(1954–1955) Segment Completion Report: Pollution Studies, Project No. F-5-R-2, Job C-1

--- Page 1 --- COMMHO KivE&dé—- Poecurtonw STATE Texas PROJECT NO. F-5-R-2, Job C~1 PERIOD_ June 22, 1954 ~ May 1, 1955 Segment Completion Report Lawrence S. Campbell Project Leader William G. MeClelland Assistant Project Leader TITLE ‘Pollution Studies. OBJECTIVES To determine the source and nature of natural and man-made pollutants which affect the fish populations. PROCEDURE In conjunction with other jobs for this project, a search was made for sources of pollution in all of the waters under study. FINDING During the segment, pollution of the Concho River occurred when a sewage retaining tank, owned by the city of San Angelo, overflowed and released raw sewage into the stream. An examination of the damaged portion of the stream about five hours after fish were observed surfacing, revealed that the water was virtually de- void of dissolved oxygen. Fish were dying throughout a stream area of about three and one-half miles below the point where the sewage was released. The finding of this investigation was discussed with city authorities, and since additional facili- ties are being added as soon as is practical; no charges have been filed. In March, Goodfellow Air Force Base unintentionally released a large quan- tity of the solvent used in cleaning the exterior of air planes into the Concho River below Bell Street Dam, where the storm sewer empties into the river. A fish kill re- sulted in about the same stream area described above. Damage from this source appeared to be less severe than from the city sewage desposal plant, and, since assurance was given by the base commander that greater caution would be exertised in the future, no further work appeared necessary. SUMMARY 1. Only two instances of pollution were discovered during the segment. Both occurred in the same stream area (three and one~half miles of the Concho River below San Angelo beginning with Bell Street Dam and extending in a general south east direction). --- Page 2 --- 2. Sewage pollution occurred when a sewage retaining tank, owned by the city of San Angelo, overflowed into the Concho River. Solvent used in the cleaning of air craft was accidentally released by Goodfellow Air Force Base into the same stream area of the Concho River. Effective remedies are being put into effect by both agencies.