Military installations face numerous challenges to their environmental and natural resource base, many of which are the result of nonpoint source (NPS) pollution that can be highly variable spatially and temporally and difficult to identify. A series of web-based decision support system (DSS) tools have been developed to help military land managers identify NPS pollution problems and recommend appropriate solutions.
A web-based GIS and hydrologic/water quality modeling system was developed that identifies watershed boundaries based on user selection; estimates peak rates of runoff, long-term average annual runoff and NPS pollutant magnitudes; and, provides preliminary erosion and runoff control practice designs. The web interfaces and location specific data make these tools easy to use and widely accessible.
The Land Rehabilitation Potential Model (LRPM) assesses several ecological site-factors that influence the potential for successful vegetative rehabilitation of damaged sites. Using the LRPM web interface, the rehabilitation potential at any location can be determined. An LRPM web-GIS interface that provides site-factor data for the LRPM has been developed for Camp Atterbury, Indiana.
A DSS tool was developed to identify the erosion potential of unimproved roads and trails using the web-GIS interface that identifies erosion potential which is displayed graphically and in a tabular format. The estimated reductions in erosion due to re-vegetation or other improvements are provided. Erosion estimates were validated through extensive field observation at Camp Atterbury.
A prototype DSS for identification of the most appropriate best management practices for ranges is currently being developed.
These DSS tools make complex scientific and engineering analysis tools readily accessible to land managers at military installations through easy to use web interfaces and location specific data provided by web-GIS capabilities. As a result, the users are able to quickly identify areas with potential environmental and natural resources concerns and identify cost-effective and appropriate solutions.
See more of Symposium---Twenty Years of Military Environmental Research
See more of A02 Military Land Use & Management
See more of The ASA-CSSA-SSSA International Annual Meetings (November 6-10, 2005)