Grantee Research Project Results
Regionally-Based Clean Water Activities: Source Assessment and Preliminary Modeling of Thermal Loading in the Carson River Basin, Western Nevada
EPA Grant Number: X831600Title: Regionally-Based Clean Water Activities: Source Assessment and Preliminary Modeling of Thermal Loading in the Carson River Basin, Western Nevada
Investigators: McKay, Alan , Brock, Jim , McGwire, Ken
Institution: Desert Research Institute
EPA Project Officer: Packard, Benjamin H
Project Period: February 15, 2004 through February 14, 2006
Project Amount: $218,000
RFA: Targeted Research Grant (2003) Recipients Lists
Research Category: Targeted Research , Drinking Water
Objective:
The proposed effort uses geospatial datasets and field data collection to parameterize a stream temperature model for selected portions of the Carson River in western Nevada where high water temperatures are a concern with respect to its classification as a coldwater fishery. An existing dynamic temperature model will be used to test whether hypothesized re-vegetation strategies would be expected to result in measurable reductions in river temperature. This effort builds on the continuing integration of geospatial data in the field of hydrologic modeling.
Approach:
Geospatial datasets will be used to define river reaches in the most effective manner for temperature modeling. The DSSAMt model for stream temperature will be calibrated using a combination of data from remote sensing, geographic information systems and field measurements. The DSSAMt model is a peer-reviewed model that has been effectively used in the neighboring Truckee River watershed. After calibration and testing, the DSSAMt model will be run using different scenarios of streamside re-vegetation projects.
Expected Results:
Results of the DSSAMt model runs with various re-vegetation strategies will provide critical information to decision makers about the expected effectiveness of possible mitigation activities. This will help State environmental protection personnel to better assess the costs and benefits of various strategies.
Supplemental Keywords:
LIDAR,Progress 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.