R
Better Assessment Science Integrating
Point and Nonpoint Sources
BASINS
Version 1.0
User's Manual
M. Lahlou, L. Shoemaker, M. Paquette
J. Bo, S. Choudhury, R. Elmer, F. Xia
Tetra Tech, Inc.
Fairfax, Virginia
Contract No. 68-C3-0374
Project Managers
Gerald LaVeck
Marjorie Coombs
Exposure Assessment Branch
Standards and Applied Sciences Division
Office of Science and Technology
United States Environmental Protection Agency
401 M Street, SW
Washington, DC 20460
-------
Disclaimer
The information in this document has been funded wholly or in part by the U.S. Environ-
mental Protection Agency. Mention of trade names or commercial products does not
constitute endorsement or recommendation for use by the U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency. The Better Assessment Science Integrating Point and Nonpoint Sources
(BASINS) system described in this manual is applied at the user's own risk. Neither the
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency nor the system authors can assume responsibility
for system operation, output, interpretation, or usage.
I Acknowledgments
The Better Assessment Science Integrating Point and Nonpoint Sources (BASINS)
system was developed under the direction of Gerald LaVeck and Marjorie Coombs of
EPA's Office of Science and Technology, Standards and Applied Sciences Division.
BASINS was developed by an interdisciplinary team from Tetra Tech, Inc., Fairfax,
Virginia, under contract number 68-C3-0374. The developers would like to thank Russell
Kinerson, Gerald LaVeck, and Marjorie Coombs for their extensive support and guidance
throughout the system development and testing process. Thanks are also extended to
participants in the testing process throughout the country, especially those associated with
the TMDL program.
ArcView Version 1.0 for Windows is a public domain query and display tool for geo-
graphic information. This software is provided on BASINS CD-ROMs as a data viewer.
ArcView Version 1.0 does not support the extensive scripting used in BASINS. Arc View
Version 1.0 was developed and made available by the Environmental Systems Research
Institute, Inc. (ESRI).
EPA acknowledges the support of Earthlnfo, Inc., which granted permission to import
selected hourly precipitation data into BASINS from its CD-ROMs. Earthlnfo, Inc.
5541 Central Avenue, Boulder, Colorado, (303) 938-1788.
-------
BASINS Version 1.0
Contents
Section
Page
1 Introduction 1
2 System Overview 3
2.1 BASINS Spatially Distributed Data 4
2.2 Historical Time Series of Monitoring Data 4
2.3 Potential Pollution Sources 5
2.4 Environmental Assessment Tools 5
2.5 Watershed Nonpoint Source and Water Quality Models 8
3 Hardware and Software Requirements , 11
4 Installation 13
5 BASINS Tutorial 15
5.1 Data Extraction and Project Builder 15
5.2 Opening a BASINS Project 21
5.3 TARGET 26
5.4 ASSESS 29
5.5 Data Mining 33
5.6 Activating and Operating Models 37
5.6.1 NPSM 37
5.6.2 TOXIROUTE 45
5.6.3 QUAL2E 51
5.6.4. Visualization 55
6 Updating and Adding New Data 63
7 User Assistance and Technical Support 65
Appendix A Metadata A-l
Appendix B Data Dictionary B^l
-------
Figures
Figure Page
1 BASINS Overview 3
2 Progression of Analysis from Regional to Site-Specific 8
I Tables
Table Page
1 BASINS Spatially Distributed Data Products 5
2 BASINS Environmental Monitoring Data 6
3 BASINS Point Source Data 6
4 BASINS Hardware and Software Requkements 11
5 BASINS Directory Structure 14
6 BASINS Version 1.0 Data Products 23
iv
-------
BASINS Version 1.0
1 Introduction
Better Assessment Science Integrating Point and Nonpoint Sources (BASINS) is a
multipurpose environmental analysis system for use by regional, state, and local agencies
in performing watershed- and water-quality-based studies. It was developed by the U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA's) Office of Water to address three objectives:
(1) To facilitate examination of environmental information
(2) To support analysis of environmental systems
(3) To provide a framework for examining management alternatives
Because many states and local agencies are moving toward a watershed-based approach,
the BASINS system is configured to support environmental and ecological studies in a
watershed context. The system is designed to be flexible. It can support analysis at a
variety of scales using tools that range from simple to sophisticated.
BASINS was also conceived as a system for supporting the development of total maxi-
mum daily loads (TMDLs). Section 303(d) of the Clean Water Act requires states to
develop TMDLs for waterbodies that are not meeting applicable water quality standards
by using technology-based controls. Developing TMDLs requires a watershed-based
approach that integrates both point and nonpoint sources. BASINS can support this type
of watershed-based point and nonpoint source analysis for a variety of pollutants. It also
lets the user test different management options.
Traditional approaches to watershed-based assessments typically involve many separate
steps—preparing data, summarizing information, developing maps and tables, and
applying and interpreting models. Each individual step is performed using a variety of
tools and computer systems. The isolated implementation of steps can result in a lack of
integration, limited coordination, and time-intensive execution. BASINS makes water-
shed and water quality studies easier by bringing key data and analytical components
under one roof. Using the familiar Windows® environment, analysts can efficiently
access national environmental information, apply assessment and planning tools, and run
a variety of proven, robust nonpoint loading and water quality models. With many of the
necessary components together in one system, the analysis time is significantly reduced, a
greater variety of questions can be answered, and data and management needs can be
more efficiently identified. BASINS takes advantage of recent developments in software,
data management technologies, and computer capabilities to provide the user with a fully
comprehensive watershed management tool.
A geographic information system (GIS) provides the integrating framework for BASINS.
GIS organizes spatial information so it can be displayed as maps, tables, or graphics. GIS
provides techniques for analyzing landscape information and displaying relationships.
Through the use of GIS, BASINS has the flexibility to display and integrate a wide range
of information (e.g., land use, point source discharges, water supply withdrawals) at a
scale chosen by the user. For example, some users will need to examine data at a
multistate scale to determine problem areas, compare watersheds, orunvestigate gaps in
data. Others will want to work at a much smaller scale, such as investigating a particular
-------
Introduction
river segment impaired by multiple point source discharges. This "zooming" capability
makes BASINS a unique and powerful environmental analysis tool.
Some agencies might want to perform analyses at a variety of scales, in a nested fashion,
to meet several objectives at once. BASINS is designed to facilitate all of these scenarios
because it incorporates tools that operate on both large and small watersheds. Adding
locally developed, high-resolution data sources to existing data layers is an option that
expands the local-scale evaluation capabilities.
The analytical tools in BASINS are organized into two modules. The assessment and
planning module, working under the GIS umbrella, allow users to quickly evaluate
selected areas, organize information, and display results. The modeling module allows
users to examine the impacts of pollutant loadings from point and nonpoint sources.
Working together, these modules support several specific types of watershed-based
analyses (including the development of TMDLs) by:
• Identifying and prioritizing water-quality-limited waters.
• Supplying data characterizing point and nonpoint sources and evaluat-
ing their magnitudes and potential significance.
• Integrating point source and nonpoint source loadings for fate and
transport modeling.
• Evaluating and comparing the relative value of potential control
strategies.
• Visualizing environmental conditions and communicating them to the
public through tables, graphs, and maps.
This user's guide provides information on the systems and procedures in BASINS
Version 1.0. Since this is the first release of the system, the user is encouraged to provide
EPA with comments and recommendations for future development. Future enhancements
to the system might include adding additional types of information, using higher-resolu-
tion data, expanding assessment and evaluation capabilities, and adding a wider range of
nonpoint source water quality and ecological modeling techniques.
-------
BASINS Version 1.0
System Overview
The BASINS system combines several components essential to performing watershed
and water quality analyses. These components are interrelated and can be summarized as
follows:
• Spatially distributed data describing physical landscape conditions
• Historical monitoring data describing the status of and temporal changes in environ-
mental conditions
• Locational information on pollution sources and activities indicating potential
watershed/water quality stressors
• Environmental assessment tools allowing integration and processing of various
types of data to generate value-added information
• Watershed nonpoint source and water quality models for source-impact analysis.
A graphical representation of BASINS' components and their operating platform is
provided in Figure 1.
Spatial Data3
Monitoring Data9
i Sources of Pollution3
Assessment Tools3
•TARGET
•ASSESS
•Data Mining
r
Watershed and Water
Quality Modeling
•NPSMb
•TOXIROUTE
•QUAL2EC
r Decisions
a BASINS GIS environment
b Windows-based interface
c Windows shell w/FORTRAN
Figure 1. BASINS overview.
-------
System Overview
The BASINS physiographic data, monitoring data, and associated assessment tools are
integrated in a geographic information system (GIS) environment. (The GIS used is
ArcView® 2.1, developed by Environmental Systems Research Institute, Inc.). The
simulation models are integrated into this GIS environment through a dynamic link in
which the data required to build the input files are generated in the ArcView environment
and then passed directly to the models. The models themselves run in either a Windows
or a DOS environment. The results of the simulation models can also be displayed
visually and can be used to perform further analysis and interpretation.
The modeling tools include the following:
• QUAL2E, version 3.2, a water quality and eutrophication model
• TOXEROUTE, a model for routing pollutants through a stream system
• NPSMJHSPF, version 10, a nonpoint source model for estimating loadings.
The latest versions of both QUAL2E and HSPF (as released by EPA's Center for Expo-
sure Assessment Modeling in Athens, Georgia) are included in the BASINS package.
These models were both written in the FORTRAN programming language. However, to
facilitate the use of these models and their integration into the GIS environment, Win-
dows-based interfaces were developed using C and C++ as programming languages.
The BASINS GIS, which is driven by the ArcView 2.1 environment, provides built-in
additional procedures for data query, spatial analysis, and map generation. These stan-
dard procedures allow a user to visualize, explore, query available data, and perform
individualized and targeted analysis. Therefore, some familiarity with ArcView is
helpful. Moreover, as users become familiar with ArcView's standard operations, envi-
ronmental relationships can be further investigated using complex queries, overlays,
proximity analyses, and buffer analyses. Experienced users can also incorporate their
own environmental data to supplement or supersede the BASINS data products.
2.1 BASINS' Spatially Distributed Data
BASINS' spatially distributed data include administrative boundaries, hydrologic bound-
aries, land use distributions, and major road systems. These data are essential for defin-
ing study areas, performing proximity analyses, analyzing land uses, and determining
surface water flow pathways. The spatially distributed data products included in BA-
SINS are presented in Table 1.
2.2 Historical Time Series of Monitoring Data
BASINS contains several environmental data products developed from existing national
water quality databases. These databases were converted into locational data layers to
facilitate the assessment of water quality conditions and the prioritization and targeting of
waterbodies and watersheds. These data can be used to assess the current status and
historical trends of a given waterbody and also to evaluate the results of management
actions like the upgrade of a wastewater treatment plant or the adoption of a phosphorus
ban. Table 2 lists the environmental monitoring data included in BASINS.
-------
BASINS Version 1.0
Table 1. BASINS Spatially Distributed Data Products
BASINS Data Product
Land Use and Land Cover
Urbanized Areas
Populated Place Locations
Reach File, version 1 (RF1)
Major Roads
USGS Hydrologic Unit Boundaries (accounting unit)
U.S. Geological Survey Hydrologic Unit Boundaries
(cataloging unit)
Drinking Water Supply (DWS) Sites
Dam Sites
EPA Region Boundaries
State Boundaries
County Boundaries
Content Overview
Boundaries associated with land use classifications such
as residential, deciduous forest land, and forested
wetland.
Boundaries of census-defined urbanized areas.
Locations of populated places as represented on USGS
topographic maps.
Hydrograpbic database containing over 68,000 reaches
to represent surface waters of the continental United
States.
Interstate and state highway network.
Nationally consistent delineations of the hydrographic
boundaries associated with major U.S. river basins.
Nationally consistent delineations of the hydrographic
boundaries associated with major U.S. watersheds.
Location of public water supplies, their intakes, and
sources of surface water supply.
Inventory of U.S. dams with associated data such as
impoundment volume and maximum depth.
Administrative boundaries.
Administrative boundaries.
Administrative boundaries.
2.3 Potential Pollution Sources
In addition to landscape data that can be used to assess potential nonpoint sources of
pollution (such as pesticide runoff or sediment loading from pasture areas), BASINS
includes information on point sources. This information has been retrieved from existing
national databases and processed as geographic data layers for integration into the
BASINS GIS environment. These data layers allow analysts to investigate the signifi-
cance of individual sources by evaluating loadings using geographic overlay techniques.
Table 3 presents point source data products included in BASINS.
2.4 Environmental Assessment Tools
Three geographically based analytical tools were developed in the BASINS GIS environ-
ment to perform both regional and site-specific analyses: TARGET, ASSESS, and Data
Mining. TARGET is a targeting tool that operates on multiple watersheds to allow state-
and regional-level analyses; ASSESS is a simple assessment tool that operates on a single
watershed or a limited number of watersheds; and Data Mining lets BASINS users more
-------
System Overview
Ihble 2. BASINS Environmental Monitoring Data
BASINS Data Product
Drinking Water Supply (DWS) Sites
Water Quality Monitoring Station Summaries
Bacteria Monitoring Station Summaries
National Sediment Inventory (NSI)
Weather Station Sites
U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) gaging stations
Dam Sites
Content Overview
Location of public water supplies, their intakes, and
sources of surface water supply,
Statistical summaries of water quality monitoring for 50
physical and chemical-related parameters.
Parameter-specific statistics computed by station for
5-year intervals from 1970 to 1994.
Statistical summaries of water quality monitoring for 10
bacteria-related parameters. Parameter-specific
statistics computed by station for 5-year intervals from
1970 to 1994.
Sediment chemistry, tissue residue, and benthic
abundance monitoring data for freshwater and coastal
sediments.
Location of first-order National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) weather stations
used by the SWRRB model.
Inventory of surface water gaging station data including
7Q10 low and monthly mean stream flow.
Inventory of U.S. dams with associated data such as
impoundment volume and maximum depth.
Ihble 3. BASINS Point Source Data
BASINS Data Product
Permit Compliance System (PCS) Sites and Computed
Loadings
Industrial Facilities Discharge (EFD) Sites
Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) Sites, 1992 Release
Superfund National Priority List Sites
Content Overview
NPDES permit-holding facility information. Contains
parameter-specific loadings to surface waters computed
using the EPA Effluent Decision Support System
(EDSS).
Facility information on industrial point source
dischargers to surface waters.
Facility information from the 1992 TRI public data
release. Contains Y/N flags for each facility indicating
media- specific reported releases.
Location of Superfund National Priority List sites.
-------
BASINS Version 1.0
fully access the water quality and point source databases. In this release of BASINS, the
three geographically based analytical tools are fully developed to operate on the water
quality and point source data layers, as described in Section 2.3. BASINS operates on
hydrologic units or watersheds as defined by the U.S. Geological Survey delineations
referred to as "cataloging units." These watersheds can vary in size from 10 square miles
to several hundred square miles.
TARGET
TARGET is a watershed targeting tool that allows environmental managers to make a
broad-based evaluation of a watershed's water quality and/or point source loadings. It
operates on a large scale, addressing an area such as a region or a state. TARGET is
designed to integrate and process a large amount of detailed, site-specific data associated
with a particular region and to summarize the results on a watershed basis. Using these
water quality or point source loading summaries, watersheds are then ranked based on the
level of selected evaluation parameters (e.g., DO, BOD, zinc). This analysis allows users
to draw preliminary conclusions on the wide range of environmental data included in
BASINS (e.g., 50 water quality parameters and most of the parameters associated with
point source dischargers).
ASSESS
The second geographically based tool, ASSESS, uses the same data as TARGET but
provides a different perspective on the locational distribution of potential pollution
problems. ASSESS operates on a single watershed (cataloging unit) or a limited set of
watersheds and focuses on the status of specific water quality stations or discharge
facilities and their proximity to waterbodies. This proximity analysis (stream reaches,
water quality stations, point dischargers, land uses, etc.) is important because it allows
analysts to establish the interrelationships between the condition of a waterbody in a
watershed and potential pollution sources. The level of detail provided by ASSESS lets
users visually focus on the status of specific stream reaches, assess their changes over
time, evaluate data availability, and evaluate the need for source characterization and
analysis of cause-effect relationships.
Data Mining
Data Mining dynamically links different data elements using a combination of tables and
maps. This unique dynamic linkage of data elements adds a significant informational
value to the raw data on water quality and loadings. This process makes Data Mining a
powerful tool that can assist in the integration and environmental interpretation of both
geographic and historical information simultaneously. Data Mining complements both
TARGET and ASSESS by letting users move progressively from a regional analysis
(provided by TARGET) to a watershed-scale analysis (provided by ASSESS) to a more
detailed analysis at the station level (provided by Data Mining). This logical progression
of the analysis from regional to site-specific is illustrated in Figure 2.
-------
System Overview
BASINS
Assessment Tools
Application Scale
Data
Mining
ASSESS
TARGET
Detailed
, r Broad
Figure 2. Progression of analysis from regional to site-specific.
2.5 Watershed Nonpoint Source and Water Quality Models
Three models are integrated into BASINS to allow the user to estimate watershed
nonpoint loading and to simulate the behavior of toxic chemicals, conventional pollut-
ants, and nutrients. The models included were selected to allow users to assess watershed
loadings and receiving water impacts at various levels of complexity. Data preparation,
selection routines, and output display tools (for visualization) streamline the use of the
models.
NPSM Model
The Nonpoint Source Model (NPSM) estimates land use nonpoint source loadings for
selected pollutants at a watershed (cataloging unit) scale. The model uses BASINS
landscape data such as watershed boundaries and land use distribution to automatically
prepare many of the input data it requires. The NPSM combines a Windows-based
interface with EPA's Hydrologic Simulation Program-FORTRAN model (HSPF Version
10; Bicknell et al., 1993). In this first release of BASINS, only selected simulation
options of the HSPF model are fully supported. Additional features of the HSPF inter-
face are being developed. The HSPF model is a comprehensive package developed by
EPA for simulating water quantity and quality for a wide range of organic and inorganic
pollutants from mixed-land-use watersheds. The model uses continuous simulations to
predict water balance and pollutant loadings, transformation, and transport.
QUAL2E
The QUAL2E model is provided to allow analysis of pollutant fate and transport through
selected stream systems. It is a one-dimensional water quality model that assumes steady-
state flow but allows simulation of diurnal (day-night) variations in temperature, algal
photosynthesis, and respiration (Brown and Barnwell, 1987). The algorithms used in
QUAL2E are based on the advection-dispersion mass transport equation solved using an
implicit, backward difference scheme, averaged over time and space. QUAL2E repre-
sents the stream system as a series of computational elements of constant length. The
8
-------
BASINS Version 1.0
model is integrated with BASINS through a Windows-based interface, and it allows fate
and transport modeling of both point and nonpoint source loadings. Nonpoint source
loadings can be generated by NPSM and then fed into QUAL2E by using an internal
procedure.
TOXIROUTE
TOXIROUTE is a modified version of Pollutant Route (PROUTE), an EPA water quality
model. TOXIROUTE provides a screening-level stream routing model that performs
simple dilution/decay calculations under mean and low flow conditions for a stream
system within a given watershed (cataloging unit). TOXIROUTE can also integrate
nonpoint source loadings calculated by NPSM within BASINS, as well as point source
loadings computed from the effluent monitoring data stored in the Permit Compliance
System (PCS).
9
-------
10
-------
BASINS Version 1.0
3 Hardware and Software Requirements
BASINS is a customized GIS application with integrated environmental analysis and
modeling systems. Therefore, BASINS' hardware and software requirements are similar
to those of the PC-based Arc View system. BASINS can be installed and operated on
IBM-compatible personal computers (PCs) equipped with the software, random access
memory (RAM), virtual memory, and hard disk space presented in Table 4. Because the
performance (response time) under these minimum requirements might be too slow for
some users (especially when dealing with large data sets), a preferred set of requirements
is also included in Table 4.
Table 4. BASINS Hardware and Software Requirements
Hardware/Software
Computer
Available hard disk space (After
Arc View is installed and 16
megabytes (mb) of permanent
virtual memory "swap space" is
established)
Random access memory (RAM)
Compact disc reader
Color monitor
Operating system
ArcView
Minimum Requirements
486 processor, 33-MHz
IBM-compatible personal computer
75 mb (26 mb BASINS system, 9
mb temporary file processing space,
and 40 mb BASINS Environmental
Data for approximately 1 hydrologic
cataloging unit)
16 mb of RAM plus 16 mb of
permanent virtual memory swap
space
Dual speed reader
Configured for 16 colors
MS-DOS 5.0 (or later), and
Microsoft Windows 3.1 (or later) or
Windows for Workgroups 3.11 (or
later)
ArcView 2.1
Preferred Requirements
Pentium processor, 133-MHz
IBM-compatible personal computer
235 mb (26 mb BASINS system, 9
mb temporary file processing space,
and 200 mb BASINS environmental
data for approximately 1 state)
32 mb of RAM plus 16 mb of
permanent virtual memory swap
space
Quad speed reader
Configured for 256 colors
MS-DOS 5.0 (or later), and
Microsoft Windows 3.1 (or later) or
Windows for Workgroups 3.11 (or
later)
ArcView 2.1
11
-------
Hardware and Software Requirements
12
-------
BASINS Version 1.0
Installation
IMPORTANT: ArcView 2.1 must be installed on the computer before BASINS can be installed.
The procedure for installing BASINS from CD(s) is described in this section. The
installation process can take up to 30 minutes, depending on computer processor speed
and CD reader speed.
Running Setup
1. Start Windows. Insert the BASINS CD (CD No. 1 if BASINS is supplied with two
CDs) into a CD drive (e.g., drive D). From the Windows Program Manager, choose
Run from the File menu. In the Command Line box, type d:\setup. Click on OK.
2. When setup starts, follow the instructions on your screen. You will be prompted to
select a hard drive where BASINS will be installed. After you select a drive, setup
will create a BASINS subdirectory on that drive. (Note: The BASINS environ-
mental data, which you will select later, will also be placed in this subdirectory.
Keep this in mind if your computer has multiple hard drives.)
Setup checks your computer for ArcView software and evaluates the available hard disk
space. It will inform you if it does not find at least 26 megabytes of space available to
install the base software or if it cannot locate ArcView.
At completion, setup will have created a BASINS directory structure on the selected hard
drive, as shown in Table 5. Setup also will have created a Windows program group
labeled BASINS that contains six program items: BASINS, Data Extraction, Project
Builder, NPSM, TOXIROUTE, and QUAL2E. (See Section 5, BASINS Tutorial, for
more information on the BASINS program items.)
NOTE: While running the setup program you may choose to install tutorial data. This option is
recommended for first-time users. Sample applications illustrated in Section 5 use these tutorial
data.
13
-------
Installation
Table 5. BASINS Directory Structure
BASINS Directory
drive:\BASINS\APR
drive:\BASINS\CLASSES
drive:\BASINS\DATA
drive:VBASINS\ETC
drive:\BASINS\MODELS\NPSM
drive:\BASINS\MODELS\QUAL2E
drive:\BASINS\MODELS\TOXIROUTE
drive:\BASINS\MODELOUT
drive:\BASINS\TEMP
Content or Purpose
BASINS-related ArcView project files (*.APR)
Classification schemes for BASINS charts and maps
BASINS environmental data in user-named
subdirectories (See Section 5.1, BASINS Data
Extraction and Project Builder, for more information)
BASINS internal system files
Nonpoint Source Model system files
QUAL2E model system files
TOXIROUTE model system files
Output files from BASINS modeling sessions (except
QUAL2E)
BASINS temporary system files
14
-------
BASINS Version 1.0
BASINS Tutorial
This tutorial outlines the steps involved in using the major components of the
BASINS system: (1) Data Extraction; (2) Project Builder; (3) the geographically
based analysis tools TARGET, ASSESS, and Data Mining; and (4) the three water-
shed and water quality modeling programs (NPSM, TOXIROUTE, and QUAL2E).
The tutorial assumes that you already have some familiarity with Microsoft Win-
dows and ArcView, as well as a basic understanding of water quality analysis
techniques and modeling.
After you have installed BASINS, a BASINS Windows program group (Screen 5.1)
will be created. It contains the six program icons: BASINS, Data Extraction, Project
Builder, TOXIROUTE, Nonpoint Source Model (NPSM), and QUAL2E. The
BASINS icon facilitates the use of BASINS projects with ArcView. You can use the
Data Extraction and Project Builder program icons to generate BASESTS-driven
projects. The other three icons let you launch the three modeling programs inde-
pendently without BASINS; this feature is included for those who want to perform
simulations using user-supplied data. Executing the models from within the
BASINS environment offers the benefit of BASINS' data preparation and
visualization capabilities.
BASINS
Data
Extraction
Project Builder TOXIROUTE
Nonpoint
Source Model
QUAL2E
Screen 5.1
5.1 Data Extraction and Project Builder
The BASINS customized GIS environment is contained in a file referred to as the
"project file." To begin using BASINS, you'll need a project file, which is created
using a two-step process. First, you'll need to retrieve BASINS data layers and
corresponding attribute tables for a specified study area (for example, you might
extract a portion of data from the regional BASINS CD(s)) using the Data Extraction
tool. This process places the retrieved data into the BASINS data directory on the
selected hard drive. Second, you'll need to create a project file using the Project
Builder tool. This tool creates a BASINS project file that contains links to your
retrieved data.
