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• 1. [Article] Effects of Beaver Dams on Surface Water Flow During Storm Events in an Urban Landscape

  Urban land-use generally alters the hydrologic cycle, leading to changes in the natural flow regime of local streams. Runoff from impervious surfaces and routing of stormwater to streams causes urban streams ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Effects of Beaver Dams on Surface Water Flow During Storm Events in an Urban Landscape Author: Poor, Erin Year: 2017 Urban land-use generally alters the hydrologic cycle, leading to changes in the natural flow regime of local streams. Runoff from impervious surfaces and routing of stormwater to streams causes urban streams to respond quickly and more intensely to storm events-more so than then would be observed in a less urbanized landscape. The rapid pulse of water that is routed to streams during precipitation events can degrade the physical structure of the channel and alter water quality and habitat availability. To manage these common urban stream issues, agencies have been seeking alternative ways of restoring and enhancing resilience in urban stream networks within the constraints of existing infrastructure. One potential strategy may be to support beaver recolonization of urban streams. This is because beaver dam building activity has been found to attenuate streamflow in areas that have experienced minimal human impact. Currently, however, no studies have been published that examine how beaver dams affect stream flow in altered urban systems. This study seeks to determine if the presence of beaver dams and ponds in urban stream reaches in the Tualatin River basin, Oregon, modifies the stream’s response to storm events. Continuous surface water levels are being collected upstream and downstream of two beaver affected reaches in order to determine how the presence of dams and ponds affect the flow regime, and whether this more closely resembles a less degraded state. Title: Effects of Beaver Dams on Surface Water Flow During Storm Events in an Urban Landscape Author: Poor, Erin Year: 2017 Urban land-use generally alters the hydrologic cycle, leading to changes in the natural flow regime of local streams. Runoff from impervious surfaces and routing of stormwater to streams causes urban streams to respond quickly and more intensely to storm events-more so than then would be observed in a less urbanized landscape. The rapid pulse of water that is routed to streams during precipitation events can degrade the physical structure of the channel and alter water quality and habitat availability. To manage these common urban stream issues, agencies have been seeking alternative ways of restoring and enhancing resilience in urban stream networks within the constraints of existing infrastructure. One potential strategy may be to support beaver recolonization of urban streams. This is because beaver dam building activity has been found to attenuate streamflow in areas that have experienced minimal human impact. Currently, however, no studies have been published that examine how beaver dams affect stream flow in altered urban systems. This study seeks to determine if the presence of beaver dams and ponds in urban stream reaches in the Tualatin River basin, Oregon, modifies the stream’s response to storm events. Continuous surface water levels are being collected upstream and downstream of two beaver affected reaches in order to determine how the presence of dams and ponds affect the flow regime, and whether this more closely resembles a less degraded state. Close

