A water quality sampling station was installed at the Washington County Road 195 Bridge on the West Fork of the White River just above the confluence of the three main forks of the Upper White River in December 2001. The Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP) was approved by EPA Region Six on March 2002 and sampling was begun at that time. This station is coordinated with a USGS gauging station at the same location. This station was instrumented to collect samples at sufficient intervals across the hydrograph to accurately estimate the flux of total suspended solids, nitrogen and phosphorus into the upper end of Beaver Lake from the West Fork of the White River. The West Fork is listed on Arkansas\u27 1998 303d list as impaired from sediment. The Upper White was designated as the states highest priority watershed in the 1999 Unified Watershed Assessment. Accurate determination of stream nutrients and sediment is critical for future determinations of TMDLs, effectiveness of best management practices and trends in water quality

Cash, Wade

Nelson, Marc

English

UARK (University of Arkansas )

University of Arkansas, Fayetteville ScholarWorks@UARK Technical Reports Arkansas Water Resources Center 11-1-2003 Water Quality Sampling, Analysis and Annual Load Determinations for TSS, Nitrogen and Phosphorus at the Washington County Road 195 Bridge on the West Fork of the White River Marc Nelson University of Arkansas, Fayetteville Wade Cash Follow this and additional works at: https://scholarworks.uark.edu/awrctr  Part of the Fresh Water Studies Commons, and the Water Resource Management Commons Citation Nelson, Marc and Cash, Wade. 2003. Water Quality Sampling, Analysis and Annual Load Determinations for TSS, Nitrogen and Phosphorus at the Washington County Road 195 Bridge on the West Fork of the White River. Arkansas Water Resources Center, Fayetteville, AR. MSC311. 11 https://scholarworks.uark.edu/awrctr/109 This Technical Report is brought to you for free and open access by the Arkansas Water Resources Center at ScholarWorks@UARK. It has been accepted for inclusion in Technical Reports by an authorized administrator of ScholarWorks@UARK. For more information, please contact scholar@uark.edu.   Arkansas Water  Resources Center    WATER QUALITY SAMPLING, ANALYSIS AND ANNUAL LOAD DETERMINATIONS FOR TSS, NITROGEN AND PHOSPHORUS AT THE WASHINGTON COUNTY ROAD 195 BRIDGE ON THE WEST FORK OF THE WHITE RIVER  Submitted to the Arkansas Soil and Water Conservation Commission   By  Marc Nelson And Wade Cash Arkansas Water Resources Center Water Quality Lab University of Arkansas Fayetteville, Arkansas 72701  And Sandi Formica Arkansas Department  Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality Little Rock, Arkansas   November 2003   Publication No. MSC-311  Arkansas Water Resources Center 112 Ozark Hall University of Arkansas Fayetteville, Arkansas 72701   WATER QUALITY SAMPLING, ANALYSIS AND ANNUAL LOAD DETERMINATIONS FOR TSS, NITROGEN AND PHOSPHORUS AT THE WASHINGTON COUNTY ROAD 195 BRIDGE ON THE WEST FORK OF THE WHITE RIVER  2002 ANNUAL REPORT   Submitted to:  Arkansas Soil and Water Conservation Commission  By Marc Nelson  And Wade Cash AWRC Water Quality Lab Arkansas Water Resources Center University of Arkansas Fayetteville, Arkansas 72701  And Sandi Formica Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality Little Rock, Arkansas  November 2003   INTRODUCTION  A water quality sampling station was installed at the Washington County Road 195 Bridge on the West Fork of the White River just above the confluence of the three main forks of the Upper White River in December 2001. The Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP) was approved by EPA Region Six on March 2002 and sampling was begun at that time. This station is coordinated with a USGS gauging station at the same location.  This station was instrumented to collect samples at sufficient intervals across the hydrograph to accurately estimate the flux of total suspended solids, nitrogen and phosphorus into the upper end of Beaver Lake from the West Fork of the White River. The West Fork is listed on Arkansas' 1998 303d list as impaired from sediment. The Upper White was designated as the states highest priority watershed in the 1999 Unified Watershed Assessment. Accurate determination of stream nutrients and sediment is critical for future determinations of TMDLs, effectiveness of best management practices and trends in water quality.  