James J Duncker is a hydrologist with USGS, Central Midwest Water Science Center in Urbana, Illinois.
James has been with the USGS since 1983, starting his USGS career as a student field assistant in the USGS DeKalb Field Office collecting streamflow and groundwater data throughout northern Illinois. In 1988, he transferred to the USGS Illinois District Office in Urbana as a hydrologist working on a wide range of urban hydrology studies. These projects allowed him to combine streamflow data collection experience with hydrologic studies to develop an understanding of urban hydrology in northeastern Illinois.
Some of his projects included: the Lake Michigan Diversion Accounting (LMDA) program, monitoring the diversion of Lake Michigan water to the Illinois River Basin. The LMDA project provided learning experience in hydroacoustic flow measurements using acoustic Doppler current profilers (ADCP's). The LMDA project helped define the complex hydraulic setting of the Chicago Area Waterway System (CAWS) and contributed to the application of hydroacoustic flow measurement technologies within the USGS. For much of his career he worked jointly with the University of Illinois Department of Civil Engineering-Hydro systems Laboratory and the Chicago Metropolitan Water Reclamation District (MWRD). These projects have focused on urban hydraulics and hydrology throughout the Chicago area; and utilized our experience in hydroacoustic data collection to the challenging canal, sewer, and tunnel environments and provided data for calibration of hydraulic models. This partnership (U. of Illinois, MWRD and USGS) work continues today with studies to evaluate the effectiveness of urban stormwater best management practices.
In 2008, James began working on a large multi-agency effort to prevent invasive Asian carp from becoming established in the Great Lakes. This project is an interesting multi-disciplinary collaboration of biologists, hydrologists, and engineers to study the life history of these invasive species and to develop, test, and implement effective control technologies.
Professional Experience
1983-Present USGS, Central Midwest Water Science Center, Urbana, Illinois
Project Chief of HSPF rainfall-runoff modeling studies in Du Page and Lake counties
Project team member of a joint USEPA-USGS HSPF watershed modeling study for the proposed Crandon Mine project
Project chief for the Lake Michigan Diversion Accounting project
Project chief of bathymetric survey of Chicago River
Instrumentation coordinator for the USGS-Illinois Water Science Center
Education and Certifications
BS Geology, University of Colorado, Boulder, Colorado, 1982
Abstracts and Presentations
Oberg , K. A., and Duncker, J. J., 1999, Investigation of Anomalous Flows in the Chicago River, Chicago, Illinois. Seattle, WA, in Proceedings of the American Society of Civil Engineers Conference of Water Resources Engineering, August 8-12, 1999
Science and Products
Airborne Electromagnetic (AEM) Survey 2023 - Illinois River Basin
Bathymetry and Water-Quality of Surface Water Bodies in Cook County, Illinois
Data for Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal Near Lemont, IL
Fish Telemetry
Acoustic Telemetry Evaluation of Invasive Carp in Kaukauna, Wisconsin (Summer 2019)
Airborne Electromagnetic (AEM) Survey in Southwest and Southeast Areas, Wisconsin, 2022
Starved Rock navigation lock fish clearing hydroacoustic data, Illinois River (2020)
Bathymetric and water quality data on the Sandusky River between Tiffin and Fremont, Ohio, November 4-7, 2019
Laboratory results for anthropogenic bioactive chemicals in the Illinois Waterway upstream and downstream of the bigheaded carp population front (2015; ver. 2.0, March 2020)
Water Level, Temperature, and Bathymetry of the Grand Calumet River, Indiana-Illinois, 2017
Bathymetric and water quality data on the Sandusky River between Tiffin and Fremont, Ohio, November 4-7, 2019
USGS bathymetric and hydrodynamic survey of Lake Michigan nearshore near Ogden Dunes/Burns Harbor, Indiana
Laboratory results for anthropogenic bioactive chemicals in the Illinois Waterway upstream and downstream of the bigheaded carp population front (2015)
Bathymetric survey of Rock Run Rookery Lake, Will County, Illinois
Velocity profiling in the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal near the US Army Corps of Engineers Electric Dispersal Barrier near Romeoville, Illinois
Bathymetric survey of Lake Calumet, Cook County, Illinois
USGS Telemetry Project
Uncertainty analysis of index-velocity meters and discharge computations at the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal near Lemont, Illinois, water years 2006–16
Real-time telemetry and multi-state modeling
Trolley Operated Automatic Discharge System (TOADS)—An automated system for horizontal profiling of water velocity and river discharge measurements
