U.S. Department of the Interior

U.S. Geological Survey

Scientific Investigations Report 2009–5035

Prepared in cooperation with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency 

Inventory and Statistical Analysis of Sediment Data 

for Streams in Kentucky, 1950–2008
Cover photo. USGS site ID 03308500, 

the Green River at Munfordville, Kentucky.
Inventory and Statistical Analysis of 

Sediment Data for Streams in Kentucky, 

1950–2008

By Tanja N. Williamson

In cooperation with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

Scientific Investigations Report 2009–5035

U.S. Department of the Interior

U.S. Geological Survey
U.S. Department of the Interior

KEN SALAZAR, Secretary

U.S. Geological Survey

Suzette M. Kimball, Acting Director

U.S. Geological Survey, Reston, Virginia: 2009

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Suggested citation:

Williamson, Tanja N., 2009, Inventory and statistical analysis of sediment data for streams in Kentucky, 1950–2008: 

U.S. Geological Survey Scientific Investigations Report 2009–5035, 23 p.
iii

Contents

Abstract...........................................................................................................................................................1

Introduction.....................................................................................................................................................1

Methods...........................................................................................................................................................2

Sediment Data Inventory..............................................................................................................................2

Statistical Analysis of Selected Sediment and Nutrient Parameters .................................................10

Summary........................................................................................................................................................19

References Cited..........................................................................................................................................19

Figures

1. Map showing the distribution of historical U.S. Geological Survey 

sediment-monitoring sites across Kentucky for which there are long-term

water-quality records and location of active sediment-monitoring sites at 

the end of 2007 ..............................................................................................................................3

2–6. Graphs showing:

2. Sample-collection dates of suspended-sediment concentration at 

U.S. Geological Survey sites in Kentucky for which there are long-term 

water-quality records..........................................................................................................4

3. Sample-collection dates of total suspended solids at U.S. Geological 

Survey sites in Kentucky ....................................................................................................6

4. Coincident sample-collection dates of suspended-sediment 

concentration and total suspended solids at U.S. Geological Survey 

sites in Kentucky..................................................................................................................7

5. Sample-collection dates of turbidity at U.S. Geological Survey 

sites in Kentucky..................................................................................................................8

6. Coincident sample-collection dates of suspended-sediment 

concentration and turbidity at U.S. Geological Survey sites in Kentucky..................9

7–11. Boxplots of: 

7. Suspended-sediment-concentration data for the 42 sites in Kentucky at 

which at least one other sediment parameter (total suspended solids or 

turbidity) was monitored...................................................................................................13 

8. Total-suspended-solids data for the six sites in Kentucky at which 

suspended-sediment concentration was coincidentally monitored ........................14

9. Turbidity data for the 42 sites in Kentucky at which suspended-sediment 

concentration was coincidentally monitored...............................................................15

10. Total-nitrogen data for the 42 sites in Kentucky at which 

suspended-sediment concentration and at least one other sediment 

parameter were monitored ..............................................................................................16 

11. Total-phosphorus data for the 42 sites in Kentucky at which 

suspended-sediment concentration and at least one other sediment 

parameter were monitored ..............................................................................................17 

12. Scatterplot and Pearson’s product-moment correlations of five water-quality 

parameters for each of the coincident observations discussed in the text.....................18
iv

Tables

1. Long-term stations where at least one sediment parameter was 

monitored .....................................................................................................................................20

2. Statistical summary of selected water-quality parameters for sites 

where suspended-sediment concentration and at least one other 

sediment parameter were coincidently monitored...............................................................11

3. Regression of suspended-sediment concentration on total suspended 

solids, turbidity, and discharge.................................................................................................11

4. Regression of suspended-sediment concentration on total suspended 

solids for individual sites ...........................................................................................................11

5. Regression of suspended-sediment concentration on turbidity and 

discharge for individual sites....................................................................................................12

6. Regression of suspended-sediment concentration on total suspended

 solids, turbidity, and discharge for individual sites..............................................................12

Conversion Factors

SI to Inch/Pound

Multiply By To obtain

milligram (mg) 35.27 ounce, avoirdupois (oz)

liter (L) 0.2642 gallon (gal)

Concentrations of chemical constituents in water are given in milligrams per liter (mg/L).

