Wednesday, April 24, 5:30 PM Poster Session and Reception at the RiverQuarium located at 117 Pine Avenue, Albany

USGS monitoring in the ACF Basin 

Bob Sobczak, US Geological Survey 

The USGS works with a range of local, state and federal partners to monitor hydrologic and water quality conditions in the Apalachicola-Chattahoochee-Flint (ACF) River Basin. This poster highlights the geography, hydrography, history and funding of USGS monitoring in the ACF basin.  The network provides stakeholders with an accurate, up-to-date and historically robust set of scientifically defensible data for managing water resources in the basin relative to a range of water quantity, water quality, ecosystem, operational and recreational criteria and thresholds.  The USGS looks forward to working with local, state, federal and non-governmental organizations on sustaining and improving the network to better meet current and future basin management needs.  

The importance of hydrologic connectivity for sustaining ecosystem function in the Apalachicola River slough system 

 Love Kumar¹, Matthew J. Deitch¹, and William K. Jones P.E.² 

¹ University of Florida and ² Rhumbline Consultants PLLC 

The connectivity of streams that allow the flow and exchange of water, organisms, sediments, organic matter, nutrients, and energy in riverine environments is important for sustaining a wide range of ecological processes. The Apalachicola River and its floodplain and estuary are integral components of the regional hydrologic and ecological systems of the Gulf Coast. Hydrologic connectivity among the river channel, sloughs, and the surrounding floodplain is critical for the transport of nutrients, organic matter, and energy, which are necessary for ecosystem functioning. However, years of river management actions have resulted in reduced flow through many of the sloughs in the middle reach of the Apalachicola River, leading to decreased nutrient transport to downstream estuaries and floodplain swamps. This study compares the hydrology and chemistry of two sloughs along the Apalachicola River to determine the ecological effects of sand accumulation resulting from river management actions. The study used field data collection, multivariate statistical analysis, and a hydrologic-hydraulic model to compare the hydrology and chemistry of the two sloughs along the Apalachicola River and determine the ecological impacts of decreased flow through the sloughs and associated floodplain swamps. The results show that as streamflow in the main river recedes, flow through the Spider Slough and Douglas Slough recedes to intermittence, having profound impacts on the water chemistry of each slough as well as downstream nutrient delivery, which benefits downstream swamp communities and the estuary. To protect the ecological health of the Apalachicola River floodplain and bay management strategies that restore flow by removing accumulated sand in the sloughs will restore this connectivity. These findings highlight the importance of restoring hydrological links to maintain the ecological health of the river and its connected ecosystems. 

Sponsored by the Apalachicola Riverkeeper 

Funded by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation 

Following the Flint Sensitivity Assessment - A Proposed Technical Tool to Analyze Coastal Saltwater Encroachment 

Julian Jacob Spergel, Feng Jiang, and Wei Zeng 

Georgia Environmental Protection Division 

 In the past, a sensitivity analysis nick-named "pressure test" has been developed in the lower Flint River Basin as a way of assessing the amount of surface stream flow reduction resulting from pumping from the Floridan Aquifer.  A similar approach has been developed in the coastal Georgia region to assess potential impacts from additional Floridan withdrawals on saltwater encroachment. In this study, we modeled the Floridian aquifer’s sensitivity to additional pumping with Georgia’s Coastal Sound Science Initiative (CSSI) model, a physics-based model of the groundwater units of the coastal Georgia region. This model was created by CDM Smith for the Georgia Environmental Protection Division (GAEPD), uses CDM Smith’s DYNFLOW for groundwater flow modeling, and groundwater pumping rates from the 2016 calendar year as model forcing. Here, we present our model testing methodology, using hundreds of increased pumping scenarios over an array of evenly spaced pumping wells to create a contour map of well locations and pumping rates which maintain groundwater drawdown at Hilton Head Island below a 0.1 ft threshold. These model results can be used to inform future pumping regulations in this region. Additionally, this methodology can be used to assess aquifer sensitivity to increased pumping in other areas with at-risk groundwater resources. 

