Cumulative Hydrologic Impact of Wetland Loss: Numerical Modeling Study of the Rideau River Watershed, Canada
Publication: Journal of Hydrologic Engineering
Volume 19, Issue 3
Abstract
This study was undertaken to discern and quantify the hydrologic functions of wetlands within the context of the Rideau River watershed. Using numerical modeling techniques (Mike11), the potential cumulative effect of the loss of wetlands on peak flood discharges and low flows at selected locations within the watershed were quantified. It was estimated that the combined effect of all wetlands (approximately 15% of the basin area) is a 10% reduction in flood peak. It was demonstrated that the flood risk would increase if wetlands were removed. The impact of wetland loss on flood risk diminishes downstream of long channels and lakes. The low flow will likely increase if wetlands are removed, although this impact diminishes rapidly downstream of long channels and lakes. This kind of site-specific technical analysis can be used for decision making and policy formulation regarding interference with and land development adjacent to wetlands.
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Acknowledgments
This study was carried out by the author at the RVCA. Bruce Reid, Director of Watershed Science and Engineering Services, offered valuable thoughts on the methodology. N. Howlader and C. Enguelz assisted with model runs and data analysis. Their assistance is gratefully acknowledged. Notwithstanding the contribution of others in the original study, the opinions presented in this paper are the author’s own and do not necessarily represent the official position of RVCA. I am grateful to the three anonymous reviewers and the editors for their constructive suggestions.
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Published In
Journal of Hydrologic Engineering
Volume 19 • Issue 3 • March 2014
Pages: 593 - 606
Copyright
© 2014 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Apr 13, 2012
Accepted: Mar 13, 2013
Published online: Mar 15, 2013
Discussion open until: Aug 15, 2013
Published in print: Mar 1, 2014
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