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• 1. [Article] Convergent Surface Water Distributions in U.S. Cities

  Earth's surface is rapidly urbanizing, resulting in dramatic changes in the abundance, distribution and character of surface water features in urban landscapes. However,the scope and consequences of surface ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Convergent Surface Water Distributions in U.S. Cities Author: Steele, Meredith K., Heffernan, James B., Bettez, Neil D., Cavender-Bares, Jeannine, Groffman, Peter M., Grove, J. Morgan, Hall, Sharon J., Hobbie, Sarah E., Larson, Kelli L., Morse, Jennifer L., Neill, Christopher, Nelson, Kristen C., O'Neil-Dunne, Jarlath, Ogden, Laura A., Pataki, Diane E., Polsky, Colin, Chowdhury, Rinku Roy Year: 2014 Earth's surface is rapidly urbanizing, resulting in dramatic changes in the abundance, distribution and character of surface water features in urban landscapes. However,the scope and consequences of surface water redistribution at broad spatialscales are not well understood. We hypothesized that urbanization would lead to convergent surface water abundance and distribution: in other words, cities will gain or lose water such that they become more similar to each other than are their surrounding natural landscapes. Using a database of more than 1 million water bodies and 1 million km of streams, we compared the surface water of 100 US cities with their surrounding undeveloped land. We evaluated differences in areal ( A) and numeric densities ( N) of water bodies (lakes, wetlands, and so on), the morphological characteristics of water bodies (size), and the density ( D) of surface flow channels (that is, streams and rivers). The variance of urban A, N, and D across the 100 MSAs decreased, by 89, 25, and 71%, respectively, compared to undeveloped land. These data show that many cities are surface water poor relative to undeveloped land; however, in drier landscapesurbanization increases the occurrence of surface water. This convergence pattern strengthened with development intensity, such that high intensityurban development had an areal water body density 98% less than undeveloped lands. Urbanization appears to drive the convergence of hydrological features across the US, such that surface water distributions of cities are more similar to each other than to their surrounding landscapes. Title: Convergent Surface Water Distributions in U.S. Cities Author: Steele, Meredith K., Heffernan, James B., Bettez, Neil D., Cavender-Bares, Jeannine, Groffman, Peter M., Grove, J. Morgan, Hall, Sharon J., Hobbie, Sarah E., Larson, Kelli L., Morse, Jennifer L., Neill, Christopher, Nelson, Kristen C., O'Neil-Dunne, Jarlath, Ogden, Laura A., Pataki, Diane E., Polsky, Colin, Chowdhury, Rinku Roy Year: 2014 Earth's surface is rapidly urbanizing, resulting in dramatic changes in the abundance, distribution and character of surface water features in urban landscapes. However,the scope and consequences of surface water redistribution at broad spatialscales are not well understood. We hypothesized that urbanization would lead to convergent surface water abundance and distribution: in other words, cities will gain or lose water such that they become more similar to each other than are their surrounding natural landscapes. Using a database of more than 1 million water bodies and 1 million km of streams, we compared the surface water of 100 US cities with their surrounding undeveloped land. We evaluated differences in areal ( A) and numeric densities ( N) of water bodies (lakes, wetlands, and so on), the morphological characteristics of water bodies (size), and the density ( D) of surface flow channels (that is, streams and rivers). The variance of urban A, N, and D across the 100 MSAs decreased, by 89, 25, and 71%, respectively, compared to undeveloped land. These data show that many cities are surface water poor relative to undeveloped land; however, in drier landscapesurbanization increases the occurrence of surface water. This convergence pattern strengthened with development intensity, such that high intensityurban development had an areal water body density 98% less than undeveloped lands. Urbanization appears to drive the convergence of hydrological features across the US, such that surface water distributions of cities are more similar to each other than to their surrounding landscapes. Close

• 2. [Article] Impact of Groundwater Contamination in East Multnomah County on the Interlachen Community