Evaluating the potential role of bioactive chemicals on the distribution of invasive Asian carp upstream and downstream from river mile 278 in the Illinois waterway
Analysis of nearshore placement of sediments at Ogden Dunes, Indiana
USGS real-time telemetry in support of management
USGS telemetry database and analyses in support of SEAcarP
Using reverse-time egg transport analysis for predicting Asian Carp spawning grounds in the Illinois River
USGS Integration of New Science and Technology, Appendix A
Water-quality sampling plan for evaluating the distribution of bigheaded carps in the Illinois Waterway
Hydrologic monitoring for Chicago’s Sustainable Streetscapes Program
Science and Products
- Science
Airborne Electromagnetic (AEM) Survey 2023 - Illinois River Basin
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) is conducting an Airborne ElectroMagnetic (AEM) Survey starting in late January 2023 and lasting three to four weeks. A helicopter towing a large hoop from a cable will begin making low-level flights over the Illinois River Basin, covering much of central Illinois and parts of northwest Indiana.Bathymetry and Water-Quality of Surface Water Bodies in Cook County, Illinois
Surface water bodies in Cook County are used for stormwater detention, domestic and industrial uses, recreation, and commercial navigation. However, the bathymetry (elevation of the bottom surface) of most water bodies in Cook County has not been measured or mapped comprehensively. Similarly, water quality in most of these water bodies is unknown.Data for Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal Near Lemont, IL
Approved Mean Annual DischargeThe stream flow monitoring station on the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal near Lemont, Illinois has been in operation since December 7, 2004. The site is operated in cooperation with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Chicago District, Chicago, Illinois.Link to Approved Mean Annual DischargeLink to Real-Time Gage Data: 05536890Fish Telemetry
To monitor fish movement in selected rivers, the USGS has installed near real-time receivers for fish tags. These receivers detect the presence of acoustic tags that have been surgically implanted into a variety of fish species. The tag detection data can provide information about how far fish are moving in a river system, changes in fish population distribution, and, when viewed with flow and... - Data
Acoustic Telemetry Evaluation of Invasive Carp in Kaukauna, Wisconsin (Summer 2019)
This study deployed acoustic telemetry at the Fox River Navigational System Authority (FRNSA) in lock #2 and the upstream and downstream pools in Kaukauna, WI to document movements and behavior of telemetered fish species in response to injection of carbon dioxide. Telemetry equipment was setup in the test area for approximately 2 months during the summer of 2019. CSV metadata includes telemetry dAirborne Electromagnetic (AEM) Survey in Southwest and Southeast Areas, Wisconsin, 2022
Airborne electromagnetic (AEM) and magnetic survey data were collected during March 2022 over a distance of 2,574.6 line kilometers in southeast and southwest Wisconsin. These data were collected in support of an effort to improve estimates of depth to bedrock through a collaborative project between the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer ProtectStarved Rock navigation lock fish clearing hydroacoustic data, Illinois River (2020)
These datasets (e.g., 'Starved Rock fish clearing_multi-beam imaging sonar fish data_Pre-clearing_Sonar-s1.csv') include exported information (e.g., fish detection counts) from processed fixed-location multi-beam imaging sonar and mobile side-scan sonar data. Fish abundance in the navigation lock was determined using mobile side-scan surveys, while multi-beam imaging sonars were used to determineBathymetric and water quality data on the Sandusky River between Tiffin and Fremont, Ohio, November 4-7, 2019
On November 4-7, 2019, bathymetric data were collected on the Sandusky River between Tiffin and Fremont, Ohio. Wading measurements were made at cross-sections shallower than about 1 foot using a survey pole with a Trimble R10 Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) receiver connected to the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) real-time virtual reference station (VRS) network. Cross-sectionsLaboratory results for anthropogenic bioactive chemicals in the Illinois Waterway upstream and downstream of the bigheaded carp population front (2015; ver. 2.0, March 2020)
Two non-native bigheaded carp species have invaded the Illinois River system and are a potential threat to the Great Lakes ecosystem. Discharges from industry, wastewater treatment plants, and urban and agricultural runoff, may be a factor contributing to the stalling of the upstream movement of the bigheaded carp population front near Illinois Waterway mile 278. In 2015, the U.S. Geological SurveWater Level, Temperature, and Bathymetry of the Grand Calumet River, Indiana-Illinois, 2017
