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Alex Covert

Alex Covert is a supervisory biologist and the Environmental Health Chief for the USGS Ohio-Kentucky-Indiana (OKI) Water Science Center.

Alex Covert began his career with the USGS at the Ohio Water Science Center (WSC) in the mid90s working as an undergrad student on the NAWQA-LERI ecological field team. While continuing to sample fish and bugs, he began to dabble in GIS-, Decision Support System-, modeling, and internet-based projects, meshing USGS science with an increasing online (and data-hungry) public. Over the years, Alex has led a number of water-quality and ecological field-work projects and due to a fondness for data exploration and analyses, recently authored two pesticide-related publications.

Alex is currently the Project Manager for the Reference List Management System (RLMS) team, one of many teams that make up the larger NWIS Modernization effort. Alex is also a supervisory biologist and the Environmental Health Chief for the USGS OKI-WSC.

Education and Certifications

  • M.S. in Environmental Science from Miami University (OH), 2000

  • B.S. in Biology and Environmental Studies from Ohio Northern University, 1997

Affiliations and Memberships*

  • Water Management Association of Ohio (WMAO), Director-at-Large (and Past-President)

Science and Products

link
Water-quality sampling transect at Indian Fork below Atwood Dam.

Stream Quality In Tributaries Near Shale-Gas Drilling In Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District

The potential effect of drilling and hydraulic fracturing on freshwater resources is an issue that is in the news daily in Ohio and adjacent areas of the Appalachian Basin. This investigation will characterize the current (2015-16), baseline surface-water quality in the eastern part of the Muskingum River Watershed in Ohio where development of natural gas from the Utica Shale has begun and is...
By
Ohio-Kentucky-Indiana Water Science Center
link

Stream Quality In Tributaries Near Shale-Gas Drilling In Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District

The potential effect of drilling and hydraulic fracturing on freshwater resources is an issue that is in the news daily in Ohio and adjacent areas of the Appalachian Basin. This investigation will characterize the current (2015-16), baseline surface-water quality in the eastern part of the Muskingum River Watershed in Ohio where development of natural gas from the Utica Shale has begun and is...
Learn More
link
Ohio Aquatic GAP results

Modeling Aquatic Species Distributions On The Basis Of Physical Habitat

Gap analysis is a coarse-scale assessment of aquatic biodiversity and conservation, the results of which can be used to guide biological field studies and monitoring programs. Potential species distribution models were developed for 130 fish, 70 bivalve, and 17 native crayfish species on the basis of a physical habitat-based classification of the perennial streams in Ohio.
By
Ohio-Kentucky-Indiana Water Science Center
link

Modeling Aquatic Species Distributions On The Basis Of Physical Habitat

Gap analysis is a coarse-scale assessment of aquatic biodiversity and conservation, the results of which can be used to guide biological field studies and monitoring programs. Potential species distribution models were developed for 130 fish, 70 bivalve, and 17 native crayfish species on the basis of a physical habitat-based classification of the perennial streams in Ohio.
Learn More

Data for quality-control equipment blanks, field blanks, and field replicates for baseline water quality in watersheds within the shale play of eastern Ohio, 2021–23

In 2021–23, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), in cooperation with the Ohio Division of Natural Resources, led a study to characterize baseline water quality (2021–23) in eastern Ohio, as they relate to hydraulic fracturing and (or) other oil and gas extraction-related activities. Water-quality data were collected eight times at each of eight sampling sites during a variety of flow conditions to a
By
Ohio-Kentucky-Indiana Water Science Center

A national harmonized dataset of discrete chlorophyll from lakes and streams (2005-2022)

This data release contains a 17-year record (2005-2022) of discrete chlorophyll data from inland waters, collected from across the nation and territories. These data are from discrete samples (collected in the field and analyzed in the laboratory) from plankton (suspended algae) and periphyton (benthic algae) from lakes, streams, rivers, reservoirs, canals, and other sites. These data are gathered
By
Ohio-Kentucky-Indiana Water Science Center

Invertebrate, fish, and habitat data collected within the greater Fountain Creek Basin, Colorado (version 4.0, March 2024)

