Potomac Flow-by Studies

Purpose

The purpose of the Potomac Flow-by Study is to investigate and develop a method or methods to evaluate the environmental flow-by requirements of the mainstem Potomac River between Seneca Creek and Chain Bridge.

Summary of Issues

Current Status

Next Steps for Potomac flow-by Evaluation (Status as of December 2005):

• Supplement physical habitat measurements during the next low-flow period (< ~1400 cfs); measurements made below Little Falls Dam in October 2005 (completed; addendum to Habitat report updated on web page)
  
• Develop a list of fish and mussel species and low-flow habitat preferences as possible indicator species (draft list attached to meeting minutes of September 2005 workshop)
  
• Develop a conceptual model of the ecological relationship between species and their habitat (draft conceptual model by Jules Loos available here)
  
• Develop research plans, estimated costs, further refine indicator species for study
  
• Ultimate goal: evaluate the adequacy of the current flow-by numbers and set new flow-by as needed, considering duration and frequency of minimum flows.