EPISODIC ACIDIFICATION OF SMALL STREAMS IN THE NORTHEASTERN UNITED-STATES - EPISODIC RESPONSE PROJECT

The Episodic Response Project (ERP) was an interdisciplinary study des igned to address uncertainties about the occurrence, nature, and biolo gical effects of episodic acidification of streams in the northeastern United States. The ERP research consisted of intensive studies of the chemistry and biological effects of episodes in 13 streams draining f orested watersheds in the three study regions: the Northern Appalachia n region of Pennsylvania and the Catskill and Adirondack Mountains of New York. Wet deposition was measured in each of the three study regio ns. Using automated instruments and samplers, discharge and chemistry of each stream was monitored intensively from fall 1988 through spring 1990. Biological studies focused on brook trout and native forage fis h. Experimental approaches included in situ bioassays, radio transmitt er studies of fish movement, and fish population studies. This paper p rovides an overview of the ERP, describes the methodology used in hydr ologic and water chemistry components of the study, and summarizes the characteristics of the study sites, including the climatic and deposi tion conditions during the ERP and the general chemical characteristic s of the study streams.