|
Nutrient Planning and Management for Long Island Sound Water Quality Improvements |
Client: HydroQual, Inc., Mahwah, NJ
AQUA TERRA is a subcontractor to HydroQual for this project with the Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection (CTDEP). The objectives of the project are to quantify all sources of key nutrients within each of the six nutrient management zones that lie primarily within the state of Connecticut, and their delivery efficiency to Long Island sound; identify nonpoint source management opportunities within each zone; and compile data within a watershed model framework (EPA's HSPF model) that allows load and delivery analysis of management options and other variables.
AQUA TERRA will have major involvement in four of the ten project tasks: data review and application database development, development and performance of a model application on test watershed(s), expansion of the model from the test watersheds to a state-wide model, and providing major portions of the final report, as well as archived files related to the application database and model definition and results. AQUA TERRA is assisting HydroQual in evaluating appropriate GIS databases and other data including land use/land cover, soils, topography, natural basin boundaries, dams, diversions, pollution sources, atmospheric deposition, snow depth, hydrography, channel cross-sections, and lake/reservoir operations and characteristics; useful data are being used to develop an application database using the companion database system for HSPF, the Watershed Data Management (WDM) file. AQUA TERRA will assist HydoQual in developing a simulation plan that will describe available data and planned simulation period, identify additional data needs and priorities, present the preliminary watershed segmentation, identify the water quality constituents to be modeled, identify potential test watersheds for model calibration, and present a preliminary list of potential best management plans.
Upon final selection of test watersheds by CTDEP, AQUA TERRA will take the lead in calibrating and verifying the watershed model for one or more of the test watersheds. This effort will resolve modeling problems related to characterizing monthly and seasonal flow rates and nutrient loadings. After calibration efforts are accepted by the project steering committee, data compilation and model definition will be performed for statewide application of the HSPF model, and model calibration will be performed for all major watershed segments. In addition having a major role in performing the above tasks, AQUA TERRA will further support the project by assisting HydroQual in identifying key best management practices and impacts, running development scenarios, participating in a training workshop for state personnel, attending meetings, and contributing to the final report writing and file transfer to the State.