Pequonnock River Habitat Sample Biocriteria and Water Quality Indicators

Elevation-Monroe to Bridgeport 420-450 ft lower rate of flow; Impervious surface major urban area- roads, highways; buildings increased solar radiation and air /water pollution; Reduced or no woodlands from railroads, highways, and industrial buildings higher temperature/reduced shade and reduced carbon storage; few old growth trees and lack of tree canopy does not support native bird populations; sparse and isolated wetlands; discharges pollutants/higher temperature; Storm water-higher temperature/pollutants; River habitat generally degraded with the exception of park areas and green space; Objective-restoration and mitigation;

Stream Temperature / pH
Weekly T/ Monthly pH Water, air, ground temp; rain amounts Mar-Nov 15-20 points

Woodlands/Tree Canopy
Increase shade tree plantings; USFS technol to assess tree species and antipollution effects

Water Analysis

Oxygen, nitrogen, phosphorus; Bacteria;

Trout-mortality T and pH 77F; dissolved oxygen decreased;

Stabilization of erosion protects stream flow rate;

DiDiDissolved O2 Dissolved O2nutrient of life; Affected by pollutants and temperature

Aquatic plant photosynthesis altered; invasive species

Temp regulation role for ecosystem;

Mediator of acid rain

Phosphorus and nitrates from chemicals including lawn care and waste disposal along river

ForeForestry ForestryCO2/Oxygen/ CO2/O2/poll canopy-shade utants old growth;

riparian barrier to protect river;

Role to sequester carbon and add oxygen; aAcidMediatoracid rain

Ecoli and other bacteria

Purpose of assessments, surveys long term data collection; Identification of problematic variables and biocriteria; Creates a background of knowledge for public information and education; Ultimately provides scientific information for land-use planning and budget management. Prepared by Elaine M. George