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Alana Burton Spaetzel

Alana Burton Spaetzel is a Supervisory Hydrologist in the New England Water Science Center.

Professional Experience

  • Supervisory Hydrologist, U.S. Geological Survey, New England Water Science Center, 2024 to Present

  • Hydrologist, U.S. Geological Survey, New England Water Science Center, 2017 to 2024

Education and Certifications

  • M.S. Geology, Boston College, 2018

  • B.S. Geology, College of William & Mary, 2015

Science and Products

Nitrate loads and concentrations from forested watersheds and implications for Long Island Sound Nitrate loads and concentrations from forested watersheds and implications for Long Island Sound

Reduction in point sources of nitrogen has led to improvement in water quality of the Long Island Sound (LIS) since 2000, but changes in nonpoint sources are less clear. A significant yet poorly quantified nonpoint nitrogen source is the forested landscape. Because a large proportion of the LIS basin is forested, even small areal inputs from the forested landscape have a large cumulative...
Authors
Alana Spaetzel, James Shanley, Leslie DeSimone, John R. Mullaney
By
New England Water Science Center, USGS Science in Long Island Sound and its Watershed

Streamflow, water quality, and constituent loads and yields, Scituate Reservoir drainage area, Rhode Island, water year 2022 Streamflow, water quality, and constituent loads and yields, Scituate Reservoir drainage area, Rhode Island, water year 2022

As part of a long-term cooperative program to monitor water quality within the Scituate Reservoir drainage area, the U.S. Geological Survey, in cooperation with Providence Water (formerly the Providence Water Supply Board), collected streamflow and water-quality data in tributaries to the Scituate Reservoir, Rhode Island. Streamflow and concentrations of chloride and sodium estimated...
Authors
Kirk Smith, Alana Spaetzel
By
New England Water Science Center

Streamflow, water quality, and constituent loads and yields, Scituate Reservoir drainage area, Rhode Island, water year 2021 Streamflow, water quality, and constituent loads and yields, Scituate Reservoir drainage area, Rhode Island, water year 2021

As part of a long-term cooperative program to monitor water quality within the Scituate Reservoir drainage area, the U.S. Geological Survey in cooperation with Providence Water (formerly Providence Water Supply Board) collected streamflow and water-quality data in tributaries to the Scituate Reservoir, Rhode Island. Streamflow and concentrations of chloride and sodium estimated from...
Authors
Kirk Smith, Alana Spaetzel
By
Water Resources Mission Area, New England Water Science Center

Highway-runoff quality from segments of open-graded friction course and dense-graded hot-mix asphalt pavement on Interstate 95, Massachusetts, 2018–21 Highway-runoff quality from segments of open-graded friction course and dense-graded hot-mix asphalt pavement on Interstate 95, Massachusetts, 2018–21

Highway runoff is a source of sediment and associated constituents to downstream waterbodies that can be managed with the use of stormwater-control measures that reduce sediment loads. The use of open-graded friction course (OGFC) pavement has been identified as a method to reduce loads from highway runoff because it retains sediment in pavement voids; however, few datasets are available...
Authors
Kirk Smith, Alana Spaetzel, Phillip Woodford
By
Water Resources Mission Area, New England Water Science Center

Approaches for assessing flows, concentrations, and loads of highway and urban runoff and receiving-stream stormwater in southern New England with the Stochastic Empirical Loading and Dilution Model (SELDM) Approaches for assessing flows, concentrations, and loads of highway and urban runoff and receiving-stream stormwater in southern New England with the Stochastic Empirical Loading and Dilution Model (SELDM)

The Stochastic Empirical Loading and Dilution Model (SELDM) was designed to help quantify the risk of adverse effects of runoff on receiving waters, the potential need for mitigation measures, and the potential effectiveness of such management measures for reducing these risks. SELDM is calibrated using representative hydrological and water-quality input statistics. This report by the U...
Authors
Gregory E. Granato, Alana Spaetzel, Lillian Jeznach
By
Water Resources Mission Area, New England Water Science Center

Water-quality conditions and constituent loads, water years 2013–19, and water-quality trends, water years 1983–2019, in the Scituate Reservoir drainage area, Rhode Island Water-quality conditions and constituent loads, water years 2013–19, and water-quality trends, water years 1983–2019, in the Scituate Reservoir drainage area, Rhode Island

The Scituate Reservoir is the primary source of drinking water for more than 60 percent of the population of Rhode Island. From October 1, 1982, to September 30, 2019, water years (WYs) 1983–2019 (a water year is the period between October 1 and September 30 and is designated by the year in which it ends), the Providence Water Supply Board maintained a fixed-frequency sampling program at...
Authors
Alana Spaetzel, Kirk Smith
By
Water Resources Mission Area, New England Water Science Center

Assessment of water quality and discharge in the Herring River, Wellfleet, Massachusetts, November 2015 to September 2017 Assessment of water quality and discharge in the Herring River, Wellfleet, Massachusetts, November 2015 to September 2017

The U.S. Geological Survey, Cape Cod National Seashore of the National Park Service, and Friends of Herring River cooperated from 2015 to 2017 to assess nutrient concentrations and fluxes across the ocean-estuary boundary at a dike on the Herring River in Wellfleet, Massachusetts. The purpose of this assessment was to characterize environmental conditions prior to a future removal of the...
Authors
Thomas Huntington, Alana Spaetzel, John Colman, Kevin Kroeger, Robert Bradley
By
Water Resources Mission Area, New England Water Science Center

