Natural Resources Management and Policy Commons^™

Factors Affecting Wood Fuel Consumption And Environmental Impacts In Warren County, Kentucky, Barry Vann

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

The purpose of this research is to identify factors that contribute to wood fuel consumption as a space heating source and estimate a county-wide proportion for wood fuel consuming households. In addition, environmental problems associated with deforestation such as erosion and loss of wildlife habitat are delineated; moreover, air pollution resulting from wood fuel emissions are discussed.

An exhaustive literature review provided the basis for the study. Data on Warren County wood fuel consumption patterns were derived from a mail survey. Proportion estimates were tested by using a classical two-tail test of hypothesis. Subsequently, factors were identified and used in …

Enhancement And Monitoring Of The Procambarus Clarkii Population In Lake Mead, Mikell Beth Hager

Publications (WR)

Procambarus clarkii are found in extremely low numbers throughout Lake Mead, AZ-NV. The crayfish are an important dietary component for game fish. Enhancement of the crayfish population would broaden the fishery forage base. Crayfish were stocked and monitored in a study cove on Saddle Island to determine if the Procambarus clarkii population could be enhanced. A trapping survey of the area after the following reproductive season yielded low numbers of crayfish. A comparison of pre-stocking and post-stocking catch per trap day (CPTD) values revealed no significant increase in the population. Procambarus clarkii growth is limited by environmental factors in Lake …

Introduction: Structural Properties For Determining Mechanisms Of Toxic Action, Steven P. Bradbury, Robert L. Lipnick

Steven P. Bradbury

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), under a variety of Federal legislation, is charged with the responsibility of assessing the hazards of chemicals to human health and the environment. In some cases EPA incorporates predictive techniques in its decisionmaking processes. In the context of some statutes, predictive toxicological methods can be cost-effective components in an overall approach for prioritizing chemicals for in-depth toxicological investigation. Predictive approaches are also used where empirical toxicological data are either unavailable or not required under a specific statute. For example, under Section 5 of the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA), EPA's Office of Toxic Substances …

Influence Of Cytochrome P450 Mixed-Function Oxidase Induction On The Acute Toxicity To Rainbow Trout (Salmo Gairdneri) Of Primary Aromatic Amines, Steven P. Bradbury, Joop L. M. Hermens, Steven J. Broderius

Steven P. Bradbury

The influence of enzyme induction on the acute toxicity of aniline and 4-chloroaniline to rainbow trout (Salmo gairdneri) was investigated. For these two xenobiotics, bioactivation reactions are known to occur in mammals. Induction of cytochrome P450 mixed-function oxidase was obtained by intraperitoneal (ip) injection of trout with a mixture of polychlorinated biphenyls (Aroclor 1254). Five days after ip injection with three different doses of Aroclor 1254 (50. 100. and 200 mg/kg). benzo[a)pyrene hydroxylase activity in trout liver microsomes increased five- to sixfold. Cytochrome P450 concentrations in the microsomes were slightly. but significantly. enhanced in two of the three dose levels. …

Introduction And Enhancement Of Vegetative Cover At Lake Mead, Jennifer S. Haley, Lisa K. Croft, Suzanne E. Leavitt, Larry J. Paulson

Publications (WR)

Studies done by the Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW) and the Arizona Fish and Game between 1978 and 1981 indicate that inadequate cover may be limiting the production and survival of largemouth bass at the Lake Mead National Recreation Area (LMNRA). As a result of these studies, NDOW initiated a contract in 1986 with the Lake Mead Research Center (LMRC) to investigate means of improving habitat for game fish by introducing natural and/or artificial cover.

During Phase I (1986-1987) of this contract, the shoreline of Lake Mead was surveyed for aquatic and terrestrial plant growth. Also during this time, submerged …

Toxicology Of Synthetic Pyrethroids In Aquatic Organisms: An Overview, Steven P. Bradbury, Joel R. Coats, D. M. Symonik, S. D. Dyer, L. K. Timson, G. J. Atchison

Steven P. Bradbury

The aquatic toxicology of the photostable synthetic pyrethroid insecticides as it affects two important groups of susceptible organisms — fish and aquatic insects — is discussed. The sensitivity of these aquatic species to the pyrethroids is dependent on several factors, including toxicokinetics, target site (nervous system), sensitivity and possible secondary mechanisms of action, as well as chemical and physical properties of the aquatic medium that influence toxicity and bioavailability. Uptake rates and routes of fenvalerate greatly affected the toxicity of fenvalerate to mosquito larvae. LD50 values were determined for cuticular and dietary exposure routes by utilizing radiolabeled fenvalerate at the …