SCOPE  This project is a cooperative effort between AWRC and the ADEQ Environmental Preservation and Planning Divisions. All aspects of the project are coordinated with and subject to technical review and comments from ADEQ. This report is for 2002 water quality sampling, water sample analysis and annual pollutant load calculations at the Washington County Road 195 Bridge on the West Fork of the White River. The parameters measured from collected samples were nitrate-nitrogen, ammonia-nitrogen, total Kjeldahl nitrogen, total phosphorus, dissolved reactive phosphorus and total suspended solids. In addition turbidity, conductivity and pH were measured in-situ and recorded in thirty-minute intervals. Also, the AWRC in conjunction with the USGS conducted cross-section sampling to determine the relationship between autosampler concentrations and cross-section concentrations.   2 METHODS Initially the sampler was operated in a discrete mode taking samples at thirty-minute intervals for the first twenty-four samples and sixty-minute intervals for the next twenty-four samples.  The sampler was set to begin taking samples when the stage rises to ten percent over the prior baseflow.  Trigger levels were evaluated and modified based on load calculation optimization techniques. Discrete samples were collected when all twenty-four bottles were filled or within forty-eight hours after the first sample. Grab samples were taken often enough to have three samples between each storm.  The sampler was operated using this protocol until three storms were adequately sampled.  The results from this initial sampling phase were used to determine the sampling start (trigger) and frequency for flow-weighted composite sampling. In addition, the results were used to develop rating curves to predict pollutant concentrations as a function of discharge in order to calculate loads for inadequately sampled storm events.  After the initial phase, the sampler was reconfigured to take flow-weighted composite samples. The sampler began sampling after the stage exceeded a set trigger level of five feet.  It took a discrete sample after a fixed volume of water had passed.  The volume of water used for the flow weighted composite samples, i.e. sampling frequency, was 4 million cubic feet, as determined from the initial sampling phase.  The discrete samples were composited by combining equal volumes of each into a single sample for analysis.  Discrete samples were collected for compositing when all twenty-four bottles were filled or within forty-eight hours after the first sample.  Storms were sampled in this manner for the period when the river stage was above the trigger level.  Grab samples were taken every two weeks after the initial sampling phase.  All samples were collected by AWRC Field Services Personnel and transported to the AWRC Water Quality Laboratory for analysis.  All samples were analyzed for nitrate-nitrogen, ammonia-nitrogen, total Kjeldahl nitrogen, total phosphorus, dissolved reactive phosphorus and total suspended solids.  In addition to the above sampling for load determination, the AWRC in conjunction with the USGS conducted cross-section sampling to determine the relationship between autosampler concentrations and cross-section concentrations. The USGS collected evenly weighted integrated (EWI) cross section samples at the same time AWRC collected discrete autosamples. All samples were transported and analyzed by the AWRC Water Quality Lab and the results used to determine correction factors for the auto sample concentrations. Three storm flow samples were taken and compared during each year.  All samples taken and used for analysis will be done in accordance with an approved quality assurance project plan.  This QAPP was prepared by the AWRC and submitted to the ASWCC for approval.  The ASWCC reviewed the plan for conformance to it’s Quality Management Plan and submitted the QAPP to EPA, Dallas for review and approval. The plan was approved on March 19, 2002.  RESULTS  Sampling began with the approval of the QAPP on March 11, 2002 and continued through the end of the year. During the first year, 220 individual samples were collected and analyzed. They include 20 base-flow grab samples, 143 discrete storm samples, and 4 USGS cross-section samples. The stage for 2002, as well as the concentration results from the samples, is summarized in Figure 1 and Table 1.  3Figure 1. 2002 Stage and Concentrations ILLINOIS RIVERWest Fork 20020510152025Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov DecDATESTAGE (ft), CONCENTRATION (mg/l)050010001500200025003000TSS (mg/l)STAGENO3-NT-PTKNTSSPO4NH4Table 1. 