![[ USGS,MD-DE-DC ]](urban_banner.gif)
Name: Gary T. Fisher
USGS operates five stream-gaging stations using NSF funding that provide part of the base infrastructure for physical investigations by BES. In addition, USGS operates 2 additional stations in the Gwynns Falls watershed and 41 other stations in the Baltimore region using USGS and cooperator funding.
USGS provided funding in Federal Fiscal Year 2001 to investigate alternative, cost-effective approaches to high-flow measurements at urban storm-sewer outfalls. This work is storm dependent and is ongoing. USGS also continued investigations of urban ground-water hydrology in the Gwynns Falls. An understanding of the urban subsurface environment is essential to determining an accurate urban water balance and to investigating urban water-quality processes. The presence of water-supply and sewerage infrastructure in urban ecosystems provides for unique and relatively unstudied problems, particularly in older urban settings such as BES.
Using supplemental funding from NSF, the stream-gaging station on Gwynns Falls at Villa Nova has been upgraded to include an automatic water sampler, real-time streamflow, and real-time water-quality data. This is being coordinated with a similar but expanded upgrade by Baltimore City of the downstream Gwynns Falls at Washington Blvd. station.
USGS, in cooperation with Baltimore City, has begun an investigation of impacts of leaking water infrastructure on water resources, with an emphasis on two major tributaries to the lower Gwynns Falls. Two additional stream-gaging stations are being established.
USGS, in cooperation with USEPA, has begun an investigation of the relationship of stream restoration and riparian zones and their impact on water quality, with an emphasis on nutrients. Initial work is being conducted in Minebank Run, which is just east of Gwynns Falls and close to the U.S. Forest Service air monitoring tower. One additional stream gaging station will be established.
Preliminary work has been conducted to evaluate hydrology of a constructed tidal wetland near the mouth of Gwynns Falls, in cooperation with the National Aquarium in Baltimore. An expanded proposal will be submitted through the Aquarium to the Maryland Port Authority.
What were major findings from these activities?
Primary product is a continuous data stream, published annually, with some station data available in near real time.
Other work mentioned is ongoing.
What opportunities for training and development has the project helped provide?
No specific opportunities, but USGS participation in BES has provided a regular opportunity for technical exchange among Principal Investigators and project technical staff. USGS cooperators are eligible to attend training at the USGS National Training Center in Denver.
What outreach activities have you undertaken?
USGS investigators have provided a continuing liaison to USGS researchers in several discipline divisions and to the Maryland Water Monitoring Council.
Streamflow data provided on regular basis and on special request to individual investigators. USGS scientists have participated on a continuing basis in all appropriate BES planning and scientific meetings, including the BES Steering Committee. USGS is providing leadership in general hydrologic investigations in cooperation with other Principal Investigators and Collaborators and is providing particular leadership in ground-water and subsurface geophysical investigations.
Other disciplines of science and engineering:
USGS data and products are widely used in the geosciences and natural-resources management communities.
Development of human resources:
USGS provides regular development opportunities to its scientists and technicians through its National Training Center, other training, and conference attendance. Cooperators, including BES investigators, are eligible to participate in USGS training programs on a space-available basis.
Physical, institutional, and informational resources that form the infrastructure for research and education:
Stream measurements and sampling were conducted in September 2000 to provide preliminary information on the urban ground-water flow system.
Architectural data base designed by REU student will provide important data for human ecology and urban infrastructure investigations.
Public welfare beyond science and engineering:
USGS is striving to add real-time capabilities to all stream-gaging stations to provide flood warning and a regular data stream for recreation, education, and water-resources management applications.