Lockheed Martin Information Technologies Environmental ... · Lockheed Martin Information Technologies Environmental Services Assistance Team, Region I The Wannalancit Mills, 175

Lockheed Martin Information Technologies Environmental Services Assistance Team, Region I The Wannalancit Mills, 175 Cabot Street, Suite 415, Lowell, MA 01854 Phone: 978-275-9730 Fax: 978-275-9489

June 23, 2005

Office of Environmental Measurement and Evaluation US EPA - Region I 11 Technology Drive North Chelmsford, Massachusetts 01863

To: Mr. Bart Hoskins, EPA TOPO Via: Mr. Louis Macri, ESAT Program Manager

TDF No. 1743 Task Order No. 21 Task No. 05

Subject: Summary of Observed Biological Activity in Temporary Pools on and around the Hatheway & Patterson Superfund Site, Mansfield, MA.

Dear Mr. Hoskins:

The Environmental Services Assistance Team (ESAT) performed six site visits between April 14, 2005 and June 20, 2005 to observe and document biological activity in temporary pools located on and around the Hatheway & Patterson Superfund Site (the Site), in Mansfield, MA. The goal of this effort was to determine if two particular temporary pools at the Site could be classified as vernal pools.

The task was requested by Mr. Hoskins, the TOPO, and was authorized under TDF No. 1743. An interim deliverable was provided to the TOPO on April 26, 2005. The final completion date is June 23, 2005.

Should you have any questions or comments, please do not hesitate to contact me at (617) 918-8669 at the EPA/OEME Biology Section, North Chelmsford, MA.

Sincerely,

Lockheed Martin Information Technologies

Stan Pauwels Environmental Scientist

Summary of Observed Biological Activity in Temporary Pools on and around

the Hatheway & Patterson Superfund Site, Mansfield, MA.

TDF No. 1743 A Task Order No. 21

Task No. 05

Submitted to the:

Task Order Project Officer Office of Environmental Measurement and Evaluation

USEPA - New England Regional Laboratory 11 Technology Drive

North Chelmsford, MA 01863-2431

Submitted by:

ESAT - Region I Lockheed Martin Information Technologies

The Wannalancit Mills, 175 Cabot Street, Suite 415 Lowell, MA 01854

June 23, 2005

EPA Contract 68-W-01-008

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1.0 GENERAL INTRODUCTION

On April 13, 2005, EPA issued TDF No. 1743 requesting that ESAT evaluate temporary pools at the Hatheway & Patterson Superfund Site (the Site), located in Mansfield, MA. The survey consisted of biweekly visits between April 14, 2005 and June 20, 2005 to determine if several temporary pools at the Site could be certified as vernal pools (VPs) based on MA VP certification guidelines.

The main temporary pools of interest were “VP-C2” (vernal pool 2 in Area C of the Site) and “VP-D1” (vernal pool 1 in Area D of the Site). These designations were developed by Metcalf & Eddy (M&E) following a limited survey and sampling effort in April, 2002. The use of the term “vernal pool” by M&E (2002) was premature because they did not evaluate the specific physical and biological criteria required to certify a temporary pool as a VP. However, the M&E terminology was used in this memorandum to provide continuity with past work on this issue.

Under TDF No. 1706, ESAT performed a screening-level ecological risk assessment (SLERA) using analytical data for two surface water and two sediment samples collected by M&E in 2002 from VP-C2 and VP-D1. The potential for significant ecological risk to aquatic receptors was identified in VP-C2 due to high pentachlorophenol (PCP) concentrations in the sediment sample (690,000 ug/kg) and surface water sample (680 ug/L). The 2005 survey was performed to determine, through long-term field observations, if VP-C2 and VP-D1 possessed the characteristics of VPs to distinguish them from many temporary pools scattered throughout the flood plain of the Rumford River at the Site. The 2005 survey included concurrent visits to three certified VPs located around the town of Mansfield, MA. These reference locations were used to track changes would normally occur in known VPs as the season progressed.

As an interim deliverable, TDF No. 1743 A requested that ESAT develop recommendations for future potential risk assessment activities related to VP-C2. These recommendations were summarized in a technical memorandum provided to the TOPO on April 26, 2005. The memorandum also included an attachment providing a checklist to identify vernal pools based on the certification criteria developed by the MA Division of Fisheries and Wildlife (http://www.state.ma.us/dfwele). This checklist was used to document conditions at the seven target pools during each visit. The checklist is included for references at the end of this technical memorandum as Appendix 1. Appendix 2 provides photographs of the obligate and facultative VP species included in the checklist.

This technical memorandum is organized as follows: section 2.0 describes the general survey approach and observations, section 3.0 discusses the specific findings related to VP-C2 and VP-D1, section 4.0 describes general recommendations, section 5.0 provides a summary and conclusions, and section 6 provides references.

2.0 GENERAL SURVEY APPROACH AND OBSERVATIONS

2.1 General description of the pools

2.1.1 Certified VPs in the Mansfield area

The web site for the MA Natural Heritage & Endangered Species Program was searched to locate certified VPs in the Mansfield area. Three certified VPs, easily-accessible from the road, were selected as “field controls” to compare against observations made at the temporary pools at the Site. These three certified VPs are briefly described below (see Figure 1 for general locations of the off-site reference pools).

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http://www.state.ma.us/dfwele

• Certified VP-1 (Maple Street)

Certified VP-1 is an extensive pool about two ft deep. It was originally created in the 1950’s as a watering hole for local horses (see Photograph 1, Appendix 3). According to the current property owner, this pool is not technically a VP because: (1) it never dries up completely in the summer and (2) it supports a year-round population of catfish. However, as summarized in Section 3.0, this pool supported a thriving community of breeding obligate amphibians together with several facultative benthic invertebrate VP species and at least one breeding facultative amphibian species.

• Certified VP-2 (Frederic Street)

Certified VP-2 is located in a suburban housing development and was connected to a small nearby stream (see Photograph 2, Appendix 3). Its shape and setting suggested that this pool was likely constructed at the time the subdivision was developed. The substrate in the pool was covered by a reddish floc, probably because the surface water originated as iron-rich groundwater from a nearby spring. The ability of this pool to sustain amphibian breeding during the 2005 survey appeared marginal because the maximum depth of the surface water ranged only between 2” and 4”.

