Search

Search Results

• 1. [Article] Investigation and Evaluation of Current and Emerging Whole-Water Sampling Technologies for U.S. Geological Survey National Water Quality Assessment Program

  An investigation was conducted into current and emerging surface water sampling technologies. These technologies were compared and recommendations given to the United States Geological Survey (USGS) for ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Investigation and Evaluation of Current and Emerging Whole-Water Sampling Technologies for U.S. Geological Survey National Water Quality Assessment Program Author: Gareau, Keith D. Year: 2011 An investigation was conducted into current and emerging surface water sampling technologies. These technologies were compared and recommendations given to the United States Geological Survey (USGS) for adoption by the National Water Quality Assessment (NAWQA) Program. The goal is to reduce labor costs and increase information content. This paper examines lotic system samplers, portable autonomous whole-water samplers, and autonomous submergible whole-water samplers. When investigating whole-water sampling technology, it was imperative to take into consideration what chemical classifications can be sampled for by each respected technology. Chemical classifications considered are: emerging contaminants, major ions, nutrients, polychlorinated biphenyls, pesticides, volatile and semi-volatile organic compounds, and trace elements. The result of this project shows that USGS is currently using the best technology available for lotic systems. For portable autonomous whole-water samplers it is recommended that USGS incorporate certain brands and models to reduce cost and improve data collection for their sampling events. Autonomous submergible whole-water samplers are primarily advertised for oceanic research; however, if deployed in fresh water systems, USGS can reduce labor cost and increase data collection. In terms of emerging technology, it has been recommended to USGS to consider recent patents. Title: Investigation and Evaluation of Current and Emerging Whole-Water Sampling Technologies for U.S. Geological Survey National Water Quality Assessment Program Author: Gareau, Keith D. Year: 2011 An investigation was conducted into current and emerging surface water sampling technologies. These technologies were compared and recommendations given to the United States Geological Survey (USGS) for adoption by the National Water Quality Assessment (NAWQA) Program. The goal is to reduce labor costs and increase information content. This paper examines lotic system samplers, portable autonomous whole-water samplers, and autonomous submergible whole-water samplers. When investigating whole-water sampling technology, it was imperative to take into consideration what chemical classifications can be sampled for by each respected technology. Chemical classifications considered are: emerging contaminants, major ions, nutrients, polychlorinated biphenyls, pesticides, volatile and semi-volatile organic compounds, and trace elements. The result of this project shows that USGS is currently using the best technology available for lotic systems. For portable autonomous whole-water samplers it is recommended that USGS incorporate certain brands and models to reduce cost and improve data collection for their sampling events. Autonomous submergible whole-water samplers are primarily advertised for oceanic research; however, if deployed in fresh water systems, USGS can reduce labor cost and increase data collection. In terms of emerging technology, it has been recommended to USGS to consider recent patents. Close

• 2. [Article] A New Era of Water Quality Management in Agriculture: From Best Management Practices to Watershed-based Whole Farm Approaches