• 2. [Article] Modeling Macrophytes of the Columbia Slough, Oregon

  The Columbia Slough is a tidally influenced freshwater system of wetlands, channels, and lakes located within the Portland, Oregon metropolitan area at the confluence of the Willamette and Columbia Rivers. ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Modeling Macrophytes of the Columbia Slough, Oregon Author: Berger, Chris, Wells, Scott A. Year: 1999 The Columbia Slough is a tidally influenced freshwater system of wetlands, channels, and lakes located within the Portland, Oregon metropolitan area at the confluence of the Willamette and Columbia Rivers. It is a eutrophic water body susceptible to algae blooms and crashes and periods of high pH which violate water quality standards. High nutrient loads from groundwater principally controls algae productivity. Past structural changes to the Columbia Slough have included filling of wetlands and lakes and the construction of levees, dikes, culverts and irrigation channels. These changes have altered the natural flow dynamics creating an environment more conducive to eutrophication. A hydrodynamic and water quality model was used to evaluate management alternatives to improve water quality in the system. The model was developed using the Corps of Engineers two-dimensional, laterally averaged, dynamic water quality model, CE-QUAL-W2. CE-QUAL-W2 consists of directly coupled hydrodynamic and water quality transport. Recently, a management strategy of flow augmentation using groundwater coupled with shorter in-pool detention times has reduced algae growth. However, the resulting increase in water clarity has created an environment favorable to the growth of aquatic plants. The aquatic plants, or macrophytes, have increased water levels and detention time by increasing channel friction and blockage. Accurate predictions of hydrodynamics were essential for evaluating the water quality impact of flow management strategies. Macrophytes and epiphyton affect nutrient cycling by removing nutrients from the water column and sediment. To help evaluate the study of new management alternatives, the Columbia Slough model was expanded to simulate the water quality and hydrodynamic effects of macrophytes and epiphyton. Title: Modeling Macrophytes of the Columbia Slough, Oregon Author: Berger, Chris, Wells, Scott A. Year: 1999 The Columbia Slough is a tidally influenced freshwater system of wetlands, channels, and lakes located within the Portland, Oregon metropolitan area at the confluence of the Willamette and Columbia Rivers. It is a eutrophic water body susceptible to algae blooms and crashes and periods of high pH which violate water quality standards. High nutrient loads from groundwater principally controls algae productivity. Past structural changes to the Columbia Slough have included filling of wetlands and lakes and the construction of levees, dikes, culverts and irrigation channels. These changes have altered the natural flow dynamics creating an environment more conducive to eutrophication. A hydrodynamic and water quality model was used to evaluate management alternatives to improve water quality in the system. The model was developed using the Corps of Engineers two-dimensional, laterally averaged, dynamic water quality model, CE-QUAL-W2. CE-QUAL-W2 consists of directly coupled hydrodynamic and water quality transport. Recently, a management strategy of flow augmentation using groundwater coupled with shorter in-pool detention times has reduced algae growth. However, the resulting increase in water clarity has created an environment favorable to the growth of aquatic plants. The aquatic plants, or macrophytes, have increased water levels and detention time by increasing channel friction and blockage. Accurate predictions of hydrodynamics were essential for evaluating the water quality impact of flow management strategies. Macrophytes and epiphyton affect nutrient cycling by removing nutrients from the water column and sediment. To help evaluate the study of new management alternatives, the Columbia Slough model was expanded to simulate the water quality and hydrodynamic effects of macrophytes and epiphyton. Close

• 3. [Article] Watershed Response to Climate Change and Fire-Burns in the Upper Umatilla River Basin, USA