2002 partial year loads and mean concentrations. parameter Loads (kg) Mean Concentrations (mg/l) Nitrate-N 43,560 0.50 Total Phosphorus 46,148 0.53 Ammonia-N 4,165 0.05 TKN 90,548 1.03 Phosphate-P 6,506 0.07 TSS 29,005,061 331  Discrete storm samples were collected on 5 storms in 2000 using 190 individual samples. The results from three of these storms are illustrated in Figure 2. These results were modeled using least-squares linear regressions to determine a relationship between concentrations and stage. These relationships can be used to predict concentrations of the different constituents as a function of stage during storm events if actual measured values are unavailable due to equipment failure. The relationships determined are summarized in Table 2. Although these relationships were determined, they were not used to model any of the storm events during the project since all storms were sampled adequately.     4Figure 2. ILLINOIS RIVERWest Fork 2002051015202515-Mar 20-Mar 25-Mar 30-Mar 4-Apr 9-Apr 14-AprDATESTAGE (ft), CONCENTRATION (mg/l)020040060080010001200TSS (mg/l)STAGENO3-NT-PNH4TKNPO4TSS   Table 2. Regression equations determined from discrete storm samples parameter Regression equation Regression coefficient Nitrate-N y = -0.086x + 0.5135 R2 = 0.0682 Total Phosphorus y = 0.0436x + 0.2107 R2 = 0.4002 Ammonia-N y = 0.0026x + 0.0344 R2 = 0.1666 TKN y = 0.0585x + 0.7199 R2 = 0.2201 Phosphate-P y = 0.0049x + 0.0087 R2= 0.1339 TSS y = 33.248x + 69.527 R2 = 0.4742  The loads and mean concentrations can be segregated into storm-flow and base-flow using the trigger level as an arbitrary distinction between flow regimes. Using the trigger level value of 4 feet, the segregated loads and mean concentrations for 2002 are shown in Table 3.  Table 3. Storm-flow and Base-flow loads and Mean Concentrations Partial Year 2002.  Storm Loads (kg)   Base Loads  (kg)   Storm Concentrations (mg/l)  Base Concentrations (mg/l)  VOLUME (M3) 50,520,135 58,716,002   NO3-N 26,249 17,310 0.52 0.29 T-P 37,149 8,999 0.74 0.15 NH4 2,863 1,302 0.06 0.02 TKN 68,535 22,013 1.36 0.37 PO4 5,651 855 0.11 0.01 TSS 23,116,847 5,888,215 458 100   5Three paired USGS and AWRC storm samples were collected during the year to investigate the relationship between single point samples and cross-section samples. The results are shown in Figure 3. The results, while preliminary, indicate that the AWRC single point samples may be overestimating the TSS concentrations during storms relative to the whole cross-section.  This potential error will be further investigated in the future.  Figure 3 AWRC vs USGSTSS0.000100.000200.000300.000400.000500.000600.000700.0000.000 50.000 100.000 150.000 200.000 250.000 300.000 350.000 400.000 450.000 500.000U SGS ( mg / l) DISCUSSION   West Fork @ 195 Bridge site during 2002 can be compared to loads and concentrations developed in other watersheds in Northwest Arkansas. Five other watersheds have been monitored using the same monitoring and load calculation protocols. The only differences between the protocols are that trigger levels and storm composite sample volumes are different for each site. This means that the distinction between storm and base flows (defined here as the trigger level) may be relatively different at each site.   The results for the six watersheds are summarized in Table 4 and Figure 4. The results shown for the West Fork are annual values from March 11, 2002 to March 10, 2003. The table and figure show TSS and phosphorus as total annual loads per watershed acre, as storm loads per watershed acre and as base-flow concentrations. Normalizing total and storm loads to a per acre basis allows comparison between watersheds of differing sizes. The total loads indicate the mass of TSS or P that are being transported to a receiving water body. Storm loads per acre may be used to represent relative impacts from non-point sources. In Figure 4, a red line represents the total loads and blue diamonds represents the storm loads. The West Fork watershed has high levels of total TSS compared to the others and while most of the TSS is transported during storm events, a significant percentage is transported during base-flow conditions. The P load for the West Fork is similar to the other watersheds with the primary transport occurring during storm events.  