Invertebrate, fish, and habitat data were collected as part of a cooperative project that began in 2002 between the U.S. Geological Survey, Colorado Springs Utilities, and Colorado Springs Engineering. Other entities have contributed to the project over the years including Colorado Parks and Wildlife. Data were primarily collected from up to 35 sites – 33 sites within the Fountain Creek Basin but
By
Water Resources Mission Area

Ecological community datasets used to evaluate the presence of trends in ecological communities in selected rivers and streams across the United States, 1992–2017

In 1991, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) began a study of more than 50 major river basins across the Nation as part of the National Water-Quality Assessment (NAWQA) project of the National Water Quality Program. One of the major goals of the NAWQA project is to determine how water quality and ecological conditions change over time. To support that goal, long-term consistent and comparable ecolog
By
Water Resources Mission Area

Pesticide Toxicity Index (PTI) and maximum Toxic Unit (TUmax) scores and information for fish, cladocerans, and benthic invertebrates from water samples collected at National Water Quality Network sites during Water Years 2013-2017

During 2013-2017, the U.S. Geological Survey, National Water-Quality Assessment (NAWQA) Project, collected water samples year-round from the National Water Quality Network - Rivers and Streams (NWQN) and reported on 221 pesticides at 72 sites across the US in agricultural, developed, and mixed land use watersheds. Pesticide Toxicity Index (PTI) scores, a screening-level tool that uses an additive,
By
Ohio-Kentucky-Indiana Water Science Center

Data from quality-control equipment blanks, field blanks, and field replicates for baseline water quality of an area undergoing shale-gas development in the Muskingum River watershed, Ohio, 2015-16

In 2015-16, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), in cooperation with the Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District, conducted a study to assess baseline (2015-16) surface-water quality in six lake basins within the Muskingum River watershed that are in the early years of shale-gas development. Six samples were collected at each of 30 sites to characterize surface-water chemistry over a range of hydro
By
Ohio-Kentucky-Indiana Water Science Center

Analysis of water use associated with hydraulic fracturing and determination of baseline water quality in watersheds within the shale play of eastern Ohio, 2021–23

The U.S. Geological Survey, in cooperation with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, performed a two-part study to (1) assess water use and temporal trends and changes in streamflow, and to (2) characterize 2021–23 baseline water quality, as they relate to oil and gas extraction activities in selected eastern Ohio watersheds. Between calendar years 2010 and 2019, hydraulic fracturing water wi
Authors
S. Alex Covert, G.F. Koltun
By
Ohio-Kentucky-Indiana Water Science Center

Chlorophyll a in lakes and streams of the United States (2005–2022)

The concentration of chlorophyll a in phytoplankton and periphyton represents the amount of algal biomass. We compiled an 18-year record (2005–2022) of pigment data from water bodies across the United States (US) to support efforts to develop process-based, machine learning, and remote sensing models for prediction of harmful algal blooms (HABs). To our knowledge, this dataset of nearly 84,000 sit
Authors
Sarah Spaulding, Lindsay R.C. Platt, Jennifer C. Murphy, S. Alex Covert, Judson Harvey
By
Water Resources Mission Area, Ohio-Kentucky-Indiana Water Science Center, Central Midwest Water Science Center

Comparison of surrogate models to estimate pesticide concentrations at six U.S. Geological Survey National Water Quality Network sites during water years 2013–18

During water years 2013–18, the U.S. Geological Survey National Water-Quality Assessment Project sampled the National Water Quality Network for Rivers and Streams year-round and reported on 221 pesticides at 72 sites across the United States. Pesticides are difficult to measure, their concentrations often represent discrete snapshots in time, and capturing peak concentrations is expensive. Three t
Authors
S. Alex Covert, Aubrey R. Bunch, Charles G. Crawford, Gretchen P. Oelsner
By
Ohio-Kentucky-Indiana Water Science Center

Pesticide mixtures show potential toxicity to aquatic life in U.S. streams, water years 2013-2017

