United States Environmental Protection Agency Office of Acid Deposition, Environmental Monitoring and Quality Assurance Washington DC 20460 EPA/600/M-88/007 April 1988 Research and Development v>EPA AERP status The Aquatic Effects Research Program (AERP) status provides information on AERP projects dealing with the effects of acidic deposition on U.S. surface waters. Our objectives are to: • assist organizations involved in acidic deposition research to avoid duplication of efforts and to make maximum use of related research, • promote communications among the Environmental Protection Agency, state agencies, and organizations involved in acidic deposition monitoring activities, and • provide a mechanism to distribute available AERP information. Aquatic Effects Research Program The AERP is a major component of the National Acid Precipitation Assessment Program's (NAPAP) Aquatic Effects Research Task Group 6, a cooperative effort of nine federal agencies tasked with addressing important policy and assessment questions relating to the acidic deposition phenomenon and its effects. The AERP addresses four major EPA policy ques- tions relating to the effects of acidic deposition on aquatic ecosystems: 1. the extent and magnitude of change, 2. the change to be expected in the future under various rates of acidic deposition, 3. the maximum rates of deposition below which further change is not expected, and 4. the rate of change or recovery of aquatic ecosystems if deposition rates decrease. The necessary data for assessment and policy decisions are provided by the following research components: the National Surface Water Survey (NSWS), the Direct/Delayed Response Project (DDRP), the Episodic Response Project (ERP), and several watershed pro- jects. The watersheds activities include the Watershed Manipulation Project (WMP), the Regional Episodic and Acidic Manipulation Project (REAM), the Little Rock Lake Experimental Acidification Project, the Southeastern Acidification Project, and the Surface Water Recovery Project. Additionally, the Biologically Relevant Chemistry Project (BRC) and the Indirect Human Health Effects Project have been incorporated into the AERP research design. Collectively, these projects form an integrated program to quantify the chemical status of U.S. surface waters, to predict the response of biologically relevant chemistry to variable rates of acidic deposition, and to verify and validate the predictions. The AERP component projects will provide data necessary to prepare an AERP report that assesses the extent to which aquatic systems have changed as a result of acidic deposition. This AERP report will serve as a partial foundation for the NAPAP Assessment, an evaluation required by Congress in 1990. Status of AERP Activities—Phase I field activities (Synoptic Chemistry) and Phase II field activities (Seasonal Chemistry) of the NSWS are complete. Soil surveys for the DDRP have been conducted in the northeastern United States and in the Southern Blue Ridge Province. Initial BRC sampling activities have been completed in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan and in northwestern Wisconsin. Projects implemented in the spring of 1987 include the WMP at Bear Brook in Maine and REAM at the Fernow Experimental Forest in West Virginia. ERP field activities began at Fernow in the fall of 1987. The TIME Project is being designed; field activities are scheduled to begin in 1990. Table 1 summarizes the present status of various projects within the AERP. ------- AERP status Project Design Implementation Reporting National Surface Water Survey National Lake Survey, Phase (East and West) National Lake Survey. Phase II (NE) National Stream Survey, Phase 1 Direct/ Delayed Response Project NEandSBRP Soil Surveys Mid-Appalachian Soil Survey Regional Episodic & Acidic Manipulation Project Watershed Manipulation Project Episodic Response Project Little Rock Lake Experimental Acidification Project Southeastern Acidification Project Surface Water Recovery Project Temporally Integrated Monitoring of Ecosystems Biologically Relevant Chemistry Indirect Human Health Effects Complete Complete Complete Complete Ongoing Complete Complete Fall 1987 Ongoing In Review In Review Ongoing Ongoing Ongoing Complete Complete Complete Complete Ongoing Spring 1987 Spring 1987 Spring 1988 1983 Spring 1988 Spring 1988 1990 Ongoing Ongoing Complete Summer 1988 Spring 1988 Winter 1987-88 Fall 1990 Summer 1990 Annually Winter 1989-90 Annually Spring 1990 Spring 1990 Biennially Winter 1988-89 Spring 1990 Table 1. Present status and projected dates for stages of major AERP projects. AERP Feature Article Little Rock Lake Experimental Acidification Project (Vilas County, Wisconsin)—Lake acidification experiments