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• 1. [Article] Hydrodynamic and Water Quality Modeling of the Chehalis River in Washington

  The Chehalis River Basin is located in the southwest region of Washington and is over 125 miles long flowing through agricultural, residential, industrial, and forest land. Four major rivers, many smaller ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Hydrodynamic and Water Quality Modeling of the Chehalis River in Washington Author: Van Glubt, Sarah, Wells, Scott A., Berger, Chris J. Year: 2017 The Chehalis River Basin is located in the southwest region of Washington and is over 125 miles long flowing through agricultural, residential, industrial, and forest land. Four major rivers, many smaller creeks, five wastewater treatment plants, and groundwater discharge to the Chehalis River. Flooding is a major problem in the relatively flat areas surrounding the cities of Chehalis and Centralia. As a result, construction of a flood-control dam in the upper basin has been proposed. One major concern of constructing a dam is the potentially severe impacts to fish health and habitat. The Chehalis River has routinely violated water quality standards for primarily temperature and dissolved oxygen. CE-QUAL-W2, a two-dimensional (longitudinal and vertical) hydrodynamic and water quality model, was used to simulate the Chehalis River, including free flowing river stretches and stratified (in summer) lake-like stretches. The goals of this research were to assess the flood retention structure’s impacts to water quality, as well as river responses to potential climate change scenarios. In order to use the model to achieve these goals, calibration to field data for flow, temperature, and water quality constituents was performed for the years 2013 and 2014. Once calibration was complete, model scenarios for future climate conditions and dam operating regimes were conducted. Future conditions showed predictions of warmer water temperatures and slight changes to water quality conditions on the river. As fish in the area prefer cooler water temperatures, this could pose a threat to fish health and habitat. Flood retention structures with the purpose of flood retention only (only operating during times of flooding) gave model predictions for daily maximum temperature higher than structures that employed flood retention and flow augmentation (operating during all times of the year). This suggested the management of flow passage or retention by the dam is important for water quality on the river. Title: Hydrodynamic and Water Quality Modeling of the Chehalis River in Washington Author: Van Glubt, Sarah, Wells, Scott A., Berger, Chris J. Year: 2017 The Chehalis River Basin is located in the southwest region of Washington and is over 125 miles long flowing through agricultural, residential, industrial, and forest land. Four major rivers, many smaller creeks, five wastewater treatment plants, and groundwater discharge to the Chehalis River. Flooding is a major problem in the relatively flat areas surrounding the cities of Chehalis and Centralia. As a result, construction of a flood-control dam in the upper basin has been proposed. One major concern of constructing a dam is the potentially severe impacts to fish health and habitat. The Chehalis River has routinely violated water quality standards for primarily temperature and dissolved oxygen. CE-QUAL-W2, a two-dimensional (longitudinal and vertical) hydrodynamic and water quality model, was used to simulate the Chehalis River, including free flowing river stretches and stratified (in summer) lake-like stretches. The goals of this research were to assess the flood retention structure’s impacts to water quality, as well as river responses to potential climate change scenarios. In order to use the model to achieve these goals, calibration to field data for flow, temperature, and water quality constituents was performed for the years 2013 and 2014. Once calibration was complete, model scenarios for future climate conditions and dam operating regimes were conducted. Future conditions showed predictions of warmer water temperatures and slight changes to water quality conditions on the river. As fish in the area prefer cooler water temperatures, this could pose a threat to fish health and habitat. Flood retention structures with the purpose of flood retention only (only operating during times of flooding) gave model predictions for daily maximum temperature higher than structures that employed flood retention and flow augmentation (operating during all times of the year). This suggested the management of flow passage or retention by the dam is important for water quality on the river. Close

