SPARROW Surface-Water Quality Modeling

QW2438

October 24-27, 2006

[Agenda]{.underline}

**[SPARROW Concepts and Modeling Techniques (days 1 and
2)]{.underline}**

Modeling objectives

Time and space scales of the model

Comparisons with other models

Model Infrastructure: stream network topology, data requirements

Monitoring station load estimation: concepts, computer programs, and

guidance on station and record selection

Model specification: sources, landscape variables and functions, and

stream and reservoir transport functions

Nonlinear parameter estimation: methods, measures of model fit,
evaluation

and interpretation of parameters

Model predictions and uncertainty analysis

**[The SPARROW User's Guide: Estimation and Use of SPARROW
Models]{.underline}**

**[(days 2 and 3)]{.underline}**

Model input/output data and directory structure

Introduction to the modeling software using the Statistical Analysis
System (SAS)

Use of the SPARROW control file for estimation and prediction

Executive and evaluation of example model specifications

Model output components for estimation and prediction

Developing GIS datasets to map model output

Trouble-shooting the models: common execution errors, calibration
testing,

identification of load outliers with residual analysis, prediction
testing

Forecasting and simulation with the model

**[SPARROW Estimation and Prediction Exercise (days 3 and
4)]{.underline}**

Hands-on estimation of an example SPARROW model

Modifying the variables

Modifying the process specifications

Retrieving and evaluating the results

**Class Announcement**

**To** US Geological Survey Employees

**From** US Geological Survey

> Office of Employee Development (OED)
>
> National Training Center (NTC)

**Subject** Training Opportunity

**Course** SPARROW Surface-Water Quality Modeling

**Title**

**Course** QW2438

**Number**

**Class** October 24-27, 2006

**Dates**

This class will begin on Tuesday, October 24th

at 8:00 am and adjourn on Friday, October 27^th^

at 12:00 noon

**Registration** ~~September 1, 2006~~

**Deadline September 22, 2006**

**Date**

**Class** US Geological Survey

**Location** OED-NTC

Denver, CO

**Course** Richard Alexander

**Coordinator <ralex@usgs.gov>**

**(703) 648-6869**

**OED** Gloria Armstrong

**Point-of-Contact** <gjarmstr@usgs.gov>

(**POC**) (303) 445-4676

**Course Description**

The 4-day course will provide instruction in the use of SPARROW
([SPA]{.underline}tially [R]{.underline}eferenced
[R]{.underline}egressions [O]{.underline}n [W]{.underline}atershed
attributes), a hybrid statistical/mechanistic technique for modeling the
occurrence and transport of contaminants in surface waters. SPARROW
models are statistically calibrated using nonlinear estimation methods
with stream water-quality monitoring data and geographic information on
watershed characteristics. The mechanistic components of the model
include explicit surface water flow paths, non-conservative transport
processes, and mass-balance constraints. The separation of land and
water components in the model provides estimates of the rates of
pollutant delivery to streams from point and diffuse sources and the
rates of transport and loss in streams and reservoirs. Model predictions
are reported for individual stream reaches and watersheds, and include
estimates of mass flux, yield, concentration, the source contributions
to water, and the uncertainties associated with these predictions.
SPARROW has been applied to nutrients, pesticides, suspended sediment,
and fecal bacteria, and is applicable to other measures of water
quality, stream biology, and streamflow.

The class provides a theoretical and practical introduction to SPARROW
modeling techniques, including "hands-on" opportunities to use the new
SAS-based SPARROW software. No prior knowledge of SAS is required to
attend the training; instruction will be provided for executing basic
models in SAS. Although a detailed understanding of nonlinear estimation
methods is not necessary, a general understanding of basic statistical
concepts such as hypothesis testing, confidence intervals, and
regression analysis is assumed. For additional information on SPARROW,
including extensive documentation of the method and a user guide for the
software, see http://water.usgs.gov/nawqa/sparrow.

**Who Should Attend**

Researchers and water-resource managers interested in using the output
from existing calibrated SPARROW models or developing new models are
encouraged to attend. Datasets will be provided for all exercises and
problem sets; attendees are not expected to bring datasets to the class.
As a general guide for determining the suitability of SPARROW and the
class for your modeling needs, the best model estimation results are
achieved for model areas with watershed data covering a range of
environmental conditions. Typical data requirements include stream
concentrations and pollutant sources that vary over more than one order
of magnitude. Water-quality records should be at least 2 years long from
a network of more than 20 monitoring sites. Please contract the workshop
organizers if you have questions about the suitability of the model for
your application.

Class participation is limited to 30 students.

Non-USGS personnel may attend on a space available basis. Non-USGS
attendees include Other Federal Agencies (OFAs), all Department of
Interior (DOI) Agencies, State and Local Agencies, American/Alaska
Tribal Governments, and cooperators.