15
-------
BASINS Tutorial
Data Extraction Steps
1. Double-click the Data Extraction icon in the BASINS Windows program group
(Screen 5.1). This initiates the BASINS Data Extraction subsystem (Screen
5.1.1).
A view of EPA Region 3 is shown here. Your view will differ, depending on
which EPA Regional CD you are using.
Screen 5.1.1
2.
Pull down the Extraction menu and select Boundary Type. This displays the
Boundary Selection List (Screen 5.1.2).
BASINS Data Extraction
Select a data extraction boundary:
County
Hydrologic Accounting Unit
Hydrologic Cataloging Unit
Screen 5.1.2
16
-------
BASINS Version 1.0
3. Select the boundary type that most effectively defines the area for which data
are needed. The default boundary is a state. Click on OK after selection.
4. Using the BASINS Select Area tool from the ArcView menu, point and
click or drag a box to select the area for which data are needed. The
area will become highlighted in yellow (Screen 5.1.3).
TIP: It is recommended that you not extract data for areas greater than a state in size (e.g., a multistate
extraction or multiple counties or watersheds that add up to an area greater than a state). Extract-
ing data for too large an area can slow down performance (response time) of the BASINS analytical
tools, especially on computers that don't meet the "preferred" hardware requirements.
Extraction
Help
•> f>,> bywxtos
5.
Screen 5.1.3
Pull down the Extraction menu and select Data Extraction (Screen 5.1.4).
Screen 5.1.4
17
-------
BASINS Tutorial
Enter a name for the data directory:
Screen 5.7.5
BASINS Data Extraction
6. Enter a name for the
directory that will contain the
resulting extracted data (Screen
5.1.5). This directory will be a
subdirectory in the
\BASINS\DATAdirectory. Click
on OK after you enter a name.
7. Decide whether you want to
include land use data in the data
extraction (Screen 5.1.6). Land
use data provide very useful
information for water resource
analyses. They are also neces-
sary for computing nonpoint Screen 5.7.6
source loadings using the Nonpoint Source Model (NPSM). However, using
land use data will double the hard drive storage space requirements.
TIP: To gain experience with the use of land use data and nonpoint source modeling, you might want to
choose yes the first time you use BASINS.
Do you want Land Use data?
8.
I) AS INS Data Exliaction
The Data Extraction system will estimate the hard disk space necessary to
perform the extraction (Screen 5.1.7). You can verify the space available by
toggling (press the Alt and Tab keys simultaneously) to access the Windows
File Manager or another suitable plication before clicking on Yes. If the avail-
able space is insufficient, click
on No and reduce the size of the
extraction area by redefining the
area using an alternative bound-
ary type. For example, if an
extraction of a state's data
requires more storage space than
that available on the hard disk,
select only a portion of the state
This data extraction requires approximately
227 megabytes of disk space. Do you have the
space available?
Screen 5.7.7
using multiple counties or hydrologic units.
Insert BASINS CD No. 1 into the CD reader (Screen 5.1.8). Choose Yes after
you place the CD in the reader.
Choose No if you want to
cancel the data extraction.
BASINS Data,Extraction
10.
If you requested land use data
(see Step 7), an informational
notice appears. It explains the
Please insert BASINS CD No. 1
Screen 5.7.6
18
-------
BASINS Version 1.0
user verification step required as part of the land use data extraction process
(Screens 5.1.9 and 5.1.10). If you did not request land use data, this step (Step
10) will be omitted.
BASINS Data Extraction
NOTICE
BASINS begins this extraction by processing Land Use
data. This portion of the extraction process is unstable
on some hardware configurations. If successful, DOS
file transfer statements should display on the monitor
briefly. BASINS will subsequently prompt you to verify
whether the DOS statements displayed. If
unsuccessful, the extraction must be reinitiated.
Screen 5.7.9
BASINS Dala bxtraclion
Select Yes If DOS file transfer statements
appeared on the monitor. Otherwise select No.
Screen 5. L W
11. The rest of the BASINS data extraction process varies greatly depending on the
speed of your computer's processor and compact disc reader and the available
random access memory (RAM).
The processing might take less
than an hour or close to 8 hours
depending on the size of the
retrieved area and your hardware
specifications. Click on Yes to
confirm or No to end this extrac-
tion session (Screen 5.1.11).
Completion of this data extraction may take
several hours. Do you want to continue?
Screen 5.1.11
12. A dialog box indicates completion of the data extraction (Screen 5.1.12). If
the data extraction is not completed successfully, check the following:
a) Verify that there is enough free space on the destination drive (the drive
that has the BASINS directory).
b) Verify that the computer has at least 16 megabytes of RAM installed.
c) Verify that the swap file is at least 16 megabytes in size.
19
-------
BASINS Tutorial
BASINS Data Extraction
Data Extraction completed successfully!
BASINS data has been written to directory:
\basins\data\pa
Before using the BASINS system. Project Builder must
be run.
d)
e)
Screen 5.1.12
Some CD readers spin down when not in use. Check to see that the CD-
ROM can be accessed by BASINS. One way to do this is to open a DOS
session and type Dir d: (or whatever letter the CD drive is).
Clean any fingerprints, dust, or smudges from the surface of the BASINS
CD using a soft, dry cloth and CD cleaning liquid or ethyl alcohol.
Project Builder Steps
1.
Enter ArcView project file name:
(Do not include file name extension)
Double-click on the Project
Builder icon in the BASINS
Windows program group
(Screen 5.1). This initiates
the BASINS Project Builder
subsystem (Screen 5.1.13). You can also initiate Project Builder by clicking on
Yes at the user dialog immediately following the data extraction completion
status (Screen 5.1.14).
Screen 5.1. J 3
BASINS Data Lull,
Do you want to run Project Builder now?
Screen 5.1.14
2. Supply a name for the project
file to be created. The file name may
be up to eight characters in length.
Do not provide a file name exten-
sion. The file name will be assigned
3.
an APR extension. Click on OK after you enter a project file name (Screen
5.1.13).
Select a data directory from the drop-
down list (Screen 5.1.15). The data
directory list contains all the directories
created as a result of completing a
BASINS data extraction. Click on OK
after you make your selection.
Screen 5.1.15
4) A dialog box indicates the completion of Project Builder (Screen 5.1.16).
20
-------
BASINS Version 1.0
BASINS Project Builder
Project Builder completed successfully!
BASINS ArcView project - myproj.apr - created.
To begin using the BASINS system:
1] Click the BASINS icon.
2) Select project fileABASINS\APR\MYPROJ.APR
using the Open Project dialog box.
3) Choose OK.
Screen 5.1.16
5.2 Opening a BASINS Project
Completing a Data Extraction and Project Builder session produces a BASINS
project. The project file contains instructions for ArcView that generate the BASINS
custom environment, which consists of a specialized user interface, access to water
analysis tools, and BASINS-supplied data. To begin using BASINS, you need to
open a BASINS project.
Steps for Opening a BASINS Project
1. Double-click on the BASINS icon in the BASINS Windows program group
(Screen 5.1). This initiates the Open BASINS Project dialog box (Screen
5.2.1).
File Name:
Open BASINS Project.
Directories:
d:\basins\apr
mypro|.apr
d:\
> basins
§ apr
List Files of Type:
Drives:
BASINS Project Files
Screen 5.2.1
21
-------
BASINS Tutorial
NOTE: Reset the computer before you open a BASINS project file. Do not run any other applications in
order to minimize the occurrence of ArcView memory-related errors (e.g., segmentation violations,
assertion errors).
2. Select a project file from the \BASINS\APR directory. Click on OK after you
have made a selection. This will open the BASINS project.
IMPORTANT: It is better to select project files by using the BASINS program icon than by using ArcView
alone because the BASINS program cleans up temporary files when it is started.
5.2.1 BASINS Customized ArcView Interface
The BASINS user interface contains all of the menu, button, and tool bar items that
are present in the standard ArcView interface. These standard components provide
access to ArcView's data query, spatial analysis, and map generation tools. The
BASINS interface also has three additional menus and one additional tool bar item,
which provide the BASINS water quality analysis and modeling functions (Screen
5.2.2).
Graphics Taigetflssess Model agndow Help
Screen 5.2.2
22
-------
BASINS Version 1.0
5,2=2
BASINS Data Products
The BASINS Version 1.0 system is distributed with 20 data products. The data
consist of base cartographic products (such as state and county boundaries) and
environmental products (such as water quality monitoring and industrial facility
locations). These data are accessible from any of the BASINS-generated views. A
view is an interactive map in the BASINS Arc View environment. Table 6 provides a
list of the BASINS Version 1.0 data products.
Table 6. BASINS Version 1.0 Data Products
BASINS Data Product
Permit Compliance System
(PCS) Sites and Computed
Loadings
Industrial Facilities
Discharge (IFD) Sites
Toxic Release Inventory
(TRI) Sites, 1992 Release
Superfund National Priority
List Sites
Water Quality Monitoring
Stations & Data Summaries
Theme Name
Permit Compliance System
Industrial Facilities Discharge
Sites
Toxic Release Inventory-92
Sites
National Priority List Sites
Water Quality Stations
Related Table Names
Permitted Discharges 1991
Permitted Discharges 1992
Permitted Discharges 1993
Permitted Discharges Loadings Over Permits 1991
Permitted Discharges Loadings Over Permits 1992
Permitted Discharges Loadings Over Permits 1993
Permitted Discharges Parameter Table
Permitted Discharges Parameter Table 1991
Permitted Discharges Parameter Table 1992
Permitted Discharges Parameter Table 1993
[None]
[Noes]
[None]
Water Quality Data 70-74
Water Quality Data 75-79
Water Quality Data 80-84
Water Quality Data 85-89
Water Quality Data 90-94
Water Quality Parameter Table
Water Quality Parameter Table 70-74
Water Quality Parameter Table 75-79
Water Quality Parameter Table 80-84
Water Quality Parameter Table 85-89
Water Quality Parameter Table 90-94
File Name
pcs.dbf
pcs.shp
pcs^hx
pcsld91.dbf
pcsld92.dbf
pcsld93.dbf
pcsop91.dbf
pcsop92.dbf
pcsop93.dbf
pes_pnn.dbf
pcs_p91.dbf
pcs_p92.dbf
pcs_p93.dbf
ifddbf
ifdshp
ifdshx
tri92.dbf
tri92.shp
tri92.shx •'
npLdbf
npl.shp
npl.shx
wq_statdbf
wq_statshp
wq_statshx
wq_d7074.dbf
wq_d7579.dbf
wq d8084.dbf
wq_d8589.dbf
wq_d9094.dbf
wq_parm.dbf
wq_j>7074.dbf
wq_j>7579.dbf
wq_p8084.dbf
wq_p8589.dbf
wq_p9094.dbf
23
-------
BASINS Tutorial
Table 6. (Continued)
BASINS Data Product
Bacteria Monitoring Stations
& DtU Summiries
National Sediment Inventory
(NSI) Stations & Database
Readi File, Version 1 (RF1)
Cage Sites
Drinking Water Supply
(DWS) Sites
Dam Locations
Weather Station Sites
Watershed Data Stations &
Database (sample set)
Theme Name
Bacteria Stations - DRAFT
National Sediment Inventory
Stations
Reach File, VI
USGS Gage Sites
Drinking Water Supply Sites
Dam Locations
Weather Station Sites
Weather Station Areas
Watershed Data Stations
Related Table Names
Bacteria Data 70-74
Bacteria Data 75-79
Bacteria Data 80-84
Bacteria Data 85-89
Bacteria Data 90-94
Bacteria Parameter Table
Bacteria Parameter Table 70-74
Bacteria Parameter Table 75-79
Bacteria Parameter Table 80-84
Bacteria Parameter Table 85-89
Bacteria Parameter Table 90-94
NSI Biotoxicity Data
NSI Biotoxicity Phase Table
NSI Elutriate Data
NSI Elutriate Parameter Table
NSI ODES & DMATS Remark Codes
NSI Sediment Chemistry Data
NSI Sediment Chemistry Parameter Table
NSI STORET & Other Remark Codes
NSI Tissue Residue Data
NSI Tissue Residue Parameter Table
NSI Tissue Residue Species Table
[None]
[None]
[None]
[None]
[None]
[None]
[None]
File Name
bc_statdbf
bc_statshp
bc_statshx
bc_d7074.dbf
bc_d7579.dbf
be d8084.dbf
be d8589.dbf
bc_d9094.dbf
bc_parm.dbf
bc_p7074.dbf
bc_p7579.dbf
bc_p8084.dbf
bc_p8589.dbf
bc_p9094.dbf
nsi.dbf
nsi^hp
nsi.shx
nsibiotdbf
nbi_spc.dbf
nsielutdbf
nel_prm.dbf
nsirmkl.dbf
nsisedLdbf
nsd.pnn.dbf
nsirmkl.dbf
nsitiss.dbf
nti_prm.dbf
nti_spc.dbf
rfl.dbf
rfl.shp
rfl.shx
gage.dbf
gage.shp
gage.shx
rfl.dbf
rfl.shp
rfl.shx
dam.dbf
dantshp
damshx
metptdbf
metptshp
metptshx
met_statdbf
met_statshp
met stat.shx
wdm.dbf
wdntshp
24
-------
BASINS Version 1.0
Table 6. (Continued)
CQl
BASINS Data Product
Hydrologic Unit Boundaries
Land Use and Land Cover
Major Roads
Populated Place Locations
Urbanized Areas
EPA Regions
State and County Boundaries
Theme Name
Cataloging Unit Boundaries
Cataloging Unit Codes
Accounting Unit Boundaries
Land Use Index
LJUSGS Quadrangle Name)
Major Roads
Place Names - (state postal
abbreviation)
Urban Area Boundaries
Urban Area Names
EPA Region Boundaries
State Boundaries
County Boundaries
County Names
Related Table Names
[None]
[None]
[None]
[None]
[None]
[None]
[None]
[None]
[None]
[None]
[None]
[None]
[None]
File Name
caldbf
catshp
catshx
catptdbf
catptshx
acadbf
acoshp
acc.shx
lulcndx.dbf
lulcndx^hp
lulcndx^hx
l_(quad name)
A/I coverage
format
roads.dbf
roads .shp
roads ^hx
(ST)ppl.dbf
(ST)ppLshp
(ST)ppl.shx
urban.dbf
1 1 rngn , shp
urban.shx
inban_nm.dbf
urban_nm.sbp
urban nm.shx
epa_reg.dbf
epa_reg^hp
_ epa reg.shx
stdbf
stshx
oity.dbf
cnty.shp
cnty.shx
cntyptdbf
cntyptshp
cntypLshx
25
-------
BASINS Tutorial
5.2.3
BASINS General Use Guidance
Before you explore the BASINS water resource analysis tools, you should know
some general rules and guidelines.
1. Check the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Internet home page for the
current list of answers to frequently asked BASINS questions and for other BA-
SINS information. World Wide Web: http://www.epa.gov/ow/ost
2. Do not rename the BASINS data directories. Project Builder can't create
projects using a data directory whose name has been altered from the original
name supplied during the Data Extraction session.
3. Do not rename or delete themes or tables containing data supplied by BASINS.
This can affect the use of BASINS' tools. You can, however, copy themes within
BASINS and manipulate them without a problem.
4. Do not rename or delete field names associated with the data tables supplied by
BASINS. This can affect the use of BASINS' tools.
5. If you perform a data extraction for an area of the country where one or more
BASINS-supplied data themes contain no data, a "NO" will precede the theme
name in the views theme list (e.g., NO Water Quality Monitoring Stations).
6. If you work with a BASINS project for prolonged periods, Arc View might
generate a "Segmentation Violation" or "f:handles" error message. If an error
message occurs, simply close the project and reopen it using the BASINS
Open Project icon.
7. In general, it is good not to save changes to a project file. If you need to save
an analysis at a certain stage, save the file under a new name.
8. If an APR project file becomes damaged or is deleted, you can easily regenerate it
by running the Project Builder again.
5.3 TARGET
The BASINS TARGET tool lets you make a broad-based evaluation of watershed condi-
tions using water quality and/or point source loadings data included in the BASINS
system. TARGET is designed to operate on a large-scale area such as a region or a state.
TARGET performs analysis on the entire project area extracted (e.g., EPA Region,
state). TARGET is best suited for project areas that include more than one water-
shed (cataloging unit). It is designed to integrate and process a large amount of
detailed, site-specific data associated with a project area and to summarize the
results on a watershed basis. Using water quality or loading summaries, TARGET
ranks watersheds based on the evaluation parameters and thresholds you've se-
lected. This analysis can be used to draw preliminary conclusions based on the
wide range of environmental data included in BASINS (e.g., 50 water quality
26
-------
BASINS Version 1.0
parameters and most of the parameters associated with point source dischargers).
The available data are analyzed for each watershed by computing a mean value for
the selected parameter. These computed values are then used for comparisons
between watersheds.
TARGET Steps
1. Pull down the TARGET menu and select either Water Quality or Permitted
Discharges (Screen 5.3.1).
The remaining TARGET steps and associated screen captures are similar for
both Water Quality and Permitted Discharges. The following examples corre-
spond to a TARGET session using the Water Quality option.
NOTE: TARGET automatically performs the analysis for the entire extracted project area. There is no need
to select an area for analysis.
2.
Water Quality Targeting
Screen 5.3.7
Water quality data summaries are included for five time periods. Select one of
the 5-year water quality monitoring
periods for TARGET to use for this
session (Screen 5.3.2). BASINS
water quality monitoring data are
statistical summaries of station data
spanning each 5-year period. De-
scriptive statistics (mean; 15th, 25th, 50th,
75th, and 85th percentiles) are provided for 50
physical and chemical-related parameters at
Select monitoring period:
From 1990 to 1994
From 1990 to 1994
From 1985 to 1989
From 1980 to 1984
From 1975 to 1979
From 1970 to 1974
Screen 5.3.2
27
-------
BASINS Tutorial
each water quality monitoring
station. Refer to the appendices for
additional information on water
quality monitoring and permitted
discharge data included in BASINS.
Select monitoring data statistic:
Mean
15th X
25th X
50th X
75th X
Select monitoring parameter to
evaluate:
Fecal Conforms. MPN
Gamma BHC (Lindane)
Hardness
Kjeldahl Nitrogen
Lead, Dissolved
5.
6.
Screen 5.3.4
Screen 5.3.3
3. Select 1 of the 50 available parameters to evaluate
(Screen 5.3.3).
4. Select a water quality summary statistic to use for
TARGET analysis (Screen 5.3.4).
Specify a threshold value for use in evaluating the water quality monitoring
data selected for the TARGET
session (Screen 5.3.5).
Specify a maximum threshold value for
comparison to monitoring data. Default for Iron
is 1000.00 uq/l.
In this example, iron is selected
as the evaluation parameter and
the 85th percentile is selected as Screen 5.3.5
the summary statistic. The selected threshold value will be used to evaluate
the 85th percentile data for iron for each of the project watersheds. In this case
the threshold is a maximum and the number of instances where the station
values exceed the threshold will be counted.
Default threshold values are included for the user's reference. The default
threshold values come from the BASINS Water Quality Parameter table. Refer
to Appendix A for additional information on the default reference values
contained in the BASINS Water Quality Parameter table.
The TARGET session ends by generating three output windows that summa-
rize the results in map and graphical form (Screen 5.3.6):
• A map with watersheds shaded based on the average monitoring value
computed for each watershed (hydrologic cataloging unit) from the user-
specified parameter, station statistic, and threshold.
• A bar chart that shows the distribution of cataloging units based on the
number of stations for each cataloging unit that exceed the selected thresh-
old.
• A bar chart that summarizes the ranges of average monitoring values by
cataloging unit.
28
-------
BASINS Version 1.0
E'le Edit jfiew Iheme Graphics Target Assess Model Window Help
a Quality Taigcling lot Iron (P= 90-94. S= 85th X. T= 300
Targeted Cataloging Units by No. of Stations Exceeding Threshold
Total Stations in Project Area: 7799
40 T
36-.
k'ji Quality Targeting for lion (P= 90-9*. S= BSUi Z, T= 300
Targeted Cataloging Units by Avg. Monitoring Value
Total Cataloging Units in Project Area: 57
33
30
26
23
20
water Quafty Targeting foe Iron (P» 30-34, S= 85th %. T
Water Quality Targeting for Iron (P= 30-94, S= 85th 2. T
300 -1716.57 (ugfl)
1716.57-7382.83 (u
7382.83 - 28331.3 (u
Screen 5.3.6
You can repeat TARGET using different parameters, water quality time periods, and
threshold values. You can also apply TARGET to the evaluation of point source informa-
tion. TARGET will notify you if no data are available for the parameter you select
5.4 ASSESS
ASSESS is the second geographically based analytical tool developed in the BA-
SINS GIS environment. It is a simple assessment tool that lets you evaluate water
quality and point source loadings in a given watershed. After performing a targeting
analysis on a regional or state level, you can use ASSESS to examine watersheds
that have been identified as high priorities in more detail. You can examine them
individually or as a group. Although ASSESS uses the same data as TARGET, it
provides a different perspective by adding consideration of the spatial distribution of
potential pollution problems, and it helps you to focus on the environmental condi-
tion of specific stream reach(es) and a stream's proximity to other pollution sources
(point sources, agricultural areas, Superfund sites, etc.). Because of the finer resolu-
tion used in ASSESS compared to TARGET, you can more effectively analyze status
as well as changes over time. You can compare individual stream reaches based on
their water quality condition. In addition, ASSESS provides a tool for evaluating
data availability. It can reveal where further investigations of the sources, as well as
analyses of cause-effect relationships, are appropriate. Using water quality or
29
-------
SAS/NS Tutorial
loading summaries, water quality monitoring stations or discharge facilities are
ranked with the evaluation parameters and thresholds that you select. A wide range
of environmental data included in BASINS can be used for this analysis (e.g., 50
water quality parameters and most of the parameters associated with point source
discharges).
Screen 5.4.1
ASSESS Steps
1. Select one or more watersheds of interest using the Select Feature tool.
Watersheds can be selected following a targeting analysis, as shown in
Screen 5.4.1, or simply from BASINS View.
2. Pull down the ASSESS menu and select either Water Quality or Permitted
Discharges (Screen 5.4.2). The remaining ASSESS steps and associated screen
captures are similar for both Water Quality and Permitted Discharges. The
following examples correspond to an ASSESS session using the Water Quality
option.
30
-------
BASINS Version 1.0
file Edit JJiew Iheme graphics Target
-
Screen 5.4.2
3. Water quality data are summarized
the 5-year water quality monitoring
session (Screen 5.4.3). BASINS'
water quality monitoring data are
statistical summaries of station
data spanning each 5-year period.
Descriptive statistics (mean; 15th,
25th, 50th, 75th, and 85th per-
centiles) are provided for 50
physical and chemical-related
parameters at each water quality
monitoring station. Refer to the
for five time periods (1970 to 1994). Select
period that ASSESS will use for this
From 1985 to 1989
From 1980 to 1984
From 1975 to 1979
From 1970 to 1974
Select monitoring parameter to
evaluate:
Kjeldahl Nitrogen
Lead, Dissolved
Lead, Total
Manganese
Screen 5.4.3
appendices for additional information on
water quality monitoring and permitted
discharge data included with BASINS.
4. Select one of the 50 available param-
eters to evaluate (Screen 5.4.4).
Screen 5.4.4
31
-------
BASINS Tutorial
Select a water quality summary
statistic to use for ASSESS analysis
(Screen 5.4.5).
The ASSESS session ends by gener-
ating two output windows that
summarize the results. Screen 5.4.6
presents a map with water quality
stations ranked according to their
concentrations for the selected
parameter. This screen also displays
the original map showing the selected watersheds and a chart displaying the
distribution of the stations according to their level of concentration.
Select monitoring data statistic
Mean
15th 96
25th %
50th 96
75th %
Screen 5.4.5
Bit Edit Slew Iheme graphics Target Assess Model Window Help
jafri^u^., ^imm; y.vmm,m I w ra> i ij i iiu.'. LIL iiuuii ij mil I;111iiu if ;:• <11 n 111 L j 111111 r.-j IWWJ1! M n'irt^ta -a-dAbtt^^MM^'-KP^^'1''^
jWaler Quality A»M«neiH for Iron (P- 30-9*. 5- 85Bi Z\ C$$»
Distribution of Monitoring Stations by Parameter Value for
Cataloging Units:
02050303, 05010007, 05010008,
> 0 - 24500 (u
24500 - 98000 (ugO)
P8000 - 490000 (ugd
alec QuaBy Auettmenlfor lion P~ 90-34.S= 851h *) V K-l*
ling for Iron IP= 90-94, S- 85th X, T=:
Iron (P- 30-94. S- 85th *, T- 30
Screen 5.4.6
7. Use the Feature Information tool to examine selected stations. Screen
5.4.7 shows an expanded view of the station distribution map and the
information table for a selected station containing the station refer-
ence, concentration value, and the parameter measurement unit.
