is a black silty/
organic sediment. It is common for swimmers to cause silt to become
suspended in the water. Furthermore, if there is an algae problem
' in the pond, the high concentration of phytoplankton would contribute
greatly to the turbidity of the water.
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ALLIED BIOLOGUL CONfROLCORPOWON
Salem Board of -4- September 10, 1974
' Health
' Analysis of sodium chloride revealed that salinity concentrations
are somewhat less in the bathing area than at the flood gate. This
' is to be expected as the swimming area is receiving not only tidal
waters but also an influx of freshwater from surface runoff and
street drainage as well. The concentration of sodium chloride in
most sea water is in the range of 32,000 mg/l.
Mr. Smith noted that the bottom substrate had a very slight hydrogen
sulfide odor. However, he reported that the hydrogen sulfide odor
' was not so great that it would warrant complaints. Hydrogen sulfide
gas is liberated during anaerobic decomposition of organic matter
9.n the bottom sediment.
RECOMMENDATIONS
At the Pickman Park Swimming Area, we are confronted with natural
conditions which one might expect to find in tidal pools of this
nature. Straits Pond in Hull and Musquashut Pond in Scituate are
tidal pools with similar problems . All three ponds have these con-
ditions in common: little natural interchange of water, high bacteria,
algae, odors, and free floating aquatic vegetation.
In view of the nature of the tides, currents and exchanging volumes
that occur in the swimming area, chemical treatment for either algae
or aquatic vegetation is not feasible.
' The schedule for draining and filling the swimming area should be
revised so as to maintain the lowest possible algae and bacteria counts.
'
Th-is may call for daily flushing of the swimming area, or perhaps
flushingthree to six times a week. Microscopic algae counts and
analysis of selected chemical and physical parameters could be conducted
each day over a period of one or two weeks to determine the most
effective schedule.
Regarding the nuisance aquatic vegetation brought in by the tides
from the Forest River and from the marsh, it is possible that this
nuisance could be greatly reduced if not completely eliminated. wire
mesh screens could be placed above and below the swimming area. These
screens would retain the sea weed, marsh grass, and sea lettuce and
any other aquatic vegetation that might flow in and out of the swimming
area. A plan could be devised so that the vegetation would not accum-
ulate on the screens, thereby obstructing the flow of water.
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ALLIED BIOLC GICAL CONTROL CORPORATION
' Salem Board -5- September 10, 1974
of Health
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The turbidity might be reduced by removing the silt and sediment from
the bottom of the swimming area. Further studies would be required
before recommending that this be done to determine what kind of base
is under the silt and sediment and also to determine how much and how
fast these sediments are introduced into the swimming area by the tides.
Water quality might also be improved by making a study of the surface
' runoff and street drainage which enters the pond. If these waters
are highly contaminated, a means of diverting these waters to another
location might be devised.
' If there were a way to bring water in and increase the circulation through
the swimming area, the bacteria problem might be improved. This might
be accomplished by damming up the pond at Lincoln Road and converting
it to a fresh water pool. A continuous flow of fresh water could be
pumped into the pond while the outlet waters could be controlled by the
dam, thereby providing the necessary circulation through the pond.
' CONCLUSION
The alternatives that exist for dealing with the problems of the
swimming area range greatly from the "Do Nothing" approach to exten-
sive studies and the concrete plans for change that could be derived
from such studies.
If the Town of Salem feels that the Pickman Park Swimming Area is a
valuable resource and would like to take the necessary steps in an
attempt to make a significant improvement in the quality of the swimming
' area, a comprehensive study would be required to carefully analyze any
or all of the relevant biological, physical and chemical characteristics
of the swimming pond and its surrounding area. These could include the
following studies:
' I. A careful evaluation of the flushing schedule in order to
maintain the highest possible water quality.
II. Analysis of the currents and flows of the Forest River with
special attention to the movement of the sediments in and
' around the swimming area.
III. Analysis of the stratigraphy of the swimming area. This would
involve analysis of the unconsolidated materials which lie at
the bottom of the swimming area to determine the feasibility
of removing undesired materials and of replacing these materials,
if necessary, with a suitable substrate.
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ALLIED BIOLOGIC9LCONfROLCORPOR9TION - ._
t Salem Board
of Health -6- September 10 , 1974
' IV. Evaluation of the nature and volume of the aquatic vegetation
and algae which washes in and out of the swimming area to
determine what method of screening the area would be most
successful.