• Certified VP-3 (Piasecki Street)

Certified VP-3 formed the back water of a small, shallow pond (see Photograph 3, Appendix 3). The pool and the adjacent pond remained physically connected for the duration of the 2005 survey. Bushes grew in and around this pool. Even though it was a certified VP, no evidence of amphibian breeding was found in this pool. Instead, all of the amphibian breeding was observed to take place in the nearby shallow pond.

2.1.2 Temporary pools at the Site

The limited survey by M&E (2002) at the Site indicated that only two temporary pools, namely VP-C2 and VP-D1, had retained any surface water by the end of April, 2002. Those two pools were the main focus of the current survey. Two additional pools in the vicinity of VP-D1 (specifically, VP-D2 and VP-D4) were also included because of their favorable characteristics and proximity to VP-D1 (see Figure 2 for general locations of the on-site pools).

The extensive spring rainfall ensured that much of the surface around the three temporary pools in Area D remained under water during all of April and May.

• VP-C2

This pool was formed in a depression created when a tree was uprooted (see Photographs 4A-4D, Appendix 3). The surface water appeared to be an expression of the local contaminated groundwater table. It was noted during the 2005 survey that the leaf litter and substrate released a distinct petroleum hydrocarbon odor. The pool lacked any kind of internal structure (e.g., submerged sticks, partially-submerged bushes, overhanging branches, etc.) which would have been required by breeding amphibians as attachment points for their egg masses. The geographic coordinates for this pool are as follows: latitude = 42.037262; longitude = -71.223436.

• VP-D1

VP-D1 had all the characteristics of an ideal amphibian breeding pool (see Photographs 5A and 5B, Appendix 3). It was surrounded by bushes and trees, was relatively deep (maximum depth ranged from 13” to 17” until early June), and contained many submerged sticks and branches scattered along its banks. One striking difference separated VP-D1 from all other pools visited during this survey: its waters

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were darkly stained with little to no visibility 6” below the surface. The geographic coordinates for this pool are as follows: latitude = 42.038607; longitude = -71.224333.

• VP-D2

VP-D2 was included in the 2005 survey because of the wet spring, even though a previous survey (M&E, 2002) showed that it had completely dried up by late April 2002. As such, it was deemed unlikely that VP-D2 would prove to be a VP. This pool was located in a shallow depression in the forest floor (see Photographs 6A and 6B, Appendix 3). It was surrounded by bushes but had no submerged branches. The surface water was slightly stained. The geographic coordinates for this pool are as follows: latitude = 42.038670; longitude = -71.224509.

• VP-D4

Due to the wet spring, VP-D4 was also included in the 2005 survey, even though a previous survey (M&E, 2002) showed that it had completely dried up by late April, 2002. As such, it was deemed unlikely that VP-D4 would prove to be a VP. This pool was nearly circular (see Photographs 7A and 7B, Appendix 3). Numerous tufts of vegetation grew out of the water. The pool was surrounded with bushes and contained numerous submerged branches and sticks. The surface water in the pool was clear. The geographic coordinates for this pool are as follows: latitude = 42.038750; longitude = -71.224463.

2.2 Description of the survey

A two-member team visited the temporary pools on and around the Site on April 14, April 26, May 12, May 26, June 7, and June 20, 2005. The checklist in Appendix 1 was used to record observations at each pool during each visit. The maximum length, width, and depth was recorded at most pools on most visits. The survey team then carefully waded through each pool to try to locate egg masses, tadpoles, and/or adult amphibians. Leaf litter samples from the bottom of each pool were randomly collected and visually inspected for the presence of benthic invertebrates. When present, the obligate and facultative amphibians, and benthic invertebrates were keyed out in the field using the photographs provided in Appendix 2. When in doubt, some of the invertebrate species were brought back to the laboratory for confirmatory identification.

The goal of these field observations was to identify breeding activity by at least one obligate amphibian species (see “Method 1” in Section 2 of Appendix 1) or breeding activity by at least one facultative amphibian species and the presence of two or more facultative invertebrate species (see “Method 2” in Section 2 of Appendix 1). If either of these conditions was present, then the target pool met the minimum VP certification criteria developed by the State of Massachusetts.

2.3 Survey results

The results of the 2005 temporary pool survey are discussed below.

• Certified VP-1 (Maple Street)

Table 1 summarizes the observations for this pool. One large amphibian egg mass was observed on April 14, 2005. During that visit, a local home owner mentioned that spring peepers (a facultative amphibian species) were calling at night. By April 26, 2005, numerous amphibian egg masses were found attached to branches and partially submerged bushes throughout the pool. By May 12, 2005, those eggs had hatched into wood frog tadpoles. Successful reproduction by the wood frog (an obligate amphibian species) made this pool a certifiable VP. This conclusion was supported by the presence of caddisfly larvae, predaceous diving beetle larvae, and dragonfly larvae, all of which are facultative benthic invertebrate species.

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• Certified VP-2 (Frederic Street)

Table 2 summarizes the observations for this pool. Occasionally, an adult wood frog or green frog was caught in or around the pool. However, no signs of amphibian breeding were observed throughout the survey period. This result was not unexpected given the extremely shallow depth of the surface water (< 4”). This lack of water was unexpected considering that May had been a very wet month. Invertebrates were sparse in the leaf litter, even though on April 14, 2005, it yielded one small leech, which represents a facultative benthic invertebrate species. Based on these observations, this pool failed to meet the minimum requirements for VP certification.

Additional information received from the MA Natural Heritage & Endangered Species Program in early June indicated that certified VP-2 was in fact located at least 250 ft further into the woods. This location was confirmed during the June 7 visit. Hence, the pool selected for the current survey was not the VP in question.

• Certified VP-3 (Piasecki Street)

Table 3 summarizes the observations for this pool. No signs of amphibian breeding were observed within the pool itself even though several adult frogs were seen in the immediate vicinity of the pool. On April 26, 2005, several spring peepers (a facultative amphibian species) were heard calling in the immediate vicinity of the pool. As a result of the wet month of May, this pool remained connected throughout the entire survey period with a nearby shallow pond.

