Characterizing Non-Point Salt Contamination to Streams and Groundwater

Primary Partner: Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies
Project Type: CARTI III
Web Address: http://www.ecostudies.org/ecofocus_2009-11-08.html

Technical Description:

This material is based upon work supported by the United States Environmental Protection Agency under Award Number EPA 05 X-83232501-0.

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.

Click here to see a PowerPoint presentation highlightling project status as of April 2010.

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.

Presentations:

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. Also at a Westchester County Forum attended by numerous Highway Superintendents.

Researcher information:



http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1752-1688.2009.00348.x/abstract