Water Resources Research Act Program

Details for Project ID 2011MD248B

The Effects of Mill Dams on Suspended Sediment Yield, Northern Baltimore County, Maryland (Graduate Fellowship)

Institute: Maryland
Year Established: 2011 Start Date: 2011-03-01 End Date: 2012-02-29
Total Federal Funds: $6,000 Total Non-Federal Funds: $15,776

Principal Investigators: Kaye Brubaker

Project Summary: Mill dams were once significant parts of the landscape and have resulted in the retention of eroded sediments. Most dams are breached and could be significant contributors of sediment to the Chesapeake Bay, as legacy sediment erosion takes place. This project will determine the relative impacts of legacy sediments and modern land use on the suspended sediment yield of watersheds 2-10km2 in area. Currently, I am collecting stream discharge and suspended sediment data for eight watersheds with at least one breached mill dam and eight that are apparently undammed. Funding from this grant will be used to purchase level loggers.