Examining terrestrial and subterranean sediment sources and transport processes in an urban sewershed with an entirely buried stream network, Washington, D.C., United States

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Abstract

Excessive fine-grained sediment runoff due to anthropogenic activities is a major environmental concern for watersheds worldwide, especially so for urban areas such as Washington, D.C. Dated grey infrastructure, i.e., the network of buried pipes and reservoirs managing water resources, can amplify existing issues with sediment runoff and associated pollutants. This infrastructure, which is generally designed to quickly transport stormwaters away from urban areas, contributes to urban stream syndrome. Recent studies have suggested aging subterranean infrastructure may be an unaccounted-for source of sediments. The composition of this possible sediment source, and the extent to which it contributes to urban sediment runoff, is poorly understood. Our study seeks to examine sediment sources and transport processes in an urban watershed with an entirely buried drainage network using sediment fingerprinting, with specific attention paid to differentiating between terrestrial and subterranean sources. We demonstrate here multiple novel approaches to sampling subterranean sources including augering and entering the buried drainage network itself. The results of this study may inform sediment managers and infrastructure engineers and allow for targeted sediment reduction responses.

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Publication type Conference Paper
Publication Subtype Conference Paper
Title Examining terrestrial and subterranean sediment sources and transport processes in an urban sewershed with an entirely buried stream network, Washington, D.C., United States
Year Published 2023
Language English
Publisher SEDHYD
Contributing office(s) Maryland-Delaware-District of Columbia Water Science Center
Description 4 p.
Larger Work Type Book
Larger Work Subtype Conference publication
Larger Work Title SEDHYD 2023
Country United States
State District of Columbia
City Washington D.C.
Other Geospatial Hickey Run watershed
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