6  The base-flow concentrations show relative levels of TSS and P that are impacting in-stream biological activity during most of the year. These are the values that are of greatest interest for determining impacts to in-stream macro invertebrate habitat and nuisance algae production. The base-flow TSS is significantly higher than the other watersheds. The base-flow concentration of T-P is consistent with the other watersheds that have point-source discharges by WWTPs (all except Moores Creek).  Table 4. Comparison of results to other Northwest Arkansas Watersheds.   Kings River@143 Illinois River@59 White River@wyman West Fork Osage Creek@112 Moores Creek ACRES 337,280 368,000 256,000 65920 22,208 2,200 YEARS of data 4 6 1 1 2 3               tss load (#/acre) 351 340 644 839 501 401 tss load storm (#/acre) 320 312 475 570 442 377 tss conc. base (mg/l) 21 20 93 170 39 20 p load (#/acre) 0.89 1.38 1.38 1.30 1.16 1.38 p storm load (#/acre) 0.62 0.98 1.00 0.91 0.70 1.13 p base conc. (mg/l) 0.19 0.26 0.21 0.25 0.21 0.19 DISCHARGE (ft3) 1.0E+10 1.9E+10 1.5E+10 3.5E+09 1.4E+09 9.6E+07 DISCHARGE/AC (ft3/acre) 29,528 52,625 57,847 53,419 62,066 43,804   7 Figure 4. Comparisons between 6 watersheds.  TSS Total and Storm Loads per acre0100200300400500600700800900Kings River@143Illinois River@59White River@wymanWest ForkOsage Creek@112Moores CreekStorm Loads (lbs per acre) TSS mean concentration Base flow020406080100120140160180Kings River@143Illinois River@59White River@wymanWest ForkOsage Creek@112Moores CreekBase flow concentration (mg/l)   8T-P Total and Storm  Loads per acre0.00.20.40.60.81.01.21.41.6Kings River@143Illinois River@59White River@wymanWest ForkOsage Creek@112Moores CreekStorm Loads (lbs per acre) T-P mean concentration Base flow0.000.050.100.150.200.250.30Kings River@143Illinois River@59White River@wymanWest ForkOsage Creek@112Moores CreekBase flow concentration (mg/l)  9REFERENCES  Nelson, M.A., T.S. Soerens, J. Spooner “Results of Investigation of Optimum Sample Interval for Determining Storm Water Pollutant Loads”, Proceedings of the Water Environment Federation WEFTEK Conference, New Orleans, LA, 1999.  Nelson, M.A., T.S. Soerens “1997 Pollutant Loads At. Arkansas Highway 59 Bridge” Presented at Arkansas-Oklahoma Arkansas River Compact Commission Meeting, September 1998.  Nelson, M.A., T.S. Soerens “1998 Pollutant Loads At. Arkansas Highway 59 Bridge” Arkansas Water resources Center Publication, 1999.  Nelson, M.A., T.S. Soerens “1999 Pollutant Loads At. Arkansas Highway 59 Bridge” Arkansas Water resources Center Publication, 2000.  Nelson, M.A., T.S. Soerens “2000 Pollutant Loads At. Arkansas Highway 59 Bridge” Arkansas Water resources Center Publication, 2001.  Nelson, M.A., T.S. Soerens “2001 Pollutant Loads At. Arkansas Highway 59 Bridge” Arkansas Water resources Center Publication, 2002.  Nelson, M.A., T.S. Soerens, J. Spooner “ Preliminary Results of Investigation of Optimum Sample Interval for Determining Storm Water Pollutant Loads”, Presented at ASCE Watershed Management Conference, Memphis, TN, 1998.  Nelson, M.A., T.S. Soerens and D.G. Parker “Phosphorus Transport in the Illinois River: Preliminary Results of Intensive Sampling" Proceedings of the Arkansas Water Resource Center Annual Conference, 1998.  Parker, D.G., R. Williams and E. Teague “Illinois River Water Quality Automatic Sampler Installation” Arkansas Water Resource Center Miscellaneous Publication 0227, 1997.  Nelson, M.A., T.S. Soerens, J. Spooner “Investigation of Optimum Sample Number and Timing for Determining Storm Water Pollutant Loads Year [1998 and 1999}”, Arkansas Water Resources Center Annual Report 1999-2000, August 2001.  Nelson, M.A., L.W. Cash “Water Quality Sampling, Analysis And Annual Load Determinations For TSS, Nitrogen And Phosphorus At The Wyman Road Bridge On The White River, Final Report” Arkansas Water Resources Center Publication, 2003.  Nelson, M.A., L.W. Cash “Illinois River2002 Pollutant Loads at the Arkansas Highway 59 Bridge” Arkansas Water Resources Center Publication, 2003.  Nelson, M.A., L.W. Cash “Water Quality Sampling, Analysis And Annual Load Determinations For TSS, Nitrogen And Phosphorus At The 143 Bridge On The Kings River, 2002 Annual Report” Arkansas Water Resources Center Publication, 2003.  Nelson, M.A., S. L. Diffin “Water Quality Sampling, Analysis And Annual Load Determinations For TSS, Nitrogen And Phosphorus At The 112 Bridge On The Osage Creek, Final Report” Arkansas Water Resources Center Publication, 2003.  10 11Nelson, M.A., L.W. Cash “Water Quality Sampling, Analysis And Annual Load Determinations For TSS, Nitrogen And Phosphorus On Moores Creek, 2002 Annual Report” Arkansas Water Resources Center Publication, 2003.  