Statistical methods for simulating structural stormwater runoff best management practices (BMPs) with the Stochastic Empirical Loading and Dilution Model (SELDM) Statistical methods for simulating structural stormwater runoff best management practices (BMPs) with the Stochastic Empirical Loading and Dilution Model (SELDM)

This report documents statistics for simulating structural stormwater runoff best management practices (BMPs) with the Stochastic Empirical Loading and Dilution Model (SELDM). The U.S. Geological Survey developed SELDM and the statistics documented in this report in cooperation with the Federal Highway Administration to indicate the risk for stormwater flows, concentrations, and loads to...
Authors
Gregory Granato, Alana Spaetzel, Laura Medalie
By
Water Resources Mission Area, New England Water Science Center

Non-USGS Publications**

Kaste, J.M., Lauer, N.E., Spaetzel, A.B., Goydan, C., 2016, Cosmogenic 22Na as a steady-state tracer of solute transport and water age in first-order catchments: Earth and Planetary Science Letters, v. 456, p. 78-86. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.epsl.2016.10.002

**Disclaimer: The views expressed in Non-USGS publications are those of the author and do not represent the views of the USGS, Department of the Interior, or the U.S. Government.

A view of the bridge over Neponset River near Canton, Massachusetts

Outlining High-Resolution Urban Drainage Systems for Stormwater Management in the Neponset River Watershed

The natural environment and manmade infrastructure must be considered when characterizing hydrology and water quality in urban watersheds. This requirement is critical in stormwater management, which considers water flowing above ground and below ground through stormwater networks. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), with support from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), is expanding its...
By
New England Water Science Center
Outlining High-Resolution Urban Drainage Systems for Stormwater Management in the Neponset River Watershed

Outlining High-Resolution Urban Drainage Systems for Stormwater Management in the Neponset River Watershed

The natural environment and manmade infrastructure must be considered when characterizing hydrology and water quality in urban watersheds. This requirement is critical in stormwater management, which considers water flowing above ground and below ground through stormwater networks. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), with support from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), is expanding its...
Learn More
Three-dimensional view of imagery, stormwater catch basin locations and pipes near the Mystic River in Medford, Massachusetts

Delineating High-Resolution Urban Drainage Systems for Stormwater Management in the Mystic River Watershed

Characterizing hydrology and pollutant inputs in urban watersheds requires the consideration of both the natural and manmade environment. The Mystic River Basin is a highly urbanized, 76-square-mile watershed north of Boston, Massachusetts, that includes several underserved communities. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) developed a watershed-scale web application of the Mystic River Basin to...
By
New England Water Science Center
Delineating High-Resolution Urban Drainage Systems for Stormwater Management in the Mystic River Watershed

Delineating High-Resolution Urban Drainage Systems for Stormwater Management in the Mystic River Watershed

Characterizing hydrology and pollutant inputs in urban watersheds requires the consideration of both the natural and manmade environment. The Mystic River Basin is a highly urbanized, 76-square-mile watershed north of Boston, Massachusetts, that includes several underserved communities. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) developed a watershed-scale web application of the Mystic River Basin to...
Learn More
Photograph of bridge-deck scuppers draining into the Charles River on State Route 2A in Boston

Transportation-Related Water Projects in New England

The New England Water Science Center collects data and does interpretive studies on hydrology, hydraulics, and water quality in cooperation with the Federal Highway Administration and State Departments of Transportation (DOTs) in New England and other states.
By
New England Water Science Center
Transportation-Related Water Projects in New England

Transportation-Related Water Projects in New England

The New England Water Science Center collects data and does interpretive studies on hydrology, hydraulics, and water quality in cooperation with the Federal Highway Administration and State Departments of Transportation (DOTs) in New England and other states.
Learn More
Study area, Wickford, Rhode Island

Assessment of Nutrient Transport and Discharge to Coastal Embayments, Wickford, Rhode Island

In 2020 the USGS began a partnership with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region 1 Southeast New England Program for Coastal Watershed Restoration (SNEP) and EPA Office of Research and Development (ORD), Atlantic Coastal Sciences Division, Narragansett, RI in support of water-quality and ecological monitoring being conducted by ORD in the coastal waters around Wickford, RI. The USGS...
By
New England Water Science Center
Assessment of Nutrient Transport and Discharge to Coastal Embayments, Wickford, Rhode Island

Assessment of Nutrient Transport and Discharge to Coastal Embayments, Wickford, Rhode Island

In 2020 the USGS began a partnership with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region 1 Southeast New England Program for Coastal Watershed Restoration (SNEP) and EPA Office of Research and Development (ORD), Atlantic Coastal Sciences Division, Narragansett, RI in support of water-quality and ecological monitoring being conducted by ORD in the coastal waters around Wickford, RI. The USGS...
Learn More
USGS Station 011058798 Herring River at Chequessett Neck Road gage house

Herring River Water Quality

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) New England Water Science Center installed, operated, and maintained surface water-quality sites at the Chequessett Neck Road dike on the Herring River from November 2015 through September 2018.
By
New England Water Science Center
Herring River Water Quality

Herring River Water Quality

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) New England Water Science Center installed, operated, and maintained surface water-quality sites at the Chequessett Neck Road dike on the Herring River from November 2015 through September 2018.
Learn More
highway

Transportation-Related Water Projects

The USGS has a long history of cooperative investigations with the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and state highway agencies to provide data and information to address various issues related to water resources and the Nation’s transportation infrastructure. These issues cover a wide spectrum and include items such as regional flow statistics, flood documentation, regional stream...
By
Water Resources Mission Area
Transportation-Related Water Projects