• 2. [Article] Modeling the Bull Run River-Reservoir System

  The City of Portland, Water Bureau currently operates 2 Bull Run reservoirs, Reservoir #2 and Reservoir #1 as a water supply source in the Bull Run watershed shown in Figure 1 and Figure 2. The Water Bureau ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Modeling the Bull Run River-Reservoir System Author: Wells, Scott A. Year: 2000 The City of Portland, Water Bureau currently operates 2 Bull Run reservoirs, Reservoir #2 and Reservoir #1 as a water supply source in the Bull Run watershed shown in Figure 1 and Figure 2. The Water Bureau wants to operate their water supply system in order to meet both water supply objectives and fish habitat objectives downstream of the Bull Run reservoirs in Bull Run River. In addition, a third Bull Run reservoir has been proposed as an additional water supply source. This reservoir also may be used to meet water supply and fish habitat objectives in Bull Run River. This proposal addresses performing the following tasks to evaluate these objectives: Gather data to construct a computer simulation model of the Bull Run system including Bull Run River, Bull Run Reservoirs #1 through #3 and the river basin without reservoirs. Ensure that the model accurately represents the system physics, chemistry and biology. Use the model to evaluate how to meet water supply and fish habitat objectives by implementation of management scenarios. Title: Modeling the Bull Run River-Reservoir System Author: Wells, Scott A. Year: 2000 The City of Portland, Water Bureau currently operates 2 Bull Run reservoirs, Reservoir #2 and Reservoir #1 as a water supply source in the Bull Run watershed shown in Figure 1 and Figure 2. The Water Bureau wants to operate their water supply system in order to meet both water supply objectives and fish habitat objectives downstream of the Bull Run reservoirs in Bull Run River. In addition, a third Bull Run reservoir has been proposed as an additional water supply source. This reservoir also may be used to meet water supply and fish habitat objectives in Bull Run River. This proposal addresses performing the following tasks to evaluate these objectives: Gather data to construct a computer simulation model of the Bull Run system including Bull Run River, Bull Run Reservoirs #1 through #3 and the river basin without reservoirs. Ensure that the model accurately represents the system physics, chemistry and biology. Use the model to evaluate how to meet water supply and fish habitat objectives by implementation of management scenarios. Close

• 3. [Article] Modeling the Impact of Water Quality and Food Web Structure on Bull Trout in Two Washington Reservoirs

  Mechanistic models of the hydrodynamics and water quality were developed for Lake Kachess and Lake Keechelus in the Yakima River basin of Eastern Washington. These models were coupled to a fish bioenergetics ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Modeling the Impact of Water Quality and Food Web Structure on Bull Trout in Two Washington Reservoirs Author: Berger, Chris J., Wells, Scott A. Year: 2017 Mechanistic models of the hydrodynamics and water quality were developed for Lake Kachess and Lake Keechelus in the Yakima River basin of Eastern Washington. These models were coupled to a fish bioenergetics model and used to explore management strategies to improve water quality in the reservoirs affecting kokanee production. The models were also applied to evaluate the impacts of the proposed implementation of the Kachess Drought Relief Pumping Plant (KDRPP) projects. The public domain model, CEQUAL-W2 Version 4 (Cole and Wells, 2016) was adapted to model the reservoirs. CEQUAL-W2 is a 2-dimensional (longitudinal-vertical) hydrodynamic and water quality model capable of predicting water surface, velocity, temperature, nutrients, multiple algae, zooplankton, periphyton, and macrophyte species, fish bioenergetics, sediment diagenesis, dissolved oxygen, pH, alkalinity, multiple CBOD groups, multiple suspended solids groups, multiple generic constituents (such as tracer, bacteria, toxics), and multiple organic matter groups, both dissolved and particulate. The model is set up to predict these state variables at longitudinal segments and vertical layers. Comparisons of field data to model predictions were made for water level, temperature, NH4-N, NO3-N, PO4-P, total N, Total P, total organic carbon, alkalinity, zooplankton, pH, chlorophyll a, and dissolved oxygen at multiple reservoir sites at various depths. Title: Modeling the Impact of Water Quality and Food Web Structure on Bull Trout in Two Washington Reservoirs Author: Berger, Chris J., Wells, Scott A. Year: 2017 Mechanistic models of the hydrodynamics and water quality were developed for Lake Kachess and Lake Keechelus in the Yakima River basin of Eastern Washington. These models were coupled to a fish bioenergetics model and used to explore management strategies to improve water quality in the reservoirs affecting kokanee production. The models were also applied to evaluate the impacts of the proposed implementation of the Kachess Drought Relief Pumping Plant (KDRPP) projects. The public domain model, CEQUAL-W2 Version 4 (Cole and Wells, 2016) was adapted to model the reservoirs. CEQUAL-W2 is a 2-dimensional (longitudinal-vertical) hydrodynamic and water quality model capable of predicting water surface, velocity, temperature, nutrients, multiple algae, zooplankton, periphyton, and macrophyte species, fish bioenergetics, sediment diagenesis, dissolved oxygen, pH, alkalinity, multiple CBOD groups, multiple suspended solids groups, multiple generic constituents (such as tracer, bacteria, toxics), and multiple organic matter groups, both dissolved and particulate. The model is set up to predict these state variables at longitudinal segments and vertical layers. Comparisons of field data to model predictions were made for water level, temperature, NH4-N, NO3-N, PO4-P, total N, Total P, total organic carbon, alkalinity, zooplankton, pH, chlorophyll a, and dissolved oxygen at multiple reservoir sites at various depths. Close

