A parametric model for suspended sediment load rate in small strip mined watersheds

A simple parametric simulation model has been developed from stepwise regression analysis, where instantaneous suspended sediment solids load rate (L, lb/sec) is related to instantaneous streamflow (Q, cfs), based on hydrologic data generated over the period 1976- 1977 for five stripmined basins. The instantaneous suspended sediment loading equation of the form L = aQb resulted, where the parameters "a" and "b" are dependent on the physical watershed characteristics and are explained as a = = q e-1.467±0.665ss0.798 where A is the area of a watershed in square miles, S is the average main stream slope in percent, P is the degree of watershed disturbance from strip mining in percent of watershed area.

Based on the results of this study, the following summary conclusions are made:

1. A reasonably satisfactory and simple parametric model has been developed for predicting a wide range of suspended sediment loads (instantaneous and cumulative) for storms in small strip mined watersheds having physical iii

characteristics similar to those studied in the New River Basin, Tennessee.

2. The suspended load rate response is influenced by both sediment transport process and sediment source in a watershed.

3. Application of the parametric suspended sediment production model should be used with caution and with full understanding of its limitations and data base.

4. Potential model uses include prediction of suspended sediment concentrations in streams where water use is sensitive or critical to this water quality parameter.