Transportation-Related Water Projects

The USGS has a long history of cooperative investigations with the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and state highway agencies to provide data and information to address various issues related to water resources and the Nation’s transportation infrastructure. These issues cover a wide spectrum and include items such as regional flow statistics, flood documentation, regional stream...
Learn More
USGS

SELDM: Stochastic Empirical Loading and Dilution Model - Project page

Note: SELDM is now on version 1.1.1. Please use this version for compatibility with 64-bit Microsoft Office environments.
By
New England Water Science Center
SELDM: Stochastic Empirical Loading and Dilution Model - Project page

SELDM: Stochastic Empirical Loading and Dilution Model - Project page

Note: SELDM is now on version 1.1.1. Please use this version for compatibility with 64-bit Microsoft Office environments.
Learn More
Filter Total Items: 13

Data to Assess Nitrogen Export from Forested Watersheds in and near the Long Island Sound Basin with Weighted Regressions on Time, Discharge, and Season (WRTDS) Data to Assess Nitrogen Export from Forested Watersheds in and near the Long Island Sound Basin with Weighted Regressions on Time, Discharge, and Season (WRTDS)

The U.S. Geological Survey, in cooperation with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Long Island Sound Study (https://longislandsoundstudy.net), characterized nitrogen export from forested watersheds and whether nitrogen loading has been increasing or decreasing to help inform Long Island Sound management strategies. The Weighted Regressions on Time, Discharge, and Season (WRTDS...
By
New England Water Science Center, USGS Science in Long Island Sound and its Watershed

Compilation of surficial geology datasets for southern New England Compilation of surficial geology datasets for southern New England

The U.S. Geological Survey, in cooperation with the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and the Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island Departments of Transportation (DOTs), gathered geospatial data to facilitate the development of a regional Stochastic Empirical Loading and Dilution Model (SELDM) application (Granato and others, 2023). As part of this study, the surficial geology...
By
New England Water Science Center

Highway-Runoff Database (HRDB) Version 1.2.0 Highway-Runoff Database (HRDB) Version 1.2.0

The Highway-Runoff Database (HRDB) was developed by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), in cooperation with the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) Office of Project Delivery and Environmental Review to provide planning-level information for decision makers, planners, and highway engineers to assess and mitigate possible adverse effects of highway runoff on the Nation's receiving waters...
By
New England Water Science Center

Physical and Chemical Data to Characterize Water-Quality Conditions in the Sakonnet River, Rhode Island, 2018-2019 Physical and Chemical Data to Characterize Water-Quality Conditions in the Sakonnet River, Rhode Island, 2018-2019

Physical and chemical data were collected to characterize water-quality conditions in the Sakonnet River, a tidal strait located on the east side of Narragansett Bay in Rhode Island, from April 28 to November 11, 2018 and from June 19 to November 26, 2019. Specifically, the 2018 information in this data release includes: vertical profiles of water quality from 16 to 18 locations and data...
By
New England Water Science Center

Highway-Monitoring Data from Segments of Open-Graded Friction Course and Dense-Graded Hot-Mix Asphalt Pavement in Eastern Massachusetts, 2018-2021 Highway-Monitoring Data from Segments of Open-Graded Friction Course and Dense-Graded Hot-Mix Asphalt Pavement in Eastern Massachusetts, 2018-2021

Highway runoff is a source of chemical constituents to downstream waterbodies that can be managed with the use of stormwater-control measures that reduce sediment loads. The use of open-graded friction course (OGFC) pavement has been identified as a method to reduce loads from highway runoff because it retains sediment in pavement voids. Few datasets are available, though, in New England...
By
New England Water Science Center

Digital Elevation Model and Derivative Datasets to Support the Integration of Stormwater Drainage into the StreamStats Application for the Mystic River Watershed, Massachusetts Digital Elevation Model and Derivative Datasets to Support the Integration of Stormwater Drainage into the StreamStats Application for the Mystic River Watershed, Massachusetts

The U.S. Geological Survey’s StreamStats program is a publicly-accessible web application (https://streamstats.usgs.gov) that can be used to delineate drainage areas, compute basin characteristics, and estimate flow statistics for user-selected locations on streams. StreamStats services are typically implemented at the statewide or watershed scale (referred to as state or basin...
By
New England Water Science Center

Basin Characteristics Data for the StreamStats Application in the Mystic River Basin, Massachusetts Basin Characteristics Data for the StreamStats Application in the Mystic River Basin, Massachusetts

The U.S. Geological Survey’s StreamStats program is a publicly-accessible web application (https://streamstats.usgs.gov) that can be used to delineate drainage areas, compute basin characteristics, and estimate flow statistics for user-selected locations on streams. StreamStats services are typically implemented at the statewide or watershed scale (referred to as state or basin...
By
New England Water Science Center

Model Archive for Analysis of Flows, Concentrations, and Loads of Highway and Urban Runoff and Receiving-Stream Stormwater in Southern New England with the Stochastic Empirical Loading and Dilution Model (SELDM) Model Archive for Analysis of Flows, Concentrations, and Loads of Highway and Urban Runoff and Receiving-Stream Stormwater in Southern New England with the Stochastic Empirical Loading and Dilution Model (SELDM)

This data release documents the data and models used to assess flows, concentrations, and loads of highway and urban runoff and of stormwater within receiving streams in southern New England. There are more than 48,000 locations in southern New England where roads cross streams and many more locations where runoff from developed areas may discharge to receiving streams; information about...
By
New England Water Science Center