Abbreviations

FNU Formazin nephelometric units

NTU Nephelometric turbidity units

NWIS National Water Information System

p Parameter

SSC Suspended-sediment concentration

TN Total nitrogen

TP Total phosphorus

TSS Total suspended solids

USGS U.S. Geological Survey
Abstract 

Suspended sediment is a constituent of water that is 

monitored because of concerns about accelerated erosion, 

nonpoint contamination of water resources, and degradation 

of aquatic environments. Understanding the availability of 

monitored sediment data for streams in Kentucky is critical to 

planning future modeling and monitoring efforts. In order to 

assess the availability of sediment data for Kentucky, longterm records were obtained from the National Water Information System (NWIS) of the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). 

Suspended-sediment concentration (SSC), the parameter 

traditionally measured and reported by the USGS, was statistically compared to turbidity and total suspended solids (TSS), 

two parameters that are considered surrogate data. Coincident 

observations of SSC with either turbidity or TSS were available for 42 sites. In combination with instantaneous streamflow, turbidity and TSS both proved to be significant indicators 

of SSC when data from all sites were used. Because of the 

perceived link between sediment and nutrient abundance in 

streams, sediment-parameter data at these sites were correlated 

to total-nitrogen and total-phosphorus concentrations. A significant relation (p-value < 0.05) was found between monitored 

nutrient concentrations and coincident sediment abundance, 

although there were no clear linear relations. 

This compilation of data showed that SSC was monitored 

at 118 sites in Kentucky at some time between 1950 and 2008. 

As of March 2008, 9 sites were monitored for SSC in 

Kentucky (8 of which are new) down from a high of more than 

60 SSC sites during the 1980s. Of these 118 SSC sites, 21 sites 

were also monitored for TSS; there are coincident records for 

both SSC and TSS at 6 sites. Forty-seven of these long-term 

water-quality sites were also monitored for turbidity; there are 

coincident records for SSC and turbidity at 42 sites, including 

all of those at which there are coincident data for TSS. The 

number of sites at which SSC and at least one other sediment 

parameter (TSS or turbidity) were monitored decreased from a 

high of 27 in 1987 to zero during the period 2001–2005. 

Introduction

Water-quality data, including nitrogen and phosphorus 

concentrations, are used to model the contribution of 

individual streams to regional ecosystems to address concerns 

such as hypoxia in the Gulf of Mexico (Alexander and 

others, 2008). More recently, sediment is being included in 

this type of regional modeling (Schwarz, 2008). However, 

these regional modeling efforts are dependent upon the maintenance of long-term data-collection sites where the period 

of record encompasses changes in urban development and 

agricultural management, as well as potential climate change. 

Three sediment parameters have been historically 

reported by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS): suspendedsediment concentration (SSC), total suspended solids (TSS), 

and turbidity. Of these sediment parameters, SSC (National 

Water Information System (NWIS) parameter 80154 

(p80154)) is preferred to TSS (p00530) because the analytical 

method for SSC has been shown to be the more precise and 

accurate method, resulting in less error in sediment-load estimates (Glysson and Gray, 2002). An intact sample is used to 

determine SSC, in contrast to an aliquot of the sample as used 

with TSS methods. In comparison to turbidity, SSC is accurate 

at all magnitudes of sediment concentration (milligram per 

liter). Turbidity (p00076), until recently, had an upper limit of 

approximately 1,000 nephelometric turbidity units (NTU) due 

to instrument limitations; turbidity also measures suspended 

materials in addition to sediment, including finely divided 

organic matter, plankton and other microscopic organisms, 

organic acids, and dyes (Anderson, 2005). Finally, use of 

different turbidimeter technologies can result in different 

turbidity measurements for the same environmental conditions 

or laboratory samples, yet all turbidity data were reported 

in the NWIS as a single parameter code, p00076, until 2005 

(Miller, 2004); this complicates not only comparison of 

turbidity to SSC but also comparison of turbidity data among 

monitoring sites and data-collection periods (Sadar, 2002; 

Ziegler, 2002). 

