Background/Question/Methods

The Olentangy River is a third order stream in Central Ohio impounded by multiple low-head dams, and consequently the 3 km reservoir created upstream of a dam on the river and adjacent to The Ohio State University campus is currently in non-attainment of biological and ambient water quality standards. Planned river ecosystem restoration is based on the removal of the Fifth Avenue Dam, which would allow for increased flow velocity and sediment transport, improving total water quality. This study looks at the relationships among flow, stage level, and current bathymetry of the Olentangy River to predict the bathymetric profile of the river upstream of the dam after it has been decommissioned and the vegetation that will result on new riparian areas.

Results/Conclusions

The flow of the river was calculated as a function of the river stage using a rating curve developed by the U.S. Geological Survey and our previous research, and we calculated an average streamflow of 17 m³/s. Using the relationship between river stage and flow, we can predict the changes in the bathymetry of the Lower Olentangy River. Additionally, a model is being developed which shows the succession of riparian vegetation on the newly exposed riverbanks and details the changes in species distribution and growth over time. The expected riparian vegetation is based on the growth pattern of emergent vegetation at similar locations along the river and at the Olentangy River Wetlands Research Park.