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WATERSHED AND INSTREAM MODELING OF SEDIMENT FATE AND TRANSPORT
Impact/Purpose:
This research task will develop modeling approaches and protocols for developing sediment TMDLs for in-stream and watershed (i.e., land surface) processes, and will eventually produce a model of stream and watershed geomorphology. General goals to accomplish this objective are the following:
1. Develop watershed-based modeling systems to forecast the effectiveness of alternative management plans in meeting sediment-related criteria and standards based on appropriate biological endpoints; and
2. Develop and maintain a comprehensive technical support capability that directly links sediment TMDL exposure research activities and products for the EPA Office of Water, EPA Regional Offices, and the States to be used for implementation of policy, regulatory development, remediation, and enforcement needs.
Description:
To effectively manage watersheds, the assessment of watershed ecological response to physicochemical stressors such as sediments over broad spatial and temporal scales is needed. Assessments at this level of complexity requires the development of sediment transport and fate modeling systems. Such modeling systems will enable the evaluation of alternative management options and the identification of acceptable management choices that will ensure the sustainability of specific, selected ecosystems.
The goal of this ERD research task is to develop watershed-based modeling systems to forecast the effectiveness of alternative management plans in meeting sediment-related criteria and standards and appropriate biological endpoints. The approach consists of characterizing nonpoint source loads of water and sediment to surface waters, and simulating instream hydrodynamics, geomorphology, and sediment transport and fate. The chief products will be TMDL assessment procedures, habitat assessment techniques, bioengineering design models, and the first pratical stream geomorphology model to assess impacts of urbanization and other land use changes. The specific products will be designed for multi-use to support the next generation watershed model and watershed ecosystem model, and the NERL multimedia modeling framework.
Through this work we will develop and maintain a comprehensive technical support capability that directly links sediment TMDL exposure research activities and products for the EPA Office of Water, EPA Regional Offices, and the States.