Water Research, Analysis, and Reporting - NYSDEC

Water Research, Analysis, and Reporting - NYSDEC
Water Research, Analysis, and Reporting
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DEC takes a data driven approach to water resource management. High quality data and a deliberate approach to monitoring, assessment, research, and reporting provide scientific foundation to inform effective management strategies. DEC clearly defines methodologies for data collection and assessment of attainment of best uses. DEC’s waterbody assessments, research publications, and waterbody reports, are publicly available through resources and links provided below.
Data Analysis/Assessment using Core and Supplemental Water Quality Indicators
DEC uses its Consolidated Assessment and Listing Methodology (CALM) to assess the attainment of water quality standards based on analysis of various types of data (chemical, physical, and biological) from various sources, for all New York State waterbody segments.
DEC’s CALM is used to assess the quality of the state’s waters relative to the attainment of DEC water quality standards and to report assessment results to the USEPA. Results from this analysis are used to update water quality reports such as the Integrated Report that’s required by Clean Water Act Section 305(b) and 303(d). For more information, please visit:
Clean Water Act Section 303(d) List of Impaired Waters
The CALM details the Core and Supplemental water quality indicators and monitoring frequencies required for ponded and flowing waters in NYS. It also establishes a process to determine whether waterbodies can support their Best Use(s). DEC applies these protocols to develop waterbody assessments that are used for permitting, compliance, and enforcement activities, developing TMDLs and other clean water plans, and funding water quality improvement projects. The CWA requires states to report the results of these assessments to USEPA every two years. This water quality reporting under Section 305(b) and 303(d) of the CWA is referred to by USEPA as Integrated Reporting (IR). With its IR submission, a state must also provide a CALM that documents the decision-making process for assessing and reporting on the quality of water in the Integrated Report. USEPA provides states with guidance for developing a CALM (Guidance for 2006 Assessment, Listing and Reporting Requirements, 2005). NYS’s methodology includes:
a description of the processes and procedures used to assess the quality of surface waters;
an explanation of how all existing and readily available monitoring data and information was assembled and used to determine the attainment status in each assessment unit consistent with the applicable WQS; and decision rationales to not use any existing and readily available data and information (40 CFR Section 130.7).
DEC Research and Publications
Below is a list of DEC’s research and publications from the last 10-years. Some notable older publications are included as well. Reports are available upon request.
Bode, R.W., Novak, M.A., Abele, L.E., Heitzman, D.L., & Smith, A.J. 2004. 30 Year Trends in Water Quality of Rivers and Streams in New York State, based on Macroinvertebrate Data 1972-2002. NYSDEC Report.
Smith, A.J., B.T. Duffy, A. Onion, D.L. Heitzman, J.L. Lojpersberger, E.A. Mosher, M.A. Novak. 2018. Long-term trends in biological indicators and water quality in rivers and streams of New York State (1972-2012). River Research and Applications 34(5), 442-450.
Onion, A.M., Smith, A.J. & Duffy, B.T. 2023. New York State’s WAVE Method - Evaluation of a Method for Water Quality Monitoring by Citizen Scientists using Benthic Macroinvertebrates.  Environmental Management 71, 432–438.
Conine, A., S. Rickard, A. Onion, E. Wiegert, A. Smith. 2022. Use of power analysis to determine the number of samples needed to assess water quality in lakes and flowing waters. Integrated Environmental Assessment and Management. 18:6 1621-1628.
Yeardley, R., Duffy, B., Kimbrough, K., Lazorchak, J., Mills, M., & Johnson, E. 2023. A Comparison of Two Macroinvertebrate Multi-Plate Sampling Methods to Inform Great Lakes Monitoring and Remediation Efforts. Journal of Environmental Protection. 14(12), 933-53.
Smith A. J., Tran C. P. 2010. A weight-of-evidence approach to define nutrient criteria protective of aquatic life in large rivers. Journal of the North American Benthological Society 29: 875-891. DOI:
10.1899/09-076.1
Smith A. J., Bode R. W., Kleppel G. S. 2007. A nutrient biotic index (NBI) for use with benthic macroinvertebrate communities. Ecological Indicators 7: 371-386.
Smith A. J., Thomas R. L., Nolan J. K., Velinsky D. J., Klein S., Duffy B. T. 2013. Regional nutrient thresholds in wadeable streams of New York State protective of aquatic life. Ecological Indicators. 29: 455-467.
Smith A.J., Duffy B.T., Novak M.A. 2015. Observer rating of recreational use in wadeable streams of New York State, USA: implications for nutrient criteria development. Water Research. Feb 1;69:195-209.
George, S. D., Baldigo, B. P., Collins, S. M., Clarke, D. B., & Duffy, B. T. 2023. Comprehensive assessment of macroinvertebrate community condition and sediment toxicity in the Eighteenmile Creek Area of Concern, New York, 2021. Journal of Great Lakes Research. 49(6).