Monitoring of Lanier water supply storage 

 Feng Jiang and Wei Zeng 

Georgia Environmental Protection Division 

On January 21, 2021, the State of Georgia and the United States Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) executed a storage contract granting a permanent right to the State to utilize Lake Lanier for water supply. On March 23, 2022, Corps approved Lanier storage subcontract between the State of Georgia and prospective water supply users. Based on these contract and subcontracts, a Lanier storage tracking sheet was developed and utilized to monitor the water supply storage balance for the State of Georgia and individual water suppliers. The monitoring results provided timely guidance for water regulators as well as water suppliers.

Shoreline Wonders: Navigating Mangroves with GIS 

Swaty Kajaria, Department of Agricultural & Applied Economics, University of Georgia 

Coastal ecosystems, encompassing only 4% of Earth's land and 11% of its oceans, play a critical role in providing ecological and economic benefits. Mangroves, a key component of coastal ecosystems, serve as natural barriers against storm surges and coastal erosion and provide essential habitats for a myriad of species. Their role in carbon sequestration is especially noteworthy, contributing substantially to climate change mitigation. The decline in mangrove cover necessitates precise assessment and strategic actions for their conservation and restoration. The advancement of remote sensing and the availability of spatial data have enabled effective mangrove mapping. This study aims to develop a methodology using Machine Learning and Convolutional Neural Networks with Landsat imagery to map mangrove extents with a focus on historical changes in their coverage. Crucially, this research not only contributes to our understanding of mangrove conservation but also provides an economic valuation of mangroves in terms of their carbon sequestration capabilities. Additionally, this paper explores the impacts and effectiveness of the Mangroves Trimming and Preservation Act of 1996. Preliminary results from this study reveal an 11% expansion in mangrove coverage since the implementation of key environmental laws. The larger the area of mangroves, the greater their potential for carbon storage, a vital factor in combating climate change. Through this research, my objective is to provide a quantifiable measure of the extent of mangroves in the Tampa Bay region. 

Determining Hydraulic Characteristics in Close Proximity of Hymenocallis coronaria within the Georgia Flint River Basin 

Sarah Tash and Dr. Stacey Blersch, Columbus State University 

Water is a master variable, defining the ecological functions of macrophytes in rivers. Flowering emergent macrophytes require fluctuations in water surface levels to align with critical periods of reproduction. Extended inundation can limit species' locations within their habitats. This study focused on understanding how water surface level interaction affects plant population locations of Hymenocallis coronaria by defining the hydraulic characteristics of its environment. Hymenocallis coronaria is an endangered emergent macrophyte found in fragmented populations in Southern rivers. Anthropogenic alterations along rivers have altered the seasonal water flow and timing variation, creating declines in populations. Populations on the Flint River of Georgia survive on a river with no artificial alteration for nearly 220 miles, the hydraulic variation within the river occurs naturally creating an ideal baseline of criteria for population dynamics. Hydraulic data for 7 years was retrieved, using the USGS gauge at Thomaston, upstream of the population. Relative depth was calculated using mean sea level elevation and water surface elevation in the presence and absence of H. coronaria. Secondary spatial data for the entire population in Hightower Shoals on the Flint River was collected. Statistical analysis showed a significant correlation between relative depth in the presence and absence of H. coronaria. As relative depth increases the probability of the presence of H. coronaria decreases. This demonstrates a link between water surface level and emergent macrophyte presence. This research is important in defining the hydraulic characteristics of H. coronaria and can be used in the prediction and study of future populations. 

Possibilities for a Fish Bypass Structure on the Apalachicola River Around Jim Woodruff Dam 

James D. Williams, Florida Museum of Natural History 

Jim Woodruff Dam was built on the Apalachicola River just below the junction of the Chattahoochee and Flint Rivers. Construction began in the late 1940s and was completed in 1957. Completion of Jim Woodruff Dam has effectively blocked upstream migration of Gulf Sturgeon, Striped Bass, Alabama Shad, and other diadromous and resident fishes for the past 65 years. While there has been a process involving lock manipulation to facilitate passage of the anadromous Alabama Shad, no effort targeting Gulf Sturgeon has been attempted. The configuration of Jim Woodruff Dam, the downstream river channel, and adjacent floodplain along the east bank, provide a near ideal situation for construction of a fish passage facility capable of passing all species of fishes. A fish passage structure would reestablish aquatic connectivity to more than 100 miles of prime riverine spawning habitat plus additional miles of tributary habitat. This would benefit fish and mussels as well as improve the existing sport fishery. 