TIP: Land use coverages and locations of monitoring stations and pollution discharges can help provide
a good sense of what is happening in a watershed. Use the land use index to find the correct land
use tile.
32
-------
BASINS Version 1.0
file Edit ffewlheme graphics Target&ssess Model ffiindow Help
Water QuaStjr Auennent lor Iron (P- 30-94. S- 85th X] V
Screen 5.4.7
8. Depending on the type of analysis (water quality or point source discharges),
you can display supplemental BASINS environmental data to perform addi-
tional spatial analyses.
5.5 Data Mining
Data Mining is a powerful tool that lets you retrieve and visually analyze BASINS
water quality and loading data using a dynamic linkage between the watershed,
stream reaches, stations or facility locations, pollutant names and codes, and corre-
sponding statistics for all the time periods. It operates on individual water quality
stations or PCS listed facilities. A dynamic linkage lets you analyze related informa-
tion from various databases with no direct manipulation of the data bars. Once the
links are established, you can retrieve several data elements at once through a single
operation. This unique relational process provides an integrated approach to data
management and makes full use of the GIS capabilities. It brings environmental
data closer to watershed and water quality analysts and allows for a detailed analysis
at the station level.
Data Mining complements both the TARGET and ASSESS tools by allowing you to
move progressively from a regional analysis (provided by TARGET) to a watershed-
scale analysis (provided by ASSESS) to a more detailed analysis at the station level
33
-------
BASINS Tutorial
(using Data Mining.) The components of this tool include an interactive Data
Mining map and a series of linked data tables describing the status and trends of the
water quality conditions. Examining Data Mining windows also helps you to evalu-
ate monitoring programs, identify data gaps, and assess total point source loading to
a given waterbody. Currently, Data Mining can be used on three BASINS relational
data layers: water quality stations, bacteria stations, and Permit Compliance System.
Data Mining Steps
1. To begin, check the box next to the water quality stations theme. Click on the
text of the theme to select it. Water quality data are used in the following
example to illustrate the steps used in the Data Mining process.
2. Zoom to a scale suitable for selecting 5 to 10 water quality stations
(Screen 5.5.1).
pie Edit Mew IJMmegraplilcs Tanet&ssesB Model agndowflelp
Screen 5.5.7
3. Click on the Data Mining feature selection tool button.
4. Select one or more stations by pointing the cursor to
the region of interest and, while holding the left mouse button down, dragging
the cursor to create a window encompassing one or more stations (Screen
5.5.2).
34
-------
BASINS Version 1.0
TaigetAssess Model Window Help
Watei Quality Assessment lor lion (P= 90-94, S= 85th T.\ V
You have selected 9 stations.
(Not recommended for > 7 stations.)
Do you want to continue?
Screen 5.5.3
7.
Screen 5.5.2
The system determines the number of
stations selected and prompts you for
confirmation. (Screen 5.5.3).
Upon confirmation, Data Mining builds
the appropriate relational data tables
and corresponding Data Mining map
(Screen 5.5.4).
Using the Data Mining record selection tool button (located within the BASINS
table window), initiate the dynamic linkages to analyze the interrelationships
between the selected stations and corresponding concentrations for the 5-year
periods included in BASINS. Screen 5.5.5 is an illustration of the resulting
output. Click on the WQ parameter table. Now all subsequent answers will be
focused on parameters. Click on Parm_name BODS. All the stations that
measured BODS will be highlighted in the WQ stations table and in the WQ
Data Mining map. Records will also be highlighted in each of the WQ data
tables, showing which data records are for BOD in each time period.
Click on the WQ Stations title box. This changes the focus from parameters to
stations. Click on a record. Now all the parameters measured by this station
are highlighted in the WQ parameter table and all the data time periods during
which one of these parameters was measured are also highlighted in separate
35
-------
BASINS Tutorial
Bacteria Data 75-73
Bacteria Data 80-84
Bacteria Data 85-89
Bacteria Data 90-94
Bacteria Parameter Table
Screen 5.5.4
WQ station tables. Also, the selected stations are highlighted on the Data
Mining map. If you select a station on the Data Mining map, the data records
corresponding to the selected station will be highlighted.
Edit Table Field ffilndow tjelp
4ZLari-nag»aruK.uu.''''iMai^ll^^V-~..^—^-t''"' JJJUt+t j f±
Baclaia Data 75-79
Bacteria Data 80-84
Bactetia Data 85-89
Bacteria Data 90-94
Bacteria Parameter Table
Screen 5.5.5
36
-------
BASINS Version 1.0
5.6 Activating and Operating Models
The BASINS system includes two stream water quality models and a watershed
nonpoint source model. The models are linked by the BASINS interface so that all
three models can be launched interactively from a graphical interface to simulate
point and nonpoint source discharges into streams. Integration of these models with
GIS gives BASINS the ability to generate model input files by extracting data from
the Reach File (RF1) and other databases.
NOTE: Each of these models can be run independently of BASINS by selecting the appropriate icon from
the BASINS program group.
5.6.1 NPSM
The Nonpoint Source Model (NPSM) simulates nonpoint source runoff, pollutant
loadings, and dissolved oxygen levels in runoff for the selected watershed. NPSM
is a Windows interface that works with the EPA-supported HSPF model
(Version 10.0). Although the HSPF model is a comprehensive watershed loading
and transport model, NPSM currently supports only selected features of the model.
NPSM does not currently include the stream simulation portions of HSPF. Future
releases of NPSM are expected to include expanded model capabilities.
NPSM requires land use data, weather data, and information on the pollutants of
concern. When the model is run from BASINS View, BASINS automatically creates
a model project file and prepares a land use data file for NPSM. Data preparation
for NPSM extracts land use information from BASINS View and groups it into
general pervious and impervious categories for simulation by NPSM. These general
land use categories provide a starting point for simulation using NPSM. You can
create more specific land use breakdowns by the user within NPSM. Weather-
related data for each region are bundled with the model. For example, the EPA
Region 3 CD includes REG03.WDM, which contains weather data collected at five
weather stations. You need to assign the WDM file and each of the associated land
units to one of the available weather stations to run the model. You also need to
select which pollutant(s) are to be simulated and provide specific land use and
pollutant data.
Default values for the basic land use categories and selected pollutants are provided
by NPSM. These default values are based on a limited sampling of literature values
and on applications within the Mid-Atlantic region. Currently, default data are
available for the following pollutants: CBODU, nutrient parameters, total zinc, lead,
and copper. You are encouraged to build your own locally applicable default data
sets. Initial default values are provided only to facilitate input file preparation.
Modification and testing of input files are required for application to specific water-
sheds. The CD(s) come with a file (DEFAULT.DEF) that contains default data for
different land uses and pollutants. This file can be modified or a new file can be
created using the default data editor in NPSM. To use NPSM, you need to load these
data from the DEFAULT.DEF file or a user-created file.
37
-------
BASINS Tutorial
NPSM Steps
1. In BASINS View make the Cataloging Unit Boundary theme active and select
a cataloging unit. Select the Cataloging Unit Boundary theme by clicking the
box next to the theme legend and make it active by clicking on the legend text.
2. Pull down the Models menu and select NPSM.
3. Type a name for the NPSM input file in the NPSM Input File window (Screen
5.6.1.1). Do not include a file
name extension. The catalog-
ing unit number appears as the
default file name. Click on OK
when you are ready to accept
a file name. NPSM adds
Enter NPSM project file name:
(Do not include file name extension.]
Screen 5.6.1.7
different extensions to name the various files that it uses or generates.
The next screen (Screen 5.6.1.2)
gives you'the option to view and/or
modify the default imperviousness
ratios. Select a land use type to
modify from the Imperviousness
Ratio Selection screen (Screen
Nonpoint Source Model (NPSM)
Do you want to view/modify the default percent
perviousness value associated with each land
use category ?
Nonpoint Source Model (NPSM)
To modify % perviousness, select land use
category and choose OK. Choose CANCEL
to accept. [Resize to view.]
502 pervious (01 Uiban or Built-up land
Screen 5.6.1.3
Screen 5.6.1.2
5.6.1.3) and enter a value in the
following screen (Screen 5.6.1.4).
Click on OK to accept new values.
You can repeat this procedure until
you are finished modifying all of
your desired land uses. After you
finish, click on Cancel in the Imper-
viousness Ratio Selection screen.
5. You are now in the NPSM
model (Screen 5.6.1.5). A series of
Screen 5.6. J.4 buttons appears immediately below
the menu bar. If you move the cursor on top of any of these buttons, a brief
description of the button function appears at the bottom left corner of the
screen (status bar). The first three buttons from the left open a new file, open
an existing file, and save the current project file, respectively. Other buttons
and their functions are described below.
Urban or Built-up land
Enter new percent perviousness:
38
-------
BASINS Version 1.0
Project Functions Default Help
Screen 5.6.1.5
Specify Simulation Time Period
Click on this button to specify the meteorological data file (WDM file)
and the simulation period. The button will open the Simulation Time
screen (Screen 5.6.1.6). When you type or browse for the name of the
WDM file, you will see the time span of the WDM file. You can specify
any time period as long as it falls within the time span in the WDM file.
Longer time periods (e.g., 5 years) will extend the time required for
HSPF to run and for TOXIROUTE and QUAL2E to integrate.
Simulation Time
Screen 5.6.1.6
39
-------
BASINS Tutorial
Edit Land Use Areas
Use this button to enter/edit land use distributions. The Land Use Distri-
bution screen (Screen 5.6.1.7) shows the data automatically generated
from the GIS part of BASINS. You may skip this button if you do not
want to view or modify land use areas. You can edit the data on this
screen for the areas associated with each land use.
• U
fcJLJ
3, ,
<*<* .1
ftJU
* *£%3WS*i&t».C',^
Pervlous1-URB
Peivious2-AGR
Peivious3-FOR
Peiviaus4-BAR
Impcrvlousl-URB
**•>*?"'"•*'•> *™"^'£ $*• •*•* " * '
^IfS^plt %
59,300.00 «
353,000.00 i::
434.000.00 ^
18,700.00 ^
59,300.00 ;
l:
i
*
~$SF«'f^ '•-<'$£ S
Screen 5.6.1.7
Assign Land Units to Meteorological Stations
This button opens the Meteorological Data Assignment screen (Screen
5.6.1.8). All of the meteorological stations in the selected WDM file
appear in the Station drop-down list. Select a meteorological station from
this list and specify those land units which you want to associate with this
station. Double-click on an unassigned land unit to assign it to the
selected meteorological station or double-click on a selected land unit to
cancel its assignment. Assignment of all land uses to one or more
weather stations is required to run NPSM. The ability to assign the
stations via GIS is currently not available.
Screen 5.6.1.8
40
-------
BASINS Version 1.0
Select Control Cards
Click this button to edit the NPSM Control Cards (Screen 5.6.1.9). You
will be given the option to edit either Pervious Land (Screen 5.6.1.10) or
Impervious Land (Screen 5.6.1.11). In these screens you may select a
combination of different activities to simulate. Some of the activities are
turned on by default when you run NPSM from BASINS View. Only the
items marked on screens 5.6.1.10 and 5.6.1.11 are currently fully
supported by NPSM. Therefore, you may skip this button if you wish. If
you turn on additional activities in the Pervious Land Activity or in the
Impervious Land Activity screen, you will also need to provide addi-
tional data to support these options.
NPSM Control Cards
Screen 5.6.1.9
Pervious Land Activity
Screen 5.6. J. 10
41
-------
BASINS Tutorial
Land Activity
Screen 5.6.1.11
fH
"Ca
Select Pollutants
This button opens the Pollutant Selection Screen (Screen 5.6.1.12).
Default data are available for the seven conventional pollutants (CBOD,
organic nitrogen, nitrite nitrogen, ammonia nitrogen, nitrate nitrogen,
organic phosphorus, and dissolved phosphorus) and three metals (zinc,
copper, and lead). If you choose to model other pollutants, you will have
to provide additional data. The maximum number of pollutants that can
be simulated at once is seven. Dissolved oxygen does not appear on this
screen since it is always simulated.
i. Pollutant Selection Screen
ZINC SLUDGE TOTAL
ZINC TOTAL RECOVERABLE
ZINC, DISSOLVED (AS ZN)
ZIHC, POTENTIALLY DISSQI
amiiiiiriii'ij^'uyjj'inm
ZIRCONIUM.TOTAL
Screen 5.6.1.12
42
-------
BASINS Version 1.0
Assign Default Data to Land Units and Pollutants
Click on this button to open the Default Data Assignment screen (Screen
5.6.1.13). First, specify the default data file by browsing or entering its
name. You can load all the default data at once by clicking on Load All.
Alternatively, you can assign available data for one land use type or a
pollutant to any one of the land units or pollutants selected. You must
assign data to all actual land units and pollutants if you do not use the
Load All command. Select either the Pervious Land or Impervious Land
radio button (found in the upper left portion of the Default Data Assign-
ment screen) to view or assign land units of a particular type. To check
or manually assign default data for pollutants, click on Pollutant Assign-
ment. If you selected a pollutant other than the 10 pollutants for which
default data are available, you will need to manually assign data for that
pollutant.
Default Data Assignment
D:\BASINS\MODELS\NPSM\
*Xjf£
^griculture — Pervious
IjRangeland --Pervious
:oreit -Pervious
il/ater — Pervious
Wetland -Pervious
3arren Land —Pervious
Tundra —Pefvious
ervious2-AGR
ervious3-FOR
erviau*4-BAR
Pervjousl-URB
Perviout2-AGR
PerviousS-FOH
Pervious4-BAR
Screen 5.6.J.I3
Edit Data
This button leads you to the Input Data Editor screen (Screen 5.6.1.14).
This screen displays a nested list of the various data items that can be
edited. A "+" indicates that the item is expandable and more options are
hidden under it. Double-click on an expandable item to reveal these
options. A "-" indicates that the item is already fully expanded. Double-
click on an expanded item to hide the options under it. Items marked
"[N/A]" do not apply to the current simulation due to selections made in
the control cards. A leaf-level item is called a data item, for example,
QUAL-PROPS under IMPLAND on Screen 5.6.1.14.
43
-------
BASINS Tutorial
Input Data Ediipr
i*PERiNO
PIS
>
* |NMj Snow S«etw» •£*£ "~ ~ ~ ^jj
*IWAtE8 "" , , ~S?~~> - ;~
/AJ SBU8S > ^™C,< - --. :-~ ,-> , " H -"
"" "
Morrthtj. Input
jlmpetvious land simulaHpn~
11!,, .
Screen 5.6.1.14
Double-clicking a data item will display its editor window. You can double-click
QUAL-PROPS to further explore the Simulation and Input Options screen (Screen
5.6.1.15). Here you specify which components of the model you want to include in
the simulation for a land unit and a pollutant. You can select different land units and
pollutants from the drop-down lists. You can assign the settings to all water quality
constituents for one land unit by clicking on Assign to all constituents. You can
assign the same settings to all land units for all constituents by clicking on Assign to
all land units. The necessary options will already be established if you are using
default data. Therefore, you may skip this step unless you want to change some of
the default settings. If you change some values or options using the Input Data
Editor, the new values or options are saved under the current project only. The
DEFAULT.DEF file or any other file you have used instead remains unchanged. To
make a permanent change in the DEFAULT.DEF file, follow the steps provided
below under "How to Create a Default Data File."
Run Model
Run the model when input file preparation is complete. The model run is
performed by executing a DOS-based program (HSPF vlO).
View Output
You will be prompted to view the model output after each successful run.
You may also use this button to view model output anytime after you run
the model.
44
-------
BASINS Version 1.0
Screen 5.6.1.15
How to Create a Default Data Fife:
1 . If there is a project currently open, select Close from the Project menu.
2. Choose Open under the Default menu. Open the DEFAULT.DEF file. Click
Save As (under the Project menu) to save this file with a new name and the
DBF extension.
3. Modify the file using active buttons. For example, if you add a pollutant to the
list of selected pollutants using the pollutant selection button, you will have to
enter all the data for the pollutant using the input data editor button. Double-
click on each item under PERLND/PQUAL and IMPLND/IQUAL, select the
new pollutant from the list, and select/enter the corresponding information.
You can assign this information to the selected land use or to all land uses.
4. Save the file and close it. You may use this file instead of the DEFAULT.DEF
file in future NPSM simulations.
5.6.2 TOXI ROUTE
TOXIROUTE provides a modeling tool for performing simple assessments of
pollutant concentrations in rivers. TOXIROUTE uses a simple first-order decay
solution to simulate the transport of selected pollutants in streams and rivers. This
simplification provides an initial approach for examining concentrations of
45
-------
BASINS Tutorial
discharged pollutants in receiving waters. TOXIROUTE does not explicitly consider
nutrient or chemical reactions or transformations. In cases where algal growth or
other significant chemical processes are a concern, this simplified model might be
inappropriate. The TOXIROUTE model assumes steady state conditions, where the
system has reached equilibrium. The methodology may have limitations in cases
where wet-weather processes, such as nonpoint source runoff, predominate. Future
enhancements to TOXIROUTE will include expansion of the chemical simulation
capabilities and the use of daily time steps.
When you apply the TOXIROUTE model within BASINS, the model receives point
source discharge and reach data from BASINS View. You may also choose to
include nonpoint source information generated by the NPSM model. If you want to
include NFS flow and load, you need to run the NPSM model for the particular
pollutant and the desired cataloging unit before a TOXIROUTE ran. The NFS flow
and load are automatically distributed by BASINS across the simulated reaches.
TOXIROUTE Steps
1. In BASINS View make Cataloging Unit Boundary the active theme and select
a cataloging unit.
2. Pull down the Models menu and select TOXIROUTE.
3.
4.
Select the year of point source data you want to model.
You will be prompted to select a pollutant from a list of pollutants (Screen
5.6.2.1). If available, BASINS View generates the point source data for the
selected cataloging unit. TOXIROUTE automatically loads the information
provided by BASINS View.
TOXIROUTE
Select discharge parameter:
^Dischargers, TotLoad(lbs/yr), Farm.
(Resize window to view list.]
J147.9 CBODU (20 deg CL calculatedEi
00 00000.0 CARBON, TOT
00 00000.0 CARBON, TOTAL (AS
00 00000.0 CARBON, TOTAL IN(**
00 00000.0 CARBONATE ION- U
15 595147.9 CBQDU [20 deg C),
00 00000.0 CHLQRDANE
5.
Screen 5.6.2. J
To help you select a pollutant, the two numbers before the pollutant name
indicate the total number of facilities in the cataloging unit and the total esti-
mated load of all discharges combined in pounds per year, respectively.
The first screen of TOXIROUTE (Screen 5.6.2.2) allows you to select pollut-
ant-specific parameters for simulation. There are six buttons immediately
below the menu bar of each screen. If you place the cursor on any of these
46
-------
BASINS Version 1.0
TOXIROUtE [ d:\basins\modelout\rf1 file.txr ]
File Tools Help
CBODU (20 deg C), calculated
Screen 5.6.2.2
buttons, you will see a brief description of the button in the status bar at the
bottom left corner of the screen. The buttons are, from left to right, open a new
project file (TXR file), open an existing project file, save the project file, go to
the previous screen, go to the next screen, and run the model.
For the selected pollutant, enter the background concentration, parent molecu-
lar weight, child molecular weight, and half life. Background concentration
refers to the concentration observed at the upstream end of simulated reaches.
Available monitoring data are typically used to estimate the background
concentration. The Parent Molecular Weight and Child Molecular Weight are
not significant if there is no chemical of interest (child chemical) produced
during the decay of the selected pollutant (parent chemical) (USEPA, 1985).
Check the Include NFS Flow box to model the potential effect of nonpoint
source flow and load on instream pollutant concentrations. The NFS Flow and
Load screen will appear as the second screen only if you check this box on the
first screen. The stream flow selection box lets you select 7-day 10-year low
flow (7Q10) or mean flow. The 7Q10 is representative of dry summer condi-
tions based on a statistical analysis of flow data. If you choose to use 7Q10
stream flow, the nonpoint source flow is added to the 7Q10 flow. If mean flow
is chosen in the Stream Flow selection box, nonpoint source flow is not incor-
porated. Nonpoint source loads are included in either case. Click on the right
arrow button.
47
-------
BASINS Tutorial
NOTE: The point source data in BASINS are currently available only for 1991,1992, and 1993, whereas
the weather data used in the NPSM simulation (.M/DMfile) usually range from 1963 to 1983. When
combining point source and nonpoint source flow and load data, therefore, you are implicitly
assuming that weather conditions from 1991 to 1993 were similar to those from 1963 to 1983.
(Alternatively, when running the model for the earlier time period, you are assuming that point
source discharges from 1963 to 1983 were similar to discharges occurring from 1991 to 1993.)
6.
7.
The NFS Flow and Load screen (Screen 5.6.2.3) is divided into two parts. The
top part of the screen displays parameters selected for TOXIROUTE simulation
from NPSM simulation, and the bottom part (the NPSM Output Summary)
shows the summary of NPSM output. First browse or type the NPSM output
file name (.TAL). After you select the NPSM output file, you will be asked to
choose a pollutant from a list. These are the pollutants simulated by NPSM and
written to the selected NPSM output file. Select the pollutant you are modeling
in TOXIROUTE. All the information is automatically loaded in this screen. You
may change the NFS Flow and Load Type. Selections are available for NPS
flow on an annual basis or on a monthly basis. This allows you to examine
average conditions or analyze selected months under different flow conditions.
If you select the mean flow of a particular month, make sure that the month
lies within the NPSM simulation time range. The start and end time of NPSM
simulation are provided in the NPSM Output Summary. Click, on the right
arrow button to move to the next screen.
OKuf!l3:baSmsVmotlelout\rf1(ile.lxr]
NPS Floy/ and Load
Filename
Selected Poltefemt
NPS Flow *ed L»«tcl typo
NPS Row
NPS Load
NPSM Output Summary
Simutatftm Start
Simutatian EnsJ
05020005
Jan 1.1900 01:00
Dec 31,1980 24:00
CBODU (20 deg CJ
ORGANIC NITROGEN
AMMONIA NITROGEN
NITRITE NITROGEN
NITRATE NITROGEN
ORPH
Jv'
Screen 5.6.2.3
In the Reach List screen (Screen 5.6.2.4) you can view information about all of
the reaches in the cataloging unit, including their lengths, stream flows, NPS
flows, and NPS loads. Use the horizontal and vertical scroll bars to view other
parts of the screen. You cannot currently edit any data on this screen. Click on
the right arrow button to move to the next screen.
48
-------
BASINS Version 1.0
8.
TOXIROUTE i [d:\basins\modelout\rf1file.txr]
File Tools Help
Reach List
='105020005001IMONONGAHELA R
05020005002 MONONGAHELA R
MONONGAHELA R
05020005007 PIKE RUN
05020005000 IMONONGAHELA R j
05020005009 MONONGAHELA R
Screen 5.6.2.4
In the Discharger List screen (Screen 5.6.2.5) you can view/edit point source
loading information. All of the facilities (or dischargers) in the cataloging unit
are listed regardless of their discharge of the particular pollutant. You can edit
the load limits from a facility by clicking on the cell and typing a number. If a
discharger is located at the most downstream point of a reach (i.e., the distance
of the discharger location from the endpoint of the reach is 0.0), TOXIROUTE
assigns the lesser of 1 meter or 1 percent of the reach length as the distance
from the bottom of the reach.
PITTSBURGH X-RAY CHEMICAL SERV
MARK HAVEN SEWAGE TREATMENT PL
DANIEL G. SHUSS
05020005001
05020005001
ODORISIO ERNEST C.
PLUM BORO MUN SEWAUTH
UNIVERSAL RESEARCH CENTER
PENN HILLS TOWNSHIP-GASCOLA ST
LEWIS RICHARD L.
SVILAR GEORGE JR. & KATHRYN M
NATIONAL STEEL CORP
05020005001
05020005001
05020005001
LEYBOLD-HERAEUS VACUUM PRODUCT
BOWMAN ELLA ESTATE OF
FRANKLIN TOWNSHIP SEWAGE TREAT
Screen 5.6.2.5
49
-------
BASINS Tutorial
You can also add or delete a facility by clicking the right mouse button once.
When you click the right mouse button, a pop-up menu appears with two
options—Add Discharger and Remove Discharger. If you choose to add a
discharger, a blank line will appear at the bottom of the table. By default the
model will assign a value of 0.0 to the distance and load columns and will
specify the type as Discharger. You can edit the load and distance. After you
enter data in any column for the new discharger, press Enter/Return to accept.
BASINS will then automatically activate the next cell to the right. If you want
to delete a facility, make any cell in the row of the facility active (click left
mouse button on the cell) before you click the rightmouse button and then
select Remove Discharger from the pop-up box. This is the last screen for
TOXIROUTE input. You can run the model by clicking on Run.