V. Analysis of the incoming waters from the urban area surrounding
the swimming pond to determine the possibility of diverting
' some or all of these waters to another location.
VI. A feasibility study for damming up the swimming area and con-
verting it to a fresh water pond with adequate ciruclation.
The options open to the Board of Health and the Town of Salem are many
and varied. If the Town of Salem would be interested in embarking upon
more comprehensive analysis of the Pickman Park Swimming Area, we would
be glad to outline a proposal for further study.
We would like to thank you for giving us the opportunity to conduct
a biological survey of the swimming area and to submit this report to
' the Salem Board of Health. We look forward to being of further assistance
to the Town of Salem in any of its environmental endeavors .
' Sincerely,
' ALLIED BIOLOGICAL CONTROL CORPORATION
C
FREDRICK M. BERK
Administrative Assistant
FMB/lfs
Water uality0%. aboratorr
. 194 WORCESTER STREET-ROUTE 9-WELLESLEY HILLS,MASS, 02181 (617)235-0777
REPORT OF LABORATORY ANALYSIS
FROM
Pickman Park
j Salem, MA
' SAMPLE MARKED ANALYSIS NO. 677-74
DATE OF COLLECTION
' SS1 — Bathing Area DATEOFANALYSIS 8/26/74
Temperature — 'C 31* Phosphate*
Color-Apparent 18 —Ortho as PO4
' Turbidity — JTU 10 —Total as PO4
Alkalinity* Oil-Grease*
—Phenolphthalein Phenol*
' —Total pH
Chloride* Carbon Dioxide* 24 .0
Hardness* Oxygen, Dissolved* 10.5
' —total Oxygen Demand,
Metal* Biochemical (BOD)*
—Cadmium Oxygen Demand,
—Chromium Chemical (CCD)*
`` —Copper Solids*
f —Iran-Total —Total
—Lead —Suspended
—Manganese —Dissolved
Mercury Sulfate* 25,000
—Sodium Sodium Chloride*
_Zinc Conductivity
Nitrogen* (MICRO MHOS(CM)
—Ammonia as N. Bacteria**
—Nitrite as N. —Total Coliform
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{ ' --Nitrate as NO3 —Fecal Coliform
—Total Kjeldahl as N. —Fecal Streptococci
' —Total Bacteria
' REMARKS
*Milligram Per Liter (mg/1)
„*Count Per 100 rnl of Sample (MF) WATPkQUALITY LABORATORY
ND — None DetectedI t
' C — Less Than BY "Y\
`Wates'' Quality% cLab®rat®ry^
194 WORCESTER STREET-ROUTE 9-WELLESLEY HILLS, MASS. 02181 (617)235-0777 -
REPORT OF LABORATORY ANALYSIS
' FROM
Pickman Park
Salem, MA
' SAMPLE MARKED ANALYSIS NO. 676-74
DATE OF COLLECTION
SS2 - Gate DATEOFANALYSIS 8/26/74 r,
' Temperature - °C 290 Phosphate*
Color-Apparent 30 —Ortho as PO4
Turbidity — JTU 12 —Total as PO4
' Alkalinity* Oil-Grease*
—Phenolphthalein Phenol*
—Total pH
' Chloride* Carbon Dioxide* 40. 0
Hardness* Oxygen, Dissolved* 7.5
—Total Oxygen Demand,
Metal* Biochemical (BOD)*
—Cadmium Oxygen Demand,
—Chromium Chemical (COD)*
' —Copper Solids*
—Iron-Total —Total
—Lead Suspended
' —Manganese —Dissolved
—Mercury Sulfate*
—Sodium Sodium Chloride* 29 .000
' —Zinc" Conductivity
Nitrogen* (MICRO MHOS/CM)
—Ammonia as N. Bacteria**
' —Nitrite as N. —Total Coliform
—Nitrate as NO3 —Fecal Coliform
—Total Kjeldahl as N. —Fecal Streptococci
' —Total Bacteria
REMARKS
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' *Milligram Per Liter (mg/1 )
**Count Per 100 ml of Sample (MF) WATER UALITY LABORATORY
' ND — None Detected �� M
< — Less Than BY �
David E. Newton
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tALLIED BIOLOGGCALOONfROLOORPONTION
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