Environmental Monitoring Commons^™

Watershed Vocabulary

Watershed Access Lab Projects

No abstract provided.

Abbott Run Annual Study 2009

Watershed Access Lab Projects

The purpose of examining Site A, Cushman Road, and Site B, Shady Pines, was to determine whether or not the water that flows through Abbott Run meets the Class A Water Standards set by the state of Massachusetts. This is crucial because the water that flows through Abbott Run eventually empties into Pawtucket, Rhode Island and they then use it for drinking water. So if the water quality standards were to fall below a Class A rating, then this would mean a contaminated drinking source for all of Pawtucket. This could invariably many complications and should be avoided at all …

Rivernet Watershed Access Lab Program Overview - Spring 2009, Kevin Curry

Watershed Access Lab Projects

Brief overview of the RiverNet Watershed Access program - its history and the achievements of the many participating teachers and students from throughout Southeastern Massachusetts.

Benthic Macroinvertebrates: An Analysis Of The Mashpee River

Watershed Access Lab Projects

No abstract provided.

Burr’S Pond And Runnins River – An Annual Watershed Survey 2008

Watershed Access Lab Projects

AP Biology students at Seekonk High School are required to complete an independent research project to fulfill the Ecology unit of the course during the summer prior to the course. Students must apply what they learned in their readings to a local ecosystem, Burr’s Pond which is attached to the Runnins River. Students spend time at the pond area during the summer documenting organisms, evidence of population dynamics, animal behavior, trophic levels, nutrient cycling, etc. Students put together a Burr’s Pond Summer Field Research Project Portfolio to be submitted on the first day of school. Student projects are displayed at …

Comparative Nutrient Data For Two Locations On The Marstons Mills River

Watershed Access Lab Projects

On October 30, 2007, we deployed water samplers at two locations along the Marstons Mills River: River Road and Hyrdo Dam/Route 28. We programmed a Sigma at each location to take a water sample each hour for 24 hours, to determine the amount of dissolved nutrients in the water in the course of one day. When compared to the discharge at each site, we found that the Hydro Dam location moved nearly 117 000 000 liters of water, 10 000 grams of phosphorus, and 25 000 grams of nitrogen-nitrate each day. Only a short distance upstream, the River Road location …

The Effect Of The Middleboro Wastewater Treatment Plant On The Water Quality Of The Nemasket River

Watershed Access Lab Projects

Students studied the effect of the Middleboro Waste Treatment Plant on the water quality of the Nemasket River. Students sampled for DO, temperature, pH, nutrients and macroinvertebrates. Sampling sites included the reference site at Rte 105 and the impact site at Murdock Street in Middleboro, MA. A recovery site was not sampled due to distance and time constraints. Students toured the treatment plant and interviewed Mr. Joseph Ciaglo to learn how the plant operated. Students learned that orthophosphates are removed using ferric chloride to precipitate the phosphate. The analysis of samples for orthophosphate showed that the concentrations at Murdock Street …

Benthic Macroinvertebrates: An Analysis Of The Quashnet River

Watershed Access Lab Projects

No abstract provided.

River Watch 2008

Watershed Access Lab Projects

SLIDE 3: The Indian Head River forms the Northern Border of the Town of Hanson, Other towns that impact the water quality directly in the areas of study include Pembroke to the east and Hanover to the north, northeast. There are approximately 8 miles between our upstream site near Factory Pond and our downstream site at Ludham’s Ford or as other’s call it, Curtis’ Crossing. The river covers about eight acres of land in this area and was most likely used as a fishing and travel spot for the Wompatuck Indians.

A guide named James Luddam carried Governor Winthrop across …

Abbott Run Annual Study 2008

Watershed Access Lab Projects

The purpose of our study was to make certain that Abbott Run met the Massachusetts water quality standards of a Class A river. We are concerned that the Abbott Run remains a Class A river because it is the source of the drinking water for Pawtucket, Rhode Island.

Abbott Run is located in the western section of North Attleboro within the Blackstone River Watershed. It is bordered by Rhode Island to the west, Plainville to the north and Attleboro to the south. The watershed section in North Attleboro is approximately four square miles.

Land use is predominately single-family, residential except …

Fore! The Effect Of Poquoy Brook Golf Course On The Water Quality Of Poquoy Brook

Watershed Access Lab Projects

The students studied the influence of Poquoy Brook Golf Course on the water quality of Poqouy Brook. The headwaters of Poquoy Brook are located in wetlands. The brook flows through a cranberry bog prior to entering the golf course at the upstream site (Hole 4) on Southworth Street, Lakeville, MA. It passes through the golf course to the impact site at Hole 17. After passing under the railroad bridge it flows through a short segment of wetlands to the recovery site at the Dias residence on Taunton Street. Although all tested parameters were in normal ranges, except for % DO …

Benthic Macroinvertebrate Exploration In The Rumford River

Watershed Access Lab Projects

The students of Qualters Middle School performed a study called “Benthic Macroinvertebrate Exploration in the Rumford River”. The study was conducted on October 16, 2007 in Mansfield, Massachusetts. The study location consisted of one site located at 143 Chauncy Street.