Toxicokinetics And Toxicodynamics Of Pyrethroid Insecticides In Fish, Steven P. Bradbury, Joel R. Coats

Steven P. Bradbury

The pyrethroid insecticides are extremely toxic to fish, with 96—h LC50 values generally below 10 μg/L and i.p. and i.v. LD50 values below 20 mg/kg. Corresponding LD50 values in mammals and birds are in the range of several hundred to several thousand milligrams per kilogram. This review examines pyrethroid toxicokinetics and toxicodynamics in fish as critical factors associated with species selectivity. Studies with permethrin, cypermethrin and fenvalerate have established that rates of metabolism and elimination in rainbow trout are significantly lower than those reported for birds and mammals. Comparatively low lethal brain pyrethroid concentrations and nonneural aspects of pyrethroid intoxication …

Use Of Respiratory-Cardiovascular Responses Of Rainbow Trout (Salmo Gairdneri) In Identifying Acute Toxicity Syndromes In Fish: Part 3. Polar Narcotics, Steven P. Bradbury, Tala R. Henry, Gerald J. Niemi, Richard W. Carlson, Virginia M. Snarski

Steven P. Bradbury

The physiological responses of rainbow trout to acutely lethal aqueous concentrations of the suspected polar narcotics phenol, 2,4-dimethylphenol, aniline, 2-chloroaniline and 4-chloroaniline were examined. Visible signs of intoxication included tremors that progressed to whole-organism clonic seizures, followed by general depression and respiratory-cardiovascular collapse. Tremors and seizures were usually initiated with coughs. The most striking changes in the respiratory-cardiovascular parameters for all five toxicants included elevated cough frequency (coincident with seizures), ventilation frequency and hematocrit, and depressed gill oxygen uptake efficiency, arterial pH, total arterial oxygen and total arterial carbon dioxide. The physiological responses noted were attributed to the initial muscular …

Polar Narcosis In Aquatic Organisms, Steven P. Bradbury, Richard W. Carlson, Tala R. Henry

Steven P. Bradbury

The majority of industrial organic chemicals lack identifiable structural characteristics that result in specific biological activity. These nonpolar-nonelectrolytes are acutely toxic to aquatic organisms via a nonspecific mode of action termed narcosis. The toxicity of industrial chemicals eliciting nonpolar narcosis can be reliably predicted by log P (baseline toxicity models). Using single chemical and joint toxic action models, several research groups have reported classes of polar compounds (for example, esters, phenols, and anilines) that elicit a narcosis-like syndrome; however, they are more acutely toxic than what is predicted using baseline toxicity models. An assessment of rainbow trout (Salmo gairdneri) in …

Comparative Toxicology Of The Pyrethroid Insecticides, Steven P. Bradbury, Joel R. Coats

Steven P. Bradbury

The toxic effects elicited by synthetic pyrethroids in animals are varied in degree and nature. Their relative safety to birds and mammals contrasts sharply with their acute effects on fish and arthropods. Explantation of their differences in toxicity depends on examination of all factors of their comparative toxicology. Routes of exposure are important, as are metabolism and elimination rates, especially for mammals and birds with their considerable capabilities for biotransformation. Significant differences in sensitivity at the sites of toxic action may also play a role in differential responses to these insecticides. Finally, physical properties that influence the environmental disposition and …

Environmental Management Planning And The Special Area Management Process, Timothy P. Dillingham

Marine Affairs Theses and Major Papers

Within coastal areas, growing numbers of resource users, increasingly divergent resources use demands, and loss of indigenous resources combine to exert tremendous pressures on these areas. The Narrow River is a unique estuary located on the coast of southern Rhode Island. The estuary has experienced a decline in water quality over the last 20 years, primarily attributable to poor development practices and improper disposal of on-site sewage. Increasing levels of development have begun to bring about further changes in the watershed, including alteration of scenic values, conversion and loss of wildlife habitat, additional sources of pollution inputs and increasing conflict …

