A study of sedimentation in a well regulated major drainage basin - the Monongehala, Allegheny and upper Ohio Rivers

This investigation is concerned with the study of various programs employed in reducing and controlling sediment. The measures employed by the U.S. Soil Conservation and Forestry Services to control and reduce erosion, the primary source of sediment, was studied. The flood control and river navigation structures constructed and operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the effect of these structures on sedimentation was also evaluated. State and local community regulation and control of exploited natural resources was studied to determine their influence on the generation and control of sediment.The Allegheny, Monongehala and upper Ohio River Drainage Basin has the most advanced programs to provide flood control and navigation facilities of the ten major basins in the United States. Sediment carried and deposited by the streams has been reduced to increase the design life and reduce maintenance costs for these structures.The acidity of the soil and waters has influenced the amount of sediment carried in suspension. Reducing this acidity to more common neutral or slightly basic waters may increase the sediment load. Further research is needed in soil and water chemistry to determine if this will occur and to develop effective control measures --Abstract, page ii