Hydrogeologic Foundations in Support of Ecosystem Restoration: Base-flow Loadings of Nitrate in Mid-Atlantic Agricultural Watersheds

ii Notice The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency through its Office of Research and Development funded the research described here through inhouse efforts. The data used in this analysis was provided by the U.S. Geological Survey under IAG #DW14937941. This report has been subjected to the Agency's peer and administrative review and has been approved for publication as an EPA document. Mention of trade names or commercial products does not constitute endorsement or recommendation for use. All research projects making conclusions or recommendations based on environmentally related measurements and funded by the Environmental Protection Agency are required to participate in the Agency Quality Assurance Program. This project was conducted under an approved Quality Assurance Project Plan. The procedures specified in this plan were used without exception. Information on the plan and documentation of the quality assurance activities and results are available from the Principal Investigator. iii Foreword The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is charged by Congress with protecting the Nation's land, air, and water resources. Under a mandate of national environmental laws, the Agency strives to formulate and implement actions leading to a compatible balance between human activities and the ability of natural systems to support and nurture life. To meet these mandates, EPA's research program is providing data and technical support for solving environmental problems today and building a science knowledge base necessary to manage our ecological resources wisely, understand how pollutants affect our health, and prevent or reduce environmental risks in the future. The National Risk Management Research Laboratory is the Agency's center for investigation of technological and management approaches for reducing risks from threats to human health and the environment. The focus of the Laboratory's research program is on methods for the prevention and control of pollution to air, land, water, and subsurface resources; protection of water quality in public water systems; remediation of contaminated sites and ground water; and prevention and control of indoor air pollution. The goal of this research effort is to catalyze development and implementation of innovative, cost-effective environmental technologies; develop scientific and engineering information needed by EPA to support regulatory and policy decisions; and provide technical support and information transfer to ensure effective implementation of environmental regulations and strategies. This publication has been produced as part of the Laboratory's strategic long-term ecosystem restoration research plan, and in fulfillment of the Division (SPRD) FY99 GPRA Goals and Measures. Abstract Field evidence suggests that deep …