• 4. [Article] Estimation of Surface Water Temperature of the Tigris River System in Iraq

  Monitoring surface water temperatures (Tw) in lakes, rivers, and reservoirs is a key component of environmental management and influences water quality by affecting bio-geo chemical reaction rates, altering ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Estimation of Surface Water Temperature of the Tigris River System in Iraq Author: Al-Murib, M., Wells, Scott A., Talke, Stefan A. Year: 2017 Monitoring surface water temperatures (Tw) in lakes, rivers, and reservoirs is a key component of environmental management and influences water quality by affecting bio-geo chemical reaction rates, altering the saturation concentration of dissolved oxygen (DO), and influencing the susceptibility of fish to disease. Temperatures in the Tigris River, one of the largest rivers in the Middle East, are influenced by factors such as heat fluxes at the air-water and human activities such as direct discharge of water to the river. However, modeling and management of water temperature is limited by a paucity of in-situ data, which prevents calibration of models. In this study, we infill data gaps by estimating Tw using the thermal bands of both the Landsat 5 TM and Landsat 7 ETM+ sensors. These satellite-based estimates, typically measured once or twice a month with 60-120m resolution, are then used to develop a regression model that relates daily water temperature to daily air temperature and river flow. These estimates are used to define the Tw boundary conditions for a hydrodynamic and water quality model of the Tigris River based on a 2D implementation of the CE-QUAL-W2 (W2) numerical model. Initial results suggest that there is a significant agreement between modeled and remotely estimated data of Tw. Results suggest that short-wave solar radiation is the most important factor that controls seasonal Tw variations. However, anthropogenic influence is observed as a result of return irrigation flows and flows from Tharthar Lake. Title: Estimation of Surface Water Temperature of the Tigris River System in Iraq Author: Al-Murib, M., Wells, Scott A., Talke, Stefan A. Year: 2017 Monitoring surface water temperatures (Tw) in lakes, rivers, and reservoirs is a key component of environmental management and influences water quality by affecting bio-geo chemical reaction rates, altering the saturation concentration of dissolved oxygen (DO), and influencing the susceptibility of fish to disease. Temperatures in the Tigris River, one of the largest rivers in the Middle East, are influenced by factors such as heat fluxes at the air-water and human activities such as direct discharge of water to the river. However, modeling and management of water temperature is limited by a paucity of in-situ data, which prevents calibration of models. In this study, we infill data gaps by estimating Tw using the thermal bands of both the Landsat 5 TM and Landsat 7 ETM+ sensors. These satellite-based estimates, typically measured once or twice a month with 60-120m resolution, are then used to develop a regression model that relates daily water temperature to daily air temperature and river flow. These estimates are used to define the Tw boundary conditions for a hydrodynamic and water quality model of the Tigris River based on a 2D implementation of the CE-QUAL-W2 (W2) numerical model. Initial results suggest that there is a significant agreement between modeled and remotely estimated data of Tw. Results suggest that short-wave solar radiation is the most important factor that controls seasonal Tw variations. However, anthropogenic influence is observed as a result of return irrigation flows and flows from Tharthar Lake. Close