  The Friends of Blue and Fairview Lake through the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Technical Assistance Grant (TAG) program contracted with Portland State University faculty and staff to provide an ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Impact of Groundwater Contamination in East Multnomah County on the Interlachen Community Author: Wells, Scott A., Li, ShuGuang, Beeson, Marvin, Cummings, Michael, Pratt, Richard, Annear, Robert Leslie, Brandt, Karann Year: 1996 The Friends of Blue and Fairview Lake through the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Technical Assistance Grant (TAG) program contracted with Portland State University faculty and staff to provide an independent review of the groundwater contamination problem at the Boeing-Cascade site in East Multnomah County. An independent consultant, Karann Brandt, of PRC Environmental Management, Inc., was also assisting the panel with the review. The region of groundwater contamination is a 2.5 square mile region bounded by NE Halsey Blvd. to the Columbia River and NE 178th to NE 223rd (see Figure 1). The groundwater contamination is primarily of volatile organic compounds (like trichloroethylene or TCE). The approximate plume extent is shown in Figure 2 in one of the principal aquifers, the Troutdale Sandstone Aquifer (TSA). Since the Interlachen community in the area of Blue and Fairview Lakes uses groundwater as a community water supply and the lakes as a recreation resource, there are concerns that the groundwater contamination could seriously affect the community by contaminating their water supply and surface water bodies (Fairview Lake, Blue Lake, Columbia Slough) in their vicinity. Much work has been accomplished already by responsible parties (Boeing and Cascade Corporations and their conconsultants. The community was able to secure the EPA TAG to provide an independent review of the contamination problem facing their community and to assist the community in understanding the nature of the contamination problem. Issues of concern identified from this review will be recommended for incorporation in the Department of Environmental Quality’s (DEQ) final Record of Decision concerning site remediation efforts. This review will help assure remediation strategies that protect groundwater and surface water for the Interlachen community will be pursued by the responsible parties. Title: Impact of Groundwater Contamination in East Multnomah County on the Interlachen Community Author: Wells, Scott A., Li, ShuGuang, Beeson, Marvin, Cummings, Michael, Pratt, Richard, Annear, Robert Leslie, Brandt, Karann Year: 1996 The Friends of Blue and Fairview Lake through the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Technical Assistance Grant (TAG) program contracted with Portland State University faculty and staff to provide an independent review of the groundwater contamination problem at the Boeing-Cascade site in East Multnomah County. An independent consultant, Karann Brandt, of PRC Environmental Management, Inc., was also assisting the panel with the review. The region of groundwater contamination is a 2.5 square mile region bounded by NE Halsey Blvd. to the Columbia River and NE 178th to NE 223rd (see Figure 1). The groundwater contamination is primarily of volatile organic compounds (like trichloroethylene or TCE). The approximate plume extent is shown in Figure 2 in one of the principal aquifers, the Troutdale Sandstone Aquifer (TSA). Since the Interlachen community in the area of Blue and Fairview Lakes uses groundwater as a community water supply and the lakes as a recreation resource, there are concerns that the groundwater contamination could seriously affect the community by contaminating their water supply and surface water bodies (Fairview Lake, Blue Lake, Columbia Slough) in their vicinity. Much work has been accomplished already by responsible parties (Boeing and Cascade Corporations and their conconsultants. The community was able to secure the EPA TAG to provide an independent review of the contamination problem facing their community and to assist the community in understanding the nature of the contamination problem. Issues of concern identified from this review will be recommended for incorporation in the Department of Environmental Quality’s (DEQ) final Record of Decision concerning site remediation efforts. This review will help assure remediation strategies that protect groundwater and surface water for the Interlachen community will be pursued by the responsible parties. Close

• 3. [Article] Application of Mathematical Modeling and Computer Simulation for Solving Water Quality Problems

