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Overview - SRBC
staff are monitoring nutrient and sediment loads to characterize
water quality conditions in the Paxton Creek Watershed. The
data will help determine major sources of nutrients and sediment
within the watershed.
Nutrients and sediment are among the leading causes of polluted
streams in the state, as well as in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed.
Elevated concentrations of nutrients can promote excessive
plant growth in a stream, depriving oxygen to fish and other
animal life in the stream. Erosion and sediment deposits can
also negatively affect stream biology, including habitat smothering.
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Data Collection -
SRBC is sampling during both storm and
normal flow conditions on a quarterly interval at 11
sampling sites within the Paxton Creek Watershed (refer to
the map in the data section for locations). Storm sampling
events characterize influences of impervious surface cover,
combined sewer overflow, and lack of stream bank stability
within the watershed. SRBC is collecting water quality data
at all sites for the following parameters: total nitrogen,
total phosphorus, total suspended solids, total organic carbon,
suspended sediment, dissolved oxygen, specific conductance,
pH, temperature, turbidity, and streamflow. |
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