Fluvial Geomorphic Response to In-Stream Structures: The Effects of Design, Planning and Restoration of the Comanche Creek Catchment, New Mexico, USA
Date: November 12, 2008
Time: 11:00 AM
Location: SAAP, RM. 327
College: School of Architecture and Planning and University College
Department: Community and Regional Planning and Water Resources
Abstract
Anthropogenic impacts to the Comanche Creek catchment of northern New Mexico have resulted in impaired water quality and aquatic habitat for Rio Grande cutthroat trout. Federal and state policies promulgating collaborative, multi-stakeholder watershed-based restoration endeavors have driven the implementation of in-stream, riparian and upland treatments in the catchment. This research addresses restoration endeavors through a review of stream channel and watershed planning, policy and restoration. Drawing upon case studies from current literature, policies driving watershed restoration and the use of in-stream structures to improve aquatic habitat and water quality were reviewed. A stream hydrograph was extrapolated utilizing streamflow evaluations from a hydrologically similar gaged catchment. Analysis of fluvial geomorphic trends was completed through field observations and channel geometry surveys of cross-section, longitudinal profile and substrate throughout reaches impacted by in-stream structures. Trends in fluvial form and processes at discrete locations indicate response to present flow and sediment regimes. Downstream trends in channel geometry suggest overall disequilibrium within the catchment. Data does not reveal whether goals and objectives of in-stream structures and overall catchment restoration endeavors have been achieved. Monitoring over multiple spatial and temporal scales and a post-project appraisal are recommended for objective determination of success or failure of restoration endeavors. Critical data analysis and reporting to funding agencies by both restoration practitioners and scientists is proposed for policy review and development at federal and state levels to further refine collaborative watershed-based restoration endeavors.
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Professional Project Defense: Krista M. Schultz
Modeling Road Erosion in the Upper Torreon Wash: Coupling GIS and WEPP to Predict Sediment Detachment, Transport, and Delivery
Date: November 3, 2008
Time: 1:00 pm
Location: Economics Building Room 1052
Abstract
Accurate prediction of sediment detachment, transport and delivery from road networks has historically been an expensive and time consuming task. The Water Erosion Prediction Project (WEPP) soil erosion model, allows users to predict road erosion based on specific characteristics. The approach can be applied to specific climate conditions, multiple road designs, and unique attribute information. The methodology is applied to the upper Torreon Wash located in northwestern, New Mexico. Main roads and access routes within study area are evaluated to determine the estimated sediment delivery from unpaved roads. This study incorporates results from the WEPP model to determine what impact erosion is having on the area. Analysis is designed to identify areas of intense erosion, sediment delivery to stream systems, and a case study to determine the effects of past remediation efforts. Collected data is stored and organized using geographic information systems (GIS) to visualize the spatial component, while providing effective data management, analysis, and mapping capabilities within a geographic environment. The Upper Torreon Wash is experiencing severe erosion and findings suggest that remediation efforts can have a significant impact on reducing sediment loads from existing road networks.
Date: November 3, 2008
Time: 1:00 pm
Location: Economics Building Room 1052
Abstract
Accurate prediction of sediment detachment, transport and delivery from road networks has historically been an expensive and time consuming task. The Water Erosion Prediction Project (WEPP) soil erosion model, allows users to predict road erosion based on specific characteristics. The approach can be applied to specific climate conditions, multiple road designs, and unique attribute information. The methodology is applied to the upper Torreon Wash located in northwestern, New Mexico. Main roads and access routes within study area are evaluated to determine the estimated sediment delivery from unpaved roads. This study incorporates results from the WEPP model to determine what impact erosion is having on the area. Analysis is designed to identify areas of intense erosion, sediment delivery to stream systems, and a case study to determine the effects of past remediation efforts. Collected data is stored and organized using geographic information systems (GIS) to visualize the spatial component, while providing effective data management, analysis, and mapping capabilities within a geographic environment. The Upper Torreon Wash is experiencing severe erosion and findings suggest that remediation efforts can have a significant impact on reducing sediment loads from existing road networks.
Professional Project Defense: Christina Keleher
Nitrate Contaminated Groundwater in Albuquerque's South Valley: Is Monitored Natural Attenuation an Appropriate Strategy?
