DOCSLIB.ORG

Methodology for Estimation of Flood Magnitude and Frequency for New Jersey Streams

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Methodology for Estimation of Flood Magnitude and Frequency for New Jersey Streams Prepared in cooperation with the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Methodology for Estimation of Flood Magnitude and Frequency for New Jersey Streams Scientific Investigations Report 2009–5167 U.S. Department of the Interior U.S. Geological Survey v2.0 Cover. Photo on cover shows the April 2007 flood event at the U.S. Geological Survey streamflow-gaging station 01378500, Hackensack River at New Milford, New Jersey. (Photograph by Blaine T. White, U.S. Geological Survey) Methodology for Estimation of Flood Magnitude and Frequency for New Jersey Streams By Kara M. Watson and Robert D. Schopp Prepared in cooperation with the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Scientific Investigations Report 2009–5167 U.S. Department of the Interior U.S. Geological Survey U.S. Department of the Interior KEN SALAZAR, Secretary U.S. Geological Survey Marcia K. McNutt, Director U.S. Geological Survey, Reston, Virginia: 2009 Revised: May 2010 For more information on the USGS—the Federal source for science about the Earth, its natural and living resources, natural hazards, and the environment, visit http://www.usgs.gov or call 1-888-ASK-USGS For an overview of USGS information products, including maps, imagery, and publications, visit http://www.usgs.gov/pubprod To order this and other USGS information products, visit http://store.usgs.gov Any use of trade, product, or firm names is for descriptive purposes only and does not imply endorsement by the U.S. Government. Although this report is in the public domain, permission must be secured from the individual copyright owners to reproduce any copyrighted materials contained within this report. Suggested citation: Watson, K.M., and Schopp, R.D., 2009, Methodology for estimation of flood magnitude and frequency for New Jersey streams: U.S. Geological Survey Scientific Investigations Report 2009–5167, 51 p. iii Contents Abstract ...........................................................................................................................................................1 Introduction.....................................................................................................................................................1 Purpose and Scope ..............................................................................................................................2 Description of the Study Area ............................................................................................................2 Previous Investigations........................................................................................................................2 Methods of Study .........................................................................................................................................11 Peak-Flow Data ...................................................................................................................................12 Trend Analysis .....................................................................................................................................12 Generalized Skew Coefficients ........................................................................................................15 Basin Characteristics Used in Regression Equation Development ...........................................18 Explanatory Variable Selection Methods ..............................................................................18 Land Use .............................................................................................................................26 Main Channel Length .......................................................................................................26 Basin Slope 10–85 Method ..............................................................................................26 Population Density ............................................................................................................27 Development of Flood-Frequency Regression Equations .....................................................................27 Regression Analysis and Resultant Equations .......................................................................................28 Accuracy of the Flood-Frequency Regression Equations ...........................................................29 Limitations of Regression Equations ...............................................................................................29 Flood Frequency and Magnitude at Gaged Sites ...................................................................................29 Estimation of Flood Frequency and Magnitude at Ungaged Sites ......................................................30 Estimation of Flood Frequency and Magnitude for an Ungaged Site Upstream or Downstream from a Gaged Site ...........................................................................................................................30 Estimation of Flood Frequency and Magnitude for a Site Between Gaged Sites .............................32 StreamStats ..................................................................................................................................................33 Summary........................................................................................................................................................35 Acknowledgments .......................................................................................................................................35 References Cited..........................................................................................................................................35 Appendix 1. Results of skew analysis for 119 streamflow-gaging stations in New Jersey and surrounding States .............................................................................................................40 Appendix 2. Flood-frequency estimates computed from observed streamflow-gaging-station data, estimates predicted from regression equations, and a weighted average for streamflow-gaging stations ......................................................................................................43 iv Figures 1–2. Map showing— 1. Study area and physiographic provinces in New Jersey and surrounding States .....................................................................................................................................3 