• 5. [Article] Willamette River Basin Temperature TMDL Model: Model Calibration

  The State of Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is developing a TMDL for temperature in the Willamette River basin shown in Figure 1. The study area included the Willamette River and all ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Willamette River Basin Temperature TMDL Model: Model Calibration Author: Berger, Chris, McKillip, Michael Lee, Annear, Robert Leslie, Khan, Sher Jamal, Wells, Scott A. Year: 2004 The State of Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is developing a TMDL for temperature in the Willamette River basin shown in Figure 1. The study area included the Willamette River and all major tributaries (except the Tualatin River where a TMDL process was already concluded). A large section of the Columbia River was also modeled to provide adequate boundary representation of tidal flows in the lower Willamette River. The Willamette River below the Oregon City Falls in the Portland metropolitan area has a typical diurnal tidal range of 1 m. The development of a dynamic model of temperature and hydrodynamics of the entire river basin incorporating shading were primary requirements of this modeling study. The model would be used by DEQ to set temperature limits on point source dischargers and to evaluate the impact of management strategies on river temperatures to improve fish habitat. Some of these strategies included modifications of the dam at the Willamette River Falls south of Portland and channel reconfigurations. The river basin model was originally divided into several reaches. Individual models were developed for each reach. The models were set-up for each section of the Willamette basin as described in Annear et al. (2004a), the models were calibrated to field data and management strategies were evaluated as described in Annear et al (2004b). This report outlines the model calibration of each of these model sections or elements for both the calibration time periods. The calibration period for each model section differs due to the availability of boundary condition data. The model management simulation scenarios (Annear et al, 2004b) also required boundary condition data that extended past the calibration periods. Title: Willamette River Basin Temperature TMDL Model: Model Calibration Author: Berger, Chris, McKillip, Michael Lee, Annear, Robert Leslie, Khan, Sher Jamal, Wells, Scott A. Year: 2004 The State of Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is developing a TMDL for temperature in the Willamette River basin shown in Figure 1. The study area included the Willamette River and all major tributaries (except the Tualatin River where a TMDL process was already concluded). A large section of the Columbia River was also modeled to provide adequate boundary representation of tidal flows in the lower Willamette River. The Willamette River below the Oregon City Falls in the Portland metropolitan area has a typical diurnal tidal range of 1 m. The development of a dynamic model of temperature and hydrodynamics of the entire river basin incorporating shading were primary requirements of this modeling study. The model would be used by DEQ to set temperature limits on point source dischargers and to evaluate the impact of management strategies on river temperatures to improve fish habitat. Some of these strategies included modifications of the dam at the Willamette River Falls south of Portland and channel reconfigurations. The river basin model was originally divided into several reaches. Individual models were developed for each reach. The models were set-up for each section of the Willamette basin as described in Annear et al. (2004a), the models were calibrated to field data and management strategies were evaluated as described in Annear et al (2004b). This report outlines the model calibration of each of these model sections or elements for both the calibration time periods. The calibration period for each model section differs due to the availability of boundary condition data. The model management simulation scenarios (Annear et al, 2004b) also required boundary condition data that extended past the calibration periods. Close