Numerous wood frog tadpoles (an obligate amphibian species), salamander larvae (species unknown), and three facultative benthic invertebrate species (fingernail clams, caddisfly larvae, and predaceous diving beetle larvae) were identified in the nearby shallow pond. The presence of two facultative benthic invertebrate species (i.e., caddisfly larvae and predaceous diving beetle larvae) in leaf litter collected at the temporary pool in the back also indicated that this pool met the minimum requirements to be certified as a VP.

Additional information received from the Natural Heritage & Endangered Species Program in early June indicated that the pond was in fact part of this certified VP. As such, the shallow pond and the smaller pool in the back together formed the certified VP.

• VP-C2

Table 4 summarizes the observations for this pool. No signs of amphibian breeding were observed within the pool itself throughout the survey period even though three adult wood frogs were seen in the pool on May 12, 2005. The leaf litter also did not yield a single facultative benthic invertebrate species. A pair of dead oligochaetes were the only two invertebrates observed in the leaf litter during the entire survey. The pool also lacked the structural elements (e.g., sunken branches or partially-submerged bushes) required by amphibians to attach their egg masses. By June 20, 2005, this pool had completely dried out. Based on these observations, VP-C2 failed to meet the minimum requirements to be certified as a VP.

• VP-D1

Table 5 summarizes the observations for this pool. On April 14, 2005, a frog (species unknown) jumped into the pool when approached by the survey team. At that time, one large egg mass from an unknown amphibian species was found attached to a submerged branch in the pool. Subsequent surveys failed to find any signs of adult amphibians or their offspring. However, on June 7, 2005, numerous wood frog tadpoles were collected from this pool. In addition, the presence of two facultative benthic invertebrate species (i.e., a dragonfly larva and several predaceous diving beetle larvae) in the

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leaf litter indicated that this temporary pool met the minimum requirements to be certified as a VP. By June 20, the tadpoles in this VP had started to grow legs.

• VP-D2

Table 6 summarizes the observations for this pool. No signs of amphibian breeding were observed during any of the site visits. One adult green frog (a facultative species) was observed on this pool on June 7, 2005. The leaf litter contained only a handful of invertebrates and did not yield a single facultative benthic invertebrate species. The pool also lacked the structural elements (e.g., sunken branches or partially-submerged bushes) required by amphibians to attach their egg masses. By June 20, 2005, this pool had completely dried out. Based on these observations, VP-D2 failed to meet the minimum requirements to be certified as a VP.

• VP-D4

Table 7 summarizes the observations for this pool. On several occasions, adult wood frogs and a green frog were captured within the pool. However, no signs of amphibian breeding were observed during any of the visits. The leaf litter also lacked a robust benthic invertebrate community, even though predaceous diving beetle larvae (a facultative species) were observed on May 26, 2005. By June 7, 2005, VP-D4 had completely dried out. Based on these observations, this pool also failed to meet the minimum requirements to be certified as a VP.

3.0 DISCUSSION OF FINDINGS ON VP-C2 AND VP-D1

The goal of the temporary pool survey was to determine if VP-C2 and VP-D1 should be viewed as certifiable VPs or only as one of a dozen temporary bodies of water scattered around the floodplain of the Rumford River at the Site.

3.1 VP-C2

VP-C2 was not a certifiable VP based on the available biological observations. However, this conclusion is complicated by the high levels of PCP detected in the sediment and surface water from this pool. The leaf litter was essentially devoid of invertebrates but also released a distinct petroleum hydrocarbon odor. A conservative conclusion would be that the presence of PCP in the substrate of VP-C2 (690,000 ug/kg measured in 2002) caused the leaf litter to be acutely toxic, thereby preventing the establishment of a viable benthic invertebrate community in this temporary pool.

An additional conservative assumption would be that the surface water was also too toxic to support developing tadpoles, even if amphibian reproduction could take place. To check this hypothesis, aquatic toxicity data on PCP were retrieved from the EPA’s ECOTOX database and summarized in Attachment 1. Data were available mostly for invertebrates and fish, but also for a few amphibian species. This information clearly indicated that the high level of PCP in the surface water of VP-C2 (680 ug/L measured in 2002) would be lethal for most aquatic receptors, including developing amphibians.

However, regardless of the presence of contaminants, the survey proved that VP-C2 could not be a functional VP because it dried out before the aquatic lifecycle of the tadpoles at the VPs on and off the Site had been completed. The wet month of May prevented the local water table from receding quickly. However, by June 7, 2005, the pool only had 7” of surface water left. All surface water was gone by June 20.

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3.2 VP-D1

The available evidence indicated that VP-D1 was a certifiable VP, based on the presence of wood frog tadpoles (an obligate species) and two facultative benthic invertebrate species in its leaf litter.

4.0 GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS

The 2005 survey achieved the goal of determining the status of two temporary pools at the Site. VP-C2 was proven not to be a functional VP because it dried up before the tadpoles in the on-site and off-site VPs had completed their metamorphosis. On the other hand, VP-D1 is a certifiable vernal pool and should be left undisturbed during future remedial activities at the Site.

Based on the results of the survey outlined in this technical memorandum, it is recommended that VP-C2 be excavated and filled in with clean soil. The intrinsic value of this temporary pool for amphibian reproduction is non existent. There will be no impact on the local amphibian population if this small patch of habitat is filled in and restored.

5.0 SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS

Between April 14, 2005 and June 20, 2005, ESAT performed six visits at four on-site and three off-site (reference) temporary pools located on and around the Hatheway & Patterson Superfund Site in Mansfield, MA. The goal of this effort was to determine if two specific pools at the Site (VP-C2 and VP-D1) could be certified as VPs based on objective criteria established by the MA Division of Fisheries and Wildlife. Analytical data generated in 2002 showed that VP-C2 had high levels of PCP in its sediment and surface water. A survey of these same two pools in April, 2002, also indicated that neither one supported amphibian breeding.