During water years (WY) 2013–2017, the U.S. Geological Survey, National Water-Quality Assessment (NAWQA) Project, sampled the National Water Quality Network – Rivers and Streams (NWQN) year-round and reported on 221 pesticides at 72 sites across the United States in agricultural, developed, and mixed land use watersheds. The Pesticide Toxicity Index (PTI) was used to estimate the potential chronic
Authors
S. Alex Covert, Megan E. Shoda, Sarah M. Stackpoole, Wesley W. Stone
By
National Water Quality Program, Caribbean-Florida Water Science Center (CFWSC), Ohio-Kentucky-Indiana Water Science Center

Baseline water quality of an area undergoing shale-gas development in the Muskingum River watershed, Ohio, 2015–16

In 2015–16, the U.S. Geological Survey, in cooperation with the Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District, led a study to assess baseline (2015–16) surface-water quality in six lake drainage basins within the Muskingum River watershed that are in the early years of shale-gas development. In 2015, 9 of the 10 most active counties in Ohio for oil and gas development were wholly or partially within th
Authors
S. Alex Covert, Martha L. Jagucki, Carrie A. Huitger
By
Ohio-Kentucky-Indiana Water Science Center

FishVis, A regional decision support tool for identifying vulnerabilities of riverine habitat and fishes to climate change in the Great Lakes Region

Climate change is expected to alter the distributions and community composition of stream fishes in the Great Lakes region in the 21st century, in part as a result of altered hydrological systems (stream temperature, streamflow, and habitat). Resource managers need information and tools to understand where fish species and stream habitats are expected to change under future conditions. Fish sample
Authors
Jana S. Stewart, S. Alex Covert, Nick J. Estes, Stephen M. Westenbroek, Damon Krueger, Daniel J. Wieferich, Michael T. Slattery, John D. Lyons, James E. McKenna, Dana M. Infante, Jennifer L. Bruce
By
Water Resources Mission Area, Science Synthesis, Analysis and Research Program, Science Analytics and Synthesis (SAS) Program, Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center, Upper Midwest Water Science Center

Ohio Aquatic Gap Analysis-An Assessment of the Biodiversity and Conservation Status of Native Aquatic Animal Species

The goal of the GAP Analysis Program is to keep common species common by identifying those species and habitats that are not yet adequately represented in the existing matrix of conservation lands. The Gap Analysis Program (GAP) is sponsored by the Biological Resources Discipline of the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). The Ohio Aquatic GAP (OH-GAP) is a pilot project that is applying the GAP concept
Authors
S. Alex Covert, Stephanie P. Kula, Laura A. Simonson
By
Water Resources Mission Area, Ohio-Kentucky-Indiana Water Science Center

Fish distribution and valley segment type data from Ohio Aquatic Gap Analysis Project (GAP)

No abstract available.
Authors
S. Alex Covert, Stephanie P. Kula

Water Quality in the Mahoning River and Selected Tributaries in Youngstown, Ohio

The lower reaches of the Mahoning River in Youngstown, Ohio, have been characterized by the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (OEPA) as historically having poor water quality. Most wastewater-treatment plants (WWTPs) in the watershed did not provide secondary sewage treatment until the late 1980s. By the late 1990s, the Mahoning River still received sewer-overflow discharges from 101 locations
Authors
Donald M. Stoeckel, S. Alex Covert

Comparison of U.S. Geological Survey and Ohio Environmental Protection Agency fish-collection methods using the index of biotic integrity and modified index of well-being, 1996–97

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (OEPA) collected data on fish from 10 stream sites in 1996 and 3 stream sites in 1997 as part of a comparative study of fish community assessment methods. The sites sampled represent a wide range of basin sizes (ranging from 132–6,330 square kilometers) and surrounding land-use types (urban, agricultural, and mixed). Each a
Authors
S. Alex Covert
By
Water Resources Mission Area, Ohio-Kentucky-Indiana Water Science Center

What is the Ohio Gap Analysis Program (GAP)?