2. Location of flood-frequency regions and streamflow-gaging stations in New Jersey and surrounding States for which flood-frequency estimates were computed ..................................................................................................................13 3. Graph showing distribution of streamflow-gaging stations used for the flood- frequency analysis, by drainage-basin area ..........................................................................14 4. Map showing streamflow-gaging stations in New Jersey and surrounding States with 25 or more years of record used for the skew study ...................................................17 5. Schematic diagram showing a drainage basin, the main channel of a stream, and the points used to compute the stream slope using the basin slope 10–85 method .......26 6. Map showing highly regulated stream reaches on the Hackensack, Rockaway, Wanaque, and Pequannock Rivers and tidal areas excluded from basin delineation and statistics estimation on the StreamStats Web site .......................................................34 Tables 1. Streamflow-gaging stations in New Jersey and surrounding States for which streamflow statistics were computed. ......................................................................................4 2. Number of streamflow-gaging stations with records included in the regression analysis of New Jersey streams, by flood-frequency region and State ...........................12 3. Values of basin characteristics for streamflow-gaging stations in New Jersey and surrounding States used in the regression analysis. ....................................................19 4. Ranges of values for basin characteristics used to develop the flood-frequency regression equations .................................................................................................................25 5. Values for the regional constant coefficent (KTR) for the peak-flow regression equations ......................................................................................................................................29 6. Accuracy of peak-flow discharges predicted using flood-frequency regression equations for New Jersey .........................................................................................................29 7. Value of exponent, b, for flood-frequency regions in New Jersey used in regional regression analysis ....................................................................................................................31 v Conversion Factors and Abbreviations Multiply By To obtain Length inch (in.) 2.54 centimeter (cm) inch (in.) 25.4 millimeter (mm) foot (ft) 0.3048 meter (m) mile (mi) 1.609 kilometer (km) Area square mile (mi2) 259.0 hectare (ha) square mile (mi2) 2.590 square kilometer (km2) Flow rate cubic foot per second (ft3/s) 0.02832 cubic meter per second (m3/s) Hydraulic gradient foot per mile (ft/mi) 0.1894 meter per kilometer (m/km) Vertical coordinate information is referenced
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Taking the Next Step
    Taking the Next Step: Hopewell Township Municipal Assessment March 2002 Stony Brook- Millstone Watershed Association Executive Summary The Stony Brook-Millstone Watershed Association (the Association) realizes that the protection and health of a watershed relies a great deal on the land use laws and policies that govern development. In the past, we have had requests from various municipalities for assistance with drafting ordinances, improving zoning and increasing local environmental quality. In addition to continuing to respond to these requests, the Association wanted to provide a more comprehensive analysis for local municipalities. Thus, we developed the Municipal Assessment Project to assist municipalities in developing additional proactive measures to ensure that natural resources are preserved and the necessary regulatory structure established. Hopewell Township was the first municipality that accepted our offer of assistance and partnered with us on this project. When beginning the assessment, members of the Hopewell Township Committee, Planning Board, Environmental Commission and Master Plan Committee articulated their goals and vision for the Township by answering our Framework Questions. After evaluating these responses we reviewed Hopewell Township’s land use ordinances, policies, best management practices, and the recently drafted Master Plan using a newly designed 15-page protocol. We also interviewed key personnel to complete the assessment. The results of the assessment protocol were then compared to the goals and vision of the Township, as articulated by its leaders. Gaps between that vision and what was “on the books” - the local zoning and ordinances– were identified in the following twelve areas: 1. Preservation of riparian corridors 2. Protection of surface and ground water 3.
    [Show full text]
  • Prepared in Cooperation with the NEW JERSEY DEPARTMENT of ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION, DIVISION of WATER RESOURCES
    UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR GEOLOGICAL SURVEY LOW-FLOW CHARACTERISTICS AND FLOW DURATION OF NEW JERSEY STREAMS By Brian D. Gillespie and Robert D. Sehopp Open-File Report 81-1110 Prepared in cooperation with the NEW JERSEY DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION, DIVISION OF WATER RESOURCES Trenton, New Jersey January 1982 UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR JAMES G. WATT, Secretary GEOLOGICAL SURVEY Dallas L. Peck, Director Tor additional information, write to: U.S. Geological Survey Room 430, Federal Building 402 East State Street Trenton, New Jersey 08608 Ill CONTENTS Page Abstract................................................... 1 Introduction............................................... 1 Method of study ............................................ 2 Flow-duration analysis..................................... 5 Low-flow frequency analysis................................ 7 Continuous gaging stations............................... 7 Partial-record sites..................................... 10 Selected references........................................ 14 Low-flow characteristics of gaging sites................... 15 Hudson, Hackensack, Passaic, Elizabeth, and Rahway River basins.............................................. 17 Station index, in downstream order..................... 19 Station descriptions and data.......................... 21 Raritan River basin...................................... 53 Station index, in downstream order..................... 55 Station descriptions and data.........................