Evaluating options for improving drought resilience of the Upper Flint 

 Laura Rack^1,2, Mary Freeman³, and Seth Wenger^1,2 

¹Odum School of Ecology, University of Georgia; ²River Basin Center, University of Georgia; ³Eastern Ecological Science Center, US Geological Survey 

The upper Flint River is an important water source for multiple uses, including water supply for municipalities south of Atlanta, recreation, and supporting diverse aquatic ecosystem. Five droughts since the late 1990’s brought the upper Flint River to the lowest flows on record and highlighted the potential vulnerability of the river system to severe drought. Work has been done by municipal water utilities and others as part of the Upper Flint River Working Group to ensure water security and try to keep water in the river during severe drought periods. There has also been progress on developing thresholds and metrics for water planning to evaluate potential ecological consequences of drought. Working in collaboration with the Upper Flint Regional Water Planning Council and Upper Flint River Working Group on a seed grant funded by a Georgia Environmental Protection Division, we are looking at how long- and short-term management actions could improve resilience of riverine ecosystems during drought periods. The project will draw from information from the 2023 regional water plan update and guidance and feedback from the water council and other stakeholders to develop management scenarios and evaluate those using the Flint Basin Environmental Assessment Model (BEAM). The outcomes from the project will be tangible and actionable options for the water planning council, other stakeholders, and partners to use in water management and planning for the basin. 

Stakeholder-driven watershed modeling for agriculture and ecological sustainability: A case study in the lower Apalachicola-Chattahoochee-Flint (ACF) River Basin 

Ritesh Karki¹, Latif Kalin², Puneet Srivastava¹, Kristin Rowles³, Mark Masters³, and Wendy-Lin Bartels⁴ 

¹College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Maryland; ²School of Forestry and Wildlife Sciences, Auburn University; ³The Georgia Water Planning and Policy Center at Albany State University; ⁴University of Florida 

Agricultural and ecological sustainability is a critical concern in the lower Apalachicola-Chattahoochee-Flint (ACF) River Basin due to increasing demand for irrigation that has been exacerbated by the changing climate in the already stressed water resources of the region. Stakeholder engagement is a vital component to the identification and implementation of mitigation measures for improving the sustainability of vulnerable watersheds. In this study, we developed an integrated surface- and groundwater model for the lower ACF River Basin and the underlying Upper Floridan aquifer using SWAT-MODFLOW with emphasis on incorporating agriculture and forest practices that best represented the current conditions of the watershed. The model was calibrated and validated for streamflow and groundwater levels along with outputs that were critical to the stakeholders and included crop yield, irrigation water use, and forest production. The validated model was then used to evaluate a range of agriculture management practice and land use change scenarios co-developed by researchers and stakeholders. Each scenario was evaluated for key biophysical components including 7Q10 flow, flow in drought years, crop and forest yield, and changes in groundwater levels. Evaluation of the scenarios with stakeholder engagement helped not only understand the biophysical impacts of implementing the different scenarios but also the potential barriers to the implementation due to socio-economic constraints. This information can be vital to policymakers for effective communication and development of management plans for agriculture and ecological sustainability in the region. It also highlights the importance of stakeholder-driven participatory modeling process for improved mitigation of vulnerable watersheds. 

