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USGS Real Time Water Data for Eel River
Description
The Eel River is approximately 3.9 miles in length from the headwaters at the cranberry bogs east of Long Pond Road to the mouth at Plymouth Harbor. Another branch of the river begins south of Forge Pond and continues north past Clifford Road bridge where it connects to the main branch. The Eel River Watershed is approximately 15 sq.miles and has been delineated based on groundwater modeling, click here for map.
The Eel River Watershed is a valuable natural resource to the Town of Plymouth not only for its 34 rare species and wildlife, but for the aesthetic and recreational opportunities it provides for locals and tourists. This watershed contains approximately 800 acres of open water and is habitat to various fish species and wildlife that create a healthy ecosystem. However, these resource areas are succumbing to pressures from various environmental factors.
The Eel River outlets into Plymouth Harbor which is a valuable resource for the Town. Plymouth Harobr offers aesthetic and recreational opportunities to locals and tourists. Tourists from all over the world come to visit to explore the history, natural beauty and recreational opportunities Plymouth Harbor has to offer. Famous historical sites are visited daily such as Plymouth Rock and the Mayflower II. Recreational activities including whale-watching, swimming, deep-sea fishing, shellfishing, boating and birding are toursit attractions in the Harbor. Over time, however, Plymouth Harbor has become an impaired waterway listed as 303(d) due to bacterial contamination from point and non-point source pollution. This bacterial contamination has contributed to the prohibition of shellfishing in Plymouth Harbor and Plymouth Bay.
An increase in nitrogen and phosphorus levels can lead to eutrophication which is the over-enrichment of a waterbody with nutrients resulting in excessive plant growth. This excessive plant growth depletes oxygen levels and can cause organisms including fish to perish. Nutrients such as, nitrogen & phosphorus, can enter the river system from various sources including stormwater runoff, fertilization and septic systems.
The Town of Plymouth has an obligation to conduct and implement a Nutrient Management Plan per the Wastewater Treatment Facility (WWTP) Permit. As part of this requirement the Town has been conducting groundwater monitoring and surface water monitoring in the watershed and within the Eel River.
Data Report - Operational Monitoring Program Data Report 2006-2007
Click on link below to upload pdf
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