upstream-downstream connections in the delaware river watershed by drbc
Post on 26-Jun-2015
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2006 Land Use/Land CoverNOAA CSC
DEVEL 15%
AG 26%
FOREST
6,288 mi2
49%
WETLANDS8%
WATER2%
BARREN <1%
DEVEL1%
AG 13%
FOREST
2,778 mi2
81%
WETLANDS3%
WATER2%
BARREN
BASIN
UPPER REGION
DEVEL10%
AG24%
FOREST1925 mi2
58%
WETLANDS6%
WATER2%
BARREN
CENTRAL REGION
Outstanding Regional Resource
Exceptional water quality
Exceptional source water
Ecological diversity ~75% of non-tidal
river part of National Wild and Scenic Rivers System
100% of non-tidal river is Special Protection Waters
Delaware River Watershed Facts Over 15 million people
(about 5% of the U.S. population) rely on the waters of the basin
Drains 13,539 mi² , or 0.4 of 1% of the continental U.S. land area
Longest undammed river east of the Mississippi
Daily water withdrawal in the DRB = 8.7 BGD
1
5
Head of Tide
Delaware River Port Complex – Largest Fresh Water Port
1960’s Maximum
Salt Line (250 mg/l, 7 day avg)
Normal R.M. 77
Data for determination provided by the U.S. Geological Survey and Kimberly Clark Corp.
AVG. MID-MONTH
LOCATION
J an 68Feb 68Mar 67Apr 61May 64J un 67J ul 72Aug 77Sep 79Oct 81Nov 80Dec 74
MONTH
Water Supply Intakes RM 110
Fish Consumption Advisories
“It is the policy of the Commission that there be no measurable change to existing water quality except towards natural conditions …”
DRBC Special Protection Waters Program
Federal Wild and Scenic River Designation – ¾ of non-tidal river
Total non-tidal river and its watershed designated DRBC Special Protection Waters
Mainstem = longest stretch of anti-degradation waters in U.S.
No measurable change in water quality
Water Quality
Headwaters are the most sensitive areas of a watershed
Existing contiguous forest is critical to water quantity and quality
Philadelphia Source Water Protection Analysis
#1 – Change in Delaware River Headwaters
Vulnerability of Headwaters
15 M
illion
People
Aerial view of a Marcellus Shale well site near Waynesburg, Pa. (MICHAEL BRYANT / Phila. Inquirer Photographer )
Sea Level RiseMore Intense StormsSummer Droughts
Issues knocking on our door
Interconnected Water Resources
Research Needs for Policy Decisions
Data, Monitoring Modeling Aquatic Resources Value of Forests Climate Change Natural Gas Impacts Social Issues Economic Analyses
Research Needs for Policy Decisions
Data, Monitoring Background, trends, “red flags” Qualified staff, reliable equipment, data
programs Mapping
Land Use Natural Features Prioritization of HVWRL
Research Needs for Policy Decisions
Modeling Flow model, Salinity model, Runoff model Rank subbasins response to change Forecast change to multiple factors Connect land use change to WQ ID most critical lands to Water Resources Impact of traditional development vs LID
Research Needs for Policy Decisions
Aquatic Resources 316(b) – Impingement/Entrainment
• Estuary – existing conditions, cumulative impact Location of key communities and habitats
Value of Forests to WQ Natural Capital, % Loss Before Impact Type, Distance from Waterbody Mapping
Research Needs for Policy Decisions
Climate Change Scenario testing, Drought/flood of record
Natural Gas Impacts Land changes WQ Impacts
Research Needs for Policy Decisions
Social/Community Issues Value of Clean Water to Region
Economic Analysis Effect of pricing on water use (block rates) Changes in industry/utilities – water use Natural capital analyses Economics of raising DO std. in Estuary Value of “Keeping the Clean Water Clean” Value of RBCs – Cost Effectiveness
QUESTIONS? ww.DRBC.net
Data, MonitoringModelingAquatic ResourcesValue of ForestsClimate ChangeNatural Gas ImpactsSocial IssuesEconomic Analyses
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