Simulated Longleaf Pine Restoration Effects on Hydrology in Four Southeastern U.S. Watersheds  

Seth E. Younger¹, Steven T. Brantley¹, Stephen W. Golladay², and Jeffery B. Cannon¹ 

¹The Jones Center at Ichauway, ²The Georgia Water Planning and Policy Center at Albany State University 

 Forest restoration can provide a suite of ecosystem services and is being increasingly considered to address water scarcity in the southeastern US. The southeastern U.S. coastal plain was historically dominated by longleaf pine (Pinus palustris) woodlands and savannas, which have been replaced with densely planted stands of species like loblolly pine (Pinus taeda) and slash pine (Pinus elliottii). The planted pines have greater economic value from timber and pulpwood production but dense planting leads to high leaf area, greater water use, and loss of biotic richness. By contrast, longleaf pine woodlands have low tree density, low leaf area, adaptations for drought tolerance, and accommodate diverse species assemblages. These properties lead to lower annual evapotranspiration and result in more streamflow, especially in droughts. To guide landscape-scale efforts to address regional water issues, our objective was to quantify the potential for longleaf pine restoration to increase streamflow, in future climates, and at different stand ages. We used a watershed-scale hydrologic model to simulate the restoration of upland forests to longleaf pine woodlands in four southeastern watersheds: the Ogeechee, Escambia, Leaf, and Black Rivers. Simulations indicated that longleaf pine restoration can increase mean annual streamflow by 5 to 15% over baseline, or 460 to 1169 m3 per hectare restored. However, the current practice of initiating restoration with densely planted longleaf pine stands can temporarily decrease water yield due to high leaf area. Restoration of longleaf pine woodlands can increase water yield in current and future climates, but requires long-term management with thinning and prescribed fire, which is critical to transitioning planted longleaf to open longleaf woodlands that provide hydrological benefits. 

Hydrogeophysical characterization of the Claiborne Aquifer 

Kwaku Asiedu, Charlotte Garing, and Adam Milewski 

Department of Geology, University of Georgia 

 Surface water resources in southwest Georgia are vital for sustaining human populations, wildlife, and ecosystems. The agriculture economy of Georgia, which includes all food and fiber production in the state, is worth more than $12.2 billion. Three of the state's top ten commodities in terms of value; cotton, peanuts, and lumber, are produced in southwest Georgia and use the largest share of water from the Flint River Basin. However, the region faces challenges related to the sustainability of surface water during drought, exacerbated by increasing agricultural activities and water demand for irrigation. This puts surface water at risk, a critical natural resource in southwest Georgia. To address these concerns, there is a growing need to explore alternative water sources, including groundwater from deep aquifers such as the Claiborne. This study focuses on the hydrogeophysical investigation of the Claiborne aquifer in Southwest Georgia using well-logging techniques. By characterizing the petrophysical and hydraulic properties of the aquifer, we aim to evaluate its potential to supplement or serve as an alternative source of groundwater for farmers in the region. The research draws upon the importance of managing both groundwater and surface water sustainably to ensure a reliable water supply for human needs while safeguarding the local ecosystem. By presenting the results of this hydrogeophysical investigation, this study contributes to ongoing efforts aimed at promoting water resource sustainability in Southwest Georgia, with implications for agricultural practices and ecosystem conservation in the region.  

Understanding Aquifer Dynamics: An analysis of the Claiborne Aquifer in Southwest Georgia Based on Historic Well Logs 

Kaitlyn Gooch, Charlotte Garing, and Adam Milewski 

Department of Geology, University of Georgia 

The Georgia Flow Incentive Trust, in response to the need for sustainable water resources, has implemented the Drought Source Water Alternatives Program (Drought SWAP) to provide an opportunity to further groundwater accessibility through other aquifer systems. The Claiborne Aquifer is a vital groundwater source in the region, and may hold potential for increasing water availability during periods of water scarcity. Utilizing historic United States Geologic Survey (USGS) and Environmental Protection Division (EPD) well data, our research aims to construct a geophysical log database that helps to capture crucial insights into the aquifer's hydrogeological characteristics. Through analysis and correlation of geophysical logs along a transect of the aquifer, we aim to understand the aquifer’s stratigraphic heterogeneity, hydraulic properties, and spatial variations. By delineating lithological variations and hydraulic gradients, our findings hold significance for sustainable water management practices. Understanding the hydrogeological characteristics of the Claiborne Aquifer will assist in the betterment of agricultural communities and environmental sustainability in southwest Georgia. 