Water Quality Sampling, Analysis and Annual Load Determinations for TSS, Nitrogen and Phosphorus at the Washington County Road 195 Bridge on the West Fork of the White River

ScholarWorks@UARK

University of Arkansas, FayettevilleScholarWorks@UARKTechnical Reports Arkansas Water Resources Center11-1-2003Water Quality Sampling, Analysis and Annual LoadDeterminations for TSS, Nitrogen and Phosphorusat the Washington County Road 195 Bridge on theWest Fork of the White RiverMarc NelsonUniversity of Arkansas, FayettevilleWade CashFollow this and additional works at: http://scholarworks.uark.edu/awrctrPart of the Fresh Water Studies Commons, and the Water Resource Management CommonsThis Technical Report is brought to you for free and open access by the Arkansas Water Resources Center at ScholarWorks@UARK. It has beenaccepted for inclusion in Technical Reports by an authorized administrator of ScholarWorks@UARK. For more information, please contactscholar@uark.edu, ccmiddle@uark.edu.Recommended CitationNelson, Marc and Cash, Wade. 2003. Water Quality Sampling, Analysis and Annual Load Determinations for TSS, Nitrogen andPhosphorus at the Washington County Road 195 Bridge on the West Fork of the White River. Arkansas Water Resources Center,Fayetteville, AR. MSC311. 11  Arkansas Water  Resources Center    WATER QUALITY SAMPLING, ANALYSIS AND ANNUAL LOAD DETERMINATIONS FOR TSS, NITROGEN AND PHOSPHORUS AT THE WASHINGTON COUNTY ROAD 195 BRIDGE ON THE WEST FORK OF THE WHITE RIVER  Submitted to the Arkansas Soil and Water Conservation Commission   By  Marc Nelson And Wade Cash Arkansas Water Resources Center Water Quality Lab University of Arkansas Fayetteville, Arkansas 72701  And Sandi Formica Arkansas Department  Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality Little Rock, Arkansas   November 2003   Publication No. MSC-311  Arkansas Water Resources Center 112 Ozark Hall University of Arkansas Fayetteville, Arkansas 72701   WATER QUALITY SAMPLING, ANALYSIS AND ANNUAL LOAD DETERMINATIONS FOR TSS, NITROGEN AND PHOSPHORUS AT THE WASHINGTON COUNTY ROAD 195 BRIDGE ON THE WEST FORK OF THE WHITE RIVER  2002 ANNUAL REPORT   Submitted to:  Arkansas Soil and Water Conservation Commission  By Marc Nelson  And Wade Cash AWRC Water Quality Lab Arkansas Water Resources Center University of Arkansas Fayetteville, Arkansas 72701  And Sandi Formica Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality Little Rock, Arkansas  November 2003   INTRODUCTION  A water quality sampling station was installed at the Washington County Road 195 Bridge on the West Fork of the White River just above the confluence of the three main forks of the Upper White River in December 2001. The Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP) was approved by EPA Region Six on March 2002 and sampling was begun at that time. This station is coordinated with a USGS gauging station at the same location.  This station was instrumented to collect samples at sufficient intervals across the hydrograph to accurately estimate the flux of total suspended solids, nitrogen and phosphorus into the upper end of Beaver Lake from the West Fork of the White River. The West Fork is listed on Arkansas' 1998 303d list as impaired from sediment. The Upper White was designated as the states highest priority watershed in the 1999 Unified Watershed Assessment. Accurate determination of stream nutrients and sediment is critical for future determinations of TMDLs, effectiveness of best management practices and trends in water quality.  SCOPE  This project is a cooperative effort between AWRC and the ADEQ Environmental Preservation and Planning Divisions. All aspects of the project are coordinated with and subject to technical review and comments from ADEQ. This report is for 2002 water quality sampling, water sample analysis and annual pollutant load calculations at the Washington County Road 195 Bridge on the West Fork of the White River. The parameters measured from collected samples were nitrate-nitrogen, ammonia-nitrogen, total Kjeldahl nitrogen, total phosphorus, dissolved reactive phosphorus and total suspended solids. In addition turbidity, conductivity and pH were measured in-situ and recorded in thirty-minute intervals. Also, the AWRC in conjunction with the USGS conducted cross-section sampling to determine the relationship between autosampler concentrations and cross-section concentrations.   