River Modeling and Data Reports

The most recent reports are listed first. See also Impaired waters for reports associated with TMDLs, and the Public Comment Page for any draft data reports that may be available.

Contact: Don Albert 207-287-7767

Androscoggin River Modeling Report and Alternative Analysis.  June, 2002.  This study focuses on Gulf Island Pond, which is a large impoundment that extends for 14 miles from Lewiston to Turner. A four-mile segment upstream of Gulf Island dam is on Maine's 303d non-attainment list. The Clean Water Act requires that a TMDL (Total Maximum Daily Load) be completed for this water segment. A water quality model was developed by DEP using data collected both historically and in the summer of 2000. Report; data; figures -- file 1, file 2, file 3. 

Aroostook River Modeling Report. September, 2004. A water quality model has been developed to update a prior effort. A model calibration data set was collected in 1987. A water quality model was setup on the USEPA supported model, QUAL2EU, but an additional verification data set to complete the model was never collected. The two low flow data sets collected in the summer of 2001 were used to calibrate and verify the water quality model. The model is then typically used to predict worst case (low flow, high water temperature) water chemistry of such parameters as dissolved oxygen, algae, or nutrients. Regulatory measures on both point and non-point source pollutant inputs may be necessary if the model predictions for dissolved oxygen are lower than statutory requirements. Files: Report; Figures/Tables (file 1, file 2, file 3, file 4, file 5, file 6); response to comments.

Aroostook River Data Report.  May, 2002.  Files:  Report; Figures/Tables; A1; A2; A3; A4; A5; Response to Comments. "The purpose of the data collection effort is to develop an updated water quality model of the Aroostook River. A model calibration data set was collected in 1987. A water quality model was setup on the USEPA supported model, QUAL2EU, but an additional verification data set to complete the model was never collected. The two low flow data sets collected in the summer of 2001 will be used to re-calibrate and verify the water quality model. The model is then typically used to predict worst case (low flow, high water temperature) water chemistry of such parameters as dissolved oxygen, algae, or nutrients. Regulatory measures on both point and non-point source pollutant inputs may be necessary if the model predictions for dissolved oxygen are lower than statutory requirements.

Kennebec River Modeling Report (Final).  April, 2000. PDF file (note:  there were problems converting this file.   The page numbers don't line up properly with the table of contents, and there are a small number of blank pages). MSWORD file (complete)

Penobscot River Modeling Report (Final).   June, 2000.  Text, Figures (file 1, file 2, file 3, file 4), and Tables (file 1, file 2). 

Penobscot and Piscataquis River Data Reports.  Data reports are available for the summer of 1997 sampling of the Penobscot and Piscataquis Rivers.  For the Penobscot project, 103 miles of river were covered from Millinocket to Bucksport. The Piscataquis project covered 23 miles of river from Guilford to Milo. Parameters sampled included dissolved oxygen, temperature, nutrients, chlorophyll a, secchi depth, and ultimate BOD. The sampling was undertaken to check compliance with dissolved oxygen standards specified by water quality classification and for calibrating a water quality model.  Further information on these reports.