Inventory and Statistical Analysis of Sediment Data 

for Streams in Kentucky, 1950–2008

By Tanja N. Williamson
2 Inventory and Statistical Analysis of Sediment Data for Streams in Kentucky, 1950–2008

Although SSC is the preferred sediment parameter and 

is the one traditionally monitored by the USGS, measurement 

and reporting of additional sediment parameters can have 

substantial research benefits. Specifically, because TSS and 

turbidity are frequently reported by other agencies (for example, Kentucky Division of Water; http://www.water.ky.gov/

sw/swmonitor/) the maintenance of multiparameter sediment 

sites enables extension of sediment modeling to more streams, 

including those of different orders and in different physiographic terranes. Consequently, it is important to understand 

the quantitative relation among these three sediment parameters. In order to maintain this ability to compare and contrast 

these different sediment parameters, it is critical that long-term 

records of all three parameters be available. The purpose of the 

data inventory and statistical analysis described in this report 

was to determine the availability of long-term sediment data 

for Kentucky and to quantify the relation among these three 

sediment parameters (SSC, TSS, and turbidity). The study was 

done in cooperation with the U.S. Environmental Protection 

Agency.

Methods

During January 2008, data were downloaded from the 

National Water Information System (NWIS; http://waterdata.

usgs.gov/nwis/rt) for sites along Kentucky streams where 

long-term water-quality records were available. For purposes 

of this analysis, “long-term records” are defined as those 

from sites where 25 or more field visits had been made for 

collection of water-quality samples. Fewer than 25 sediment 

records may be available, however, if sediment was not on 

the sampling and analytical schedule for every field visit. The 

number of field visits per year depends on the particular site 

and sampling program.

From these retrieved observations, data for SSC 

(p80154), TSS (p00530), and turbidity (p00076) were inventoried in order to assess the abundance, history, and coordination 

of observations. Each sediment parameter was statistically 

described, and stepwise linear regression was used to develop 

a relation between SSC (the preferred parameter) and the 

surrogates TSS and/or turbidity using coincident observations 

(from the same site, day, and time) of the sediment parameters 

and instantaneous stream discharge (p00061). The correlation between individual sediment parameters, as well as to 

total nitrogen (p00600) and total phosphorus (p00665), was 

evaluated with scatterplots because of the perceived relation 

between sediment and nutrient abundance in streams; the 

significance of these correlations was tested with the Pearson’s 

product-moment correlation coefficient. All statistical analyses 

were done with S-plus (Insightful Corporation, 2008). 

Sediment Data Inventory

In Kentucky, SSC was monitored at 118 long-term sites 

between 1950 and 2008 [fig. 1 and table 1 (at the end of the 

report)]. More than 60 sites were monitored in the early 1980s; 

however, this number decreased to approximately 30 sites 

around 1982 and decreased again in the 1990s to less than 

15 SSC sites (fig. 2). During the late 1990s, SSC was monitored at one site. As of December 2007, 10 sites were 

monitored for SSC in Kentucky. Of these 10 SSC sites, 8 are 

in watersheds that are the focus of recent interest (2007) by 

agencies that cooperate with the USGS in water-resources 

investigations (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and 

Kentucky Division of Water). Collection of SSC data at the 

Green River at Munfordville, Ky. (USGS site ID 03308500, 

cover photo), was discontinued in February 2008. Currently, 

a long-term SSC record is maintained for the Tennessee River 

at Highway 60 near Paducah, Ky. (USGS site ID 03609750), 

at the confluence of the Tennessee and Ohio Rivers; flow at 

this site is regulated by the dam at Kentucky Lake, so highdischarge events, and the resultant sediment concentrations, 

are attenuated. 

Total suspended sediment (TSS) was monitored at 21 

of these 118 long-term sites where SSC was monitored (figs. 

