PM13 Watershed/Airshed Science and Regulation
Exhibit Hall
8:00 AM - Monday, 10 November 2003
(PM190) A watershed approach to characterize the influence of land use change on aquatic resources.
Klaine, S.1, Schlautman, M1, English, R. 2, Hayes, J.3, Karanfil, T.4, Templeton, S. 5, Smink, J.1, Post, C.2, 1 Environmental Toxicology Program, Clemson University, Pendleton, SC, USA2 Department of Forestry and natural Resources, Clemson University, Clemson, SC, USA3 Public Service and Administration, Clemson University, Clemson, SC, USA4 Department of Environmental Engineering and Science, Clemson University, Pendleton, SC, USA5 Department of Agricultural Economics, Clemson University, Clemson, SC, USA
ABSTRACT- The objective of the Changing Land Use and the Environment (CLUE) project is to characterize the cause and effect relationships between land use change and the quality of aquatic resources. This research project is being conducted on the Saluda-Reedy river watershed in the upstate of South Carolina. Development in this watershed ranges from the heavily urbanized area of Greenville to more rural, agricultural and forestry land uses. An automated water sampling system was established both on the main stems of these two rivers as well as on smaller tributaries undergoing land use change. At each site both base and storm flow water samples were taken for chemical and physical analyses. In addition, benthic invertebrate community analyses were conducted regularly at each site. Results of this work are being integrated into a riverine health index to be used by policy and decision makers within the watershed and at the state level. A satellite telecommunication system will provide real-time water quality data at two sites using in line sensors for various parameters. These data will be automatically analyzed and displayed on the web page for use by decision-makers, educators and the general public. Results to date verify that nonpoint discharge is the most significant source of nutrients entering Lake Greenwood, the downstream critical water body in this watershed. Potential for the use of this information to change decisions regarding resource management will be discussed.
Key words: aquatic resources, watershed assessment, riverine health index, resource management