    [Show full text]
  • Environmental Resources Inventory for the Township and Borough of Princeton
    PRINCETON ERI The Delaware Valley Regional Planning The symbol in our logo is adapted from the official DVRPC seal and is designed as a Commission is dedicated to uniting the stylized image of the Delaware Valley. The region’s elected officials, planning outer ring symbolizes the region as a whole, professionals, and the public with the while the diagonal bar signifies the Delaware common vision of making a great region River. The two adjoining crescents represent even greater. Shaping the way we live, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the State of New Jersey. work, and play, DVRPC builds consensus on improving transportation, DVRPC is funded by a variety of funding promoting smart growth, protecting the sources, including federal grants from the environment, and enhancing the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) economy. We serve a diverse region of and Federal Transit Administration (FTA), nine counties: Bucks, Chester, Delaware, the Pennsylvania and New Jersey Montgomery, and Philadelphia in departments of transportation, as well Pennsylvania; and Burlington, Camden, as by DVRPC’s state and local member Gloucester, and Mercer in New Jersey. governments. This ERI was also funded by ANJEC’s Smart Growth Assistance Program, DVRPC is the federally designated supported by the Geraldine R. Dodge Metropolitan Planning Organization for Foundation. The authors, however, are solely the Greater Philadelphia Region— responsible for the findings and conclusions leading the way to a better future. herein, which may not represent the official views or policies of the funding agencies. DVRPC fully complies with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and related statutes and regulations in all programs and activities.
    [Show full text]
  • Baxter Water Treatment Plant (Pwsid# 1510001) Source Water Assessment Report Section 1: General Delaware River Watershed
    PHILADELPHIA WATER DEPARTMENT BAXTER WATER TREATMENT PLANT (PWSID# 1510001) SOURCE WATER ASSESSMENT REPORT SECTION 1: GENERAL DELAWARE RIVER WATERSHED This report was produced for the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection in accordance with the Source Water Assessment and Protection Plan. Prepared by The Philadelphia Water Department June 12, 2002 With support from: Bucks County Water and Sewer Delaware River SWA Philadelphia Suburban Water Company Pennsylvania American Water Company Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection Camp Dresser & McKee PADEP Contract: ME350056 Executive Summary – Delaware River Watershed Assessment The 1996 Safe Drinking Water Act Amendments required the assessment of all source water supplies across the country to identify potential sources of contamination, the vulnerability and susceptibility of water supplies to that contamination, and public availability of the information. In response to this charge, the Delaware River Source Water Assessment Partnership, comprised of the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, the Philadelphia Water Department, the Philadelphia Suburban Water Company, the Pennsylvania American Water Company, and the Bucks County Water and Sewer Authority conducted an assessment with stakeholders to identify water supply protection priorities in the Delaware River Watershed. The following summary includes two main sections. One section discusses the various characteristics and observations made through collection of watershed wide information. The remaining section provides a brief listing of the main recommendations based on the observations and analysis of watershed data. Observations & Characterization S Although the Delaware River has been utilized for thousands of years, the quality of the water source began decreasing rapidly from the time of initial European settlement in the early seventeenth century until corrective, preventive, and protective measures were taken beginning in the 1970’s and 80’s.