Reviewing the Outlook for Climate Change Policy Adoption in the ACF River Basin

Emily Bartelson and Ellie Deaner, Berry College 

 This project investigates the projected impact of climate change on the Apalachicola Chattahoochee Flint (ACF) River Basin and proposes potential policy adjustments to mitigate these effects. Climate change is an issue that will affect many aspects of the environment. One of those aspects is the river basins of the southeast. Climate change forecasts suggest increased frequency and severity of droughts, floods, and sea-level rise, impacting both residents and ecosystems within the basin's vicinity. Current policies inadequately address these climate predictions. The selection of the ACF River Basin for study stems from its crucial role in providing water to millions across Georgia, Florida, and Alabama, facilitating navigation, transportation, recreation, and industry. This poster presentation includes two primary components. First, it outlines primary themes derived from conversations with attendees of the 2023 ACF drought mitigation workshop regarding the integration of climate change into existing water resource planning. Second, it examines potential strategies and modifications for incorporating climate-resilient policies into existing legislation such as the Clean Water Act, Georgia Water Planning Act, regional planning policies for the ACF River Basin, and the Water Resources Development Act. While these policies support the current status quo, they can be improved upon in the future with climate change predictions in mind. Climate change is an issue that continues to be neglected in favor of more pressing issues, however, our findings underscore the necessity for enhanced research, collaboration, and sustainability efforts to address the multifaceted challenges posed by climate change. 

Detailed Sieve Analysis of Claiborne Aquifer Sediments 

Roman Dzikowski, Adam Milewski, Charlotte Garing, Amy Laubenstein, Kwaku Asiedu, Katie Gooch, and Baylen Carter 

Department of Geology, University of Georgia 

Sieve analyses are crucial in determining aquifer properties such as permeability and porosity.  The Georgia Flow Incentive Trust (GA-FIT) has implemented the drilling of new wells in Georgia, with the goal of characterizing the multi-layered hydrogeologic system of the region. Detailed sieve analysis of sediments from these wells can reveal some of the hydrologic properties of the Claiborne aquifer. In this study, a detailed lithologic description was performed using the USCS classification system.  In addition, an initial sieve analysis from nine of the newly drilled wells was conducted at select intervals within the different lithologic units. The characteristics of the sediment samples from what was classified as the Claiborne Aquifer are consistent with the current records, consisting of fine to medium-grain sands and some clays. The results of the analysis reveal a diverse range of particle sizes across a wide range of depths, consisting of mostly sands, with occasional silts and clays. This suggests that the Claiborne Aquifer holds the lithologic properties of a productive aquifer. 

Water allocation for sustainable landscaping in Tampa, Florida 

Blaire Smith, Berry College 

The anthropogenic effects of population growth and climate change have increased strain on society’s water supply, and as a society it is time to start reevaluating water conservation policies and principles to not only protect the planet but also, it’s people. Through research, my group intends to reevaluate current water conservation practices in Tampa, Florida and to seek how the city can lessen its water usage by reintroducing native plants to landscaping and adjusting residential water quality in order to offer water bill subsidies to Tampa citizens. Tampa’s reliance on the Floridian Aquifer emphasizes the dire need of drought mitigation and alternative practices on water conservation. In addition, along with investigating methods of decreasing drought, my group hopes to shine a light on socioeconomic discrepancies with water availability in the Tampa area. Through the process of water quality reallocation, Tampa homeowners will be given the option for lower-quality water to be used exclusively for outdoor applications (such as lawncare) at a lower cost. The Clean Water Act and how it has been implemented in Tampa, the reintroduction of native plants back to Florida lawncare, and reworking existing local governmental policies are the goals of this project. At the heart of this endeavor, my group seeks to create new opportunities for environmental collaboration between Tampa, Florida homeowners and their local government. 

Great Power Requires Greater Responsibility: Are Renewable Energy Development Policies Protecting Water Quality?