  Why is reducing water pollution from agriculture such a stubbornly slow process? Despite several policy initiatives since the 1970s, farms and ranches rank as the primary contributors to impairments of ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: A New Era of Water Quality Management in Agriculture: From Best Management Practices to Watershed-based Whole Farm Approaches Author: Ervin, David E. Year: 1995 Why is reducing water pollution from agriculture such a stubbornly slow process? Despite several policy initiatives since the 1970s, farms and ranches rank as the primary contributors to impairments of the nation's surface waters [U.S.EPA, 1994b]. Emerging research also points to agricultural chemicals in many cases of groundwater contamination [Barbash and Resek; Mueller, et al.]. After a little reflection, the industry's negative distinction may not be surprising. Covering nearly half the U.S. land base, crop and livestock production inevitably alter natural vegetative cover, apply fertilizers, pesticides and irrigation water, and involve animal wastes. All of these processes can degrade water quality. Without question, cases of water quality improvement as well as degradation occur within agriculture's number one ranking. Stream, lake, and groundwater success stories have come from federal, state, and local efforts. However, the overall weight of the evidence indicates the industry's performance needs to improve rather sharply if the nation's water quality is to advance to a higher plateau in line with broad public preference. This paper's central thesis is that dramatic changes in program approaches are necessary for that advance because of powerful budget, economic, and political forces. Continued reliance on programs subsidizing or regulating best management practices (BMPs) conflicts with those forces in fundamental ways. Moreover, promising technologies and improved water quality science support more flexible, whole farm approaches for targeted priority watersheds. Title: A New Era of Water Quality Management in Agriculture: From Best Management Practices to Watershed-based Whole Farm Approaches Author: Ervin, David E. Year: 1995 Why is reducing water pollution from agriculture such a stubbornly slow process? Despite several policy initiatives since the 1970s, farms and ranches rank as the primary contributors to impairments of the nation's surface waters [U.S.EPA, 1994b]. Emerging research also points to agricultural chemicals in many cases of groundwater contamination [Barbash and Resek; Mueller, et al.]. After a little reflection, the industry's negative distinction may not be surprising. Covering nearly half the U.S. land base, crop and livestock production inevitably alter natural vegetative cover, apply fertilizers, pesticides and irrigation water, and involve animal wastes. All of these processes can degrade water quality. Without question, cases of water quality improvement as well as degradation occur within agriculture's number one ranking. Stream, lake, and groundwater success stories have come from federal, state, and local efforts. However, the overall weight of the evidence indicates the industry's performance needs to improve rather sharply if the nation's water quality is to advance to a higher plateau in line with broad public preference. This paper's central thesis is that dramatic changes in program approaches are necessary for that advance because of powerful budget, economic, and political forces. Continued reliance on programs subsidizing or regulating best management practices (BMPs) conflicts with those forces in fundamental ways. Moreover, promising technologies and improved water quality science support more flexible, whole farm approaches for targeted priority watersheds. Close