The Gap Analysis Program (GAP) is a program for identifying the degree to which native species and natural communities are represented in present-day conservation lands. Those areas where unique biological communities and conservation lands do not overlap constitute gaps in our conservation effort.GAP aids in the protection of biodiversity through a regional assessment of the conservation status o
Authors
S.A. Covert, Melissa Haltuch, Troy Wilson
New Study Identifies Pesticide Mixtures in U.S. Rivers and Streams

New Study Identifies Pesticide Mixtures in U.S. Rivers and Streams

A mix of multiple pesticides is common in many U.S. streams, reports a new study by the U.S. Geological Survey National Water Quality Program.

Read Article

Science and Products

link
Water-quality sampling transect at Indian Fork below Atwood Dam.

Stream Quality In Tributaries Near Shale-Gas Drilling In Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District

The potential effect of drilling and hydraulic fracturing on freshwater resources is an issue that is in the news daily in Ohio and adjacent areas of the Appalachian Basin. This investigation will characterize the current (2015-16), baseline surface-water quality in the eastern part of the Muskingum River Watershed in Ohio where development of natural gas from the Utica Shale has begun and is...
By
Ohio-Kentucky-Indiana Water Science Center
link

Stream Quality In Tributaries Near Shale-Gas Drilling In Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District

The potential effect of drilling and hydraulic fracturing on freshwater resources is an issue that is in the news daily in Ohio and adjacent areas of the Appalachian Basin. This investigation will characterize the current (2015-16), baseline surface-water quality in the eastern part of the Muskingum River Watershed in Ohio where development of natural gas from the Utica Shale has begun and is...
Learn More
link
Ohio Aquatic GAP results

Modeling Aquatic Species Distributions On The Basis Of Physical Habitat

Gap analysis is a coarse-scale assessment of aquatic biodiversity and conservation, the results of which can be used to guide biological field studies and monitoring programs. Potential species distribution models were developed for 130 fish, 70 bivalve, and 17 native crayfish species on the basis of a physical habitat-based classification of the perennial streams in Ohio.
By
Ohio-Kentucky-Indiana Water Science Center
link

Modeling Aquatic Species Distributions On The Basis Of Physical Habitat

Gap analysis is a coarse-scale assessment of aquatic biodiversity and conservation, the results of which can be used to guide biological field studies and monitoring programs. Potential species distribution models were developed for 130 fish, 70 bivalve, and 17 native crayfish species on the basis of a physical habitat-based classification of the perennial streams in Ohio.
Learn More

Data for quality-control equipment blanks, field blanks, and field replicates for baseline water quality in watersheds within the shale play of eastern Ohio, 2021–23

In 2021–23, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), in cooperation with the Ohio Division of Natural Resources, led a study to characterize baseline water quality (2021–23) in eastern Ohio, as they relate to hydraulic fracturing and (or) other oil and gas extraction-related activities. Water-quality data were collected eight times at each of eight sampling sites during a variety of flow conditions to a
By
Ohio-Kentucky-Indiana Water Science Center

A national harmonized dataset of discrete chlorophyll from lakes and streams (2005-2022)

This data release contains a 17-year record (2005-2022) of discrete chlorophyll data from inland waters, collected from across the nation and territories. These data are from discrete samples (collected in the field and analyzed in the laboratory) from plankton (suspended algae) and periphyton (benthic algae) from lakes, streams, rivers, reservoirs, canals, and other sites. These data are gathered
By
Ohio-Kentucky-Indiana Water Science Center

Invertebrate, fish, and habitat data collected within the greater Fountain Creek Basin, Colorado (version 4.0, March 2024)

Invertebrate, fish, and habitat data were collected as part of a cooperative project that began in 2002 between the U.S. Geological Survey, Colorado Springs Utilities, and Colorado Springs Engineering. Other entities have contributed to the project over the years including Colorado Parks and Wildlife. Data were primarily collected from up to 35 sites – 33 sites within the Fountain Creek Basin but
By
Water Resources Mission Area

Ecological community datasets used to evaluate the presence of trends in ecological communities in selected rivers and streams across the United States, 1992–2017

