River Modeling and Data Reports

Contacts: Modeling reports, Rob Mohlar (207) 592-1439 or Art McGlauflin (207) 215-6895. Other reports, Rob Mohlar (207) 592-1439.

Related pages: See also Impaired waters for reports associated with TMDLs, and the Public Comment Page for any draft data reports that may be available.

Androscoggin River Modeling Report and Alternative Analysis

June 2002. This study focuses on Gulf Island Pond, which is a large impoundment that extends for 14 miles from Lewiston to Turner. A four-mile segment upstream of Gulf Island dam is on Maine's 303d non-attainment list. The Clean Water Act requires that a TMDL (Total Maximum Daily Load) be completed for this water segment. A water quality model was developed by DEP using data collected both historically and in the summer of 2000. Report (PDF); data (PDF); figures -- file 1 (PDF), file 2 (PDF), file 3 (PDF).

Lower Androscoggin River Modeling Report and Field Study Data

A water quality model to predict effect of discharges and river flows on attainment of Maine 's Water Quality Standards was developed for the lower Androscoggin River by the Maine Department of Environmental Protection. Two separate field surveys were completed in the summer of 2010 in order to calibrate and verify the water quality model. The final model report and field data collected are presented in the following: Final Report (PDF); Sample Stations (PDF); July Field Data (PDF); July Lab Data (PDF); August Field Data (PDF); August Lab Data (PDF)

Final Report Errata – Page 2, Summary of Results, Item 5.  Replace; “Worumbo Dam” with ”Brunswick-Topsham Dam”.  Change has been made to Final Report download above.

Contact: Rob Mohlar (207) 592-1439

Aroostook River Modeling Report - 2004

September 2004. A water quality model has been developed using an EPA supported water quality model, QUAL2E. Two low flow data sets collected in the summer of 2001 and used to calibrate and verify the model. The model is used to predict worst case (low flow, high water temperature) water chemistry of such parameters as dissolved oxygen, algae, or nutrients. Regulatory measures on both point and non-point source pollutant inputs may be necessary if the model predictions for dissolved oxygen are lower than statutory requirements. Files: 2004 Model Report (PDF); 2002 Data Report (PDF)

Contact: Rob Mohlar (207) 592-1439

Aroostook River Data Report - 2013

August 2013. Since the 2004 Aroostook River Modeling Report was published there have been significant changes to the configuration and loadings from point source dischargers on the lower Aroostook River that justified an additional field data survey in the summer of 2012. These data will be used to recalibrate the existing water quality model to those new conditions and set the framework for incorporating non-point source discharges to the river and model their influence in meeting water quality. This report summarizes that data. Files: 2012 Data Report (PDF)

Contact: Rob Mohlar (207) 592-1439

Kennebec River Data Report - 1998

Kennebec River Modeling Report (Final)

April 2000.Kennebec River Modeling Report (PDF) (note: there were problems converting this file. The page numbers don't line up properly with the table of contents, and there are a small number of blank pages). Kennebec River Modeling Report (MSWORD file) (complete)

Penobscot River

A mathematical computer model to predict water quality of the Penobscot River as affected by point and non-point sources was developed in June 2000 based on data collected in 1997. Additional data collected in 2001 and combined with the 1997 data formed the basis for a draft revision of the model in 2003. Since then, there have been some significant reductions in discharges to the river, prompting collection of additional data in 2007. A phosphorus Waste Load Allocation was implemented in 2011. An ambient monitoring program was also implemented in 20ll to assess the effectiveness of the waste load reductions.

Presumpscot River Water Quality Model Recalibration and Status Report. 2011.

In 1995 a water quality model was developed for the Presumpscot River, from Little Falls dam downstream to the estuary at Martin Point Bridge. Together with instream monitoring, that model concluded that the lower reaches of the Presumpscot River from Cumberland Mills dam to the estuary were not in attainment of class C water quality criteria.  A Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) was approved by EPA in 1998 and a Waste Load Allocation (WLA) for the river was written.  In 1999 S. D. Warren ceased its pulping operation at their Westbrook mill reducing the BOD loading to the river, and in 2002 the Smelt Hill dam in Falmouth was removed improving hydraulic conditions. These substantial changes to the river from Cumberland Mills dam to Presumpscot Falls necessitated a recalibration of the model. The following is a report of that effort.  Final Report (PDF)

Sabattus River Data Report -- August 2002 survey

April 2003. This report presents the results of a study focused on the segment between Sabattus Pond and Lisbon Center, a distance of approximately 9 miles. Report (PDF), the file is large and takes awhile to load.

Sabattus River Data Report -- August 2000 survey.

St. Croix River Data Report -- Summer 2004 Survey

St. George River Modeling Report, April 2000.

Text (PDF). Figures and tables: File 1(PDF), File 2 (PDF), and File 3 (PDF). Note: the process of converting the files to pdf format for the web caused distortions in the pie charts. Also, the last section on public comment is not included, because we did not have the comments in electronic format. They may be available here in the future.

St. George River Data Report, November 19, 1999

This file includes the table of of contents and initial narrative material (PDF). For a complete copy, including the figures and appendices, contact Rob Mohlar (207) 592-1439.

Union River Estuary Modeling Report (June 2008)

Text of Union River Estuary Modeling Report (PDF). A WASP water quality model was developed for an approximate seven mile stretch of the Union River Estuary (from head tide to Union River Bay ). Data from intensive water quality survey (Summer of 2007) was utilized to develop/calibrate a one-dimensional WASP model and associated hydrodynamic DYNHYD model. The primary focus of this modeling report was to evaluate existing conditions in the Union River Estuary and to predict future impacts associated with a redesigned/relocated Waste Water Treatment Plant for the City of Ellsworth. Contact Rob Mohlar (207) 592-1439