• 3. [Article] Hydrogeologic Characterization of Dutch Canyon, Scappoose, Oregon

  Dutch Canyon is located directly west of the City of Scappoose in Columbia County Oregon. This area is proximate to Highway 30, a major access corridor to downtown Portland, and is experiencing a population ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Hydrogeologic Characterization of Dutch Canyon, Scappoose, Oregon Author: Wagner, Derrick Lee Year: 2013 Dutch Canyon is located directly west of the City of Scappoose in Columbia County Oregon. This area is proximate to Highway 30, a major access corridor to downtown Portland, and is experiencing a population increase, which is expected to continue and likely accelerate. As a result, there is growing pressure on water resources. Individual and community efforts to utilize groundwater resources have been hampered by generally poor groundwater yields and water quality concerns outside of the Columbia River corridor and a lack of published hydrogeologic information for the region. The intent of this study is to identify the water-bearing units present in Dutch Canyon and to characterize water quality within these units. The physical hydrogeology of Dutch Canyon was assessed mainly through the collation of 196 local well reports that contained lithologic information from which individual hydrostratigraphic units were identified and characterized. Hydraulic parameters for individual units were estimated using pump rates and drawdowns provided in select well reports. Water quality for the units identified was assessed through the collection of 48 samples of well, spring, and stream water from Dutch Canyon. Measurements of pH, specific conductivity, temperature, dissolved oxygen, reduction potential, and alkalinity were recorded in the field and samples were analyzed for major ions, arsenic, and stable isotopes. The major water-bearing units of Dutch Canyon were separated into five physically distinct hydrostratigrapic units: the lower, middle, and upper units of the sedimentary Lower Miocene Scappoose Formation, and the Wapshilla Ridge and Ortley members of the Lower to Middle Miocene Grande Ronde Basalt. Groundwater flow likely occurs in discrete, relatively thin (~2- to 10-m thick) zones within the Grand Ronde Basalt members. These units only occur along the slopes and ridges of Dutch Canyon west of the Portland Hills Fault, which parallels the eastern margin of the study area. The Scappoose Formation units contain clay- and silt-rich layers and lenses that limit the useable aquifer volume and vertical movement of groundwaters. In general, all hydrostratrigraphic units east of the Portland Hills Fault have low transmissivities and water wells completed in each of them are commonly low- yielding wells, though there are some exceptions. Geochemically, the lower and middle units of the Scappoose Formation were similar to one another with many wells yielding groundwater with high total dissolved solids (TDS) contents (mean TDS = 330 mg L-1; n = 27). Nearly 20% of the wells sampled that were screened in these units (5 of 27) yielded groundwater that exceeded the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's National Secondary (non-enforceable) Drinking Water Regulation standard of 500 mg L-1 TDS. The upper unit of the Scappoose Formation and the overlying Grande Ronde Basalt members generally yield water with lower TDS contents (mean < 200 mg L-1; maximum = 342 mg L-1; n = 20). Groundwater resources in Dutch Canyon are limited and low well yields are common. The primary water quality concern is saline water, which is generally found in the lower and middle units of the Scappoose Formation near the valley floor. Low recharge rates determined from hydrograph analysis of stream discharge measurements are consistent with the geology and steep terrain of the area and further limit the available groundwater and the degree of flushing of what may be connate waters in the deeper units. Title: Hydrogeologic Characterization of Dutch Canyon, Scappoose, Oregon Author: Wagner, Derrick Lee Year: 2013 Dutch Canyon is located directly west of the City of Scappoose in Columbia County Oregon. This area is proximate to Highway 30, a major access corridor to downtown Portland, and is experiencing a population increase, which is expected to continue and likely accelerate. As a result, there is growing pressure on water resources. Individual and community efforts to utilize groundwater resources have been hampered by generally poor groundwater yields and water quality concerns outside of the Columbia River corridor and a lack of published hydrogeologic information for the region. The intent of this study is to identify the water-bearing units present in Dutch Canyon and to characterize water quality within these units. The physical hydrogeology of Dutch Canyon was assessed mainly through the collation of 196 local well reports that contained lithologic information from which individual hydrostratigraphic units were identified and characterized. Hydraulic parameters for individual units were estimated using pump rates and drawdowns provided in select well reports. Water quality for the units identified was assessed through the collection of 48 samples of well, spring, and stream water from Dutch Canyon. Measurements of pH, specific conductivity, temperature, dissolved oxygen, reduction potential, and alkalinity were recorded in the field and samples were analyzed for major ions, arsenic, and stable isotopes. The major water-bearing units of Dutch Canyon were separated into five physically distinct hydrostratigrapic units: the lower, middle, and upper units of the sedimentary Lower Miocene Scappoose Formation, and the Wapshilla Ridge and Ortley members of the Lower to Middle Miocene Grande Ronde Basalt. Groundwater flow likely occurs in discrete, relatively thin (~2- to 10-m thick) zones within the Grand Ronde Basalt members. These units only occur along the slopes and ridges of Dutch Canyon west of the Portland Hills Fault, which parallels the eastern margin of the study area. The Scappoose Formation units contain clay- and silt-rich layers and lenses that limit the useable aquifer volume and vertical movement of groundwaters. In general, all hydrostratrigraphic units east of the Portland Hills Fault have low transmissivities and water wells completed in each of them are commonly low- yielding wells, though there are some exceptions. Geochemically, the lower and middle units of the Scappoose Formation were similar to one another with many wells yielding groundwater with high total dissolved solids (TDS) contents (mean TDS = 330 mg L-1; n = 27). Nearly 20% of the wells sampled that were screened in these units (5 of 27) yielded groundwater that exceeded the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's National Secondary (non-enforceable) Drinking Water Regulation standard of 500 mg L-1 TDS. The upper unit of the Scappoose Formation and the overlying Grande Ronde Basalt members generally yield water with lower TDS contents (mean < 200 mg L-1; maximum = 342 mg L-1; n = 20). Groundwater resources in Dutch Canyon are limited and low well yields are common. The primary water quality concern is saline water, which is generally found in the lower and middle units of the Scappoose Formation near the valley floor. Low recharge rates determined from hydrograph analysis of stream discharge measurements are consistent with the geology and steep terrain of the area and further limit the available groundwater and the degree of flushing of what may be connate waters in the deeper units. Close

• 4. [Article] Assessing a Fluorescence Spectroscopy Method for In-Situ Microbial Drinking Water Quality

