Codorus creek restoration - A case study for the Chesapeake Bay

Matthew P. Hoch, Christina Y.S. Siu, Shirley E. Clark, Katherine H. Baker

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

Abstract

Healthy streams have the physical characteristics and chemical water quality to support healthy and diverse populations of organisms. The Codorus Creek, a tributary to the Susquehanna River, which eventually drains to the Chesapeake Bay, is being restored in several locations. Penn State University (York and Harrisburg campuses) is evaluating the effectiveness of the state-funded restoration activities. We examine the current pollutant loadings of two branches of this stream in conjunction with land use practices, particularly agriculture and wastewater treatment plants. Fish, macroinvertebrates, and periphyton are routinely sampled. Streamwater sampling for water chemistry analyses occurs during both baseflow and storm event conditions. Restored sites are being compared to both impaired and control sites to determine whether restoration has any significant reduction in a pollutant's load. Preliminary results indicate that the southern branch has greater impairment than the eastern branch. The southern branch impaired site showed greater annual mean loads of total nitrogen and total phosphorus, a macroinvertebrate community dominated by pollution tolerant organisms, and a greater number of fish with parasitic diseases. All sources contributing to the total nitrogen load to Codorus Creek have not been identified. Although restoration activities may decrease pollutant loads, such as as suspended solids, restoration is not believed to be effective in decreasing nitrogen loads. Nitrogen is found more readily in the aqueous phase (streamwater) rather than adsorbed to sediment particles. Therefore, more effective ways to remove nitrogen in water is to decrease or eliminate the source or to treat the streamwater directly. Further monitoring and comparison of restored sites to control and impaired sites are needed. In addition, future work on the toxicity of the legacy sediments has been proposed.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationProceedings of World Environmental and Water Resources Congress 2009 - World Environmental and Water Resources Congress 2009
Subtitle of host publicationGreat Rivers
Pages950-956
Number of pages7
DOIs
StatePublished - 2009
EventWorld Environmental and Water Resources Congress 2009: Great Rivers - Kansas City, MO, United States
Duration: May 17 2009May 21 2009

Publication series

NameProceedings of World Environmental and Water Resources Congress 2009 - World Environmental and Water Resources Congress 2009: Great Rivers
Volume342

Other

OtherWorld Environmental and Water Resources Congress 2009: Great Rivers
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityKansas City, MO
Period5/17/095/21/09

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • General Environmental Science

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Codorus creek restoration - A case study for the Chesapeake Bay'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this