provide valuable information about the direct and indirect effects of acidification on aquatic ecosystems. However, most acidic deposition studies use methods such as statistical analyses of surface water data, comparisons of historical and recent water chemistry data, and laboratory experiments. Although these methods answer many questions about the effects of acidic deposition on aquatic systems, other questions remain unanswered. The artificial acidification of Little Rock Lake offers researchers the chance to study whole ecosys- tem responses to the effects of acidification. As part of the AERP's watersheds program, the study is funded primarily by the U.S. EPA Environmental Research Laboratory-Duluth. Other cooperating institutions include: the University of Wisconsin - Madison, the University of Wisconsin - Superior, the University of Minnesota, Iowa State University, the U.S. Geological Survey, and the Wis- consin Department of Natural Resources. Little Rock Lake, which is located in northern Wisconsin, has no surface inlet or outlet and receives most of its water from precipitation directly on its surface. This results in lake water with low ionic content, organic color, and nutrient concentrations. Alkalinity in the lake averages about 25 ueq/L, and pH ranges from 5.5 to 6.2. The lake supports a healthy, warm-water fishery. Though dominated by yellow perch, the fish community also includes stable populations of largemouth bass, rock bass, and black crappie. Little Rock Lake has two basins, each with approximately the same surface area and connected by a narrow constriction (Figure 1). Planning for the Little Rock Lake Experimental Acidification Project began in 1982, and one year later, scientists imple- mented monitoring activities. These efforts verified the sim- ilarity of the two basins in water chemistry and biota. Re- sults indicate that the two basins are similar with respect to pH, alkalinity, major ions, chlorophyll, and nutrients. There are no major differences between basins in means and var- iances of all measured variables. Species distribution and abundance of phytoplankton, zooplankton, benthic inverte- brates, and macrophytes are also similar in the two basins. Although studies found the yellow perch population evenly divided, surveys of largemouth bass populations showed significant interbasin differences. Some adults and fry were transferred to redistribute the populations evenly. In 1984, while monitoring activities were still being con- ducted, project scientists separated the lake into two exper- imental basins by installation of a plastic and dacronfiber Surface area (ha) Maximum Depth (m) Mean depth (m) Volume (105 m3) North Basin 9.8 10.3 3.8 3.8 South Basin 8.1 6.5 3.0 2.5 Whole Lake 17.9 10.3 3.5 6.3 LITTLE ROCK LAKE Seal* Figure 1. Bathymetric map of Little Rock Lake. Prepared by Bureau of Engineering, Wisconsin Department of Natural Recources. ------- AERP status curtain across the constriction. Present plans call for the gradual acidification of the north basin. Sulfuric acid was added to the lake water to reach the initial target pH value of 5.5 during the spring of 1985. This pH level and subsequent levels of 5.0 and 4.5 will be maintained over two-year peri- ods, a schedule that should allow a reasonable amount of time for expression of biotic responses. To obtain preliminary information on responses of biota and biogeochemical processes to acidification, experiments were conducted in ten large enclosures during 1984 and 1985. Pairs of enclosures, located in the north basin, were acidi- fied to pH 5.5, 5.0, and 4.5 with sulfuric acid and to pH 5.0 with hydrochloric acid. One pair was left at pH 6.0. Results of these experiments, which aided scientists in the design of the whole lake treatment, indicated that water chemistry responses obtained by this technique were generally more realistic and consistent than biological responses. The results also were useful in developing an extensive list of hypotheses about how the north basin would respond to acidification. Numerous other studies are being conducted in conjunction with the Little Rock Lake Experimental Acidification Project. For more information and a list of available publications, contact: John Eaton EPA/Environmental Research Laboratory-Duluth 6201 Congdon Blvd. Duluth, Minnesota 55804 (218)720-5557 FTS: 780-5557 Completed AERP Activities This section lists projects for which recently published materials are available for dissemination. Western Lake Survey-Phase I—The Western Lake Survey- Phase 1, conducted in 1985 in the Rocky Mountains, the Sierra Nevada, and the Cascade Mountains, provided base- line information about the current chemical status of west- ern lakes. Scientists collected samples from 