  Deteriorated water resources in Central and Eastern Europe call for actions that should be undertaken to improve current conditions and to protect human and environmental health. Mathematical modeling ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Application of Mathematical Modeling and Computer Simulation for Solving Water Quality Problems Author: Makinia, Jacek, Wells, Scott A., Crawford, David, Kulbik, Marian Year: 1998 Deteriorated water resources in Central and Eastern Europe call for actions that should be undertaken to improve current conditions and to protect human and environmental health. Mathematical modeling and computer simulation is often an integral part of the decision-making process. Models and simulations allow rapid and varied evaluation of causes and effects and the principal advantage is that they enable an analysis of even long-term actions with limited investment costs. This paper provides an overview of popular models used for simulation of major elements of a water quality system: surface water quality (QUAL2E), wastewater treatment (Activated Sludge Model No.1), sewer network (SWMM), and water distribution network (EPANET). Model uses are illustrated by specific examples both in the U.S. or in Central and Eastern Europe. Title: Application of Mathematical Modeling and Computer Simulation for Solving Water Quality Problems Author: Makinia, Jacek, Wells, Scott A., Crawford, David, Kulbik, Marian Year: 1998 Deteriorated water resources in Central and Eastern Europe call for actions that should be undertaken to improve current conditions and to protect human and environmental health. Mathematical modeling and computer simulation is often an integral part of the decision-making process. Models and simulations allow rapid and varied evaluation of causes and effects and the principal advantage is that they enable an analysis of even long-term actions with limited investment costs. This paper provides an overview of popular models used for simulation of major elements of a water quality system: surface water quality (QUAL2E), wastewater treatment (Activated Sludge Model No.1), sewer network (SWMM), and water distribution network (EPANET). Model uses are illustrated by specific examples both in the U.S. or in Central and Eastern Europe. Close

• 4. [Article] CE-QUAL-W2, Version 3

  CE-QUAL-W2 is a two-dimensional water quality and hydrodynamic code supported by the U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center (Cole and Buchak 1995). The model has been widely applied to stratified ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: CE-QUAL-W2, Version 3 Author: Wells, Scott A., Cole, Thomas M. Year: 2000 CE-QUAL-W2 is a two-dimensional water quality and hydrodynamic code supported by the U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center (Cole and Buchak 1995). The model has been widely applied to stratified surface water systems such as lakes, reservoirs, and estuaries and computes water levels, horizontal and vertical velocities, temperature, and 21 other water quality parameters (such as dissolved oxygen, nutrients, organic matter, algae, pH, the carbonate cycle, bacteria, and dissolved and suspended solids). A typical model grid is shown in Figure 1 where the vertical axis is aligned with gravity. This technical note documents the development of CE-QUAL-W2, Version 3, which incorporates sloping riverine sections. Version 3 has the capability of modeling entire river basins with rivers and interconnected lakes, reservoirs, and/or estuaries. Four example applications illustrate the use of Version 3. Title: CE-QUAL-W2, Version 3 Author: Wells, Scott A., Cole, Thomas M. Year: 2000 CE-QUAL-W2 is a two-dimensional water quality and hydrodynamic code supported by the U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center (Cole and Buchak 1995). The model has been widely applied to stratified surface water systems such as lakes, reservoirs, and estuaries and computes water levels, horizontal and vertical velocities, temperature, and 21 other water quality parameters (such as dissolved oxygen, nutrients, organic matter, algae, pH, the carbonate cycle, bacteria, and dissolved and suspended solids). A typical model grid is shown in Figure 1 where the vertical axis is aligned with gravity. This technical note documents the development of CE-QUAL-W2, Version 3, which incorporates sloping riverine sections. Version 3 has the capability of modeling entire river basins with rivers and interconnected lakes, reservoirs, and/or estuaries. Four example applications illustrate the use of Version 3. Close

• 5. [Article] Validation of the CE-QUAL-W2 Version 3 River Basin Hydrodynamic and Water Quality Model