  Waterborne disease is a significant contributor to the global burden of disease, in particular among high-risk populations in developing nations. State-of-the-art methods for the enumeration of microbial ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Assessing a Fluorescence Spectroscopy Method for In-Situ Microbial Drinking Water Quality Author: Sharpe, Taylor Jeffery Year: 2017 Waterborne disease is a significant contributor to the global burden of disease, in particular among high-risk populations in developing nations. State-of-the-art methods for the enumeration of microbial pathogens in drinking water sources have important limitations, including high initial cost, 24-48 hour delays in results, high staffing and facility requirements, and training requirements which all become especially problematic in the developing nation context. A number of alternative approaches to microbial water quality testing have been proposed, with the goal of decreasing the required testing time, decreasing overall costs, leveraging appropriate technology approaches, or improving sensitivity or specificity of the water quality testing method. One approach that may offer solutions to some of these limitations involves the deployment of sensor networks using fluorescent spectroscopy to detect intrinsic protein fluorescence in water samples as a proxy for microbial activity. In recent years, a number of researchers have found significant and meaningful correlations between indicator bacteria species and the protein fluorescence of drinking water samples. Additionally, advances in the semiconductor industry could be used to drive down the cost of such sensors. This technology may also be extensible to other water quality parameters, including dissolved organic matter or the presence of fluorescent pollutants. In this thesis, a literature review describes the fundamentals of fluorescence spectroscopy, historical and recent work regarding the fluorescence of the amino acid tryptophan and associated bacterial fluorescence, possible mechanisms for this association, and potential applications of this technology for drinking water quality monitoring and waste water process control. Extensibility of the technology is also discussed. Next, experimental methodology in reproduction of similar results is described. Samples were taken from seven (7) surface water sources and tested using membrane filtration and an off-the-shelf fluorescence spectrometer to help examine the association between the presence of indicator bacteria and the tryptophan fluorescence of the water sample. The results, showing an association of R2 = 0.560, are compared to the results of recent similar experiments. Finally, two prototypes are described, including their design requirements and data from prototype testing. The results of the testing are briefly discussed, and next steps are outlined with the goal of developing a low-cost, in-situ microbial water quality sensor using fluorescence spectroscopy principles. Title: Assessing a Fluorescence Spectroscopy Method for In-Situ Microbial Drinking Water Quality Author: Sharpe, Taylor Jeffery Year: 2017 Waterborne disease is a significant contributor to the global burden of disease, in particular among high-risk populations in developing nations. State-of-the-art methods for the enumeration of microbial pathogens in drinking water sources have important limitations, including high initial cost, 24-48 hour delays in results, high staffing and facility requirements, and training requirements which all become especially problematic in the developing nation context. A number of alternative approaches to microbial water quality testing have been proposed, with the goal of decreasing the required testing time, decreasing overall costs, leveraging appropriate technology approaches, or improving sensitivity or specificity of the water quality testing method. One approach that may offer solutions to some of these limitations involves the deployment of sensor networks using fluorescent spectroscopy to detect intrinsic protein fluorescence in water samples as a proxy for microbial activity. In recent years, a number of researchers have found significant and meaningful correlations between indicator bacteria species and the protein fluorescence of drinking water samples. Additionally, advances in the semiconductor industry could be used to drive down the cost of such sensors. This technology may also be extensible to other water quality parameters, including dissolved organic matter or the presence of fluorescent pollutants. In this thesis, a literature review describes the fundamentals of fluorescence spectroscopy, historical and recent work regarding the fluorescence of the amino acid tryptophan and associated bacterial fluorescence, possible mechanisms for this association, and potential applications of this technology for drinking water quality monitoring and waste water process control. Extensibility of the technology is also discussed. Next, experimental methodology in reproduction of similar results is described. Samples were taken from seven (7) surface water sources and tested using membrane filtration and an off-the-shelf fluorescence spectrometer to help examine the association between the presence of indicator bacteria and the tryptophan fluorescence of the water sample. The results, showing an association of R2 = 0.560, are compared to the results of recent similar experiments. Finally, two prototypes are described, including their design requirements and data from prototype testing. The results of the testing are briefly discussed, and next steps are outlined with the goal of developing a low-cost, in-situ microbial water quality sensor using fluorescence spectroscopy principles. Close

