Research Areas > Regional Monitoring > Watershed Regional Monitoring > Regional Watershed Assessments > Effects of Regionwide Fires on Deposition, Runoff, and Emissions to the SCB

Project: Effects of Regionwide Fires on Deposition, Runoff, and Emissions to the SCB

Background and Objective

Wildfires, both natural and manmade, can have significant effects on downstream receiving waters and the near-shore coastal environment. Severe burns have been shown to increase stormwater runoff and sediment generation; thus, fires may be problematic for management of already impaired waters. Most research on post-fire water quality has focused on sediment and nutrient enrichment, although burns also have potential to increase loadings of carbon, organic compounds like PAHs, and trace metals. These contaminants may be introduced through debris, ash deposition, stormwater runoff, or input from upland streams. Investigating the magnitude and duration of fire effects in watersheds is a critical step in accounting for its influence on water quality and therefore attainment of water quality standards.

This project aims to investigate the fate of water quality constituents that are released during wildfires in southern California.

Status

This is an ongoing project with anticipated completion in 2011.

Methods

To assist in this investigation, a workshop was held in 2008 to develop a regional monitoring strategy that could be implemented following wildfires to help address these questions. More than 15 agencies participated in developing a plan that outlines the sampling approach, constituents, and quality control procedures for post-fire water quality assessment. Under this plan, the magnitude, duration, and effects of post-fire runoff on downstream loads of metals and organic compounds can be quantified.

Partners

This project is being conducted in collaboration with the Southern California Stormwater Monitoring Coalition (SMC). The main technical partner on this project is UCLA, with additional support from the US Geological Survey.

Presentation

Effects of Southern California Wildfires on Storm Water Metals & PAHs - January 2009 presentation to SCCWRP member agencies describing potential pathways for fire effects on downstream waters, current scientific knowledge quantifying these effects, and SCCWRP’s research directions.