Oyster Update – Virginia Oysters

• Presentation of final results October 2004• Results accepted by Modeling

Subcommittee 2004• We are waiting for approval by review

panel• They are waiting for written report• Report is 75% complete. Expected April 15

2005

Oyster Update - Ariakensis

• Seven of ten proposed scenarios completed December 2004

• Results sent to Mike Fritz (CBP) and Tom O’Connell (DNR) and forwarded to Jon Volstad (VERSAR)

• We can proceed no further without feedback, instructions and inputs for additional runs

Oyster Update - Ariakensis

• Our modeling is on hold pending results of larval transport modeling and population modeling.

• Pick-up in activity in April with finish in autumn 2005.

• A meeting of investigators was discussed but never scheduled.

Model Status

• NAB requested $800,000 from Congress for FY05.

• They received $175,000 of which $160,000 has been transferred to ERDC.

• The $160,000 has been obligated for sediment erosion measures. There is a $10,000 deficit for this work which must be covered.

Model Status

• ERDC was scheduled to receive $185,000 in salaries from NAB, over and above EPA contributions.

• EPA contribution of $216,000 is in the pipeline. This is “off the books” of the cost-share agreement.

• $60,000 intended for menhaden will be diverted to this project. $10,000 will go to field program deficit.

Model Status

• The “core” of this project will be completed. Incorporation of dynamic suspended solids computation into water quality model with emphasis on Potomac and Upper Bay.

• The balance is endangered.

Erosion Rates

• First year field work completed by VIMS, Horn Point, ERDC

• Funding obligated for second year effort by VIMS, Horn Point

• First survey completed March 2005. Next scheduled for June

Light Attenuation

• First year field work completed by Smithsonian

• One survey completed March 2005

• No funding identified for second year’s effort. This is a crisis!

Estuarine Phosphorus Model

• Contracted by MWCOG to LTI and Horn Point.

• Major efforts in 2005 will be field work and literature review.

• No funding identified for ERDC participation

Bank Loads

• MDE has contracted with Jeff Halka to add on to existing work in MD. $50,000

• A simplified approach based on existing info will likely be adapted for Virginia.

pH Alkalinity

• No modeling activity

• MWCOG is exploring options for funding

• Substantial field work conducted in 2004 by Boynton and Cornwell for ICPRB, MWCOG

• Completion of work in this area under this project is endangered

Algal Speciation

• No activity• MWCOG is exploring

potential for funding funding

• Completion of work in this area under this project is endangered

Linkage to WQM

• Additional calibration of HM is halted pending examination of WQM results

• Seven years of hydrodynamics have been produced, 1993-1999. The year 2000 is in preparation.

• We will initially focus on 1993 and 1994. Compare to results on previous grid

Linkage to WQM

• We have received Phase 4.3 WSM loads mapped to new grid

• We have received point-source loads mapped to new grid

• We are in the process of downloading data for 1995-2000

• We are in the process of mapping new grid to current Bay Program segmentation

Linkage to WQM

• We need to find a better way of inputting direct atmospheric loads

• We will have results for July quarterly.