1 and 3 and table 1); 6 sites have coincident records for SSC 

and TSS (fig. 4). The number of TSS sites also peaked around 

1980 with a maximum of 11. By 1990, TSS was no longer 

monitored by the USGS. 

Turbidity was monitored at 47 of these 118 long-term 

sites (figs. 1 and 5 and table 1), and there are coincident 

records of SSC and turbidity at 42 of these sites (fig. 6), 

including all of those at which there are coincident data for 

TSS. The number of turbidity sites peaked in the mid-1980s 

with a maximum of 20. This number began to decrease in the 

late1980s and, by 2001, the last p00076 turbidity record was 

discontinued. During 2007, SSC and turbidity were coincidently monitored on the Tennessee River at Highway 60 near 

Paducah, Ky. (USGS site ID 03609750), and the Cumberland 

River at Smithland, Ky. (USGS site ID 03438500); however, 

these data are not included in this report because a different 

turbidity unit (p63676) was used. [Details on USGS changes 

in turbidity measurement and reporting can be found in Miller 

(2004) and documents referenced therein.] 

The number of monitored sites where SSC and at least 

one other sediment parameter were reported ranged from 

a high of 25 in 1987 to a low of zero during 2001–5. As of 

March 2008, nine sites were sampled for SSC data, and turbidity was monitored at one of these sites, the Tennessee River at 

Highway 60 near Paducah, Ky. (USGS site ID 03609750). 
Sediment Data Inventory 

3

Figure 1. Distribution of historical U.S. Geological Survey sediment-monitoring sites across Kentucky for which there are long-term water-quality records and location of active sediment-monitoring sites at the end of 2007; these sites are also listed in table 1. Sites with coincident observations that are discussed in the text are indicated by coincident symbols and are noted in table 1. The thirteen hydrologic-unit-code 6 (HUC 6) basins are shown for reference. The Interior Plateau area of Kentucky (Ecoregion 71 of Woods and others, 2002) referred to in the text is outlined in red.

82°37'30"W 83°39'0"W 84°40'30"W 85°42'0"W 86°43'30"W 87°45'0"W 88°46'30"W 89°48'0"W

38°7'30"N

39°9'00"N

37°6'00"N

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KENTUCKY

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BIG SANDY

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LOWER CUMBERLAND

HATCHIE - OBION

LOWER TENNESSEE

MIDDLE OHIO - RACOON

MIDDLE OHIO - LITTLE MIAMI

LOWER MISSISSIPPI - MEMPHIS

0 20 40 60 80 100 Miles0 20 40 60 80 100 Kilometers

EXPLANATION

# Active Suspended-Sediment Concentration Site and Site NumberG Active Turbidity Site# Discontinued Suspended-Sediment Concentration SiteE Discontinued Turbidity Site< Discontinued Total Suspended Solids Site

U.S. Geological Survey Sediment-Monitoring Sites

03609750

03609750

03308500

03298300

03298200

03297980

03298000

03297900

03298100

03298150

03298250
4 Inventory and Statistical Analysis of Sediment Data for Streams in Kentucky, 1950–2008

Figure 2. Sample-collection dates of suspended-sediment concentration at U.S. Geological Survey sites in Kentucky for which 

there are long-term water-quality records. The highest number of sites was monitored in the early 1980s; however, this number was 

halved by 1982 (shown by the first line). Some new sites were added in the mid-1980s, but the total number of sites was halved again 

Year

U. S. Geological Survey Site Identification Number 

07024000

03610545

03609750

03438220

03407500

03407200

03406500

03404000

03403500

03402000

03401428

03400990

03400785

03384180

03322360

03321350

03321210

03320500

03319500

03318500

03315520

03314500

03310300

03309000

03307000

03303205

03300400

03298300

03298200

03298100

03297980

03297845

03291500

03289500

03289000

03287500

03286500

03285000

03283500

03282500

03282075

03281500

03281040

03280700

03280000

03277500

03254000

03251500

03250100

03248500

03216800

03215000

03213700

03213594

03212000

03210000

03209500

03208000

03207962

1950 1960 1970 1980

1982
Sediment Data Inventory 5

(to approximately 15) before 1990 (shown by the second line). The number of sites continued to decrease during the 1990s. At the end 

of 2007, 10 sites were being monitored in the Commonwealth; however, most of these have no long-term record. Each crosshatch (+) 

indicates a single sample date. Color in this figure is only to help the reader and is not meant to imply a difference between sites.