757 lakes with surface areas between 1 and 2,000 hectares. The Western Lake Survey major report, entitled Characteris- tics of Lakes in the Western United States, is available in two volumes through the mail order form in this status. The Western Lake Survey data base is also available. National Stream Survey Pilot Study—The National Stream Survey Pilot Study was conducted in the Southern Blue Ridge Province in 1985 to test and evaluate sample site selection, research designs, sampling and analytical methods, field base operations, sample shipping and tracking procedures, quality assurance and quality control programs, and data base management. Each of sixty-one streams was sampled four times. The Pilot Study major report is available through the mail order form in this status. Current AERP Activities Current AERP activities include acidic deposition research projects either in progress or scheduled to commence by summer 1988. Direct/Delayed Response Project (DDRP)—The DDRP focuses on three regions: the Northeast, the Southern Blue Ridge Province, and the Mid-Appalachian Region (Figure 2). The DDRP soils data for the northeastern region have been verified and validated. Data from these 145 water- sheds are being analyzed. Soils data from the Southern Blue Ridge Province have been verified, but not yet validated. EPA scientists will study 45 additional watersheds in the Northeast. These watersheds, selected because they appear to retain a percentage of sulfate inputs, will be mapped but not sampled. Soil chemistry will be inferred from previous sampling efforts. Mapping will be completed in the summer of 1988. DDRP Sites • Northeastern Lake • Mid-Appalachian » Southern Blue Ridge Province Figure 2. DDRP study regions ------- AERP status Sampling during the Western Lake Survey. ------- AERP status Thirty-six watersheds have been selected for study in the upland areas of the Mid-Appalachian Region. Mapping at these sites, which represent a subset of watersheds sampled during the National Stream Survey, will be com- pleted in the summer of 1988. Approximately 150 soil sites will be sampled. Soil data from the northeastern region and the Southern Blue Ridge Province will be released in a final report, sche- duled for publication in the spring of 1989. Address inquiries concerning the DDRP to: Bobbins Church DDRP Technical Director EPA/Environmental Research Laboratory-Corvallis 200 S.W. 35th Street Corvallis, Oregon 97333 (503) 757-4666 FTS: 420-4666 Watershed Manipulation Project (WMP)—At the Bear Brook watersheds, located on Lead Mountain in southeast- ern Maine, WMP scientists are assessing the quantitative and qualitative response of soils and surface waters to altered levels of deposition. WMP scientists are also inves- tigating hydrobiogeochemical processes contributing to sur- face water response and will evaluate predictions from models used in the DDRP. Hypothesis testing at Bear Brook is being conducted through an interdisciplinary, integrated approach involving coopera- tive efforts from a site team, six supporting scientific task teams, a modeling team, and the EPA management team. Major institutions include the University of Maine (Sulfur Task), Syracuse University (Aluminum Task), the University of New Hampshire (Nitrogen Task), the University of Illinois (Organic Acids Task), the University of Iowa (Cation Resupply and Mineral Weathering Task), and PNL-Battelle Northwest (Modeling team). Stream sampling by the University of Maine began in the fall of 1986 and has provided information on the variability of the major chemical constituents within the Bear Brook systems. Preliminary data indicate that the streams are chemically very similar. Concentrations of important parameters in these streams (acid neutralizing capacity, sul- fate, pH, and conductance) support the suitability of the Bear Brook streams for the planned manipulations. WMP scientists have also begun characterizing the Bear Brook watersheds. A field-based geographic coordinate sys- tem and a first-order soils map have been developed for each of the two Bear Brook catchments. Wet and dry depo- sition stations are established at the site; minimonitors will be used for continuous, in-situ monitoring of pH, conduc- tance, and stream temperature. A radiotelemetry system will enable remote programming and downloading of data from field data loggers. Various levels and combinations of deposition are being simulated by experimentally applying acids to a series of plots that represent the major soil and vegetation types within the catchments at Bear Brook. Eighteen plots have been established. Changes in some soil properties will be assessed through the use of a buried "soil bag" technique, in which nylon mesh bags containing a