Permittee: Cornell University Date: January 23, 2013
Facility: Cornell University Lake Source Cooling Facility
State Pollution Discharge Elimination System (SPDES) No: NY0244741
Fact Sheet; Modeling QAPP
Fact Sheet: Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP) for
Cayuga Lake Water Quality Model- Phase 1
I. Background
A Cayuga Lake Water Quality Model is proposed as a condition in the draft SPDES Permit No. NY 0244741 for Cornell University’s Lake Source Cooling Facility (LSC). The intent of this mathematical model is to develop a better understanding of factors affecting the quality of Cayuga Lake, especially as it relates to levels of phosphorus and algae in the southern segment of the Lake. Currently, this segment is listed as “impaired” for phosphorus, silt/sediment, and bacteria, which signifies that regulators have concluded that levels of these parameters exceed thresholds for supporting the Lake’s designated uses (e.g., swimming, water supply).
Completion of the Cayuga Lake Water Quality Model will occur in phases. Monitoring the water quality of the lake and its major tributary streams, and assessment of the biological community are required to supplement existing data. In addition, certain process analyses are necessary to construct the mathematical model. Phase 1includes stream and lake monitoring, process analyses, watershed modeling, and setting up the lake hydrodynamic model. Phase 2 will include construction of the Lake Water Quality model and integration with other models (e.g., the watershed model) to create an overall management model.
Once the Cayuga Lake Water Quality Model is complete, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) can apply the model to help predict the probable impact of regulatory and other actions on the overall health of the Lake. The predictions generated by the model will provide NYSDEC with an improved understanding of nutrient cycling. When complemented with other information, the Cayuga Lake Water Quality Model will provide a rational basis for NYSDEC to set discharge limits and take other actions designed to improve lake water quality conditions.
II. Definition and Purpose of the Phase 1 Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP)
The QAPP is a technical document that describes in detail how Phase 1 will proceed. The intent is to ensure a mutual understanding of the overall program and data quality control processes; it contains information on roles, responsibilities, schedule, standard operating procedures, modeling expectations and limitations, etc. Once approved by NYSDEC, the QAPP becomes the technical framework mandating how the Phase 1 effort will be completed; a separate QAPP for Phase 2 is anticipated.
III. QAPP Generation and Approval
This QAPP was created by Upstate Freshwater Institute (UFI), an independent research organization with expertise in water quality monitoring, process analysis, and modeling. Cornell University will use UFI as the program leader for Phase 1. Under NYSDEC oversight, UFI will coordinate data collection efforts, review all data to be used in the model, and integrate analyses conducted by other scientists. To create portions of the QAPP detailing work by contributing scientists and experts, UFI obtained input from these entities and integrated the information as appropriate; the QAPP is intended to represent the Phase 1 program including the efforts of all parties. Cornell University is funding development of the QAPP and the model. Once complete, the QAPP will be submitted to the NYSDEC for approval. The NYSDEC has sole responsibility for the formal review and approval of the QAPP and will “own” the final model.
IV.Timing
This QAPP will be formally submitted for review to the NYSDEC following issuance of the final SPDES permit for the LSC facility. The NYSDEC must act quickly to complete its review and approval of the QAPP if sampling and analysis to support the model is to occur in 2013; accurate water quality modeling typically requires lake and tributary sampling to begin in the springtime (mid to late March).