The Water Environment Research Foundation and Colorado Monitoring Framework con-ducted a demonstration of the WERF Nutrient Modeling Toolbox (NMT) that was developed as part of WERF project LINK1T11. The chosen demonstration site was Boulder Creek, a wade-able stream that drains the Rocky Mountains and flows through the City of Boulder, CO. The project team applied the LINK1T11 process to select and calibrate a nutrient response model of Boulder Creek. Ecological response variables of interest were dissolved oxygen, pH, bottom algae chlorophyll-a, and benthic macroinvertebrates.
After model calibration, the project team applied the model to various scenarios of nutrient reduction in the Boulder Creek watershed. Maximum feasible nutrient reductions were not predicted to attain the default chlorophyll-a goals or pH criteria at all locations. However, results did indicate that it would be practical to reduce bottom algae and pH in specific stream segments. The model indicated that environmental benefits could be maximized by more phosphorus control and less nitrogen control than would be pursued under default regulations. These technical findings were used to craft a staged, adaptive nutrient management strategy for Boulder Creek. Overall, the WERF (LINK1T11) process was highly beneficial for understanding the receiving water and improving management strategies.
Project Number: LINK2T14