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Overview
Basics
Basics
This study compiled the available stormwater and stream FSP data to develop methods for estimating FSP concentrations from surrogate or proxy measurements. A series of multi-parameter linear regression models were systematically tested to identify the most powerful and cost-effective metrics that would predict FSP concentrations and convert between measurement units of mass and number of particles.
The findings and recommendations provided in this study are designed to help guide monitoring, focused data collection, sample analysis, and FSP unit translations to obtain reasonable estimates of FSP concentration in stream and stormwater runoff by Tahoe water quality monitoring programs.
Completed
2010
2011
2015
$212,704
Alan Heyvaert (alan.heyvaert@dri.edu)
09/20/2017
09/20/2017
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| Location Information | Location Notes |
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Organizations
Organizations
EIP Details
EIP Basics
EIP Basics
04.01.01.0055 - P081: Evaluating Field and Laboratory Data for Developing Surrogate Indicators to Monitor Fine Sediment in the LTB.
Performance Measures
Expected Performance Measures
Expected Performance Measures
No expected performance measures set for this project.
Reported Performance Measures
Reported Performance Measures
No annual performance measure accomplishments entered for this project.
Funding
Expected Funding
Expected Funding
$212,704
$212,704
$0
| Total | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Unknown or Unassigned | $212,704 | $212,704 | $0 |
| Grand Total | $212,704 | $212,704 | $0 |
Reported Expenditures
Reported Expenditures
| Total | 2015 | 2014 | 2013 | 2012 | 2011 | 2010 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Southern Nevada Public Land Management Act (Pacifi... | $212,704 | $35,451 | $35,451 | $35,451 | $35,450 | $35,451 | $35,450 |
| Grand Total | $212,704 | $35,451 | $35,451 | $35,451 | $35,450 | $35,451 | $35,450 |
Photos
Other Details
Watersheds
No watersheds set for this project.
Threshold Categories
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It has long been recognized that enhanced nutrient loadings have caused increased algae growth and diminished clarity in Lake Tahoe. More recently, however, increasing amounts of fine sediment particles (FSP <16 microns) in suspension have been implicated as one of the main reasons for clarity loss.
Local and Regional Plans
No Local and Regional Plans set for this project.
Related Projects
Related Projects
No Related Projects set for this project.
External Links
Notes
Notes
| 08/15/2017 8:05 AM | System | Objectives: The primary goal of this project was to investigate use of turbidity as a surrogate or proxy indicator of fine sediment particle (FSP <16 µm) concentrations in Tahoe Basin stormwater runoff. The main objective was to provide Tahoe Basin agencies and the science community with analytical protocols and techniques that convert from turbidity measurement to FSP as mass concentration and FSP as particle concentration. Development of these conversion routines was essential because the Lake Clarity Model and the TMDL rely on particle numbers (FSP: number/liter) for estimating fine sediment loading and reduction targets, while the Pollutant Load Reduction Model uses a mass concentration of fine sediment particles (FSP: mg/liter) in its routines for estimating load reductions associated with BMP implementation. Furthermore, it was recognized that if dependable relationships could be developed, measuring turbidity would provide continuous or real-time information on FSP compared to discrete single sample collection and analysis. This approach also represented a potential for cost savings in TMDL and Lake Tahoe Interagency Monitoring Program (LTIMP). The overall approach taken in this project was to: • Provide a synthesis of existing methods and data. • Develop draft recommendations based on that information. • Identify information gaps relevant to implementation of the recommendations. • Work with agency representatives to prioritize issues that may need to be addressed through future investigations. |
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| 08/15/2017 8:04 AM | System | Findings: • This study compiled available stormwater runoff and stream FSP data to evaluate statistical methods that would estimate FSP concentrations using cost-effective surrogate measurements. A series of multi-parameter linear regression models were systematically tested to identify the most powerful and cost-effective metrics to predict and convert FSP concentrations, both by mass and number of particles. • Based on analysis of available datasets, the optimal regression models were shown to include regional location and month of sample collection to convert both stream or stormwater FSP concentrations between mass and number of particles. • Turbidity was identified as a reliable proxy to predict FSP concentrations at urban stormwater sites with small improvements in statistical power if region and month are included in the conversion. The use of turbidity as a proxy for FSP concentrations in stream runoff was also promising, but the available data was extremely limited and would require additional paired turbidity-FSP monitoring in streams to create a statistically reliable model. • This project also demonstrated, however, that different turbidity instruments produce different results from the same runoff samples, even when properly calibrated. Recommendations are provided for normalizing turbidity data from diverse instruments, as needed, and for reporting original data with the corresponding transformation functions and instrument IDs. • Since in situ deployment of turbidity sensors is particularly sensitive to site monitoring configurations, additional suggestions are provided on important installation factors and sampling techniques that improve the reliability of data produced from dynamic field monitoring of turbidity. |
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| 08/15/2017 8:03 AM | System | Management Implications: • The findings and recommendations will guide field monitoring, focused data collection, sample analysis, and FSP unit translations to obtain reasonable predictions of FSP in stream and stormwater runoff for Tahoe water quality monitoring programs going forward. • It is recommended that LTIMP monitoring incorporate regular turbidity measurements in the stream water quality monitoring program along with additional paired turbidity-FSP monitoring to create a statistically reliable model of FSP concentrations. • Protocols were developed for analytic techniques with three different types of instruments: an in-situ sensor, a portable turbidimeter and a laboratory turbidimeter. Recommendations are provided for normalizing turbidity data from different instruments, and for reporting this information with corresponding metadata. • Cost savings should be achieved along with improved temporal resolution of loading characteristics for FSP in stormwater runoff to Lake Tahoe by using the turbidity to FSP regression models. |
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| 08/15/2017 8:02 AM | System | Publications: www.fs.fed.us/PSW/partnerships/tahoescience Heyvaert, A.C., 2NDNATURE and J.E. Reuter. 2015. Analysis of Turbidity as a Surrogate Indicator for Fine Sediment Particle Concentrations in the Tahoe Basin. Draft final report. Prepared for the USDA Forest Service, Pacific Southwest Research Station. July 2015. |