ABSTRACT:
Land classification systems are useful for identifying areas of relative homogeneity among which attainable water quality varies according to predominant land type and present use. Five ecological regions in Ohio were delineated to evaluate a framework for assessing attainable water quality in small streams. Streams in relatively unimpacted, representative watersheds were selected in each region. Various water quality variables were sampled over a 16-month interval from July 1983 through November 1984. The highest water quality consistently occurred in the southeastern region; the lowest in the northwestern region. The correspondence between spatial patterns in water quality variables and the delineated regions, together with multivariate classification of the streams based on their major ion chemistry and nutrient richness, support the hypothesis that regional differences in attainable surface water quality occur and that a land classification system is useful for characterizing attainable water quality goals. Such a framework should be useful for planning, implementing, and monitoring pollution control programs.
Footnotes
David P. Larsen is a research aquatic biologist with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Environmental Research Laboratory, 200 SW 35th Street, Corvallis, Oregon 97333. Daniel R. Dudley is water quality standards and toxics section manager with the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency, Columbus, 43266. Robert M. Hughes is an aquatic ecologist with Northrop Services lnc., 1600 SW Western Avenue, Corvallis, Oregon 97333. The authors thank the following people for their assistance: numerous employees of the Ohio EPA sampled streams and conducted chemical analyses; Alisa Gallant, Sandra Henderson, James Omernik, Christina Rohm, and Thomas Whittier reviewed the concepts presented; Joe Spitz and Peggy Walch processed most of the data; and Jay Messer, Spencer Peterson, and Karen Randolph reviewed the manuscript. Part of this research project was supported by EPA contract #68-03-3246 to Northrop Seroices Inc.
- Copyright 1988 by the Soil and Water Conservation Society
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