Stormwater Quality Management In Rhode Island, Elizabeth A. Scott

Marine Affairs Theses and Major Papers

This study documents the threat that uncontrolled "urban" stormwater runoff poses to surface water quality and the inadequacy of existing regulations governing land use development in preventing further water quality degradation resulting from "urban" runoff. The study applies recent research findings from the Nationwide Urban Runoff Program and the experience of other state regulatory programs in evaluating management alternatives and proposing a strategy for Rhode Island. The documented impacts of "urban" stormwater runoff on water quality, including excesses in criteria for copper, lead, and coliform, and eutrophication, support the need for stormwater quality management. This need is made more evident …

Characterization Of The Aquatic Environment In Lake Mead Near The Proposed Spring Canyon Pumped-Storage Project, And Assessment Of Potential Aquatic Impacts, Charles R. Liston, Stephen J. Grabowski, Bureau Of Reclamation

Publications (WR)

A pumped storage system consists of an upper reservoir and lower reservoir separated by an elevation difference. During low demand energy periods such as nights and weekends water is pumped from the lower to the upper reservoir using available energy from conventional steam electric power plants. During high energy demand periods, such as mornings and afternoons of weekdays, upper reservoir water is allowed to drop back down through the same system of water conduits and turbines, generating electricity to conveniently meet abrupt electrical energy requirements. The same water turbines thus act both as pumps and as conventional hydroelectric turbines.

Because …

Environmental Assessment Of Las Vegas Wash And Lake Mead Artificial Wetlands Demonstration Project, John R. Baker, R. M. Gersberg, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

Publications (WR)

The effective use of artificial wetlands for treatment of municipal wastewater is well documented; however, design and economic data for artificial wetlands development are limited (Gersberg et al., 1984a). This is due partly to regional differences in climate, soils, and vegetation and partly to the desired waste treatment. As a result, specific treatment levels and cost benefits relative to the use of an artificial wetlands for a particular site cannot be evaluated adequately without a pilot demonstration project. Las Vegas Wash receives sewage effluent from the Las Vegas metropolitan area and has been designated as a wetlands community park. Las …

River Discharge Study, Laughlin, Nevada: Colorado River Model And Diffusion Study, B. Dennis Hugh, David L. Stringfield, Jill C. Bicknell, Robert A. Ryder, Clark County Sanitation District, Nevada

Publications (WR)

A water quality modeling study of the Mohave Reach of the Lower Colorado River (from Davis Dam to the Nevada/California Stateline) was conducted to evaluate potential water quality impacts resulting from a proposed Laughlin, Nevada wastewater effluent discharge. The study included four major components: (1) review of the current regulatory framework; (2) a field data collection program to document existing water quality conditions in winter, summer, and fall; (3) development and verification of far-field and near-field (mixing zone) water quality models; and (4) application of the models to project future river quality conditions for several treatment-discharge alternatives as well as …

An Inventory And Condition Survey Of Rangelands In The Ashburton River Catchment, Western Australia, A A. Mitchell, A L. Payne, W F. Holman

Technical Bulletins

The inventory and condition survey of rangelands in the Ashburton River catchment, undertaken by the Department of Agriculture and Food, Western Australia (DAFWA) between 1976 and 1978, describes and maps the natural resources of the region’s pastoral leasehold land. This survey report provides a baseline record of the existence and condition of the natural area’s resources, to assist with the planning and implementation of land management practices. The report identified and described the condition of soils, landforms, vegetation, habitat, ecosystems, and declared plants and animals. It also assessed the impact of pastoralism and made land management recommendations. The area surveyed …

Prey Depletion By Odonate Larvae: Combining Evidence From Multiple Field Experiments, Clay L. Pierce, Dan M. Johnson, Thomas H. Martin, Charles N. Watson, Robert E. Bohanan, Philip H. Crowley

Clay L. Pierce

In this paper we re-analyze previously published data regarding the response of several prey populations to manipulation of predaceous larval dragonfly (Insecta: Odonata) densities in four separate field enclosure experiments. Using a computer-intensive "rerandomization" approach to testing hypotheses, we show that the individual experiments were not sufficiently powerful to consistently reject false null hypotheses. Combining the data from three comparable experiments, we can enhance the power associated with such tests. Three prey categories (Trichoptera, Oligochaeta, and large Cladocera), constituting less than one-third of the typical odonate diet, were found to be consistently depleted in enclosures with odonate larvae; but the …

Appendices To Analysis Of The Water-Quality Standards Proposed By Nevada Division Of Environmental Protection, State Of Nevada: Division Of Environmental Protection

Publications (WR)