Date: Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Time: 10:00 AM
Location: Economics Bldg. Room 1052
Abstract
Nitrate contaminated groundwater in the South Valley of Albuquerque has been documented since the early 1960's. Over the past four decades, nitrate concentrations have declined, but are still significantly greater than the groundwater standard of 10 mg/L. Although the nitrate contaminated water no longer presents a human health threat to the residents of Mountain View, all groundwater in New Mexico that contains less than 10,000 ppm total dissolved solids and is subject to New Mexico groundwater standards and should be considered a potential future drinking water source. It may be argued that the nitrate plume is relatively stable and therefore monitored natural attenuation is a more appropriate and less costly alternative than remediation of the nitrate. The New Mexico Environment Department uses a process of risk based decision making to evaluate the risks to human health and the environment posed by leaking petroleum storage tanks. In addition to a comprehensive review of the history of the nitrate contaminated groundwater in Mountain View, and a review of government regulations pertaining to nitrate contamination of groundwater in NM, this professional project applied a modified risk assessment to determine whether the nitrate plume poses enough risk to future development to justify remediation. The risk assessment factored in receptors, pathways of exposure, fate and transport parameters as well as estimated characteristics of the nitrate plume, among other things. Taking into account the results of the risk assessment and current New Mexico regulations, the most prudent alternative, considering human health, is to remediate the contamination.
Date: Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Time: 10:00 AM
Location: Economics Bldg. Room 1052
Abstract
Nitrate contaminated groundwater in the South Valley of Albuquerque has been documented since the early 1960's. Over the past four decades, nitrate concentrations have declined, but are still significantly greater than the groundwater standard of 10 mg/L. Although the nitrate contaminated water no longer presents a human health threat to the residents of Mountain View, all groundwater in New Mexico that contains less than 10,000 ppm total dissolved solids and is subject to New Mexico groundwater standards and should be considered a potential future drinking water source. It may be argued that the nitrate plume is relatively stable and therefore monitored natural attenuation is a more appropriate and less costly alternative than remediation of the nitrate. The New Mexico Environment Department uses a process of risk based decision making to evaluate the risks to human health and the environment posed by leaking petroleum storage tanks. In addition to a comprehensive review of the history of the nitrate contaminated groundwater in Mountain View, and a review of government regulations pertaining to nitrate contamination of groundwater in NM, this professional project applied a modified risk assessment to determine whether the nitrate plume poses enough risk to future development to justify remediation. The risk assessment factored in receptors, pathways of exposure, fate and transport parameters as well as estimated characteristics of the nitrate plume, among other things. Taking into account the results of the risk assessment and current New Mexico regulations, the most prudent alternative, considering human health, is to remediate the contamination.
The American Southwest: Are We Running Dry?
Guest post from Bruce Thomson:
The UNM Utton Transboundary Resource Center and the UNM Water Resources Program are sponsoring a screening of James Thebaut's new film "The American Southwest: Are We Running Dry?"
The screening will be held on November 11, 2008 at 6:15 p.m. in the UNM Centennial Engineering Center Auditorium. It will be preceded by a reception for the film maker at 5:30 in the Robert J. Stamm Study Commons in the same building. A panel discussion will follow the screening and will include James Thebaut, Prof. Paul Matthews (UNM Geography Dept.), Vince Tidwell (Sandia National Laboratories), and Tanya Trujillo (General Counsel, Interstate Stream Commission).
Arrangements have been made for free parking in the "B" lot at the NW corner of Central Ave. and University Blvd.
Please join us for this very exciting and thought provoking event. Please contact Sandy Gaines, Director of the Utton Center (gaines@law.unm.edu), or me (bthomson@unm.edu) if you have any questions.
The UNM Utton Transboundary Resource Center and the UNM Water Resources Program are sponsoring a screening of James Thebaut's new film "The American Southwest: Are We Running Dry?"
The screening will be held on November 11, 2008 at 6:15 p.m. in the UNM Centennial Engineering Center Auditorium. It will be preceded by a reception for the film maker at 5:30 in the Robert J. Stamm Study Commons in the same building. A panel discussion will follow the screening and will include James Thebaut, Prof. Paul Matthews (UNM Geography Dept.), Vince Tidwell (Sandia National Laboratories), and Tanya Trujillo (General Counsel, Interstate Stream Commission).