The purpose of this study was to introduce benthic macroinvertebrates and their role as indicators for evaluating stream water quality. Students utilized state of the art methods and techniques during all aspects of this study.

The Rumford River is listed on the Environmental Protection Agencies (EPA) National Priority List (NPL). The river was polluted with dioxins, furans and phenols by …

Comparative Nutrient Data For Two Locations On The Marstons Mills River

Watershed Access Lab Projects

On October 30, 2007, we deployed water samplers at two locations along the Marstons Mills River: River Road and Hyrdo Dam/Route 28. We programmed a Sigma at each location to take a water sample each hour for 24 hours, to determine the amount of dissolved nutrients in the water in the course of one day. When compared to the discharge at each site, we found that the Hydro Dam location moved nearly 117 000 000 liters of water, 10 000 grams of phosphorus, and 25 000 grams of nitrogen-nitrate each day. Only a short distance upstream, the River Road location …

How Healthy Is Furnace Brook

Watershed Access Lab Projects

Located across the street from the High school is Furnace Brook. Mike Gilbert and I are conducting an independent Study to determine the relative health of the Furnace Brook. This small stream is a tributary of the South River in Marshfield, Ma. To access the health will we be using a macro-invertebrate biological index as our primary tool? We will also be conducting a riparian survey as well as both a stream profile and flow. To start with we scouted the watershed using both aerial photos and Google earth. After driving to several potential areas we designated three sample sites: …

Rumford River Monitoring Project

Watershed Access Lab Projects

Land use within a watershed can negatively impact water quality. Students investigated these impacts by collecting water samples at one sample site along the Rumford River at Route 123, Norton, MA. These samples were analyzed for phosphorus and nitrogen levels, as well as temperature and dissolved oxygen. Results of these tests are as follows:

The greatest potential impacts come from run off. Most of the land around the Rumford River has been developed for residential housing. These houses have septic systems for waste disposal. The TCP golf course is also located near the Norton Reservoir. Potential sources of nitrogen come …

Palmer River Water Discharge And Nutrient Study

Watershed Access Lab Projects

Can significant differences in Discharge and Nutrient concentration & load be determined or inferred for the Palmer River? Students studied 2 sites. These were located at Wilmarth Bridge Road (just off of Route 44) and at Reed Street (further south & downstream). Between the 2 sites are a few farms as well as a golf course. It is possible that runoff from these 2 sources has influenced the amount of phosphates &/or nitrates found in the Palmer River. Most Primary & Secondary habitat characteristics were the same for both sites; though Reed Street exhibited more variations

Students collected data on …

Rivernet Watershed Access Lab Program Overview - Dec. 2007, Kevin Curry

Watershed Access Lab Projects

Brief overview of the RiverNet Watershed Access program - its history and the achievements of the many participating teachers and students from throughout Southeastern Massachusetts.

Following Fall Brook

Watershed Access Lab Projects

This was a study of two sites along Fall Brook, located in Middleborough, MA. Fall Brook has been monitored by MHS students over the past 10 years and is a major tributary of the Taunton River Watershed. The purpose of the study completed this year was to determine how land use affects the nitrate and phosphate levels of Fall Brook. The Wareham Street Site is located next to a horse farm and downstream from several cranberry bogs in a heavily wooded area. The Wood Street Site is located in conservation land, downstream from the Wareham Street Site and has a …

Is The Nemasket River Stressed Out?

Watershed Access Lab Projects

What is the effect of the waste water treatment plant on the water quality of the Nemasket River? Students chose three sites to study. These were located at the headwaters near Assawompset Pond, Route 105 (reference site), and Murdock Street (impact site). Murdock Street had a greater expanse of aquatic vegetation than the Route 105 site. The treatment plant is located between these two sites and deposits nitrates and phosphates into the river with its effluent. Phosphates are more readily removed from effluent via chemical reactions, while nitrates are more difficult to remove. Nitrates can be removed using BNR (biological …

Agawam River Project – Year 6 – River Water And Eel Grass

Watershed Access Lab Projects

The Agawam River begins in Long Pond in Plymouth, Masssachusetts and travels 13 miles downstream converging with the Wankinco River in Wareham. This brackish water then flows into Wareham River and finally, into the salt waters of Buzzards Bay.

Six different groups of 7th and 8th grade students have waded into the Agawam River to collect data over the past six years, with the expert and dedicated assistance of Dr. Curry and Kim McCoy. Our project has focused on the quality of the river ecosystem at two sites, about one mile apart, upstream from the Water Pollution Control Facility (WPCF). …

Abbott Run River Study

Watershed Access Lab Projects

The purpose of our study was to make certain that the river met the Massachusetts water quality standards of a Class A river. We are concerned that the Abbott Run remains a Class A river because it is the source of the drinking water for Pawtucket, Rhode Island.