In 1991, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) began a study of more than 50 major river basins across the Nation as part of the National Water-Quality Assessment (NAWQA) project of the National Water Quality Program. One of the major goals of the NAWQA project is to determine how water quality and ecological conditions change over time. To support that goal, long-term consistent and comparable ecolog
By
Water Resources Mission Area

Pesticide Toxicity Index (PTI) and maximum Toxic Unit (TUmax) scores and information for fish, cladocerans, and benthic invertebrates from water samples collected at National Water Quality Network sites during Water Years 2013-2017

During 2013-2017, the U.S. Geological Survey, National Water-Quality Assessment (NAWQA) Project, collected water samples year-round from the National Water Quality Network - Rivers and Streams (NWQN) and reported on 221 pesticides at 72 sites across the US in agricultural, developed, and mixed land use watersheds. Pesticide Toxicity Index (PTI) scores, a screening-level tool that uses an additive,
By
Ohio-Kentucky-Indiana Water Science Center

Data from quality-control equipment blanks, field blanks, and field replicates for baseline water quality of an area undergoing shale-gas development in the Muskingum River watershed, Ohio, 2015-16

In 2015-16, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), in cooperation with the Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District, conducted a study to assess baseline (2015-16) surface-water quality in six lake basins within the Muskingum River watershed that are in the early years of shale-gas development. Six samples were collected at each of 30 sites to characterize surface-water chemistry over a range of hydro
By
Ohio-Kentucky-Indiana Water Science Center

Analysis of water use associated with hydraulic fracturing and determination of baseline water quality in watersheds within the shale play of eastern Ohio, 2021–23

The U.S. Geological Survey, in cooperation with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, performed a two-part study to (1) assess water use and temporal trends and changes in streamflow, and to (2) characterize 2021–23 baseline water quality, as they relate to oil and gas extraction activities in selected eastern Ohio watersheds. Between calendar years 2010 and 2019, hydraulic fracturing water wi
Authors
S. Alex Covert, G.F. Koltun
By
Ohio-Kentucky-Indiana Water Science Center

Chlorophyll a in lakes and streams of the United States (2005–2022)

The concentration of chlorophyll a in phytoplankton and periphyton represents the amount of algal biomass. We compiled an 18-year record (2005–2022) of pigment data from water bodies across the United States (US) to support efforts to develop process-based, machine learning, and remote sensing models for prediction of harmful algal blooms (HABs). To our knowledge, this dataset of nearly 84,000 sit
Authors
Sarah Spaulding, Lindsay R.C. Platt, Jennifer C. Murphy, S. Alex Covert, Judson Harvey
By
Water Resources Mission Area, Ohio-Kentucky-Indiana Water Science Center, Central Midwest Water Science Center

Comparison of surrogate models to estimate pesticide concentrations at six U.S. Geological Survey National Water Quality Network sites during water years 2013–18

During water years 2013–18, the U.S. Geological Survey National Water-Quality Assessment Project sampled the National Water Quality Network for Rivers and Streams year-round and reported on 221 pesticides at 72 sites across the United States. Pesticides are difficult to measure, their concentrations often represent discrete snapshots in time, and capturing peak concentrations is expensive. Three t
Authors
S. Alex Covert, Aubrey R. Bunch, Charles G. Crawford, Gretchen P. Oelsner
By
Ohio-Kentucky-Indiana Water Science Center

Pesticide mixtures show potential toxicity to aquatic life in U.S. streams, water years 2013-2017

During water years (WY) 2013–2017, the U.S. Geological Survey, National Water-Quality Assessment (NAWQA) Project, sampled the National Water Quality Network – Rivers and Streams (NWQN) year-round and reported on 221 pesticides at 72 sites across the United States in agricultural, developed, and mixed land use watersheds. The Pesticide Toxicity Index (PTI) was used to estimate the potential chronic
Authors
S. Alex Covert, Megan E. Shoda, Sarah M. Stackpoole, Wesley W. Stone
By
National Water Quality Program, Caribbean-Florida Water Science Center (CFWSC), Ohio-Kentucky-Indiana Water Science Center

Baseline water quality of an area undergoing shale-gas development in the Muskingum River watershed, Ohio, 2015–16

