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Characterizing Non-Point Salt Contamination to Streams and Groundwater
Start Date 08/01/2008
End Date 07/31/2009
Primary Partner: Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies
Primary Contact: Findlay, Stuart - Principal Investigator
Other Project Contacts: Siegel, Donald - Co-Principal Investigator
Project Type: CARTI III
Technical Description:
We propose a combination of source characterization and hydrologic modeling to
1) identify sources of chloride concentrations in surface and groundwaters and
2) describe their movement through the watershed.
Accomplishments:
We have collected and analyzed several sets of water samples from locations throughout the Fishkill Creek basin in Dutchess County.
Progress has been made in calibrating a lumped parameter model to measured and inferred discharge rates and chloride concentrations. These preliminary results were presented at the CARTI Indoor Air conference earlier in 2008.
We are finishing up measurements of chloride and have begun the sensitivity analysis of the lumped parameter model to test its efficacy as a management tool. We have begun preparing a final report and manuscript for publication.
Results from this project have been presented at scientific meetings, and the Cary Institute recently held a forum on road salt attended by numerous Town Supervisors and Highway Superintendents from Dutchess County. Results were presented at a Westchester County Forum (http://parks.westchestergov.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1995&Itemid=4452) attended by numerous Highway Superintendents.
Benefits:
Understanding how and where chloride is entering surface and ground water and its movement through a watershed will enable enhanced mitigation and management decisions for controlling this element.
For more information:
http://www.ecostudies.org/ecofocus_2009-11-08.html
http://www.ecostudies.org/people_sci_findlay.html
Field Sampling Results
Image Credit: Stuart Findley, Carey Institute of Ecosystem Studies
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