Supplementation of USEPA's StreamCat dataset with stream stressor data from the Central Plains


Start Date: 2020

End Date: 2021

Full Citation:

Great Lakes Environmental Center, 2020–2021, $5000. Supplementation of USEPA's StreamCat dataset with stream stressor data from the Central Plains. PI: D. Baker.

Category:

  • Aquatic

Associated with the KU Field Station: No

Research Summary:

In order to develop robust data sets for development of numeric decision rules for biological condition gradient for streams of the central plains of the U.S.,  additional data at the local scale is required for stressors that are not adequately covered in the EPA's Office of Research and Development (ORD) Stream-Catchment (StreamCat) dataset. This additional data will inform sample selection and, potentially, tolerance analysis. Examples of specific data types include local-scale hydrologic alteration and more detailed information on agricultural practices (crops, tilling and drainage). The scope of this work was to supplement StreamCat with central plains data by identifying  accessible local scale data sets and evaluating these data sets at both a spatial and a temporal scale for use in development of BCG numeric decisions rules (e.g. for sample selection for expert elicitation and/or analysis of taxa tolerance response).