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Below, you can link to project information and proposal abstracts:
- Title:
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Development of a monitoring network and web-based database for effective
watershed management in the Oak Creek Basin
- Project Type:
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Information Transfer, Information Management System
- Principle Investigators:
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Jeffrey J. McDonnell, Professor and Richardson Chair in Watershed Science
Dept. of Forest Engineering, Oregon State University
email: jeff.mcdonnell@orst.edu
phone: 737-8720
- Abstract:
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The Oak Creek watershed is the teaching, research and extension watershed
for Oregon State University. The University manages about 40% of the basin
for multiple uses including: forestry, agriculture, urban campus activities,
and large parking lots. As in many watersheds around Oregon, the university
and Corvallis communities have become increasingly concerned about the
effective stewardship of the watershed and stream system. This project
will establish a monitoring plan, and web-based
database for effective watershed management of the Oak Creek Basin.
While some physical, chemical and biological data now exists for the watershed,
it has not yet been synthesized and made available in a form useful for
watershed management. This project will help create the data and institutional
infrastructure that will support better management and future research
in the watershed.
- Title:
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Temperature Effects of Streambed Heating
- Project Type:
- Research
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- Principal Investigator:
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Scott Wells, Professor, and Robert Annear, Research Assistant
Department of Civil Engineering
Portland State University
email: scott@cecs.pdx.edu
phone: (503) 725-4282
- Abstract:
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Stream temperatures are a major issue in Oregon both for salmonid habitat
requirement and for meeting state water quality requirements. Much research
has been done in characterizing the forcing functions influencing stream
temperature. Recent work by the State of Oregon has enhanced temperature
modeling in streams by accounting for shading effects of short wave solar
radiation. An important part of the heat balance though for shallow streams
exposed to short wave solar radiation is the impact of streambed heating.
In shallow clear streams, the penetrating short-wave solar radiation that
reaches the channel bottom can be absorbed by the channel substrate during
the day and this energy later released at night based on the temperature
differential between the substrate and the channel bed. We propose to develop
a streambed-heating algorithm for use in stream temperature models. This
algorithm will be initially incorporated into the 2-D hydrodynamic and
water quality river-basin model called CE-QUAL-W2 and used in the Willamette
River Basin TMDL for temperature. The algorithm though will be generally
available for use in other stream temperature prediction models, such as
the DEQ Heat Source model. CE-QUAL-W2 already accounts for all terms of
the surface heat balance equation, including dynamic vegetative and topographic
shading. This algorithm will be compared to field data collected from two
stream systems: one in the Bull Run River (below the City of Portland Bull
Run Reservoir 1) and the other in the upper Clackamas River basin at Eagle
Creek. The purpose of this refinement is to improve the ability to predict
the impacts of management changes on stream temperatures.
- Title: Environmental Analysis and Impact Assessment of Endocrine
Disrupters in the Willamette River: A Web-based Information System
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- Project Type:
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Research, Information Management System
- Principal Investigator:
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Tarek A. Kassim, Research Associate, Department of Civil, Construction
and Environmental Engineering, Oregon State University
phone: (541) 737 6884
email: Tarek.Kassim@orst.edu
Abstract:
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Endocrine disruption (ED) or endocrine disrutping chemicals (EDCs) has
been the focus of an increasing number of scientific investigations in
recent years. At least 45 synthetic chemicals from several chemical groups
have been identified as potentially having ED effects. Some of these chemicals
have the potential to cause reproductive impairment in aquatic organisms.
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) National Water Quality Assessment (NAWQA)
program recently found evidence of endocrine disruption in common carp
and largemouth bass collected from waterways that contain synthetic organic
compounds. Evidence indicates concentrations of sex steroid hormones (estrogen
and testosterone) and vitellogenin (egg protein produced by females) were
different in fish from contaminated and reference sites.
Characterization, assessment, prediction, and management of the environmental
impact of EDCs in aquatic systems across the USA pose many challenges.
The Willamette River is the 10th largest river in the United States and
drains the heart of Oregon. A recent study by the US Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA) indicated the organic contamination of the river.
Accordingly, the present proposal introduces a web-based information system
(WBIS) that can help: (1) Characterize the potential impact of EDCs based
on the organic chemical composition of both water and sediment samples;
(2) Estimate the potential ecological effect of EDCs present in the Willamette
river environment; (3) Assign the potential impact to a certain fraction(s)
or a group of individual contaminants; and (4) Model the ultimate fate
and transport of the characterized EDCs in the study area.
- Title:
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Remote Collaborations: Lateral Learning in Transboundary Water
Conflicts
- Project Type:
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Information Transfer
- Principal Investigator:
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Aaron T. Wolf
Assistant Professor
Oregon State University
E-mail: wolfa@geo.orst.edu
Phone: (541) 737-2722
- Abstract:
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One critical hindrance to sustainability in long-term water management
is the fact that, as water use intensifies, so too does the potential for
conflict between users. These disputes become more acute in transboundary
settings, defined as water being shared by any sets of interests, be they
political, economic, or legal. Conflicts over shared water resources occur
at multiple scales, from sets of individual irrigators, to urban versus
rural uses, to nations that straddle international waterways. Transboundary
waters share certain characteristics that make their management especially
complicated, most notable of which is that these basins require a more-complete
understanding of the political, cultural, and social aspects of water,
and that integrated management is dependent on extremely intricate awareness
of the decision-making process.
An explicit dialog between the local and international settings of transboundary
water dispute would offer opportunities for lateral learning, provide perspective
to actors within both communities, and spark thinking about creative solutions.
Within this context, we are proposing to hold a one-day workshop, as well
as follow up activities, to bring international researchers and Oregon
academics and practitioners together in a unique learning environment to
focus on a critical, yet underplayed aspect of water resource management
-- the role of water conflict, its mediation, resolution, and prevention.
This workshop will provide an opportunity for lateral learning between
Oregon researchers and professionals and their international counterparts.
Project output will include:
1. A White Paper on Water Conflict Policy. A working document suggesting
policy directions that serves as a platform for further research, technological
investment, education, and training on water conflict issues for Oregon
and elsewhere.
2. Progress toward Partnership goals toward Oregon, including the following
areas:
Data Accumulation: Broaden existing datasets of conflict to include Oregon
specific data
Coordinated Research: Create a database of Oregon researchers and publications
that can be made readily available and quickly mobilized to assess and
resolve future conflict
Graduate and Professional Certification: Improve curriculum to meet the
needs of Oregon and regional water professionals to deal with conflict
(graduate and professional curriculum development)
Training Program. Develop tools in education and outreach for community
leaders and the public
3. Creation of transboundary water website, linking workshop participant
institutions, publications, and workshop results
Potential beneficiaries cover a broad swath of the state, including water
managers, agriculturists, environmentalists, and academics. Both Senators
Wyden and Smith have been directly involved crafting legislation to mediate
conflict in the Klamath Basin, indicating the potential interest of policymakers
at the highest levels.
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