• 5. [Article] State of the River Report for Toxics

  The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) strives to prevent pollution, protect water quality and improve ecosystems in order to reduce risks to human health and the environment. As outlined ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: State of the River Report for Toxics Author: Carter, Bradley Year: 2009 The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) strives to prevent pollution, protect water quality and improve ecosystems in order to reduce risks to human health and the environment. As outlined in the Agency’s Strategic Plan, the Columbia River Basin was identified as a “National Priority” and designated as one of our nation’s seven “Large Aquatic Ecosystems”. This designation grants legislative status equal to the Chesapeake Bay, Great Lakes, Gulf of Mexico, South Florida Ecosystem, Long Island Sound and Puget Sound. The Strategic Plan is the Agency’s road map of future work efforts, and targets specific goals that are expected to result in a healthier Columbia River Basin. In support of the plan, the Columbia Basin State of the River Report for Toxics (SORR) is the culmination of the collaborative efforts of the Toxics Reduction Working Group - a collection of Federal, State, and municipal agencies, Indian Tribes, non-profit groups and private industries - intended to increase public understanding about the impacts of toxics in the Basin and foster new and enhance existing partnerships to reduce toxics. The Report centers on contaminants of concern (COCs), indicators, toxicant trends, and reduction efforts. SORR will be available in print form by February, 2009. Title: State of the River Report for Toxics Author: Carter, Bradley Year: 2009 The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) strives to prevent pollution, protect water quality and improve ecosystems in order to reduce risks to human health and the environment. As outlined in the Agency’s Strategic Plan, the Columbia River Basin was identified as a “National Priority” and designated as one of our nation’s seven “Large Aquatic Ecosystems”. This designation grants legislative status equal to the Chesapeake Bay, Great Lakes, Gulf of Mexico, South Florida Ecosystem, Long Island Sound and Puget Sound. The Strategic Plan is the Agency’s road map of future work efforts, and targets specific goals that are expected to result in a healthier Columbia River Basin. In support of the plan, the Columbia Basin State of the River Report for Toxics (SORR) is the culmination of the collaborative efforts of the Toxics Reduction Working Group - a collection of Federal, State, and municipal agencies, Indian Tribes, non-profit groups and private industries - intended to increase public understanding about the impacts of toxics in the Basin and foster new and enhance existing partnerships to reduce toxics. The Report centers on contaminants of concern (COCs), indicators, toxicant trends, and reduction efforts. SORR will be available in print form by February, 2009. Close