    [Show full text]
  • HYDROLOGIC CONDITIONS in the JACOBS CREEK, STONY BROOK, and BEDEN BROOK DRAINAGE BASINS, WEST-CENTRAL NEW JERSEY, 1986-88 By
    HYDROLOGIC CONDITIONS IN THE JACOBS CREEK, STONY BROOK, AND BEDEN BROOK DRAINAGE BASINS, WEST-CENTRAL NEW JERSEY, 1986-88 By Eric Jacobsen, Mark A. Hardy, and Barbara A. Kurtz U.S. GEOLOGICAL SURVEY Water-Resources Investigations Report 91-4164 Prepared in cooperation with the NEW JERSEY DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AND ENERGY West Trenton, New Jersey 1993 U.S. DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR BRUCE BABBITT, Secretary U.S. GEOLOGICAL SURVEY Dallas L. Peck, Director For additional information Copies of this report can be write to: purchased from: District Chief U.S. Geological Survey U.S. Geological Survey Books and Open-File Reports Section Mountain View Office Park Box 25425 Suite 206 Federal Center 810 Bear Tavern Road Denver, CO 80225 West Trenton, NJ 08628 CONTENTS Page Abstract.............................................................. 1 Introduction.......................................................... 2 Purpose and scope................................................ 2 Previous studies................................................. 2 Acknowledgments.................................................. 2 Description of study area............................................. 4 Location and setting............................................. 4 Climate.......................................................... 4 Geology.......................................................... 6 Hydrogeology..................................................... 6 Methods of investigation.............................................. 8 Ground
    [Show full text]
  • Evaluation of Groundwater Resources of Bernards Township, Somerset County, New Jersey
    Evaluation of Groundwater Resources of Bernards Township, Somerset County, New Jersey M2 Associates Inc. 56 Country Acres Drive Hampton, New Jersey 08827 EVALUATION OF GROUNDWATER RESOURCES OF BERNARDS TOWNSHIP SOMERSET COUNTY, NEW JERSEY APRIL 11, 2008 Prepared for: Bernards Township 1 Collyer Lane Basking Ridge, NJ 07920 Prepared by: Matthew J. Mulhall, P.G. M2 Associates Inc. 56 Country Acres Drive Hampton, New Jersey 08827-4110 908-238-0827 Fax: 908-238-0830 EVALUATION OF GROUNDWATER RESOURCES OF BERNARDS TOWNSHIP SOMERSET COUNTY, NEW JERSEY TABLE OF CONTENTS INTRODUCTION............................................................................................................. 1 GEOLOGY ...................................................................................................................... 5 PHYSIOGRAPHIC PROVINCE ............................................................................................ 5 SURFACE WATER .......................................................................................................... 6 Watersheds............................................................................................................. 6 Stream Classifications........................................................................................... 7 Headwaters............................................................................................................. 9 SOILS ......................................................................................................................... 10 BEDROCK...................................................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • Poquessing Creek Act 167 Plan
    POQUESSING WATERSHED ACT 167 STORMWATER MANAGEMENT PLAN VOLUME II – PLAN CONTENTS FINAL REPORT December 7, 2012 BUCKS, MONTGOMERY, AND PHILADELPHIA COUNTIES, PENNSYLVANIA NTM PROJECT NO. 09052.00 POQUESSING WATERSHED ACT 167 STORMWATER MANAGEMENT PLAN BUCKS, MONTGOMERY, AND PHILADELPHIA COUNTIES, PENNSYLVANIA VOLUME II - PLAN CONTENTS FINAL REPORT NTM PROJECT NO. 09052.00 December 7, 2012 PREPARED BY: IN CONJUNCTION WITH: NTM ENGINEERING, INC. PHILADELPHIA WATER DEPARTMENT 130 W Church Street, Suite 200 Office of Watersheds th Dillsburg, PA 17019 1101 Market Street, 4 Floor Philadelphia, PA 19107 BUCKS COUNTY COMMISSIONERS Charles H. Martin, Chairman Robert G. Loughery, Vice-Chairman Diane M. Ellis-Marseglia, LCSW, Commissioner MONTGOMERY COUNTY COMMISSIONERS Josh Shapiro, Chairman Leslie S. Richards, Vice-Chairwoman Bruce L. Castor, Jr. PHILADELPHIA CITY COMMISSIONERS Stephanie Singer, Chairwoman Anthony Clark Al Schmidt PHILADELPHIA COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION Alan Greenberger, FAIA, Chairman Joseph Syrnick, Vice-Chairman Rob Dubow Patrick Eiding Bernard Lee, Esq. Elizabeth Miller Richard Negrin Nancy Rogo Trainer, AIA, AICP ENGINEERING CONSULTANT NTM Engineering, Inc. Temple University IN CONJUNCTION WITH: Philadelphia Water Department i POQUESSING WATERSHED DESIGNATED WPAC MEMBERS Poquessing Watershed Partnership Contact List Last Name First Name Affiliation Abrams Glen Philadelphia Water Department Barletta Marissa CDM for Philadelphia Water Department Barsamian Sherry Kraft Belfield Tony Bensalem Township Supervisor Bickel Barry
    [Show full text]
