Watershed Analysis

Rainfall-Runoff Continuous and Single Event Simulations

Development of single event watershed rainfall - runoff relationships using analytical methods or event-based computer models such as HEC-1, HEC-HMS, or Sedimot. Continuous simulation of watershed processes using PRMS and HSPF.

Projects: Modifications to NRCS-TR55, publication of Integrated Decision making for Reservoir Irrigation and Crop Management.

Watershed water quality studies

Watershed studies are performed at three levels; the state, the basin and the watershed within each basin. Some issues best addressed at the watershed level are controlling nutrient loading to small lakes, point source pollutant, nonpoint pollutants, monitoring, and best management practices.

Project: Implementation of Best Management Practices in Wellhead Delineation Areas of Turkey Creek Watershed (OCC, OCES, ODEQ, OWRB, OSU).

Environmental Impact Statements

Environmental impact statements and / or environmental assessments are performed utilizing a systematic, interdisciplinary approach which insures the integrated use of natural and social sciences. Both direct and indirect impacts are considered.

Project: Regulatory Path Analysis for National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) conducted as part of Ph.D. program research.

Land Use Investigations

Land use has a serious impact on waterways. New developments cause more intensive land-use and generation of pollutants. Increased runoff serves to transport these pollutants directly into waterways, creating nonpoint source pollution. Land use investigations give planners more details to make informed planning decisions and address environmental issues.

Project: Wellhead Protection Education for Communities and Homeowners (OCC, USEPA).

Reservoir Evaluations

Application of time series analysis, statistical data generation, and Monte Carlo simulation to determine probability of inadequate reservoir capacity.

Project: Reservoir analysis conducted as part of Ph.D. program research.

TMDL Assessments

TMDL assessments include the amounts of a pollutant that a waterbody can receive and still meet water quality standards. When a TMDL is prepared it includes; assessing all point and nonpoint sources, assessing the background inputs, including atmospheric deposition and the natural background and determining a suitable margin of safety, to allow for future growth.

Project: TMDL Assessment of Red River Basin into Lake Texoma conducted as part of Ph.D. program research.

Erosion and Sediment Routing

Watershed-scale determination of erosion and sedimentation processes: rainfall-runoff, routing of water and sediment through overland flow areas, channel erosion and deposition, sediment trapping in impoundments and check dams. Use of Sedimot model to determine sediment yields, concentrations, and structure trapping efficiency. Use of HEC-6 to determine scour and deposition in channels.

Projects: Modifications to NRCS-TR55, publication of The Surface Impoundment Element for WEPP, Hydraulic Simulation Techniques Incorporated in the Surface Impoundment Element of WEPP.