Water-Quality, Streamflow, and Quality-Control Data Supporting Estimation of Nutrient and Sediment Loads in the Scituate Reservoir Drainage Area, Rhode Island, Water Years 2016-19 Water-Quality, Streamflow, and Quality-Control Data Supporting Estimation of Nutrient and Sediment Loads in the Scituate Reservoir Drainage Area, Rhode Island, Water Years 2016-19

Annual loads of selected constituents were estimated for five stations in the Scituate Reservoir drainage area, Rhode Island, for water years 2016 to 2019 as part of a long-term monitoring program in cooperation with the Providence Water Supply Board. This data release includes the water-quality and streamflow data used to estimate annual loads of total phosphorus, dissolved phosphorus...
By
New England Water Science Center

Water-quality data from the Providence Water Supply Board for tributary streams to the Scituate Reservoir (ver. 3.0, November 2023) Water-quality data from the Providence Water Supply Board for tributary streams to the Scituate Reservoir (ver. 3.0, November 2023)

Water-quality data were collected by the Providence Water Supply Board (PWSB) from tributaries in the Scituate Reservoir drainage area, October 1, 2017 through September 30, 2022 (water years 2018 through 2022). Water-quality samples were collected by the PWSB either monthly or quarterly at fixed stations on 38 tributaries in the Scituate Reservoir drainage area, Rhode Island. These data...
By
New England Water Science Center

Statistics for simulating structural stormwater runoff best management practices (BMPs) with the Stochastic Empirical Loading and Dilution Model (SELDM) Statistics for simulating structural stormwater runoff best management practices (BMPs) with the Stochastic Empirical Loading and Dilution Model (SELDM)

This data release documents statistics for simulating structural stormwater runoff best management practices (BMPs) with the Stochastic Empirical Loading and Dilution Model (SELDM)(Granato, 2013). The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) developed SELDM and the statistics documented in this report in cooperation with the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) to indicate the risk for stormwater...
By
New England Water Science Center

Basin characteristics and point locations of road crossings in Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island for highway-runoff mitigation analyses using the Stochastic Empirical Loading and Dilution Model Basin characteristics and point locations of road crossings in Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island for highway-runoff mitigation analyses using the Stochastic Empirical Loading and Dilution Model

This data release documents the location of intersections between roads and streams, referred to as road crossings, and associated basin characteristics to support highway-runoff mitigation analyses using the Stochastic Empirical Loading and Dilution Model (SELDM, Granato, 2013) in Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island. The data set of road crossings was generated from the...
By
New England Water Science Center
A stormdrain in a parking lot during a rainstorm.
Stormdrain During a Heavy Rainfall Event in Massachusetts
Stormdrain During a Heavy Rainfall Event in Massachusetts
A stormdrain in a parking lot during a rainstorm.

Stormdrain During a Heavy Rainfall Event in Massachusetts

Stormdrain During a Heavy Rainfall Event in Massachusetts

A stormdrain receiving water input during a high-precipitation storm in Massachusetts.

By
New England Water Science Center
A stormdrain in a parking lot during a rainstorm.

Stormdrain During a Heavy Rainfall Event in Massachusetts

Stormdrain During a Heavy Rainfall Event in Massachusetts

A stormdrain receiving water input during a high-precipitation storm in Massachusetts.

By
New England Water Science Center
USGS Station 011058798 Herring River at Chequessett Neck Road gage house
USGS Station 011058798 Herring River at Chequessett Neck Rd gage house
USGS Station 011058798 Herring River at Chequessett Neck Rd gage house
USGS Station 011058798 Herring River at Chequessett Neck Road gage house

USGS Station 011058798 Herring River at Chequessett Neck Rd gage house

USGS Station 011058798 Herring River at Chequessett Neck Rd gage house

This is a downstream view of the Herring River from the Chequessett Neck Road dike. The site was visited on November 6, 2017 to collect water-quality samples. An automated sampler inside the gage house was used to collect samples over an approximately 24-hour period and combine them into two bottles.

By
New England Water Science Center
USGS Station 011058798 Herring River at Chequessett Neck Road gage house

USGS Station 011058798 Herring River at Chequessett Neck Rd gage house

USGS Station 011058798 Herring River at Chequessett Neck Rd gage house

This is a downstream view of the Herring River from the Chequessett Neck Road dike. The site was visited on November 6, 2017 to collect water-quality samples. An automated sampler inside the gage house was used to collect samples over an approximately 24-hour period and combine them into two bottles.

By
New England Water Science Center

SELDM: Stochastic Empirical Loading and Dilution Model - Software page SELDM: Stochastic Empirical Loading and Dilution Model - Software page

Overview The Stochastic Empirical Loading and Dilution Model (SELDM) is designed to transform complex scientific data into meaningful information about the risk of adverse effects of runoff on receiving waters, the potential need for mitigation measures, and the potential effectiveness of such management measures for reducing these risks.
By
New England Water Science Center, Oregon Water Science Center
Web Tool Supports Neponset River Watershed Stormwater Management

Web Tool Supports Neponset River Watershed Stormwater Management

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), in cooperation with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), is developing an online tool to support...

Read Article
Web Tool Informs Stormwater Management in Urbanized Mystic River Watershed

Web Tool Informs Stormwater Management in Urbanized Mystic River Watershed

The U.S. Geological Survey has developed a watershed-scale web application that includes stormwater infrastructure for the first time to assist...

Read Article
Scituate Reservoir Watershed Sees Rise in Chloride and Sodium

Scituate Reservoir Watershed Sees Rise in Chloride and Sodium

An increase in chloride and sodium concentrations were detected throughout the Scituate Reservoir watershed, according to a new U.S. Geological Survey...