• 6. [Article] Willamette River Basin Temperature TMDL Model: Model Scenarios

  The State of Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is developing a TMDL for temperature in the Willamette River basin shown in Figure 1. The study area included the Willamette River and all ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Willamette River Basin Temperature TMDL Model: Model Scenarios Author: Annear, Robert Leslie, McKillip, Michael Lee, Khan, Sher Jamal, Berger, Chris, Wells, Scott A. Year: 2004 The State of Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is developing a TMDL for temperature in the Willamette River basin shown in Figure 1. The study area included the Willamette River and all major tributaries (except the Tualatin River where a TMDL process was already concluded). A large section of the Columbia River was also modeled to provide adequate boundary representation of tidal flows in the lower Willamette River. The Willamette River below the Oregon City Falls in the Portland metropolitan area has a typical diurnal tidal range of 1 m. The development of a dynamic model of temperature and hydrodynamics of the entire river basin incorporating shading were primary requirements of this modeling study. The model would be used by DEQ to set temperature limits on point source dischargers and to evaluate the impact of management strategies on river temperatures to improve fish habitat. Some of these strategies included modifications of the dam at the Willamette River Falls south of Portland and channel reconfigurations. Once the models were set-up for each section of the Willamette basin, the model was calibrated to field data and management strategies were evaluated. These are the subjects of two other reports: Annear et al. (2004) and Berger et al. (2004). This report outlines the results of implementing model scenarios for each of the model sections or elements for specific time periods. The model scenario simulation periods used to investigate management scenarios required boundary condition data that extended past the model calibration periods. The model simulation period for year 2001 was from June 1 to October 31 and for year 2002 from April 1 to October 31. Title: Willamette River Basin Temperature TMDL Model: Model Scenarios Author: Annear, Robert Leslie, McKillip, Michael Lee, Khan, Sher Jamal, Berger, Chris, Wells, Scott A. Year: 2004 The State of Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is developing a TMDL for temperature in the Willamette River basin shown in Figure 1. The study area included the Willamette River and all major tributaries (except the Tualatin River where a TMDL process was already concluded). A large section of the Columbia River was also modeled to provide adequate boundary representation of tidal flows in the lower Willamette River. The Willamette River below the Oregon City Falls in the Portland metropolitan area has a typical diurnal tidal range of 1 m. The development of a dynamic model of temperature and hydrodynamics of the entire river basin incorporating shading were primary requirements of this modeling study. The model would be used by DEQ to set temperature limits on point source dischargers and to evaluate the impact of management strategies on river temperatures to improve fish habitat. Some of these strategies included modifications of the dam at the Willamette River Falls south of Portland and channel reconfigurations. Once the models were set-up for each section of the Willamette basin, the model was calibrated to field data and management strategies were evaluated. These are the subjects of two other reports: Annear et al. (2004) and Berger et al. (2004). This report outlines the results of implementing model scenarios for each of the model sections or elements for specific time periods. The model scenario simulation periods used to investigate management scenarios required boundary condition data that extended past the model calibration periods. The model simulation period for year 2001 was from June 1 to October 31 and for year 2002 from April 1 to October 31. Close

• 7. [Article] Willamette River Basin Temperature TMDL Model: Boundary Conditions and Model Setup

