Introduction
The West Virginia Water Research
Institute (WVWRI) is undertaking a comprehensive water quality monitoring and reporting project for the Monongahela River. Bi-weekly samples are collected and lab-analyzed. The resultant data have been presented a useful manner via this website utilizing a Geographic Information System database to organize and present the assembled water quality data. The project is being funded by the WV Water Research Institute and by grants from the U.S. Geological Survey, Longview Power and supporting organizations such as the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources, Allegheny Power, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission and others.
Monongahela River
Known locally as "The Mon," the Monongahela River originates in north-central West Virginia and flows through south-western Pennsylvania to Pittsburgh where it meets the Allegheny River to form the Ohio River. It is 128 miles long and has a drainage basin of 7,340 square miles. The Native American word "Monongahela," means "falling banks," in reference to the geologic instability of the river's banks.
Formed by the confluence of the West Fork River and the Tygart Valley River at Fairmont, WV, the Mon is navigable for its entire length. A series of locks and dams maintain a minimum depth of 9 feet to accommodate barge and tow boat traffic. In Pennsylvania the Mon is met by two major tributaries: the Cheat River which joins in Pt. Marion, and the Youghiogheny River which joins in McKeesport.
Water Quality Study
A strategic monitoring program for the Monongahela River watershed was developed and implemented in July, 2009. The program includes water quality monitoring and sampling on a bi-weekly basis. Initial monitoring locations were determined partially based on the availability of stream flow data at 12 locations in the watershed. These locations included 4 sites on the Monongahela River and at 8 locations at the mouths of its major tributaries. Flow calculations for locations without regularly collected flow information were determined based on nearest USGS gage, or calculated from basin area.
Changes for year two of the project, beginning in May 2010, include the incorporation of additional monitoring locations on other significant tributaries. Continuous data loggers are being installed at several locations to better calculate stream flow. The project website will continue to be updated regularly and improvements in data depiction and usefulness will be incorporated. Because of the considerable interest in this project there will be some additional emphasis on outreach to help raise awareness of the program and increasing visitation to this project website.
Soon after the monitoring program was implemented, a fish kill in September 2009 on Dunkard Creek, a tributary of the Monongahela River, gained much media attention. The WV DEP and PA DEP determined that the fish kill was caused by a toxic bloom of golden algae, P. parvum, which flourishes in salty water. Not typically found in the freshwater streams of the Appalachians, it has not been determined how the algae were introduced into Dunkard Creek. Testing done by the WV and PA DEPs has since determined that the algae have also been introduced into other streams in the watershed and elsewhere in the states. The water quality data collected by this study has been very helpful in determining sources and concentrations of the pollutants that allowed these exotic algae to flourish.
As coal mining continues in the Mon River watershed, and gas well drilling is on the upswing, the water quality of the Mon is a topic of much concern. Increases in the demand for water, including nearly one million people who get their drinking water from the Mon River, have further intensified the debate. The fishery in the River has improved over the years and there is a considerable increase in the amount of sport fishing on the Mon. Several large fishing tournaments are now taking place on the River increasing the economic impacts from this recreational use. Fishing access to the river has been made easier by a new boat launch and docking facility built on the Morgantown Pool by the WV Division of Natural Resources.
Increases in water usage, recreational usage, and industrial impacts to the river have caused considerable debate about the adequacy of existing water quality regulations. The data generated from this study has provided crucial information to inform many of these concerns. It has provided the accurate and current water quality information necessary to inform the public and to aid regulatory personnel in making sound policy decisions. For example, information provided by this watershed monitoring program was important in drafting the newly proposed water quality regulations by the WV Department of Environmental Protection (WVDEP). Competitors in fishing tournaments on the Mon River in both Pennsylvania and West Virginia use current information about the water quality to gain a competitive edge. These tournaments are important economic contributors and examples of the importance of a clean river for our state's natural resource based tourism economy.