Baldigo, B. P., George, S. D., Lenox, A., Filipski, M. D., & Duffy, B. T. 2023. Assessing impaired benthic communities using sediment toxicity and contaminant concentrations from reference sites inside the Niagara River Area of Concern. Journal of Great Lakes Research, 49(2), 463-478.
George, S.D., B.T. Duffy, B.P. Baldigo, D. Skaros, and A.J. Smith. 2022. Condition of Macroinvertebrate Communities in the Buffalo River Area of Concern Following Sediment Remediation. Journal of Great Lakes Research. 48(1), 183-194.
Smith, A.J., B.P. Baldigo, B.T. Duffy, S.D. George, and B. Dresser. 2019. Resilience of benthic macroinvertebrates to extreme floods in a Catskill Mountain river, New York, USA: Implications for water quality monitoring and assessment. Ecological Indicators 104, 107-115.
Duffy, B.T., B.P. Baldigo, A.J. Smith, S.D. George. 2017. Assessing condition of macroinvertebrate communities and bed sediment toxicity in the Rochester Embayment Area of Concern, New York, USA. Journal of Great Lakes Research 43(5), 890-898.
George, S. D., Duffy, B. T., & Baldigo, B. P. 2017. Assessing the status of sediment toxicity and macroinvertebrate communities in the Eighteenmile Creek Area of Concern, New York. Journal of Great Lakes Research 43(3), 55-63.
Duffy, B.T., B.P. Baldigo, A.J. Smith, S.D. George, A.M. David. 2016. Assessing condition of macroinvertebrate communities and sediment toxicity in the St. Lawrence River at Massena Area of Concern. Journal of Great Lakes Research 42(4), 910-919.
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Kua, Z.X., Davis, C.M., Townley, L.A., Stella, J.C., & Shaw, S.B. 2023. Analyzing the impact of agricultural BMPs on stream nutrient load and biotic health in the Susquehanna-Chemung basin of New York. Journal of Environmental Management 335.
Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs)
Smith, A. J. and R. W. Bode. 2004.
Analysis of variability in New York State benthic macroinvertebrate samples (PDF)
. NYSDEC Report.
Gorney, R. M., June, S. G., Stainbrook, K. M., & Smith, A. J. 2023. Detections of cyanobacteria harmful algal blooms (CyanoHABs) in New York State, United States (2012–2020).
Lake and Reservoir Management
, 1-16,
Prestigiacomo, A. R., G., Gorney, R. M., Hyde, J. B., Davis, Courtney, & Clinkhammer, A. C. 2023. Patterns and impacts of cyanobacteria in a deep, thermally stratified, oligotrophic lake.
AWWA Water Science
, e1326.
Prestigiacomo, A. R., June, S. G., Gorney, R. M., Smith, A. J., & Clinkhammer, A. C. 2022. An evaluation of a spectral fluorometer for monitoring chlorophyll a in New York State lakes.
Lake and Reservoir Management
38
(4), 318-333.
Water Reporting by County
: See list below to find and download Lake and Stream reports.
DEC’s Consolidated Assessment and Listing Methodology for Integrated Reporting
Finger Lakes Advanced Monitoring Pilot -Tributary Assessment 2023
(PDF)
Water Reports by County
Reports for waterbodies are found in the county where the lake or river is located. If the waterbody is in multiple counties, the report will be on each county's tab.
Stream Biomonitoring Unit Rapid Assessment Survey (RAS) Reports
Rapid Biological Assessment Surveys (RAS) are conducted to assess water quality in streams and rivers, or reaches within these waterbodies.
Salt Kill, 2004
(PDF)
Vloman Kill, 2015
(PDF)
Stream Biomonitoring Unit Rapid Assessment Survey (RAS) Reports
Rapid Biological Assessment Surveys (RAS) are conducted to assess water quality in streams and rivers, or reaches within these waterbodies.
Rawson Creek, 2001
(PDF)
Knight Creek, 2000
(PDF)
Canacadea Creek, 1998
(PDF)
Wiscoy Creek, 2014
(PDF)
Stream Biomonitoring Unit Rapid Assessment Survey (RAS) Reports
Rapid Biological Assessment Surveys (RAS) are conducted to assess water quality in streams and rivers, or reaches within these waterbodies.
Bronx River, 2015
(PDF)
Bronx River, 2003
(PDF)
Bronx River, 1998
(PDF)
Stream Biomonitoring Unit Rapid Assessment Survey (RAS) Reports
Rapid Biological Assessment Surveys (RAS) are conducted to assess water quality in streams and rivers, or reaches within these waterbodies.