  This study analyzed watershed response to climate change and forest fire impacts in the upper Umatilla River Basin (URB), Oregon, using the precipitation runoff modeling system. Ten global climate models ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Watershed Response to Climate Change and Fire-Burns in the Upper Umatilla River Basin, USA Author: Yazzie, Kimberly Crystal, Chang, Heejun Year: 2017 This study analyzed watershed response to climate change and forest fire impacts in the upper Umatilla River Basin (URB), Oregon, using the precipitation runoff modeling system. Ten global climate models using Coupled Intercomparison Project Phase 5 experiments with Representative Concentration Pathways (RCP) 4.5 and 8.5 were used to simulate the effects of climate and fire-burns on runoff behavior throughout the 21st century. We observed the center timing (CT) of flow, seasonal flows, snow water equivalent (SWE) and basin recharge. In the upper URB, hydrologic regime shifts from a snow-rain-dominated to rain-dominated basin. Ensemble mean CT occurs 27 days earlier in RCP 4.5 and 33 days earlier in RCP 8.5, in comparison to historic conditions (1980s) by the end of the 21st century. After forest cover reduction in the 2080s, CT occurs 35 days earlier in RCP 4.5 and 29 days earlier in RCP 8.5. The difference in mean CT after fire-burns may be due to projected changes in the individual climate model. Winter flow is projected to decline after forest cover reduction in the 2080s by 85% and 72% in RCP 4.5 and RCP 8.5, in comparison to 98% change in ensemble mean winter flows in the 2080s before forest cover reduction. The ratio of ensemble mean snow water equivalent to precipitation substantially decreases by 81% and 91% in the 2050s and 2080s before forest cover reduction and a decrease of 90% in RCP 4.5 and 99% in RCP 8.5 in the 2080s after fire-burns. Mean basin recharge is 10% and 14% lower in the 2080s before fire-burns and after fire-burns, and it decreases by 13% in RCP 4.5 and decreases 22% in RCP 8.5 in the 2080s in comparison to historical conditions. Mixed results for recharge after forest cover reduction suggest that an increase may be due to the size of burned areas, decreased canopy interception and less evaporation occurring at the watershed surface, increasing the potential for infiltration. The effects of fire on the watershed system are strongly indicated by a significant increase in winter seasonal flows and a slight reduction in summer flows. Findings from this study may improve adaptive management of water resources, flood control and the effects of fire on a watershed system. Title: Watershed Response to Climate Change and Fire-Burns in the Upper Umatilla River Basin, USA Author: Yazzie, Kimberly Crystal, Chang, Heejun Year: 2017 This study analyzed watershed response to climate change and forest fire impacts in the upper Umatilla River Basin (URB), Oregon, using the precipitation runoff modeling system. Ten global climate models using Coupled Intercomparison Project Phase 5 experiments with Representative Concentration Pathways (RCP) 4.5 and 8.5 were used to simulate the effects of climate and fire-burns on runoff behavior throughout the 21st century. We observed the center timing (CT) of flow, seasonal flows, snow water equivalent (SWE) and basin recharge. In the upper URB, hydrologic regime shifts from a snow-rain-dominated to rain-dominated basin. Ensemble mean CT occurs 27 days earlier in RCP 4.5 and 33 days earlier in RCP 8.5, in comparison to historic conditions (1980s) by the end of the 21st century. After forest cover reduction in the 2080s, CT occurs 35 days earlier in RCP 4.5 and 29 days earlier in RCP 8.5. The difference in mean CT after fire-burns may be due to projected changes in the individual climate model. Winter flow is projected to decline after forest cover reduction in the 2080s by 85% and 72% in RCP 4.5 and RCP 8.5, in comparison to 98% change in ensemble mean winter flows in the 2080s before forest cover reduction. The ratio of ensemble mean snow water equivalent to precipitation substantially decreases by 81% and 91% in the 2050s and 2080s before forest cover reduction and a decrease of 90% in RCP 4.5 and 99% in RCP 8.5 in the 2080s after fire-burns. Mean basin recharge is 10% and 14% lower in the 2080s before fire-burns and after fire-burns, and it decreases by 13% in RCP 4.5 and decreases 22% in RCP 8.5 in the 2080s in comparison to historical conditions. Mixed results for recharge after forest cover reduction suggest that an increase may be due to the size of burned areas, decreased canopy interception and less evaporation occurring at the watershed surface, increasing the potential for infiltration. The effects of fire on the watershed system are strongly indicated by a significant increase in winter seasonal flows and a slight reduction in summer flows. Findings from this study may improve adaptive management of water resources, flood control and the effects of fire on a watershed system. Close

• 4. [Article] Investigating the Link Between Surface Water and Groundwater in the Tule Lake Subbasin, Oregon and California