• 6. [Article] 2005 Diamond Lake Submersed Aquatic Vegetation Survey

  Diamond Lake is a large natural lake having a surface area of some 3214 acres (1300.7 hectares) and a maximum depth of 52 feet (15.8 meters). It is located within the Umpqua National Forest in the Southern ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: 2005 Diamond Lake Submersed Aquatic Vegetation Survey Author: Sytsma, Mark D., Pfauth, Mary Year: 2006 Diamond Lake is a large natural lake having a surface area of some 3214 acres (1300.7 hectares) and a maximum depth of 52 feet (15.8 meters). It is located within the Umpqua National Forest in the Southern Cascade Mountains of Oregon, at an elevation of over 5000 feet (>1524 meters). Diamond Lake is a high-use waterbody that supports angling, public campgrounds, recreational boating, swimming, and water skiing. The human activity associated with the lake has been a significant contributor to the economy of southern Oregon since the early part of the twentieth century. Historically Diamond Lake was fishless but since 1910 the lake has been managed as a popular trophy trout fishery. The unauthorized introduction of the tui chub (Gila bicolor) into the lake in the 1930s caused disruption of the food web and a decline in the fishery. In 1954, the Oregon Game Commission constructed a canal near the Lake Creek outlet, lowered the lake level, and treated Diamond Lake with rotenone, to eradicate tui chub. The lake was restocked with trout following the successful rotenone treatment and a fishery was maintained for several decades. In 1992, tui chub were reintroduced, through accidental introduction or intentional illegal stocking, and again caused a decline in the trout fishery. Originally mesotrophic, Diamond Lake Diamond Lake productivity increased over the last century to a eutrophic state, and is currently included on the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (ODEQ) 303(d) list of water quality limited water bodies for pH and algae. The lake had severe blooms of the cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) Anabaena flos-aquae, which produce neurotoxins, in the summers of 2001, 2002, and 2003. Microcystis aeruginosa, another toxin producing cyanobacterium species, was also present in the 2003 bloom. Diamond Lake was closed to some public uses (wading, swimming, water skiing, and boating) during portions of all three summers due to public health and safety concerns. Algae blooms and declining trout fishery have been attributed to alteration of the food web by the tui chubs. The chubs spawn early and consume the zooplankton in the lake, which reduces grazing pressure on phytoplankton. Since the lake is nitrogen limited, nitrogen-fixing cyanobacteria dominate the phytoplankton community. Therefore, the chubs reduce the quality of the trout fishery by reducing food available for trout and impact water quality by facilitating cyanobacteria blooms, which can be toxic. In response to the impact of the tui chub on Diamond Lake the US Forest Service and Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife are collaborating in a tui chub eradication effort. The eradication plan includes a 2.4-m (8 ft) drawdown of the lake in the winter and spring of 2006 and a rotenone treatment of remaining lake volume in 2006 to kill any remaining fish. The US Forest Service prepared an EIS for the drawdown and rotenone treatment. Potential impacts of the drawdown on littoral aquatic plant communities were identified in the EIS. The US Forest Service conducted a qualitative survey to develop a species list for the lake. The survey described here provides a quantitative, pretreatment measure of cover and biomass of aquatic plants in Diamond Lake. Follow-up sampling, using similar methods, will permit assessment of changes in the plant community following drawdown and refilling of the lake. Title: 2005 Diamond Lake Submersed Aquatic Vegetation Survey Author: Sytsma, Mark D., Pfauth, Mary Year: 2006 Diamond Lake is a large natural lake having a surface area of some 3214 acres (1300.7 hectares) and a maximum depth of 52 feet (15.8 meters). It is located within the Umpqua National Forest in the Southern Cascade Mountains of Oregon, at an elevation of over 5000 feet (>1524 meters). Diamond Lake is a high-use waterbody that supports angling, public campgrounds, recreational boating, swimming, and water skiing. The human activity associated with the lake has been a significant contributor to the economy of southern Oregon since the early part of the twentieth century. Historically Diamond Lake was fishless but since 1910 the lake has been managed as a popular trophy trout fishery. The unauthorized introduction of the tui chub (Gila bicolor) into the lake in the 1930s caused disruption of the food web and a decline in the fishery. In 1954, the Oregon Game Commission constructed a canal near the Lake Creek outlet, lowered the lake level, and treated Diamond Lake with rotenone, to eradicate tui chub. The lake was restocked with trout following the successful rotenone treatment and a fishery was maintained for several decades. In 1992, tui chub were reintroduced, through accidental introduction or intentional illegal stocking, and again caused a decline in the trout fishery. Originally mesotrophic, Diamond Lake Diamond Lake productivity increased over the last century to a eutrophic state, and is currently included on the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (ODEQ) 303(d) list of water quality limited water bodies for pH and algae. The lake had severe blooms of the cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) Anabaena flos-aquae, which produce neurotoxins, in the summers of 2001, 2002, and 2003. Microcystis aeruginosa, another toxin producing cyanobacterium species, was also present in the 2003 bloom. Diamond Lake was closed to some public uses (wading, swimming, water skiing, and boating) during portions of all three summers due to public health and safety concerns. Algae blooms and declining trout fishery have been attributed to alteration of the food web by the tui chubs. The chubs spawn early and consume the zooplankton in the lake, which reduces grazing pressure on phytoplankton. Since the lake is nitrogen limited, nitrogen-fixing cyanobacteria dominate the phytoplankton community. Therefore, the chubs reduce the quality of the trout fishery by reducing food available for trout and impact water quality by facilitating cyanobacteria blooms, which can be toxic. In response to the impact of the tui chub on Diamond Lake the US Forest Service and Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife are collaborating in a tui chub eradication effort. The eradication plan includes a 2.4-m (8 ft) drawdown of the lake in the winter and spring of 2006 and a rotenone treatment of remaining lake volume in 2006 to kill any remaining fish. The US Forest Service prepared an EIS for the drawdown and rotenone treatment. Potential impacts of the drawdown on littoral aquatic plant communities were identified in the EIS. The US Forest Service conducted a qualitative survey to develop a species list for the lake. The survey described here provides a quantitative, pretreatment measure of cover and biomass of aquatic plants in Diamond Lake. Follow-up sampling, using similar methods, will permit assessment of changes in the plant community following drawdown and refilling of the lake. Close

• 7. [Article] Simplified Framework Evaluation of Large Water Resource Project Impacts

