Bacteria Load Estimator Spreadsheet Tool for Modeling Spatial <i>Escherichia coli</i> Loads to an Urban Bayou

Abstract

The model developed in this paper, the bacteria loading estimator spreadsheet tool (BLEST), was designed as an easy to use indicator bacteria model that can overcome the shortcomings of many of the simpler total maximum daily load (TMDL) modeling approaches by integrating spatial variation into load estimates. BLEST was applied to the Buffalo Bayou watershed in Houston, Texas and incorporated loading from point and nonpoint sources, such as wastewater treatment plants, sanitary sewer overflows, septic systems, storm sewer leaks, runoff, bed sediment resuspension, and direct deposition. The dry weather