Reliability of Can-type Precipitation Gage Measurements

A comprehensive review of literature was made of studies conducted since 1952 pertaining to the accuracy of can-type precipitation gage measurements. Brief discussions are given of the results of some of them, and conclusions are drawn. Topics discussed include raingage comparisons, accuracy of precipitation measurements, precipitation gage errors, and precipitation measurements in mountains. A bibliography is include

Erosion Inhibitor Performance Evaluation Under Simulated Wind and Rain

Introduction: Increasing public awareness of the desireability of protecting the environment from soil erosion caused by wind and water has centered attention on large construction projects such as highways and housing subdivisions, as well as on individual building sites and parking lots. If unattended, sediment produced from these areas pollutes surface water, restricts drainage, fills reservoirs, damages adjacent land, and upsets the natural ecology of lakes and streams. The search continues for products and practices that will prevent of lessen the amount of sediment leaving construction sites. Products currently in use include chemical as well as organic materials, and they are applied with barying degrees of success. Many designed to stabilize the unprotected soil for a long enough period of time for vegetation to become established are in wide use and are quite effectives (Clyde et al. 1978). Moreover, applying organic material to the soil surface around shallow-rooted crops has been a cultural practice for many years (Russell 1961). Janick (1963) summarized the effects of mulching as conservation of soil moisture, reduction of surface runoff and erosion, reduction of evaporation, and possible control of weeks. others (Borst and Woodburn 1942; Duley 1929) have indicated the value of mulches in reducing runoff and erosion. Mulching has been reported as superior to other treatments for reducing soil and water losses and stabilizing bare slopes before grass is established (swandson et al. 1965). Gilbert and Davis (1967) and Blaser (1962), in studies of highway slope stabilization, found mulches improved seed germination and seed;omg grpwtj bu conserving moisture and protecting highway slopes against erosion. Many materials have been evaluated for use as a mulch, including bark, wood wastes, soybean residues, wheat straw, and seaweed (Bollen and Glennie 1961; Kidder et al. 1943; Latimer and Percival 1947). McKee et al. (1964) found wheat straw to be one of the best mulches, particularly when used to aid vegitation establishment on steep cut slopes of highways. Osborne and Gilbert (1978) also demonstrated that shredded hardwood bark mulch provided adequate erosion control on highway slopes. The objectives of the present study was to evaluate, using simulated rainfall and wind, the effectiveness of various mulches and tackifiers for controlling erosion. Results of these tests are comparable to those obtained by the Utah Water Research Laboratory for CONWED in 1979 in that they wre generated in the same test facility on similar soil, using identical conditions of slope and rainfall rate

Evaluation of Particular Mulches for Fostering Plant Growth and Inhibiting Erosion (Phase 2)

Introduction: Increasing public awareness of the desireability of protecting the environment from soil erosion caused by wnid and water has centered attention on large construction projects such as highways and housing subdivisions, as well as on individual building sites and parking lots. If unattended, sediment produced from these areas pollutes surface water, restricts drainage, fills reservoirs, damages adjacent land, and upsets the natural ecology of lakes and streams. The search continues for products and practices that will prevent or lessen the amount of sediment leaving construction sites. Products currently in use include chamical as well as organic materials, and they are applied with varying degrees of success. Many designed to stabilize the unprotected soil for a long enough period of time for vegetation to become established are in wide use and are quite effective (Clyde et al. 1978). Moreover, applying organic material to the soil surface around shallow-rooted crops has been a cultural practice for many years (Russell 1961). Janick (1963) summarized the effects of mulching as conservation of soil moisture, reduction of surface runoff and erosion, reduction of evaporation, and possible control of weeks. Others (Borst and Woodburn 1942; Duley 1939) have indicted the value of mulches in reducing runoff and erosion. Mulching has been reported as superior to other treatments for reducing soil and water losses and stabilizing bare slops before grass is established (Swanson et al. 1065). Gilbert and David (1967( and Blaser (1962), in studies of highway slope stabilization, found mulches improved seed germination and seedling growth by conserving moisture and protecting highway slopes against erosion. Many materials have been evaluated for use as a mulch, including bark, wood wastes, soybean residues, wheat straw, and seaweed (Bollen and Glennie 1961; Kidder et al. 1943; Latimer and Percival 1947). McKee et al. (1964) found wheat straw to be one of the best mulches, particularly when used to aid vegetation establishment on steep cut slopes of highways. Osborne and Gilbert (1978) also demonstrated that stredded hardwood bark mulch provided adequate erosion control on highway slopes. A previous study conducted by the Utah Water Reseach Laboratory evaluated, using simulated rainfall and sunlight, the effectiveness of various fiber mulches for controlling erosion to facilitate the establishment and growth of barley on a 2:1 (50 percent) slope. The objective of the present study was to perform similar evalutations of additional mulches