  The document most frequently used to support a water resource project's economic feasibility is the commercial benefit-cost analysis, which quantifies tangible and direct project consequences. The objective ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Simplified Framework Evaluation of Large Water Resource Project Impacts Author: Clowes, Brian Woodbridge Year: 1988 The document most frequently used to support a water resource project's economic feasibility is the commercial benefit-cost analysis, which quantifies tangible and direct project consequences. The objective of this type of analysis is simply to maximize net monetary benefits. This analysis assigns an arbitrary monetary value to ecological and social disruptions, if it does not ignore these effects entirely. An improvement on this method is the social benefit-cost analysis, which assesses sane intangible costs such as air and noise pollution. Unfortunately, even the social analysis usually neglects the sometimes profound effects that a large water resource project has upon quality of life, particularly with regards to massive relocations. The purpose of this dissertation is to resolve these problems by presenting a method by which a water resource study team may use five unique viewpoints - technical, organizational, personal, social, and environmental - to quantify and compare the true benefits and costs of project construction and operation. The study team begins by rigorously documenting the three general categories of project consequence (economic, social and environmental) and assigning each benefit or cost a relative value within category according to perceived positive or negative effects. The second step is to use these quantifications to produce three impact vs. dam height curves. The final and most difficult step in this study process is to assign a relative weight to the respective economic, social, and enviromental impact clusters, depending on national priorities and the biases and personal viewpoints of the decisiomaker (s). The final product of this procedure is a single curve which is used to further investigate and assess the overall feasibility of a water resource project and the 'optimum' range of dam heights. All of the possible impacts of a large water resource project, whether they be tangible or intangible, should be investigated in order to produce an authentic indicator of project efficiency. The only way to insure that all impacts are properly accounted for is to perform an exhaustive examination of a water resource project from the five perspectives mentioned above. The body of this dissertation is an example analysis based upon the proposed Three Gorge Dam and Reservoir on the Yangtze River in the People's Republic of China. This project will be the world's largest power plant at 13,000 megawatts. Because of its size, anticipated impacts, and the interest it has generated all over the world, the Three Gorge project is considered the ideal subject of a comprehensive multiple perspective analysis as described in this study. Title: Simplified Framework Evaluation of Large Water Resource Project Impacts Author: Clowes, Brian Woodbridge Year: 1988 The document most frequently used to support a water resource project's economic feasibility is the commercial benefit-cost analysis, which quantifies tangible and direct project consequences. The objective of this type of analysis is simply to maximize net monetary benefits. This analysis assigns an arbitrary monetary value to ecological and social disruptions, if it does not ignore these effects entirely. An improvement on this method is the social benefit-cost analysis, which assesses sane intangible costs such as air and noise pollution. Unfortunately, even the social analysis usually neglects the sometimes profound effects that a large water resource project has upon quality of life, particularly with regards to massive relocations. The purpose of this dissertation is to resolve these problems by presenting a method by which a water resource study team may use five unique viewpoints - technical, organizational, personal, social, and environmental - to quantify and compare the true benefits and costs of project construction and operation. The study team begins by rigorously documenting the three general categories of project consequence (economic, social and environmental) and assigning each benefit or cost a relative value within category according to perceived positive or negative effects. The second step is to use these quantifications to produce three impact vs. dam height curves. The final and most difficult step in this study process is to assign a relative weight to the respective economic, social, and enviromental impact clusters, depending on national priorities and the biases and personal viewpoints of the decisiomaker (s). The final product of this procedure is a single curve which is used to further investigate and assess the overall feasibility of a water resource project and the 'optimum' range of dam heights. All of the possible impacts of a large water resource project, whether they be tangible or intangible, should be investigated in order to produce an authentic indicator of project efficiency. The only way to insure that all impacts are properly accounted for is to perform an exhaustive examination of a water resource project from the five perspectives mentioned above. The body of this dissertation is an example analysis based upon the proposed Three Gorge Dam and Reservoir on the Yangtze River in the People's Republic of China. This project will be the world's largest power plant at 13,000 megawatts. Because of its size, anticipated impacts, and the interest it has generated all over the world, the Three Gorge project is considered the ideal subject of a comprehensive multiple perspective analysis as described in this study. Close

• 8. [Article] Developing the Instructional Leadership Skills of High School Principals in Tanzania: A Problem-Based Learning Approach

