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Title: Better assessment science integrating point and nonpoint sources (BASINS) modeling system (version 2.0). EPA Region 4 (AL, FL, GA, KY, MS, NC, SC, TN)

Abstract

BASINS is a multipurpose environmental analysis system for use by regional, state, and local agencies in performing watershed- and water-quality-based studies. It was developed to address three objectives: To facilitate examination of environmental information; To support analysis of environmental systems; and To provide a framework for examining management alternatives. Because many states and local agencies are moving toward a watershed-based approach, the system is configured to support environmental and ecological studies in a watershed context. It is designed to be flexible. It can support analysis at a variety of scales using tools that range from simple to sophisticated. BASINS was also conceived as a system for supporting the development of total maximum daily loads (TMDLs). Developing TMDLs requires a watershed-based point and nonpoint source analysis for a variety of pollutants. It also lets the user test different management options. BASINS makes watershed and water quality studies easier by bringing key data and analytical components ``under one roof.`` Analysts can efficiently access provided national environmental information, apply assessment and planning tools, and run a variety of proven, robust nonpoint loading and water quality models. A geographic information system (GIS) provides the integrating framework. GIS provides techniques for analyzing landscape information andmore » displaying relationships. Through the use of GIS, BASINS has the flexibility to display and integrate a wide range of information (e.g. land use, point sources discharges, water supply withdrawals) at a scale chosen by the user. BASINS comprises a suite of interrelated components for performing the various aspects of environmental analysis. The six components include (1) nationally derived databases with Data Extraction tools and Project Builders; (2) assessment tools (TARGET, ASSESS, and Data Mining) that address large- and small-scale characterization needs; (3) utilities to facilitate organizing and evaluating data, including Watershed Delineation, Import, Land Use Reclassification, and DEM Reclassification; (4) Watershed Characterization Reports that facilitate compilation and output of information on selected watersheds; (5) water quality models including TOXIROUTE and QUAL2E; and (6) the Nonpoint Source Model (NPSM) and post processor, which provide integrated assessment of watershed loading and transport, The assessment component, working under the GIS umbrella, allows users to quickly evaluate selected areas, organize information, and display results. The modeling component module allows users to examine the impacts of pollutant loadings from point and nonpoint sources. Working together, these modules support several specific aspects of watershed-based analysis.« less

Publication Date:
Research Org.:
Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Science and Technology, Washington, DC (United States)
OSTI Identifier:
339417
Report Number(s):
PB-99-500720/XAB
TRN: 90741902
Resource Type:
Technical Report
Resource Relation:
Other Information: DN: See also PB98-502487, PB98-114358, PB97-153704, PB97-502483, PB97-134290, PB96-163480, PB95-181269, PB95-176368, PB97-134308, PB92-502905, PB87-101580, AD-A176 734. Y2K-compliant.; PBD: Jan 1999
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English
Subject:
54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES; 99 MATHEMATICS, COMPUTERS, INFORMATION SCIENCE, MANAGEMENT, LAW, MISCELLANEOUS; WATERSHEDS; WATER QUALITY; B CODES; RESOURCE MANAGEMENT; LAND USE; DATA ANALYSIS; WATER POLLUTION; SURFACE WATERS; SITE CHARACTERIZATION; POLLUTION SOURCES; REGIONAL ANALYSIS

Citation Formats

. Better assessment science integrating point and nonpoint sources (BASINS) modeling system (version 2.0). EPA Region 4 (AL, FL, GA, KY, MS, NC, SC, TN). United States: N. p., 1999. Web.
. Better assessment science integrating point and nonpoint sources (BASINS) modeling system (version 2.0). EPA Region 4 (AL, FL, GA, KY, MS, NC, SC, TN). United States.
. 1999. "Better assessment science integrating point and nonpoint sources (BASINS) modeling system (version 2.0). EPA Region 4 (AL, FL, GA, KY, MS, NC, SC, TN)". United States.
@article{osti_339417,
title = {Better assessment science integrating point and nonpoint sources (BASINS) modeling system (version 2.0). EPA Region 4 (AL, FL, GA, KY, MS, NC, SC, TN)},
author = {},
abstractNote = {BASINS is a multipurpose environmental analysis system for use by regional, state, and local agencies in performing watershed- and water-quality-based studies. It was developed to address three objectives: To facilitate examination of environmental information; To support analysis of environmental systems; and To provide a framework for examining management alternatives. Because many states and local agencies are moving toward a watershed-based approach, the system is configured to support environmental and ecological studies in a watershed context. It is designed to be flexible. It can support analysis at a variety of scales using tools that range from simple to sophisticated. BASINS was also conceived as a system for supporting the development of total maximum daily loads (TMDLs). Developing TMDLs requires a watershed-based point and nonpoint source analysis for a variety of pollutants. It also lets the user test different management options. BASINS makes watershed and water quality studies easier by bringing key data and analytical components ``under one roof.`` Analysts can efficiently access provided national environmental information, apply assessment and planning tools, and run a variety of proven, robust nonpoint loading and water quality models. A geographic information system (GIS) provides the integrating framework. GIS provides techniques for analyzing landscape information and displaying relationships. Through the use of GIS, BASINS has the flexibility to display and integrate a wide range of information (e.g. land use, point sources discharges, water supply withdrawals) at a scale chosen by the user. BASINS comprises a suite of interrelated components for performing the various aspects of environmental analysis. The six components include (1) nationally derived databases with Data Extraction tools and Project Builders; (2) assessment tools (TARGET, ASSESS, and Data Mining) that address large- and small-scale characterization needs; (3) utilities to facilitate organizing and evaluating data, including Watershed Delineation, Import, Land Use Reclassification, and DEM Reclassification; (4) Watershed Characterization Reports that facilitate compilation and output of information on selected watersheds; (5) water quality models including TOXIROUTE and QUAL2E; and (6) the Nonpoint Source Model (NPSM) and post processor, which provide integrated assessment of watershed loading and transport, The assessment component, working under the GIS umbrella, allows users to quickly evaluate selected areas, organize information, and display results. The modeling component module allows users to examine the impacts of pollutant loadings from point and nonpoint sources. Working together, these modules support several specific aspects of watershed-based analysis.},
doi = {},
url = {https://www.osti.gov/biblio/339417}, journal = {},
number = ,
volume = ,
place = {United States},
year = {Fri Jan 01 00:00:00 EST 1999},
month = {Fri Jan 01 00:00:00 EST 1999}
}

Technical Report:
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