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At least 523 records · Page 29Linked to original sources

Maps showing distribution of dissolved solids and dominant chemical type in ground water, Basin and Range Province, Oregon

This map report is one of a series of geologic and hydrologic maps of States in the Basin and Range Province. These map reports contain information on ground-water hydrology, ground-water quality, surface distribution of selected rock types, data on tectonic conditions, areal geophysical data, Pleistocene lakes and marshes and natural resources. This information is the basis for a summary report that characterizes the Basin and Range Province. The geologic and hydrologic characterization will be used to evaluate the Province for prospective regions for further study relative to isolation of high-level radioactive waste. (Bedinger, Sargent and Reed, 1984).

Oregon↗

Maps showing distribution of dissolved solids and dominant chemical type in ground water, Basin and Range Province, Texas

This map report is one of a series of geologic and hydrologic maps of States in the Basin and Range Province. These map reports contain information on ground-water hydrology, ground-water quality, surface distribution of selected rock types, data on tectonic conditions, areal geophysical data, Pleistocene lakes and marshes and natural resources. This information is the basis for a summary report that characterizes the Basin and Range Province. The geologic and hydrologic characterization will be used to evaluate the Province for prospective regions for further study relative to isolation of high-level radioactive waste. (Bedinger, Sargent and Reed, 1984).

Texas↗

Maps showing distribution of dissolved solids and dominant chemical type in ground water, Basin and Range province, Utah

This map report is one of a series of geologic and hydrologic maps of States in the Basin and Range Province. These map reports contain information on ground-water hydrology, ground-water quality, surface distribution of selected rock types, data on tectonic conditions, areal geophysical data, Pleistocene lakes and marshes and natural resources. This information is the basis for a summary report that characterizes the Basin and Range Province. The geologic and hydrologic characterization will be used to evaluate the Province for prospective regions for further study relative to isolation of high-level radioactive waste. (Bedinger, Sargent and Reed, 1984).

Utah↗

SToRM: A numerical model for environmental surface flows

SToRM (System for Transport and River Modeling) is a numerical model developed to simulate free surface flows in complex environmental domains. It is based on the depth-averaged St. Venant equations, which are discretized using unstructured upwind finite volume methods, and contains both steady and unsteady solution techniques. This article provides a brief description of the numerical approach selected to discretize the governing equations in space and time, including important aspects of solving natural environmental flows, such as the wetting and drying algorithm. The presentation is illustrated with several application examples, covering both laboratory and natural river flow cases, which show the model’s ability to solve complex flow phenomena.

Conference Paper↗

The effects of pollutants on wildlife

In this chapter, selected sources of information which address the effects of pollutants on wildlife are reviewed. Although naturally occurring plant and animal toxins also affect wildlife, the focus of this review is xenobiotic toxicants. Xenobiotic substances are chemicals introduced into the environment in the form of pesticides, heavy metals, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), and other by-products of human activities. The science of examining the effects of these substances on animal and plant life is multi-disciplinary in nature and contributors to the literature in this field include toxicologists, wildlife and aquatic ecologists, chemists and those in the veterinary and medical professions.

Book chapter↗

Data on surface-water, streambed-interstitial water, and bed-sediment quality for selected locations in the small arms impact area of central Fort Gordon, Georgia, September 4-6, 2001

In September 2001, the U.S. Geological Survey, in cooperation with the Environmental and Natural Resources Management Office of the U.S. Army Signal Center and Fort Gordon (U.S. Department of the Army), conducted a chemical assessment of surface water, streambed-interstitial water, and bed sediments within the small arms impact area of Fort Gordon Military Installation. The study was conducted in support of the development of an Integrated Natural Resources Management Plan (INRMP) for Fort Gordon, Georgia. An effective INRMP ensures that natural resources conservation measures and U.S. Army activities on the military base are integrated and consistent with Federal requirements to manage military installations on an ecosystem basis. Filtered water samples were collected from five sites along South Prong Creek and three sites along Marcum Branch Creek for chemical analyses of major ions, nutrients, and selected trace elements. On-site measurements of pH, temperature, specific conductance, and dissolved oxygen were made at the eight sites. Filtered water collected showed varying concentrations in both surface- and streambed-interstitial water. Bed-sediment samples collected from South Prong Creek contain elevated levels of arsenic, barium, beryllium, cadmium, chromium, cobalt, copper, iron, lead, manganese, nickel, selenium, vanadium, and total organic carbon relative to previous concentrations (McConnell and others, 2000). Bed-sediment samples collected from Marcum Branch Creek contain elevated levels of beryllium, copper, lead, manganese, mercury, selenium, and total organic carbon relative to previous concentrations (McConnell and others, 2000).