  Underachievement among secondary students in Tanzania is tragic: the failure rate on the national exams after the fourth year is between 65 to 100 percent (Mushi, 2011). The literature affirms that student ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Developing the Instructional Leadership Skills of High School Principals in Tanzania: A Problem-Based Learning Approach Author: Siamoo, Peter N. Year: 2013 Underachievement among secondary students in Tanzania is tragic: the failure rate on the national exams after the fourth year is between 65 to 100 percent (Mushi, 2011). The literature affirms that student learning is primarily improved by enhancing quality classroom instruction while the second most impactful strategy is consistent school leadership to ensure that effective practices are utilized in the classroom (Blase & Blase, 2004; Chenoweth & Everhart, 2002; Fink & Markholt, 2011; Leithwood, Louis, Anderson, & Wahlstrom, 2004; Leithwood, Harris, & Strauss, 2010; Marzano, Waters, & McNulty, 2005). Despite the research, the researcher's pilot study revealed that there is currently little or no oversight of classroom instruction in most Tanzanian secondary schools. This paradox yielded two research questions: 1. Can Tanzanian schools leaders improve the quality of classroom instruction in order to enhance student learning and performance by employing systematic, fair, and culturally relevant teacher evaluation techniques? 2. Are the teacher evaluation tools developed for American school systems suitable to serve the Tanzanian school system or must they be adapted into the Tanzanian cultural context? Using a Problem-Based Learning [PBL] method, the researcher field-tested and refined The Curriculum for Training Secondary School Leaders, and a workshop in which it was taught. The workshop and its curriculum provided instruction in Evaluation and Supervision of Classroom Instruction (ESCI) to Tanzanian Head Masters and Mistresses (HMs), or as commonly referred to as principals in America, in an effort to develop their pedagogical leadership skills. During the workshop, HMs refined the American-designed evaluation tools to make them culturally relevant to a Tanzanian context. After attending the six-day intensive ESCI workshop, participants indicated in surveys that they felt capable of providing support and coaching to their teachers and capable of assisting teachers in their efforts to improve their pedagogical skills. The researcher provided additional workshops for teachers and HMs at their school sites to support educators in the implementation of ESCI. Qualitative research demonstrated teachers also had favorable post-workshop reactions to ESCI. Though the implementation of the product and training will be further assessed in 2014, the initial qualitative results from post-workshop surveys strongly confirmed that HMs developed confidence, skill, and competence in employing ESCI, thus increasing the likelihood that HMs would employ ESCI in their own schools in the year to come. Title: Developing the Instructional Leadership Skills of High School Principals in Tanzania: A Problem-Based Learning Approach Author: Siamoo, Peter N. Year: 2013 Underachievement among secondary students in Tanzania is tragic: the failure rate on the national exams after the fourth year is between 65 to 100 percent (Mushi, 2011). The literature affirms that student learning is primarily improved by enhancing quality classroom instruction while the second most impactful strategy is consistent school leadership to ensure that effective practices are utilized in the classroom (Blase & Blase, 2004; Chenoweth & Everhart, 2002; Fink & Markholt, 2011; Leithwood, Louis, Anderson, & Wahlstrom, 2004; Leithwood, Harris, & Strauss, 2010; Marzano, Waters, & McNulty, 2005). Despite the research, the researcher's pilot study revealed that there is currently little or no oversight of classroom instruction in most Tanzanian secondary schools. This paradox yielded two research questions: 1. Can Tanzanian schools leaders improve the quality of classroom instruction in order to enhance student learning and performance by employing systematic, fair, and culturally relevant teacher evaluation techniques? 2. Are the teacher evaluation tools developed for American school systems suitable to serve the Tanzanian school system or must they be adapted into the Tanzanian cultural context? Using a Problem-Based Learning [PBL] method, the researcher field-tested and refined The Curriculum for Training Secondary School Leaders, and a workshop in which it was taught. The workshop and its curriculum provided instruction in Evaluation and Supervision of Classroom Instruction (ESCI) to Tanzanian Head Masters and Mistresses (HMs), or as commonly referred to as principals in America, in an effort to develop their pedagogical leadership skills. During the workshop, HMs refined the American-designed evaluation tools to make them culturally relevant to a Tanzanian context. After attending the six-day intensive ESCI workshop, participants indicated in surveys that they felt capable of providing support and coaching to their teachers and capable of assisting teachers in their efforts to improve their pedagogical skills. The researcher provided additional workshops for teachers and HMs at their school sites to support educators in the implementation of ESCI. Qualitative research demonstrated teachers also had favorable post-workshop reactions to ESCI. Though the implementation of the product and training will be further assessed in 2014, the initial qualitative results from post-workshop surveys strongly confirmed that HMs developed confidence, skill, and competence in employing ESCI, thus increasing the likelihood that HMs would employ ESCI in their own schools in the year to come. Close