Operational Draft Regional Guidebook for the Functional Assessment of High-gradient Ephemeral and Intermittent Headwater Streams in Western West Virginia and Eastern Kentucky
Abstract
The Hydrogeomorphic (HGM) Approach is a method for developing functional indices and the protocols used to apply these indices to the assessment of ecosystem functions at a site-specific scale. The HGM Approach was initially designed to be used in the context of the Clean Water Act Section 404 Regulatory Program permit review to analyze project alternatives, minimize impacts, assess unavoidable impacts, determine mitigation requirements, and monitor the success of compensatory mitigation. However, a variety of other potential uses have been identified, including the determination of minimal effects under the Food Security Act, design of restoration projects, and management of wetlands. This report uses a modified HGM Approach to develop a Regional Guidebook to (a) characterize high-gradient ephemeral and intermittent headwater streams, known collectively as high-gradient headwater streams in eastern Kentucky and western West Virginia, (b) provide the rationale used to select functions for the headwater subclasses, (c) provide the rationale used to select model variables and metrics, (d) provide the rationale used to develop assessment models, (e) provide data from reference streams and document their use in calibrating model variables and assessment models, and (f) outline the necessary protocols for applying the functional indices to the assessment of stream functions.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 01, 2010
- Accession Number
- ADA525599
Entities
Organizations
- Engineer Research and Development Center