9. The Output screen (Screen 5.6.2.6) lists concentrations on a reach basis. The
Average Concentration column lists average concentrations of the pollutant in
reaches, whereas the Final Concentration column lists the concentrations of the
pollutant at the end of the reaches. The average concentration of a reach is the
mean value integrated for the total length of the reach. The final concentration
is the concentration at the downstream end of the reach. It should be noted
that when one discharge or several discharges are located at the extreme end
of a stream reach, the resulting final concentration of this reach is usually
significantly higher than the average concentration due in large part to the
location of the discharges. The Child Concentration column shows the final
concentrations of the chemical produced during the decay of the parent chemi-
cal. Use the scroll bars to view the hidden parts of the screen. You need not
save the output file. Each time you run the model it generates an output file
with the project name as the file name and OUT as the filename extension. You
Output Screen
r
£05020005001
1 05020005002 1
05020005003,,
[_05020005004j
[oSOJOOO^OSj
j_050a0oo5o0s ;
, OS02000500fj
t 8502000500$ J
0502000500$ '
05020005010J
05020005011 j
J 05020005012J
f 0502000501 3'
±LL____
Itwseh NaiiiB
MONONGAHELA R
MONONGAHELA R
MINGO CR
MONONGAHELA R
PIGEONCR
MONONGAHELA R
PIKEIRUN
MONON^AHJELARJ
MONONGAHELA R
TENMILE CR
TENMILE CR
DANIELS RUN
TENMILE CR
3*»«e
isngfh im\
27841.658
24301.096
15449.703
4667.098
24622.963
33313.422
16576.244
r_~_,
17863.719
5310.835
9173.261
12874.752
17702.783
*,..,.*!:*:
.^^feM^^
131.307
116.933
2.888
104.867
4.602
95.976
2.629
86.526
82.492
28.728
18.977
2.042
7.479
<- ,-, °* '-¥*.
Sr,nsr:Zs,r ~~"^
J^^^^S
324.232
295.565
5406.744
219.544
5406.721
390.604
6370.874
183.427
308.701
187.428
844.521
6370.888
2391.797
VAvf-, - * ~: ''*"&
sirl^JP^
i
i
-jj
12
«fc^i^0f
±
^
-t
ll
'$
r
K
^
A?
*?
^
—!•
f2
Screen 5.6.2.6
50
-------
BASINS Version 1.0
can save the output under any name by selecting Save Output under the File
menu. You can view the output by selecting Visualize under the Models menu
in BASINS View. Refer to Section 5.6.4 for further details.
5.6.3
QUAL2E
Geographic selection in QUAL2E simulation is different from that in the NPSM
model and TOXIROUTE simulations because individual reaches in a cataloging unit
are selected instead of a whole cataloging unit. BASINS first checks the data pertain-
ing to the selected reaches to find out whether the selected reach network is accept-
able for simulation with QUAL2E. In general, remember the following three points
when you select reaches:
(1) Select connected reaches so that they build only one network.
(2) Do not select too many reaches.
(3) Reach lengths should not be significantly different.
Nonpoint source flow and loads can be included by selecting an NPSM output file.
A QUAL2E simulation includes point source and reach data from BASINS View, as
well as nonpoint source data from the output of a previous NPSM run. Some of the
BASINS data are tailored, with as few changes as possible, to allow the input file to
fulfill QUAL2E requirements. For example, to run QUAL2E all the reaches in a
selected network must be divided into smaller computational elements of equal
length such that each reach has an integer number of computational elements. In
natural systems it is not always possible to find streams that will meet this require-
ment without adjustment. Therefore, reach lengths in QUAL2E might appear slightly
different from what you will find in BASINS View.
Another modification can be found when a discharger is located at the most up-
stream or most downstream computational element of the reach. In these cases, the
discharger location is shifted one computational element inside the reach because
QUAL2E does not allow these two elements to receive point source discharges. In
addition, only one discharger can be specified per computational element, forcing
BASINS to total all the dischargers in a computational element while preparing a
QUAL2E input file. Therefore, you might see "5 disch" (i.e., five dischargers
together) or "3 disch" instead of a discharger name in the Point Loads and With-
drawals screen in QUAL2E. When some of the necessary information is not avail-
able in BASINS View, a reasonable value is assigned to fill the blank. (For example,
the temperature of point source discharges is assumed to be 25 °C.) Some addi-
tional information is stored in DEFAULT.Q2E, which can be viewed and modified
using any text editor. These data are also used to prepare an input file. In a QUAL2E
simulation, if you select a reach that has an upstream reach not included in the
current simulation, BASINS assumes that the selected reach is a headwater reach
while preparing the input file for QUAL2E. If you want to carry over the effect of
upstream discharges, you might have to model upstream reaches separately, record
the output flow and concentrations, and type these numbers in the Headwater
Source Data screen in QUAL2E. Refer to QUAL2E Windows Interface User's
51
-------
BASINS Tutorial
Manual (USEPA, 1995) and The Enhanced Stream Water Quality Models QUAL2E
and QUAL2E-UNCAS: Documentation and User Manual (Brown and Barnwell,
1987) for further details. Hydraulic structures/dams are not retrieved by the GIS to
support the configuration of the stream system selected for simulation.
QUAL2E Steps
1. In BASINS View click on the check box next to the Reach File theme and
make it active by clicking on the theme legend text.
2.
3.
4.
Pull down the Models menu and select QUAL2E.
Select the year of point source data you want to model.
You will be informed that BASINS generates default input data for CBOD,
dissolved oxygen, fecal coliform, nitrogenous species, and organic and dis-
solved phosphorus (Screen 5.6.3.1). All of these substances are automatically
selected so that any point source or nonpoint source (if you choose to include
NFS) data are automatically processed and included in the QUAL2E simulation.
Default Parameters
CBOD. nitrogen cycle and phosphorus cycle are
selected by default. Select conservative and
non-conservative constituents in subsequent screens.
Screen 5.6.3. J
You will be prompted to select up to three conservative substances and one
nonconservative substance. The numbers in front of the substance name
indicate the number of discharges in the selected reaches, and the total number
of pounds discharged
per year. After you
select one conserva-
tive substance in
Screen 5.6.3.2, click
on OK. You will then
be prompted to select
Select 1st conservative constituent:
*DIschargers, TotLoad(lbs/yr), Farm.
[Resize window to view list.)
02 61213,1 CHLORINE. TOTAL RESIDUAL
00 00000.0 CHLORINE USAGE
00 00000.0 CHLORINE, ADDITION RATE
00 00000.0 CHLORINE. FREE AVAILABLE
02 G1213.1 CHLORINE. TOTAL RESIDUAL
00 00000.0 CHLORINE.FREE RESIDUAUTOTAUEFFLUENT
00 00000.0 CHLOROBENZENE
00 00000.0 CHLOROBENZOIC ACID IN WATER UG/L
00 00000.0 CHLORODIBROMOMETHANE
00 00000.0 CHLORODIFLUORO-METHANE
a second conservative
pollutant. If you do
not want to select any
more pollutants, click on Cancel.
You will then be asked to select a
nonconservative substance.
Screen 5.6.3.2
52
-------
BASINS Version 1.0
The next screen will ask whether you want to include nonpoint source data
(Screen 5.6.3.3). In QUAL2E nonpoint source flow and loads are handled as
incremental flow and loads. You must have run NPSM for the cataloging unit
to be able to include
nonpoint source data in
your current QUAL2E
simulation. If you choose
Yes, BASINS will prompt
you to select a file, as
shown in Screen 5.6.3.4.
Do you want to include output data from a
previous Nonpoint Source Model (NPSM] run
within this QUAL2E run?
Select a file that has the Screen 5.6.3.3
same name as the project
name of the NPSM simulation for this watershed, but with an IDX extension.
From the drop-down list in Screen 5.6.3.5, select how you want the NFS
output to be processed for QUAL2E input. If you choose Mean Flow, the mean
flow, mean dissolved oxygen concentration, and mean concentrations of all
the pollutants (common to both NSPM and QUAL2E simulations) will be
calculated for the entire simulation period. If you choose any monthly mean,
which you can do only if the selected month lies within the NPSM simulation
period, the program will calculate and use the mean flow and concentrations
for the particular month as nonpoint source flow and concentrations.
NOTE: The point source data in BASINS are currently available only for 1991,1992, and 1993, whereas
the weather data used in the NPSM simulation usually range from 1963 to 1983. When combining
point source and nonpoint source flow and load data, therefore, you are implicitly assuming that
weather conditions from 1991 to 1993 were similar to those from 1963 to 1983.
File Name:
tutorial, idx
Select NPSM output file:
Directories:
d:\basins\modelout
List Files of Type:
Drives:
[NPSM Output t'.idxl
d:
Screen 5.6.3.4
Process NPSM Output for QUAL2E
Screen 5.6.3.5
53
-------
BASINS Tutorial
7.
Finally, you will be notified how to load the input file (QUALESfP.RUN) in
QUAL2E (Screen 5.6.3.6).
Important Notice
BASINS has created a QUAL2E "RUN" file located in
'd:\basins\models\qual2e\, qualinp.run'
After this message QUAL2E will be invoked. Choose
the "RUN file" option from the "Import" menu to load
the BASINS' generated RUN file.
Screen 5.6.3.6
You are now in the QUAL2E graphical user interface (Screen 5.6.3.7). Choose
RUN file from the Import menu and select QUALINP.RUN to load the input you
have just created. You can use the Next and Back buttons to move from screen
to screen. You can modify the data on any of these screens. Click on Run to
run the model.
file Edit Taol Utilities Import Help
Description of this run Tutorial Example
'Simulation Type—
® Steady state
O Dynamic
[-Units
O U.S. units
<•> Metric
D Uncertainty Analysis
D Flow Augmentation
D Trapezoidal channels
Maximum Iterations
Time sfejs [hours]
Starting day of simulation
Time teem&Rtfor ffl*fZ fhourej
"Stream System
Number of reaches
Screen 5.6.3.7
54
-------
BASINS Version 1.0
9. You can view the output file after the model has run or you can view the
output in BASINS View by selecting Visualize from the Models menu. Refer to
Section 5.6.4 for more information on the Visualize feature. For more informa-
tion on using QUAL2E and the Windows interface to QUAL2E, see the refer-
ences (Brown and Barnwell, 1987; USEPA, 1995). In addition, the QUAL2E
Windows Interface user's manual is included, in Word Perfect 5.1 format, in
your BASINS installation under \BASINS\MODELS\QUAL2E\USERMANL.
5.6.4
Visualization
Visualization is a tool included in BASINS to allow you to view the model results in
the BASINS View environment. In this way the model results can be interpreted
spatially. Using this approach, you can concurrently view other relevant data, such
as land use, point source locations, and gaging stations. Currently, BASINS supports
visualization of the TOXIROUTE and QUAL2E simulation results. NPSM output
cannot be viewed in BASINS.
5.6.4.1 Visualize TOXIROUTE Output
TOXIROUTE simulates one pollutant for all reaches in a cataloging unit during each
application. The model output contains four elements: average concentration, final
concentration, child concentration, and stream flow. In BASINS View, you can
choose one of the four elements to visualize.
Steps
1. In BASINS View pull down the Models menu and select Visualize.
2. Choose TOXIROUTE output file in the output file type selection dialog box
(Screen 5.6.4.1.1).
Model Visualization
Select output file type to visualize:
TOXIROUTE output hie
TOXIROUTE output file
QUAL2E output file
Screen 5.6.4.1.1
55
-------
BASINS Tutorial
3. Specify the TOXIROUTE output file name in the file selection dialog box
(Screen 5.6.4.1.2). The TOXIROUTE output files are located'in the \BASINS\
MODELOUT directory. An output file has the same name as the TOXIROUTE
project name, but it has an OUT extension. When a file is created in the
TOXIROUTE output screen, you have the option to choose any name for an
output file by selecting the Save Output option under the File menu. The
default project name is TXRPROJ, and therefore the default output file name is
TXRPROJ.OUT. After you have selected the output file name, click on OK.
Select TOXIROUTE file to visualize:
File Name:
List Files of Type:
Directories:
d: \basins\modelout
Drives:
TOXIROUTE output f'.ou
d:
Screen 5.6.4.1.2
Select the output element you want
to visualize in the dialog box, as
shown in Screen 5.6.4.1.3. Note
that the name of the pollutant (e.g.,
CBODU (20 deg C), calculated)
appears in the text in the dialog
box.
The next dialog box (Screen
5.6.4.1.4) asks you whether you
want to use previously saved
ranges to group results for visual
©Do you want to use an existing classification
scheme?
Model Visualization
Select TOXIROUTE output field to
visualize for CBODU (20 deg C],
calculated:
Average Concentration
Stream Flow
Average Concentration
Final Concentration
Child Final Concentration
Screen 5.6.4.7.4.
Screen 5.6.4.1.3
display. If you want to use an
existing scheme, click on Yes. You
will be prompted to specify the
name of the scheme. If you have
not previously selected a scheme or
you want to develop a new scheme,
click on No.
56
-------
BASINS Version 1.0
6.
7.
From the classification
scheme definition box
(Screen 5.6.4.1.5), you can
select default settings of
classes, modify default
classes, or edit previous
settings of the saved schemes.
The next dialog box (Screen
5.6.4.1.6) gives you the option
to save the current settings of
the classification scheme for
future use. If you do not want
to save them, click on No.
Otherwise, click on Yes and
you will be prompted to
provide a name for the scheme.
Model Visualization
Define classification scheme:
Number of clasxet (2-10) IB
Quanlile/lnteival I Quantile
RampColort/RandomColon I RampColoit
Screen 5.6.4.7.5
Model Visualization
Do you want to save the current classification
scheme?
Screen 5.6.4.1.6
8.
Screen 5.6.4.1.7 displays the results. One of the two windows has the banner
TOXIROUTE: F=filename, output element name (e.g., Average Concentration).
Notice that the new active theme includes the pollutant name and the legends
for the classification scheme. You can double-click with the left mouse button
on the window banner for a full screen view.
File Edit View Iheme graphics Target Assess Model Window tielp
KjIz^^J^^^
Screen 5.6.4.1.7
57
-------
BASINS Tutorial
5.6.4.2 Visualize QUAL2E Output
QUAL2E output can include temperature, dissolved oxygen, BOD, algae, nutrients,
fecal coliform, and up to three conservative substances and one nonconservative
substance. The output file also includes the values of a large number of intermediate
variables (or components), which are calculated during the simulation. You might
often find it very useful to visualize these variables (e.g., the components of dis-
solved oxygen balance). Therefore, the pollutant selection dialog box shows a long
list of items from which you can choose. QUAL2E output visualization displays
only the reaches that were included in the simulation.
NOTE: The Windows interface to QUAL2E can graph model results, but cannot map them.
Steps
1. In BASINS View pull down the Models menu and select Visualize.
2.
Select output file type to visualize:
Screen 5.6.4.2.7
Choose QUAL2E output file in the
output file type selection dialog box
(Screen 5.6.4.2.1).
Specify the QUAL2E output file
name in the file selection dialog
box (Screen 5.6.4.2.2). The
QUAL2E output files are located in
the \BASINS\MODELS\QUAL2E
directory. There are two QUAL2E
output files. Both have the same
name as the QUAL2E input file (e.g., QAL2E002.INP), but each has a differ-
ent extension. The summary output file has an OUTextension, which is dis-
played after each simulation run within the QUAL2E interface. The other
output file has a DOU
extension (e.g.,
QAL2E002.DOU), and it
is used in the QUAL2E
output visualization
process. Therefore, in the
file selection dialog box
you will prompted to
choose only the DOU file.
Click on OK after you
have selected the output
Directories:
d:\batint\modelj\qual2e
Screen 5.6.4.2.2
file name.
58
-------
BASINS Version 1.0
4. Select the output element you want to visualize in the dialog box, as shown in
Screen 5.6.4.2.3.
Select QUAL2E output parameter to visualize:
(Resize window to view list.)
Ammonia Nitrogen
Arbitrarv Nonconservative Substance
Chlorophyll a
Collform
Conservative Mineral 1
Dissolved Oxygen
Dissolved Phosphorus
Flow
Nitrate Nitrogen
Nitrite Nitrogen
nfi* hlitrnn^n
Screen 5.6.4.2.3
The next dialog box (Screen
5.6.4.2.4) asks whether you want
to use previously saved ranges to
group results for visual display. If
you want to use an existing
scheme, click on Yes and you will
be asked to specify the name of the
scheme. Click on No if you do not
have any.
Model Visunli?.ilior
Do you want to use an existing classification
scheme?
Screen 5.6.4.2.4
From the classification
scheme definition box
(Screen 5.6.4.2.5), you
can select default set-
tings of classes, modify
default classes, or edit
previous settings of the
saved schemes.
Model Visualization
Define classification scheme:
Number of classes (2-10) \m
Quantile/lnterval I Quantile
RampColois/RandomColors I RampColors
Screen 5.6.4.2.5
The next dialog box (Screen 5.6.4.2.6) gives you the option to save the current
settings of the classification scheme for future use. If you do not want to save
then, click on No. Otherwise,
click on Yes and you will be
prompted to provide a name for
the scheme.
Model Visualization
Do you want to save the current classification
scheme?
Screen 5.6.4.2.6
59
-------
BASINS Tutorial
8. Screen 5.6.4.2.7 displays the color-coded reaches that were included in the
QUAL2E simulation. One of the two windows has the banner QUAL2E:
F=filename, output element name (e.g., Biochemical Oxygen Demand). Notice
that the new active theme includes the selected output element name and the
legends for the classification scheme. You can double-click the left mouse
button on the window banner for a full screen view. You might want to check
the Reach File, VI theme to view other reaches in the cataloging unit. Other
themes can be viewed to examine related information with the model visual-
ization.
Elle Edit
Ihcme Graphics Target Assess Model Window Help
Screen 5.6.4.2.7
60
-------
BASINS Version 1.0
References
Bicknell, B.R., J.C. Imhoff, J. Kittle, A.S. Donigian, and R.C. Johansen. 1993.
Hydrological Simulation Program—HSPF. User's Manual for Release 10.0. EPA
600/3-84-066. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Environmental Research
Laboratory, Athens, GA.
Brown, L.C., and T.O. Barnwell, Jr. 1987. The Enhanced Stream Water Quality
Models QUAL2E and QUAL2E-UNCAS: Documentation and User Manual. EPA/
600/3-87/007. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, DC.
USEPA. 1985. Rates, Constants, and Kinetics Formulations in Surface Water
Quality Modeling. 2nd ed. EPA 600/3-85/040. U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency, Environmental Research Laboratory, Athens, GA.
USEPA. 1995. QUAL2E Windows Interface User's Guide. EPA/823/B/95/003.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Science and Technology,
Washington, DC.
61
-------
BASINS Tutorial
62
-------
BASINS Version 1.0
6 Updating and Adding New Data
BASINS combines a comprehensive set of environmental data products developed based
on nationally available information. These databases are suited for large-scale assess-
ments. However, when dealing with localized small-basin analysis, higher resolution data
may be necessary to effectively capture the site-specific feature variability. The BASINS
system is designed to provide a flexible GIS framework that allows users to easily cus-
tomize additional applications as well as integrate local environmental data to supplement
or supersede the national data products supplied with the program.
The data dictionary provided with the BASINS system is a key starting point for under-
standing data elements and associated attribute table for each layer. Three data enhance-
ment and update options are briefly described below.
Adding Data Layers
Users can add new layers into BASINS as long as the data meet the following
requirements:
Data Projection:
Data Format:
Albers Equal-Area
Single precision Arclnfo export coverage
The data can be imported using ArcView's import function and then can be built in
as a BASINS or Arc View layer using the Add Theme function. Once the coverage is
added, Arc View functions can be used to set the theme properties of color and
legend as appropriate.
Replacing Existing Data Layers
Geographically referenced data and corresponding attribute tables can be substituted for
an existing data set. The minimum requirements specified for adding data apply to all data
substitution as well. Furthermore, substitutions of data layers or attributes that will
function with existing analytical tools require full consistency with the original structure
and content of all data elements. However, modification of the BASINS system scripts
can be performed to accommodate coverages with a different data structure.
The data dictionary included on the BASINS CD can be used to define the data elements
and the structure of existing databases. A detailed description of the BASINS system
scripts and a program flow chart are under development and will be available with the
next release.
Editing and Updating Existing Data
Geographically referenced data and corresponding attribute data can be edited
through the use of ArcView's built-in theme editing functions. These standard point-
and-click editing functions allow the user to update selected locational features as
well as revise incorrectly georeferenced data. Attribute tables can be modified using
63
-------
Updating and Adding New Data
the ArcView data editing capabilities. Additional records can also be added to
update either the coverages or the tables (e.g., monitoring stations, industrial facili-
ties, stream reaches, new water quality data summaries). The ArcView on-line help
utilities contain detailed descriptions of editing procedures. Knowledge of the
structure and content of BASINS data layers and attribute tables is necessary to
manipulate the data records when editing or updating a given database.
64
-------
BASINS Version 1.0
7 User Assistance and Technical Support
BASINS was developed to promote better assessment and integration of point and
nonpoint sources in watershed and water quality management. It integrates several key
environmental data sets with improved analysis techniques. Several types of environmen-
tal programs can benefit from the use and application of such as integrated system in
various stages of environmental management planning and decision making.
EPA's Office of Science and Technology (OST) is providing assistance and technical
support to users of the BASINS system to facilitate its effective application. Technical
support can be obtained as described below:
1. OST's Internet Home Page: BASINS users are encouraged to access OST's home
page for information on new updates, answers to the most frequently asked ques-
tions, user tips, and additional documentation. As more real-world applications
become available, references to case studies will also be posted.
EPA OST's Internet home page address: http://www.epa.gov/ow/ost
2. Telephone assistance: Personnel in EPA's Office of Science and Technology are
available to assist potential users with technical questions regarding system installa-
tion, applications, and data products. Inquiries on the BASINS system can be
directed to:
Jerry LaVeck, tel. (202) 260-7771, email laveck.jerry@epamail.epa.gov
Facsimile (202) 260-9830
Marge Coombs, tel. (202) 260-9821, emailcoombs.marge@epamail.epa.gov
Facsimile (202) 260-9830
65
-------
-------
BASINS Version 1.0
Appendix A - Metadata
Appendix A presents lineage and data quality information for each BASINS data product. The following
categories were used to organize this information.
• Source Data - General Information
• Source Data - Development Procedures
• Enhancements to Source Data (for the Development of a BASINS Data Product)
• Accuracy and Quality Assurance of Source Data
• Accuracy and Quality Assurance of Enhanced Data (the BASINS Data Product)
The BASINS data are stored in a PC ARC/INFO coverage format within the DATA directory on the BASINS
CD(s). All coverages are projected into National Albers.
Bacteria Monitoring Stations & Data Summaries
Dam Locations
Drinking Water Supply (DWS) Sites
EPA Regions
Gage Sites
Hydrologic Unit Boundaries
Industrial Facilities Discharge (IFD) Sites
Land Use and Land Cover
Major Roads
National Sediment Inventory (NSI) Stations & Database
Permit Compliance System (PCS) Sites and Computed
Loadings
Populated Place Locations
Reach File, Version 1 (RF1)
State and County Boundaries
Superfund National Priority List Sites
Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) Sites, 1992 Release
1**. '*— 3&'
^f'i'i'i
A-3
A-4
A-6
A-7
A-9
A-10
A-ll
A-13
A-15
A-17
A-18
A-20
A-22
A-24
A-25
A-26
A-l
-------
Appendix A - Metadata
nil , i rim i • i iii- i , ^ .-..,,,
-BASINS Data Product , ^
Urbanized Areas
Water Quality Monitoring Stations & Data Summaries
Watershed Data Stations & Database (sample set)
Weather Station Sites
Page
A-28
A-29
A-31
A-32
A-2
-------
BASINS Version 1.0
C.-OI
en
CO
BACTERIA MONITORING STATIONS & DATA SUMMARIES
Data Category: Environmental Monitoring
BASINS Product
Description
Source Data-
General Information
Source Data-
Development Procedures
Enhancements to Source Data
Statistical summaries of water quality monitoring for 10 bacteria-
related parameters. Parameter-specific statistics computed by station
for 5 year intervals from 1970-1994.
1. Originating Agency/Organization: United States Environmental
Protection Agency
2. Data Product: Storage and Retrieval of U.S. Waters Parametric
Data (STORET)
3. References: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (1992).
"Office of Water Environmental and Program Information Systems
Compendium", Office of Water, U.S. EPA, Washington D.C.
4. Description: STORET is a repository of waterway parametric
data, including information on ambient, intensive survey, effluent,
and biological water quality
5. Geographic Extent: U.S. States and Territories
6. Scale: Not applicable
1. Data Source And Media: Station and monitoring data in STORET
is contributed by a number of organizations, including federal, state,
interstate agencies, universities, contractors, individuals, and water
laboratories. Data updates are performed weekly. Each provider of
data is responsible for the data it submits to STORET; STORET is a
user-owned system. Geographic coordinates for monitoring stations
obtained using USGS 1:24,000 - l:100,000-scale topographic map
(depending on map availability).
2. Spatial Data Acquisition Vehicle and/or Digitizing Device:
Interpolated manually.
3. Precision and/or Resolution of Instrumentation Used to Digitize
Map: Not applicable
1. Data Format Conversion History: The source data were obtained
by performing a retrieval using the STORET MEAN program.