Arrangements have been made for free parking in the "B" lot at the NW corner of Central Ave. and University Blvd.
Please join us for this very exciting and thought provoking event. Please contact Sandy Gaines, Director of the Utton Center (gaines@law.unm.edu), or me (bthomson@unm.edu) if you have any questions.
Construction on Imperial Valley reservoir begins
Guest post from Shawn Hardeman:
In 2005, Annelia, Doug and I did our WR571 group project on the lower Colorado River. In particular, we discussed salinity issues and water shortages. Since that time we have seen the desalination plant in Yuma fired up, the lining of the All-American Canal and now this reservoir (http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-water22-2008oct22,0,6454616.story). Each event has or will have a profound negative effect on Mexico's agricultural industry and water quality/reliability. The Colorado river barely flows into Mexico as is - they get their allotment of the river water and the tap is literally turned off. To say that water is "lost" to Mexico is an understatement - Mexico is where we dump our slightly treated brine water. I visited Mexicali back in 1996 - it was in a sad state back then, with salt encrusted soils and widespread environmental degradation. I would hate to see it today with the fallout from these projects.
To add insult to injury - an Arizona company is looking at building a desalination plant at the Sea of Cortez. This proposed $40 billion plant would treat salt water and pump it to Phoenix Arizona. At some point we have to take a step back and ask ourselves - "how much abuse can one ecosystem take?" How many times can you rob Peter? Or, in this case Pedro. Only time will tell.
If I were an up and coming water resource specialist I would watch Yuma-Imperial Valley-Mexicali trifecta very closely. This is a very interesting case of "competing interests," even more so, than our Colorado-New Mexico-Texas system. Speaking of Texas, the USA may hold all the cards when it comes to the Colorado River; however, Mexico owns a greater portion of the Rio Grande headwaters (down towards Texas.) These are interesting times, and it's all because we need to grow alfalfa and have lettuce year round.
However, there is up side. A researcher from the U of Arizona has been researching the potential of farming the coastal plains surrounding the Sea of Cortez using salt water (see NYtimes "Man and the Sea.") The preferred crop is called Sea Asparagus and is considered a delicacy throughout the world. If successful, Mexico will not only benefit from this cash crop, but also the seeds, which can be processed into bio-fuel.
In 2005, Annelia, Doug and I did our WR571 group project on the lower Colorado River. In particular, we discussed salinity issues and water shortages. Since that time we have seen the desalination plant in Yuma fired up, the lining of the All-American Canal and now this reservoir (http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-water22-2008oct22,0,6454616.story). Each event has or will have a profound negative effect on Mexico's agricultural industry and water quality/reliability. The Colorado river barely flows into Mexico as is - they get their allotment of the river water and the tap is literally turned off. To say that water is "lost" to Mexico is an understatement - Mexico is where we dump our slightly treated brine water. I visited Mexicali back in 1996 - it was in a sad state back then, with salt encrusted soils and widespread environmental degradation. I would hate to see it today with the fallout from these projects.
To add insult to injury - an Arizona company is looking at building a desalination plant at the Sea of Cortez. This proposed $40 billion plant would treat salt water and pump it to Phoenix Arizona. At some point we have to take a step back and ask ourselves - "how much abuse can one ecosystem take?" How many times can you rob Peter? Or, in this case Pedro. Only time will tell.
If I were an up and coming water resource specialist I would watch Yuma-Imperial Valley-Mexicali trifecta very closely. This is a very interesting case of "competing interests," even more so, than our Colorado-New Mexico-Texas system. Speaking of Texas, the USA may hold all the cards when it comes to the Colorado River; however, Mexico owns a greater portion of the Rio Grande headwaters (down towards Texas.) These are interesting times, and it's all because we need to grow alfalfa and have lettuce year round.
However, there is up side. A researcher from the U of Arizona has been researching the potential of farming the coastal plains surrounding the Sea of Cortez using salt water (see NYtimes "Man and the Sea.") The preferred crop is called Sea Asparagus and is considered a delicacy throughout the world. If successful, Mexico will not only benefit from this cash crop, but also the seeds, which can be processed into bio-fuel.
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