Read Article
Herring River Water-Quality Data Geonarrative

Herring River Water-Quality Data Geonarrative

This geonarrative explores the availability of water-quality data collected by the Cape Cod National Seashore and U.S. Geological Survey in support of...

Read Article

Science and Products

Nitrate loads and concentrations from forested watersheds and implications for Long Island Sound Nitrate loads and concentrations from forested watersheds and implications for Long Island Sound

Reduction in point sources of nitrogen has led to improvement in water quality of the Long Island Sound (LIS) since 2000, but changes in nonpoint sources are less clear. A significant yet poorly quantified nonpoint nitrogen source is the forested landscape. Because a large proportion of the LIS basin is forested, even small areal inputs from the forested landscape have a large cumulative...
Authors
Alana Spaetzel, James Shanley, Leslie DeSimone, John R. Mullaney
By
New England Water Science Center, USGS Science in Long Island Sound and its Watershed

Streamflow, water quality, and constituent loads and yields, Scituate Reservoir drainage area, Rhode Island, water year 2022 Streamflow, water quality, and constituent loads and yields, Scituate Reservoir drainage area, Rhode Island, water year 2022

As part of a long-term cooperative program to monitor water quality within the Scituate Reservoir drainage area, the U.S. Geological Survey, in cooperation with Providence Water (formerly the Providence Water Supply Board), collected streamflow and water-quality data in tributaries to the Scituate Reservoir, Rhode Island. Streamflow and concentrations of chloride and sodium estimated...
Authors
Kirk Smith, Alana Spaetzel
By
New England Water Science Center

Streamflow, water quality, and constituent loads and yields, Scituate Reservoir drainage area, Rhode Island, water year 2021 Streamflow, water quality, and constituent loads and yields, Scituate Reservoir drainage area, Rhode Island, water year 2021

As part of a long-term cooperative program to monitor water quality within the Scituate Reservoir drainage area, the U.S. Geological Survey in cooperation with Providence Water (formerly Providence Water Supply Board) collected streamflow and water-quality data in tributaries to the Scituate Reservoir, Rhode Island. Streamflow and concentrations of chloride and sodium estimated from...
Authors
Kirk Smith, Alana Spaetzel
By
Water Resources Mission Area, New England Water Science Center

Highway-runoff quality from segments of open-graded friction course and dense-graded hot-mix asphalt pavement on Interstate 95, Massachusetts, 2018–21 Highway-runoff quality from segments of open-graded friction course and dense-graded hot-mix asphalt pavement on Interstate 95, Massachusetts, 2018–21

Highway runoff is a source of sediment and associated constituents to downstream waterbodies that can be managed with the use of stormwater-control measures that reduce sediment loads. The use of open-graded friction course (OGFC) pavement has been identified as a method to reduce loads from highway runoff because it retains sediment in pavement voids; however, few datasets are available...
Authors
Kirk Smith, Alana Spaetzel, Phillip Woodford
By
Water Resources Mission Area, New England Water Science Center

Approaches for assessing flows, concentrations, and loads of highway and urban runoff and receiving-stream stormwater in southern New England with the Stochastic Empirical Loading and Dilution Model (SELDM) Approaches for assessing flows, concentrations, and loads of highway and urban runoff and receiving-stream stormwater in southern New England with the Stochastic Empirical Loading and Dilution Model (SELDM)

The Stochastic Empirical Loading and Dilution Model (SELDM) was designed to help quantify the risk of adverse effects of runoff on receiving waters, the potential need for mitigation measures, and the potential effectiveness of such management measures for reducing these risks. SELDM is calibrated using representative hydrological and water-quality input statistics. This report by the U...
Authors
Gregory E. Granato, Alana Spaetzel, Lillian Jeznach
By
Water Resources Mission Area, New England Water Science Center

Water-quality conditions and constituent loads, water years 2013–19, and water-quality trends, water years 1983–2019, in the Scituate Reservoir drainage area, Rhode Island Water-quality conditions and constituent loads, water years 2013–19, and water-quality trends, water years 1983–2019, in the Scituate Reservoir drainage area, Rhode Island

The Scituate Reservoir is the primary source of drinking water for more than 60 percent of the population of Rhode Island. From October 1, 1982, to September 30, 2019, water years (WYs) 1983–2019 (a water year is the period between October 1 and September 30 and is designated by the year in which it ends), the Providence Water Supply Board maintained a fixed-frequency sampling program at...
Authors
Alana Spaetzel, Kirk Smith
By
Water Resources Mission Area, New England Water Science Center

Assessment of water quality and discharge in the Herring River, Wellfleet, Massachusetts, November 2015 to September 2017 Assessment of water quality and discharge in the Herring River, Wellfleet, Massachusetts, November 2015 to September 2017

The U.S. Geological Survey, Cape Cod National Seashore of the National Park Service, and Friends of Herring River cooperated from 2015 to 2017 to assess nutrient concentrations and fluxes across the ocean-estuary boundary at a dike on the Herring River in Wellfleet, Massachusetts. The purpose of this assessment was to characterize environmental conditions prior to a future removal of the...
Authors
Thomas Huntington, Alana Spaetzel, John Colman, Kevin Kroeger, Robert Bradley
By
Water Resources Mission Area, New England Water Science Center

Statistical methods for simulating structural stormwater runoff best management practices (BMPs) with the Stochastic Empirical Loading and Dilution Model (SELDM) Statistical methods for simulating structural stormwater runoff best management practices (BMPs) with the Stochastic Empirical Loading and Dilution Model (SELDM)

