Water Resources Research Act Program

Details for Project ID 2010NY135B

Hydrological characterization of Woodlawn Beach State Park: Implications for pathogens

Institute: New York
Year Established: 2010 Start Date: 2010-03-01 End Date: 2011-02-28
Total Federal Funds: $18,200 Total Non-Federal Funds: $37,317

Principal Investigators: Charlotte Roehm

Project Summary: In recent years, initiatives to protect, restore and preserve coastal wetlands have resulted in a greater recognition of the functions and values that these ecosystems provide. Despite the importance of hydrology and the cycling of water in these ecosystems, few studies have accurately characterized them for restoration initiatives. The hydrological connectivity (surface and ground water) of coastal wetlands with the adjacent lake may be more complex than previously thought, and result in more dynamic transportation pathways for nutrients, pollutants and pathogens. Short term effects of seiches may include flushing and inflow beyond the beach foreshore and into tributaries and wetlands. Many coastal environments of the Great Lakes that are used for recreational purposes are tainted by excessive E. coli counts resulting in frequent beach closures. Natural and restored wetlands may help to stabilize seasonal pathogen and pollution transport through alternating hydrological exchanges with lake water. This project will provide results in two focal but complementary areas: i) Hydrologic and water cycle dynamics of Woodlawn Beach State Park, Erie Ct., NY; and ii) the spatial and temporal variability and potential transport pathways of E. coli.