standard soil are buried, then removed for analysis at specific intervals. Plot treatments, scheduled for implementation in the spring of 1988, will continue for two years and will be followed by a recovery monitoring period. The method of manipulation, proposed to begin in late 1989 or early 1990, will be determined after a thorough evalua- tion of options. The amount and pH of the acidifying solu- tion will be determined, in part, from results of the external plot treatments. This approach will result in a manipulation experiment that is logistically and scientifically appropriate for the study objectives. Address inquiries concerning the WMP to: Parker J. Wigington, Jr. WMP Technical Director EPA/Environmental Research Laboratory-Corvallis 200 S.W. 35th Street Corvallis, Oregon 97333 (503) 757-4666 FTS: 420-4666 Episodic Response Project (ERP)—The Adirondack and Catskill regions of New York and the Valley and Ridge Pro- vince of Pennsylvania have been identified as containing target populations of streams expected to experience acidic episodes. Conceptual designs and approaches for each of the three regions were presented at a Peer Review Work- shop held in Panama City, Florida, in November of 1987. Complete project designs will be reported after review and finalization. A draft quality assurance plan is nearing com- pletion; implementation is expected to commence in the spring of 1988 with the installation of minimonitors for the continuous determination of stream pH, conductance, and temperature. Address inquiries concerning the ERP to: Keith Eshleman ERP Technical Director EPA/Environmental Research Laboratory-Corvallis 200 S.W. 35th Street Corvallis, Oregon 97333 (503) 757-4666 FTS: 420-4666 Regional Episodic and Acidic Manipulation Project (REAM)—The REAM Project will provide data useful in formulating, testing, and refining DDRP, WMP, and ERP models for predicting surface water chemical changes in response to acidic deposition. The relationship of the REAM Project to the ERP and the WMP is illustrated in Figure 3. ------- AERP status Figure 3. Relationships between the Episodic Response Project, the Watershed Manipulation Project, and the Regional Episodic and Acidic Manipulation Project The REAM Project is designed to: 1. determine the surface water chemical responses, at both chronic and episodic time scales, of regionally representa- tive watersheds and associated streams to altered deposi- tion of sulfur and nitrogen; 2. determine the important site factors and forcing functions that control chronic and episodic response of watersheds and associated streams, including the importance of deposition; 3. provide data to test the behavior of the DDRP models; 4. determine the magnitude, duration, and frequency of episodic chemical changes that accompany hydrologic events in regionally representative streams; and 5. provide data that will be of use to the ERP in the develop- ment of modeling approaches (either empirical or concep- tual) for predicting the occurrence of episodic chemical changes that could potentially be applied on a regional basis. During this study, a three-fold increase in acidic deposition will be simulated on a treatment watershed. Changes in the chemistry of water exiting the watershed will be monitored on a temporal and quantitative basis. Dry ammonium sul- fate will be applied to the test catchment by helicopter in three increments per year (beginning in the fall of 1988, for a minimum of three years). This schedule of application will ensure that the relative magnitudes of acidic episodes follow regionally specific seasonal patterns based on local weather patterns. Such a consideration is necessary because the effect of acidic episodes on biotic populations will be deter- mined to a large extent by the developmental stage of biota experiencing the episode, which in turn fluctuates seasonally. Wet and dry deposition monitoring stations have been installed at the Fernow Experimental Forest in West Virgi- nia. Routine maintenance of the system and sample collec- tion will be performed by on-site personnel. Minimonitors and continuously recording pH, temperature, and conductiv ity meters were installed at the weirs of a manipulated site and a control site during December. All data will be gathered continuously and downloaded weekly by site per- sonnel. Continuous stage recorders were installed at the same location by the Forest Service and have provided relia ble data for a number of years on both watersheds. Two water samplers, which were installed at each weir in December, will be programmed to sample on an incremente time basis during an episode, the beginning of which is defined as a specific increase in stream water level. These efforts will provide data on how episodic