Monitoring stations characterized as ambient stream, lake, reservoir,
canal, estuary, or ocean were selected. Summary statistics were
A-3
-------
Appendix A - Metadata
Accuracy and Quality
Assurance of Source Data
computed by the STORET program. Statistics included number of
observations, standard deviation, mean, 15th, 25th, 50th, 75th, and
85th percentiles.
2. Other Modifications: A BASINS bacteria station ID was assigned
to each station in order to facilitate links and joins within BASINS
between station data and the monitoring data summary tables.
3. Data Caveats and Comments: None.
1. Estimated Accuracy of Source Analog Data: Not Applicable
2. Estimated Accuracy of Digital Data: Unknown, but most likely
varies greatly due to variations in quality assurance practices of data
contributors/owners.
Accuracy and Quality
Assurance of Enhanced Data
3. Quality Assurance: Parametric data is screened for unreasonable
high and low values before being accepted as a STORET update.
1. Quality Assurance Data Procedures: Bacteria monitoring station
coordinates were screened for acceptance based on whether the
station was located within the USGS Hydrologic Cataloging Unit
boundaries associated with it's EPA region. Bacteria stations located
outside these boundaries were not included in this BASINS data
product.
DAM LOCATIONS
Data Category: Landscape Characteristic
BASINS Product
Description
Source Data-
General Information
Inventory of U.S. dams with associated impoundment
information.
1. Originating Agency/Organization: United States
Environmental Protection Agency
2. Data Product Name: Dam File
3. References: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (1992).
"Office of Water Environmental and Program Information Systems
Compendium", Office of Water, U.S. EPA, Washington D.C.
A-4
-------
BASINS Version 1.0
Source Data-
Development Procedures
Enhancements to Source Data
Accuracy and Quality
Assurance of Source Data
Accuracy and Quality
Assurance of Enhanced Data
4. Description: The Dam File is an inventory of United States dams
based on a 1980 census. The file contains information on 68,155
dams across the country.
5. Geographic Extent: U.S. States and Territories
6. Scale: Not Applicable
1. Data Source And Media: The Dam File data were obtained
from a 1980 census performed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers'
as part of the National Program of Inspection of Non-Federal Dams.
2. Spatial Data Acquisition Vehicle and/or Digitizing Device:
Unknown.
3. Precision and/or Resolution of Instrumentation Used to Digitize
Map: Unknown.
1. Data Format Conversion History: All records were retrieved
from the EPA Dam File. An ARC/INFO coverage was constructed
using twelve of the primary data fields. The resulting BASINS data
product includes all dams which had valid coordinate data.
2. Other Modifications: None.
3. Data Caveats and Comments: None.
1. Estimated Accuracy of Source Analog Data: Not Applicable.
2. Estimated Accuracy of Digital Data: Unknown.
3. Quality Assurance: Unknown.
1. Quality Assurance Data Procedures: Dams were screened
for acceptance based on whether the dam was located within the
USGS Hydrologic Cataloging Unit boundaries associated with its
EPA region. Dams located outside these boundaries were not
included in this BASINS data product.
A-5
-------
Appendix A - Metadata
DRINKING WATER SUPPLY (DWS) SITES
Data Category: Landscape Characteristics
BASINS Product
Description
Source Data-
General Information
Source Data-
Development Procedures
Enhancements to Source Data
Location of public water supplies and their sources of
surface water supply.
1. Originating Agency/Organization: United States Environmental
Protection Agency.
2. Data Product Name: Drinking Water Supply (DWS) File.
3. References: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (1992).
"Office of Water-Environmental and Program Information Systems
Compendium", Office of Water, U.S. EPA, Washington D.C.
4. Description: A database containing the locations of Public Water
Supplies, their intakes, and sources of surface water supplies across
the United states.
5. Geographic Extent: 50 U.S. States.
6. Scale: Not applicable.
1. Data Source And Media: Facility coordinates in the DWS file
were interpolated from U.S.G.S. topographic maps varying in scale
from 1:24,000 to 1:62,500 (depending on map availability).
Location determined via phone interviews with plant officials.
2. Spatial Acquisition Vehicle and/or Digitizing Device:
Interpolated manually
3. Precision and/or Resolution of Instrumentation Used to Digitize
Map: N/A.
1. Data Format Conversion History: The DWS data were retrieved
from the DWS file. State and county FIPS codes were filled in from
other fields where possible. The resulting ASCII file was converted
into ARC/INFO National Albers projection coverage for the U.S..
The coverage was then overlaid with county coverages (conterminous
U.S., Alaska, Hawaii) to assign accuracy codes based on the state-
county FIPS codes.
2. Other Modifications: An accuracy code was assigned based on a
comparison of state and county FIPS codes. A site with a code value
A-6
-------
BASINS Version 1.0
col
Accuracy and Quality
Assurance of Source Data
Accuracy and Quality
Assurance of Enhanced Data
of 1 is within the correct county. A value of 2 is outside the county
but inside the state. A value of 3 or 9 indicates coordinates outside
the state. A site with value of 4 was formerly assigned a value of 3
or 9 but was reassigned based on visual inspection to be on the
border of the correct county. Due to the amount of data, points with
an accuracy code value of 2 were not visually checked.
3. Data Caveats and Comments: None.
1. Estimated Accuracy of Source Analog Data: Not Applicable.
2. Estimated Accuracy of Digital Data: Unknown.
3. Quality Assurance: Unknown
1. Quality Assurance Data Procedures: The sites with accuracy
codes of 3 or 9 (outside correct state) were visually inspected to
determine if they were on the border of the county within which they
were associated. The facilities found to be on the border were given
an accuracy code of 4.
EPA REGIONS
Data Category: Base Geography
BASINS Product
Description
Source Data-
General Information
U.S. EPA region boundaries.
1. Originating Agency/Organization: United States Geological
Survey.
2. Data Product Name: U.S. Geological Survey Hydrography and
Transportation 1:2,000,000-scale Digital Line Graph Data for the 50
U.S. states.
3. References: United States GeoData( 1987). "Digital Line Graphs
from l:2,000,000-Scale Maps: Data Users Guide 3", Department of
the Interior, U.S. Geological Survey, National Mapping Division,
Reston, VA.
4. Description: U.S. EPA Region Boundaries in the conterminous
United States.
5. Geographic Extent: 50 U.S. States and U.S. Territories.
A-7
-------
Appendix A - Metadata
Source Data-
Development Procedures
Enhancements to Source Data
Accuracy and Quality
Assurance of Source Data
Accuracy and Quality
Assurance of Enhanced Data
6. Scale: 1:2,000,000
1. Data Source And Media: 1:2,000,000-scale reference maps from
The National Atlas of the United States of America.
2. Spatial Acquisition Vehicle and/or Digitizing Device: The data
were manually digitized.
3. Precision and/or Resolution of Instrumentation Used to Digitize
Map: The manual digitizing equipment had a resolution of .001
inches and an absolute accuracy of from .003 to .005 inches.
1. Data Format Conversion History: The U.S. EPA Region coverage
was dissolved from the 1:2M Scale State coverage based on the
states within each U.S. EPA Region.
2. Other Modifications: An appropriate Roman numeral coverage
was added to just one central polygon for each U.S. EPA Region for
display purposes.
3. Data Caveats and Comments: The boundaries stop at shorelines
(water extensions were not included in the coverage).
1. Estimated Accuracy of Source Analog Data: Compiled to meet
National Map Accuracy Standards where 90 percent of well-defined
feature are to be within .02 inches of true mapped position.
2. Estimated Accuracy of Digital Data: Positional error of less than
or equal to .003 inches or .076 mm RMSE relative to the source it
was digitized from.
3. Quality Assurance: Visual comparison of proof plots with the
original stable-base source material. These proof plots are generated
using automated drafting machines with a resolution of .001 inches
and an absolute accuracy of from .003 to .005 inches.
1. Quality Assurance Data Procedures: The data product was
checked for placement of regions and the accuracy of the dissolve
process.
A-8
-------
BASINS Version 1.0
GAGE SITES
Data Category: Environmental Monitoring
BASINS Product
Description
Source Data-
General Information
Source Data-
Development Procedures
Enhancements to Source Data
Inventory of surface water gaging station data including 7-Q-10 low
and monthly mean stream flow.
1. Originating Agency/Organization: United States Environmental
Protection Agency.
2. Data Product Name: Gage File.
3. References; U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (1992).
"Office of Water-Environmental and Program Information Systems
Compendium", Office of Water, U.S. EPA, Washington D.C.
4. Description: Inventory of surface water gaging station data used
for water quality studies, waste load allocations, distribution studies,
and advanced waste treatment assessments.
5. Geographic Extent: 50 U.S. States.
6. Scale: Not Applicable.
1. Data Source And Media: Gage station coordinates were
interpolated from U.S.G.S. topographic maps varying in scale from
1:24,000 to 1:100,000 (depending on map availability) by USGS
field personnel.
2. Spatial Acquisition Vehicle and/or Digitizing Device:
Interpolated manually.
3. Precision and/or Resolution of Instrumentation Used to Digitize
Map: Not applicable.
1. Data Format Conversion History: The gage data were retrieved
from the Gage file database. If necessary state and county FIPS
codes were filled in from other fields where possible. The resulting
ASCII file was converted into ARC/INFO National Albers projection
coverage for the U.S.. The coverage was then overlaid with county
coverages (conterminous U.S., Alaska, Hawaii) to assign accuracy
codes based on the state-county FIPS codes.
2. Other Modifications: An accuracy code was assigned based on a
comparison of state and county FIPS codes. A site with a code value
A-9
-------
Appendix A - Metadata
Accuracy and Quality
Assurance of Source Data
Accuracy and Quality
Assurance of Enhanced Data
of 1 is within the correct county. A value of 2 is outside the county
but inside the state. A value of 3 or 9 indicates coordinates outside
the state. A site with value of 4 was formerly assigned a value of 3
or 9 but was reassigned based on visual inspection to be on the
border of the correct county. Due to the amount of data, points with
an accuracy code value of 2 were not visually checked.
3. Data Caveats and Comments: No artificial gages have been
included in the Gage Sites data. Only USGS stream gaging stations
are contained in the Gage Sites data.
1. Estimated Accuracy of Source Analog Data: Not Applicable.
2. Estimated Accuracy of Digital Data: Unknown.
3. Quality Assurance: Unknown.
1. Quality Assurance Data Procedures: The sites with accuracy
codes of 3 or 9 outside the correct state were visually inspected to
determine if they were on the border of the county within which they
were associated. The facilities found to be on the border were given
an accuracy code of 4.
HYDROLOGIC UNIT BOUNDARIES
Data Category: Landscape Characteristic
BASINS Product
Description
Source Data-
General Information
Nationally consistent delineations of the hydrographic boundaries
associated with major U.S. river basins.
1. Originating Source Agency/Organization: United States
Geological Survey
2. Data Product Name: Hydrologic Units.
3. References: Seaber, Paul R., Kapinos, F. Paul, and Knapp,
George L., 1987, Hydrologic Unit Maps: U.S. Geological Survey
Water-Supply Paper 2249, 63p.
4. Description: The Hydrologic Unit Boundaries and Codes for the
conterminous United States.
5. Geographic Extent: 48 U.S. States
A-10
-------
BASINS Version 1.0
Source Data-
Development procedures
Enhancements to Source Data
6. Scale: 1:100,000
1. Data Source And Media: Information not available
at time of User's Manual printing.
2. Spatial Acquisition Vehicle and/or Digitizing Device: Information
not available at time of User's Manual printing.
3. Precision and/or Resolution of Instrumentation Used to Digitize
Map: Information not available at time of User's Manual printing.
1. Data Format Conversion History: The data were obtained in
ARC/INFO coverage format from the USGS. The coverage for the
conterminous U.S. was then visually checked for line work errors or
HUC code assignment errors. The coverage was then divided into a
single ARC/INFO coverage per U.S. EPA Region based on the
hydrologic accounting units that overlapped each U.S. EPA Region.
2. Other Modifications: None.
Accuracy and Quality
Assurance of Source Data
Accuracy and Quality
Assurance of Enhanced Data
3. Data Caveats and Comments: None.
1. Accuracy of Original Data: Information not available at the time
of User Manual printing.
2. Estimated Accuracy of Digital Data: Information not available at
the time of User Manual printing.
3. Quality Assurance: Information not available at the time of User
Manual printing.
1. Quality Assurance Data Procedures: The U.S. hydrologic units
coverage was compared to USGS State Hydrologic Unit Maps. The
coverage was checked for missing polygons, bad polygon line work,
and bad polygon identifiers.
INDUSTRIAL FACILITIES DISCHARGE SITES
Data Category: Environmental Stressor
BASINS Product
Discharges
Source Data-
Facility information on industrial and municipal point source
discharges to surface waters.
1. Originating Agency/Organization: United States Environmental
A-ll
-------
Appendix A - Metadata
General Information
Source Data-
Development Procedures
Enhancements to Source Data
Protection Agency.
2. Data Product Name: Industrial Facilities Discharge (IFD) File.
3. References: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (1992).
"Office of Water-Environmental and Program Information Systems
Compendium", Office of Water, U.S. EPA, Washington D.C.
4. Description: The Industrial Facilities Discharge (IFD) File is an
automated data base of industrial point source dischargers to surface
waters in the United States. The IFD was created specifically to
provide the Office of Wetlands, Oceans, and Watersheds with a
comprehensive data base of industrial point source dischargers.
5. Geographic Extent: 50 U.S. States, Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands,
Guam, and American Samoa.
6. Scale: Not applicable.
1. Spatial Data Source And Media: Facility coordinates in the IFD
file were interpolated from U.S.G.S. topographic maps varying in
scale from 1:24,000 to 1:100,000 (depending on map availability) by
National Permit Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permittees.
2. Spatial Acquisition Vehicle and/or Digitizing Device:
Interpolated manually.
3. Precision and/or Resolution of Instrumentation Used to Digitize
Map: Not applicable.
1. Data Format Conversion History: The IFD data were retrieved
from the IFD file. If necessary state and county FIPS codes were
filled in from other fields where possible. The resulting ASCII file
was converted into an ARC/INFO coverage in national Albers
projection for the U.S.. The coverage was then overlaid with county
coverages (conterminous U.S., Alaska, Hawaii) to assign accuracy
codes based on the state-county FIPS codes.
2. Other Modifications: An accuracy code was assigned based on a
comparison of state and county FIPS codes. A site with a code value
of 1 is within the correct county. A value of 2 is outside the county
but inside the state. A value of 3 or 9 indicates coordinates outside
the state. A site with value of 4 was formerly assigned a value of 3
or 9 but was reassigned based on visual inspection to be on the
A-12
-------
BASINS Version 1.0
Accuracy and Quality
Assurance of Source Data
Accuracy and Qualify
Assurance of Enhanced Data
border of the correct county. Due to the amount of data, points with
an accuracy code value of 2 were not visually checked.
3. Data Caveats and Comments: None.
1. Estimated Accuracy of Source Analog Data: Unknown.
2. Estimated Accuracy of Digital Data: Unknown.
3. Quality Assurance: Unknown.
1. Quality Assurance Data Procedures: The sites with accuracy
codes of 3 or 9 (outside correct state) were visually inspected to
determine if they were on the border of the county within which they
were associated. The facilities found to be on the border were given
an accuracy code of 4.
LAND USE AND LAND COVER
Data Category: Landscape Characteristic
BASINS Product
Description
Source Data-
General Information
Boundaries attributed with land use classifications (Anderson level
n) such as residential, deciduous forest land, and forested wetland,
etc.
1. Originating Agency/Organization: United States Geological
Survey.
2. Data Product Name: Geographic Information Retrieval and
Analysis System (GIRAS).
3. References: United States GeoData( 1986). "Land Use and Land
Cover Digital Data from 1:250,000-and l:100,000-ScaleMaps:
Data Users Guide 4", Department of the Interior, U.S. Geological
Survey, National Mapping Program, Reston, VA.
4. Description: The Land Use/Land Cover data portrays polygons
attributed with Anderson Level H codes and descriptions such as
residential, deciduous forest land, and forested wetland.
5. Geographic Extent: 49 U.S. States (No data for Alaska).
6. Scale: 1:250,000 and 1:100,000.
A-13
-------
Appendix A - Metadata
Source Data-
Development Procedures
Enhancements to Source Data
1. Data Source And Media: NASA high-altitude aerial photographs
and National High Altitude Photography at scales smaller than
1:60,000. 1:250,000 scale topographic map used as base map.
2. Spatial Acquisition Vehicle and/or Digitizing Device:
Information not yet available.
3. Precision and/or Resolution of Instrumentation Used to Digitize
Map: Information not yet available.
1. Data Format Conversion History: About two thirds of the data
were obtained as raw GIRAS files from the U.S. EPA's IBM
Mainframe through the U.S. EPA GRIDS program. One fourth of
the data were obtained as already converted ARC/INFO coverages
from the EPA Office of Information Resources Management. The
rest of the data were obtained directly from the USGS as raw GIRAS
files. The raw GIRAS files were processed into ARC/INFO polygon
coverages with a USGS provided GIRAS2ARC.aml program. The
coverages were converted to a national Albers projection and made to
fit the corresponding 1:250K or 1:100K quadrangle boundary by the
AML program. Source data that existed as 1:1OOK quadrangles were
merged together in ARC/INFO to create a 1:250K quadrangle
coverage where possible.
Once the data were converted into 1:250K quadrangle coverages, a
land use/land cover description field was added and populated based
on the Anderson Level n code associated with each polygon. Each
coverage was then visually checked by an analyst for general
completeness of the line work, coding, geographic extent and position
relative to surrounding quadrangles.
2. Other Modifications: None.
3. Data Caveats and Comments: A few quadrangles are missing
completely and a few others have missing portions. These
quadrangles include the following: Albuquerque is missing the NW
corner of the quad, Cedar City is missing the SE corner of the quad,
Palestine is completely missing, Russelville exists as a quarter quad,
Tampa is missing southern half of quad, Wolf Point is missing the
SW corner of the quad. Also the Newark, Scranton, and Pensacola
quadrangles contain each contain data from 2 different states were
merged to create both whole quadrangle coverages.
1:250K quadrangles are generally 1 degree high by 2 degrees wide,
and 1:100K quadrangles are 30 minutes high by 1 degree wide.
A-14
-------
BASINS Version 1.0
Accuracy and Quality
Assurance of Source Data
Accuracy and Quality
Assurance of Enhanced Data
1. Estimated Accuracy of Source Analog Data: Information not
yet available.
2. Estimated Accuracy of Digital Data: Information not yet
available.
3. Quality Assurance: Information not yet available.
1. Quality Assurance Data Procedures: The quality assurance
consisted of checking for quadrangle placement, quadrangle name,
and general line work as compared to the USGS "Index to Land Use
and Land Cover Information (October 1992)" Map.
MAJOR ROADS
Data Category: Landscape Characteristic
BASINS Product
Description
Source Data-
General Information
Source Data-
Development Procedures
Interstate and state highway network.
1. Originating Agency/Organization: United States Geological
Survey
2. Data Product Name: U.S. Geological Survey Hydrography and
Transportation l:2,000,000-scale Digital Line Graph Data for the 50
U.S. states.
3. References: United States GeoData( 1987). "Digital Line Graphs
from l:2,000,000-Scale Maps: Data Users Guide 3", Department of
the Interior, U.S. Geological Survey, National Mapping Division,
Reston, VA
4. Description: The transportation group from the Digital Line
Graphs includes major transportation systems collected in three
separate subcategories: (1) Roads and Trails, (2) Railroads, and (3)
Cultural Features (airports and Alaska pipeline).
5. Geographic Extent: 50 U.S. States
6. Scale: 1:2,000,000
1. Data Source And Media: l:2,000,000-scale reference maps from
The National Atlas of the United States of America.
A-15
-------
Appendix A - Metadata
Enhancements to Source Data
Accuracy and Quality
Assurance of Source Data
Accuracy and Quality
Assurance of Enhanced Data
2. Spatial Acquisition Vehicle and/or Digitizing Device: The data
were manually digitized.
3. Precision and/or Resolution of Instrumentation Used to Digitize
Map: The manual digitizing equipment had a resolution of .001
inches and an absolute accuracy of from .003 to .005 inches.
1. Data Format Conversion History: The original data were obtained
in optional DLG format (20 or so files) from a 1:2M USGS DLG
CD-ROM. The DLG files were converted into ARC/INFO
coverages and then merged into conterminous U.S., Alaska and
Hawaii coverages. The Roads coverage includes only data from the
Roads and Trails subcategory. These coverages were then attributed
with road names and types based on USGS major/minor codes. The
original USGS minor codes were also retained in the coverages to aid
in manipulation of the coverage.
2. Other Modifications: The conterminous U.S. coverage was split
into U.S. EPA Regional coverages.
3. Data Caveats and Comments: Road names consist of Interstate,
US, or State Route Numbers. A few Roads have multiple roads types
and names.
1. Estimated Accuracy of Source Analog Data: Compiled to meet
National Map Accuracy Standards where 90 percent of well-defined
feature are to be within .02 inches of true mapped position.
2. Estimated Accuracy of Digital Data: Positional error of less than
or equal to .003 inches or .076 mm RMSE relative to the source it
was digitized from.
3. Quality Assurance: Visual comparison of proof plots with the
original stable-base source material. These proof plots are generated
using automated drafting machines with a resolution of .001 inches
and an absolute accuracy of from .003 to .005 inches.
1. Quality Assurance Data Procedures: Due to the size and
complexity of the coverages a random sampling of roads, by state,
were compared to the 1993 edition Road Atlas produced by Rand
McNally. The sampling included the following 14 states: MD, NM,
AZ, ND, SC, OH, DE, CO, LA, CT, ME, RI, WV, OK. Only
Interstates, U.S. Routes, and State Routes were checked.
A-16
-------
BASINS Version 1.0
NATIONAL SEDIMENT INVENTORY STATIONS
Data Category: Environmental Monitoring
BASINS Product
Description
Source Data-
General Information
Source Data-
Development Procedures
Sediment chemistry, tissue residue, and toxicity
monitoring data for freshwater and coastal sediments.
1. Originating Agency/Organization: United States Environmental
Protection Agency
2. Data Product Name: The National Sediment Inventory, Version
1.1 (NSI)
3. References: The National Sediment Quality Survey - A Report to
Congress on the Extent and Severity of Sediment Contamination in
Surface Waters of the United States (Under development, publication
expected FT 1996).
4. Description: The National Sediment Inventory database is a
compilation of readily available data that could be used to evaluate
the extent of sediment contamination throughout the United States.
5. Geographic Extent: U.S. States and Puerto Rico
6. Scale: Not Applicable.
1. Data Source And Media: The NSI data were obtained from the
following sources:
- EPA's Storage and Retrieval System (STORET)
- EPA's Ocean Data Evaluation System (ODES)
- NOAA's Coastal Sediment Inventory (COSED)
- EPA Region 4's Sediment Quality Inventory
- EPA Gulf of Mexico Program's Contaminated Sediment Inventory
- EPA Region 10/COE Seattle District Sediment Inventory
- EPA's Great Lakes Data Base
- EPA's Environmental Monitoring and Assessment Program
(EMAP)
- EPA Region 9 Dredged Material Tracking System (DMATS)
- USGS Massachusetts Bay Data (metals only)
Geographic coordinates for monitoring stations obtained using
various techniques depending on data supplier. Station locations are
typically obtained using USGS 1:24,000 - l:100,000-scale
topographic map (depending on map availability).
2. Spatial Acquisition Vehicle and/or Digitizing Device: Unknown.
A-17
-------
Appendix A - Metadata
Enhancements to Source
Data
Accuracy and Quality
Assurance of Source Data
Accuracy and Quality
Assurance of Enhanced Data
3. Precision and/or Resolution of Instrumentation Used to Digitize
Map: Unknown.
1. Data Format Conversion History: All records were retrieved from
the NSI database. An ARC/INFO coverage was constructed using
the NSI station table. Related NSI tables were imported into
ARC/INFO in order to build numeric fields to facilitate links and
joins within BASINS.
2. Other Modifications: None.
3. Data Caveats and Comments: None.
1. Estimated Accuracy of Source Analog Data: Not applicable.
2. Estimated Accuracy of Digital Data: Unknown, but most likely
varies greatly due to variations in quality assurance practices of data
suppliers.
3. Quality Assurance: Unknown.
1. Quality Assurance Data Procedures: NSI stations were screened
for acceptance based on whether the station was located within the
USGS Hydrologic Cataloging Unit boundaries associated with its
EPA region. Stations located outside these boundaries were not
included in this BASINS data product.
PERMIT COMPLIANCE SYSTEM (PCS) SITES AND COMPUTED LOADINGS
Data Category: Environmental Stressor
BASINS Product
Description
Source Data-
General Information
NPDES permit-holding facility information. Contains parameter-
specific loadings to surface waters computed using the EPA Effluent
Decision Support System (EDSS). Computed loadings based on
1991, 1992, and !993 discharge monitoring data.
1. Originating Agency/Organization: United States Environmental
Protection Agency, Office of Enforcement, Office of Policy,
Planning, and Evaluation.
2. Data Product Name: (a) Permit Compliance System (PCS) and
(b) Working Data Sets of PCS Loadings (1991-1993), Loadings
Over Permits (1991-1993), and PCS Point Coverage.