Mykelle Patterson, Berry College 

Since the industrial revolution, the United States has relied heavily on natural gas, coal, and other non-renewable resources. The installation of solar panels farms creates alternative forms of energy to fuel development, but improper construction causes them to be major point-source polluters. Solar panel farms require large, flat land and if sites are not built in compliance with environmental laws, the disrupted sediment washes away into local waterways. Solar panel farm development may continue to degrade water quality harming local communities and aquatic ecosystems who rely on those waterways for survival. This research poster aims to build understanding of the current regulation and enforcement policies surrounding water quality within the newly developing solar power industry. My research will focus on analyzing a specific case of a AL Solar's recent violation of the Clean Water Act and use comparative analysis to more broadly recommend proactive policies to protect future water quality. While solar panel farms are a necessary advancement towards renewable energy production, it is essential to consider the trade-offs when large-scale facilities are not developed sustainably. 

Spatial-temporal Assessment in Water Balance Through the Spatial Transfer of SWAT Model Parameters in Himalayan River Basins

Rajesh Khatakho1, Adam M. Milewski2, Nandita Gaur3, David E. Stooksbury1, and Ernest W. Tollner1 

School of Environmental, Civil, Agricultural and Mechanical Engineering, University of Georgia 

Department of Geology, University of Georgia 

Department of Crop and Soil Sciences, University of Georgia 

The Himalayan River Basin encounters challenges in water resource assessment due to the limited availability of gauging stations and complex topographic features. This study evaluates the transferability of model parameters from one Himalayan transboundary basin to a physically similar, yet distant, Himalayan transboundary basin, which has significant potential for water resource development and certain issues with water distribution among riparian countries. We utilized the semi-distributed Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) model to calibrate hydrological process parameters in the transboundary Karnali River Basin and transfer these parameters to the physically similar, yet distant, Koshi River Basin, and vice versa. Furthermore, the study investigates the spatio-temporal distribution of water resource availability and its variation in water balance by transferring model parameters from another Himalayan River Basin. Various statistical indices such as Nash-Sutcliffe Efficiency (NSE), Modified Nash-Sutcliffe Efficiency (Mod.NSE), and Percentage Bias (Pbias) were employed to evaluate model performance. The performance metrics indicate the feasibility of transferring SWAT model parameters within Himalayan River Basins exhibiting similar physiographic landscape characteristics and scales. Consequently, calibrated SWAT model parameters can be transferred to another ungauged Himalayan watershed basin to offer detailed hydrological insights crucial for water resource planning and management. Nonetheless, multi-parameter validation is essential to ensure alignment with real field conditions, and issues of equifinality should be addressed. 

Using LiDAR to map and analyze Carolina Bays 

Michael Stefanou and Adam Milewski, Department of Geology, University of Georgia 

Carolina bays are elliptical depressional wetlands found along the Atlantic Coastal Plain. These features number in the hundreds of thousands between northern Florida and New Jersey with the highest concentration in the Carolinas and Georgia. The growing interest in natural hydrogen as an energy source has led to the discovery of hydrogen seepage from Carolina bays and thus, a greater overall interest in these features as a whole. Understanding the geomorphology of Carolina bays is an important precursor to identifying a link that may be present between Carolina bays and hydrogen seepage. The depressional structure of Carolina bays allows for these features to be easily identified with LiDAR imagery which has been used to map Carolina bays in individual regions in the past. A combination of high-resolution LiDAR and drone based images was used to confirm the locations of previously mapped Carolina bays and map newly identified structures in Georgia. Data analysis techniques were used on the geometry of these mapped Carolina bays to identify trends and groupings within their basic geomorphology. This sets up the framework for further field study evaluating Carolina bay soils in combination with Carolina bay geometry to create a more complete picture of the geomorphic characteristics and groupings of Carolina bays. 