changes in water chemistry relate to changing water levels. Watershed soil mapping has also been completed by the West Virgina Soil Conservation Service using protocols developed by the DDRP. As such, the watersheds can be aggregated into soil classification groups that are represen- tative of DDRP regional classifications. Each watershed will have dominant soil groupings sampled, and chemical anal- yses will be completed which will include key predictor vari- ables in the DDRP models. The DDRP models will then be run to predict the resulting chronic stream acidification. Sampling for soil chemical characterization is slated for the summer of 1988. Stream and soil sampling, as well as watershed instrumen- tation, will begin after review and approval of draft plans. Address inquiries concerning REAM to: Timothy Strickland REAM Technical Director EPA/Environmental Research Laboratory-Corvallis 200 S.W. 35th Street Corvallis, Oregon 97333 (503) 757-4666 FTS: 420-4666 Biologically Relevant Chemistry (BRC)—The initial BRC sampling effort was conducted from June to September, 1987. Michigan State University personnel have completed fish age analyses. Scientists at Cornell University will use this information to interpret fish species presence/absence as a function of water chemistry. A review draft of the report on fish community status in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan will be completed in the summer of 1988. Address inquiries concerning the BRC to: Robert Cusimano BRC Technical Director EPA/Environmental Research Laboratory-Corvallis 200 S.W. 35th Street Corvallis, Oregon 97333 (503) 757-4666 FTS: 420-4666 ------- State Information The AERP status provides a forum for states to exchange information and updates about acidic deposi- tion monitoring activities. Highlighted state activities are presented below. California The California Air Resources Board (ARB) completed its fourth field season at Emerald Lake, an Inte- grated Watershed Study (IWS) site in Sequoia National Park. The 1987-88 winter field season is underway. The snowmelt period in spring 1988 will be studied intensively to investigate acidic pulse phenomena in Emerald Lake. These field data will also be used to verify a snowmelt model formulated for the Emerald Lake watershed by researchers at the University of California, Santa Barbara. A description of the IWS is included in the ARB's Fifth Annual Report to the Governor and the Legis- lature of the ARB's Acid Deposition Research and Monitoring Program. This report is available from Dr. Praveen Amar, Research Division, Air Resources Board, P.O. Box 2815, Sacramento, CA 95812. The ARB also sponsored a 50-lake survey throughout California during spring and fall of 1985 and 1986. Corroborating the findings of the EPA's Western Lake Survey, these lake data, along with other available data bases, are being used by researchers from the University of Iowa to perform a regional lake assessment for the Sierra Nevada. Florida The Florida Department of Environmental Regulation is involved in projects that characterize the fisher- ies, vegetation, and water quality of twelve lakes potentially sensitive to acidic deposition. The infor- mation obtained from these projects will assist the department in evaluating seasonal changes in lake water chemistry. These studies also provide insight into the status of fisheries resources in Florida's potentially sensitive lakes. Maine Monitoring activities in Maine include the following projects: High elevation Lake Monitoring (HELM) - During HELM, all 90 lakes in Maine above 600 meters eleva- tion were sampled at least twice in 1986 and 1987. The lakes were sampled during the fall overturn period so that results could be compared to the National Surface Water Survey Eastern Lake Survey. Aquifer Lakes Study (ALPS) - This study identified and sampled a majority of the lakes in Maine that are on, or hydrologically associated with, aquifers. For comparability to the Eastern Lake Survey, sampling, which was conducted in 1986 and 1987, included at least one fall index sample for each lake. These lakes are typically of the seepage type and are among the most dilute lakes in Maine. Hadlock Pond Watershed Study (HPWS) - The HPWS Project will be implemented in the spring of 1988. Sample collection activites will be conducted on Upper Hadlock Pond, a calibrated headwater watershed in Acadia National Park, Desert Island, Maine, and three tributary streams. The results from the calibrated watershed will augment the sparse data on sulfate and nitrate retention in northeastern watersheds. Planning is underway for a long-term surface water monitoring program for the state. This plan will include possible sites from HELM, ALPS, and the Eastern Lake