Lake Creek

Project Parameters

	agricultural runoff		phosphorus
	turbidity		storm event monitoring
	sediments

The Lake Creek project uses an innovative approach to measure sediment and nutrient loading. Total phosphorus and suspended sediment were measured indirectly by calibration against an optical particle sensor. Continuous measurement of suspended sediment with the optical particle sensor provides an inexpensive method of accurately assessing pollutant load from storm and snowmelt runoff.

A gage house contained the stilling well, pressure transducer (stage height), data logger, and precipitation bucket. A walk bridge was constructed to hold the turbidity sensor and provide access to collect manual samples and measure discharge. The turbidity sensor, mounted on a swinging hinged pipe, was constructed to deflect floating debris and ice. The monitoring stations were powered by solar panels due to inaccessibility to electrical power. Stations were checked on and daily basis via telephone modem to maintain equipment in good running order.