  The State of Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is developing a TMDL for temperature in the Willamette River basin shown in Figure 1. The study area included the Willamette River and all ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Willamette River Basin Temperature TMDL Model: Boundary Conditions and Model Setup Author: Annear, Robert Leslie, McKillip, Michael Lee, Khan, Sher Jamal, Berger, Chris, Wells, Scott A. Year: 2004 The State of Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is developing a TMDL for temperature in the Willamette River basin shown in Figure 1. The study area included the Willamette River and all major tributaries (except the Tualatin River where a TMDL process was already concluded). A large section of the Columbia River was also modeled to provide adequate boundary representation of tidal flows in the lower Willamette River. The Willamette River below the Oregon City Falls in the Portland metropolitan area has a typical diurnal tidal range of 1 m. The development of a dynamic model of temperature and hydrodynamics of the entire river basin incorporating shading were primary requirements of this modeling study. The model would be used by DEQ to set temperature limits on point source dischargers and to evaluate the impact of management strategies on river temperatures to improve fish habitat. Some of these strategies included modifications of the dam at the Willamette River Falls south of Portland and channel reconfigurations. Once the models were set-up for each section of the Willamette basin, the model was calibrated to field data and management strategies were evaluated. These are the subjects of two other reports: Annear et al. (2004b) and Berger et al. (2004). This report outlines the model development of each of these model sections or elements for both the calibration time periods and the management scenario time periods. The calibration period for each model section differs due to the availability of boundary condition data. The model simulation periods used to investigate management scenarios (Annear et al, 2004b) also required boundary condition data that extended past the calibration periods. Title: Willamette River Basin Temperature TMDL Model: Boundary Conditions and Model Setup Author: Annear, Robert Leslie, McKillip, Michael Lee, Khan, Sher Jamal, Berger, Chris, Wells, Scott A. Year: 2004 The State of Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is developing a TMDL for temperature in the Willamette River basin shown in Figure 1. The study area included the Willamette River and all major tributaries (except the Tualatin River where a TMDL process was already concluded). A large section of the Columbia River was also modeled to provide adequate boundary representation of tidal flows in the lower Willamette River. The Willamette River below the Oregon City Falls in the Portland metropolitan area has a typical diurnal tidal range of 1 m. The development of a dynamic model of temperature and hydrodynamics of the entire river basin incorporating shading were primary requirements of this modeling study. The model would be used by DEQ to set temperature limits on point source dischargers and to evaluate the impact of management strategies on river temperatures to improve fish habitat. Some of these strategies included modifications of the dam at the Willamette River Falls south of Portland and channel reconfigurations. Once the models were set-up for each section of the Willamette basin, the model was calibrated to field data and management strategies were evaluated. These are the subjects of two other reports: Annear et al. (2004b) and Berger et al. (2004). This report outlines the model development of each of these model sections or elements for both the calibration time periods and the management scenario time periods. The calibration period for each model section differs due to the availability of boundary condition data. The model simulation periods used to investigate management scenarios (Annear et al, 2004b) also required boundary condition data that extended past the calibration periods. Close

• 8. [Article] The Bull Run River–Reservoir System Model

  The Bull Run watershed is located 41.8 kilometers east of Portland, Oregon in the Mt. Hood National Forest and consists of two reservoirs supplying drinking water to over 840,000 people in the Portland ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: The Bull Run River–Reservoir System Model Author: Annear, Robert Leslie, Wells, Scott A. Year: 2002 The Bull Run watershed is located 41.8 kilometers east of Portland, Oregon in the Mt. Hood National Forest and consists of two reservoirs supplying drinking water to over 840,000 people in the Portland metropolitan area. In March 1998 Steelhead and Spring Chinook were listed as threatened in the Lower Columbia basin under the Endangered Species Act. Historical reservoir operations during the summer released no water downstream resulting in stream temperatures exceeding the state water quality standard for salmonids. CE-QUAL-W2 Version 3 is a two-dimensional water quality and hydrodynamic model capable of modeling watersheds with interconnected rivers, reservoirs and estuaries. CE-QUAL-W2 Version 3 was used to model temperature in the reservoirs and river to investigate management strategies to meet water demand and fish habitat requirements. Management strategies evaluated included adding selective withdrawal, increasing reservoir size, constructing a new water supply reservoir, and altering selective withdrawal operations from historical patterns. Title: The Bull Run River–Reservoir System Model Author: Annear, Robert Leslie, Wells, Scott A. Year: 2002 The Bull Run watershed is located 41.8 kilometers east of Portland, Oregon in the Mt. Hood National Forest and consists of two reservoirs supplying drinking water to over 840,000 people in the Portland metropolitan area. In March 1998 Steelhead and Spring Chinook were listed as threatened in the Lower Columbia basin under the Endangered Species Act. Historical reservoir operations during the summer released no water downstream resulting in stream temperatures exceeding the state water quality standard for salmonids. CE-QUAL-W2 Version 3 is a two-dimensional water quality and hydrodynamic model capable of modeling watersheds with interconnected rivers, reservoirs and estuaries. CE-QUAL-W2 Version 3 was used to model temperature in the reservoirs and river to investigate management strategies to meet water demand and fish habitat requirements. Management strategies evaluated included adding selective withdrawal, increasing reservoir size, constructing a new water supply reservoir, and altering selective withdrawal operations from historical patterns. Close