Simulation of streamflow and selected water-quality constituents through a model of the Onondaga Lake Basin, Onondaga County, New York — A guide to model application

Open-File Report 2008-1188
Prepared in cooperation with the Onondaga Lake Partnership
By:

Links

Abstract

A computer model of hydrologic and water-quality processes of the Onondaga Lake basin in Onondaga County, N.Y., was developed during 2003-07 to assist water-resources managers in making basin-wide management decisions that could affect peak flows and the water quality of tributaries to Onondaga Lake. The model was developed with the Hydrological Simulation Program-Fortran (HSPF) and was designed to allow simulation of proposed or hypothetical land-use changes, best-management practices (BMPs), and instream stormwater-detention basins such that their effects on flows and loads of suspended sediment, orthophosphate, total phosphorus, ammonia, organic nitrogen, and nitrate could be analyzed. Extreme weather conditions, such as intense storms and prolonged droughts, can be simulated through manipulation of the precipitation record. Model results obtained from different scenarios can then be compared and analyzed through an interactive computer program known as Generation and Analysis of Model Simulation Scenarios for Watersheds (GenScn). Background information on HSPF and GenScn is presented to familiarize the user with these two programs. Step-by-step examples are provided on (1) the creation of land-use, BMP, and stormflow-detention scenarios for simulation by the HSPF model, and (2) the analysis of simulation results through GenScn.

Study Area

Publication type Report
Publication Subtype USGS Numbered Series
Title Simulation of streamflow and selected water-quality constituents through a model of the Onondaga Lake Basin, Onondaga County, New York — A guide to model application
Series title Open-File Report
Series number 2008-1188
DOI 10.3133/ofr20081188
Year Published 2008
Language English
Publisher U.S. Geological Survey
Contributing office(s) New York Water Science Center
Description vi, 27 p.
Time Range Start 2003-01-01
Time Range End 2007-12-31
Country United States
State New York
County Onondaga County
Other Geospatial Onondaga Lake basin
Online Only (Y/N) Y
Google Analytic Metrics Metrics page
Additional publication details