Geology topics
Daniel P. Bauer
Publications and source records attributed to Daniel P. Bauer.
Reservoir-development impacts on surface-water quantity and quality in the Yampa River basin, Colorado and Wyoming
Development of coal resources and associated economy is accelerating in the Yampa River basin in northwestern Colorado and south-central Wyoming. Increased use of the water resources of the area will have a direct impact on their quantity and quality. As part of 18 surface-water projects, 35 reservoirs have been proposed with a combined total storage of 2.18 million acre-feet, 41% greater than the mean annual outflow from the basin. Three computer models were used to demonstrate methods of evaluating future impacts of reservoir development in the Yampa River basin. Four different reservoir configurations were used to simulate the effects of different degrees of proposed reservoir development. A multireservoir-flow model included both within-basin and transmountain diversions. Simulations indicated that in many cases diversion amounts would not be available for either type of diversion. A corresponding frequency analysis of reservoir storage levels indicated that most reservoirs would be operating with small percentages of total capacities and generally with less than 20% of conservation-pool volumes. Simulations using a dissolved-solids model indicated that extensive reservoir development could increase average annual concentrations at most locations. Simulations using a single-reservoir model indicated no significant occurrence of water-temperature stratification in most reservoirs due to limited reservoir storage. (USGS)
Characterization of floodflows along the Arkansas River without regulation by Pueblo Reservoir, Portland to John Martin Reservoir, Southeastern Colorado
The need for a method for estimating flow characteristics of flood hydrographs between Portland, Colo., and John Martin Reservoir has been promoted with the construction of the Pueble Reservoir. To meet this need a procedure was developed for predicting floodflow peaks, traveltimes, and volumes at any point along the Arkansas River between Portland and John Martin Reservoir without considering the existing Pueble Reservoir detention effects. A streamflow-routing model was calibrated initially and then typical flood simulations were made for the 164.8-mile study reach. Simulations were completed for varying magnitudes of floods and antecedent streamflow conditions. Multiple regression techniques were then used with simulation results as input to provide predictive relationships for food peak, volume, and traveltime. Management practices that may be used to benefit water users in the area include providing methods for the distribution and allotment of the flood waters upstream of Portland to different downstream water users according to Colorado water law and also under the Arkansas River Compact. (USGS)
Traveltime, unit-concentration, longitudinal-dispersion, and reaeration characteristics of upstream reaches of the Yampa and Little Snake Rivers, Colorado and Wyoming
Measurements were made along a 58-mile reach of the Yampa River in Colorado and a 77-mile reach of the Little Snake River in Colorado and Wyoming to determine traveltime, unit-concentration , and longitudinal-dispersion characteristics. Two traveltime, unit-concentration, and dispersion analyses were made along the Yampa River when its average streamflow was approximately 100 and 3,400 cu ft/s; three traveltime, unit-concentration, and dispersion analyses were made along the Little Snake River when its average streamfow was approximately 200, 600, and 1,600 cu ft/s. Reaeration coefficients were determined only for the Yampa River, when its average streamflow was approximately 100 cu ft/s. Traveltime and unit-concentration simulations were made using a mathematical model. Data collected for the Little Snake River when the average streamflow was approximately 600 cu ft/s were used as a check of model-simulation accuracy. Traveltime simulations compared to within 5%, and unit-concentration simulations were within 30 to 40% of the measured flow data. Longitudinal-dispersion coefficients ranged from 400 to 6,050 sq ft/s for the two streams. Reaeration coefficients for the Yampa River, adjusted to 20 degrees celsius, ranged from 6.04 to 33.4 per day. Two semi-empirical equations gave reaeration coefficients in best agreement with measured reaeration coefficients. Absolute errors of estimate for these equations were 11.8 and 17.3%. (USGS)
One-dimensional steady-state stream water-quality model
A computer program, based on a one-dimensional mathematical model which predicts the stream water-quality response characteristics from waste source inputs, is described and documented. Variables predicted include dissolved oxygen, biochemical oxygen demand, nitrogen forms, total and fecal-coliform bacteria, orthophosphate-phosphorus, and various conservative substances. The model is based primarily on the well known Streeter-Phelps oxygen-sag equation. Special options of the program include the capability of handling nonpoint source waste inputs and anoxic conditions. The model formulation is based on a steady-state assumption which requires constant flow rate of waste and stream discharges and associated parameters. To achieve a problem solution, each reach of a stream system is broken into a given number of subreaches, generally defined by locations of waste or tributary inflow points. All waste constituents are assumed to be completely mixed within any cross section.