Georgia↗

Statistical modeling of agricultural chemical occurrence in midwestern rivers

Agricultural chemicals in surface water may constitute a human health risk or have adverse effects on aquatic life. Recent research on unregulated rivers in the midwestern USA documents that elevated concentrations of herbicides occur for 1-4 months following application in late spring and early summer. In contrast, nitrate concentrations in unregulated rivers are elevated during fall, winter, and spring months. Natural and anthropogenic variables of fiver drainage basins, such as soil permeability, amount of agricultural chemicals applied, or percentage of land planted in corn, affect agricultural chemical concentration and mass transport in rivers. Presented is an analysis of selected data on agricultural chemicals collected for three regional studies conducted by the US Geological Survey. Statistical techniques such as multiple linear and logistic regression were used to identify natural and anthropogenic variables of drainage basins that have strong relations to agricultural chemical concentrations and mass transport measured in rivers. A geographic information system (GIS) was used to manage and analyze spatial data. Statistical models were developed that estimated the concentration, annual transport, and annual mean concentration of selected agricultural chemicals in midwestern rivers. Multiple linear regression models were not very successful (R2 from 0.162 to 0.517) in explaining the variance in observed agricultural chemical concentrations during post-planting runoff. Logistic regression models were somewhat more successful, correctly matching the observed concentration category in 61-80% of observations. Linear and multiple linear regression models were moderately successful (R2 from 0.522 to 0.995) in explaining the variance in observed annual transport and annual mean concentration of agricultural chemicals. Explanatory variables that were commonly significant in the regression models include estimates of agricultural chemical use, crop acreage, soil characteristics, and basin topography.

Journal of Hydrology↗

Monitoring trail conditions: New methodological considerations

The U.S. National Park Service (NPS) accommodates nearly 300 million visitors per year, visitation that has the potential to produce negative effects on fragile natural and cultural resources. The policy guidance from the NPS Management Policies recognizes the legitimacy of providing opportunities for public enjoyment of parks while acknowledging the need for managers to “seek ways to avoid, or to minimize to the greatest degree practicable, adverse impacts on park resources and values” (NPS 2001). Thus, relative to visitor use, park managers must evaluate the types and extents of resource impacts associated with recreational activities, and determine to what extent they are unacceptable and constitute impairment. Visitor impact monitoring programs can assist managers in making objective evaluations of impact acceptability and impairment and in selecting effective impact management practices by providing quantitative documentation of the types and extent of recreationrelated impacts on natural resources. Monitoring programs are explicitly authorized in Section 4.1 of the Management Policies: Natural systems in the national park system, and the human influences upon them, will be monitored to detect change. The Service will use the results of monitoring and research to understand the detected change and to develop appropriate management actions.

The George Wright Forum↗

Test observation well near Almira, Washington: description and preliminary results

A 750-foot test-observation well drilled bear Almira, Wash., is one of several drilled to date (1971) in selected areas if the State. The test wells provide information on ground-water conditions where large-scale pumping from wells is rapidly increasing or ids expected to increase, but where data available from existing wells are incomplete and fail to provide adequate guidance for management of the area;s ground-water resources. The upper 60 feet of the Almira well has a 10-inch casing below this depth the well is uncased in basalt. Four major aquifer zones are penetrated by the well. Geophysical logging during drilling provided data on hole diameter, water resistivity (mineralization) and temperature, and natural radiation of the rock units. These data supplemented the driller's log as a basis for final selection of the aquifers to be monitored. Two pumping tests showed that (1) when the well was 546 feet deep and was pumped at a rate of about 510 gpm (gallons per minute) for 9 1/2 hours, the specific capacity was 92 gpm per foot of drawndown; and (2) at the final 750-foot depth, with all four aquifers contributing water and the well being pumped at a rate of 525 gpm for 24 hours, the specific capacity was 96 gpm per foot of drawdown. Water from the well when drilled to its final depth of 750 feet is slightly warmer and somewhat more mineralized than when the well was only 546 feet deep. Four piezometer pipes were installed in the well so that each reflected the head in a specific aquifer zone that is hydraulically isolated from the other aquifer zones by cement seals. The maximum difference in water levels between the uppermost and lowermost aquifers after the zones were isolated was 180 feet; the difference may increase somewhat as the heads in the aquifers continue to adjust after isolation. An access pipe also was provided for an instrument to measure the geothermal gradient. The data that have been obtained from the test-observation well and that which will be available from it in the future are expected to provide invaluable guidance for management of the ground-water resources.