OFA's, DOI Agencies, State and Local Agencies, and Tribal Governments
**must** obtain approval to participate in the class from the local USGS
Water Science Center (WSC) Office. Please request the local WSC Office
to forward that approval to OED-NTC, Attn: Gloria Armstrong
(<gjarmstr@usgs.gov>) to be attached to the class application form.

A cooperator is defined as one who has a **current** Memorandum of
Agreement (MOA) or a **current** Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) or is
**currently** working on a Joint Funding Agreement (JFA) with a USGS
office. Cooperators **must** apply with the USGS office they have the
agreement with **and** the local WSC Office **before** registering with
OED. Approval for cooperator attendance **requires** 1) e-mail
verification to OED from the partnering USGS Office and 2) attendance
approval from the local WSC Office.

**OFAs and cooperators** can access a course application at the
following URL: <http://training.usgs.gov/ntc/nonUSGSreg.html>. Please
complete the application and return by fax to OED-NTC at (303) 445-4665.
You can contact the POC, Gloria Armstrong at <gjarmstr@usgs.gov> or
(303) 445-4676 with class registration questions.

**PLEASE DO NOT MAKE ANY TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS OR COME TO THE CLASS
LOCATION UNTIL YOU HAVE RECEIVED WRITTEN CONFIRMATION OF ACCEPTANCE INTO
THE CLASS!**

**Prerequisites**

There are no prerequisites for this training.

Tuition USGS \$400

Non USGS \$650

**Cancellation** \$325

**Charge**

For any student cancellations less than 20 calendar days prior to the
course start date a replacement **must** be provided to avoid a
cancellation fee (NTC Policy-1.005, Rev. 2, December 2, 1996). A student
who cancels out of a class must notify their supervisor immediately to
find a replacement. Contact the OED to find out if a wait list for the
class exists (Leigh Healy, <lhealy@usgs.gov>, (703) 648-6425 or Gloria
Armstrong, gjarmstr@usgs.gov. or (303) 445-4676). The cancellation fee
covers costs incurred by the OED including instructor/coordinator
expenses, text books and materials, etc. If pre-course materials have
been distributed in advance of the 20 calendar days, the employee's
office will be invoiced for the cost of the materials regardless of the
cancellation date. Cancellation fees will be waived for documented
medical/family emergencies.

**Class Registration**

**USGS Employees** please register for this course offering using the
on-line Training Management System (TMS) at the following URL:
<https://gsvaresa08.er.usgs.gov/webforms/pertrain.nsf>. Once you have
logged onto TMS, using your Lotus User ID and Internet password, you
will find the class under the "USGS Sponsored Courses" list by location.
If you have TMS questions please contact Leigh Healy, <lhealy@usgs.gov>
for assistance.

When documenting your training in TMS via SF182 please choose this class
from the USGS-sponsored course list. Following these instructions will
ensure that the POC for the course will see your complete registration
information. Also, when completing the SF182 in TMS for training at the
NTC in Denver, CO, please choose the Payment Type of "Standard Voucher".

**[Additional Registration Information]{.underline}**

**New: DOI LEARN \-- A Department-wide Learning Management System**

The USGS is now transitioning from the Training Management System (TMS)
to a new Department of Interior (DOI) wide Learning Management System
(LMS). All USGS Federal employees should immediately log onto DOI LEARN
and create a User ID and password.
[https://doilearn.doi.gov](https://doilearn.doi.gov/). This is an
essential step to access upcoming mandatory DOI training. Go to the OED
website at [http://training.usgs.gov](http://training.usgs.gov/). The
USGS is currently using the first release of DOI LEARN only for DOI
mandatory courses and BLM and F&WS courses.

**Continue to document all training using TMS until notified** -- except
of course, any training requested via DOI LEARN.

**Questions?** E-mail Melanie Hood (<mkhood@usgs.gov>) or Alan Ward
(<amward@usgs.gov>).

**Lodging**

The course coordinator is responsible for selecting the hotel for
out-of-state participants and instructors to stay at. Hotel information
will be provided to the confirmed, selected participants **after** the
class registration deadline date has occurred. Confirmed participants
will be required to call and make their own reservations. A student
confirmation/information e-mail will be sent to the confirm selected
participants approximately 3-4 weeks prior to the class start date
containing the hotel information.

**Local Transportation**

Class participants are responsible for securing their own transportation
arrangements and are encouraged to car-pool wherever possible. The
OED-NTC will post a list of confirmed class participants on the OED web
page at: <http://training.usgs.gov/NT/carpool.html> to assist you in
forming cost-effective car-pool arrangements. Golden West Commuter
Shuttle is available at Denver International Airport (DIA) for those who
choose not to rent a car. Golden West is located at the airport in the
main building. You can pay for your shuttle ticket upon arrival at their
booth. Golden West's telephone number is (303) 342-9300 and their
website is: [http://www.gwcommuter.com](http://www.gwcommuter.com/) for
additional information.

Dianne Jeffries

Chief

US Geological Survey

Office of Employee Development

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