River Modeling and Data Reports

Contacts: Modeling reports, Rob Mohlar 592-1439(C). Other reports, Barry Mower 287-7777.

The most recent reports are listed first. See also Impaired waters for reports associated with TMDLs, and the Public Comment Page for any draft data reports that may be available.

Presumpscot River Data Report
A water quality model to predict effect of discharges and river flows on attainment of Maine’s Water Quality Standards was developed by the Maine Department of Environmental Protection in 1993. Since then the SAPPI pulp mill ceased operation in 1999 and the Smelt Hill Dam was removed in 2002, changing the chemistry and hydrology of the river. Therefore, in summer of 2008, the Maine Department of Environmental Protection collected water quality data for use in re-calibration of the model. The US Environmental Protection Agency assisted by performing a time-of-travel study and the US Geological Survey assisted by performing flow studies. The data collected are presented in the following report. Report; Dye Study Data: Dye Study; USGS Flow Study; Sonde Temperature and DO data

Androscoggin River Modeling Report and Alternative Analysis.  June, 2002.  This study focuses on Gulf Island Pond, which is a large impoundment that extends for 14 miles from Lewiston to Turner. A four-mile segment upstream of Gulf Island dam is on Maine's 303d non-attainment list. The Clean Water Act requires that a TMDL (Total Maximum Daily Load) be completed for this water segment. A water quality model was developed by DEP using data collected both historically and in the summer of 2000. Report; data; figures -- file 1, file 2, file 3. 

Aroostook River Modeling Report. September, 2004. A water quality model has been developed to update a prior effort. A model calibration data set was collected in 1987. A water quality model was setup on the USEPA supported model, QUAL2EU, but an additional verification data set to complete the model was never collected. The two low flow data sets collected in the summer of 2001 were used to calibrate and verify the water quality model. The model is then typically used to predict worst case (low flow, high water temperature) water chemistry of such parameters as dissolved oxygen, algae, or nutrients. Regulatory measures on both point and non-point source pollutant inputs may be necessary if the model predictions for dissolved oxygen are lower than statutory requirements. Files: Report; Figures/Tables (file 1, file 2, file 3, file 4, file 5, file 6); response to comments.

Aroostook River Data Report.  May, 2002.  Files:  Report; Figures/Tables; A1; A2; A3; A4; A5; Response to Comments. "The purpose of the data collection effort is to develop an updated water quality model of the Aroostook River. A model calibration data set was collected in 1987. A water quality model was setup on the USEPA supported model, QUAL2EU, but an additional verification data set to complete the model was never collected. The two low flow data sets collected in the summer of 2001 will be used to re-calibrate and verify the water quality model. The model is then typically used to predict worst case (low flow, high water temperature) water chemistry of such parameters as dissolved oxygen, algae, or nutrients. Regulatory measures on both point and non-point source pollutant inputs may be necessary if the model predictions for dissolved oxygen are lower than statutory requirements.

Kennebec River Data Report. 1998. Report.

Kennebec River Modeling Report (Final).  April, 2000. PDF file (note:  there were problems converting this file.   The page numbers don't line up properly with the table of contents, and there are a small number of blank pages). MSWORD file (complete)