Sediment characteristics of five streams near Harrisburg, Pa., before highway construction

Rainfall, streamfiow, sediment, and turbidity data are being collected as part of a study to evaluate the effects of highway construction on sediment discharge. The study is also designed to determine the effectiveness of different erosion-control measures in reducing sediment discharges. The study area, near Enola, Pa., consists of five adjacent drainage basins, four of which will be crossed by Interstate 81. Ninety percent of the land in each of the basins is in forest or grass. Active farmland accounts for less than 10 percent, and the remainder is in roadways and buildings. The major factor affecting sediment concentrations and discharges was the construction of a one-lane roadway and a 5-acre (2 hm²) farm pond in basin 2. Approximately 100 tons (90 t) of sediment was discharged by the stream as a result of the roadway and pond construction.