Development of a Watershed Modeling System for Fort Benning Using the USEPA BASINS Framework
RC-1547
Objective
Potential Impacts of Military Training Activities on Stream Sediments and Aquatic Habitats
Watershed modeling systems are becoming a critical component of efforts to support military readiness and advance the sustainability of testing and training lands. Sustainability involves balancing land use and resource protection within the carrying capacity of the watershed. SERDP’s Ecosystem Management Project (SEMP) has identified the need to provide Fort Benning, Georgia (and eventually other military installations) with immediately usable and effective models that can be implemented for compliance and long-term watershed planning and management. The intensity of this need is due in part to 2005 Base Realignment and Closure decisions, which realign thousands of troops and equipment to Fort Benning. The impacts of activities related to training, land management, and construction along with existing requirements need to be evaluated for the Fort Benning watersheds.
The objective of this project is to identify, adapt, and develop watershed management models for Fort Benning that address impacts on hydrology, water quality, and related aquatic ecosystem endpoints resulting from military activities and natural resources management. Technical objectives include (1) providing SEMP an open source modeling system for watershed management, (2) building and calibrating a Fort Benning watershed application, (3) designing and implementing model enhancements that improve on recognized watershed model limitations, and (4) supporting product transition and technology transfer.
Technical Approach
The use and enhancement of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) Better Assessment Science Integrating point and Non-point Sources (BASINS) modeling system will be the cornerstone of this project. Project objectives will be met by concurrently pursuing two interrelated paths: an application path and a research path. The application path entails integrating existing SERDP products into BASINS, developing an initial calibrated model of Fort Benning, and identifying apparent model/system limitations. The research path will involve designing and implementing model enhancements that improve on recognized watershed model weaknesses, more fully developing capabilities relevant to representing and evaluating military land uses and activities, and generating and applying modeling strategies that demonstrate the military-enhanced BASINS capabilities.
Benefits
Through this project, a watershed modeling system that can be immediately used to address Clean Water Act issues and requirements will be provided to Fort Benning. The system will enable holistic evaluations of issues related to natural resources management and the impacts of military activities on hydrologic, water quality, and ecological endpoints. Improvements in model formulations will benefit model applications at military installations directly and, at the same time, correct weaknesses that are currently shared among commonly used watershed models. The Fort Benning model setup and application will provide parameter values and land activity characterizations relevant and transferable to other installations. (Anticipated Project Completion - 2011)
Symposium & Workshop
FY 2013 New Start Project Selections
Points of Contact
Principal Investigator
Mr. Anthony Donigian
AQUA TERRA Consultants
Phone: 650-962-1864
Fax: 650-962-0706
Program Manager
Resource Conservation and Climate Change
SERDP and ESTCP
Document Types
- Fact Sheet - Brief project summary with links to related documents and points of contact.
- Final Report - Comprehensive report for every completed SERDP and ESTCP project that contains all technical results.
- Cost & Performance Report - Overview of ESTCP demonstration activities, results, and conclusions, standardized to facilitate implementation decisions.
- Technical Report - Additional interim reports, laboratory reports, demonstration reports, and technology survey reports.
- Guidance - Instructional information on technical topics such as protocols and user’s guides.
- Workshop Report - Summary of workshop discussion and findings.
- Multimedia - On demand videos, animations, and webcasts highlighting featured initiatives or technologies.
- Model/Software - Computer programs and applications available for download.
- Database - Digitally organized collection of data available to search and access.