Validation of Water-Quality Model for Seneca River, N.Y.

Abstract

The validation of a water-quality model for the Seneca River, a deep, stratifying, slow-moving river located in central New York, is documented. Model validation is supported by comprehensive field monitoring and kinetic experiment programs, and a mass-transport model. The river is severely impacted by the inflow from ionically polluted hypereutrophic Onondaga Lake. Chemical-based density stratification is induced in the river, and attended by violations of dissolved oxygen (DO) and free ammonia standards in the lower layer of the river. The model performed well in matching DO depletions in the lower layer of the river, and diurnal variations in DO. Model projections demonstrate DO standards can only be met by eliminating chemical stratification in the river. The water-quality model is to be used to support regional planning of domestic waste treatment and disposal, including diversion of a major discharge to the river.