Washington↗

Assessing the ecological functionality and integrity of natural ponds, excavated ponds and stormwater basins for conserving amphibian diversity

Wetlands provide ecological functionality by maintaining and promoting regional biodiversity supporting quality habitat for aquatic organisms. Globally, habitat loss, fragmentation and degradation due to increases in agricultural activities and urban development have reduced or altered geographically isolated wetlands, thus reducing biodiversity. The objective of this study was to assess the relative ecological function and integrity of natural ponds, excavated ponds and stormwater basins in the New Jersey Pinelands, located in the northeastern United States by comparing hydrologic conditions, water quality, pesticide concentrations (water, sediment and tissue) and wetland assemblages including amphibians. Twenty-four wetlands were selected based on surrounding land-use and sampled for a variety of abiotic and biotic variables. Abiotic and biotic wetland variables were similar between natural and excavated ponds, with notable differences between the ponds and stormwater basins. Natural and excavated ponds displayed characteristic Pinelands water quality (low pH, high organic carbon, and low pesticide concentrations), exhibited high ecological integrity and supported native ampbibians. Stormwater basins and degraded ponds surrounded by altered land-use exhibited degraded water quality (high pH, high pesticide concentrations) and were dominated by non-native and introduced plants and amphibians. Results from this study can broadly inform resource conservation strategies for amphibians and other communities with a diverse range of habitat requirements, particularly in areas where conservation and development are competing priorities. To conserve biodiversity in changing landscapes, wetlands with similar functionality and land-use characteristics need to be identified and managed to preserve water quality for species of conservation concern.

New Jersey↗

Environmental setting and water-quality issues in the lower Tennessee River basin

The goals of the National Water-Quality Assessment Program are to describe current water-quality conditions for a large part of the Nation's water resources, identify water-quality changes over time, and identify the primary natural and human factors that affect water quality. The lower Tennessee River Basin is one of 59 river basins selected for study. The water-quality assessment of the lower Tennessee River Basin study unit began in 1997. The lower Tennessee River Basin study unit encompasses an area of about 19,500 square miles and extends from Chattanooga, Tennessee, to Paducah, Kentucky. The study unit had a population of about 1.5 million people in 1995. The study unit was subdivided into subunits with relatively homogeneous geology and physiography. Subdivision of the study unit creates a framework to assess the effects of natural and cultural settings on water quality. Nine subunits were delineated in the study unit; their boundaries generally coincide with level III and level IV ecoregion boundaries. The nine subunits are the Coastal Plain, Transition, Western Highland Rim, Outer Nashville Basin, Inner Nashville Basin, Eastern Highland Rim, Plateau Escarpment and Valleys, Cumberland Plateau, and Valley and Ridge.The lower Tennessee River Basin consists of predominantly forest (51 percent) and agricultural land (40 percent). Activities related to agricultural land use, therefore, are the primary cultural factors likely to have a widespread effect on surface- and ground-water quality in the study unit. Inputs of total nitrogen and phosphorus from agricultural activities in 1992 were about 161,000 and 37,900 tons, respectively. About 3.7 million pounds (active ingredient) of pesticides was applied to crops in the lower Tennessee River Basin in 1992. State water-quality agencies identified nutrient enrichment and pathogens as water-quality issues affecting both surface and ground water in the lower Tennessee River Basin. Water-quality data collected by State and Federal agencies between 1980 and 1996 were summarized to characterize surface- and ground-water quality of the subunits with respect to these issues. Median concentrations of nitrogen species generally were less than 1 milligram per liter in surface and ground water in all subunits, and were highest throughout the subunits that had the largest percentages of agricultural land use. Median phosphorus concentrations also were less than 1 milligram per liter in all subunits. Phosphatic limestones present in two subunits had a larger effect on phosphorus concentrations in surface and ground water than did the amount of agricultural land use in these subunits. Median counts of fecal coliform were higher in surface water than in ground water in all subunits. The highest median counts in surface water were in the Valley and Ridge (7,500 colonies per 100 milliliters) and the Outer Nashville Basin subunits (5,000 colonies per 100 milliliters). Highest median counts in ground water were in the Inner and Outer Nashville Basin subunit. Natural setting likely has an important effect with respect to fecal contamination of surface and ground water in the lower Tennessee River Basin.

Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, Tennessee↗

Surface-Water Quality Conditions and Long-Term Trends at Selected Sites within the Ambient Water-Quality Monitoring Network in Missouri, Water Years 1993-2008

The U.S. Geological Survey, in cooperation with the Missouri Department of Natural Resources, collects data pertaining to the surface-water resources of Missouri. These data are collected as part of the Missouri Ambient Water-Quality Monitoring Network and constitute a valuable source of reliable, impartial, and timely information for developing an improved understanding of water resources in the State. Six sites from the Ambient Water-Quality Monitoring Network, with data available from the 1993 through 2008 water years, were chosen to compare water-quality conditions and long-term trends of dissolved oxygen, selected physical properties, total suspended solids, dissolved nitrate plus nitrite as nitrogen, total phosphorous, fecal indicator bacteria, and selected trace elements. The six sites used in the study were classified in groups corresponding to the physiography, main land use, and drainage basin size, and represent most stream types in Missouri. Long-term trends in this study were analyzed using flow-adjusted and non-flow adjusted models. Highly censored datasets (greater than 5 percent but less than 50 percent censored values) were not flow-adjusted. Trends that were detected can possibly be related to changes in agriculture or urban development within the drainage basins. Trends in nutrients were the most prevalent. Upward flow-adjusted trends in dissolved nitrate plus nitrite (as nitrogen) concentrations were identified at the Elk River site, and in total phosphorus concentrations at the South Fabius and Grand River sites. A downward flow-adjusted trend was identified in total phosphorus concentrations from Wilson Creek, the only urban site in the study. The downward trend in phosphorus possibly was related to a phosphorus reduction system that began operation in 2001 at a wastewater treatment plant upstream from the sampling site. Total suspended solids concentrations indicated an upward non-flow adjusted trend at the two northern sites (South Fabius and Grand Rivers). The increase in total suspended solids concentrations could be because of soil erosion from land cultivated for row crops. Most trace element data examined in the study were highly censored and could not be used for flow-adjusted trend analyses. Water-quality conditions were assessed to explore relations between data from sites and to the State water-quality standards where applicable for selected constituents. Streamflow varied at each site because of drainage area, land use, and groundwater inputs. Dissolved oxygen and water temperature were similar at all sites except the urban site located on Wilson Creek. Specific conductance was similar between the most northern (South Fabius and Grand River sites) and the most southern sites (Current and Elk River sites). Total suspended solids concentrations were near the method reporting level at all sites, except the northern sites. Streams in northern Missouri are more turbid than streams in southern Missouri and are affected by large volumes of sediment deposition because of soil erosion from land cultivated for row crops. Geometric means of Escherichia coli were calculated from the recreational seasons within the study period. Only the Grand River site exceeded the whole-body-contact standard for frequently used waters. The South Fabius and Grand River sites and the Wilson Creek site had statistically larger densities of both fecal indicator bacteria types than the remaining sites.

Scientific Investigations Report↗

Precipitation estimation in mountainous terrain using multivariate geostatistics. Part I: structural analysis

Values of average annual precipitation (AAP) are desired for hydrologic studies within a watershed containing Yucca Mountain, Nevada, a potential site for a high-level nuclear-waste repository. Reliable values of AAP are not yet available for most areas within this watershed because of a sparsity of precipitation measurements and the need to obtain measurements over a sufficient length of time. To estimate AAP over the entire watershed, historical precipitation data and station elevations were obtained from a network of 62 stations in southern Nevada and southeastern California. Multivariate geostatistics (cokriging) was selected as an estimation method because of a significant (p = 0.05) correlation of r = .75 between the natural log of AAP and station elevation. A sample direct variogram for the transformed variable, TAAP = ln [(AAP) 1000], was fitted with an isotropic, spherical model defined by a small nugget value of 5000, a range of 190 000 ft, and a sill value equal to the sample variance of 163 151. Elevations for 1531 additional locations were obtained from topographic maps to improve the accuracy of cokriged estimates. A sample direct variogram for elevation was fitted with an isotropic model consisting of a nugget value of 5500 and three nested transition structures: a Gaussian structure with a range of 61 000 ft, a spherical structure with a range of 70 000 ft, and a quasi-stationary, linear structure. The use of an isotropic, stationary model for elevation was considered valid within a sliding-neighborhood radius of 120 000 ft. The problem of fitting a positive-definite, nonlinear model of coregionalization to an inconsistent sample cross variogram for TAAP and elevation was solved by a modified use of the Cauchy-Schwarz inequality. A selected cross-variogram model consisted of two nested structures: a Gaussian structure with a range of 61 000 ft and a spherical structure with a range of 190 000 ft. Cross validation was used for model selection and for comparing the geostatistical model with six alternate estimation methods. Multivariate geostatistics provided the best cross-validation results.