The available physical, biological, and hydrological evidence collected during the 2005 survey indicated that VP-C2 was not a certifiable VP. This pool lacked submerged or overhanging branches necessary to attach amphibian egg masses. Even though the paucity of benthic invertebrates and absence of amphibian breeding could have been due to the presence of PCP, VP-C2 had dried out completely by June 20, well before metamorphosis was completed in tadpoles at the on-site and off-site VPs.

VP-D1 is a certifiable VP based on the presence of wood frog tadpoles in the water column and two facultative benthic invertebrate species in leaf litter collected from the bottom of this pool. It should be left undisturbed during future remedial activities at the Site.

Based on this evidence, it was suggested that temporary pool VP-C2 should be excavated and filled with clean soil. This action should not affect the local amphibian population at the Site and would liminate a local point of PCP exposure.

6.0 REFERENCES

Metcalf & Eddy. 2002. Vernal pool survey. Amendment to final habitat evaluation survey technical memorandum. August 20, 2002.

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Certified VP-3 Piasecki Street

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Certified VP-2 Frederic Street

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Certified VP-1 Maple Street

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Figure 1. Locations of the three certified vernal pools in Mansfield used as reference pools in the survey

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Created by: EPA Region 1 GIS CenteL:\Projects\Sites\hatheway_patterson

Date: 22-June-2005

Meters0 25 50 100 150 200

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Figure 2. Locations of Four Temporary Pools on the Hatheway & Patterson Superfund Site Included in the Survey

Table 1: Observations for Certified Vernal Pool 1 (Maple Street, Mansfield, MA)a

Date of Visit

Max. Pool Dimensions

Benthic Invertebrates Amphibians Reptiles Other Comments

April 14, 2005

L & W not measured; max depth = 25”

• Leaf litter search yielded numerous gray-colored amphipods, other arthropods of unknown species, and an oligochaete

• One amphibian egg mass was attached to a submerged stick; no tadpoles were observed

• No other signs of amphibians were observed

• Nearby homeowner said that he hears numerous spring peeper calls coming from the pool at night

• No turtles observed

• Numerous shrubs & bushes were growing in this pool

• Water striders & numerous tiny flies were observed on the water surface

April 26, L & W not • Leaf litter search yielded • Numerous amphibian egg masses were attached to branches • No turtles • Numerous mosquito larvae 2005 measured; grey-colored amphipods, & sticks throughout the pool; no tadpoles were observed observed were swimming in the

max depth = 30”

a C. tentans, many other arthropods of unknown • One adult wood frog was seen swimming on the water surface water column

species, 1 oligochaete, & • Several spring peepers were calling around the pool several caddisfly larvae • Several frogs were seen jumping from shore into the pool

May 12, L & W not • Leaf litter search yielded • Three green frogs were observed on the water surface • No turtles • Spoke with the owner of 2005 measured;

max depth = 28”

grayish brown arthropods of unknown species & oligochaetes

• One amphibian egg mass of green color - possible green frog egg mass - was attached to branches in the center of the pool

observed the property who claims that the pool is not a VP because (1) it never dries

• Many wood frog tadpoles were observed throughout the pool up completely in the summer & (2) it contains catfish.

May 26, L & W not • Leaf litter search yielded • Many wood frog tadpoles were observed throughout the pool • No turtles 2005 measured;

max depth = 29”

many predaceous diving beetle larvae

observed

June 7, L & W not • Leaf litter search yielded • Many wood frog tadpoles were observed throughout the pool, • No turtles • Two (green frog?) 2005 measured; many predaceous diving together with three adult green frogs observed amphibian egg masses

max depth = beetle larvae, caddisfly were observed 19” larvae, and a dragonfly

larva June 20, 2005

This pool was not visited on this date

Note: bold and underlined = obligate vernal pool species; bold only = facultative vernal spool species; underlined only = evidence of amphibian breeding

a this vernal pool was previously certified by others based on criteria established by the MA Natural Heritage & Endangered Species Program

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Table 2: Observations for Certified Vernal Pool 2 (Frederic Street, Mansfield, MA)a

Date of Visit



April 14, L & W not • Leaf litter search yielded • No signs of amphibians or amphibian breeding • No turtles • The VP was essentially dry 2005 measured;

max depth = 3”

several small naked snails, 1 C. tentans & 1 leech but no other arthropods

were observed observed • The sediments were covered by a reddish floc

• The dry part of the VP had shrubs & small trees

April 26, 2005

22 ft X 6 ft X 3”

• Leaf litter search yielded only a single large earthworm; no other benthic invertebrates were observed

• One wood frog (although it could have been a green frog) & 1 green frog were captured in the pool

• No signs of amphibian breeding were observed


• The VP had expanded & was wetter than 2 weeks ago

• This VP appears to be maintained by groundwater discharge

May 12, 2005

9 ft X 8 ft X 2”

• Leaf litter search yielded no invertebrates

• One adult wood frog was observed in the pool



• This VP has diminished in size since last visit

May 26, L & W not • Leaf litter search yielded no • No signs of amphibians or amphibian breeding • No turtles • The entire pool area was flooded; 2005 measured;

max depth = 4”

invertebrates were observed observed water filled in the depression all the way to the road

June 7, L & W not • Leaf litter was not searched • No signs of amphibians or amphibian breeding • No turtles 2005 measured;

max depth = 3.5”

were observed observed

June 20, 2005

This pool was not visited on this date


a Additional information obtained from the MA Natural Heritage & Endangered Species Program in early June indicated that this pool was not the targeted VP. The certified VP was 250 ft further into the woods.