2 METHODS Initially the sampler was operated in a discrete mode taking samples at thirty-minute intervals for the first twenty-four samples and sixty-minute intervals for the next twenty-four samples.  The sampler was set to begin taking samples when the stage rises to ten percent over the prior baseflow.  Trigger levels were evaluated and modified based on load calculation optimization techniques. Discrete samples were collected when all twenty-four bottles were filled or within forty-eight hours after the first sample. Grab samples were taken often enough to have three samples between each storm.  The sampler was operated using this protocol until three storms were adequately sampled.  The results from this initial sampling phase were used to determine the sampling start (trigger) and frequency for flow-weighted composite sampling. In addition, the results were used to develop rating curves to predict pollutant concentrations as a function of discharge in order to calculate loads for inadequately sampled storm events.  After the initial phase, the sampler was reconfigured to take flow-weighted composite samples. The sampler began sampling after the stage exceeded a set trigger level of five feet.  It took a discrete sample after a fixed volume of water had passed.  The volume of water used for the flow weighted composite samples, i.e. sampling frequency, was 4 million cubic feet, as determined from the initial sampling phase.  The discrete samples were composited by combining equal volumes of each into a single sample for analysis.  Discrete samples were collected for compositing when all twenty-four bottles were filled or within forty-eight hours after the first sample.  Storms were sampled in this manner for the period when the river stage was above the trigger level.  Grab samples were taken every two weeks after the initial sampling phase.  All samples were collected by AWRC Field Services Personnel and transported to the AWRC Water Quality Laboratory for analysis.  All samples were analyzed for nitrate-nitrogen, ammonia-nitrogen, total Kjeldahl nitrogen, total phosphorus, dissolved reactive phosphorus and total suspended solids.  In addition to the above sampling for load determination, the AWRC in conjunction with the USGS conducted cross-section sampling to determine the relationship between autosampler concentrations and cross-section concentrations. The USGS collected evenly weighted integrated (EWI) cross section samples at the same time AWRC collected discrete autosamples. All samples were transported and analyzed by the AWRC Water Quality Lab and the results used to determine correction factors for the auto sample concentrations. Three storm flow samples were taken and compared during each year.  All samples taken and used for analysis will be done in accordance with an approved quality assurance project plan.  This QAPP was prepared by the AWRC and submitted to the ASWCC for approval.  The ASWCC reviewed the plan for conformance to it’s Quality Management Plan and submitted the QAPP to EPA, Dallas for review and approval. The plan was approved on March 19, 2002.  RESULTS  Sampling began with the approval of the QAPP on March 11, 2002 and continued through the end of the year. During the first year, 220 individual samples were collected and analyzed. They include 20 base-flow grab samples, 143 discrete storm samples, and 4 USGS cross-section samples. The stage for 2002, as well as the concentration results from the samples, is summarized in Figure 1 and Table 1.  3Figure 1. 2002 Stage and Concentrations ILLINOIS RIVERWest Fork 20020510152025Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov DecDATESTAGE (ft), CONCENTRATION (mg/l)050010001500200025003000TSS (mg/l)STAGENO3-NT-PTKNTSSPO4NH4Table 1. 2002 partial year loads and mean concentrations. parameter Loads (kg) Mean Concentrations (mg/l) Nitrate-N 43,560 0.50 Total Phosphorus 46,148 0.53 Ammonia-N 4,165 0.05 TKN 90,548 1.03 Phosphate-P 6,506 0.07 TSS 29,005,061 331  Discrete storm samples were collected on 5 storms in 2000 using 190 individual samples. The results from three of these storms are illustrated in Figure 2. These results were modeled using least-squares linear regressions to determine a relationship between concentrations and stage. These relationships can be used to predict concentrations of the different constituents as a function of stage during storm events if actual measured values are unavailable due to equipment failure. The relationships determined are summarized in Table 2. Although these relationships were determined, they were not used to model any of the storm events during the project since all storms were sampled adequately.     