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DISSOLVED OXYGEN IMPACT FROM URBAN STORM RUNOFF
Citation:
Keefer, T., R. Simons, AND R. McQuivey. DISSOLVED OXYGEN IMPACT FROM URBAN STORM RUNOFF. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, D.C., EPA/600/2-79/156.
Description:
The primary objective of the research reported here is to determine if on a national basis a correlation exists between strength of dissolved oxygen (DO) deficits and the presence of rainfall and/or storm runoff downstream of urban areas. A secondary objective is to estimate the magnitude and extent of the problem. One hundred and four water quality monitoring sites in and downstream of urban areas throughout the country were considered for inclusion in the study. These were screened from over 1000 monitors maintained by federal and state agencies. Daily data were obtained and processed for 83 of the 104 candidate sites. Of the 83 monitors considered, 42 percent or roughly four monitors in ten of the 104 candidates demonstrated a 60 percent or greater probability of a higher than average DO deficit occurring at times of higher-than-average stream flow or on days with rainfall. In general, the data examined here indicate that 19 percent of the 104 candidate monitors might not meet a 5.0-mg/l standard and 15 percent might not meet a 2.0-mg/l standard.