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D.W. Speight

Publications and source records attributed to D.W. Speight.

3 recordsLinked to original sources

Water quality data for precipitation and storm runoff in Pennypack Creek Basin, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

This report presents data on the chemistry of precipitation and storm runoff that were collected during 29 storms from July 1979 through November 1980, in an urban environment in the Pennypack Creek basin, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Daily mean and instantaneous stream discharge data were collected at two U.S. Geological Survey gaging stations. Water-quality data collected from these sites and from one storm-sewer sampling site included nutrients, chemical and biochemical oxygen demands, solids, metals, major anions, other constituents, and pH. Instantaneous loads of selected constituents were computed. Chemical oxygen demand, biochemical oxygen demand, sulfate, alkalinity, chloride, and dissolved solids generally were low in precipitation and runoff. During the November 5, 1980 storm at Pine Road, dissolved nitrate concentrations equaled or exceeded 10 milligrams per liter in 17 percent of the samples analyzed and dissolved ammonia nitrogen concentrations exceeded 2.5 milligrams per liter. Generally, a comparison of median concentration of copper, lead, or zinc in precipitation and runoff at the Tustin Street storm-sewer site showed that median concentrations in precipitation were greater than those in runoff.

Pennsylvania

Report of the River Master of the Delaware River for the period December 1, 1983 - November 30, 1984

A Decree of the U.S. Supreme Court in 1954 established the position of Delaware River Master. The Decree authorizes diversions of water from the Delaware River basin and requires compensating releases from certain reservoirs of the City of New York to be made under the supervision and direction of the River Master. Reports to the Court, not less frequently than annually were stipulated. During the 1984 report year, December 1, 1983 to November 30, 1984, precipitation and runoff varied from above average to below average in the Delaware River basin. For the year as a whole, precipitation and runoff were near average. Operations were under a status of drought warning December 1, 1983; however, the above normal precipitation the first half of the year increased storage in the reservoirs to record levels by June 1, 1984. Below normal precipitation from August to November coupled with large releases to maintain the Montague flow objective and customary diversions for water supply reduced storage in the reservoirs to the drought-warning level by November 27. Diversions from the Delaware River basin by New York City and New Jersey conformed to the terms of the Amended Decree throughout the year. Releases were made as directed by the River Master at rates designed to meet the Montague flow objective on 127 days between June 23 and November 30. Releases were made at conservation rates or at rates designed to relieve thermal stress in the streams downstream from the reservoirs at other times. (USGS)

Open-File Report