EFFECTS OF PIPELINE CONSTRUCTION CLEAR-CUTTING ON WATER QUALITY IN NORTHEASTERN HEADWATER STREAMS

Abstract

Clear cutting in hardwood forests has been shown to increase the concentration of nitrates in stream water. Studies of gap size have been done to determine the size of disturbance necessary for nitrate losses. My study was designed to test whether the deforestation from natural gas pipeline construction was sufficient to cause an increase in nitrate levels. I took water samples above and below fifteen streams across Northeast Pennsylvania and North New Jersey. I found that the below pipeline concentration of nitrate was significantly higher than the above stream concentration. On average, there was a 63% increase. There was not a significant effect of dominant tree species on the amount of nitrate increase. Temperature above and below the pipeline was also taken. Contrary to other studies on clear cutting, there was not a significant impact on water temperature. Current methods of pipeline construction should be reevaluated to limit impact on water quality.