Evaluation of Sediment Transport Data for Clean Sediment TDMLs

摘要

Excessive erosion, transport, and deposition of sediment in surface waters is a major problem in the United States. A national strategy is needed to develop scientifically defensible procedures to facilitate the development of TMDLs for clean sediment in streams and rivers of the United States. In the first part of this study data sets which contain sediment transport and flow data were identified from non-USGS sites. In the second part of this study, an existing method for evaluating impairment of streams by sediment (Rosgen-Troendle technique) was evaluated, problems were identified and a revised technique was developed. This revised technique will be useful in the identification of problems, water quality indicators, and target values for clean sediment TMDLs in streams and rivers (USEPA, 1999). A search of existing data sets yielded 108 sites in the United States with detailed sediment and flow data suitable for testing of procedures for the development of clean sediment TMDLs. The data from these streams was from 11 different states and nine different physiographic provinces of the country and would serve as a valuable resource for further development of procedures to detect impairment due to clean sediment.