The appendices include the following:

Appendix A: Evaluation of proposed State of Nevada water quality standards for Ammonia, produced by CH2M Hill California for Clark County

Appendix B: Responses to comments by the Nevada Division of Environmental Protection on the draft final report prepared by CH2M Hill

Appendix C: Biases in the ammonia data and in the proposed ammonia TMDL

Appendix D: Application of dilution-ratio analysis to assertions made by the Nevada Division of Environmental Protection

Appendix E: Analysis of the dilution-ratio formula used by the Nevada Division of Environmental Protection in its TMDL calculations for phosphorus and ammonia in …

Analysis Of The Water-Quality Standards Proposed By The Nevada Division Of Environmental Protection, City Of Las Vegas, Nevada

Publications (WR)

The Nevada Division of Environmental Protection (DEP) has proposed water-quality standards, applicable to Las Vegas Bay and Lake Mead, for (1) chlorophyll, (2) un-ionized ammonia, and (3) pH.

We have concluded that the proposed standards are unlikely to protect or improve water quality in Lake Mead. The proposed chlorophyll standard:

May harm the fishery. Lakes with more chlorophyll have greater fish production.

Will not improve clarity. Chlorophyll concentrations above 30 ug/1 have little effect on clarity.

Will not protect against scums or dominance by blue-green algae. Lake Mead shows no consistent relationship between chlorophyll and scums or blue-green dominance.

Will …

Lake Mead Cover Enhancement Project, Jennifer Stevens Haley, Suzanne Leavitt, Larry Paulson, Donald H. Baepler

Publications (WR)

Ninety-three wildlife agencies were surveyed for information on their attempts to improve fish habitat. In addition, an annotated bibliography including over 100 summaries was completed on:

1. largemouth bass cover requirements and preferences,

2. use and effectiveness of artificial cover,

3. aquatic plant introduction and species requirements for germination and establishment,

4. terrestrial plant introduction and species requirements for germination and establishment, and

5. nutrient exchange between sediment, aquatic plants, and water.

A reconnaissance of existing terrestrial and aquatic vegetation was completed in June 1986 including the production of a video tape of the Nevada shoreline of Lake Mead.

Cover …

Las Vegas Wash And Lake Mead Proposed Water Quality Standards: Revisions And Rationale, State Of Nevada: Division Of Environmental Protection

Publications (WR)

Rationale of review and for proposed changes to the Nevada Pollution Control Regulations (NAC 445.1354, 445.1355, 445.1356, 455.1367, 445.1352, 445.1353, 445.1350, 445.1351) before the State Environmental Commission on June 23 and 24, 1987.

Fish Acute Toxicity Syndromes And Their Use In The Qsar Approach To Hazard Assessment, Steven P. Bradbury, James M. Mckim, Gerald J. Niemi

Steven P. Bradbury

Implementation of the Toxic Substances Control Act of 1977 creates the need to reliably establish testing priorities because laboratory resources are limited and the number of industrial chemicals requiring evaluation is overwhelming. The use of quantitative structure activity relationship (QSAR) models as rapid and predictive screening tools to select more potentially hazardous chemicals for in-depth laboratory evaluation has been proposed. Further implementation and refinement of quantitative structure-toxicity relationships in aquatic toxicology and hazard assessment requires the development of a "mode-of-action" database. With such a database, a qualitative structure-activity relationship can be formulated to assign the proper mode of action, and …

Physiological Response Of Rainbow Trout (Salmo Gairdneri) To Acute Fenvalerate Lntoxication, Steven P. Bradbury, James M. Mckim, Joel R. Coats

Steven P. Bradbury

The physiological responses of rainbow trout (Salmo gairdneri) to fenvalerate intoxication during aqueous exposure were examined to provide information about the pyrethroid mode of action in fish. Trout (n = 4) were exposed to 412 ± 50 μg/liter fenvalerate and died in 10.9 ± 1.5 hr. Brain, liver, and carcass fenvalerate concentrations associated with mortality were 0.16 ± 0.05, 3.62 ± 0.57, and 0.25 ± 0.05 mg/kg, respectively. Visible signs of intoxication included elevated cough rate, tremors, and seizures. Histopathological examination of gill tissue showed damage consistent with irritation. An evaluation of respiratory-cardiovascular and blood chemistry responses indicated an elevated …