  Water allocation in the upper Klamath Basin of Oregon and California has been challenging. Irrigators have increasingly turned to groundwater to make up for surface water shortages because of shifts in ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Investigating the Link Between Surface Water and Groundwater in the Tule Lake Subbasin, Oregon and California Author: Pischel, Esther Maria Year: 2014 Water allocation in the upper Klamath Basin of Oregon and California has been challenging. Irrigators have increasingly turned to groundwater to make up for surface water shortages because of shifts in allocation toward in-stream flows for Endangered Species Act listed fishes. The largest increase in groundwater pumping has been in and around the Bureau of Reclamation's Klamath Irrigation Project, which includes the Tule Lake subbasin in the southern part of the upper Klamath Basin. Previous groundwater flow model simulations indicate that water level declines from pumping may result in decreased flow to agricultural drains in the Tule Lake subbasin. Agricultural drains on the Klamath Project are an important source of water for downstream irrigators and for the Tule Lake and Lower Klamath Lake National Wildlife Refuges. To better assess the impact of increased pumping on drain flow and on the water balance of the groundwater system, flow data from agricultural drains were evaluated to investigate the changes that have taken place in groundwater discharge to drains since pumping volumes increased. Additionally, a fine-grid groundwater model of the Tule Lake subbasin was developed based on the existing regional flow model. The fine-grid model has sufficient vertical and horizontal resolution to simulate vertical head gradients, takes advantage of time-series data from 38 observation wells for model calibration, and allows agricultural drains to be more explicitly represented. Results of the drain flow analysis show that the groundwater discharge to agricultural drains has decreased by approximately 4000 hectare-meters from the 1997-2000 average discharge. Most of this decrease takes place in the northern and southeastern portions of the subbasin. Results of the groundwater model show that the initial source of water to wells is groundwater storage. By 2006, approximately 56% of the water from wells is sourced from agricultural drains. Title: Investigating the Link Between Surface Water and Groundwater in the Tule Lake Subbasin, Oregon and California Author: Pischel, Esther Maria Year: 2014 Water allocation in the upper Klamath Basin of Oregon and California has been challenging. Irrigators have increasingly turned to groundwater to make up for surface water shortages because of shifts in allocation toward in-stream flows for Endangered Species Act listed fishes. The largest increase in groundwater pumping has been in and around the Bureau of Reclamation's Klamath Irrigation Project, which includes the Tule Lake subbasin in the southern part of the upper Klamath Basin. Previous groundwater flow model simulations indicate that water level declines from pumping may result in decreased flow to agricultural drains in the Tule Lake subbasin. Agricultural drains on the Klamath Project are an important source of water for downstream irrigators and for the Tule Lake and Lower Klamath Lake National Wildlife Refuges. To better assess the impact of increased pumping on drain flow and on the water balance of the groundwater system, flow data from agricultural drains were evaluated to investigate the changes that have taken place in groundwater discharge to drains since pumping volumes increased. Additionally, a fine-grid groundwater model of the Tule Lake subbasin was developed based on the existing regional flow model. The fine-grid model has sufficient vertical and horizontal resolution to simulate vertical head gradients, takes advantage of time-series data from 38 observation wells for model calibration, and allows agricultural drains to be more explicitly represented. Results of the drain flow analysis show that the groundwater discharge to agricultural drains has decreased by approximately 4000 hectare-meters from the 1997-2000 average discharge. Most of this decrease takes place in the northern and southeastern portions of the subbasin. Results of the groundwater model show that the initial source of water to wells is groundwater storage. By 2006, approximately 56% of the water from wells is sourced from agricultural drains. Close

• 5. [Article] Modeling Density Currents in Circular Clarifiers

  Design of sedimentation tanks for solid-liquid separation is often dependent on assuming ideal flow conditions. But the geometry of the tank and density currents as a result of temperature and suspended ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Modeling Density Currents in Circular Clarifiers Author: Wells, Scott A., LaLiberte, David M. Year: 1998 Design of sedimentation tanks for solid-liquid separation is often dependent on assuming ideal flow conditions. But the geometry of the tank and density currents as a result of temperature and suspended solids influences the fluid mechanics of the tank and can result in significant deviations from ideal flow. A two-dimensional radial flow model was proposed which incorporated the effect of density currents resulting from temperature and suspended solids differentials within the tank. The numerical model predicted the steady-state, layer-averaged radial flow and layer depth. The model solution and field data showed that the momentum and suspended solids of the inflow caused a density current that moved along the clarifier bottom. In the winter, this density current rose as a result of warm inflow water after the initial momentum had decreased and the suspended solids had settled. Title: Modeling Density Currents in Circular Clarifiers Author: Wells, Scott A., LaLiberte, David M. Year: 1998 Design of sedimentation tanks for solid-liquid separation is often dependent on assuming ideal flow conditions. But the geometry of the tank and density currents as a result of temperature and suspended solids influences the fluid mechanics of the tank and can result in significant deviations from ideal flow. A two-dimensional radial flow model was proposed which incorporated the effect of density currents resulting from temperature and suspended solids differentials within the tank. The numerical model predicted the steady-state, layer-averaged radial flow and layer depth. The model solution and field data showed that the momentum and suspended solids of the inflow caused a density current that moved along the clarifier bottom. In the winter, this density current rose as a result of warm inflow water after the initial momentum had decreased and the suspended solids had settled. Close

• 6. [Article] Amaila Falls Hydroelectric Project Model Development and Scenarios

