The Proceedings of These Four Conferences Were Published by the CTIWR and Served As a Means

The proceedings of these four conferences were published by the CTIWR and served as a means of communication for water resource experts seeking to resolve problems associated with wetlands protection. The proceedings also provide a historical record of how wetlands law evolved from its 1972 enactment into the current legislation. In addition to the conference proceedings the CTIWR published two additional reports focused on inland wetlands: The 1977 “Inland Wetland Definitions” by Michael W. Lefor and William.C. Kennard, and the 1978 “Transition Zones of Forested Inland Wetlands in Northeastern Connecticut” by P.H. Anderson, Michael W. Lefor and William C. Kennard.

Wastewater Treatment

Soon after enactment of the 1972 federal water pollution control act, which began regulating all discharges into the nations waters, the CTIWR published several reports addressing industrial wastewater management. These reports were a timely contribution for Connecticut’s water resources managers struggling with the economic, regulatory and environmental challenges of a new phase of wastewater treatment.

Lakes

During the 1970s and 80s the CTIWR played an active role in a regional study of New England lakes.

Energy Flow in a Lake Ecosystem
Mirrors of the Landscape (Fig. 10)
Three publications released by the CTIWR between 1975 and 1990 focused on investigating connections among the deterioration of lake water quality and urbanization and land use. Several of these studies correlated lake water quality with comprehensive management of social / factors like lake access and use, zoning and dam repair.
In 1975 the CTIWR published “The Impact of Urbanization on Columbia Lake” by Janet Kennedy and Stephen Zwerling. This report found that the future of lakes in complicated decision-making environments to be dependant on the identification and awareness of the decision-making network and upon the acquisition of scientific information.
In 1979 the CTIWR published the proceedings of a CTIWR sponsored conference on lake management. The conference brought water quality experts from state and federal agencies, Connecticut colleges and universities and several private consulting companies together to collectively address the problems associated with lake eutrophication and offer solutions. The conference covered such topics as “The Relationship of Land Use to Lake Water Quality” and the “Application of Cost Effectiveness Methodology to Lake Eutrophication Control.”
In 1987 the CTIWR published “Mirrors of The Landscape” by R. W. Kortmann and D.D. Henry which provides guidelines for organizing and funding a lake management project, a description of lake nutrient and energy cycles, methods for diagnosing lake problems and restoration and preservation techniques. Kortmann and Henry conclude that the comprehensive use of scientific and social methods is key to the effective management restoration and preservation of lake ecosystems.
Best Management Practices
In recent years the Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection (CTDEP) has recognized the growing need for long term water resource planning. In order to address the water needs of the golf course industry the CTIWR joined in a collaborative effort with the CTDEP to facilitate the development of a list of potential best management practices (BMPs) for golf course water. An advisory committee was created consisting of members of the golf course industry, consultants, public interest groups, government agencies and the academic community. Three working subcommittees were formed to study and write portions of a document pertaining to water quality, water supply and water demand. / The resulting document was published by the CTIWR in 2001 as the “Report of the Advisory Committee on Potential Best Management Practices for Golf Course Water.” The published report represents the final draft of the report of the advisory committee to the DEP on potential BMPs for golf course water.

Climate Change

In response to national and global awareness of climate change, in 1989 the CTIWR published “Climate Change: What’s in Store for Connecticut?” by David R. Miller and in 2002 published “Precipitation in Connecticut” by David R. Miller, Glenn S. Warner, Fred L. Ogden and Arthur T. DeGaetano. These two reports present research into the effects of global climate change on precipitation in Connecticut over the past 100 years.

Connecticut Total Annual Precipitation. 1895-1994
Precipitation in Connecticut (Fig. 1)
Since 1966 the CTIWR has facilitated the dissemination of water resources information to water resources managers and the public through the publication of special reports. Because these reports focus on the most pressing water issues of the day their history is a reflection of the past four decades of Connecticut’s water history. The CTIWR’s special reports are not limited to research results but include documents of practical importance like conference proceedings and guidelines to water resources management. By publishing these reports the CTIWR has helped foster the communication of new ideas that address water resources issues. The on-line availability of these special reports creates an easily accessible historical record of Connecticut’s water past and offers a glimpse into Connecticut’s water future.
By Mark Hood, CTIWR