Susquehanna River, 2015 Report
(PDF)
Susquehanna River, 2003
(PDF)
Stream Biomonitoring Unit Rapid Assessment Survey (RAS) Reports
Rapid Biological Assessment Surveys (RAS) are conducted to assess water quality in streams and rivers, or reaches within these waterbodies.
Ischua Creek, 1998
(PDF)
Oil Creek, 2002
(PDF)
Rawson Creek, 2001
(PDF)
Stream Biomonitoring Unit Rapid Assessment Survey (RAS) Reports
Rapid Biological Assessment Surveys (RAS) are conducted to assess water quality in streams and rivers, or reaches within these waterbodies.
Crane Brook, 2004
(PDF)
Owasco Lake Inlet, 2006
(PDF)
Owasco Lake Inlet, 2011
(PDF)
Owasco Outlet, 2002
(PDF)
Stream Biomonitoring Unit Rapid Assessment Survey (RAS) Reports
Rapid Biological Assessment Surveys (RAS) are conducted to assess water quality in streams and rivers, or reaches within these waterbodies.
Cassadaga Creek, 2002
(PDF)
Stream Biomonitoring Unit Rapid Assessment Survey (RAS) Reports
Rapid Biological Assessment Surveys (RAS) are conducted to assess water quality in streams and rivers, or reaches within these waterbodies.
Seeley Creek, 1998
(PDF)
Stream Biomonitoring Unit Rapid Assessment Survey (RAS) Reports
Rapid Biological Assessment Surveys (RAS) are conducted to assess water quality in streams and rivers, or reaches within these waterbodies.
Susquehanna River, 2003
(PDF)
Stream Biomonitoring Unit Rapid Assessment Survey (RAS) Reports
Rapid Biological Assessment Surveys (RAS) are conducted to assess water quality in streams and rivers, or reaches within these waterbodies.
Great Chazy River, 2008
(PDF)
Stream Biomonitoring Unit Rapid Assessment Survey (RAS) Reports
Rapid Biological Assessment Surveys (RAS) are conducted to assess water quality in streams and rivers, or reaches within these waterbodies.
Ellicott Creek, 2001
(PDF)
Stream Biomonitoring Unit Rapid Assessment Survey (RAS) Reports
Rapid Biological Assessment Surveys (RAS) are conducted to assess water quality in streams and rivers, or reaches within these waterbodies.
Hans Creek, 2006
(PDF)
Stream Biomonitoring Unit Rapid Assessment Survey (RAS) Reports
Rapid Biological Assessment Surveys (RAS) are conducted to assess water quality in streams and rivers, or reaches within these waterbodies.
Birch Creek, 2004
(PDF)
Stream Biomonitoring Unit Rapid Assessment Survey (RAS) Reports
Rapid Biological Assessment Surveys (RAS) are conducted to assess water quality in streams and rivers, or reaches within these waterbodies.
Indian River, 2002
(PDF)
Stream Biomonitoring Unit Rapid Assessment Survey (RAS) Reports
Rapid Biological Assessment Surveys (RAS) are conducted to assess water quality in streams and rivers, or reaches within these waterbodies.
Kelsey Creek Report, 2000
(PDF)
Kelsey Creek Report, 2002
(PDF)
Stream Biomonitoring Unit Rapid Assessment Survey (RAS) Reports
Rapid Biological Assessment Surveys (RAS) are conducted to assess water quality in streams and rivers, or reaches within these waterbodies.
Sconodoa Creek, 2007
(PDF)
Stream Biomonitoring Unit Rapid Assessment Survey (RAS) Reports
Rapid Biological Assessment Surveys (RAS) are conducted to assess water quality in streams and rivers, or reaches within these waterbodies.
Onondaga Lake Tributaries, 2008
(PDF)
Stream Biomonitoring Unit Rapid Assessment Survey (RAS) Reports
Rapid Biological Assessment Surveys (RAS) are conducted to assess water quality in streams and rivers, or reaches within these waterbodies.
Canandaigua Outlet, 2005
(PDF)
Flint Creek, 2002
(PDF)
Stream Biomonitoring Unit Rapid Assessment Survey (RAS) Reports
Rapid Biological Assessment Surveys (RAS) are conducted to assess water quality in streams and rivers, or reaches within these waterbodies.
Monhagen Brook, 2004
(PDF)
Ramapo River, 1998
(PDF)
Shawangunk Kill, 2007
(PDF)
Wallkill River, 2008
(PDF)
Woodbury Creek, 2005
(PDF)
Woodbury Creek, 2007
(PDF)
Stream Biomonitoring Unit Rapid Assessment Survey (RAS) Reports
Rapid Biological Assessment Surveys (RAS) are conducted to assess water quality in streams and rivers, or reaches within these waterbodies.
