River Modeling and Data Reports

Contacts: Modeling reports, Rob Mohlar (207) 592-1439 or Peter Newkirk (207) 592-1804. Other reports, Barry Mower (207) 215-0291.

Related pages: See also Impaired waters for reports associated with TMDLs, and the Public Comment Page for any draft data reports that may be available.

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.

Lower Androscoggin River Modeling Report and Field Study Data

A water quality model to predict effect of discharges and river flows on attainment of Maine 's Water Quality Standards was developed for the lower Androscoggin River by the Maine Department of Environmental Protection. Two separate field surveys were completed in the summer of 2010 in order to calibrate and verify the water quality model. The final model report and field data collected are presented in the following: Final Report; Sample Stations; July Field Data; July Lab Data; August Field Data; August Lab Data

Final Report Errata – Page 2, Summary of Results, Item 5.  Replace; “Worumbo Dam” with ”Brunswick-Topsham Dam”.  Change has been made to Final Report download above.

Contact: Peter Newkirk (207) 592-1804

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.

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)

Penobscot River

A mathematical computer model to predict water quality of the Penobscot River as affected by point and non-point sources was developed in June 2000 based on data collected in 1997. Additional data collected in 2001 and combined with the 1997 data formed the basis for a draft revision of the model in 2003. Since then, there have been some significant reductions in discharges to the river, prompting collection of additional data in 2007.   The DEP is currently reviewing all available data and developing a new model that will be used by the DEP as the basis for MEPDES/WDL effluent limits necessary to ensure attainment of Water Quality Standards for the Penobscot River.

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

Sabattus River Data Report -- August 2002 survey

April, 2003. This report presents the results of a study focused on the segment between Sabattus Pond and Lisbon Center, a distance of approximately 9 miles. Report. File is large and takes awhile to load.

Sabattus River Data Report -- August 2000 survey.

St. Croix River Data Report -- Summer 2004 Survey

St. George River Modeling Report, April 2000.

Text. Figures and tables: File 1, File 2, and File 3. Note: the process of converting the files to pdf format for the web caused distortions in the pie charts. Also, the last section on public comment is not included, because we did not have the comments in electronic format. They may be available here in the future.

St. George River Data Report, November 19, 1999

This file includes the table of of contents and initial narrative material. For a complete copy, including the figures and appendice, contact Rob Mohlar 592-1439.

Union River Estuary Modeling Report (June 2008)

Text of Union River Estuary Modeling Report. A WASP water quality model was developed for an approximate seven mile stretch of the Union River Estuary (from head tide to Union River Bay ). Data from intensive water quality survey (Summer of 2007) was utilized to develop/calibrate a one-dimensional WASP model and associated hydrodynamic DYNHYD model. The primary focus of this modeling report was to evaluate existing conditions in the Union River Estuary and to predict future impacts associated with a redesigned/relocated Waster Water Treatment Plant for the City of Ellsworth. Contact Rob Mohlar 592-1439