A-18
-------
BASINS Version 1.0
Source Data-
Development Procedures
Enhancements to Source
Data
Accuracy and Quality
Assurance of Source Data
3. References: (a) Permit Compliance System Generalized Retrieval
Manual and (b) No documentation was available at time of BASINS
manual printing specifically on the Working data sets of PCS
loadings.
4. Description: PCS is a national computerized management
information system that automates entry, updating, and retrieval of
NPDES data and tracks permit issuance, permit limits and
monitoring data, and other data pertaining to facilities regulated
under NPDES.
5. Geographic Extent: U.S. States and Territories
6. Scale: Not applicable.
1. Data Source And Media: The PCS data come from facility
permits and from facility supplied Discharge Monitoring Reports.
The PCS loadings and loading over permits were computed using the
EPA Effluent Decision Support System (EDSS). The sources for the
facility geographic coordinates includes the PCS latitude and
longitudes, Industrial Facility Discharge File (IFD) latitude and
longitudes, and ZIP Code centroids.
2. Spatial Acquisition Vehicle and/or Digitizing Device: Unknown.
3. Precision and/or Resolution of Instrumentation Used to Digitize
Map: Not applicable.
1. Data Format Conversion History: Facility primary identification
data from the PCS database were combined with the Working Data
Sets of PCS Loadings (1991-1993). In addition, pipe-specific
loading data were summarized to represent total facility loadings.
Furthermore, procedures were implemented to group together the
variations of BOD related loads to a calculated BOD5 loading.
Similar parameter groupings were implement for nitrogen and
phosphorus parameters.
2. Other Modifications: None.-
3. Data Caveats and Comments: None.
1. Estimated Accuracy of Source Analog Data: Not applicable.
A-19
-------
Appendix A - Metadata
2. Estimated Accuracy of Digital Data: The accuracy of the data
may vary from state to state depending upon the individual or
procedures in place. The goal for accuracy of spatial data for major
facilities within PCS is to be 95% confident that the position is
within 25 meters of the true location. The accuracy of the existing
facility coordinates varies greatly due to the variations in historical
locational data collecting practices of permit writers as well as the
unknown accuracy of IFD coordinates and ZIP Code centroids which
are used as locational surrogates.
Accuracy and Quality
Assurance of Enhanced Data
3. Quality Assurance: Unknown.
1. Quality Assurance Data Procedures: PCS sites were screened for
acceptance based on whether the facility was located within the
USGS Hydrologic Cataloging Unit boundaries associated with its
EPA region. Facilities located outside these boundaries were not
included in this BASINS data product.
POPULATED PLACE LOCATIONS
Data Category: Environmental Stressor
BASINS Product
Description
Source Data-
General Information
Location of populated places as represented on USGS topographic
maps.
1. Originating Agency/Organization: United States Geological
Survey.
2. Data Product Name: USGS Geographic Names Information
System n(GNISn).
3. References: United States Geological Survey (1987).
"Geographic Names Information System: Data Users Guide 6",
Department of the Interior, U.S. Geological Survey, National
Mapping Division, Reston, VA.
4. Description: A collection of populated place names derived from
USGS Geographic Names Information System II (GNISII)
Topographic Names data.
5. Geographic Extent: 50 U.S. States.
6. Scale: 1:24,000, 1:100,000
A-20
-------
BASINS Version 1.0
Source Data-
Development Procedures
Enhancements to Source Data
Accuracy and Quality
Assurance of Source Data
Accuracy and Quality
1. Data Source And Media: GNIS data were collected from USGS
l:24,00-scale topographic maps.
2. Spatial Acquisition Vehicle and/or Digitizing Device: The data
were manually digitized.
3. Precision and/or Resolution of Instrumentation Used to Digitize
Map: The manual digitizing equipment had a resolution of 0.001
inches and an absolute accuracy of 0.003 to 0.005 inches.
1. Data Format Conversion History: The source data were obtained
as State ASCII files on 9-track tape from the USGS. The ASCII files
were first converted into Arc/INFO point coverages with an
ARC/INFO AML program. The AML program assigned a spatial
accuracy code to each point depending upon the degree of its
geographical coordinate agreement with USGS 7.5" quadrangle,
county, and state coverages.
2. Other Modifications: None.
3. Data Caveats and Comments: The data were checked for spatial
accuracy to 7.5" USGS quad level, except for Alaska, Hawaii,(a 7.5"
USGS quad boundary coverage was not available for these areas) and
Colorado (GNIS n data did not contain quadrangle names).
1. Estimated Accuracy of Source Analog Data: The majority of the
names were compiled from 1:24,000-scale, 7.5-minute topographic
maps. When there were no published 7.5-minute maps or advance
copies with names available, 15-minute maps were used; when there
was no coverage by either series maps, l:250,000-scale maps were
used.
2. Estimated Accuracy of Digital Data: Information not available at
the time of User Manual printing.
3. Quality Assurance: After Phase I data compilation, the
geographic names in each State file were edited by comparing the
computer files with the accumulated records of the U.S. Board on
Geographic names (BGN) on a one-to-one basis. When the initial
edit of the geographic names in a state file was completed, the
corrections were made, and other information such as variant names
and BGN data were added.
1. Quality Assurance Data Procedures: The Quality Assurance
A-21
-------
Appendix A - Metadata
Assurance of Enhanced Data
consisted of checking accuracy codes equal to 1, 3, and 9. An
accuracy code with a value of 1' means that the 7.5" quadrangle
boundaries that the points's geographic coordinates fell within
matched the points associated 7.5" quadrangle name. An accuracy
code value is equal to 9 if the point's coordinates are outside the
United States borders. Anything on the border of the U.S. and
touching the correct county was reassigned an accuracy of 4. An
accuracy code value is equal to 3 if the point is outside the associated
state border but still inside the U.S. borders. Anything on the point's
associated state boundary and touching the correct county was also
given an accuracy code of 4. The state coverages were also checked
against each other to ensure data format consistency throughout the
country.
REACH FILE, VERSION 1
Data Category: Landscape Characteristic
BASINS Product
Description
Source Data-
General Information
Source Data-
Development Procedures
Hydrographic database containing over 68,000 reaches to
representing surface waters of the continental U.S.
1. Originating Agency/Organization: United States Geological
Survey and United States Environmental Protection Agency.
2. Data Product Name: Environmental Protection Agency Reach
File, Version 1
3. References: United States Environmental Protection Agency
Reach File Manual, June 30, 1986
4. Description: The Reach File consists of two type of reaches, the
shoreline reach and the transport reach. Shoreline depicts U.S.
continental coasts and the perimeters of lakes, reservoirs, and
estuaries, and the shorelines of some wide rivers and islands.
Transport reaches depict segments of the hydraulic transport paths
through streams and inland open waters including lakes and estuaries.
5. Geographic Extent: 48 U.S. States
6. Scale: 1:500,000
1. Data Source And Media: Information not yet available.
A-22
-------
BASINS Version 1.0
ca
Enhancements to Source Data
2. Spatial Acquisition Vehicle and/or Digitizing Device: The data
were either manually digitized or scanned on an automatic device.
3. Precision and/or Resolution of Instrumentation Used to Digitize
Map: The manual digitizing equipment had a resolution of .001
inches and an absolute accuracy of from .003 to .005 inches. The
scanning devices had a resolution of 30 points per millimeter or
.0013 inches.
1. Data Format Conversion History: The data were obtained from
the U.S. EPA IBM Mainframe as a separate ARC/INFO Export
coverage for each hydrologic region. The Export coverages were
then imported and merged into one U.S. EPA region /hydrologic
region ARC/INFO coverage. Each coverage was then merged with
flow data to create an enhanced RF1 coverage.
2. Other Modifications: None.
Accuracy and Quality
Assurance of Source Data
Accuracy and Quality
Assurance of Enhanced Data
3. Data Caveats and Comments: None.
1. Estimated Accuracy of Source Analog Data: Source graphics are
initially compiled to meet national Map Accuracy standards where 90
percent of well-defined feature are to be within .02 inches of true
mapped position.
2. Estimated Accuracy of Digital Data: Positional error of less than
or equal to .003 inches or .076mm RMSE relative to the source it
was digitized from.
3. Quality Assurance: Visual comparison of proof plots with the
original stable-base source material. These proof plots are generated
using automated drafting machines with a resolution of .001 inches
and an absolute accuracy of from .003 to .005 inches.
1. Quality Assurance Data Procedures: The RF1 data were visually
checked to make sure that the appropriate hydrologic regional RF1
pieces had been appended together correctly. Also the RF1
coverages were checked to make sure the flow data had been added
correctly.
A-23
-------
Appendix A - Metadata
STATE AND COUNTY BOUNDARIES
Data Category: Base Geography
BASINS Product
Description
Source Data-
General Information
Source Data-
Development Procedures
Enhancements to Source Data
State and county boundaries.
1. Originating Agency/Organization: United States Geological
Survey.
2. Data Product Name: U.S. Geological Survey Hydrography and
Transportation 1:2,000,000-scale Digital Line Graph Data for the 50
U.S. states.
3. References: United States GeoData (1987). "Digital Line Graphs
from l:2,000,000-Scale Maps: Data Users Guide 3", Department of
the Interior, U.S. Geological Survey, National Mapping Division,
Reston, VA.
4. Description: County and County Equivalents Boundaries in the
conterminous United States. The dataset also contains a county name
and FTPS Codes for each county.
5. Geographic Extent: 50 U.S. States.
6. Scale: 1:2,000,000.
1. Data Source And Media: 1:2,000,000-scale reference maps from
The National Atlas of the United States of America.
2. Spatial Acquisition Vehicle and/or Digitizing Device: The data
were manually digitized.
3. Precision and/or Resolution of Instrumentation Used to Digitize
Map: The manual digitizing equipment had a resolution of .001
inches and an absolute accuracy of from .003 to .005 inches.
1. Data Format Conversion History: The data were obtained in
ARC/INFO coverage format from the USGS. The coverage was then
visually checked by an analyst for line work errors or county name
and/or FIPS code errors.,
2. Other Modifications: None.
A-24
-------
BASINS Version 1.0
Accuracy and Quality
Assurance of Source Data
Accuracy and Quality
Assurance of Enhanced Data
3. Data Caveats and Comments: Separate data layers exist for
Hawaii and Alaska County equivalents boundaries in Alaska and
Hawaii centered Albers projections respectively..
1. Estimated Accuracy of Source Analog Data: Compiled to meet
USGS National Map Accuracy Standards where 90 percent of well-
defined feature are to be within .02 inches of true mapped position.
2. Estimated Accuracy of Digital Data: Positional error of less than
or equal to .003 inches or .076 mm RMSE relative to the source it
was digitized from.
3. Quality Assurance: Visual comparison of proof plots with the
original stable-base source material. These proof plots are generated
using automated drafting machines with a resolution of .001 inches
and an absolute accuracy of .003 to .005 inches.
1. Quality Assurance Data Procedures: Each county's polygon(s) in
the ARC/INFO coverage was visually checked against USGS maps
for correct FIPS Codes, county spelling, placement within the
appropriate state, presence within the coverage, and poor line work
on county boundaries.
SUPERFUND NATIONAL PRIORITIES LIST SITES
Data Category: Environmental Stressor
BASINS Product
Description
Source Data-
General Information
Location of Superfund National Priority List sites.
1. Originating Agency/Organization: United States Environmental
Protection Agency.
2. Data Product Name: NPL
3. References: Office of Emergency and Remedial Responses,
National Priorities List Site Coordinate Quality Assurance and
Digitizing Project Summary
EPA Contract No: 68-03-3532
March 31,1993
4. Description: A collection of points signifying Superfund National
Priority List sites in the United States.
A-25
-------
Appendix A - Metadata
Source Data-
Development Procedures
Enhancements to Source Data
Accuracy and Quality
Assurance of Source Data
Accuracy and Quality
Assurance of Enhanced Data
5. Geographic Extent: 50 U.S. States.
6. Scale: Information not yet available.
1. Data Source And Media: Information not yet available.
2. Spatial Acquisition Vehicle and/or Digitizing Device:
Information not yet available.
3. Precision and/or Resolution of Instrumentation Used to Digitize
Map: Information not yet available.
1. Data Format Conversion History: The NPL data were obtained
from an U.S. EPA source in as a Dbase IH+ File. The geographic
coordinates were converted into U.S. EPA Regional ARC/INFO
coverages as well as coverages for Alaska and Hawaii.
2. Other Modifications: None.
3. Data Caveats and Comments: None.
1. Estimated Accuracy of Source Analog Data: Information not yet
available.
2. Estimated Accuracy of Digital Data: Information not yet
available.
3. Quality Assurance: Information not yet available.
1. Quality Assurance Data Procedures: The sites were checked to
ensure that their geographic coordinates fell within the U.S. EPA
region that they were associated with.
TOXIC RELEASE INVENTORY
Data Category: Environmental Stressor
BASINS Product
Description
Source Data-
General Information
Facility information from the 1992 TRJ public data release. Contains
Y/N flags for each facility indicating media-specific reported
releases.
1. Originating Agency/Organization: United States Environmental
Protection Agency.
A-26
-------
BASINS Version 1.0
Source Data-
Development Procedures
Enhancements to Source Data
Accuracy and Quality
Assurance of Source Data
Accuracy and Quality
2. Data Product Name: TRI92
3. References: United States Environmental Protection Agency
(1994). "1992 Toxics Release Inventory: Public Data Release",
Office of Pollution and Toxics (7408), U.S. EPA, Washington D.C.
4. Description: Toxics Release Inventory Sites for 1992. These
sites contain information about the facilities as well a flags for each
facility indicating whether the particular facility released to a
particular media during 1992.
5. Geographic Extent: 50 U.S. states and some U.S. Territories.
6. Scale: Not applicable.
1. Acquisition Vehicle and/or Digitizing Device: Not applicable.
2. Precision and/or Resolution of Instrumentation Used to Digitize
Map: Not applicable.
1. Data Format Conversion History: The data were obtained as
State Arc/INFO coverages from U.S. EPA headquarter's resources.
The coverages were in a geographic projection and were projected to
National Albers projection. The projected state TRI coverages were
then merged into ten U.S. EPA regional coverages and a separate
coverages for Alaska and Hawaii.
2. Other Modifications: The coverages were merged into 10 U.S.
EPA Regional.
3. Data Caveats and Limitations: The sites do not contain
information about chemical release amounts. The sites' release
indicator flags also do not exist for releases in other non-1992 years.
1. Estimated Accuracy of Source Analog Data: Unknown.
2. Estimated Accuracy of Digital Data: Unknown.
3. Quality Assurance: Through mass mailings, local and national
seminars, training courses, and enforcement activities, EPA has
endeavored to locate all facilities required to report under section 313
of EPCRA and inform them of their obligations.
1. Quality Assurance Data Procedures: TRI was checked
A-27
_
-------
Appendix A - Metadata
Assurance of Enhanced Data
only for general spatial accuracy to ensure that the sites all fell within
the correct U.S. EPA region after being merged into regional
coverages.
URBANIZED AREAS
Data Category: Environmental Stressor
BASINS Product
Description
Source Data-
General Information
Source Data-
Development Procedures
Enhancements to Source Data
Boundaries of census defined urbanized areas.
1. Originating Agency/Organization: United States Bureau of
Census.
2. Data Product Name: ITGER/UA Limit files
3. References: U.S. Bureau of the Census. "Tiger/UA Limit Files:
Technical Documentation", The Bureau, Washington D.C.
4. Description: Boundaries of Census defined urbanized areas.
5. Geographic Extent: 50 U.S. states.
6. Scale: 1:24,000
1. Data Source And Media: Information not yet available.
2. Spatial Acquisition Vehicle and/or Digitizing Device:
Information not yet available.
3. Precision and/or Resolution of Instrumentation Used to Digitize
Map: Information not yet available.
1. Data Format Conversion History: The data were extracted
originally from the U.S. Bureau of the Census' UA Limit File. The
data were then processed into ARC/INFO polygon coverages. A
separate ARC/INFO polygon coverage was created for each
Urbanized Area. These coverages were then merged for each U.S.
EPA Region and used to create a line coverage and point coverage for
each region. The line coverages contains the Urbanized Area
boundary line work, and the point coverages contain a point within
each UA boundary. Associated with each point are the appropriate
UA name and UA code.
A-28
-------
BASINS Version 1.0
Accuracy and Quality
Assurance of Source Data
Accuracy and Quality
Assurance of Enhanced Data
2: Other Modifications: None. "'
3. Data Caveats and Comments: None.
1. Estimated Accuracy of Source Analog Data: Unknown.
2. Estimated Accuracy of Digital Data: Information not yet
available.
3. Quality Assurance: Information not yet available.
1. Quality Assurance Data Procedures: The relative shape and
location of each Urbanized Area boundary was compared against the
Rand McNally Road Atlas. The UA name and code attributes were
checked against the UA Limit File documentation for correctness.
The UA points were also checked to make sure that there was only
one UA name per UA boundary.
WATER QUALITY MONITORING & DATA SUMMARIES
Data Category: Environmental Monitoring
BASINS Product
Description
Source Data-
General Information
Statistical summaries of water quality monitoring for 50 physical and
chemical-related parameters. Parameter-specific statistics computed
by station for 5 year intervals from 1970-1994.
1. Originating Agency/Organization: United States Environmental
Protection Agency
2. Data Product: Storage and Retrieval of U.S. Waters Parametric
Data (STORET)
3. References: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (1992).
"Office of Water Environmental and Program Information Systems
Compendium", Office of Water, U.S. EPA, Washington D.C.
4. Description: STORET is a repository of waterway parametric
data, including information on ambient, intensive survey, effluent,
and biological water quality
5. Geographic Extent: U.S. States and Territories
6. Scale: Not applicable
A-29
-------
Appendix A - Metadata
Source Data-
Development Procedures
Enhancements to Source Data
Accuracy and Quality
Assurance of Source Data
Accuracy and Quality
Assurance of Enhanced Data
1. Data Source And Media: Station and monitoring data in STORET
is contributed by a number of organizations, including federal, state,
interstate agencies, universities, contractors, individuals, and water
laboratories. Data updates are performed weekly. Each provider of
data is responsible for the data it submits to STORET; STORET is a
user-owned system. Geographic coordinates for monitoring stations
obtained using USGS 1:24,000 - l:100,000-scale topographic map
(depending on map availability).
2. Spatial Data Acquisition Vehicle and/or Digitizing Device:
Interpolated manually.
3. Precision and/or Resolution of Instrumentation Used to Digitize
Map: Not applicable
1. Data Format Conversion History: The source data were obtained
by performing a retrieval using the STORET MEAN program.
Monitoring stations characterized as ambient stream, lake, reservoir,
canal, estuary, or ocean were selected. Summary statistics were
computed by the STORET program. Statistics included number of
observations, standard deviation, mean, 15th, 25th, 50th, 75th, and
85th percentiles.
2. Other Modifications: A BASINS water quality station ID was
assigned to each station in order to facilitate links and joins within
BASINS between station data and the monitoring data summary
tables.
3. Data Caveats and Comments: None.
1. Estimated Accuracy of Source Analog Data: Not applicable.
2. Estimated Accuracy of Digital Data: Unknown, but most likely
varies greatly due to variations in quality assurance practices of data
contributors/owners.
3. Quality Assurance: Parametric data is screened for unreasonable
high and low values before being accepted as a STORET update.
1. Quality Assurance Data Procedures: Bacteria monitoring station
coordinates were screened for acceptance based on whether the
station was located within the USGS Hydrologic Cataloging Unit
boundaries associated with the EPA region. Bacteria stations located
A-30
-------
BASINS Version 1.0
outside these boundaries were not included in this BASINS data
product.
WATERSHED DATA STATIONS & DATABASE (sample set)
Data Category: Environmental Monitoring
BASINS Product
Description
Source Data-
General Information
Source Data-
Development Procedures
Enhancements to Source Data
Meteorological and other watershed specific environmental data
necessary for the BASINS Nonpoint Source Model
1. Originating Agency/Organization: U.S. National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) OR Earthlnfo, Inc. [as a
reseller] and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
2. Data Product Name(s): (a) National Climatic Data Center
(NCDC) Hourly Precipitation Data OR Earthlnfo Inc. NCDC Hourly
Precipitation Data and (b) Center for Exposure Assessment
Modeling (CEAM) Bulletin Board Service (BBS).
3. References: Database Guide for Earthlnfo CD2 NCDC Hourly and
Fifteen Minute Precipitation.
4. Description: The NCDC Hourly Precipitation Data and CEAM
BBS contain climatic monitoring data for NOAA 1st order
meteorologic stations.
5. Geographic Extent: US States & Territories.
6. Scale: Not applicable.
1. Data Source And Media: First order climatic monitoring data is
collected by various entities using defined NOAA monitoring
standards. Collection technique for monitoring station coordinates
was unknown at time of BASINS manual printing
2. Spatial Acquisition Vehicle and/or Digitizing Device: Unknown.
3. Precision and/or Resolution of Instrumentation Used to Digitize
Map: Not applicable.
1. Data Format Conversion History: Data obtained from the NCDC
hourly CDS were combined with meteorologic station data files
downloaded from the CEAMS BBS. Using Hydrologic Simulation
Program - Fortran (HSPF), Watershed Data Management (WDM)
A-31
-------
Appendix A - Metadata
files containing time series climatic data were built for 2-6 stations in
each EPA region.
2. Other Modifications: None.
3. Data Caveats and Comments: None.
1. Estimated Accuracy of Source Analog Data: Unknown.
2. Estimated Accuracy of Digital Data: Unknown.
3. Quality Assurance: Information not available.
Accuracy and Quality
Assurance of Source Data
Accuracy and Quality
Assurance of Enhanced Data
1. Quality Assurance Data Procedures: The monitoring station
locations were assessed using county boundaries.
WEATHER STATION SITES
Data Category: Environmental Monitoring
BASINS Product
Description
Source Data-
General Information
Source Data-
Development Procedures
Location of first order NOAA weather stations used by the S WRRB
model.
1. Originating Agency/Organization: National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration/United States Department of
Commerce.
2. Data Product Name: SWRRB.
3. References: SWRRB: A Basin Scale Simulation Model for Soil
and Water Resources Management/ by J.G. Arnold, J.R. Williams,
A.D. Nicks, and N.B. Sammons. 1st ed.
4. Description: First Order NOAA weather stations used by the
SWRRB model.
5. Geographic Extent: 50 U.S. States and U.S. Territories.
6. Scale: Not applicable.
1. Data Source And Media: Information not yet available.
2. Spatial Acquisition Vehicle and/or Digitizing Device:
Information not yet available.
A-32
-------
BASINS Version 1.0
OQ]
Enhancements to Source Data
Accuracy and Quality
Assurance of Source Data
Accuracy and Quality
Assurance of Enhanced Data
3. Precision and/or Resolution of Instrumentation Used to Digitize
Map: Information not yet available.
1. Data Format Conversion History: The weather station geographic
coordinates and identification codes were written to a text file. The
text file was then converted into an ARC/INFO point coverage in
National Albers projection. Theissen polygons were created from the
point coverage. These polygons can be overlaid other layers to show
the nearest available weather station.
2. Other Modifications: None.
3. Data Caveats and Comments: The theissen polygon coverage was
also projected into Alaska and Hawaii centered coverages for use in
these states.
1. Estimated Accuracy of Source Analog Data: Information not
yet available.
2. Estimated Accuracy of Digital Data: Information not yet
available.
3. Quality Assurance: Information not yet available.
1. Quality Assurance Data Procedures: None.
A-33
-------
-------
BASINS Version 1.0
Appendix B - Dictionary
BASINS is distributed with approximately 300-600 megabytes of environmental and geographic
data on its compact disc(s). Table B1 lists all of the BASINS data products and provides the
corresponding theme name and related table names used to reference the data within the BASINS
GIS environment.
Appendix Table Bl - BASINS Version 1.0 Data Products
"
Bacteria Monitoring Stations
& Data Summaries
Dam Locations
Drinking Water Supply
(DWS) Sites
EPA Regions
Gage Sites
Hydrologic Unit Boundaries
Industrial Facilities Discharge
(IFD) Sites
-Page..
