Challenges with Watershed Planning
Environmental regulations require the development and implementation of watershed plans to meet water quality standards and protect water resources. Engineers and regulators working with impaired or threatened waters must undertake watershed planning that considers all stages in the land development process from land use planning through to land development and post occupancy.
Solutions Provided by EEMS
EFDC+ is often used in watershed and hydrodynamic modeling to determine the impact of land use change and impacts on the aquatic ecosystem. EFDC+ is frequently coupled with watershed modeling packages such as LSPC or HSPF for modeling land use scenarios. EEMS generates data and sophisticated visualizations on changes in temperature, salinity, sediment concentration and water quality. This assists program managers with the best available, most economic means of reducing nonpoint source pollution. See our blog post on how to link HSPF with EFDC+ here.
Examples of Studies Done with EEMS
A watershed pollutant loading model and a receiving water quality/hydrodynamic model for dissolved oxygen and nutrients were setup, calibrated, and validated. These models were used to develop TMDLs for the tidally influenced and impaired segment of Stevenson Creek, Florida. A 3D water quality model of the tidally influenced reach of Stevenson Creek was developed using EFDC+. The EFDC+ model flow boundary conditions were linked to the flow and nutrient loadings from the HSPF provided results. CDM conducted the HSPF calibration/validation work. This model was then used by FDEP to develop the recommended dissolved oxygen and nutrient TMDLs for Stevenson Creek.
FDEP Klosterman Bayou, Model Development, Watershed and WQ Modeling, FL, USA
A watershed pollutant loading model and a receiving water quality/ hydrodynamic model for dissolved oxygen and nutrients were setup, calibrated, and validated. These models were used to develop TMDLs for the tidally influenced and impaired segment of Klosterman Bayou, Florida (WBID 1508). A 3D water quality model of the tidally influenced reach of Klosterman Bayou was developed using EFDC+. The water quality model simulated the nitrogen and phosphorus components, as well as the carbon/BOD loadings to the Bayou and the impact due to actual discharges from the watershed. The EFDC+ model flow boundary conditions were linked to the flow and nutrient loadings from the HSPF provided results. CDM conducted the HSPF calibration/validation work. The HSPF/EFDC linkage was streamlined using the latest updates to EEMS. This model was then used by FDEP to develop the recommended dissolved oxygen and nutrient TMDLs for Klosterman Bayou.
North Saskatchewan River WQ Modeling Report, Canada
EEMS was used to provide calibration support to Alberta Environment and Sustainable Resource Development (ESRD) for the North Saskatchewan River (NSR) water quality model. Modeling included Longitudinal and Lateral Mixing (Incorporating new Dye Study data), Total Suspended Solids Calibration, Macrophyte Calibration, Epilithic Algae Calibration, Temperature Calibration, Water Quality Calibration, Dissolved Oxygen Calibration, Bacteria Calibration.
Little Bow River WQ Modeling Report, Canada
EEMS was used to provide calibration support to Alberta Environment and Parks for the Little Bow River. The calibrated model was used to simulate the scenarios for water management in the Little Bow River. Scenarios simulated included supporting Highwood Diversion Plan flow management, reservoir operation management, and WWTP effluent water quality improvement. The model can be used as a tool for analysis of future development of the water body.
Download Example EE Models
Download an example model and run with the free EEMS Demo Version.
This model has been developed to demonstrate water quality and zooplankton simulation of Lake Thonotosassa. This model may be used as a guide to build other WQ models and can be loaded and run in the free demo mode of EEMS.