Nevada↗

Trends in streamflow characteristics of selected sites in the Elkhorn River, Salt Creek, and Lower Platte River Basins, Eastern Nebraska, 1928-2004, and evaluation of streamflows in relation to instream-flow criteria, 1953-2004

The Nebraska Department of Natural Resources approved instream-flow appropriations on the Platte River to maintain fish communities, whooping crane roost habitat, and wet meadows used by several wild bird species. In the lower Platte River region, the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission owns an appropriation filed to maintain streamflow for fish communities between the Platte River confluence with the Elkhorn River and the mouth of the Platte River. Because Elkhorn River flow is an integral part of the flow in the reach addressed by this appropriation, the Upper Elkhorn and Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources Districts are involved in overall management of anthropogenic effects on the availability of surface water for instream requirements. The Physical Habitat Simulation System (PHABSIM) and other estimation methodologies were used previously to determine instream requirements for Platte River biota, which led to the filing of five water appropriations applications with the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources in 1993 by the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission. One of these requested instream-flow appropriations of 3,700 cubic feet per second was for the reach from the Elkhorn River to the mouth of the Platte River. Four appropriations were granted with modifications in 1998, by the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources. Daily streamflow data for the periods of record were summarized for 17 streamflow-gaging stations in Nebraska to evaluate streamflow characteristics, including low-flow intervals for consecutive durations of 1, 3, 7, 14, 30, 60, and 183 days. Temporal trends in selected streamflow statistics were not adjusted for variability in precipitation. Results indicated significant positive temporal trends in annual flow for the period of record at eight streamflow-gaging stations - Platte River near Duncan (06774000), Platte River at North Bend (06796000), Elkhorn River at Neligh (06798500), Logan Creek near Uehling (06799500), Maple Creek near Nickerson (06800000), Elkhorn River at Waterloo (06800500), Salt Creek at Greenwood (06803555), and Platte River at Louisville (06805500). In general, sites in the Elkhorn River Basin upstream from Norfolk showed fewer significant trends than did sites downstream from Norfolk and sites in the Platte River and Salt Creek basins, where trends in low flows also were positive. Historical Platte River streamflow records for the streamflow-gaging station at Louisville, Nebraska, were used to determine the number of days per water year (Sept. 30 to Oct. 1) when flows failed to satisfy the minimum criteria of the instream-flow appropriation prior to its filing in 1993. Before 1993, the median number of days the criteria were not satisfied was about 120 days per water year. During 1993 through 2004, daily mean flows at Louisville, Nebraska, have failed to satisfy the criteria for 638 days total (median value equals 21.5 days per year). Most of these low-flow intervals occurred in summer through early fall. For water years 1953 through 2004, of the discrete intervals when flow was less that the criteria levels, 61 percent were 3 days or greater in duration, and 38 percent were 7 days or greater in duration. The median duration of intervals of flow less than the criteria levels was 4 consecutive days during 1953 through 2004.

Nebraska↗

Release of sulfur- and oxygen-bound components from a sulfur-rich kerogen during simulated maturation by hydrous pyrolysis

An immature sulfur-rich marl from the Gessosso-solfifera Formation of the Vena del Gesso Basin (Messinian, Italy) has been subjected to hydrous pyrolysis (160 to 330??C) to simulate maturation under natural conditions. The kerogen of the unheated and heated samples was isolated and the hydrocarbons released by selective chemical degradation (Li/EtNH2 and HI/LiAIH4) were analysed to allow a study of the fate of sulfur- and oxygen-bound species with increasing temperature. The residues from the chemical treatments were also subjected to pyrolysis-GC to follow structural changes in the kerogens. In general, with increasing hydrous pyrolysis temperature, the amounts of sulfide- and ether-bound components in the kerogen decreased significantly. At the temperature at which the generation of expelled oil began (260??C), almost all of the bound components initially present in the unheated sample were released from the kerogen. Comparison with an earlier study of the extractable organic matter using a similar approach and the same samples provides molecular evidence that, with increasing maturation, solvent-soluble macromolecular material was initially released from the kerogen, notably as a result of thermal cleavage of weak Carbon-heteroatom bonds (sulfide, ester, ether) even at temperatures as low as 220??C. This solvent-soluble macromolecular material then underwent thermal cleavage to generate hydrocarbons at higher temperatures. This early generation of bitumen may explain the presence of unusually high amounts of extractable organic matter of macromolecular nature in very immature S-rich sediments.