This report documents statistics for simulating structural stormwater runoff best management practices (BMPs) with the Stochastic Empirical Loading and Dilution Model (SELDM). The U.S. Geological Survey developed SELDM and the statistics documented in this report in cooperation with the Federal Highway Administration to indicate the risk for stormwater flows, concentrations, and loads to...
Authors
Gregory Granato, Alana Spaetzel, Laura Medalie
By
Water Resources Mission Area, New England Water Science Center

Non-USGS Publications**

Kaste, J.M., Lauer, N.E., Spaetzel, A.B., Goydan, C., 2016, Cosmogenic 22Na as a steady-state tracer of solute transport and water age in first-order catchments: Earth and Planetary Science Letters, v. 456, p. 78-86. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.epsl.2016.10.002

**Disclaimer: The views expressed in Non-USGS publications are those of the author and do not represent the views of the USGS, Department of the Interior, or the U.S. Government.

A view of the bridge over Neponset River near Canton, Massachusetts

Outlining High-Resolution Urban Drainage Systems for Stormwater Management in the Neponset River Watershed

The natural environment and manmade infrastructure must be considered when characterizing hydrology and water quality in urban watersheds. This requirement is critical in stormwater management, which considers water flowing above ground and below ground through stormwater networks. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), with support from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), is expanding its...
By
New England Water Science Center
Outlining High-Resolution Urban Drainage Systems for Stormwater Management in the Neponset River Watershed

Outlining High-Resolution Urban Drainage Systems for Stormwater Management in the Neponset River Watershed

The natural environment and manmade infrastructure must be considered when characterizing hydrology and water quality in urban watersheds. This requirement is critical in stormwater management, which considers water flowing above ground and below ground through stormwater networks. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), with support from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), is expanding its...
Learn More
Three-dimensional view of imagery, stormwater catch basin locations and pipes near the Mystic River in Medford, Massachusetts

Delineating High-Resolution Urban Drainage Systems for Stormwater Management in the Mystic River Watershed

Characterizing hydrology and pollutant inputs in urban watersheds requires the consideration of both the natural and manmade environment. The Mystic River Basin is a highly urbanized, 76-square-mile watershed north of Boston, Massachusetts, that includes several underserved communities. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) developed a watershed-scale web application of the Mystic River Basin to...
By
New England Water Science Center
Delineating High-Resolution Urban Drainage Systems for Stormwater Management in the Mystic River Watershed

Delineating High-Resolution Urban Drainage Systems for Stormwater Management in the Mystic River Watershed

Characterizing hydrology and pollutant inputs in urban watersheds requires the consideration of both the natural and manmade environment. The Mystic River Basin is a highly urbanized, 76-square-mile watershed north of Boston, Massachusetts, that includes several underserved communities. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) developed a watershed-scale web application of the Mystic River Basin to...
Learn More
Photograph of bridge-deck scuppers draining into the Charles River on State Route 2A in Boston

Transportation-Related Water Projects in New England

The New England Water Science Center collects data and does interpretive studies on hydrology, hydraulics, and water quality in cooperation with the Federal Highway Administration and State Departments of Transportation (DOTs) in New England and other states.
By
New England Water Science Center
Transportation-Related Water Projects in New England

Transportation-Related Water Projects in New England

The New England Water Science Center collects data and does interpretive studies on hydrology, hydraulics, and water quality in cooperation with the Federal Highway Administration and State Departments of Transportation (DOTs) in New England and other states.
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Study area, Wickford, Rhode Island

Assessment of Nutrient Transport and Discharge to Coastal Embayments, Wickford, Rhode Island

In 2020 the USGS began a partnership with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region 1 Southeast New England Program for Coastal Watershed Restoration (SNEP) and EPA Office of Research and Development (ORD), Atlantic Coastal Sciences Division, Narragansett, RI in support of water-quality and ecological monitoring being conducted by ORD in the coastal waters around Wickford, RI. The USGS...
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New England Water Science Center
Assessment of Nutrient Transport and Discharge to Coastal Embayments, Wickford, Rhode Island

Assessment of Nutrient Transport and Discharge to Coastal Embayments, Wickford, Rhode Island

In 2020 the USGS began a partnership with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region 1 Southeast New England Program for Coastal Watershed Restoration (SNEP) and EPA Office of Research and Development (ORD), Atlantic Coastal Sciences Division, Narragansett, RI in support of water-quality and ecological monitoring being conducted by ORD in the coastal waters around Wickford, RI. The USGS...
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USGS Station 011058798 Herring River at Chequessett Neck Road gage house

Herring River Water Quality

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) New England Water Science Center installed, operated, and maintained surface water-quality sites at the Chequessett Neck Road dike on the Herring River from November 2015 through September 2018.
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New England Water Science Center
Herring River Water Quality

Herring River Water Quality

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) New England Water Science Center installed, operated, and maintained surface water-quality sites at the Chequessett Neck Road dike on the Herring River from November 2015 through September 2018.
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highway

Transportation-Related Water Projects

The USGS has a long history of cooperative investigations with the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and state highway agencies to provide data and information to address various issues related to water resources and the Nation’s transportation infrastructure. These issues cover a wide spectrum and include items such as regional flow statistics, flood documentation, regional stream...
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Water Resources Mission Area
Transportation-Related Water Projects

Transportation-Related Water Projects

The USGS has a long history of cooperative investigations with the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and state highway agencies to provide data and information to address various issues related to water resources and the Nation’s transportation infrastructure. These issues cover a wide spectrum and include items such as regional flow statistics, flood documentation, regional stream...
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USGS