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Table 3: Observations for Certified Vernal Pool 3 (Piasecki Street, Mansfield, MA)a

Date of Visit



April 14, 2005

L & W not measured; max depth = 21”

• Leaf litter search yielded 1 oligochaete, 1 C. tentans, and numerous arthropods of an unknown species

• No signs of amphibians or amphibian breeding were observed


• The pool was still connected to the nearby shallow pond by the road

• The water in the pool was crystal clear

April 26, L (not • Leaf litter search yielded • A small (1”) spring peeper • No turtles • The pool was still connected to the nearby shallow 2005 measured) X

41 ft X 22” several caddisfly larvae, 1 C.tentans, and numerous arthropods of an unknown species

(tentative identification) was caught in water immediately adjacent to the VP


observed pond by the road

• The pool water was tea stained and contained numerous mosquito larvae

• One green frog was caught in the nearby shallow pond

• Spring peepers were calling in the area

May 12, L & W not • Leaf litter search yielded • Observed 3 unidentified adult frogs • No turtles • The pool was still connected to the nearby shallow 2005 measured;

max depth = 18”

several caddi fly larvae, 1 C. tentans, and some mosquito larvae

around the VP


observed pond by the road

• Numerous wood frog tadpoles and one green frog egg mass were observed in the shallow pond by the road

May 26, 41 ft X 34 ft • Leaf litter search yielded • No signs of amphibians or • No turtles • The pool was still connected to the nearby shallow 2005 X 21” several predaceous diving

beetle larvae amphibian breeding were observed observed pond by the road

• Numerous wood frog tadpoles were observed in the shallow pond

June 7, No L or W; • Leaf litter search yielded • Many salamander larvae (species • No turtles • All comments for the June 7 visit pertain to the2005 max depth =

25.5” several caddisfly larvae, predaceous diving beetle larvae, and fingernail clams

unknown) + numerous wood frog tadpoles; several adult green frogs

observed shallow pond by the road

June 20, 2005

no measuremen ts taken

• No observations made • The legs of the wood frog tadpoles were starting to develop

• No observations made

• All comments for the June 20 visit pertain to the shallow pond by the road


a this vernal pool was previously certified by others based on the criteria established by the MA Natural Heritage & Endangered Species Program. The first couple of visits focused on a temporary pool located behind the shallow pond alongside Piasecki Street. Additional information obtained from the MA Natural Heritage & Endangered Species Program in early June indicated that the VP at this location included the shallow pond together with the temporary pool in the back.

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Table 4: Observations for VP-C2a (Hatheway & Patterson Superfund Site, Mansfield, MA)

Date of Visit



April 14, 2005

L & W not measured; max. depth = 6”

• Leaf litter search did not yield a single invertebrate



• The sediments were muddy & released a faint odor of petroleum hydrocarbons

• The surface water was covered by foamy scum

April 26, 2005

20 ft X 7 ft X 12”




• 7 amphibian egg masses observed in the nearby Back Channel together w/ 2 large snapping turtles

• No mosquito larvae were observed in the water column

May 12, 2005

21 Ft X 7 ft X 11”

• Leaf litter search yielded 1 decomposing earth worm

• Two wood frogs were observed in the pool.



• The sediments were leafy & muddy with a strong organic odor

• The surface water was clear with a foamy surface.

• Observed 3 wood frogs, mosquito larvae & benthic invertebrates in a drainage ditch near VP-C2

• No mosquito larvae were observed in the water column

May 26, 2005

25 ft X 9 ft X 11”

• Leaf litter search yielded 1 very large dead oligochaete



• The sediments were leafy & muddy with a strong organic odor

• The surface water was clear with no foam

June 7, 2005

15 ft X 6 ft X 7”




June 20, 2005

This temporary pool had completely dried out


a a surface water sample collected from VP-C2 in 2002 showed 680 ug/l pentachlorophenol (chronic toxicity hazard quotient = 45.3); a sediment sample collected from VP-C2 at the same time showed 690,000 ug/kg PCP (no effect HQ = 1,920)

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Table 5: Observations for VP-D1a (Hatheway & Patterson Superfund Site, Mansfield, MA)

Date of Visit



April 14, 13” deep (L • Leaf litter search yielded • Upon approach, a frog (species • No turtles • The bottom of the pool was filled with sticks & 2005 & W not

measured) dozens of oligochaetes but not one arthropod

unknown) dove to the bottom of the pool but could not be caught for identification

• One large amphibian egg mass was found attached to a submerged branch, but no tadpoles were observed

observed branches coated w/ green slime algae

• The water was darkly stained; could not see bottom

• Observed hundreds of mosquito larvae, several water striders, and a water boatman in & on the water surface

April 26, 2005

50 ft X 30 ft X 17”

• Leaf litter search yielded many small oligochaetes, a few arthropods of an unknown species, and 1 large dragonfly larva



• The water was darkly stained; could not see bottom

• Numerous mosquito larvae were swimming in the water column

May 12, 54 ft X 29 ft • Leaf litter search yielded • No signs of amphibians or amphibian • No turtles • The water was darkly stained with little visibility 2005 X 15” many small oligochaetes &

1 arthropod of an unknown species.

breeding were observed observed beyond surface

• Several wood frogs & green frogs were observed in the expanse of surface water around VP-D1, but no signs of breeding

May 26, 2005

Flooded, 16.5” deep

• Leaf litter search yielded several predaceous diving beetle larvae



• The water was darkly stained with little visibility below the surface

June 7, 2005

31.5 ft X 25 ft X 14.5”

• Leaf litter search yielded a few predaceous diving beetle larvae

• Numerous wood frog tadpoles were observed within the pool


• One large unidentified frog/toad was observed in the pool

June 20, 2005

6.5” deep (L & W not measured)

• No observations made • The legs of the wood frog tadpoles were starting to develop



a a surface water sample collected from VP-D1 in 2002 showed no pentachlorophenol; a sediment sample collected from VP-D1 at the same time showed 785 ug/kg PCP (no effect HQ = 2.2)

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Table 6: Observations for VP-D2 (Hatheway & Patterson Superfund Site, Mansfield, MA)

Date of Visit



April 14, 2005


• Leaf litter search yielded 2 C. tentans, 1 worm-like creature, and 2 whitish nematodes, but no arthropods



• The pool surface was covered with green slime algae


April 26, 2005

44 ft X 15 ft X 9”

• Leaf litter search yielded a few small, beetle-like swimming bugs, and 2 segmented worm-like grubs



• The water was mostly clear with some scum on top


May 12, 34 ft X 16 ft • Leaf litter search did not yield • No signs of amphibians or • No turtles • Moss was growing at several locations in the vernal 2005 X 7” a single invertebrate amphibian breeding were observed observed pool


May 26, L & W not • Leaf litter search did not yield • No signs of amphibians or • No turtles 2005 measured;

max. depth = 11.5”

a single invertebrate amphibian breeding were observed observed

June 7, 2005

8 ft X 10 ft X 4”


