Publications

A report on the 1997 Chesapeake Bay Program Regional Land Forums

This study conducts a screening level probabilistic ecological risk assessment for zinc using the distinct phases of problem formulation, analysis, and risk characterization. The Middle River had the highest potential ecological risk from zinc water column exposures, while the potential ecological risk for the Wye River was relatively low.

Goal was to conduct a probabilistic ecological risk assessment for tributyltin (TBT) in estuarine areas of the Chesapeake Bay watershed by using problem formulation, analysis and risk characterization.

This workshop resulted in general agreement on recommendations for a list of suitable methodologies and species that are appropriate from bioassessment.

Three models are at the heart of the Chesapeake Bay Environmental Model Package (CBEMP). Distributed flows and loads from the watershed are computed with a highly modified version of the HSPF model. Nutrient and solids loads are computed on a daily basis for 94 sub-watersheds of the Chesapeake Bay watershed. The CH3D-WES hydrodynamic model computes three-dimensional intra-tidal transport on a grid of 13,000 cells. Computed loads and transport are input to the CE-QUAL-ICM eutrophication model which computes algal biomass, nutrient cycling and dissolved oxygen, as well as numerous additional constituents and processes. The eutrophication model incorporates a predictive sediment diagenesis component. Ten years, 1985-1994 are simulated continuously using time steps of 5 minutes (hydrodynamic model) and 15 minutes (eutrophication model). This report comprises the primary documentation of the eutrophication component of the 2002 CBEMP.

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The TSD was developed by the EPA and its watershed partners to be a companion document to the Regional Criteria Guidance. Because it describes the development and geographical extent of the designated uses to which the refined water quality criteria may apply, the TSD serves as a resource to the states to assist them in the development and adoption of refined water quality standards.

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The major objective of the Coordinated Split Sample Program is to establish a measure of comparability between sampling and analytical operations for water quality monitoring basin wide. The second objective is to evaluate the in-matrix dilution of standard EPA reference materials. These standard reference materials are analyzed in appropriate matrix, fresh to saline, and concentration level to match the sample.

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The Benthic Process Model Review Team, assembled by the Modeling Subcommittee during Fall 2000, reviewed the benthic model developed for the Chesapeake Bay Water Quality Model, a component of Chesapeake Bay Estuary Modeling Package. Review of the model presented in the technical, report, Development of a Suspension Feeding and Deposit Feeding Benthos Model for Chesapeake Bay (USCE 0410) was guided by questions provided by the Modeling Subcommittee. The Review Team was further charged with advising the Modeling Subcommittee regarding the future directions in benthic process modeling that will be needed in order to satisfy the goals and objectives stated in the Chesapeake 2000 Agreement.

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In this report, observations of dissolved oxygen concentrations, chlorophyll concentrations, and light attenuation are compared to model estimates taken at the same time and location in model space. The comparison includes scatter plots, cumulative plats, regressions, and summary statistics. The method of adapting the model for application to the proposed water quality criteria through the use of regressions, spatial interpolation, and cumulative frequency plots of criteria exceedences is described.

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The goal of the Chesapeake Bay Black Drum Management Plan is to protect the black drum resource in the Chesapeake Bay, its tributaries, and coastal waters, while providing the greatest long-term ecological, social and economic benefits from their usage over time.