  The focus of this present study is to perform the following tasks: * Develop a hydrodynamic and water quality model of the reservoir formed by the Amaila Falls Hydroelectric Project * Develop and run modeling ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Amaila Falls Hydroelectric Project Model Development and Scenarios Author: Berger, Chris, Wells, Scott A., Wells, Vanessa Year: 2010 The focus of this present study is to perform the following tasks: * Develop a hydrodynamic and water quality model of the reservoir formed by the Amaila Falls Hydroelectric Project * Develop and run modeling scenarios Water quality model simulations of the 23.3 km2 reservoir for Amaila Falls Hydroelectric Project were conducted for low, average, and high flow years. A scenario with no vegetation removed from the reservoir for an average flow was also simulated. Conditions downstream of the reservoir were also modeled using a river model. The model used for the reservoir formed by Amaila Falls Hydroelectric Project is the public domain model, CE-QUAL-W2. Title: Amaila Falls Hydroelectric Project Model Development and Scenarios Author: Berger, Chris, Wells, Scott A., Wells, Vanessa Year: 2010 The focus of this present study is to perform the following tasks: * Develop a hydrodynamic and water quality model of the reservoir formed by the Amaila Falls Hydroelectric Project * Develop and run modeling scenarios Water quality model simulations of the 23.3 km2 reservoir for Amaila Falls Hydroelectric Project were conducted for low, average, and high flow years. A scenario with no vegetation removed from the reservoir for an average flow was also simulated. Conditions downstream of the reservoir were also modeled using a river model. The model used for the reservoir formed by Amaila Falls Hydroelectric Project is the public domain model, CE-QUAL-W2. Close

• 7. [Article] Assessing Hydrologic and Water Quality Sensitivities to Precipitation Changes, Urban Growth and Land Management Using SWAT

  Precipitation changes and urban growth are two factors altering the state of water quality. Changes in precipitation will alter the amount and timing of flows, and the corresponding sediment and nutrient ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Assessing Hydrologic and Water Quality Sensitivities to Precipitation Changes, Urban Growth and Land Management Using SWAT Author: Psaris, Alexander Michael Year: 2014 Precipitation changes and urban growth are two factors altering the state of water quality. Changes in precipitation will alter the amount and timing of flows, and the corresponding sediment and nutrient dynamics. Meanwhile, densification associated with urban growth will create more impervious surfaces which will alter sediment and nutrient loadings. Land and water managers often rely on models to develop possible future scenarios and devise management responses to these projected changes. We use the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) to assess the sensitivities of stream flow, sediment, and nutrient loads in two urbanizing watersheds in Northwest Oregon, USA to various climate and urbanization scenarios. We evaluate the spatial patterns climate change and urban growth will have on water, sediment and nutrient yields. We also identify critical source areas (CSAs) and investigate how implementation of vegetative filter strips (VFS) could ameliorate the effects of these changes. Our findings suggest that: 1) Water yield is tightly coupled to precipitation. 2) Large increases in winter and spring precipitation provide enough sub-surface storage to increase summertime water yields despite a moderate decrease in summer precipitation. 3) Expansion of urban areas increases surface runoff and has mixed effects on sediment and nutrients. 4) Implementation of VFS reduces pollutant loads helping overall watershed health. This research demonstrates the usefulness of SWAT in facilitating informed land and water management decisions. Title: Assessing Hydrologic and Water Quality Sensitivities to Precipitation Changes, Urban Growth and Land Management Using SWAT Author: Psaris, Alexander Michael Year: 2014 Precipitation changes and urban growth are two factors altering the state of water quality. Changes in precipitation will alter the amount and timing of flows, and the corresponding sediment and nutrient dynamics. Meanwhile, densification associated with urban growth will create more impervious surfaces which will alter sediment and nutrient loadings. Land and water managers often rely on models to develop possible future scenarios and devise management responses to these projected changes. We use the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) to assess the sensitivities of stream flow, sediment, and nutrient loads in two urbanizing watersheds in Northwest Oregon, USA to various climate and urbanization scenarios. We evaluate the spatial patterns climate change and urban growth will have on water, sediment and nutrient yields. We also identify critical source areas (CSAs) and investigate how implementation of vegetative filter strips (VFS) could ameliorate the effects of these changes. Our findings suggest that: 1) Water yield is tightly coupled to precipitation. 2) Large increases in winter and spring precipitation provide enough sub-surface storage to increase summertime water yields despite a moderate decrease in summer precipitation. 3) Expansion of urban areas increases surface runoff and has mixed effects on sediment and nutrients. 4) Implementation of VFS reduces pollutant loads helping overall watershed health. This research demonstrates the usefulness of SWAT in facilitating informed land and water management decisions. Close

