An Environmental Evaluation of Flushing Characteristics of an Irregularly Shaped Dead-End Canal

Abstract

The flushing characteristics of an "L" shaped dead-end canal located in Taylors Island, Maryland were examined for a year. Dissolved oxygen, temperature and salinity were monitored in the canal and the results indicated that no significant stratification occurred in the canal during the study period. In conjunction with the water quality parameters evaluated, two dye dispersion studies were conducted in May and September of the study year. Rhodamine "B" dye was placed in specific stations in the canal. The water, labeled with dye, was shown to move in and out of the canal, surface, and bottom, during the 48 hour study period. Consequently, the water quality monitoring and dye dispersion studies illustrated that no significant stratification occurred and significant flushing occurred in the dead-end canal. Also, the dye dispersion procedures exhibit applications for similar project evaluations.