• Observed one adult green frog in the pool but no tadpoles


June 20, 2005



12

Table 7: Observations for VP-D4 (Hatheway & Patterson Superfund Site, Mansfield, MA)

Date of Visit



April 14, 2005



• One adult wood frog was captured in the pool



• The surface water & bottom of the pool were covered with green slime algae

• Numerous mosquito larvae, 1 diving beetle, several water gliders were observed in and on the water surface

April 26, 2005

37 ft X 29 ft X 7”

• Leaf litter search yielded just a few worm/larvae-like invertebrates, but no oligochaetes or arthropods

• Three adult wood frogs & one adult green frog were captured in the pool



May 12, 2005

38 ft X 28 ft X 6”

• Leaf litter search yielded 1 aquatic oligochaete

• Three adult wood frogs were observed in the pool



• Sediment was very leafy & muddy with no strong odor

• Numerous mosquito larvae were present in the water column

May 26, 2005

41.5 ft X 33 ft X 9”

• Leaf litter search yielded several predaceous diving beetle larvae



June 7, 2005



13

Attachment 1: Summary of the toxicity of pentachlorophenol to aquatic receptors Scientific Name Common Name Endpoint Effect Duration Effects Conc.

Aquatic Invertebrates Ceriodaphnia reticulata Water flea NR reproduction 10 d 4.1 ug/L Calamoecia lucasi Freshwater copepod MATC metamorphosis 6 d 14 ug/L Physa gyrina Pouch snail NR reproduction 32 d 27 ug/L Parastenocaris germanica Groundwater copepod LC50 96 h 34 ug/L Dreissena polymorpha Zebra mussel LC50 14 d 42 ug/L Boeckella delicata Copepod MATC metamorphosis 5 d 61 ug/L Ceriodaphnia dubia Water flea MATC reproduction 7 d 80 ug/L Mesocyclops leuckarti Cyclopoid copepod NOEC mortality 6 d 87 ug/L Gammarus pseudolimnaeus Scud LC50 96 h 92 ug/L Biomphalaria glabrata Snail LC50 24 h 100 ug/L Chironomus thummi Midge LC50 48 h 110 ug/L Simocephalus vetulus Water flea LC50 48 h 111 ug/L Lymnaea luteola Pond snail LC50 96 h 112 ug/L Daphnia magna Water flea EC50 reproduction 16 d 130 ug/L Dugesia lugubris Flatworm LC50 48 h 130 ug/L Lymnaea stagnalis Great pond snail EC50 development 16 d 130 ug/L Crangonyx pseudogracilis Amphipod LC50 96 h 139 ug/L Aplexa hypnorum Snail LC50 96 h 142 ug/L Lymnaea acuminata Pond snail LC50 96 h 160 ug/L Streptocephalus torvicornis Fairy shrimp LC50 48 h 170 ug/L Gammarus fasciatus Scud LC50 96 h 210 ug/L Daphnia pulex Water flea LC50 48 h 246 ug/L Corbicula manilensis Asiatic clam LC50 96 h 250 ug/L Erpobdella octoculata Leech LC50 48 h 250 ug/L Gillia altilis Buffalo pebblesnail LC50 96 h 300 ug/L Dugesia tigrina Turbellarian, flatworm LC50 96 h 320 ug/L Daphnia galeata mendotae Water flea EC50 immobility 48 h 330 ug/L Nemoura cinerea Stonefly LC50 48 h 380 ug/L Helisoma trivolvis Ramshorn snail LC50 96 h 400 ug/L Streptocephalus rubricaudatus Fairy shrimp LC50 24 h 430 ug/L Limnodrilus hoffmeisteri Tubificid worm LC50 96 h 500 ug/L Pontoporeia hoyi Scud LC50 96 h 600 ug/L Viviparus bengalensis Snail LC50 96 h 644 ug/L

14


PCP conc. measured in a surface water sample collected from VP-C2 in 2002 680 ug/L Lumbriculus variegatus Oligochaete, worm LC50 96 h 690 ug/L Gammarus pulex Scud LC50 48 h 700 ug/L Hydra oligactis Hydra LC50 48 h 730 ug/L Tubificidae Oligochaete family LC50 48 h 1000 ug/L Streptocephalus texanus Fairy shrimp LC50 24 h 1040 ug/L Sphaerium novaezelandiae Fingernail clam LC50 96 h 1100 ug/L Pteronarcys dorsata Stonefly LC50 96 h 1210 ug/L Philarctus quaeris Caddisfly LC50 96 h 1260 ug/L Callibaetis skokianus Mayfly LC50 96 h 1300 ug/L Stylodrilus heringianus Oligochaete LC50 96 h 1800 ug/L Asellus racovitzai Aquatic sowbug LC50 96 h 2370 ug/L Hirudo medicinalis Leech LC50 48 h 5000 ug/L Cloeon dipterum Mayfly LC50 48 h 5900 ug/L Cypris subglobosa Ostracod LC50 96 h 6560 ug/L Aedes aegypti Yellow fever mosquito LC50 48 h 7200 ug/L Astacus fluviatilis Crayfish LC50 8 d 9000 ug/L Corixa punctata Water boatman LC50 48 h 11000 ug/L Tanytarsus dissimilis Midge LC50 48 h 19000 ug/L Culex tritaeniorhynchus Mosquito LC50 24 h 20900 ug/L Culex pipiens House mosquito LC50 48 h 34000 ug/L Ischnura elegans Damselfly LC50 48 h 42000 ug/L Mysis relicta Opossum shrimp LC50 96 h 54100 ug/L Orconectes immunis Crayfish LC50 96 h 183000 ug/L Deleatidium Mayfly EC50 immobility 96 h 218800 ug/L Daphnia carinata Water flea MATC immobility 14 d 354000 ug/L