B-4
B-7
B-7
B-8
B-8
B-9
B-9
" "3&L %. N. '^ -r^^ . ^
Bacteria Stations -
DRAFT
Dam Locations
Drinking Water Supply
Sites
EPA Regional Boundaries
USGS Gage Sites
Accounting Unit
Boundaries
Cataloging Unit
Boundaries
Cataloging Unit Codes
Industrial Facilities
Discharge Sites
Bacteria Data 70-74
Bacteria Data 75-79
Bacteria Data 80-84
Bacteria Data 85-89
Bacteria Data 90-94
Bacteria Parameter Table
Bacteria Parameter Table 70-74
Bacteria Parameter Table 75-79
Bacteria Parameter Table 80-84
Bacteria Parameter Table 85-89
Bacteria Parameter Table 90-94
[None]
[None]
[None]
[None]
[None]
[None]
[None]
[None]
bc_stat.dbf
bc_stat.shp
bc_stat:shx
bc_d7074.dbf
bc_.d7579.dbf
bc_d8084.dbf
bc_d8589.dbf
bc_d9094.dbf
bc_parm.dbf
bc_j)7074.dbf
bc_p7579.dbf
bc_p8084.dbf
bc_p8589.dbf
bc_p9094.dbf
dam.dbf
dam,shp
dam.shx
ifl.dbf
rfl.shp
rfl.shx
epa_reg.dbf
epa_reg.shp
epa reg.shx
gage.dbf
gage.shp
gage.shx
acc.dbf
acc.shp
acc.shx
catdbf
catshp
catshx
catpt.dbf
catpt.shp
catpt.shx
ifd.dbf
ifd.shp
ifd.shx
B-l
-------
Appendix B - Data Dictionary
f UASI'NSJDutt Product
Land Use and Land Cover
Major Roads
National Sediment Inventory
(NSI) Stations & Database
Permit Compliance System
(PCS) Sites and Computed
Loadings
Populated Place Locations
Reach Hie, Version 1 (RF1)
State and County Boundaries
Page
B-10
B-ll
B-ll
B-18
B-21
B-21
B-23
Theme Name '.
Land Use Index
L (USGS Quadrangle
Name)
Major Roads
National Sediment
Inventory Stations
Permit Compliance System
Place Names - (state postal
abbreviation)
Reach File, VI
State Boundaries
County Boundaries
County Names
Related Tables Names , * ' '->'
[None]
[None]
[None]
NSI Biotoxicity Data
NSI Biotoxiciry Phase Table
NSI Elutriate Data
NSI Elutriate Parameter Table
NSI ODES & DMATS Remark Codes
NSI Sediment Chemistry Data
NSI Sediment Chemistry Parameter Table
NSI STORET & Other Remark Codes
NSI Tissue Residue Data
NSI Tissue Residue Parameter Table
NSI Tissue Residue Species Table
Permitted Discharges 1991
Permitted Discharges 1992
Permitted Discharges 1993
Permitted Discharges Loadings Over Permits 1991
Permitted Discharges Loadings Over Permits 1992
Permitted Discharges Loadings Over Permits 1993
Permitted Discharges Parameter Table
Permitted Discharges Parameter Table 1991
Permitted Discharges Parameter Table 1992
Permitted Discharges Parameter Table 1993
[None]
[None]
[None]
[None]
[None]
f - '
i Filename
lulcndx.dbf
lulcndx.shp
lulcndx.shx
l_(quad name)
A/I coverage
format
roads.dbf
roads.shp
roads.shx
nsi.dbf
nsi.shp
nsi.shx
nsibiotdbf
nbi_spc.dbf
nsielut.dbf
nel_pnn.dbf
nsirmkl.dbf
nsisedi.dbf
nsd_prm.dbf
nsirmkl.dbf
nsitiss.dbf
nti_prm.dbf
nti_spc.dbf
pcs.dbf
pcs.shp
pcs.shx
pcsld91.dbf
pcsld92.dbf
pcsld93.dbf
pcsop91.dbf
pcsop92.dbf
pcsop93.dbf
pcs_prm.dbf
pcs_p91.dbf
pcs_p92.dbf
pcs_p93.dbf
(ST)ppl.dbf
(ST)ppl.shp
(ST)ppl.shx
rfl.dbf
rfl.shp
rfl.shx
stdbf
st.shp
stshx
cnty.dbf
cnty.shp
cnty.shx
cntyptdbf
cntyptshp
cntVDtshx
B-2
-------
BASINS Version 1.0
^BAlaJfSJOata PtoductT * /
Superfund National Priority
List Sites
Toxic Release Inventory (TRI)
Sites, 1992 Release
Urbanized Areas
Water Quality Monitoring
Stations & Data Summaries
Watershed Data Stations &
Database (sample set)
Weather Station Sites
'/Page
B-23
B-24
B-25
B-25
B-29
B-29
."TBenWHame -?*-*,.
National Priority List Sites
Toxic Release Inventory-
1992 Sites
Urban Area Boundaries
Urban Area Names
Water Quality Stations
Watershed Data Stations
Weather Station Areas
Weather Station Sites
RelatecfMie Names ~' "& '-' .1 -
[None]
[None]
[None]
[None]
Water Quality Data 70-74
Water Quality Data 75-79
Water Quality Data 80-84
Water Quality Data 85-89
Water Quality Data 90-94
Water Quality Parameter Table
Water Quality Parameter Table 70-74
Water Quality Parameter Table 75-79
Water Quality Parameter Table 80-84
Water Quality Parameter Table 85-89
Water Quality Parameter Table 90-94
[None]
[None]
[None]
-.WNsriS*
npl.dbf
npl.shp
npl.shx
tri92.dbf
tri92.shp
tri92.shx
urban.dbf
urban.shp
urban. shx
urban_nm.dbf
urban_nm.shp
urban nm.shx
wq_stat.dbf
wq_stat.shp
wqld7074.dbf
wq_d7579.dbf
wq_d8084.dbf
wq_d8589.dbf
wq_d9094.dbf
wq_parm.dbf
wq_p7074.dbf
wq_p7579.dbf
wq_p8084.dbf
wq_p8589.dbf
wq_p9094.dbf
wdm.dbf
wdm.shp
wdm.shx
met_stat.dbf
met_stat.shp
met_stat.shx
metpt.dbf
metpt.shp
metptshx
This appendix contains a brief description of the data elements included within BASINS data
products. Data products are presented in alphabetical order. Appendix A contains additional
information on the metadata for each data product, including references to other documentation.
B-3
-------
Appendix B - Data Dictionary
Data Product: Bacteria Monitoring Stations & Data Summaries
Theme Name: Bacteria Stations - DRAFT
Field Name
SHAPE
BACID
AGENCY
STATION
LOCATION
CU
SEG
MILEP
ONOFF
COUNTY
STFIPS
STATE
TYPE
STCOFIPS
ECU
Data Product
Related
Field Name
BACID
PARAMETER
NO OBS
MEAN
15TH %
25TH %
50TH %
75TH %
85TH %
STD
ECU
Data Product
Related
Field Name
BACID
PARAMETER
NO OBS
MEAN
15TH %
25TH %
50TH %
75TH %
85TH %
STD
ECU
Description
ArcView internal field
BASINS assigned unique station number
agency code
station code
description of location
cataloging unit code
reach file vl segment number
reach file vl mile point
on/off reach indicator
county name
state FIPS code
state postal abbreviation
station type
state and county FIPS code
BASINS assigned cataloging unit
: Bacteria Monitoring Stations & Data Summaries
Table Name: Bacteria Data 70-74
Description
BASINS assigned unique station number
EPA STORET parameter code
number of observations
mean value
15th percentile value
25th percentile value
50th percentile value
75th percentile value
85th percentile value
standard deviation
BASINS assigned cataloging unit
: Bacteria Monitoring Stations & Data Summaries
Table Name: Bacteria Data 75-79
Description
BASINS assigned unique station number
EPA STORETiparameter code
number of observations
mean value
15th percentile value
25th percentile value
50th percentile value
75th percentile value
85th percentile value
standard deviation
BASINS assigned cataloging unit
B-4
-------
BASINS Version 1.0
Data Product:
Related
Field Name
BACID
PARAMETER
NO OBS
MEAN
15TH %
25TH %
BOTH %
75TH %
85TH %
STD
ECU
Data Product!
Related
Field Name
BACID
PARAMETER
NO OBS
MEAN
15TH %
25TH %
50TH %
75TH %
85TH %
STD
ECU
Data Product:
Related
Field Name
BACID
PARAMETER
NO OBS
MEAN
15TH %
25TH %
50TH %
75TH %
85TH %
STD
ECU
i Bacteria Monitoring Stations & Data Summaries
Table Name: Bacteria Data 80-84
Description
BASINS assigned unique station number
EPA STORET parameter code
number of observations
mean value
15th percentile value
25th percentile value
50th percentile value
75th percentile value
85th percentile value
standard deviation
BASINS assigned cataloging unit
: Bacteria Monitoring Stations & Data Summaries
Table Name: Bacteria Data 85-90
Description
BASINS assigned unique station number
EPA STORET parameter code
number of observations
mean value
15th percentile value
25th percentile value
50th percentile value
75th percentile value
85th percentile value
standard deviation
BASINS assigned cataloging unit code
Bacteria Monitoring Stations & Data Summaries
Table Name: Bacteria 90-94
Description
BASINS assigned unique station number
EPA STORET parameter code
number of observations
mean value
15th percentile value
25th percentile value
50th percentile value
75th percentile value
85th percentile value
standard deviation
BASINS assigned cataloging unit
B-5
-------
Appendix B - Data Dictionary
Data Product:
Related
Field Name
PARML.CODE
PARMLNAME
SAMPLE_TYP
UNITS
UP_REF_LVL
LW_REF_LVL
UNKNOWN
REF__LVLSRC
Data Product
Related
Field Name
PARM_CODE
PARMLNAME
SAMPLE_TYP
UNITS
UP_JREF_LVL
LW_REF_LVL
UNKNOWN
REF_LVLSRC
Data Product:
Related
Field Name
PARM_CODE
PARMLNAME
SAMPLE_TYP
UNITS
UP_REF_LVL
LW_REF_LVL
UNKNOWN
REF_LVLSRC
Data Product:
Related
Field Name
PARM_CODE
PARM_NAME
SAMPLE_TYP
UNITS
UP_REF_LVL
LW_REF_LVL
UNKNOWN
REF_LVLSRC
: Bacteria Monitoring Stations & Data Summaries
Table Name: Bacteria Parameter Table
Descrip tion
EPA STORET parameter code
parameter name
sample type
units
upper reference level
lower reference level
type of standard
reference level source
: Bacteria Monitoring Stations & Data Summaries
Table Name: Bacteria Parameter Table 70-74
Description
EPA STORET parameter code
parameter name
sample type
units
upper reference level
lower reference level
type of standard
reference level source
: Bacteria Monitoring Stations & Data Summaries
Table Name: Bacteria Parameter Table 75-79
Description
EPA STORET parameter code
parameter name
sample type
units
upper reference level
lower reference level
type of standard
reference level source
: Bacteria Monitoring Stations & Data Summaries
Table Name: Bacteria Parameter Table 80-84
Description
EPA STORET parameter code
parameter name
sample type
units
upper reference level
lower reference level
type of standard
reference level source
B-6
-------
BASINS Version 1.0
Data Product
Related
Field Name
PARM_CODE
PARM_NAME
SAMPLE_TYP
UNITS
UP_REF_LVL
LW_REF_LVL
UNKNOWN
REF_LVLSRC
Data Product
Related
Field Name
PARM_CODE
PARM_NAME
SAMPLE_TYP
UNITS
UP_REF_LVL
LW_REF_LVL
UNKNOWN
REF LVLSRC
: Bacteria Monitoring Stations & Data Summaries
Table Name: Bacteria Parameter Table 85-89
Description
EPA STORET parameter code
parameter name
sample type
units
upper reference level
lower reference level
type of standard
reference level source
: Bacteria Monitoring Stations & Data Summaries
Table Name: Bacteria Parameter Table 90-94
Description
EPA STORET parameter code
parameter name
sample type
units
upper reference level
lower reference level
type of standard
reference level source
Data Product: Dam Locations
Theme Name: Dam Locations
Field Name
SHAPE
DAMID
INME
RNME
CU
SEG
DSEGL
TYPDAM
YRCDAM
TSPL
QMAX
X_COORD
Y COORD
Description
ArcView internal field
dam identification number
impoundment name
river/stream name
cataloging unit
reach file vl segment number
segment length (miles)
type of main dam portion
year dam completed
type of spillway
maximum spillway discharge
dam location longitude (decimal degrees)
dam location latitude (decimal degrees)
Data Product: Drinking Water Supply (DWS) Sites
Theme Name: Drinking Water Supply Sites
Field Name Description
SHAPE ArcView internal field
STCO state and county FIPS code
LATDD site latitude in decimal degrees
LONGDD site longitude in decimal degrees
B-7
-------
Appendix B - Data Dictionary
CTY
CNN
STA
FQMINV
MILES
TYPE
OWN
NAME
WUN
PAVGF
POPSV
ACCURACY
BREACH
BFIPS
name of the city where the facility is located
name of the county where the facility is located
abbreviation for the state where the facility is
located
reach number where the facility is located
mile point on the reach where the facility is
located
facility type - "S" surface water or "G" ground
water
whether facility is owned by an individual or a
municipality
facility name
facility owner name
average facility flow in GPD
population served by the facility
accuracy code for longitude and latitude of
facility
BASINS assigned reach file vl reach number
BASINS assigned state and county PIPS code
Data Product: EPA Regions
Theme Name: EPA Regional Boundaries
Field Name Description
SHAPE ArcView internal field
AREA area of polygon
EPAREG U.S. EPA region number
LABEL_REG U.S. EPA region number (Roman numeral)
Data Product: Gage Sites
Theme Name: US6S Gage Sites
Field Name
SHAPE
AGCY
STCO
LATDD
LONGDD
REACH
NAME
MNFLO
SVTEN
JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
OCT
Descripti on
ArcView internal field
identifying agency and gage number.
state and county FIPS code
latitude of the gage in decimal degrees
longitude of the gage in decimal degrees
reach file vl reach number gage location
name of reach
mean stream flow in CFS
seven / ten stream low flow
mean stream flow for month of January
mean stream flow for month of February
mean stream flow for month of March
mean stream flow for month of April
mean stream flow for month of May
mean stream flow for month of June
mean stream flow for month of July
mean stream flow for month of August
mean stream flow for month of September
mean stream flow for month of October
B-8
-------
BASINS Version 1.0
NOV
DEC
ACCURACY
BREACH
BFIPS
mean stream flow for month, of November
mean stream flow for month of December
accuracy code for latitude and longitude of gage
BASINS assigned reach file vl reach number
BASINS assigned state and county FIPS code
Data Product: Hydrologic Unit Boundaries
Theme Names Accounting Unit Boundaries
Field Name Description
SHAPE . ArcView internal field
AREA area of polygon
ACC_UNIT accounting unit number
Data Product: Hydrologic Unit Boundaries
Theme Name: Cataloging Unit Boundaries
Field Name
SHAPE
AREA
PLYTYPE
HUC
WORKB
ACC_UNIT
CU
BEXT
CRS1
Description
ArcView internal field
area of polygon
polygon type
cataloging unit code (numeric)
disregard data element
accounting unit code
cataloging unit code (character)
BASINS internal field
BASINS internal field
Data Product: Hydrologic Unit Boundaries
Theme Name: Cataloging Unit Codes
Field Name
SHAPE
AREA
PERIMETER
CAT_
CAT_ID
PLYTYPE
HUC
WORKB
ACC_UNIT
CU
BEXT
CRS1
Description
ArcView internal field
area of polygon
length of polygon perimeter
ArcView internal field
disregard data element
polygon type
cataloging unit code (numeric)
disregard data element
accounting unti code
cataloging unit code (character)
BASINS internal field
BASINS internal field
Data Product: Industrial Facilities Discharge (IFD) Sites
Theme Name: Industrial Facilities Discharge Sites
Field Name Description
SHAPE ArcView internal field
NPD NPDES number
NAM facility name
B-9
-------
Appendix B - Data Dictionary
ADR
CTY
STA
ZIP
LAT
LONG
STCOFIPS
NDC
FRW
FCU
FSG
FHF
FFL
FS1
FS2
FS3
FS4
FS5
MAJOR
MILES
XEGS
E308SN
EGF
EGS
ACCURACY
FLOW
CU
CUSEG
BREACH
BFIPS
facility address
facility city
facility state abbreviation
facility ZIP code
facility latitude in decimal degrees
facility longitude in decimal degrees
state and county FIPS code
number of discharges from the facility
receiving water name
facility cataloging unit code
facility reach file segment number
facility hit flag to indicate if facility
discharges to a reach
discharge flow in thousands of gallons per day
facility SIC from PCS
SIC code 2
SIC code 3
SIC code 4
SIC code 5
major/minor flag (from PCS)
facility reach file mile point
effluent guidelines subcategory index
effluent guidelines survey number
effluent guidelines flow in thousands of gallons
per day
effluent guidelines subcategory code
accuracy code for facility latitude and longitude
discharge flow in thousands of gallons per day
cataloging unit code
reach file vl reach number
BASINS assigned reach file vl reach number
BASINS assigned state and county FIPS code
Data Product: Land Use and Land Cover
Theme Name: Land Use Index
Field Name
SHAPE
AREA
PERIMETER
LULCNDX#_
LULCNDX#_I
COVERNAME
COVNAME
QNAME
EPA_REG
CREATE_DAT
VERIFY_DAT
COMMENTl
Description
ArcView internal field
area of polygon (square meters)
polygon perimeter (meters)
ArcView internal field
disregard data element
coverage name
alternate coverage name
quadrangle name
U.S. EPA region number
date coverage was created
date coverage was verified
comments concerning the coverage
B-10
-------
BASINS Version 1.0
Data Product: Land Use and Land Cover
Theme Name: L_(USGS Quadrangle Map Name, e.g.,
L_KANSKS)
Field Name
SHAPE
AREA
PERIMETER
L_KANSKS_
L_KANSKS_I
LUCODE
LEVEL2
Description
ArcView internal field
area of polygon (square meters)
perimeter of polygon (meters)
ArcView assigned polygon ID
disregard data element
Anderson level 1 land use code
Anderson level 2 land use code
Data Product: Major Roads
Theme Name: Major Roads
Field Name
SHAPE
PRIMARY_NA
SECONDARY.
ROADTYPE1
ROADCODE1
ROADTYPE2
ROADCODE2
ROADTYPE3
ROADCODE3
Description
ArcView internal field
primary name of road
secondary name of road
description of road type
code for road type
first alternate description of road type
first alternate road type code
second alternate description of road type
second alternate road type code
Data Product: NSI Stations & Database
Theme Name: National Sediment Inventory Stations
Field Name
SHAPE
BNSIID
SOURCE
AGENCY
STATION
COUNTY
DEPTH
DEPT_MAX
DEPT_MIN
DREDGESI
DRWATERB
GEOCODE
INSTIT
LAT
LAT_2
LNG
LNG_2
LOCATION
Description
ArcView internal field
BASINS assigned station ID
identification of data origin (e.g., REG4 is the
Region 4 Pilot Study)
identification of group responsible for collecting
data (e.g., NS&T is NOAA's National Status and
Trends Program)
monitoring station identification code.
county
water depth (m)
maximum water depth (m)
minimum water depth (m)
dredged site
dredged water body
geologic code
institution
latitude (decimal degrees)
latitude #2 forming a rectangle
longitude (decimal degrees)
longitude #2 forming a rectangle
location
(decimal degrees)
(decimal degrees)
B-ll
-------
Appendix B - Data Dictionary
LOC_CODE
NSIREACH
ORIGIN
ORGJNAME
REFER
SR_SCI
STATE
WATERBOD
EPA_REG
FIPS
FIPS_DIS
HUC_DIS
RF1_DIS
ECU
Data Product::
Related
Field Name
SOURCE
AGENCY
STATION
DATE
SAMPLE
REPLICAT
SEQ
AMMONIA
ABNORMAL
BIOASS_DA
BIOASSAY
BIOMASS
COMMENTS
COM_JNAME
DILJUNIT
DILUTION
DOX
ENDPOIN2
ENDPOINT
E_QUALIF
EMERGENC
EXT_MTHO
FEEDING
FLUSH
location code
Reach File 1 reach
origin
organization name
reference, literature citation ,
senior scientist
state
waterbody
EPA Region
FIPS code
distance to nearest FIPS (mile)
distance to nearest catologic unit (mile)
distance to RFl reach (mile)
BASINS assigned cataloging unit
NSI Stations & Database
Table Name: NSI Biotoxicity Data
Description
identification of data origin (e.g., REG4 is the
Region 4 Pilot Study)
identification of group responsible for collecting
data (e.g., NS&T is NCAA's National Status and
Trends Program)
monitoring station identification code.
date of sample collection
unique sample identifier code
unique replicate identifier code
computer-generated sequence number when multiple
samples were taken; SOURCE, AGENCY, STATION, and
DATE were identical; and no SAMPLE, SUBSAMPL, or
REPLICAT codes were provided
ammonia concentration (mg/L)
abnormali ty
bioassay date
type of bioassay reported
biomass
comments
common name
concentration/Dilution units
concentration/Dilution
dissolved oxygen (mL/L)
endpoint #2 of bioassay test
endpoint of bioassay test
EMERGENC qualifier
emergence after 10 days
extraction method code to indicate the method used
to extract or digest the sample matrix and remove
or isolate the chemical of concern
feeding of species tested
flushing rate in percent of chamber volume
B-12
-------
BASINS Version 1.0
GENUS
HARDNESS
HOLD_TTM
LFSTG EN
LFSTG ST
MEASURED
NAME
NUM_ORGA
P
P_CC
P2
PH
PHASE
PHOTO PE
QASAMP1
QASAMP2
QASAMP3
RENEWAL
R
REBURIAL
RESPO_TY
SALINITY
SAMP_DTL
SAMP_DTU
SERIES
SIGNIF
SMP_EQP
SPECCODE
SPECIES
SPHERE
STD TOX
TEMP
TESTDUR
TESTTYPE
TESTEXP
UNITS
exchanged/24 hours
organism genus
hardness
holding time of sample prior to analysis (weeks)
life stage end—for bioassays that span more than
one life stage, record predominant life stage at
the end of the bioassay
life stage start—for bioassays that span more than
one life stage, record predominant life stage at
the start of the bioassay
measured (Y/N)
genus and species name (' linked to PHASE)
number of organisms
result associated with ENDPOINT
control-corrected analytical result associated
with P
result associated with ENDPOIN2
PH
phase code to indicate the phase (i.e., medium) in
which the bioassay organisms are housed
Photoperiod: Number of light hours vs. number of
dark hours (e.g., 1608 = 16 hours light, 8 hours
dark)
control sample no. 1
control sample no. 2
control sample no. 3
renewal (Y/N)
remark code associated with ENDPOINT and P
ET50 (mean reburial time)
type of bioassay response
salinity of water in test chamber (ppt)
depth to bottom of sample interval (m)
depth to top of sample interval (m)
bioassay series number
significant difference from control
sampling equipment code
species code
organism species
sphere (i.e., environment) code from which the
sample came
standard Toxicant Result code to indicate whether
the results of the standard toxicant bioassay were
acceptable
water temperature (deg C)
test duration (days)
test used
test exposure periods
units associated with ENDPOINT and P
B-13
-------
Appendix B - Data Dictionary
UNITS2
WATERTYP
YOUNG
BNSIID
ECU
BTSNPID
Data Product
Related
Field Name
NAME
PHASE
SOURCE
NSIPHASE
BTSNPID
Data Product
Related
Field Name
SOURCE
AGENCY
STATION
DATE
SAMPLE
SEQ
SUBSAMPL
REPLICAT
CAS
EXT_MTHO
INSTRUME
P
PARM
R
SAMP_JDTL
SAMP_JDTU
SAMP_EQP
BNSIID
ECU
units associated with ENDPOIN2 and P2
water type
number of young produced per adult female over 4
weeks
BASINS assigned station ID
BASINS assigned catalogin unit
BASINS internal field
: NSI Stations & Database
Table Name: NSI Biotoxicity Phase Table
Description
genus and species name
toxicity phase listed in source of data (when
available)
identification of data origin (e.g., REG4 is the
Region 4 Pilot Study)
toxicity phase used by NSI
BASINS internal field
: NSI Stations & Database
Table Name: NSI Elutriate Data
Description
identification of data origin (e.g., REG4 is the
Region 4 Pilot Study)
identification of group responsible for collecting
data (e.g., NS&T is NOAA's National Status and
Trends Program)
monitoring station identification code.
date of sample collection
unique sample identifier code
computer-generated sequence number when multiple
samples were taken; SOURCE, AGENCY, STATION, and
DATE were identical; and no SAMPLE, SUBSAMPL, or
REPLICAT codes were provided.
unique subsample identifier code
unique replicate identifier code
CAS number for analyte
extraction method code to indicate the method used
to extract or digest the sample matrix and remove
or isolate the chemical of concern
instrument code to identify the final chemical
analysis method(s) used for analyzing the sample
result associated with PARM (/zg/L)
analyte measured (see also P and R)
remark code associated with PARM and P
depth to bottom of sample interval (m)
depth to top of sample interval (m)
sampling equipment code
BASINS assigned station ID
BASINS assigned cataloging unit
B-14
-------
BASINS Version 1.0
BESPID
BASINS internal field
Dajta Product: NSX Stations & Database
Related Table Name: NSI Elutriate Parameter Table
Field Name
SOURCE
FARM
CAS
LNAME
BESPID
Description
identification of data origin (e.g., REG4 is the
Region 4 Pilot Study)
Analyte measured (see also P and R)
CAS number for analyte
analyte long name
BASINS internal field
Data Product: NSI Stations & Database
Related Table Name: NSI ODES & DMATS Remark Codes
Field Name Description
REMARK CODE remark code
DESCRIPTION description
Data Product
Related
Field Name
SOURCE
AGENCY
STATION
DATE
SAMPLE
SUBSAMPL
REPLICAT
SEQ
CAS
CLEANUP
COMMENTS
DRY_WGT
EXT MTHO
INSTRUME
MEAS_BAS
NSIREVCD
: NSI Stations & Database
Table Name: NSI Sediment Chemistry Data
Description
identification of data origin (e.g., REG4 is the
Region 4 Pilot Study)
identification of group responsible for collecting
data (e.g., NS&T is NOAA's National Status and
Trends Program)
monitoring station identification code.
