Hydrologic Modeling Evaluation
Maine Atlantic Salmon Commission
Augusta, ME
Kleinschmidt, the project manager for a team that also
included ESS Group Inc. and Sevee & Maher Engineers, Inc.,
prepared a hydrologic modeling feasibility study for the Maine
Atlantic Salmon Commission (ASC). The purpose of the study
was to evaluate hydrologic model and data requirements for the
management of water withdrawals from rivers in Downeast
Maine home to federally-endangered populations of Atlantic
salmon (Salmo salar). On many rivers, there is concern that
increasing surface water and groundwater withdrawals for the
irrigation of blueberries may stress salmon at critical life stages.
The study included documenting, evaluating and collating hydrologic data such as data from precipitation gages, streamgages, and monitoring wells, as well as historical information, such as land use data. The data was combined with GIS coverages for hydrography, sand and gravel aquifiers, soils maps, and mapped salmon habitat in a searchable database that could be used by the ASC. The study also evaluated hydrologic models that may be appropriate for understanding groundwater/surface water interactions, and could be used for the planning of water withdrawals. The study relied on previous work performed by Kleinschmidt, including instream flow studies to determine minimum flow thresholds for Atlantic salmon during different life stages, and made recommendations for further research by environmental agencies, academic institutions and the private sector. Study results were communicated through meetings with a steering committee comprised of state and federal agencies working on salmon protection, as well as technical memorandums and draft and final reports.
For further information contact Brandon Kulik, Kleinschmidt, Pittsfield, Maine (207) 487-3328.