The Grand Calumet River is located east of Chicago, Illinois and flows east to west across the Indiana-Illinois border to its confluence with the Little Calumet River. In 2017, a suite of water level, temperature, and bathymetric data were collected along the Grand Calumet River. Water level and water temperature were monitored continuously at five locations in the Grand Calumet River between lateBathymetric and water quality data on the Sandusky River between Tiffin and Fremont, Ohio, November 4-7, 2019
On November 4-7, 2019, bathymetric data were collected on the Sandusky River between Tiffin and Fremont, Ohio. Wading measurements were made at cross-sections shallower than about 1 foot using a survey pole with a Trimble R10 Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) receiver connected to the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) real-time virtual reference station (VRS) network. Cross-sectionsUSGS bathymetric and hydrodynamic survey of Lake Michigan nearshore near Ogden Dunes/Burns Harbor, Indiana
The US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) is evaluating the placement of dredged material in the nearshore areas of Lake Michigan as a means to replenish sand at selected beaches. In order to elucidate the physical processes in the nearshore environment that transport and distribute sand to the beach, the USACE-Chicago District and the US Geological Survey (USGS) developed a plan for a beach nourishmLaboratory results for anthropogenic bioactive chemicals in the Illinois Waterway upstream and downstream of the bigheaded carp population front (2015)
Two nonnative bigheaded carp species have invaded the Illinois River system and are a potential threat to the Great Lakes ecosystem. Discharges from industry, wastewater treatment plants, and urban and agricultural runoff, may be a factor contributing to the stalling of the upstream movement of the bigheaded carp population front near Illinois Waterway mile 278. In 2015, the U.S. Geological SurveyBathymetric survey of Rock Run Rookery Lake, Will County, Illinois
The bathymetric data set was collected in Rock Run on Dec. 10, 2015 by USGS ILWSC staff Clayton Bosch and Louis Pappas. The bathymetric data were collected with an RD Instruments 1200 kHz ADCP (S/N 8617) and Trimble Ag 162 GPS mounted on the M/V La Moine. A temporary reference point (TRP) was established on the north side of the footbridge over the connecting channel to the Des Plaines River. TheVelocity profiling in the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal near the US Army Corps of Engineers Electric Dispersal Barrier near Romeoville, Illinois
On August 31, 2015, USGS Illinois Water Science Center staff deployed a 2000 kHz side-looking acoustic Doppler velocity meter (ADVM) in the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal (CSSC) at the Electric Dispersal Barrier System (EDBS). These data were collected as a fully loaded commercial barge tow traversed the EDBS and passed the ADVM three times, and as several smaller vessels and an unloaded barge to - Maps
Bathymetric survey of Lake Calumet, Cook County, Illinois
The U.S. Geological Survey collected bathymetric data in Lake Calumet and a portion of the Calumet River in the vicinity of Lake Calumet to produce a bathymetric map. The bathymetric survey was made over 3 days (July 26, September 11, and November 7, 2012). Lake Calumet has become a focus area for Asian carp rapid-response efforts by state and federal agencies, and very little bathymetric data exi - Multimedia
- Publications
Filter Total Items: 28
USGS Telemetry Project
No abstract available.AuthorsMarybeth K. Brey, Brent C. Knights, Jessica Stanton, Sean Bailey, Travis J. Harrison, Douglas Appel, Andrea K. Fritts, James J. Duncker, P. Ryan JacksonUncertainty analysis of index-velocity meters and discharge computations at the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal near Lemont, Illinois, water years 2006–16
Monitoring discharge in the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal is critical for the accounting done by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers of the diversion of water from Lake Michigan to the Mississippi River Basin by the State of Illinois. The primary streamgage used for this discharge monitoring, the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal near Lemont, Illinois (U.S. Geological Survey station 05536890), is opeAuthorsThomas M. Over, Marian Muste, James J. Duncker, Heng-Wei Tsai, P. Ryan Jackson, Kevin K. Johnson, Frank L. Engel, Crystal D. PraterReal-time telemetry and multi-state modeling