  CE-QUAL-W2 Version 3, a 2-D (longitudinal-vertical) hydrodynamic and water quality model for river basins combining both river and stratified river-estuary and lakereservoir flow, is a development product ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Validation of the CE-QUAL-W2 Version 3 River Basin Hydrodynamic and Water Quality Model Author: Wells, Scott A. Year: 2002 CE-QUAL-W2 Version 3, a 2-D (longitudinal-vertical) hydrodynamic and water quality model for river basins combining both river and stratified river-estuary and lakereservoir flow, is a development product of the Waterways Experiment Station in Vicksburg, MS, USA. With the development and release of any revised or reformulated model codes, significant model validation is required. This includes comparison of model results to simple analytical solutions for hydrodynamics and water quality transport, as well as comparison to laboratory and field data. In this paper, the model is compared to numerous analytical solutions for mass transport (1-D advective mass transport) and hydrodynamics (impulsive wind stress on water surface, seiching). Suggestions are presented for proper validation protocols for hydrodynamic and water quality models. Title: Validation of the CE-QUAL-W2 Version 3 River Basin Hydrodynamic and Water Quality Model Author: Wells, Scott A. Year: 2002 CE-QUAL-W2 Version 3, a 2-D (longitudinal-vertical) hydrodynamic and water quality model for river basins combining both river and stratified river-estuary and lakereservoir flow, is a development product of the Waterways Experiment Station in Vicksburg, MS, USA. With the development and release of any revised or reformulated model codes, significant model validation is required. This includes comparison of model results to simple analytical solutions for hydrodynamics and water quality transport, as well as comparison to laboratory and field data. In this paper, the model is compared to numerous analytical solutions for mass transport (1-D advective mass transport) and hydrodynamics (impulsive wind stress on water surface, seiching). Suggestions are presented for proper validation protocols for hydrodynamic and water quality models. Close

• 6. [Article] Basis of the CE-QUAL-W2 Version 3 River Basin Hydrodynamic and Water Quality Model

  CE-QUAL-W2 Version 3, a 2-D (longitudinal-vertical) hydrodynamic and water quality model for river basins combining both river and stratified river-estuary and lake-reservoir flow, is a development product ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Basis of the CE-QUAL-W2 Version 3 River Basin Hydrodynamic and Water Quality Model Author: Wells, Scott A. Year: 2002 CE-QUAL-W2 Version 3, a 2-D (longitudinal-vertical) hydrodynamic and water quality model for river basins combining both river and stratified river-estuary and lake-reservoir flow, is a development product of the Waterways Experiment Station in Vicksburg, MS, USA. With the development and release of any revised or reformulated model codes, significant model validation is required. This includes comparison of model results to simple analytical solutions for hydrodynamics and water quality transport, as well as comparison to laboratory and field data. In this paper, the model is compared to numerous analytical solutions for mass transport (1- D advective mass transport) and hydrodynamics (impulsive wind stress on water surface, seiching). Suggestions are presented for proper validation protocols for hydrodynamic and water quality models. Title: Basis of the CE-QUAL-W2 Version 3 River Basin Hydrodynamic and Water Quality Model Author: Wells, Scott A. Year: 2002 CE-QUAL-W2 Version 3, a 2-D (longitudinal-vertical) hydrodynamic and water quality model for river basins combining both river and stratified river-estuary and lake-reservoir flow, is a development product of the Waterways Experiment Station in Vicksburg, MS, USA. With the development and release of any revised or reformulated model codes, significant model validation is required. This includes comparison of model results to simple analytical solutions for hydrodynamics and water quality transport, as well as comparison to laboratory and field data. In this paper, the model is compared to numerous analytical solutions for mass transport (1- D advective mass transport) and hydrodynamics (impulsive wind stress on water surface, seiching). Suggestions are presented for proper validation protocols for hydrodynamic and water quality models. Close

• 7. [Article] CE-QUAL-W2 Version 3: Hydrodynamic and Water Quality River Basin Modeling