Organic Geochemistry↗

Computation of selected hydraulic variables for the lower Yampa River in northwestern Colorado

Computation of selected hydraulic variables was done for three reaches on the lower Yampa River that were identified as having natural or manmadebarriers that might impede the migration of endangered Colorado squawfish. The three reaches included the Patrick Sweeney and the MaybellCanal diversion structures and Cross Mountain Canyon. Minimum stream depths and maximum stream velocities for a range of streamflows werecomputed using the Water-Surface PROfile computation program for cross sections in each of the three reaches. Cross-section information used asinput to the computation program was determined from field surveys or from existing detailed topographic information. Output options in theprogram were used to generate tables of hydraulic variables for streamflows ranging from 50 to 400 cubic feet per second, including minimum depths and maximum velocities for 20 stream tubes in each of the cross sections selected for study.

Open-File Report↗

Characterization and comparison of phytoplankton in selected lakes of five Great Lakes area national parks

Phytoplankton species have been widely used as indicators of lake conditions, and they may be useful for detecting changes in overall lake condition. In an attempt to inventory and monitor its natural resources, the National Park Service wants to establish a monitoring program for aquatic resources in the Great Lakes Cluster National Parks. This study sought to establish baseline information on the phytoplankton and water chemistry of selected lakes in five national parks in a preliminary effort toward establishing a long-term monitoring program. Phytoplankton and water chemistry samples were collected from ten lakes in five national parks over a two-year period. A total of 176 taxa were identified during the study. Northern lakes generally had higher Shannon-Wiener diversity and clustered together in similarity. Lakes exhibited a south to north gradient of many water chemistry variables, with northern lakes having lower hardness, sulfate, turbidity, and temperature and higher dissolved oxygen. Chloride and sulfate concentrations were the variables that best explained variation among phytoplankton in the ten lakes. A monitoring plan will have to incorporate the differences among lakes, but by coordinating the effort, comparisons within and among parks and other regions will prove useful for determining environmental change.

Aquatic Ecosystem Health & Management↗

Hydraulic modeling at selected dam-removal and culvert-retrofit sites in the northeastern United States

Aquatic connectivity projects, such as removing dams and modifying culverts, have substantial benefits. The restoration of natural flow conditions improves water quality, sediment transport, aquatic and riparian habitat, and fish passage. These projects can also decrease hazards faced by communities by lowering water-surface elevations of flood waters and by removing the risk of dam breaches associated with aging or inadequate infrastructure. This report documents and provides results of one- and two-dimensional hydraulic models developed for selected rivers and streams in the northeastern United States where a dam was removed or a culvert was retrofitted. The models were developed for conditions before and after the dam removal or culvert modification. The discharges applied in the models included monthly discharges and flood discharges for the annual exceedance probabilities of 50, 20, 10, 4, 2, 1, 0.5, and 0.2 percent. This study, by the U.S. Geological Survey in cooperation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, demonstrates the benefits resulting from dam removal and retrofitting undersized culverts in terms of decreased water-surface elevations during flooding and improved fish passage. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Hydrologic Engineering Center’s River Analysis System was used to model the sites in one- and two-dimensional hydraulics, and decreases in the 1-percent annual exceedance probability discharge water-surface elevation were found at all sites studied. The decreases in water-surface elevation at sites in which the impoundment was removed ranged from 1.3 to 10.4 feet. One site, Bradford Dam in Westerly, Rhode Island, had only a 0.2-foot decrease, but at that site the dam was replaced by a series of weirs to retain the upstream impoundment and allow fish passage. Minimal differences were found between the water-surface elevations computed by the one- and two-dimensional models. The two-dimensional models, however, provide the additional benefit of detailed velocity and depth data throughout the channel at a resolution not possible with a one-dimensional model. These velocity and depth data allowed for assessment of the suitability for fish passage at the sites. Fish passage was improved at all the sites by removing the dams and retrofitting the culvert. Prolonged swim velocity criteria for selected fish species were maintained throughout three of the nine study sites, and burst swim velocity criteria were met at all study sites.

Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Rhode Isla↗