Phosphorus Contamination and Storage in Bottom Sediments of the James River Arm of Table Rock Lake, Southwest Missouri

Eutrophic conditions in the upper James River Arm (JRA) of Table Rock Lake have been linked to phosphorus (P) inputs by wastewater treatment facilities and increasing urban development in the upper James River Basin (3,770 km2). Since the majority of P in aquatic environments is bound to sediments, bottom sediment can function as both a source and sink of P in lake systems. This study evaluates the spatial distribution, physical and chemical characteristics, and storage of sediment-P in the active layer ( \u3c 5cm) of bottom sediments in the JRA. The JRA makes up about 20% of Table Rock Lake’s surface area, contributes about 30% of the inflow, and has the poorest water quality of the entire lake. For this study, grab samples were collected in the main arm and tributary coves at the deepest part of the lake and at several shallow sites along the main arm. Concentrations increase in a down-lake direction in the main arm ranging from 5 to \u3e2000 ppm P. However, water-column P concentrations show a decrease down-lake, indicating that sedimentation is removing P from the water. Trap efficiency of the JRA of both natural and anthropogenic P is estimated at 91%. In the main valley of the JRA, P correlates with depth and iron concentration where these variables account for both down-lake deposition, sediment focusing, and changes in dissolved oxygen important to the spatial distribution in bottom sediments. Tributary cove sediments show no correlation with land-use characteristics, suggesting concentrations are close to background levels. Higher enrichment of P in bottom sediments in the deeper areas suggests that the ability of the JRA to trap P is correlated with sediment at depths greater than 12-15 meters where dissolved oxygen levels are seasonally low. Less P is stored in the upper section of the JRA below Galena, however, this shallower area is the transition zone between the river and lake has high deposition rates

Geomorphic Assessment of South Creek between National and Campbell Avenue, Springfield, Missouri

Olsson Associates (OA) contracted the Ozarks Environmental and Water Resources Institute (OEWRI) at Missouri State University to complete a geomorphic study of the main stem of South Creek in Springfield, Missouri. The study involves the collection and interpretation of channel topography (channel profile and section surveys) and boundary conditions (bed and bank substrate) to support the planning and design phases for a channel improvement and restoration project along South Creek between Campbell Avenue and Kansas Expressway. This report will describe the data collected and interpret the data in the form of recommendations regarding the geomorphological context of the stream. The purpose of the geomorphic study is to evaluate existing channel upstream of Campbell Avenue to identify channel properties that can be implemented into a channel design that provides long-term stability of the channel between Kansas Expressway and Campbell Avenue

Indian Creek Fluvial Geomorphology Study, Olathe, Kansas

Olsson Associates (OA) contracted the Ozarks Environmental and Water Resources Institute (OEWRI) at Missouri State University to complete a geomorphic assessment of the channel network within Upper Indian Creek watershed in Olathe, Kansas. In this study, the field-based channel survey used is specifically focused on stream related problems involving public infrastructure and private property of a highly urbanized watershed. The assessment is designed to not only locate “problem” areas, but to also identify the causes of those problems. This study focused on the upper 11 mi2 of Indian Creek that generally flows northeast from the City of Olathe from Avalon Street to Pflumm Road. The main channel of Indian Creek had the highest number of problems, but the tributaries have the highest density (problems per stream mile) of problems. In total, 5.2 miles of main channel and 9.6 miles of tributaries were evaluated for this project and 188 problems were identified and located. There were 55 problems located on the main channel, for a density of about 10 problems per stream mile. For the tributaries, there were 133 problems located for a density of nearly 14 problems per stream mile. This suggests the tributaries in this watershed appear to be changing more rapidly and offer more challenges in terms of infrastructure maintenance and protection than the main channel. The highest density of problems came from tributaries 7 and 8 (T-7 and T-8) west of Mur-Len Road and north of 135th street with \u3e50 problems per stream mile. Impervious surfaces associated with urban land use have decreased infiltration capacity of the soil and increased the magnitude, duration and frequency of floods. Indian Creek and its tributaries have responded to the increase in flows by getting larger overall and locally unstable. Results of the main channel assessment suggest bank erosion is the major process creating infrastructure problems along the main channel as it appears bedrock is limiting incision along much of the channel. Channel incision along a series of head cuts moving upstream is the major process impacting public infrastructure and private property along the tributaries within the Indian Creek watershed. Additional study of geomorphic stability in Indian Creek should focus on the causes and rates of head cutting in the tributaries and the lateral rates of channel erosion in the lower segment with attention to the causes and bedrock control of bluff failure due to bank erosion

Final Report for the Water Quality Monitoring and Analysis of the Bennett Spring Watershed and Recharge Area

Poorly functioning on-site wastewater systems are perceived as a major contributor of nonpoint source pollution to Ozarks streams. Shallow soils, karst features, and lack of maintenance are often cited as reasons these systems fail in this region leading to ground and surface water contamination. Due to the importance of tourism to the local economy, many communities are concerned with protecting their water resources. Bennett Spring State Park is a major economic generator for Dallas and Laclede counties, and local community leaders are concerned about how on-site wastewater systems impact the water quality of Bennett Spring