Project Number: 5342-12660-004-06
Project Type: Reimbursable

Start Date: Jul 01, 2006
End Date: Jun 30, 2009

Objective:
Design and develop an online capability for assessing and managing the impacts of climate change on sediment loading to streams using the Water Erosion Prediction Project (WEPP) Model. A capability will be provided for assessing the effectiveness of BMPs including riparian buffers, no-till and cover crops under a range of climate change scenarios.

Approach:
Develop a design for implementing climate and BMP assessment capabilities with the WEPP model. Develop a prototype, online tool based on the BASINS Climate Assessment Tool giving users the ability to create modified weather scenarios, and to run the WEPP model using modified weather scenarios. Expand the tool to implement/assess the effectiveness of sediment BMPs (e.g. riparian buffers, cover crops). Complete a prototype that includes a WEPP iterative mode for sensitivity analyses of the impacts of user-specified changes in climate and BMPs with user-support, technical documentation, and training example(s). A case study illustrating the how assessment capabilities can guide the development of BMPs that are robust to changes in climate. Peer-reviewed publications and meeting presentations. Demonstrate and use the tool in (a) Training of municipal decision-makers/resource managers via AZ-NEMO program; and, (b) U. Arizona Watershed Management. Documents Reimbursable with EPA. Log 31570. Formerly 5342-12660-003-21R; July 2007.