43_ 



JOHN VLASTELICIA 



the distributions of waste and related water quality In 



the receiving waters. 



Then a program of water circulation studies 

 to relate the observed distributions of waste and v;ater 

 quality to hydraulic features of the area. 



And third, bottom sampling surveys to de- 

 scribe the composition and extent of sludge beds. 



Novv'j while each study area represents a 

 separate waste-receiving environment, there are certain 

 oceanographic features which are characteristic to all. 

 One of considerable importance to the eventual distribution 

 of wastes is the near-surface density stratification which 

 persists in varying degrees throughout Puget Sound. Fresh- 

 water land drainage, being less dense than the saline 

 receiving waters of the Sound, stratifies near the surface. 

 The stability of this layer, of this surface layer, 

 inhibits vertical mixing; thus pulp and paper mill wastes, 

 also of lighter density than seawater, are generally 

 distributed near the surface over wide sectors of the 

 study area. 



It is these same surface waters in which 

 are found most of the sensitive marine organisms which 

 are most likely to be adversely affected by pulp and paper 

 mill wastes. 