Analysis of waste-load assimilative capacity of the Yampa River, Steamboat Springs to Hayden, Routt County, Colorado
An analysis of the waste-load assimilative capacity of the Yampa River from Steamboat Springs to Hayden, Colo., a distance of 38 miles, was made during September 1975 to obtain information on the effects of projected waste loadings on this stream reach. Simulations of effects of waste loadings on streamflow quality were made using a steady-state water-quality model. The simulations were based on 7-day low-flow values with a 10-year recurrence interval and population projections for 2010. Model results for December and September streamflow conditions indicated that the recommended 1978 Colorado and 1976 U.S. Environmental Protection Agency water-quality standard of 0.02 milligram per liter for nonionized ammonia concentration would be exceeded. Model simulations also included the effect of a flow augmentation of 20 cubic feet per second from a proposed upstream reservoir. The permissible ammonia loading in the study reach could be increased approximately 25 percent with this amount of flow augmentation. Simulations of concentrations of dissolved oxygen, fecal-coliform bacteria, and nitrate nitrogen indicated that the State 's water-quality goals proposed for 1978, 1983, or 1985 would not be exceeded. (Woodard-USGS)
Selection of streamflow and reservoir-release models for river-quality assessment
For nearly half a century the Willamette River in Oregon experienced severe dissolved-oxygen problems related to large loads of organically rich waste waters from industries and municipalities. Since the mid-1950 's dissolved oxygen quality has gradually improved owing to low-flow augmentation, the achievement of basinwide secondary treatment, and the use of other waste-management practices. As a result, summer dissolved-oxygen levels have increased, salmon runs have returned, and the overall effort is widely regarded as a singular water-quality success. To document the improved dissolved-oxygen regimen, the U.S. Geological Survey conducted intensive studies of the Willamette during the summer low-flow seasons of 1973 and 1974. During each summer the mean daily dissolved-oxygen levels were found to be higher than 5 milligrams per liter throughout the river. Because of the basinwide secondary treatment, carbonaceous deoxygenation rates were low. In addition, almost half of the biochemical oxygen demand entering the Willamette was from diffuse (nonpoint) sources rather than outfalls. These results indicated that point-source biochemical oxygen demand was no longer the primary cause of dissolved-oxygen depletion. Instead, the major causes of deoxygenation were nitrification in a shallow ' surface active ' reach below Salem and an anomalous oxygen demand (believed to be primarily of benthal origin) in Portland Harbor. (Woodard-USGS)
An environmental assessment of impacts of coal development on the water resources of the Yampa River basin, Colorado and Wyoming; Phase II work plan
Coal resources of the western United States are being developed at everincreasing rates, causing concerns of the effects of mining and associated activities on the environment. The Yampa River basin in northwestern Colorado and south-central Wyoming is undergoing economic development of its coal, oil and gas, and uranium resources. By 1990, the annual coal mining in the basin is expected to increase to 20 million tons (18 million tonnes), or more than 4 times the 1975 level. As a result, the regional population is expected to at least double over the same period. Power-generation plants fueled by coal are being expanded or constructed in the basin and will have a combined generating capacity of nearly 1,200 megawatts by 1980. The Yampa River Basin Assessment is a 2-year program of the U.S. Geological Survey. It is designed primarily to assess the availability and quality of the basin's water resources. The basin assessment also will evaluate potential environmental and selected socioeconomic impacts of energy-resource development plans proposed by mining and power companies. This report serves as a project work plan for the basin assessment. It describes the program objectives, and the various approaches of analysis and evaluation. Environmental studies are outlined for analyzing both the direct effects of various proposals regarding coal mining, transportation, and conversion, and the secondary effects resulting from increased population and urban growth. Economic development in the Yampa River basin will generate higher levels of residuals which are discharged into the environment. Residuals-management encompasses the technological and economic interrelationships that should be considered to comply with Federal and State environmental-control regulations regarding air quality, water quality, and disposal of solid wastes. The basin assessment described by this report is designed to provide Federal, State, and local decision-makers with the basic environmental information needed to formulate and to evaluate policies for the development of energy resources. The techniques applied and conclusions reached in the Yampa River Basin Assessment should aid similar studies in other energy-rich basins in the western United States.
Time of travel of water in the Great Miami River, Dayton to Cleves, Ohio
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