Grantee Research Project Results
Stream Classification for TMDL Assessment Using a Dimensionless, Reference Reach Approach
EPA Grant Number: R831366Title: Stream Classification for TMDL Assessment Using a Dimensionless, Reference Reach Approach
Investigators: Wilson, Bruce , Perry, James A. , Nieber, John L. , Vondracek, Bruce
Institution: University of Minnesota
EPA Project Officer: Packard, Benjamin H
Project Period: November 10, 2003 through November 9, 2006
Project Amount: $769,592
RFA: Development of Watershed Classification Systems for Diagnosis of Biological Impairment in Watersheds (2002) RFA Text | Recipients Lists
Research Category: Watersheds , Water
Objective:
The overall goal of the proposed project is to develop a simple classification system that is useful in TMDL assessment. Research objectives are: (1) to investigate the relationship between indicators of stream health and localized stream characteristics, (2) to develop and evaluate dimensionless curves using reference reach values as a tool for stream classification and TMDL assessment, and (3) to propose and test a stream classification system using the prediction intervals of the dimensionless curves. Three parallel hypotheses will be evaluated to complete the project.
Approach:
The classification method uses regional reference reaches to account for complex factors related to precipitation, land use, soil and geology. Dependent variables of stream health and independent variables of localized stream characteristics are converted into dimensionless form by normalizing their values by those of the reference reach. Dimensionless relationships are obtained using regression analyses. The variance of predicted values are used to compute three different prediction intervals. These intervals are then used to classify streams within a given region. Development and evaluation of the proposed classification system will be done using a large data set of stream stations gathered within four considerably different regions in Minnesota. An independent data set will be used for testing.
Expected Results:
The classification system will be used by states to prioritize efforts related to TMDL programs. The approach is well suited for considerations of changes in land use and other watershed practices.
Publications and Presentations:
Publications have been submitted on this project: View all 1 publications for this projectJournal Articles:
Journal Articles have been submitted on this project: View all 1 journal articles for this projectSupplemental Keywords:
TMDLs, watersheds, Midwest, indicators, aquatic habitat, land management, RFA, Water, ECOSYSTEMS, Ecosystem Protection/Environmental Exposure & Risk, Water & Watershed, Aquatic Ecosystems & Estuarine Research, Monitoring/Modeling, Aquatic Ecosystem, Terrestrial Ecosystems, Watersheds, risk assessment, ecosystem modeling, anthropogenic stress, watershed classification, watershed, ecosystem monitoring, decision making, TMDL, water quality, ecological risk, aquatic ecosystems, environmental stress, stressor effect relationships, stream classification, ecological indicators, ecology assessment models, ecosystem stress, watershed assessment, ecological models, water monitoring, stress responseProgress and Final Reports:
The perspectives, information and conclusions conveyed in research project abstracts, progress reports, final reports, journal abstracts and journal publications convey the viewpoints of the principal investigator and may not represent the views and policies of ORD and EPA. Conclusions drawn by the principal investigators have not been reviewed by the Agency.