Fish Danio rerio Zebra danio MATC mortality 6 d 5 ug/L Pimephales promelas Fathead minnow NR mortality 90 d 6 ug/L Oncorhynchus clarki Cutthroat trout LC50 96 h 10 ug/L Oncorhynchus clarkii Cutthroat trout LC50 96 h 10 ug/L Oncorhynchus mykiss Rainbow trout LC50 96 h 18 ug/L Carassius auratus Goldfish LC50 96 h 23 ug/L Lepomis macrochirus Bluegill LC50 96 h 24 ug/L Oncorhynchus tshawytscha Chinook salmon LC50 96 h 31 ug/L

15


Rutilus rutilus Roach LC50 96 h 38 ug/L Coregonus muksun Whitefish LC50 96 h 43 ug/L Esox lucius Northern pike LC50 96 h 45 ug/L Ictalurus punctatus Channel catfish LC50 96 h 53 ug/L Salmo trutta lacustris Lake trout LC50 96 h 54 ug/L Micropterus salmoides Largemouth bass LC50 120 d 54 ug/L Salmo salar Atlantic salmon LC50 96 h 58 ug/L Alburnus alburnus Bleak LC50 96 h 66 ug/L Jordanella floridae Flagfish LOEC mortality 10 d 75 ug/L Notopterus notopterus Asiatic knifefish LC50 96 h 83 ug/L Catostomus commersoni White sucker LC50 96 h 85 ug/L Oncorhynchus gilae apache Apache trout LC50 96 h 110 ug/L Ptychocheilus lucius Colorado squawfish LC50 96 h 140 ug/L Rasbora daniconius Rasbora LC50 96 h 148 ug/L Nothobranchius guentheri Killifish LC50 24 h 170 ug/L Salmo trutta Brown trout LC50 24 h 200 ug/L Gila elegans Bonytail LC50 96 h 230 ug/L Oryzias latipes Medaka, high-eyes LC50 96 h 240 ug/L Gambusia affinis Western mosquitofish LC50 96 h 278 ug/L Xyrauchen texanus Razorback sucker LC50 96 h 280 ug/L Heteropneustes fossilis Indian catfish LC50 96 h 290 ug/L Poecilia reticulata Guppy LC50 7 d 360 ug/L Colisa fasciata Giant gourami LC50 96 h 450 ug/L

PCP conc. measured in a surface water sample collected from VP-C2 in 2002 680 ug/L Oncorhynchus kisutch Coho salmon NR mortality 24 h 1000 ug/L

Amphibians Xenopus laevis Clawed toad MATC development 14 d 7.1 ug/L Bufo bufo japonicus Toad LC50 96 h 100 ug/L Rana catesbeiana Bullfrog LC50 96 h 207 ug/L Ambystoma mexicanum Mexican axolotl LC50 48 h 300 ug/L

PCP conc. measured in a surface water sample collected from VP-C2 in 2002 680 ug/L Caudiverbera caudiverbera Toad NR mortality 48 h 1500 ug/L

Source: EPA ECOTOX database; full references available on request

16


MATC = maximum allowable toxicant concentration NOEC = no observed effect concentration NR = not recorded

Data reduction steps: (1) obtain all aquatic toxicity data points for PCP (2) across species, delete all endpoints not related to mortality, growth, development or reproduction (3) within each species, select the lowest available toxicity data point

17

Appendix 1. Checklist to Identify Vernal Pools in Massachusetts

_____________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________

MASSACHUSETTS VERNAL POOL DATA SHEETa

Observation date: _______________

Town/city: ___________________________ County: ______________________ State: ____

Location + Time of Observations:

GPS coordinates:

Observer 1: _________________________________

Observer 2: _________________________________

Observer 3: _________________________________

Observer 4: _________________________________

Weather: ____________________________________________________________________

Description of pool:

• pool shape: ____________________________________________________________

• max. length:____________ max. width: _____________ max. depth: _____________

• water description: _______________________________________________________

• sediment description: ____________________________________________________

• aquatic vegetation: ______________________________________________________

• riparian vegetation: ______________________________________________________

• other comments:

a The certification criteria presented in this check list were developed in 2000 by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife (http://www.state.ma.us/dfwele)

- 1 -

http://www.state.ma.us/dfwele

_____________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________

SECTION 1: PHYSICAL (+FISH) ATTRIBUTES

Massachusetts defines a vernal pool based on the attributes described in the table below. Note that these attributes, by themselves, do not identify a vernal pool. One or more of the biological attributes described in section 2 must also be met.

Physical (+ Fish) Attributes Yes No A confined basin depression Located in an area which floods from a rise in a bordering water body Located in an upland area which floods only due to run-off or high ground water Holds water for at least 2 consecutive months in spring and/or summer Lack of a permanently-flowing outlet Typically dries up during most of the summer and fall Devoid of established fish populations NA = not applicable All the physical (+ Fish) attributes must be met for a body of water to be recognized as a vernal pool

COMMENTS:__________________________________________________________________

SECTION 2: BIOLOGICAL ATTRIBUTES

Method 1: The obligate species method

Method 1 for identifying a vernal pool in MA relies on documenting evidence of breeding by any one of six obligate amphibians OR the presence of adult fairy shrimp. In addition, evidence must be provided of a confined basin depression with no permanently flowing outlet.

Amphibian breeding evidence is defined as follows:

1. Breeding adults • Frogs and toads: breeding chorus and/or mated pairs • Salamanders: courting individuals (congressing) and/or spermatophores

2. Egg masses (Two or more egg masses are required) 3. Larvae (tadpoles or salamander larvae) 4. Transforming juveniles

• Frogs and toads: tail remnants evident • Salamanders: gill remnants evident

- 2 -

_____________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________

Method 1: The obligate species method Common

name Latin Name Legal

Statusa Observed? Activity Description Yes No

Breeding Obligate Amphibians Wood frog Rana sylvatica NA

Spotted salamander

ambystoma maculatum

NA

Blue-spotted salamander

Ambystoma laterale

SC

Jefferson salamander

Ambystoma jeffersonianum

SC

Marbled salamander

Ambystoma opacum

T

Eastern spadefoot toad

Scaphiopus holbrooki

T

Adult Obligate Invertebrate fairy shrimp Eubranchipus NA NA = not applicable a status pursuent to the MA Endangered Species Act: SC = special concern; T = threatened

COMMENTS:__________________________________________________________________

Method 2: Facultative species method

Method 2 for identifying a vernal pool in MA relies on documenting evidence of breeding by key amphibians or the presence of certain reptiles or invertebrates. The presence of two or more of the following species must be demonstrated.

