Genesee River Watershed Project. Volume 3. Water Quality Analysis of the Honeoye Creek Watershed: Nutrient Concentration and Loading, Identification of Point and Nonpoint Sources of Pollution, Total Maximum Daily Load, and an Assessment of Management Practices using the Soil Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) Model. A report to the USDA.

Abstract

An assessment of the Honeoye Creek watershed was undertaken to determine the nutrient and sediment contribution to the Lower Middle Main Stem of the Genesee River and to determine sources of nutrient and sediment loss geospatially within the Honeoye Creek watershed. To accomplish this task, a multifaceted, integrated approach was taken by a combination of monitoring, segment analysis, and modeling (Soil and Water Assessment Tool). Thus, the river was monitored for discharge, water chemistry, and loss of nutrients and soil for an entire year (3 August 2010 to 23 August 2011) at the USGS gauging station at Honeoye Falls and Golah, NY. The Honeoye Creek Soil and Water Assessment Tool (HCSWAT) model was created, calibrated, and verified for discharge, sediment, and P loss using these data. Based on the measured loading data to a subbasin outlet and the SWAT model, segment analysis was performed on selected subwatersheds to determine sources of material loss. Together these two bodies of information, the total amount of nutrients, sediments, and bacteria lost from the watershed and the sources of these losses, served to direct watershed management. Lastly, the HCSWAT model was employed to test the effectiveness of Best Management Practices (BMPs) on land use and to determine the minimum potential P concentration expected in a forested Honeoye Creek watershed. Although Honeoye Creek is not one of the most impacted tributaries within the Genesee River basin, it does contribute a significant amount of P to the Genesee River. This study quantified the total loss of nutrients and sediments from the Honeoye Creek watershed, identified the location of point and nonpoint sources of nutrients and sediment, and determined the most effective practices to manage these sources using the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT). A water quality target of 65 ?g P/L for P in streams is obtainable by upgrading Wastewater Treatment Plants (WWTPs) in the Honeoye Creek watershed. To achieve the 45-?g P/L standard, management practices targeting nonpoint sources caused by agriculture would be needed in addition to the upgrade of the WWTPs to tertiary cleanup.