Survey in addition to several stream sites. ------- New Jersey Since 1975, The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection has conducted routine monitor- ing of streams in two networks throughout the state. The 82-site "primary" network is sampled six times per year in conjunction with the U.S. Geological Survey. A 26-site "basic" network is sampled four times per year in cooperation with the U.S. EPA. Fisheries management and lake restoration pro- grams have also provided data for many lakes and streams in the state. Although these programs were not designed specifically to monitor possible acid rain effects, some of their parameters and methods are relevant. Under an integrated acidic deposition monitoring program, now being designed by a contractor, the Department plans to screen and synthesize the data from these and other projects. In doing so, the Department will characterize the State's surface waters and refine monitoring site selection and strategy for tracking their acidification status. Texas Since 1979, the Texas Air Control Board (TACB) has conducted acidic deposition studies. The TACB monitors events at Tyler, Fort Worth, Austin, Beaumont, and Houston. It also operates National Atmospheric Deposition Program (NADP) monitors at Longview and Huntsville. Personnel at TACB, a member of the Interagency Acid Rain Working Group, collected more than 250 samples in 1987. Sample pH and conductivity were measured and selected ions were analyzed. Vermont Vermont is involved in the following acidic deposition activities: Long-Term Chemical Lake Monitoring - The State began investigation during the winter of 1979 to determine the chemical constituents of lakes in Vermont. More than 200 lakes have been sampled. From this screening, 36 of the lakes thought to be most sensitive were chosen for long-term chemical monitoring. Long-Term Acid Precipitation Monitoring - In conjunction with lake monitoring, the State established a network of eleven precipitation monitors throughout Vermont. The Vermont Acid Precipitation Moni- toring Program (VAPMP) was implemented in 1980 to determine: (1) the pH range of precipitation in Vermont, (2) temporal trends in precipitation pH, and (3) spatial trends in precipitation pH with respect to elevation, latitude, and longitude. Results indicate that extremes occur in pH values, ranging from 2.75 to 7.36. The highest frequency of precipitation events falls between 4.20 and 4.40. Also, only four events in 100 had a pH greater than or equal to 5.60, the theoretical pH of unpolluted precipitation. Lake Biological Monitoring - Twenty-nine of the 36 lakes comprising the Long-Term Chemical Lake Monitoring Program have been surveyed for existing fish populations. Twenty-five of the 36 lakes have been surveyed for macroinvertebrates. Base-line data for plankton have been gathered for all 36 lakes; semi-quantitative macrophyte determinations have been made for many of the lakes. Periodic Resurvey of Sensitive Streams - The streams comprising this program will be resurveyed periodically. The study is designed to: (1) determine chemical changes in several predominantly headwater rivers resulting from spring run-off and (2) gather fisheries and chemical data on a select subset of 18 of the streams considered most sensitive to acidic deposition. Virginia The potential for acid rain effects on the native brook trout streams of Virginia's mountains is greater than previously thought. This is the initial finding of the Virginia Trout Stream Sensitivity Study, a research effort undertaken as a cooperative project by the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries, the University of Virginia, and Trout Unlimited. ------- Figure 1. Distribution of native brook trout streams in Virginia. The first phase of the project, conducted in 1987, involved an extensive streamwater sampling effort designed to determine the sensitivity of the trout stream resource and to establish a water chemistry baseline against which to measure future changes in stream water acidity. A total of 353 native trout streams, distributed among 31 western Virginia counties, were sampled in a two-week period during late April and early May. This sample represented about 80 percent of Virginia's identified native trout streams (see Figure 1). The sampling effort was organized by the Virginia Council of Trout Unlimited. This group coordinated the work of approximately 200 people in collecting and delivering water samples to the project labora- tory. Participants included representatives of ten Trout Unlimited chapters, Float Fishermen of Virginia, Shenandoah Outdoors, Forest Service, and Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries person- nel. A number of other volunteers also