Abbott Run is located in the western section of North Attleboro within the Blackstone River Watershed. It is bordered by Rhode Island to the west, Plainville to the north and Attleboro to the south. The watershed section in North Attleboro is approximately four square miles.

Land use is predominately single-family, residential except …

River Characterization Of The Assonet River

Watershed Access Lab Projects

Students conducted a characterization study of the Assonet River above Locust Street in Assonet, MA. They chose three sites in a third order segment of the river. Malbone Street was the most accessible site near the headwaters and was downstream from the confluence of the Cedar Swamp River and the Assonet River. The Cedar Swamp River drains a large area of wetlands (Cedar Swamp). Beechwood Street is downstream from another small wetlands and is close to Malbone Street. Locust is downstream from the Quaker Brook confluence and a section of the Assonet River called Forge Pond. The pH of all …

Footprints

Watershed Access Lab Projects

The Whitman-Hanson Regional High School now occupies a new facility which was opened in September of 2005. The school was built as a “green school,” with numerous energy saving and environmentally beneficial features. Several new wetlands were created to deal with runoff from the grounds and building. Students in the RiverNet Club began investigating the on site wetlands which were being utilized by vernal pool animals for breeding. The observations led to questions about our environmental footprint. The runoff from the roof is collected and is used to flush the toilets. There are solar collectors on the roof. The parking …

Rivernet Watershed Access Lab Program Overview 2007, Kevin Curry

Watershed Access Lab Projects

Brief overview of the RiverNet Watershed Access program - its history and the achievements of the many participating teachers and students from throughout Southeastern Massachusetts.

Water Quality Results From Indian Head River, Hanover, Ma

Watershed Access Lab Projects

No abstract provided.

Quashnet River Survey

Watershed Access Lab Projects

Students from Mashpee High School have been studying water quality of local rivers for a number of years. In the past, the primary focus was on two rivers that flow through the town: the Quashnet River, and Quaker Run. This school year (2006-07) the Mashpee River was added as the third watershed of interest. Each of three Earth Science classes adopted and studied one of the rivers. Students sampled each stream at headwaters and lower reaches for: macroinvertebrates, water chemistry (temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen, nitrates, and turbidity) and stream flow (velocity and volume). Data were analyzed, and PowerPoint presentations were …

Following Fall Brook

Watershed Access Lab Projects

This was a study of two sites along Fall Brook, located in Middleborough, MA. Fall Brook has been monitored by MHS students over the past 10 years and is a major tributary of the Taunton River Watershed. The purpose of the study completed this year was to determine how land use affects the nitrate and phosphate levels of Fall Brook. The Wareham Street Site is located next to a horse farm and downstream from several cranberry bogs in a heavily wooded area. The Wood Street Site is located in conservation land, downstream from the Wareham Street Site and has a …

Quaker Run Watershed Analysis

Watershed Access Lab Projects

Students from Mashpee High School have been studying water quality of local rivers for a number of years. In the past, the primary focus was on two rivers that flow through the town: the Quashnet River, and Quaker Run. This school year (2006-07) the Mashpee River was added as the third watershed of interest. Each of three Earth Science classes adopted and studied one of the rivers. Students sampled each stream at headwaters and lower reaches for: macroinvertebrates, water chemistry (temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen, nitrates, and turbidity) and stream flow (velocity and volume). Data were analyzed, and PowerPoint presentations were …

Water Quality Project: Mashpee River Study

Watershed Access Lab Projects

Students from Mashpee High School have been studying water quality of local rivers for a number of years. In the past, the primary focus was on two rivers that flow through the town: the Quashnet River, and Quaker Run. This school year (2006-07) the Mashpee River was added as the third watershed of interest. Each of three Earth Science classes adopted and studied one of the rivers. Students sampled each stream at headwaters and lower reaches for: macroinvertebrates, water chemistry (temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen, nitrates, and turbidity) and stream flow (velocity and volume). Data were analyzed, and PowerPoint presentations were …

The Comparison Of Leonard Washburn Brook And Poquoy Brook

Watershed Access Lab Projects

Students compared the water quality of two brooks in Lakeville, MA. Leonard-Washburn is located west of Cross Street and was accessed through private property. The brook is spring fed and drains a woodland and a forested wetland. There are few land uses that impact this brook. Land surrounding the brook has been donated to the Wetlands Trust to prevent future development. The Poquoy Brook site is located on the upstream side of the Taunton Street culvert. Land uses include cranberry farming,low density residential, an active railroad track (ConRail) and Poquoy Brook Golf Course.

Dissolved Oxygen concentrations followed a diurnal pattern …