Alafia River Minimum Flows and Levels - Southwest Florida Water ...
Alafia River Minimum Flows and Levels - Southwest Florida Water ...
Alafia River Minimum Flows and Levels - Southwest Florida Water ...
You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles
YUMPU automatically turns print PDFs into web optimized ePapers that Google loves.
Chapter 5 Results <strong>and</strong> Recommended <strong>Minimum</strong> <strong>Flows</strong><br />
5.1 Overview<br />
Results from modeling <strong>and</strong> field investigations on the <strong>Alafia</strong> <strong>River</strong> were assessed<br />
to develop minimum flow criteria/st<strong>and</strong>ards for ensuring that ecological functions<br />
associated with various flows <strong>and</strong> levels are protected from significant harm.<br />
Low flow thresholds based on fish passage depth <strong>and</strong> wetted perimeter inflection<br />
points are recommended for the Lithia gage site, along with prescribed flow<br />
reductions for Blocks 1, 2, <strong>and</strong> 3. Based on the low flow thresholds <strong>and</strong><br />
prescribed flow reductions, short-term <strong>and</strong> long-term minimum flow compliance<br />
st<strong>and</strong>ards are identified for establishing minimum flows <strong>and</strong> levels for the Lithia<br />
gage sites on the <strong>Alafia</strong> <strong>River</strong>. A flow prescription for Buckhorn Springs Main<br />
was also developed <strong>and</strong> used to establish a short-term compliance st<strong>and</strong>ard for a<br />
gage site in Buckhorn Creek, downstream from the spring pool. Deferment for<br />
the development of a prescribed flow reduction <strong>and</strong> compliance st<strong>and</strong>ard for<br />
Lithia Springs Major was recommended, pending review of minimum flows <strong>and</strong><br />
levels requirements for the estuarine segment of the <strong>Alafia</strong> <strong>River</strong>.<br />
5.2 Low Flow Threshold for the <strong>Alafia</strong> <strong>River</strong><br />
The low flow threshold defines flows that are to be protected in their entirety (i.e.,<br />
flows that are not available for consumptive-use) throughout the year. The low<br />
flow threshold is established at the higher of two flow st<strong>and</strong>ards, which are based<br />
on maintaining fish passage <strong>and</strong> maximizing wetted perimeter for the least<br />
amount of flow in the river channel. A low flow threshold was developed for the<br />
USGS <strong>Alafia</strong> <strong>River</strong> at Lithia, FL gage site.<br />
5.2.1 Fish Passage St<strong>and</strong>ard<br />
<strong>Flows</strong> necessary to reach a maximum water depth of 0.6 foot to allow for fish<br />
passage at each cross-section in the HEC-RAS channel model are shown in<br />
Figure 5-1. At most cross-sections, the minimum water surface elevation that<br />
would allow for fish passage was lower than the elevation associated with the<br />
lowest modeled flow. These cross-sections were located in pool or run areas,<br />
where fish passage would be possible during low flow periods.<br />
Inspection of these data indicated that local flows equal to or greater than 47.1<br />
cfs would be sufficient for fish passage at the sampled sites. <strong>Flows</strong> at the three<br />
cross-sections where low flow requirements are the highest were examined with<br />
5-1