assisted. Phase II of the study will be a long-term trend monitoring study to allow early detection of changes in streamwater composition that may occur as a result of continued acidic deposition. A subset of 65 streams was selected from the 353 streams sampled earlier in the year and is being sampled on a quarterly basis. The most recent sampling was conducted during the last week in October. As a result of this study, the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries is revising future trout stream sampling plans. Streams indentified as being acidic and have not been sampled within the last three years will be resampled in the summer of 1988. Additional potentially sensitive streams will be added to the Department's intensive biological monitoring program based on a review of the quarterly samp- ling results. ------- AERP status Temporally Integrated Monitoring of Ecosystems (TIME)—Two workshops have been held as planning for the TIME Project, a long-term monitoring effort, continues. A workshop was held in October to identify lake types of inter- est to the TIME Project. A quality assurance workshop was held in November to provide a forum for discussion of past approaches and experiences with quality assurance in the NSWS. The purpose of the workshop was to build on this experience in order to identify approaches for designing an optimal quality assurance plan for the TIME Project. Another workshop is being planned for March, in which researchers will investigate how best to incorporate bio- logical monitoring into the TIME Project. Address inquiries concerning the TIME Project to: Jesse Ford TIME Scientific Director EPA/Environmental Research Laboratory-Corvallis 200 S.W. 35th Street Corvallis, Oregon 97333 (503) 757-4643 FTS: 420-4643 Synthesis and Integration Activities Three AERP activities synthesize and integrate project results: the Regional Case Studies Project, the 1990 AERP Report, and the Technical Information Project. Regional Case Studies—Since acidic deposition was identi- fied in the 1970s as an important issue relative to aquatic effects, much research has been conducted by a variety of agencies, institutions, and universities. This large body of information has not been analyzed on an integrated, regional-scale basis. The Regional Case Studies (RCS) Pro- ject will synthesize previously existing information and newly acquired information from the AERP to provide regional comparisons of surface water quality (including chemistry and biology) in areas of the United States identi- fied as being potentially sensitive to, changed by, or at risk because of acidic deposition. Areas of analysis include Adirondack National Park, Catskills, northern New England, central Ontario, Shenandoah National Park, Southern Blue Ridge Province, northern Florida, Upper Midwest, Rocky Mountains, Sierra Nevada, and Cascade Mountains (Figure 4). The primary outputs from this project will be a book and journal articles emphasizing intra- and inter-regional de- scriptions and characterizations of surface waters. The book, which will be useful to scientists and decision makers, will compare conditions among regions and emphasize key regional differences with respect to the effects of acidic deposition. A major feature of the project is the integration of results of several AERP projects. The integration, ana- lyses, and written materials generated by the project will complement the AERP 1990 Program Report effort. Cascade Mts. Sierra Nevada •Adirondacks Catskilis Shenandoah National Park Southern Blue Ridge Figure 4. Regional Case Studies: Areas of Analysis ------- AERP status Address inquiries concerning the RCS Project to: Donald F. Charles RCS Technical Director EPA/Environmental Research Laboratory-Corvallis 200 S.W. 35th Street Corvallis, Oregon 97333 (503) 757-4329 FTS: 420-4329 1990 AERP Report—A comprehensive report of results from the AERP will serve as a partial foundation for the 1990 NAPAP Assessment of the regional-scale change to aquatic resources as a result of acidic deposition. The report will focus on providing answers to policy questions regard- ing the present status of surface waters, the potential for future change, the expected system response to various acid loading scenarios, and recovery. Key analyses include regional classification of surface water chemistry and soil chemistry. Integration of wet and dry deposition monitoring results is a critical component of these analyses, all of which depend on sound estimates of acidic deposition levels. Another area of major emphasis is to evaluate the biological implications of chemically related conclusions, including his- torical change, current status, and future change. Address inquiries concerning the 1990 AERP Report to: Rick