Gorton Pond, Warwick, Rhode Island Lake Restoration Project. Phase 1. Diagnostic/Feasibility Study

摘要

Urban land use practices within the watershed have resulted in the transport of excessive sediments and nutrients into Gorton Pond. These events have set the stage for the present eutrophication problem which is manifested primarily as an algal bloom problem, and secondarily as a weed infestation and shoaling problem. Disturbance of the slope vegetation and/or the release of storm water at the top of the slope is usually enough to create a severe erosion problem if left unchecked. To these effects must be added those of street sanding and normal sediment and pollutant build-up on urban surfaces and in hydraulic structures. In addition to the erosion and sedimentation problems plaguing Gorton Pond, a relatively high loading of nutrients has entered Gorton Pond due to the septic system discharges. A full year of monitoring and analysis has demonstrated that excessive levels of nitrogen and phosphorus are present at all times in Gorton Pond water column and are derived principally from storm water, septic system discharges, and release from bottom sediments during overturn. A restoration plan is proposed.