Method 2: The facultative species method Common name Latin Name Legal

statusa Observed? Activity description Yes No

Breeding Facultative Amphibiansb

Spring peeper Pseudacris crucifer NA Gray treefrog Hyla versicolor NA American toad Bufo americanus NA Fowler’s toad Bufo woodhousii NA Green frog Rana c. melanota NA Pickerel frog Rana palustris NA Leopard frog Rana pipiens NA Four-toed salamander

Hemidactylium scutatum

listed

Red-spotted newtb N. viridescens NA Reptiles

Spotted turtle Clemmys guttata listed

- 3 -

____________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________

Method 2: The facultative species method Common name Latin Name Legal

statusa Observed? Activity description Yes No

Blanding’s turtle Emydoidea blandingii listed Wood turtle Clemmys insculpta listed Painted turtle Chrysemys p. pictata NA Snapping turtle Chelydra serpentina NA

Invertebrates Predaceous diving beetle larvae

Dytiscidae NA

Water scorpion Nepidae NA Dragonfly larvae Odonata: Anisoptera NA Damselfly larvae Odonata: Zygoptera NA Dobsonfly larvae Corydalidae NA Whirligig beetle larvae

Gyrinidae NA

Caddisfly larvae Trichoptera NA Leeches Hirundinea NA Fingernail clams Pisidiidae NA Amphibious, air-breathing snails

Basommatophora NA

NA = not applicable a status pursuent to the MA Endangered Species Act: SC = special concern; T = threatened b to satisfy the vernal pool criteria under Method 2, all the amphibians listed in this table (except for the red-spotted newt) must be shown to be breeding in the pool

COMMENTS:__________________________________________________________________

Method 3: the dry pool method

Method 3 for identifying a vernal pool in MA requires evidence of a confined basin depression containing no standing water (dry pool) AND at least one of the following:

• Cases of caddisfly larvae (Trichoptera) • Adults, juveniles or shells of either of the following:

- freshwater clams (Pisidiidae) - amphibious, air-breathing snails (Basommatophora)

• Shed skins (exuvia) of dragonfly or damselfly larvae on vegetation along the edge of the pool

Comments:

- 4 -

Appendix 2. Photographs of Obligate and Facultative Vernal Pool Species

Frogs and Toads Spring Peeper (Pseudacris crucifer)

Gray treefog (Hyla versicolor)

American Toad (Bufo Americanus)

Fowler’s Toad (Bufo woodhousii)

G:\ALLSHARE\ESATBIO\Hath-Patt\vernal pool study\Vernal Pool Identification Sheets\Frogs and Toads Adults.doc

Frogs and Toads Green Frog (Rana clamitans melanota)

female male

Pickerel Frog (Rana palustris)

Leopard Frog (Rana pipiens)

Wood Frog (Rana sylvatica)

Eastern Spadefoot Toad (Scaphiopus holbrookii)

G:\ALLSHARE\ESATBIO\Hath-Patt\vernal pool study\Vernal Pool Identification Sheets\Frogs and Toads Adults.doc

Frogs and Toads

Adult Juvenile Eggs Spring Peeper (Pseudacris crucifer)

Gray treefog (Hyla versicolor)

American Toad (Bufo Americanus)

Fowler’s Toad (Bufo woodhousii)

G:\ALLSHARE\ESATBIO\Hath-Patt\vernal pool study\Vernal Pool Identification Sheets\Frogs and Toads.doc

Frogs and Toads

Green Frog (Rana clamitans melanota)

Pickerel Frog (Rana palustris)

Leopard Frog (Rana pipiens)

Wood Frog (Rana sylvatica)

Eastern Spadefoot Toad (Scaphiopus holbrookii)

G:\ALLSHARE\ESATBIO\Hath-Patt\vernal pool study\Vernal Pool Identification Sheets\Frogs and Toads.doc

Invertebrates

Predaceous Diving Beetle Larvae (Dytiscidae)

Water Scorpion (Nepidae)

Dragonfly Larvae (Odonata: Anisoptera)

Damselfly Larvae (Odonata: Zygoptera)

Dobsonfly Larvae (Corydalidae)

G:\ALLSHARE\ESATBIO\Hath-Patt\vernal pool study\Vernal Pool Identification Sheets\Invertebrates.doc

Invertebrates Whirling Beetle Larvae (Gyrinidae)

Leeches (Hirundinea) Caddisfly Larvae (Trichoptera)

Fingernail clams (Pisidiidae) Amphibious air-breathing snails (Basommatophora)

Fairy Shrimp (Eubranchipus)

Fairy shrimp with eggs

G:\ALLSHARE\ESATBIO\Hath-Patt\vernal pool study\Vernal Pool Identification Sheets\Invertebrates.doc

Salamanders

Four-Toed Salamander (Hemidactylium scutatum)

Red-Spotted Newt (N. viridescens)

Spotted Salamander (Ambystoma maculatum)

Blue Spotted Salamander (Ambystoma maculatum)

Salamanders

Jefferson Salamander (Amystoma jeffersonianum)

Marbled Salamander (Ambystoma opacum)

Turtles Spotted Turtle (Clemmys guttata)

Blanding’s Turtle (Emydoidea blandingii)

Wood Turtle (Clemmys insculpta)

Painted Turtle (Chrysemy p. picta)

Turtles Snapping Turtle (Chelydra serpentina)

Appendix 3. Selected Photographs of Off-Site and On-Site

Temporary Pools Visited During the 2005 Survey

Photograph 1. Certified VP-1 Maple Street

Photograph 2. Certified VP-2 Frederic Street

Photograph 3. Certified VP-3 Piasecki Street

Photograph 4A. VP-C2 on 4/14/2005 Photograph 4B. VP-C2 on 4/26/2005

Photograph 4C. VP-C2 on 6/7/2005 Photograph 4D. VP-C2 on 6/20/2005

Photograph 5A. VP-D1 on 4/14/2005 Photograph 5B. VP-D1 on 6/20/2005



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