Groundwater-Surface Water Connectivity of the Claiborne Aquifer, Southwest Georgia, USA,

Amy Laubenstein, University of Georgia

The Claiborne aquifer provides an alternative water source for southwest Georgia that can be supplemental in extreme weather conditions, such as drought, for agricultural schemes. This aquifer requires further investigation into its hydrologic properties to determine its extent and effectiveness for agricultural use. Using geostatistical analyses of groundwater and surface water levels data can provide insight into the hydraulic connectivity of the Claiborne aquifer. Water levels collected from 7 groundwater wells and 11 stream water sites were investigated for 2021. Principal Components Analysis (PCA) suggests that variables of seasonality and precipitation affect the hydraulic connectivity of the Claiborne aquifer, and the response groundwater sites have towards potential hydraulic leaking with surficial systems. The PCA indicates that in Mitchell County, where the depth of the Claiborne aquifer is suggested to be greatest, the groundwater wells in this location do not correlate with surface water levels. Furthermore, this suggests the lagged water response between surface and groundwater in this region from precipitation events, supported by previous research, and displays the time delay of this leakage. 

Database advancement of historical well logs of the Claiborne Aquifer in southwest Georgia USA 

Baylen Carter, Adam Milewski, and Charlotte Garing  

Department of Geology, University of Georgia 

The Georgia Flow Incentive Trust initiated Drought Swap program is an initiative that aims to provide southwest Georgia farmers with an alternative source of irrigation water and to mitigate the loss of accessibility to surface water, such as2 during drought conditions. The utilization of the Claiborne Aquifer, which has been accessed through this program by newly drilled groundwater wells, has in addition an extensive dataset of historical wells, provided by numerous companies/agencies/corporations, such as the Georgia Environmental Protection Division (GA EPD). This historic well data provides a higher resolution for certainty within modelling efforts that are important toward the effective use of the Claiborne aquifer. This is done through analysis of the compiled lithology within the historical well logs. The lithology seen in these historical logs has been consistent thus far with current lithologic descriptions. Utilizing these historical well logs for their lithology is imperative for both better understanding and cutting cost due to need of extra information they could only come from drilling new wells. Currently the data shows the Claiborne aquifer could be a productive aquifer but may still interact with surficial aquifer systems due to the karstic nature of the Claiborne and overlying hydrostratigraphic units. 

Modeling Aquatic Habitat at Variable Stream Flows 

¹Emma Greenberg, ¹Caitlin Sweeney, ¹Natalie Horn, and ²Stephen Golladay 

¹The Jones Center at Ichauway and ²The Georgia Water Planning and Policy Center at Albany State University 

The lower Flint River Basin contains the Dougherty Plain, a physiographic district where surface water has direct hydrologic connection to the Floridan Aquifer. Due to this connection, the Floridan Aquifer is a source for meeting water demands for irrigation and supporting streamflow in the Dougherty Plain. In periods of water scarcity, the competing water needs create stressors for crops and freshwater organisms. Water allocation is generally managed in terms of discharge or yield, an expression of water volume that can be delivered with time. However, aquatic life depends not only on water supply, but also habitat quality. Our goal is to assess how inundated areas and associated water quality change as discharge changes. We used an Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler (ADCP) to create grids of stream depth profiles at four representative reaches in the LFRB. We created bathymetric maps using interpolation in ArcPro, and modeled the stream reaches at 20th percentile flow, 10th percentile flow, and minimum recorded flows. We plan to model five more sites and incorporate measurements of water temperature and dissolved oxygen. This will be useful in conservation planning, as the Georgia Flow Incentive Trust is developing alternative strategies from surface and Floridan Aquifer withdrawals during times of water scarcity. We aim to build resilience in our basin’s water management to provide reliable water for farmers and imperiled aquatic organisms, particularly during growing season droughts. 

Long Term Functional Composition and Land Use can Help Guide Freshwater Mussel Conservation in the Lower Flint River Basin 

Caitlin Sweeney¹, Natalie Horn¹, Emma Greenberg¹, Brian Clayton¹, Stephen W. Golladay², Kristin Rowles², and Mark Masters² 

¹The Jones Center at Ichauway  and ²The Georgia Water Planning and Policy Center at Albany State University  