  • Appendix-J-JCMUA-SIAR-092520.Pdf
    Passaic Valley Sewerage Commission October 2020 PVSC Treatment District Regional Long Term Control Plan Appendix J Selection and Implementation of Alternatives Report for Jersey City MUA Jersey City Municipal Utilities Authority Selection and Implementation of Alternatives Report NJPDES Permit No. NJ0108723 March 2020 Jersey City Municipal Utilities Authority January 2020 Selection and Implementation of Alternatives Report Page 1 of 45 TABLE OF CONTENTS SECTION A - INTRODUCTION .................................................................................................. 4 SECTION B - SCREENING OF CSO CONTROL TECHNOLOGIES ........................................ 9 SECTION C - EVALUATION OF ALTERNATIVES................................................................ 10 INTRODUCTION ......................................................................................................... 10 DEVELOPMENT AND EVALUATION OF ALTERNAtIVES.................................. 11 SECTION D - SELECTION OF RECOMMENDED LTCP ....................................................... 12 INTRODUCTION ......................................................................................................... 12 LTCP SELECTION PROCESS ..................................................................................... 12 SELECTION OF ALTERNATIVES ............................................................................. 12 D.3.1 Description ............................................................................................................... 13 D.3.2
    [Show full text]
  • Regionalized Water-Budget Manual for Compensatory Wetland Mitigation Sites in New Jersey
    Regionalized Water Budget Manual for Compensatory Wetland Mitigation Sites in New Jersey State of New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection Jon Corzine, Governor Lisa P. Jackson, Commissioner Disclaimer In addition to describing technical aspects of the hydrologic budget and related considerations for wetland mitigation site design, parts of this manual describe specific recommendations and requirements for the preparation of water budgets for wetland mitigation sites in New Jersey. These recommendations and requirements are strictly a matter of NJDEP policy and do not necessarily reflect the policy or opinion of any other organization or contributor. 1 Contents Disclaimer ....................................................................................................................... 1 Abstract ........................................................................................................................... 9 Introduction ................................................................................................................... 10 Purpose and Scope....................................................................................................... 11 Acknowledgments ......................................................................................................... 11 PART I: Background Information for Wetland Mitigation in New Jersey........................ 14 Wetland Definition and Regulation ................................................................................ 15 Growing Season...........................................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • Hopewell Township Municipal Wastewater Management Plan
    Township of Hopewell (1106) Introduction This municipal chapter is an element of the Mercer County Wastewater Management Plan prepared by the Mercer County Planning Division in accordance with N.J.A.C. 7:15. Hopewell Township is located in the northeastern portion of Mercer County and encompasses approximately 59 square miles. Although the Township contains pockets of suburban growth, it retains a rural-like atmosphere, with rolling, rural landscapes primarily in the north. Amidst the Township’s suburban and rural landscapes are located the two self-governing, established Boroughs of Pennington and Hopewell. Both suburban and rural lands are intersected by a network of streams that make their way to a larger system of rivers and streams that define two sides of the Township boundary. A little less than half of the stream corridors flow through preserved open space. Approximately 35 percent of the Township’s land is located in the agriculture development area and is eligible for farmland preservation programs. In addition, approximately 30 percent of the Township is comprised of public parks and preserved open space. These areas primarily include large regional parks, natural, and cultural areas. The remaining land within the Township consists mainly of residential housing, commercial uses, and corporate campuses. Residential housing is found throughout the Township with the densest housing found in the southern portion. Commercial and commercially-zoned land uses are primarily located along the Route 31 corridor. The Township zoning designations are shown on Map 4M. Aside from the Federal and state highways I-95, Route 29, and Route 31, the township roadways are primarily comprised of county and local roads.
