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Measuring the Influence of Headwater Streams Using Geostatistical Tools
Forested headwater stream in Clemons Fork watershed
Sampling locations in the Buckhorn Creek watershed
Objective:
Measure the influence of headwater streams on the quality of downstream receiving waters in forested and mined watersheds
Approach:
- A forested watershed will be compared to an adjacent watershed with multiple valley fills from coal mining activities
- Hydrolab measurements (D.O., pH, conductivity, temp.) will be collected every 100-500 m throughout the watershed (Fig. 1) in spring (wet period) and summer (dry period)
- Geostatistical methods (semi-variograms) will be used to evaluate the stream distance over which conductivity values are spatially correlated
Why This Research Is Needed:
Headwater streams and isolated wetlands are now vulnerable to loss as result of recent litigation. Research is needed to evaluate how the quality of headwater streams can ultimately influence the quality of “navigable” waters further downstream. In the Appalachians, headwater streams are frequently filled with overburden as a result of coal mining activities (mountaintop removal/valley filling). Streams draining the valley fills have highly elevated conductivity (often >10X typical values) that degrades aquatic ecosystems. However, the downstream extent and degree of influence have not been formally evaluated. Use of spatial statistics will help quantify water quality connections between disturbed headwaters and downstream resources.
Expected Outcomes:
Results can be used to aid permitting and stream mitigation efforts. The work will also provide a framework assessment tool that could be used in other regions with different types of stressors.
Contact: Brent Johnson
(johnson.brent@epa.gov)
(Cincinnati, OH)
Adam Haas (Cincinnati, OH)
Ken Fritz (Cincinnati, OH)