Michael R. McHale

I began working for the U.S. Geological Survey in 1997. One of my primary research interests is long-term monitoring and trend analyses. This research involves collecting and analyzing long-term monitoring data to determine the effects of energy and land use policy decisions on water quality, water quantity and soil chemistry in watersheds across the United States. During the last 2 decades I have conducted studies in the Catskill Mountains of New York which is the primary source of drinking water for New York City. My work in the Catskills has included the effects of agricultural best management practices on stream water quality, nutrient cycling, and sediment transport. My current work is focused on urban hydrology to evaluate the effectiveness of green infrastructure to reduce stormflow in Buffalo, NY. The work in Buffalo affects the health and safety of residents in the Lake Erie and Lake Ontario watersheds. I am also the principal investigator for work in the Adirondack Mountains of New York examining trends in water quantity and quality to evaluate the impacts of energy policy decisions. This work also provides data that is used for the protection of life and property in the Adirondack Mountains.