Linthurst AERP Report Technical Director EPA/Environmental Monitoring Systems Laboratory-RTP RM S 206 Research Triangle Park, NC 27711 (919)541-4048 FTS: 629-4048 Technical Information Project—The Technical Information Project disseminates information on AERP activities to state agencies, organizations, and technical audiences. Distri- buted information includes the following items: • status - In addition to providing information on current activities within the AERP, the status highlights the activi- ties of state agencies involved in projects related to aqua- tic effects of acidic deposition. The status provides a mechanism for obtaining documents resulting from AERP research activities and from the Technical Information Project. • Major Report with Companion Documents - These docu- ment sets consist of a compilation of the manuals and reports used during or prepared as a result of a particular AERP project. Companion documents to each major data report include field operations and quality assurance reports, quality assurance plans, and analytical methods manuals. The first complete set of documents (Eastern Lake Survey -Phase I) is available through the mail order form in this issue of the status. The Western Lake Survey- Phase I Major Report (Volumes l-ll) and the National Stream Survey Pilot Study Major Report are also available. Data Bases - Each data base consists of two compo- nents: a computer diskette or tape containing the vali- dated data base for a particular AERP project and a user's guide with instructions on how to use the disk and how the quality of the data was assessed. The Western Lake Survey - Phase I Data Base is available through the mail order form in this issue of the status. Handbooks - The handbooks are guidance documents that contain procedures for field operations, laboratory operations, and quality assurance for surface water and soil chemistry. They are beneficial to those organizations involved in designing and implementing monitoring activi- ties related to acidic deposition. The Handbook of Methods for Acid Deposition Studies, Laboratory Anal- yses for Surface Water Chemistry is available through the mail order form in this issue of the status. • Biennial Publications and Presentations Journal - This document is a compilation of abstracts describing presen- tations and publications authored or co-authored by AERP-EPA and contractor support personnel. Issues are prepared biennially. The first issue covers 1985-1986 abstracts and is available through the mail order form in this issue of the status. • Project Descriptors - This document is a compilation of AERP project descriptions for activities to be performed in a given EPA fiscal year. The first issue covers the October 1987-September 1988 EPA fiscal year projects. It is available through the mail order form in this status. • Project Overviews - Concise project descriptions will inform regional EPA offices, state agencies, and other interested organizations about AERP projects prior to their implementation. A similar document, summarizing project conclusions, will follow at the end of each project. Address inquiries concerning the AERP Technical Informa- tion Project to: Wes Kinney, Technical Director AERP Technical Information Project EPA/Environmental Monitoring Systems Laboratory- Las Vegas P.O. Box 93478 Las Vegas, Nevada 89193-3478 (702) 798-2358 FTS: 545-2358 ------- AERP status ------- AERP status If you would like to receive any of the following AERP products, MAJOR REPORT/COMPANION DOCUMENTS Eastern Lake Survey - Phase I Major Report-Characteristics of Lakes in the Eastern United States Volumes l-lll 4007 Q Volume I 4007a Q Volume II 4007b Q Volume III 4007c Q Quality Assurance Plan 4008 Q Analytical Methods Manual 4009 Q Field Operations Report 4010 n Quality Assurance Report 4011 n * Western Lake Survey - Phase I Major Report-Characteristics of Lakes in the Western United States Volumes l-ll 4012 D Volume I 4012a Q Volume II 4012b D * National Stream Survey - Phase I Pilot Study Major Report 4017 Q please check the appropriate box(es). DATA BASES Western Lake Survey - Phase I Data Base (Special order form will be sent) 2027 HANDBOOKS Handbook of Methods for Acid Deposition, Laboratory Analyses for Surface Water Chemistry PROJECT DESCRIPTORS * Research Activity Descriptors, FY 1988, October 1987-September 1988 3026 6001 Publications listed for the first time. Would you like to be included on the mailing list for future editions of the AERP status? [3 Yes n No If you are on the mailing list for the AERP status, do you want to remain? D Yes n No Name: Street: City/State/Zip: Return to: CERI, AERP Publications U.S. Environmental Protection Agency 26 W. Martin Luther King Drive Cincinnati, OH 45268 ------- |