  CE-QUAL-W2 is a two-dimensional (longitudinal-vertical) water quality and hydrodynamic computer simulation model that was originally developed for deep, long, and narrow waterbodies. The current model, ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: CE-QUAL-W2 Version 3: Hydrodynamic and Water Quality River Basin Modeling Author: Wells, Scott A. Year: 2000 CE-QUAL-W2 is a two-dimensional (longitudinal-vertical) water quality and hydrodynamic computer simulation model that was originally developed for deep, long, and narrow waterbodies. The current model, Version 2, has been used in over 200 river, reservoir/lake, and estuary applications throughout the U.S. and abroad. Version 2, though, cannot accommodate systems that have a significant sloping water surface since the vertical coordinate system is aligned with gravity and vertical accelerations are neglected. The governing equations for CE-QUAL-W2 were re-derived so that it could be applied to entire river basins including river-estuary, lake-river, and reservoir-river systems with channel slopes. This re-derivation is one of many improvements for the Version 3 code. Other improvements include improved numerical schemes, improved and additional water quality algorithms, and algorithms for addition of hydraulic structures (weirs, gates, culverts) between model segments. Test cases for this new code include a 244 km section of the Lower Snake River in Idaho and Oregon; the Bull Run River basin composed of 3 water supply reservoirs and 2 river sections with a 2.2% and a 1.4% average slope in the Oregon Cascade mountains; and the Columbia Slough system in Portland, OR, composed of 33 separate lake systems connected by hydraulic structures and a fresh-water tidal region. Title: CE-QUAL-W2 Version 3: Hydrodynamic and Water Quality River Basin Modeling Author: Wells, Scott A. Year: 2000 CE-QUAL-W2 is a two-dimensional (longitudinal-vertical) water quality and hydrodynamic computer simulation model that was originally developed for deep, long, and narrow waterbodies. The current model, Version 2, has been used in over 200 river, reservoir/lake, and estuary applications throughout the U.S. and abroad. Version 2, though, cannot accommodate systems that have a significant sloping water surface since the vertical coordinate system is aligned with gravity and vertical accelerations are neglected. The governing equations for CE-QUAL-W2 were re-derived so that it could be applied to entire river basins including river-estuary, lake-river, and reservoir-river systems with channel slopes. This re-derivation is one of many improvements for the Version 3 code. Other improvements include improved numerical schemes, improved and additional water quality algorithms, and algorithms for addition of hydraulic structures (weirs, gates, culverts) between model segments. Test cases for this new code include a 244 km section of the Lower Snake River in Idaho and Oregon; the Bull Run River basin composed of 3 water supply reservoirs and 2 river sections with a 2.2% and a 1.4% average slope in the Oregon Cascade mountains; and the Columbia Slough system in Portland, OR, composed of 33 separate lake systems connected by hydraulic structures and a fresh-water tidal region. Close

