The project will refine an academically based research project into an educational tool accessible to the layperson. More specifically, it will function to enhance an understanding of the primary components of water quality and the factors affecting them in terms of nonpoint source (NPS) pollution.

Examples will be based upon a research project conducted by several people during the spring of 1998 in an effort referred to locally as the "Storm Team". This project quantified the effects of NPS stormflow runoff on surface water quality during a storm event. It examines various indices in six tributaries of the headwaters of the Quinnipiac River, CT. The findings of this project have clear implication for management decisions in each of these watersheds. However, the methods of analysis, data manipulation, and language of the project is thoroughly academic and is not easily deciphered by the layperson.

The project will involve translating this data and presenting it in a format accessible to most audiences. This will include outlining basic hydrologic principles and measurement methods. Moreover, it will contain explanations of water quality indices and impact within the watershed. Linkages will be made relating anthropogenic activities on the land and the inevitable impacts on the surface waters. Most importantly, various management options designed to reduce the impacts of NPS on water quality will be explored. At the time of this proposal, CT DEP has already undertaken several initial steps towards the implementation of a pollution credits trading program. It is anticipated that both point source and NPS pollution will be subject to quantification and subsequent discharge permitting through this program. It stands to reason that potentially responsible municipalities (including the ones already in the initial Storm Team Study) may benefit from a deeper understanding of this topic offered by this proposal. It offers a "real world snapshot" of typical Connecticut watersheds and their effects on water quality.

This project will be done in conjunction with course FES 537 Advanced Applied Hydrology Seminar taught by Jim MacBroom. Mr. MacBroom is an environmental engineer by trade who is graciously lecturing this course by invitation. One of his current consultations involves offering viable options to the City of Meriden regarding the management of floodwaters in Harbor Brook. Coincidentally, this watershed is one of the six watersheds studied by the Storm Team endeavor. As a result, it is anticipated that the preparation of these findings will be added to Mr. MacBroom’s report to the Meriden Town Council and may be taken under consideration for future land use management planning.

This venue offers an excellent opportunity to increase the linkages between academia and policy makers. The research project undertaken by the Storm Team was expensive in terms of both workload and cost. Most municipalities cannot afford an expenditure of this magnitude for purely "academic" reasons. Nevertheless, they are able to benefit from these types of studies. Undertakings such as these are an extremely valuable resource to both the academic and public communities.

The final product expected upon will yield a 20-30 minute slide presentation highlighting the data attained from the Storm Team Research Project. It will make linkages between land use and water quality. Additionally, it will offer an overview of hydrologic principles with an emphasis on impervious surfaces. Lastly, the production will display various land use alternatives beneficial to water quality.

The exhibition will be created in conjunction with the input of Heather Crawford. The display will pay close regard to Connecticut DEP’s NEMO Project. This effort will involve four students enrolled in FES 537 "Advanced Applied Hydrology Seminar". Ultimately, the final product will be presented to the Meriden Town Council.