This project will result in real-time data and other invasive carp movement information to inform realtime management decisions and refine the SEICarP model. FY 2022 funding will produce final transition probability estimates from the newly-developed Bayesian multi-state model, continue the maintenance of real-time telemetry to inform contingency actions, and produce a study plan to refine fishingAuthorsMarybeth K. Brey, Brent C. Knights, P. Ryan Jackson, Jessica C. Stanton, Douglas Appel, James J. Duncker, Andrea K. FrittsTrolley Operated Automatic Discharge System (TOADS)—An automated system for horizontal profiling of water velocity and river discharge measurements
Hydroacoustics have revolutionized how the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) measures streamflow by increasing the efficiency and quality of the measurement. However, the ability to determine the full range of streamflow at a streamflow-gaging station remains limited because in-person flow measurements still must be made by qualified personnel. As a result, streamflow during flood events typically isAuthorsKevin K. Johnson, Clayton J. BoschEvaluating the potential role of bioactive chemicals on the distribution of invasive Asian carp upstream and downstream from river mile 278 in the Illinois waterway
Two non-native carp species have invaded the Illinois Waterway and are a threat to Great Lakes ecosystems. Poor water quality in the upper Illinois Waterway, may be a factor contributing to the stalling of the carp population front near river mile 278. In 2015, the U.S. Geological Survey collected 4 sets of water samples from two sites upstream and 4 sites downstream from river mile 278, and one tAuthorsWilliam A. Battaglin, James J. Duncker, Paul J. Terrio, Paul Bradley, Larry Barber, Laura A. DeCiccoAnalysis of nearshore placement of sediments at Ogden Dunes, Indiana
The harbor structures/shoreline armoring on the southern Lake Michigan shoreline interrupt sand migration. Ogden Dunes, Indiana, and the nearby Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore observed shoreline erosion due to engineered structures associated with Burns Waterway Harbor, east of Ogden Dunes, impeding natural east to west sediment migration. To remedy this, USACE placed over 450,000 cubic meters, oAuthorsDavid L Young, Katherine E Brutsche, Honghai Li, Brian C McFall, Erin C Maloney, Kaitlyn E McClain, David F. Bucaro, Jessica Z. LeRoy, James J. Duncker, Kevin K. Johnson, P. Ryan JacksonUSGS real-time telemetry in support of management
No abstract available.AuthorsBrent C. Knights, Marybeth K. Brey, Douglas Appel, Travis J. Harrison, James J. DunckerUSGS telemetry database and analyses in support of SEAcarP
No abstract available.AuthorsBrent C. Knights, Marybeth K. Brey, Jessica C. Stanton, Travis J. Harrison, Timothy J. Fox, Enrika Hlavacek, James J. DunckerUsing reverse-time egg transport analysis for predicting Asian Carp spawning grounds in the Illinois River
Identifying spawning grounds of Asian carp is important for determining the reproductive front of invasive populations. Ichthyoplankton monitoring along the Illinois Waterway (IWW) has provided information on abundances of Asian carp eggs in the IWW's navigation pools. Post-fertilization times derived from egg development stages and water temperatures can be used to estimate spawning times of AsiaAuthorsZhenduo Zhu, David T. Soong, Tatiana Garcia, Mina Shahed Behrouz, Steven E. Butler, Elizabeth A. Murphy, Matthew J. Diana, James J. Duncker, David H. WahlUSGS Integration of New Science and Technology, Appendix A
This product summarizes the USGS plans for integration of new science and technology into Asian Carp control efforts for 2017. This includes the 1) implementation and evaluation of new tactics and behavioral information for monitoring, surveillance, control and containment; 2) understanding behavior and reproduction of Asian carp in established and emerging populations to inform deterrent deploymeAuthorsMarybeth K. Brey, Brent C. Knights, Aaron R. Cupp, Jon Amberg, Duane Chapman, Robin Calfee, James J. DunckerWater-quality sampling plan for evaluating the distribution of bigheaded carps in the Illinois Waterway
The two nonnative invasive bigheaded carp species (bighead carp Hypophthalmichthys nobilis and silver carp H. molitrix) that were accidentally released in the 1970s have spread widely into the rivers and waterways of the Mississippi River Basin. First detected in the lower reaches of the Illinois Waterway (IWW, the combined Illinois River-Des Plaines River-Chicago Area Waterway System) in the 1990AuthorsJames J. Duncker, Paul J. TerrioHydrologic monitoring for Chicago’s Sustainable Streetscapes Program
The Chicago Department of Transportation’s Sustainable Streetscapes Program is an innovative program that strives to convert Chicago’s neighborhood commercial areas, riverwalks, and bicycle facilities into active, attractive places for Chicagoans to live, work, and play. The objective of each project is to create flourishing public places while improving the ability of infrastructure to support deAuthorsJames J. Duncker, William S. Morrow