SELDM: Stochastic Empirical Loading and Dilution Model - Project page

Note: SELDM is now on version 1.1.1. Please use this version for compatibility with 64-bit Microsoft Office environments.
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New England Water Science Center
SELDM: Stochastic Empirical Loading and Dilution Model - Project page

SELDM: Stochastic Empirical Loading and Dilution Model - Project page

Note: SELDM is now on version 1.1.1. Please use this version for compatibility with 64-bit Microsoft Office environments.
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Filter Total Items: 13

Data to Assess Nitrogen Export from Forested Watersheds in and near the Long Island Sound Basin with Weighted Regressions on Time, Discharge, and Season (WRTDS) Data to Assess Nitrogen Export from Forested Watersheds in and near the Long Island Sound Basin with Weighted Regressions on Time, Discharge, and Season (WRTDS)

The U.S. Geological Survey, in cooperation with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Long Island Sound Study (https://longislandsoundstudy.net), characterized nitrogen export from forested watersheds and whether nitrogen loading has been increasing or decreasing to help inform Long Island Sound management strategies. The Weighted Regressions on Time, Discharge, and Season (WRTDS...
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New England Water Science Center, USGS Science in Long Island Sound and its Watershed

Compilation of surficial geology datasets for southern New England Compilation of surficial geology datasets for southern New England

The U.S. Geological Survey, in cooperation with the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and the Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island Departments of Transportation (DOTs), gathered geospatial data to facilitate the development of a regional Stochastic Empirical Loading and Dilution Model (SELDM) application (Granato and others, 2023). As part of this study, the surficial geology...
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New England Water Science Center

Highway-Runoff Database (HRDB) Version 1.2.0 Highway-Runoff Database (HRDB) Version 1.2.0

The Highway-Runoff Database (HRDB) was developed by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), in cooperation with the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) Office of Project Delivery and Environmental Review to provide planning-level information for decision makers, planners, and highway engineers to assess and mitigate possible adverse effects of highway runoff on the Nation's receiving waters...
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New England Water Science Center

Physical and Chemical Data to Characterize Water-Quality Conditions in the Sakonnet River, Rhode Island, 2018-2019 Physical and Chemical Data to Characterize Water-Quality Conditions in the Sakonnet River, Rhode Island, 2018-2019

Physical and chemical data were collected to characterize water-quality conditions in the Sakonnet River, a tidal strait located on the east side of Narragansett Bay in Rhode Island, from April 28 to November 11, 2018 and from June 19 to November 26, 2019. Specifically, the 2018 information in this data release includes: vertical profiles of water quality from 16 to 18 locations and data...
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New England Water Science Center

Highway-Monitoring Data from Segments of Open-Graded Friction Course and Dense-Graded Hot-Mix Asphalt Pavement in Eastern Massachusetts, 2018-2021 Highway-Monitoring Data from Segments of Open-Graded Friction Course and Dense-Graded Hot-Mix Asphalt Pavement in Eastern Massachusetts, 2018-2021

Highway runoff is a source of chemical constituents to downstream waterbodies that can be managed with the use of stormwater-control measures that reduce sediment loads. The use of open-graded friction course (OGFC) pavement has been identified as a method to reduce loads from highway runoff because it retains sediment in pavement voids. Few datasets are available, though, in New England...
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New England Water Science Center

Digital Elevation Model and Derivative Datasets to Support the Integration of Stormwater Drainage into the StreamStats Application for the Mystic River Watershed, Massachusetts Digital Elevation Model and Derivative Datasets to Support the Integration of Stormwater Drainage into the StreamStats Application for the Mystic River Watershed, Massachusetts

The U.S. Geological Survey’s StreamStats program is a publicly-accessible web application (https://streamstats.usgs.gov) that can be used to delineate drainage areas, compute basin characteristics, and estimate flow statistics for user-selected locations on streams. StreamStats services are typically implemented at the statewide or watershed scale (referred to as state or basin...
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New England Water Science Center

Basin Characteristics Data for the StreamStats Application in the Mystic River Basin, Massachusetts Basin Characteristics Data for the StreamStats Application in the Mystic River Basin, Massachusetts

The U.S. Geological Survey’s StreamStats program is a publicly-accessible web application (https://streamstats.usgs.gov) that can be used to delineate drainage areas, compute basin characteristics, and estimate flow statistics for user-selected locations on streams. StreamStats services are typically implemented at the statewide or watershed scale (referred to as state or basin...
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New England Water Science Center

Model Archive for Analysis of Flows, Concentrations, and Loads of Highway and Urban Runoff and Receiving-Stream Stormwater in Southern New England with the Stochastic Empirical Loading and Dilution Model (SELDM) Model Archive for Analysis of Flows, Concentrations, and Loads of Highway and Urban Runoff and Receiving-Stream Stormwater in Southern New England with the Stochastic Empirical Loading and Dilution Model (SELDM)

This data release documents the data and models used to assess flows, concentrations, and loads of highway and urban runoff and of stormwater within receiving streams in southern New England. There are more than 48,000 locations in southern New England where roads cross streams and many more locations where runoff from developed areas may discharge to receiving streams; information about...
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New England Water Science Center

Water-Quality, Streamflow, and Quality-Control Data Supporting Estimation of Nutrient and Sediment Loads in the Scituate Reservoir Drainage Area, Rhode Island, Water Years 2016-19 Water-Quality, Streamflow, and Quality-Control Data Supporting Estimation of Nutrient and Sediment Loads in the Scituate Reservoir Drainage Area, Rhode Island, Water Years 2016-19