4Figure 2. ILLINOIS RIVERWest Fork 2002051015202515-Mar 20-Mar 25-Mar 30-Mar 4-Apr 9-Apr 14-AprDATESTAGE (ft), CONCENTRATION (mg/l)020040060080010001200TSS (mg/l)STAGENO3-NT-PNH4TKNPO4TSS   Table 2. Regression equations determined from discrete storm samples parameter Regression equation Regression coefficient Nitrate-N y = -0.086x + 0.5135 R2 = 0.0682 Total Phosphorus y = 0.0436x + 0.2107 R2 = 0.4002 Ammonia-N y = 0.0026x + 0.0344 R2 = 0.1666 TKN y = 0.0585x + 0.7199 R2 = 0.2201 Phosphate-P y = 0.0049x + 0.0087 R2= 0.1339 TSS y = 33.248x + 69.527 R2 = 0.4742  The loads and mean concentrations can be segregated into storm-flow and base-flow using the trigger level as an arbitrary distinction between flow regimes. Using the trigger level value of 4 feet, the segregated loads and mean concentrations for 2002 are shown in Table 3.  Table 3. Storm-flow and Base-flow loads and Mean Concentrations Partial Year 2002.  Storm Loads (kg)   Base Loads  (kg)   Storm Concentrations (mg/l)  Base Concentrations (mg/l)  VOLUME (M3) 50,520,135 58,716,002   NO3-N 26,249 17,310 0.52 0.29 T-P 37,149 8,999 0.74 0.15 NH4 2,863 1,302 0.06 0.02 TKN 68,535 22,013 1.36 0.37 PO4 5,651 855 0.11 0.01 TSS 23,116,847 5,888,215 458 100   5Three paired USGS and AWRC storm samples were collected during the year to investigate the relationship between single point samples and cross-section samples. The results are shown in Figure 3. The results, while preliminary, indicate that the AWRC single point samples may be overestimating the TSS concentrations during storms relative to the whole cross-section.  This potential error will be further investigated in the future.  Figure 3 AWRC vs USGSTSS0.000100.000200.000300.000400.000500.000600.000700.0000.000 50.000 100.000 150.000 200.000 250.000 300.000 350.000 400.000 450.000 500.000U SGS ( mg / l) DISCUSSION   West Fork @ 195 Bridge site during 2002 can be compared to loads and concentrations developed in other watersheds in Northwest Arkansas. Five other watersheds have been monitored using the same monitoring and load calculation protocols. The only differences between the protocols are that trigger levels and storm composite sample volumes are different for each site. This means that the distinction between storm and base flows (defined here as the trigger level) may be relatively different at each site.   The results for the six watersheds are summarized in Table 4 and Figure 4. The results shown for the West Fork are annual values from March 11, 2002 to March 10, 2003. The table and figure show TSS and phosphorus as total annual loads per watershed acre, as storm loads per watershed acre and as base-flow concentrations. Normalizing total and storm loads to a per acre basis allows comparison between watersheds of differing sizes. The total loads indicate the mass of TSS or P that are being transported to a receiving water body. Storm loads per acre may be used to represent relative impacts from non-point sources. In Figure 4, a red line represents the total loads and blue diamonds represents the storm loads. The West Fork watershed has high levels of total TSS compared to the others and while most of the TSS is transported during storm events, a significant percentage is transported during base-flow conditions. The P load for the West Fork is similar to the other watersheds with the primary transport occurring during storm events.  6  The base-flow concentrations show relative levels of TSS and P that are impacting in-stream biological activity during most of the year. These are the values that are of greatest interest for determining impacts to in-stream macro invertebrate habitat and nuisance algae production. The base-flow TSS is significantly higher than the other watersheds. The base-flow concentration of T-P is consistent with the other watersheds that have point-source discharges by WWTPs (all except Moores Creek).  Table 4. Comparison of results to other Northwest Arkansas Watersheds.   