Estimating The Value Of Water Quality Improvements In A Recreational Demand Framework, Nancy E. Bockstael, Catherine Kling, W. Michael Hanemann

Catherine Kling

With the advent of Executive Order 12291, policymakers involved in water quality regulation are increasingly interested in assessing the benefits of their programs. Several methods for valuing water quality improvements using recreational demand models have been developed by economists, most of which depend on observing recreationists visiting an array of sites with varying water quality and costs of access. In this paper, three general types of models are described: systems of demands, discrete choice models, and the hedonic travel cost approach; the latter two models are demonstrated using a common data set on water quality and swimming behavior in the …

Balancing Conservation And Development In Maryland's Coastal Zone: A Program Evaluation, James G. Turek

Marine Affairs Theses and Major Papers

An evaluation of a federal regulatory program administered by the Baltimore District Corps of Engineers (COE), governing certain development activities in Maryland's coastal zone, was conducted to (1) identify cumulative development and wetland impact outcomes that occurred over a 5-year (1981-1985) period; and (2) assess a component of the decision-making process that resulted in these outcomes. This study focuses specifically on program coordination between the COE and the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) to evaluate how the process has been affected by (1) programmatic changes resultant of the Reagan Administration's regulatory reform; and (2) societal demands as indicated by changes …

An Inventory And Condition Survey Of Rangelands In The Carnarvon Basin, Western Australia, A L. Payne, G F. Spencer, P J. Curry

Technical Bulletins

The inventory and condition survey of rangelands in the Carnarvon Basin, undertaken by the Department of Agriculture and Food, Western Australia (DAFWA) between 1980 and 1982, describes and maps the natural resources of the region’s pastoral leasehold land. This survey report provides a baseline record of the existence and condition of the natural area’s resources, to assist with the planning and implementation of land management practices. The report identified and described the condition of soils, landforms, vegetation, habitat, ecosystems, and declared plants and animals. It also assessed the impact of pastoralism and made land management recommendations. The area surveyed covers …

Save Our Rivers: Celebrating Five Years Of Progress, The Governor's Office Tallahassee, Florida

Waterways and wildlife

A pictorial program celebrating five years of progress made by Florida's five water management districts and the Florida Department of Environmental Regulations. Florida's five districts: Northwest Florida Water Management District, Suwannee River Water Management District, St. Johns River Water Management District, and South Florida Water Management District. Text by Jim Lewis. PALMM

A Water Quality Element For The Extension Of The Salt Ponds Special Area Management Plan To Quonochontaug, Winnapaug (Brightmans) And Maschaug Ponds, Clarkson A. Collins

Marine Affairs Theses and Major Papers

The Salt Ponds Project scientific research and management efforts were designed to address the management issues typical to barrier beach-lagoon systems. It was anticipated that the finds of the project would be applied to the management of similar estuarine systems in Rhode Island and elsewhere. This paper presents findsings and recommendations relating to water quality and land use for the watersheds of Quonochontaug Pond, Winnapaug Pond, and Maschaug Ponds. With the inclusion of these waterbodies into the SAM Plan framework, all of the barrier beach-coastal lagoon ecosystems of the south shore will come under a plan specifically designed to protect …

Evaluation Of The U. S. Army Corps Of Engineers' Decision-Making Process For Selection Of Dredged Material Disposal Sites, Brian P. Thompson

Marine Affairs Theses and Major Papers

This study evaluates the decision-making process of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (COE) as it applies to the selection of land or open-water disposal sites for sediment from dredging projects planned by the COE. The study seeks to illustrate: 1) the structure of the COE decision-making process as provided for in laws, regulations, and COE policies; 2) the operational, economic, and environmental variables that might influence COE decision-making; 3) how the New England Division of the COE makes decisions on disposal sites for dredged material through consideration of operational, economic and environmental objectives. The study finds that the COE …

Ending Subsidized Degradation: The Ocean Dumping Example, Brenda Asher Dillman

Marine Affairs Theses and Major Papers

There is no way to measure, on a global scale, the pollution dumped directly into the oceans, let alone all the tens of thousands of particulates, toxics, and gaseous substances are added each day to the atmosphere surrounding the New York Bight. The aim of this paper is to develop a user fee framework for the ocean dumping of municipal sludge. Such a proposal requires a radical departure from the standards and enforcement approach of today's legislation. The ocean dumping of municipal sludge, while accounting for only a small percentage of the total waste dumped into the Bight, has proven …