Defense Date

3-27-2013

Graduation Date

Spring 2013

Availability

Immediate Access

Submission Type

thesis

Degree Name

MS

Department

Environmental Science and Management (ESM)

Committee Chair

Brady Porter

Committee Member

Edward Schroth

Committee Member

John Stolz

Keywords

Exceptional value stream, Higher protection, Little Sewickley Creek, PA DEP, Redesignation petition, Special protection designated uses

Abstract

The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection has set designated uses for all of the 83,000 miles of waterways based on their quality. Only the highest quality streams are afforded the highest protection with a High Quality (HQ) or Exceptional Value (EV). Little Sewickley Creek is designated as a High Quality-Trout Stocking Fishery and may warrant redesignation as an Exceptional Value waterway. The aim of the study was to provide technical data on the stream to support an EV reclassification. The report has compiled previous data and collected new data in order to file a formal petition to the PA DEP. The petition process involves consideration of physical, chemical, biological data on the stream, along with the land use of the watershed. The report gives an example of a stream located just outside of Pittsburgh that has extremely high biodiversity and deserves the highest protection to preserve it for future generations.

Format

PDF

Language

English

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