• 8. [Article] Lake Whatcom Water Quality Model

  A water quality model of Lake Whatcom, Washington was developed as part of a Total Maximum Daily Load Study for the Washington Department of Ecology. Lake Whatcom is a large natural lake which is listed ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Lake Whatcom Water Quality Model Author: Berger, Chris Year: 2005 A water quality model of Lake Whatcom, Washington was developed as part of a Total Maximum Daily Load Study for the Washington Department of Ecology. Lake Whatcom is a large natural lake which is listed on the 1998 Washington State 303(d) list of waterbodies which do not meet the criterion for dissolved oxygen. Located next to the city of Bellingham, it is approximately 10 miles long and has a surface area of approximately 5000 acres and a maximum depth of over 100 meters. Eutrophication processes in the lake have been accelerated in recent years perhaps by the availability of nutrients from tributary discharges to the basin. Many of these tributaries have accelerated their nutrient loading to the system as a result of development in the watershed. The lake is being modeled using the Corps of Engineer’s model CE-QUAL-W2, which is a two-dimensional, hydrodynamic and water quality model. The project is managed by the Washington Department of Ecology which plans to make recommendations for reduction and allocation of pollutant loads. The objectives of this study were then to develop a hydrodynamic and water quality model of Lake Whatcom, calibrate the model to field data collected from February 2002 through December 2003, and use the model to evaluate strategies for water quality improvement. Title: Lake Whatcom Water Quality Model Author: Berger, Chris Year: 2005 A water quality model of Lake Whatcom, Washington was developed as part of a Total Maximum Daily Load Study for the Washington Department of Ecology. Lake Whatcom is a large natural lake which is listed on the 1998 Washington State 303(d) list of waterbodies which do not meet the criterion for dissolved oxygen. Located next to the city of Bellingham, it is approximately 10 miles long and has a surface area of approximately 5000 acres and a maximum depth of over 100 meters. Eutrophication processes in the lake have been accelerated in recent years perhaps by the availability of nutrients from tributary discharges to the basin. Many of these tributaries have accelerated their nutrient loading to the system as a result of development in the watershed. The lake is being modeled using the Corps of Engineer’s model CE-QUAL-W2, which is a two-dimensional, hydrodynamic and water quality model. The project is managed by the Washington Department of Ecology which plans to make recommendations for reduction and allocation of pollutant loads. The objectives of this study were then to develop a hydrodynamic and water quality model of Lake Whatcom, calibrate the model to field data collected from February 2002 through December 2003, and use the model to evaluate strategies for water quality improvement. Close

• 9. [Article] Continuous Deflection Separation of Stormwater Particulates

  Capture of stormwater particulate matter is of concern to watershed managers trying to meet water quality guidelines by removing toxics associated with particulates from natural water bodies. A laboratory ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Continuous Deflection Separation of Stormwater Particulates Author: Schwarz, Tracy S., Wells, Scott A. Year: 1999 Capture of stormwater particulate matter is of concern to watershed managers trying to meet water quality guidelines by removing toxics associated with particulates from natural water bodies. A laboratory investigation into particle removal efficiency of a prototype Continuous Deflective Separation (CDS) device was made in the laboratory. Particle size distributions were obtained for roadway drainage surfaces. These distributions were used to assess the predicted performance of a CDS unit in the field. Flow rates in the laboratory tests ranged from 125 GPM (7.9 l/s) to 270 GPM (17.0 l/s). Screen sizes used for testing were 1200 m and 2400 m. Using four different sand types and the two screen sizes, particle capture rates were determined for the CDS unit. Internal velocities were measured at seventy-two measuring positions within the main chamber of the CDS unit. At 270 GPM capture rates based on particle size ranged from 12% to 100% with the 2400 m screen, and 22% to 100% with the 1200 m screen. Cumulative mass capture rates were 73% and 70% for the 1200 m and 2400 m screens, respectively, at 270 gpm and 84% at 125 gpm for the given particle distribution used. Title: Continuous Deflection Separation of Stormwater Particulates Author: Schwarz, Tracy S., Wells, Scott A. Year: 1999 Capture of stormwater particulate matter is of concern to watershed managers trying to meet water quality guidelines by removing toxics associated with particulates from natural water bodies. A laboratory investigation into particle removal efficiency of a prototype Continuous Deflective Separation (CDS) device was made in the laboratory. Particle size distributions were obtained for roadway drainage surfaces. These distributions were used to assess the predicted performance of a CDS unit in the field. Flow rates in the laboratory tests ranged from 125 GPM (7.9 l/s) to 270 GPM (17.0 l/s). Screen sizes used for testing were 1200 m and 2400 m. Using four different sand types and the two screen sizes, particle capture rates were determined for the CDS unit. Internal velocities were measured at seventy-two measuring positions within the main chamber of the CDS unit. At 270 GPM capture rates based on particle size ranged from 12% to 100% with the 2400 m screen, and 22% to 100% with the 1200 m screen. Cumulative mass capture rates were 73% and 70% for the 1200 m and 2400 m screens, respectively, at 270 gpm and 84% at 125 gpm for the given particle distribution used. Close