The lower Flint River Basin (LFRB) in southwestern Georgia is one of the most productive agricultural regions in the United States and presently has five federally listed mussel species. Water withdrawals for irrigation provide critical support for the agricultural economy but intensify low stream flows periods of water scarcity. Three multi-year droughts occurring between 1999 and 2012 caused significant mussel declines in the basin. A Habitat Conservation Plan for the LFRB is under development to balance water withdrawals for irrigation with adequate flows to support listed mussels and other aquatic life. Surveys were conducted in 1999 and 2001 to assess drought effects on mussels. We revisited 23 sites in 2023 to collect current population data and determine the distribution of listed species. Additionally, we delineated a 1-km section of the stream valley above each site and determined the percentage of land used for agriculture and forestry. We observed increased total mussels/m2 (>45%) at six of the 12 sites that had significant declines during the 2001 drought, primarily in the Dougherty Plain. However, seven sites where mussels survived the 2001 drought showed substantial declines by 2023, primarily in the Fall Line Hills. Since 1999, the percentage of known drought sensitive mussels at our sites in the LFRB has decreased from 23.1% to 9.8%. Sites in the Dougherty Plain physiographic district averaged 26.6% agriculture and forestry, while sites in the Fall Line Hills averaged 43.2%. We hypothesize that sites in the Dougherty Plain are more sensitive to drought, while sites in the Fall Line Hills are more affected by land use activities that disturb soils and cause sediment erosion. We plan to use mixed linear models to further assess these variables’ effects on mussel abundance and richness. Our results are being used to inform the Habitat Conservation Plan for the LFRB.  

Dynamic connections: Clayton County communities and the Flint River 

Denise Webb¹ and Courtney Cooper² 

¹Department of Biology, Berry College and ²Department of Environmental Science and Studies, Berry College 

Enhancing waterbody quality involves leveraging cultural knowledge, sense of place, environmental justice, and climate resilience within the communities that rely on these waterbodies. By investigating the relationship between urban communities and their environment, our research pursues the question of culturally competent practices and policies. These relationship dynamics were explored with the Clayton County community and their impact, perspective, and connection to the Flint River Basin in Georgia. Furthermore, we explore how researchers, mindful of their positionality, can investigate themes of cultural significance, the sense of place, and environmental justice within communities to which they are deeply connected. This poster presents a preliminary analysis of existing resources, including water planning documents, media coverage, and exploratory dialogue with Clayton County residents. With divergent responses and feelings toward the Flint River Basin, the analysis of the community’s expectations, emotions, and actions brings forth an explanation surrounding the current state of the river, urban residents’ relationship with the Basin, and the broader conversation of the Flint River in Clayton County. The study informs a broader future research project, grounded in qualitative methods and community engagement, that aims to promote environmental justice and enhance community resilience within the Flint River Basin. Participation in the ACF Waters Conference marks an important step forward in developing this larger project. 

Lake Seminole Spatial Heterogeneity of Sediments Determines Potential Contaminant and Cyanotoxin Distribution 

Benjamin C. Webster^1,2, Stephen W. Golladay³, and Matthew N. Waters¹ 

¹Department of Crop, Soil and Environmental Sciences, Auburn University 

²The Jones Center at Ichauway 

³The Georgia Water Planning and Policy Center at Albany State University 

Reservoirs exhibit highly dynamic hydraulic patterns, primary production, and sediment transport and deposition, presenting challenges for basin managers addressing contaminants such as heavy metals and cyanotoxins. In this study, we investigated two types of contaminants: heavy metals, assessed using modified Probability Effect Concentration (PEC) and Threshold Effect Concentration (TEC), and the cyanotoxin cylindrospermopsin (CYN), in a dynamic reservoir. This reservoir receives inputs from three rivers, two of 7th order and one of 5th order, each originating from distinctly different land use types (agricultural and urban) and is heavily populated by invasive species. Based on hydrological inputs and land use, the reservoir was segmented into individual zones corresponding to each river input and a zone near the dam where the rivers converge. Surprisingly, contaminant distribution did not align with the classic reservoir three-zone or river zone model based solely on dominant land use upstream. Instead, distributions were more closely correlated with sediment characteristics, specifically organic content and sand concentrations. Through inexpensive, simplistic analyses, we could pinpoint areas of elevated contaminant concentrations more accurately than with traditional assumptions, highlighting opportunities for improved precision in reservoir management decisions.