In 2015–16, the U.S. Geological Survey, in cooperation with the Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District, led a study to assess baseline (2015–16) surface-water quality in six lake drainage basins within the Muskingum River watershed that are in the early years of shale-gas development. In 2015, 9 of the 10 most active counties in Ohio for oil and gas development were wholly or partially within th
Authors
S. Alex Covert, Martha L. Jagucki, Carrie A. Huitger
By
Ohio-Kentucky-Indiana Water Science Center

FishVis, A regional decision support tool for identifying vulnerabilities of riverine habitat and fishes to climate change in the Great Lakes Region

Climate change is expected to alter the distributions and community composition of stream fishes in the Great Lakes region in the 21st century, in part as a result of altered hydrological systems (stream temperature, streamflow, and habitat). Resource managers need information and tools to understand where fish species and stream habitats are expected to change under future conditions. Fish sample
Authors
Jana S. Stewart, S. Alex Covert, Nick J. Estes, Stephen M. Westenbroek, Damon Krueger, Daniel J. Wieferich, Michael T. Slattery, John D. Lyons, James E. McKenna, Dana M. Infante, Jennifer L. Bruce
By
Water Resources Mission Area, Science Synthesis, Analysis and Research Program, Science Analytics and Synthesis (SAS) Program, Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center, Upper Midwest Water Science Center

Ohio Aquatic Gap Analysis-An Assessment of the Biodiversity and Conservation Status of Native Aquatic Animal Species

The goal of the GAP Analysis Program is to keep common species common by identifying those species and habitats that are not yet adequately represented in the existing matrix of conservation lands. The Gap Analysis Program (GAP) is sponsored by the Biological Resources Discipline of the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). The Ohio Aquatic GAP (OH-GAP) is a pilot project that is applying the GAP concept
Authors
S. Alex Covert, Stephanie P. Kula, Laura A. Simonson
By
Water Resources Mission Area, Ohio-Kentucky-Indiana Water Science Center

Fish distribution and valley segment type data from Ohio Aquatic Gap Analysis Project (GAP)

No abstract available.
Authors
S. Alex Covert, Stephanie P. Kula

Water Quality in the Mahoning River and Selected Tributaries in Youngstown, Ohio

The lower reaches of the Mahoning River in Youngstown, Ohio, have been characterized by the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (OEPA) as historically having poor water quality. Most wastewater-treatment plants (WWTPs) in the watershed did not provide secondary sewage treatment until the late 1980s. By the late 1990s, the Mahoning River still received sewer-overflow discharges from 101 locations
Authors
Donald M. Stoeckel, S. Alex Covert

Comparison of U.S. Geological Survey and Ohio Environmental Protection Agency fish-collection methods using the index of biotic integrity and modified index of well-being, 1996–97

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (OEPA) collected data on fish from 10 stream sites in 1996 and 3 stream sites in 1997 as part of a comparative study of fish community assessment methods. The sites sampled represent a wide range of basin sizes (ranging from 132–6,330 square kilometers) and surrounding land-use types (urban, agricultural, and mixed). Each a
Authors
S. Alex Covert
By
Water Resources Mission Area, Ohio-Kentucky-Indiana Water Science Center

What is the Ohio Gap Analysis Program (GAP)?

The Gap Analysis Program (GAP) is a program for identifying the degree to which native species and natural communities are represented in present-day conservation lands. Those areas where unique biological communities and conservation lands do not overlap constitute gaps in our conservation effort.GAP aids in the protection of biodiversity through a regional assessment of the conservation status o
Authors
S.A. Covert, Melissa Haltuch, Troy Wilson
New Study Identifies Pesticide Mixtures in U.S. Rivers and Streams

New Study Identifies Pesticide Mixtures in U.S. Rivers and Streams

A mix of multiple pesticides is common in many U.S. streams, reports a new study by the U.S. Geological Survey National Water Quality Program.

Read Article

*Disclaimer: Listing outside positions with professional scientific organizations on this Staff Profile are for informational purposes only and do not constitute an endorsement of those professional scientific organizations or their activities by the USGS, Department of the Interior, or U.S. Government

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