Evaluation of Selected Mulches and Specialty Erosion Control Products Under Simulated Rain

Introduction: Utilizing a rainfall simulator, a sunlight simulator, and a wind generator, the Utah Water Research Laboratory (UWRL), Utah State University (USU), completed in 1979 and 1981 a series of evaluations of erosion control products for CONWED Corporation. Increasingly more commercial products for controlling erosion are being produced nationally and there remains a need to evaluate the effectiveness of these, one against another, in order that potential users may make cost-effective decisions in their use. CONWED recognizes this need and has funded the comparative testing of its own products and some of those of leading competitors throughout the country. The objective of the study presented herein was to evaluate under the rainfall simulator the effectiveness of CONWED Hydro Mulch mixed with each of three different commerical products used as tackifiers, Terra Tack I, M-Binder, and Hydro Bond. The study included also the evaluation of three specialy erosion control products, also the evaluation of three specialty erosion control products, CONWED netting, Lud low jute blanket, and American Excelsior blanket

ASPEN Environmental Consultants, Inc; Report of Tests: Preliminary Evaluation of Three Erosion Control Products

Introduction: Controlling the erosion of soil is a growing concern in the developed countries of the world, and continuing attempts are being made to develop new and better erosion control products. Only by careful comparative testing of such products under similar conditions is it possible to determine their relative merits. in the test facility at the Utah Water Research Laboratory (UWRL), the variables of wind, sunlight, soil, hillslope, and rainfall rate and duration can all be independently controlled, thus providing an ideal location for determining the actual effectiveness or various kinds of erosion control products. Aspen Environmental Constultants, Inc. contracted with the UWRL to make preliminary evaluations for their clients of two erosion control blankets and several concentrations of a liquid control material

New Product Performance Evaluation Under Simulated Rain

Introduction: Manufacturers are continually seeking ways of improving the effectiveness of their erosion control products. Products currently in use include chemical as well as organic materials, and they are applied with varying degrees of success. The Fibers Division of the CONWED Corporation, one of the nation\u27s most progressive producers of erosion control products, requested the comparative testing of some of their new products with those of some leading competitors. This report contains results of those tests

New Product Performance Evaluation Under Simulated Rain (Part II)

Introduction: In January, 1990 a report bearing the same title as this report was prepared and submitted to CONWED Corporation. It contained results from tests performed on experimental erosion control blankets that CONWED was developing. This report provides similar test results of additional new material

Effectiveness Determination of Two Different Water-Saving Devices for Toilet Tanks

Introduction: The project was successful in obtaining eight different brands of new toilet tanks in the 3.5 gals-per-flish-bariety, and two used ones requiring 5.0 gals per flish. The tanks were installed on a t atime on a padded stell frame and connected to a water supply. The float was adjusted to maintain the water in the tank at the level recommended by the manufacturer. When the flush and shut-off mechanisms were adjusted properly, the testing begain

Boeing Engineering and Construction; Groundwater and Surface Water Investigation Report

Boeing Engineering and Construction (BEAC) is investigating the feasibility of transporting Utah coal via slurry pipeline to the west coast. Such an investigation requires an abundance of data concerning such things as they availability and quality of water which can be slurried with coal, the location of such water with respect to the deposits of coal, and the ultimate disposal of the water at the pipeline\u27s end. This study generated a limited amount of new data and gathered existing data and information related to surface and underground water within a 50-mile radius of Emery, Utah, but restricted primarily to the Colorado River drainage. Data were gathered also of coal and water in mines within the same area, and determinations were made of their mutual effects on each other when slurried together in the laboratory. Tasks are listed and discussed in this report in the same order as they appear in the research proposal. Supporting data and information in the form of maps, tables, charts, and references are also included