Peekskill Hollow Creek Report, 2005
(PDF)
Stream Biomonitoring Unit Rapid Assessment Survey (RAS) Reports
Rapid Biological Assessment Surveys (RAS) are conducted to assess water quality in streams and rivers, or reaches within these waterbodies.
Hoosic River, 2004
(PDF)
Mill Creek Report, 2008
(PDF)
Quackenderry Creek, 2005
(PDF)
Walloomsac River Report, 2003
(PDF)
Stream Biomonitoring Unit Rapid Assessment Survey (RAS) Reports
Rapid Biological Assessment Surveys (RAS) are conducted to assess water quality in streams and rivers, or reaches within these waterbodies.
Ramapo River, 1998
(PDF)
Stream Biomonitoring Unit Rapid Assessment Survey (RAS) Reports
Rapid Biological Assessment Surveys (RAS) are conducted to assess water quality in streams and rivers, or reaches within these waterbodies.
Alplaus Kill Report, 2005
(PDF)
Hans Creek Report, 2006
(PDF)
Mourning Kill Report, 2005
(PDF)
Snook Kill Report, 2007
(PDF)
Spring Run Report, 2008
(PDF)
Spring Run Report, 2001
(PDF)
Stream Biomonitoring Unit Rapid Assessment Survey (RAS) Reports
Rapid Biological Assessment Surveys (RAS) are conducted to assess water quality in streams and rivers, or reaches within these waterbodies.
Alplaus Kill Report, 2005
(PDF)
Indian Kill Report, 2000
(PDF)
Normans Kill Report, 2009
(PDF)
Stream Biomonitoring Unit Rapid Assessment Survey (RAS) Reports
Rapid Biological Assessment Surveys (RAS) are conducted to assess water quality in streams and rivers, or reaches within these waterbodies.
Canacadea Creek Report, 1998
(PDF)
Cohocton River Report, 2004
(PDF)
Stream Biomonitoring Unit Rapid Assessment Survey (RAS) Reports
Rapid Biological Assessment Surveys (RAS) are conducted to assess water quality in streams and rivers, or reaches within these waterbodies.
Carmans River Report, 2008
(PDF)
Stream Biomonitoring Unit Rapid Assessment Survey (RAS) Reports
Rapid Biological Assessment Surveys (RAS) are conducted to assess water quality in streams and rivers, or reaches within these waterbodies.
Susquehanna River, 2015
(PDF)
Susquehanna River, 2003
(PDF)
Stream Biomonitoring Unit Rapid Assessment Survey (RAS) Reports
Rapid Biological Assessment Surveys (RAS) are conducted to assess water quality in streams and rivers, or reaches within these waterbodies.
Owasco Lake Inlet, 2006
(PDF)
Owasco Lake Inlet, 2011
(PDF)
Stream Biomonitoring Unit Rapid Assessment Survey (RAS) Reports
Rapid Biological Assessment Surveys (RAS) are conducted to assess water quality in streams and rivers, or reaches within these waterbodies.
Birch Creek, 2004
(PDF)
Shawangunk Kill, 2007
(PDF)
Upper Esopus Creek, 2007
(PDF)
Upper Esopus Creek, 2008
(PDF)
Wallkill River, 2008
(PDF)
Upper Esopus Creek, 2009 & 2010
(PDF)
Lower Esopus Creek, 2015
(PDF)
Stream Biomonitoring Unit Rapid Assessment Survey (RAS) Reports
Rapid Biological Assessment Surveys (RAS) are conducted to assess water quality in streams and rivers, or reaches within these waterbodies.
Halfway Creek, 2001
(PDF)
Halfway Creek, 1999
(PDF)
West Brook, 1999
(PDF)
Stream Biomonitoring Unit Rapid Assessment Survey (RAS) Reports
Rapid Biological Assessment Surveys (RAS) are conducted to assess water quality in streams and rivers, or reaches within these waterbodies.
Batten Kill, 2001
(PDF)
Stream Biomonitoring Unit Rapid Assessment Survey (RAS) Reports
Rapid Biological Assessment Surveys (RAS) are conducted to assess water quality in streams and rivers, or reaches within these waterbodies.
Bronx River, 1998
(PDF)
Bronx River, 2003
(PDF)
Bronx River, 2015
(PDF)
Peekskill Hollow Creek, 2005
(PDF)
Stream Biomonitoring Unit Rapid Assessment Survey (RAS) Reports
Rapid Biological Assessment Surveys (RAS) are conducted to assess water quality in streams and rivers, or reaches within these waterbodies.
Flint Creek, 2002
(PDF)
Important Links
Monitoring Program Design
Ongoing Special Studies
Water Quality Data
Contact for this Page
DOW, Bureau of Water Assessment and Management
625 Broadway
Albany
NY
12233
Phone:
518-402-8179
[email protected]
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