Annual loads of selected constituents were estimated for five stations in the Scituate Reservoir drainage area, Rhode Island, for water years 2016 to 2019 as part of a long-term monitoring program in cooperation with the Providence Water Supply Board. This data release includes the water-quality and streamflow data used to estimate annual loads of total phosphorus, dissolved phosphorus...
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New England Water Science Center

Water-quality data from the Providence Water Supply Board for tributary streams to the Scituate Reservoir (ver. 3.0, November 2023) Water-quality data from the Providence Water Supply Board for tributary streams to the Scituate Reservoir (ver. 3.0, November 2023)

Water-quality data were collected by the Providence Water Supply Board (PWSB) from tributaries in the Scituate Reservoir drainage area, October 1, 2017 through September 30, 2022 (water years 2018 through 2022). Water-quality samples were collected by the PWSB either monthly or quarterly at fixed stations on 38 tributaries in the Scituate Reservoir drainage area, Rhode Island. These data...
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New England Water Science Center

Statistics for simulating structural stormwater runoff best management practices (BMPs) with the Stochastic Empirical Loading and Dilution Model (SELDM) Statistics for simulating structural stormwater runoff best management practices (BMPs) with the Stochastic Empirical Loading and Dilution Model (SELDM)

This data release documents statistics for simulating structural stormwater runoff best management practices (BMPs) with the Stochastic Empirical Loading and Dilution Model (SELDM)(Granato, 2013). The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) developed SELDM and the statistics documented in this report in cooperation with the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) to indicate the risk for stormwater...
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New England Water Science Center

Basin characteristics and point locations of road crossings in Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island for highway-runoff mitigation analyses using the Stochastic Empirical Loading and Dilution Model Basin characteristics and point locations of road crossings in Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island for highway-runoff mitigation analyses using the Stochastic Empirical Loading and Dilution Model

This data release documents the location of intersections between roads and streams, referred to as road crossings, and associated basin characteristics to support highway-runoff mitigation analyses using the Stochastic Empirical Loading and Dilution Model (SELDM, Granato, 2013) in Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island. The data set of road crossings was generated from the...
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New England Water Science Center
A stormdrain in a parking lot during a rainstorm.
Stormdrain During a Heavy Rainfall Event in Massachusetts
Stormdrain During a Heavy Rainfall Event in Massachusetts
A stormdrain in a parking lot during a rainstorm.

Stormdrain During a Heavy Rainfall Event in Massachusetts

Stormdrain During a Heavy Rainfall Event in Massachusetts

A stormdrain receiving water input during a high-precipitation storm in Massachusetts.

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New England Water Science Center
A stormdrain in a parking lot during a rainstorm.

Stormdrain During a Heavy Rainfall Event in Massachusetts

Stormdrain During a Heavy Rainfall Event in Massachusetts

A stormdrain receiving water input during a high-precipitation storm in Massachusetts.

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New England Water Science Center
USGS Station 011058798 Herring River at Chequessett Neck Road gage house
USGS Station 011058798 Herring River at Chequessett Neck Rd gage house
USGS Station 011058798 Herring River at Chequessett Neck Rd gage house
USGS Station 011058798 Herring River at Chequessett Neck Road gage house

USGS Station 011058798 Herring River at Chequessett Neck Rd gage house

USGS Station 011058798 Herring River at Chequessett Neck Rd gage house

This is a downstream view of the Herring River from the Chequessett Neck Road dike. The site was visited on November 6, 2017 to collect water-quality samples. An automated sampler inside the gage house was used to collect samples over an approximately 24-hour period and combine them into two bottles.

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New England Water Science Center
USGS Station 011058798 Herring River at Chequessett Neck Road gage house

USGS Station 011058798 Herring River at Chequessett Neck Rd gage house

USGS Station 011058798 Herring River at Chequessett Neck Rd gage house

This is a downstream view of the Herring River from the Chequessett Neck Road dike. The site was visited on November 6, 2017 to collect water-quality samples. An automated sampler inside the gage house was used to collect samples over an approximately 24-hour period and combine them into two bottles.

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New England Water Science Center

SELDM: Stochastic Empirical Loading and Dilution Model - Software page SELDM: Stochastic Empirical Loading and Dilution Model - Software page

Overview The Stochastic Empirical Loading and Dilution Model (SELDM) is designed to transform complex scientific data into meaningful information about the risk of adverse effects of runoff on receiving waters, the potential need for mitigation measures, and the potential effectiveness of such management measures for reducing these risks.
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New England Water Science Center, Oregon Water Science Center
Web Tool Supports Neponset River Watershed Stormwater Management

Web Tool Supports Neponset River Watershed Stormwater Management

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), in cooperation with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), is developing an online tool to support...

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Web Tool Informs Stormwater Management in Urbanized Mystic River Watershed

Web Tool Informs Stormwater Management in Urbanized Mystic River Watershed

The U.S. Geological Survey has developed a watershed-scale web application that includes stormwater infrastructure for the first time to assist...

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Scituate Reservoir Watershed Sees Rise in Chloride and Sodium

Scituate Reservoir Watershed Sees Rise in Chloride and Sodium

An increase in chloride and sodium concentrations were detected throughout the Scituate Reservoir watershed, according to a new U.S. Geological Survey...

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Herring River Water-Quality Data Geonarrative

Herring River Water-Quality Data Geonarrative

This geonarrative explores the availability of water-quality data collected by the Cape Cod National Seashore and U.S. Geological Survey in support of...

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