Kings River@143 Illinois River@59 White River@wyman West Fork Osage Creek@112 Moores Creek ACRES 337,280 368,000 256,000 65920 22,208 2,200 YEARS of data 4 6 1 1 2 3               tss load (#/acre) 351 340 644 839 501 401 tss load storm (#/acre) 320 312 475 570 442 377 tss conc. base (mg/l) 21 20 93 170 39 20 p load (#/acre) 0.89 1.38 1.38 1.30 1.16 1.38 p storm load (#/acre) 0.62 0.98 1.00 0.91 0.70 1.13 p base conc. (mg/l) 0.19 0.26 0.21 0.25 0.21 0.19 DISCHARGE (ft3) 1.0E+10 1.9E+10 1.5E+10 3.5E+09 1.4E+09 9.6E+07 DISCHARGE/AC (ft3/acre) 29,528 52,625 57,847 53,419 62,066 43,804   7 Figure 4. Comparisons between 6 watersheds.  TSS Total and Storm Loads per acre0100200300400500600700800900Kings River@143Illinois River@59White River@wymanWest ForkOsage Creek@112Moores CreekStorm Loads (lbs per acre) TSS mean concentration Base flow020406080100120140160180Kings River@143Illinois River@59White River@wymanWest ForkOsage Creek@112Moores CreekBase flow concentration (mg/l)   8T-P Total and Storm  Loads per acre0.00.20.40.60.81.01.21.41.6Kings River@143Illinois River@59White River@wymanWest ForkOsage Creek@112Moores CreekStorm Loads (lbs per acre) T-P mean concentration Base flow0.000.050.100.150.200.250.30Kings River@143Illinois River@59White River@wymanWest ForkOsage Creek@112Moores CreekBase flow concentration (mg/l)  9REFERENCES  Nelson, M.A., T.S. Soerens, J. Spooner “Results of Investigation of Optimum Sample Interval for Determining Storm Water Pollutant Loads”, Proceedings of the Water Environment Federation WEFTEK Conference, New Orleans, LA, 1999.  Nelson, M.A., T.S. Soerens “1997 Pollutant Loads At. Arkansas Highway 59 Bridge” Presented at Arkansas-Oklahoma Arkansas River Compact Commission Meeting, September 1998.  Nelson, M.A., T.S. Soerens “1998 Pollutant Loads At. Arkansas Highway 59 Bridge” Arkansas Water resources Center Publication, 1999.  Nelson, M.A., T.S. Soerens “1999 Pollutant Loads At. Arkansas Highway 59 Bridge” Arkansas Water resources Center Publication, 2000.  Nelson, M.A., T.S. Soerens “2000 Pollutant Loads At. Arkansas Highway 59 Bridge” Arkansas Water resources Center Publication, 2001.  Nelson, M.A., T.S. Soerens “2001 Pollutant Loads At. Arkansas Highway 59 Bridge” Arkansas Water resources Center Publication, 2002.  Nelson, M.A., T.S. Soerens, J. Spooner “ Preliminary Results of Investigation of Optimum Sample Interval for Determining Storm Water Pollutant Loads”, Presented at ASCE Watershed Management Conference, Memphis, TN, 1998.  Nelson, M.A., T.S. Soerens and D.G. Parker “Phosphorus Transport in the Illinois River: Preliminary Results of Intensive Sampling" Proceedings of the Arkansas Water Resource Center Annual Conference, 1998.  Parker, D.G., R. Williams and E. Teague “Illinois River Water Quality Automatic Sampler Installation” Arkansas Water Resource Center Miscellaneous Publication 0227, 1997.  Nelson, M.A., T.S. Soerens, J. Spooner “Investigation of Optimum Sample Number and Timing for Determining Storm Water Pollutant Loads Year [1998 and 1999}”, Arkansas Water Resources Center Annual Report 1999-2000, August 2001.  Nelson, M.A., L.W. Cash “Water Quality Sampling, Analysis And Annual Load Determinations For TSS, Nitrogen And Phosphorus At The Wyman Road Bridge On The White River, Final Report” Arkansas Water Resources Center Publication, 2003.  Nelson, M.A., L.W. Cash “Illinois River2002 Pollutant Loads at the Arkansas Highway 59 Bridge” Arkansas Water Resources Center Publication, 2003.  Nelson, M.A., L.W. Cash “Water Quality Sampling, Analysis And Annual Load Determinations For TSS, Nitrogen And Phosphorus At The 143 Bridge On The Kings River, 2002 Annual Report” Arkansas Water Resources Center Publication, 2003.  Nelson, M.A., S. L. Diffin “Water Quality Sampling, Analysis And Annual Load Determinations For TSS, Nitrogen And Phosphorus At The 112 Bridge On The Osage Creek, Final Report” Arkansas Water Resources Center Publication, 2003.  10 11Nelson, M.A., L.W. Cash “Water Quality Sampling, Analysis And Annual Load Determinations For TSS, Nitrogen And Phosphorus On Moores Creek, 2002 Annual Report” Arkansas Water Resources Center Publication, 2003.  

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Water Quality Sampling, Analysis and Annual Load Determinations for TSS, Nitrogen and Phosphorus at the Washington County Road 195 Bridge on the West Fork of the White River

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