• 8. [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

• 9. [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

• 10. [Article] TMDLS: Statistical Correlations or Mechanistic Modeling?

  Western Idaho and Eastern Oregon, determinations of the assimilative capacity of the system and the impact of pollutant reduction strategies has been performed using both a statistical-correlation approach ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: TMDLS: Statistical Correlations or Mechanistic Modeling? Author: Wells, Scott A., Cole, Thomas M. Year: 2002 Western Idaho and Eastern Oregon, determinations of the assimilative capacity of the system and the impact of pollutant reduction strategies has been performed using both a statistical-correlation approach and a mechanistic modeling approach. The system included the Lower Snake River, Brownlee Reservoir, Oxbow Reservoir, and Hells Canyon Reservoir with the focus was on Brownlee Reservoir. The statistical approach used on Brownlee Reservoir divided the system into riverine and lacustrine zones. Field data were then averaged over season and location to provide statistical correlations, such as between total phosphorus (TP) and chlorophyll a (chl a), between an anoxic factor (AF) and TP, and between a hypoxic factor (HP) and TP. The anoxic factor is defined as the number of days when dissolved oxygen was less than 2 mg/l and the hypoxic factor was defined as the number of days when dissolved oxygen was less than 6.5 mg/l. The mechanistic approach used a two-dimensional, unsteady, hydrodynamic and water quality model called CE-QUAL-W2. The model was calibrated to field data over a three year period for 1992 (a low flow year), 1995 (an average flow year), and 1997 (a high flow year). Some of the important questions that the TMDL process was to answer included the following. What level of TP is necessary in the river coming into Brownlee Reservoir to reduce the number of days of hypoxia in the reservoir? What are the causes of low2 dissolved oxygen in Brownlee Reservoir and what management strategies can be implemented to improve water quality? This paper examines the strengths and weaknesses of answering management questions using these two approaches. Recommendations are suggested for answering assimilative capacity questions that arise in TMDL studies. Title: TMDLS: Statistical Correlations or Mechanistic Modeling? Author: Wells, Scott A., Cole, Thomas M. Year: 2002 Western Idaho and Eastern Oregon, determinations of the assimilative capacity of the system and the impact of pollutant reduction strategies has been performed using both a statistical-correlation approach and a mechanistic modeling approach. The system included the Lower Snake River, Brownlee Reservoir, Oxbow Reservoir, and Hells Canyon Reservoir with the focus was on Brownlee Reservoir. The statistical approach used on Brownlee Reservoir divided the system into riverine and lacustrine zones. Field data were then averaged over season and location to provide statistical correlations, such as between total phosphorus (TP) and chlorophyll a (chl a), between an anoxic factor (AF) and TP, and between a hypoxic factor (HP) and TP. The anoxic factor is defined as the number of days when dissolved oxygen was less than 2 mg/l and the hypoxic factor was defined as the number of days when dissolved oxygen was less than 6.5 mg/l. The mechanistic approach used a two-dimensional, unsteady, hydrodynamic and water quality model called CE-QUAL-W2. The model was calibrated to field data over a three year period for 1992 (a low flow year), 1995 (an average flow year), and 1997 (a high flow year). Some of the important questions that the TMDL process was to answer included the following. What level of TP is necessary in the river coming into Brownlee Reservoir to reduce the number of days of hypoxia in the reservoir? What are the causes of low2 dissolved oxygen in Brownlee Reservoir and what management strategies can be implemented to improve water quality? This paper examines the strengths and weaknesses of answering management questions using these two approaches. Recommendations are suggested for answering assimilative capacity questions that arise in TMDL studies. Close