Analysis of Influence on Stream Water Quality by Soil Erosion Control Structures

Biological assessments of streams that have been adversely impacted by sediment runoff in Idaho, USA Sediments are the major source of pollution in surface waters of the Pacific Northwest Region of the USA. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the relationship between SMI water quality scores at 76 sampling sites in eight watersheds and the observed soil erosion rates on adjacent landscapes. The water quality SMI scores in streams were obtained using stream macro invertebrates as an indicator of water quality, while soil erosion rates were determined by observation on adjoining landscapes during periods of maximum precipitation. Soil erosion rates of >2, 2-5, 5-15, 15-25 and <25 mt/ha/yr were observed at 9, 20, 45, 14 and 12% of the sampling sites, respectively. Landscapes with erosion rates of less than 5 mt/ha/yr generally resulted in good water quality in adjacent streams; however, when soil erosion rates on adjacent landscapes exceeded 5 mt/ha/yr SMI water quality scores were less than good 86% of the time. Strong significant relationships were observed between SMI water quality rating and observed soil erosion rates. Consequently, land management or rehabilitation practices that reduce soil erosion rates to levels below 5 mt/ha//yr should improve stream water quality.

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The 2008 Midwest flooding impact on soil erosion and water quality: Implications for soil erosion control practices

Journal of Soil and Water Conservation ◽

10.2489/jswc.64.6.166a ◽

2009 ◽

Vol 64 (6) ◽

pp. 166A-166A ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

B. Lowery ◽

C. Cox ◽

D. Lemke ◽

P. Nowak ◽

K. Olson ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Water Quality ◽

Soil Erosion ◽

Erosion Control ◽

Soil Erosion Control

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Overland Flow, Soil Erosion and Stream Water Quality in Forest Under Different Perturbations and Climate Conditions

Forest Management and the Water Cycle - Ecological Studies ◽

10.1007/978-90-481-9834-4_15 ◽

2010 ◽

pp. 263-289 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Meni Ben-Hur ◽

Cristina Fernandez ◽

Sakari Sarkkola ◽

Juan Carlos Santamarta Cerezal

Keyword(s):

Water Quality ◽

Soil Erosion ◽

Overland Flow ◽

Stream Water ◽

Stream Water Quality ◽

Climate Conditions

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Postharvest Assessment of Vermont's Acceptable Silvicultural Management Practices and Water Quality Impacts

Northern Journal of Applied Forestry ◽

10.1093/njaf/8.4.140 ◽

1991 ◽

Vol 8 (4) ◽

pp. 140-144 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

David J. Brynn ◽

John C. Clausen

Keyword(s):

Water Quality ◽

Soil Erosion ◽

Management Practices ◽

Management Practice ◽

Woody Debris ◽

Transportation Network ◽

Erosion Control ◽

Timber Harvesting ◽

Silvicultural Management ◽

Soil Erosion Control

Abstract Seventy-eight recently completed timber harvesting operations in Vermont were evaluated for Acceptable Management Practice (AMP) compliance, soil erosion extent, and water quality impacts using a systematic, one-day examination of each site. Evaluations of water quality impacts and soil erosion were conducted on the portions of the transportation network and streams that could be most heavily affected by the timber harvesting operation. Increased stream sedimentation was observed on 46% of the operations with streams. Woody debris impacts occurred on 65% of the operations with streams. AMP compliance was over 90% for protective strip maintenance and stream avoidance, but soil erosion control practices on truck roads and skid trails commonly failed to meet AMP recommendations. Soil erosion was very limited on truck roads, skid trails, and log landings. Although the Vermont operations often only partially complied with the AMPs, minimal soil erosion and water quality impacts were observed. North. J. Appl. For. 8(4):140-144.

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