date of sample collection
unique sample identifier code
unique subsample identifier code
unique replicate identifier code
computer-generated sequence number when multiple
samples were taken; SOURCE, AGENCY, STATION, and
DATE were identical; and no SAMPLE, SUBSAMPL, or
REPLICAT codes were provided
CAS number for analyte
sample cleanup code to indicate an additional step
taken to further purify the sample extracts or
digestates
comments
percent of total sample remaining after drying
extraction method code to indicate the method used
to extract or digest the sample matrix and remove
or isolate the chemical of concern
instrument code to identify the final chemical
analysis method(s) used for analyzing the sample
result is wet or dry weight basis (see also P)
Preliminary evluation code (A=Reviewed in QA/QC of
B-15
-------
Appendix B - Data Dictionary
P
PARM
R
SAMP_DTL
SAMP_DTU
SMP_EQP
SPHERE
WET_WGT
Data Product
Related,
Field Name
SOURCE
PARM
CAS
LNAME
BNSIID
ECU
BSSPID
Preliminary Evaluation, U=Only one (1) observation
of this chemical in source, X=Deleted based on
QA/QC of Preliminary Evaluation (first run),
Y=Duplicate Data, Z=Deleted based on QA/QC of
Preliminary Evaluation (second run))
result associated with PARM (//g/kg, ppb)
analyte measured (see also P and R)
remark code associated with PARM and P
depth to bottom of sample interval (m)
depth to top of sample interval (m)
sampling equipment code
sphere (i.e., environment) code from which the
sample came
total wet weight of sample (g)
: NSI Stations & Database
Table Name: NSI Sediment Chemistry Parameter Table
Description
identification of data origin (e.g., REG4 is the
Region 4 Pilot Study)
analyte measured (see also P and R)
CAS number for analyte
analyte long name
BASINS assigned station ID
BASINS assigned cataloging unit
BASINS internal field
Data Product: NSX Stations & Database
Related Table Name: NSX STORET & Other Remark Codes
Field Name Description
REMARK CODE remark code
DESCRIPTION description
Data Product;
Related
Field Name
SOURCE
AGENCY
STATION
DATE
SAMPLE
SEQ
REPLICAT
ANATOMY
NSX Stations & Database
Table Name: NSX Tissue Residue Data
Description
identification of data origin (e.g., REG4 is the
Region 4 Pilot Study)
identification of group responsible for collecting
data (e.g., NS&T is NOAA's National Status and
Trends Program)
monitoring station identification code.
date of sample collection
unique sample identifier code
computer-generated sequence number when multiple
samples were taken; SOURCE, AGENCY, STATION, and
DATE were identical; and no SAMPLE, SUBSAMPL, or
REPLICAT codes were provided
unique replicate identifier code
organ/tissue sampled
B-16
-------
BASINS Version 1.0
ANAT_CD
CAS
CLEANUP
COMPOSIT
DRY_WGT
EXT MTHO
INSTRUME
NSIREVCD
LENGTH
LIFE_STA
MEAS_BAS
NUMB_IND
P
PARM
P_STD
R
SAMPTYPE
SEX
SMP_EQP
SPECCODE
SPECIMEN
TOT_REP
WEIGHT
WET_WGT
LIPIDS
SPEC_BIO
BNSIID
ECU
BISPID
organ/tissue sampled code
CAS number for analyte
sample cleanup code to indicate an additional step
taken to further purify the sample extracts or
digestates
a unique identifier to indicate a sample created
by compositing tissues from several individuals
percent of total sample remaining after drying
extraction method code to indicate the method used
to extract or digest the sample matrix and remove
or isolate the chemical of concern
instrument code to identify the final chemical
analysis method(s) used for analyzing the sample
preliminary evluation code (F=Field test, L=Lab
test, W=Species cannot be resolved, Y=Duplicate
Data)
length of specimen
life stage code to identify the life stage of the
sample
result is wet or dry weight basis (see also P)
number of organisms in sample
result associated with PARM
analyte measured (see also P and R)
standard deviation of P associated with repeated
measurements of PARM
remark code associated with PARM and P
sample type
sex code used to identify sex of sample
sampling equipment code
species code
unique identifier for the individual organism
being analyzed
number of replicates
weight of organism
total weight of sample
% Extractable lipids
STORET taxonomic code
BASINS assigned station ID
BASINS assigned cataloging unit
BASINS internal field
Data Product: NSI Stations & Database
Related Table Name: NSI Tissue Residue Parameter Table
Field Name Description
SOURCE identification of data origin (e.g., REG4 is the
Region 4 Pilot Study)
PARM analyte measured (see also P and R)
CAS CAS number for analyte
B-17
-------
Appendix B - Data Dictionary
LNAME
BTSPID
Data Product::
Related
Field Name
SPECCODE
SPEC_SCI
SPEC_COM
RESJMIG
BOT_PEL
EDIBLE
analyte long name
BASINS internal field
NSX Stations & Database
Table Name: NSI Tissue Residue Species Table
Description
species code
species scientific name
species common name
species resident, migratory, or either
species benthic, pelagic, or either
species considered edible by humans
Data Product: PCS Sites and Computed Loadings
Theme Name: Permit Compliance System
Field Name
SHAPE
NPDES
DAT
LONG
METHOD
ZIP
HUG
P_LAT
P_LONG
XL.COORD
Y_COORD
MADI
SIC
CNTY
CSDN
FFID
FLLC
TELE
SPC
NAME
ADDRESS
CITY
IFDSIC
CUSEG
MI
PRS1
PRS2
CU
BREACH
BFIPS
ECU
Descrip tion
ArcView internal field
NPDES permit number
latitude
longitude
latitude/longitude method code
postal zip code
hydrologic cataloging unit
preferred latitude
preferred longitude
facility longitude
facility latitude
major discharge identifier
standard industrial classification code
county code
consolidated system facility identifier
federal facility identification number
facility latitude/longitude code of accurace
cognizant official telephone
unknown
facility name
facility address
city code
SIC contained in IFD database
cataloging unity reach file segment
Reach file, vl segment mile point
BASINS internal field
BASINS internal field
cataloging unit
BASINS internal field
BASINS county FIPS code
BASINS assigned cataloging unit
B-18
-------
BASINS Version 1.0
Data Product: PCS Sites and Computed Loadings
Related Table Name: Permitted Discharges 1991
Field Name
NPDES
PARAMETER
LBYO
LBYE
LBY1
ECU
Descripti on
NPDES permit number
STORET parameter code
estimated loading calculated with remarked data
set to zero (Ibs/yr)
estimated loading calculated with remarked data
set to half-detection limit (Ibs/yr)
estimated loading calculated with remarked data
set to detection limit (Ibs/yr)
BASINS assigned cataloging unit
Data Product: PCS Sites and Computed Loadings
Related Table Name: Permitted Discharges 1992
Field Name
NPDES
PARAMETER
LBYO
LBYE
LBY1
ECU
Description
NPDES permit number
STORET parameter code
estimated loading calculated with remarked data
set to zero (Ibs/yr)
estimated loading calculated with remarked data
set to half-detection limit (Ibs/yr)
estimated loading calculated with remarked data
set to detection limit (Ibs/yr)
BASINS assigned cataloging unit
Data Product: PCS Sites and Computed Loadings
Related Table Name: Permitted Discharges 1993
Field Name
NPDES
PARAMETER
LBYO
LBYE
LBY1
ECU
Data Product
Related
Permits 1991
Field Name
NPDES
PARAMETER
LBYOVER
Description
NPDES permit number
STORET parameter code
estimated loading calculated with remarked data
set to zero (Ibs/yr)
estimated loading calculated with remarked data
set to half-detection limit (Ibs/yr)
estimated loading calculated with remarked data
set to detection limit (Ibs/yr)
BASINS assigned cataloging unit
: PCS Sites and Computed Loadings
Table Name: Permitted Discharges Loadings Over
Description
NPDES permit number
STORET parameter code
portion of estimated loading over permit
calculated with remarked data set to half-
detection limit (Ibs/yr)
B-19
-------
Appendix B - Data Dictionary
estimated loading calculated with remarked data
set to half-detection limit (Ibs/yr)
BASINS assigned cataloging unit
Data Product:
Related
Permits 1992
Field Name
NPDES
PARAMETER
LBYOVER
LBYE
ECU
Data Product
Related
Permits 1993
Field Name
NPDES
PARAMETER
LBYOVER
LBYE
BCU
: PCS Sites and Computed Loadings
Table Name: Permitted Discharges Loadings Over
Description
NPDES permit number
STORET parameter code
portion of estimated loading over permit
calculated with remarked data set to half-
detection limit (Ibs/yr)
estimated loading calculated with remarked data
set to half-detection limit (Ibs/yr)
BASINS assigned cataloging unit
: PCS Sites and Computed Loadings
Table Name: Permitted Discharges Loadings Over
Description
NPDES permit number
STORET parameter code
portion of estimated loading over permit
calculated with remarked data set to half-
detection limit (Ibs/yr)
estimated loading calculated with remarked data
set to half-detection limit (Ibs/yr)
BASINS assigned cataloging unit
Data Product: PCS Sites and Computed Loadings
Related Table Name: Permitted Discharges Parameter Table
Field -Name Description
PARAMETER STORET parameter code
PRAMUNAME parameter name
CHEMICAL_N chemical name
CAS_NOMBER chemical abstract registry number
Data Product: PCS Sites and Computed Loadings
Related Table Name: Permitted Discharges Parameter Table
1991
Description
STORET parameter code
parameter name
chemical name
chemical abstract registry number
Field Name
PARAMETER
PRAMJNTAME
CHEMICALJNf
CASJNUMBER
Data Product: PCS Sites and Computed Loadings
Related Table Name: Permitted Discharges Parameter Table
1992
B-20
-------
BASINS Version 1.0
Field Name
PARAMETER
PRAM_NAME
CHEMICALJNT
CAS NUMBER
Description
STORET parameter code
parameter name
chemical name
chemical abstract registry number
Data Product: PCS Sites and Computed Loadings
Related Table Name: Permitted Discharges Parameter Table
1993
Description
STORET parameter code
parameter name
chemical name
chemical abstract registry number
Field Name
PARAMETER
PRAM_NAME
CHEMICALJST
CAS NUMBER
Data Product: Populated Place Locations
Theme Name: Place Names - (State Postal Abbreviation)
Field Name
SHAPE
AREA
PERIMETER
ALPPL_
ALPPL_ID
NAME
DESIG
COUNTY
FIPS1
LAT_IN
LONG_IN
ELEV
QCODE
ELEVNUM
Description
ArcView internal field
BASINS internal field
BASINS internal field
BASINS internal field
BASINS internal field
place name which can be used to label the place on
a map display
designation that this is a populated place
county name
state and county FIPS code
place latitude in DDMMSS
place longitude in DDDMMSS
elevation of the place in meters(character)
code for the accuracy of the latitude and
longitude of place
elevation of the place in meters integers)
Data Product: Reach File, Version 1 (RF1)
Theme Name: Reach File, VI
Field Name
SHAPE
HUC
SEG
MILEPT
SEQNO
RFLAG
OWFLAG
TFLAG
SFLAG
TYPE
Description
ArcView internal field
cataloging unit code
reach segment number
indicates the beginning of the reach
reach sequence number
reach flag "1" is a stream reach
open water flag "1"
terminal reach flag
start reach flag "1
reach segment type
is a open water reach
"1" is a terminal reach
is a start reach
B-21
-------
Appendix B - Data Dictionary
SEGL
LEV
J
K
PMILE
ARBSUM
USDIR
TERMID
TRMBLV
PNAME
PNMCD
OWNAME
OWNMCD
DSHUC
DSSEG
DSMLPT
MNFLOW
SVTNFLOW
MNVELO
SVTNVELO
RIVRCH
CU
DESSEQ
USSEQ
USDIR
DSCSM
CCSM
CDIR
ULCSM
URCSM
MDLAT
MDLONG
PSNPDAT
PLOWFL
PMEANFL
PTOPELE
PBOTELE
PSLOPE
PDEPTH
PWIDTH
PTEMP
PPH
PLOWVEL
PK1
PK2
PK3
PMANN
PSOD
PBGDO
PBGNH3
length, of the reach
reach level order ..:, .
reach junction number
reach divergence number
path mile
milage distance upstream from the stream discharge
upstream reach direction
terminal stream system ID
terminal base level
primary reach name
primary name code
open water name
open water name code
downstream cataloging unit number
downstream reach segment number
downstream mile point
mean flow in the reach in cfs
stream velocity in the reach at seven/ten low flow
stream velocity in the reach at mean flow
stream velocity in the reach at seven/ten low flow
reach number
cataloging unit
downstream segment number
upstream segment number
upstream reach direction (L or R)
downstream CU, segment, mile point
complement CU, segment, mile point
complement bank direction
upstream left CU, segment, mile point
upstream right CU, segment, mile point
midpoint latitude
midpoint longitude
date of snapshot (yymm); zero if current
stream-only low flow
stream-only mean flow
top of reach elevation
bottom of reach elevation
slope: NOT DERIVED from elevations
mean depth (feet)
mean width (feet)
mean temperature
mean pH
total low-flow velocity
CBOD decay rate constant (if known)
rearation rate constant (if known)
NH3 decay rate constant (if known)
"Roughness" coefficient (if known)
sediment oxygen demand
background DO
background NH3
B-22
-------
BASINS Version 1.0
PBGBOD5
PBGNBOD
background CBOD
background NBOD
Data Product: State and County Boundaries
Theme Name: State Boundaries
Field Name Description
SHAPE ArcView internal field
AREA BASINS internal field
ST state name abbreviation
EPAREG state region
Data Product: State and County Boundaries
Theme Name: County Boundaries
Field Name
SHAPE
FIPS
ST
CNTYNAME
PLYTYPE
WORKB
STCOFIPS
BEXT
Description
ArcView internal field
county FIPS code
state postal abbreviations
county name
polygon type
BASINS internal field
state and county FIPS code
BASINS internal field
Data Product: State and County Boundaries
Theme Name: County Names
Field Name
SHAPE
AREA
PERIMETER
CNTY
CNTY_ID
FIPS
ST
CNTYNAME
PLYTYPE
WORKB
STCOFIPS
BEXT
Description
ArcView internal field
ArcView internal field
ArcView internal field
ArcView internal field
ArcView internal field
county FIPS code
state postal abbreviations
county name
polygon type
BASINS internal field
state and county FIPS code
BASINS internal field
Data Product: Superfund National Priority List Sites
Theme Name: National Priority List Sites
Field Name
SHAPE
CERCLIS_ID
SITE_NAME
STATE
REGION
LATDD
Description
ArcView internal field
CERCLIS ID number
name of the NPL site
site state abbreviation
site region
site latitude in DDMMSS
B-23
-------
Appendix B - Data Dictionary
LONGDD
UPDATE
site longitude in DDMMSS
coordinate source
Data Product: Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) Sites, 1992 Release
Theme Name: Toxic Release Inventory Sites, 1992 Sites
Description
ArcView internal field
facility name
facility address
facility city
facility county
facility state abbreviation
facility zip code
extended facility zip code
zip code of the mailing address
state and county FIPS code for the facility
location
EPA region where the facility is located
flag for existing data from previous years
whether or not the facility is in operation
submitted facility latitude in decimal
degrees
submitted facility longitude in decimal degrees
not used
preferred facility latitude in decimal degrees
preferred facility longitude in decimal degrees
not used
accuracy of preferred latitude and longitude in
meters
accuracy unit in meters
facility latitude in DDMMSS
facility longitude in DDDMMSS
not used
TRIS version date for this data
Field Name
SHAPE
NAME
ADDRESS
CITY
CNTY
ST
ZIP
ZIP_PLUS4
MAIL_ZIP
STCOFIPS
REGION
HIST_REC
FAC_CLOSED
SUBMIT_LAT
SUBMIT_LON
PREFER_LAT
PREFER_LON
PREFER JdET
PREFER_AC
PREFER_ACU
S_DMS_LAT
S_DMS_LONG
LAT_LON_FL
TRIS_XU_DT
REP_IN_87
REP_IN_88
REP_IN_89
REP_IN_90
REP_IN_91
REP_IN_92
PAR_DUNS
ASSGN_DUNS
U_DUNS
PARJNAME
PARBJNAME
CITYB
STB
CEOB
REACHNUMB
1987
1988
1989
1990
1991
facility data reported in TRIS
facility data reported in TRIS
facility data reported in TRIS
facility data reported in TRIS
facility data reported in TRIS
facility data reported in TRIS 1992
parent corporations DUNS number
assigned DUNS number
DUNS number used for TRI
parent corporation name
parent corporations business name
city of the parent corporation
abbreviation for the state of the parent
corporation
name of the chief executive officer
reach number to which the facility discharges
B-24
-------
BASINS Version 1.0
ALT2_AT
TRI
UGI92RLSD
AIR92RLSD
LND92RLSD
TRNFRD92
BFIPS
unknown
TRI identification number
facilities discharge occurs underground
facilities discharge occurs in the air
facilities discharge occurs on land
facilities use off-site transfer
BASINS assigned state and county FIPS code
Data Product: Urbanized Areas
Theme Name: Urban Area Boundaries
Field Name
SHAPE
AREA
PERIMETER
URBAN_
URBAN_ID
CITYNAME
Description
ArcView internal field
ArcView internal field
ArcView internal field
ArcView internal field
ArcView internal field
urbanized area name
Data Product: Urbanized Areas
Theme Name: Urban Area Names
Field Name
SHAPE
AREA
PERIMETER
UANAME_
UANAME_ID
UA_CODE
CITYNAME
Descrip tion
ArcView internal field
ArcView internal field
ArcView internal field
ArcView internal field
ArcView internal field
a unique code for the urbanized area
urbanized area name
Data Product: Water Quality Monitoring Stations & Data Summaries
Theme Name: Water Quality Stations
Field Name
SHAPE
BWCID
AGENCY
STATION
LOCATION
CU
SEG
MILEP
ONOFF
COUNTY
STFIPS
STATE
STCOFIPS
WRS1
WRS2
BREACH
Description
ArcView internal field
BASINS assigned unique station number
agency code
station code
description of location
cataloging unit code
reach file vl segment number
reach file vl mile point
on/off reach indicator
county name
state FIPS code
state postal abbreviation
state and county FIPS code
BASINS internal field
BASINS internal field
BASINS internal field
B-25
-------
Appendix B - Data Dictionary
BFIPS
ECU
TYPE
Data Product:
Related
Field Name
BWQRD
PARAMETER
NO OBS
MEAN
15TH %
25TH %
50TH %
75TH %
85TH %
STD
ECU
Data Product:
Related
Field Name
BWQRD
PARAMETER
NO OBS
MEAN
15TH %
25TH %
50TH %
75TH %
85TH %
STD
ECU
Data Product
Related
Field Name
BWQRD
PARAMETER
NO OBS
MEAN
15TH %
25TH %
50TH %
75TH %
85TH %
STD
ECU
BASINS internal field
BASINS assigned cataloging unit
station type
: Water Quality Monitoring Stations & Data Summaries
Table Name: Water Quality Data 70-74
Description
BASINS assigned unique station number
EPA STORET parameter code
number of observations
mean value
15th percentile value
25th percentile value
50th percentile value
75th percentile value
85th percentile value
standard deviation
BASINS assigned cataloging unit code
: Water Quality Monitoring Stations & Data Summaries
Table Name: Water Quality Data 75-79
Description
BASINS assigned unique station number
EPA STORET parameter code
number of observations
mean value
15th percentile value
25th percentile value
50th percentile value
75th percentile value
85th percentile value
standard deviation
BASINS assigned cataloging unit code
: Water Quality Monitoring Stations & Data Summaries
Table Name: Water Quality Data 80-84
Description
BASINS assigned unique station number
EPA STORET parameter code
number of observations
mean value
15th percentile value
25th percentile value
50th percentile value
75th percentile value
85th percentile value
standard deviation
BASINS assigned cataloging unit code
B-26
-------
BASINS Version 1.0
Data Product;
Related
Field Name
BWQRD
PARAMETER
NO OBS
MEAN
15TH %
25TH %
50TH %
75TH %
85TH %
STD
ECU
Data Product:
Related
Field Name
BWQRD
PARAMETER
NO OBS
MEAN
15TH %
25TH %
50TH %
75TH %
85TH %
STD
ECU
: Water Quality Monitoring Stations & Data Summaries
Table Name: Water Quality Data 85-89
Description
BASINS assigned unique station number
EPA STORET parameter code
number of observations
mean value
15th percentile value
25th percentile value
50th percentile value
75th percentile value
85th percentile value
standard deviation
BASINS assigned cataloging unit code
Water Quality Monitoring Stations & Data Summaries
Table Name: Water Quality Data 90-94
Description
BASINS assigned unique station number
EPA STORET parameter code
number of observations
mean value
15th percentile value
25th percentile value
50th percentile value
75th percentile value
85th percentile value
standard deviation
BASINS assigned cataloging unit code
Data Product: Water Quality Monitoring Stations & Data Summaries
Related Table Name: Water Quality Parameter Table
T -HT- — * - I
Field Name
PARM_CODE
PARM_NAME
SAMPLE_TYP
UNITS
UP_REF_LVL
LW_REF_LVL
UNKNOWN
REF LVLSRC
Descrip tion
EPA STORET parameter code
parameter name
sample type
units
upper reference level
lower reference level
type of standard
reference level source
Data Product: Water Quality Monitoring Stations & Data Summaries
Related Table Name: Water Quality Parameter Table 70-74
Field Name Description
PARM_CODE EPA STORET parameter code
PARM_NAME parameter name
SAMPLE_TYP sample type
B-27
-------
Appendix B - Data Dictionary
UNITS
UP_REF_LVL
LW_JlEF_IiVL
UNKNOWN
REF_LVLSRC
Data Product:
Related
Field Name
PARM_CODE
PARM_NAME
SAMPLE_TYP
UNITS
UP_REF_LVL
LW_jREF_LVL
UNKNOWN
REF_LVLSRC
Data Product
Related
Field Name
PARML.CODE
PARM_NAME
SAMPLE_TYP
UNITS
UP_REF_LVL
LW_REF_LVL
UNKNOWN
REF_LVLSRC
Data Product
Related
Field Name
PARM_CODE
PARM_NAME
SAMPLE_TYP
UNITS
UP_REF_LVL
LW_REF_LVL
UNKNOWN
REF_LVLSRC
units
upper reference level
lower reference level
unknown
reference level source
: Water Quality Monitoring Stations & Data Summaries
Table Name: Water Quality Parameter Table 75-79
Description
EPA STORET parameter code
parameter name
sample type
units
upper reference level
lower reference level
unknown
reference level source
: Water Quality Monitoring Stations & Data Summaries
Table Name: Water Quality Parameter Table 80-84
Description
EPA STORET parameter code
parameter name
sample type
units
upper reference level
lower reference level
unknown
reference level source
: Water Quality Monitoring Stations & Data Summaries
Table Name: Water Quality Parameter Table 85-89
Description
EPA STORET parameter code
parameter name
sample type
units
upper reference level
lower reference level
unknown
reference level source
Data Product: Water Quality Monitoring Stations & Data Summaries
Related Table Name: Water Quality Parameter Table 90-94
Field Name Description
PARM_CODE EPA STORET parameter code
PARMLJSTAME parameter name
SAMPLE_TYP sample type
UNITS units
UP_REF_LVL upper reference level
B-28
-------
BASINS Version 1.0
LW_REF_LVL
UNKNOWN
REF_LVLSRC
lower reference level
unknown
reference level source
Data Product: Watershed Data Stations & Database (sample set)
Theme Name: Watershed Data Stations
Description
ArcView internal field
longitude
latitude
elevation
station name
county
duration of precipitation
percent of sampling period covered
EPA region
Field Name
SHAPE
LONGITUDE
LATITUDE
ELEVATION
STAT_NAME
COUNTY
PPT_PERIOD
COV_PCT
REGION
Data Product: Weather Station Sites
Theme Name: Weather Station Areas
Field Name
SHAPE
AREA
ID
LATDD
LONGDD
ELEVFT
STATNAME
VIG_ID
Description
ArcView internal field
ArcView internal field
weather station identification code
latitude of the weather station in decimal degrees
longitude of the weather station in decimal
degrees
elevation of the weather station in meters
weather station name
BASINS internal field
Data Product: Weather Station Sites
Theme Name: Weather Station Sites
Field Name
SHAPE
ID
LATDD
LONGDD
ELEVFT
STATNAME
VIG_ID
Description
ArcView internal field
weather station identification code
latitude of the weather station in decimal degrees
longitude of the weather station in decimal
degrees
elevation of the weather station in meters
weather station name
BASINS internal field
B-29
•U.S. Government Printing Office: 1996 - 715-003/50501
-------
------- |