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Application of simple modeling in assisting freshwater mussel protection in sediment spills

Point-source sedimentation, such as spills from construction-related activities, can introduce substantial sediments into streams in the short term, potentially leading to toxic sedimentation or mussel burial. To estimate downstream areas where freshwater mussels might face threats from sediment burial within the mussel habitats of Missouri streams and rivers, we developed a simple Lagrangian particle tracking model, and implemented the model using hydraulic conditions sampled at 49 reaches in 21 Missouri streams and rivers. The model results indicate that sediments with diameters exceeding a critical value, ranging from 0.041 to 1.975 mm for varying velocities (ranging from 0.124 to 2.191 m/s) and depths (ranging from 1 to 12 m), settle in downstream locations. Potential settling sites span from tens to hundreds of meters downstream. In addition, we implemented machine learning methods and developed a user-friendly online sediment settling calculator for resources managers to assess susceptibility of freshwater mussel habitats during sediment spill events.   

Evaluation of Green Infrastructure as a Means to Mitigate Increased Stormwater Volumes in Disadvantaged Communities

Flooding is a natural hazard with the most significant social and economic impact on the United States.  The frequency and intensity of storms that cause flooding have increased recently due to the impacts of climate change, increased urbanization, loss of green space, and undersized stormwater management systems.  Escalated impacts have occurred in transportation corridors such as highways and railroads, where flooding has damaged properties, affected human health, transported pollutants, and cuts off access to utilities, emergency services, and transportation.  Often disadvantaged communities bear a disproportionate burden of flooding impacts due to their location in flood plains, lack green space and their location near transportation corridors.  This research examines where the extreme rainfall events have occurred and evaluates these locations with respect to disadvantaged communities.