    [Show full text]
  • United States Department of the Interior Geological Survey, Water Resources Division Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
    AN INVENTORY OF SUSPENDED SEDIMENT STATIONS AND TYPE OF DATA ANALYSIS FOR PENNSYLVANIA STREAMS United States Department of the Interior Geological Survey, Water Resources Division Harrisburg, Pennsylvania Open-File Report 1972 AN INVENTORY OF SUSPENDED SEDIMENT STATIONS AND TYPE OF DATA ANALYSIS FOR PENNSYLVANIA STREAMS 1947-70 By Arthur N. Ott and Allen B. Commings United States Department of the Interior Geological Survey, Water Resources Division Harrisburg, Pennsylvania Open-File Report 1972 CONTENTS Page Introduction5 1 Published sediment data 5 4 Measurement and analysis of suspended sediment samples 5 4 Definition of terms 5 4 Station name and location 5 4 Station number 5 4 Drainage area 5 4 Period of record 5 5 Sampling frequency 5 5 Sediment transport curve 5 5 Sediment concentration frequency 5 5 Sediment trend analysis 5 5 Particle size 5 5 Alphabetical list of sediment stations with type of sediment data available 5 8 List of sediment stations in downstream order 5 19 References 5 24 ILLUSTRATIONS Figure 1. Map showing location of suspended sediment stations in Pennsylvania, 1947-70, exclusive of the lower Delaware River basin 5 2 2.Map showing location of suspended sediment stations in the lower Delaware River basin, Pennsylvania, 1947-705 3 3.Sediment transport curve with selected data showing relation of sediment discharge to water discharge, Juniata River at Newport, 1951-705 6 4.Double mass accumulation of annual suspended sediment discharge versus water discharge, Juniata River at Newport, 1951-705 7 II AN INVENTORY OF SUSPENDED SEDIMENT STATIONS AND TYPE OF DATA ANALYSIS FOR PENNSYLVANIA STREAMS, 1947-70 Arthur N.
    [Show full text]
  • Watershed 03J, Poquessing
    Updated 12/2003 Watershed Restoration Action Strategy (WRAS) State Water Plan Subbasin 03J Poquessing Creek and Pennypack Creek Watersheds (Includes the Delaware River and Tacony/Frankford Creek) Philadelphia, Montgomery and Bucks Counties Introduction Subbasin 3J consists of 149 square miles of the Poquessing, Pennypack, and Tacony/Frankford Creeks and the Delaware River from the confluence of Neshaminy Creek to the confluence of the Schuylkill River. This small, highly urbanized subbasin consists of only 91 streams and 158 stream miles. Poquessing Creek forms part of the boundary between Philadelphia and Bucks County. The subbasin is included in HUC Area 2040202, Delaware River, a Category I, FY99/2000 Priority watershed in the Unified Watershed Assessment. Geology/Soils: The middle section of the basin is within the Northern Piedmont Ecoregion, Piedmont Uplands (64c), comprised of metamorphic and igneous rocks, mainly schist and mica of the Wissahickon Formation, and gneiss and hornblende. The topography is relatively level except for steep slopes in the ravines along major streams; slope ranging from 15 to 20 percent. The soils of Piedmont Uplands have a moderate rate of infiltration. The northern portion of the watershed, mainly north of the Pennsylvania Turnpike, consists of the Northern Piedmont Ecoregion, Triassic Lowlands (64a), containing coarse gray sandstone, conglomerate, fine-grained red or brown sandstone and shale of the Stockton Formation. Low ridges associated with diabase dikes and sheets interrupt the low rolling topography. The soils of the Triassic Lowlands have slow infiltration rates and a high runoff potential. The lower third of the watershed and areas along the Delaware River consists of unconsolidated sand and clay of the Middle Atlantic Coastal Plain Ecoregion, Delaware River Terraces and Uplands (63a).
    [Show full text]