RAPID: Cyberinfrastructure Development for Dunkard Creek Watershed

1001400 VanBriesen该项目的目标是收集和组织关键数据到一个网络基础设施的演示在Dunkard溪流域。 这将使可视化和模拟，以改善决策，并展示全面的流域数据访问的效用，快速应对灾难性事件。 多个州和联邦机构、非政府组织和大学研究人员正在收集相关数据，以应对2009年9月初发生的灾难性鱼类死亡。 超过10，000条鱼，代表18种，以及16种贻贝，在横跨30英里的小溪生态系统崩溃中消失。 该事件的原因仍在调查中，但已与入侵藻类物种水华有关，这是由小溪中的高盐浓度造成的（据报告，溪流中的TDS大于20，000 mg/L）。 Dunkard Creek汇入莫农加希拉河，有11家公共饮用水供应商将其作为水源。（水化学、生物多样性、鱼类解剖）正在使用多种方法在短时间内在一个重要的地理区域收集（水化学的固定传感器，抓取样品，然后进行化学和生物参数的实验室评估，专家亲自评估鱼类和生态系统状况）。 数据收集的强度及其高度可变性是一个难得的机会，可以展示网络基础设施管理数据和为流域决策提供综合建模的潜力。 这个为期一年的项目将包括收集历史数据，组织与正在进行的鱼类死亡评估有关的所有数据，以及创建流域模型和可视化分析工具。 由于目前对这一问题的关注不够协调，因此他们开始尽快组织和分析所有数据源至关重要。流域层面的数据和模型将为地方、州和联邦层面的政策制定者提供支持。 宾夕法尼亚州环境保护部于2009年4月提出了新的法规，以减少允许盐排放到该州所有沃茨;然而，邓卡德溪的位置-蜿蜒在西弗吉尼亚州和宾夕法尼亚州的边界-使其使用的决定变得复杂。 能够实现可视化和“假设”情景的综合网络基础设施将使公民了解流域内允许活动变化的影响。 宾夕法尼亚州西南部的流域支持各种同化用途，包括遗留的酸性矿山排水以及与Marcellus页岩气开发相关的新排水和废水排放。 更好地了解可能受影响的流域内的所有水和废水流动，将促进公众讨论整个区域正在作出的决定的适当性。 通过将网络基础设施的发展与该区域的教育和外联活动相结合，它们将使公众能够使用数据，并为有关流域活动和未来监测计划的决策提供信息。 由于社区对这一事件的强烈抗议，他们开发模型和可视化工具以尽快帮助公众理解至关重要。

1001400 VanBriesenThe objective of this project is to collect and organize critical data into a cyberinfrastructure demonstration within Dunkard Creek Watershed. This will enable visualization and simulation to improve decision making and to demonstrate the utility of comprehensive watershed data access for rapid response to catastrophic events. The relevant data are being collected by multiple state and federal agencies, non-governmental organizations and university researchers in an intensive response to a disastrous fish kill that occurred in early September, 2009. More than 10,000 individual fish, representing 18 species, as well as 16 species of mussels, were lost in an ecosystem collapse that spanned thirty miles of the creek. The cause of the event is still under investigation but has been linked to an invasive algal species bloom enabled by high salt concentrations in the creek (TDS greater than 20,000 mg/L was reported in the stream). Dunkard Creek feeds into the Monongahela River, where 11 public drinking water providers use this water as a source.Many different types of data (water chemistry, biological diversity, fish autopsy) are being collected over a significant geographical area in a short time frame using multiple methods (fixed sensors for water chemistry, grab samples followed by laboratory assessment for chemical and biological parameters, expert in-person evaluation of fish and ecosystem conditions) by multiple different organizations. The intensity of the data collection and its high variability represent a rare opportunity to demonstrate the potential of cyberinfrastructure to manage data and provide integrated modeling for watershed decision-making. The one year project will involve collection of historical data, organization of all data associated with the ongoing assessment in response to the fish kill, and creation of a watershed model and visualization analysis tool. Due to the uncoordinated but intensive focus on this issue right now, it is critical that they begin to organize and analyze all the data sources as soon as possible.Watershed-level data and models will provide support to policy-makers at the local, state and federal level. The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection proposed new regulations in April 2009 to reduce allowable salt discharges into all waters of the state; however, the position of Dunkard Creek - meandering at the border of West Virginia and Pennsylvania - makes decisions regarding its use complicated. Integrated cyberinfrastructure that enables visualization and 'what if' scenarios will inform citizens about the effect of changes to permitted activities in the watershed. The watersheds in southwestern Pennsylvania support diverse assimilative uses, including legacy acid mine drainage as well as new water removal and wastewater discharge associated with Marcellus Shale Gas Development. Improved understanding of all water and wastewater flows within potentially affected watersheds will enhance public discussions of the suitability of decisions being made throughout the region. By integrating the development of the cyberinfrastructure with educational and outreach activities in the region they will enable public use of the data as well as to inform policy decision making regarding watershed activities and future monitoring plans. Due to the passionate community outcry surrounding this event, it is critical that they develop models and visualization tools to assist with public understanding as soon as possible.