Year

U. S. Geological Survey Site Identification Number 

03611260

03610200

03438500

03410500

03407300

03407100

03404500

03403910

03403000

03401450

03401000

03400800

03400500

03383000

03321430

03321230

03321120

03320000

03318800

03316645

03315500

03310400

03309100

03308500

03306500

03301630

03298500

03298250

03298150

03298000

03297900

03297500

03290500

03289300

03288000

03287000

03285200

03284000

03283370

03282100

03282000

03281100

03281000

03280600

03278500

03277400

03252500

03251000

03249500

03217000

03216500

03214700

03213630

03212500

03211500

03209800

03209300

03207965

03207935

1980 1990 2000 2010

1982
6 Inventory and Statistical Analysis of Sediment Data for Streams in Kentucky, 1950–2008

Year

U.S. Geological Survey Site Identification Number

070240700360975003438220033215000332110003320500033195000331591503315520033145000331040003310300033085000330650003301630032978450329247403215000032135940321250003209500

1950 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2010

Figure 3. Sample-collection dates of total suspended solids at U.S. Geological Survey sites in Kentucky. The highest number of sites was monitored around 1980; however this number dwindled to zero by the end of the decade. At the end of 2007, no USGS sites were being monitored for total suspended solids in the Commonwealth. Each crosshatch (+) indicates a single sample date.
Sediment Data Inventory 7 Year

U.S. Geological Survey Site Identification Number

070240000361020003609750034382200341050003383000033212300330850003301630033004000329850003298000032978450329050003289500032893000328900003288000032875000328700003285200032850000328400003283500032833700328250003282100032820750328200003281500032811000328104003281000032807000328060003280000032540000325250003249500032150000321250003209500

1950 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2010

Figure 4. Coincident sample-collection dates of suspended-sediment concentration and total suspended solids at U.S. Geological Survey sites in Kentucky. For consistency with other figures, all sites for which at least two sediment parameters were monitored are included. Although six sites included both sediment parameters for over 10 years, at the end of 2007, there were no sites with this type of coincident data. Each crosshatch (+) indicates a single sample date. 
Year

U.S. Geological Survey Site Identification Number

0702400003610200036097500360950003438220034105000340400003402900033830000332123003308500033016300330040003298500032980000329784503293000032905000328950003289300032890000328800003287500032870000328650003285200032850000328400003283500032833700328250003282100032820750328200003281500032811000328104003281000032807000328060003280000032540000325250003249500032150000321250003209500

U. S. Geological Survey Standard Turbidity Measurement Changed in 2005

1950 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2010

8 Inventory and Statistical Analysis of Sediment Data for Streams in Kentucky, 1950–2008

Figure 5. Sample-collection dates of turbidity at U.S. Geological Survey sites in Kentucky. The highest number of sites was monitored in the mid-1980s; however this number decreased soon after this peak and again in the mid-1990s. For consistency with other figures, the time period extends to 2008. However, the p00076 monitoring parameter was discontinued in 2005 (Miller, 2004). Each crosshatch (+) indicates a single sample date.
Year

U.S. Geological Survey Site Identification Number

070240000361020003609750034382200341050003383000033212300330850003301630033004000329850003298000032978450329050003289500032893000328900003288000032875000328700003285200032850000328400003283500032833700328250003282100032820750328200003281500032811000328104003281000032807000328060003280000032540000325250003249500032150000321250003209500

U. S. Geological Survey Standard Turbidity Measurement Changed in 2005

1950 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2010

Sediment Data Inventory 9 Figure 6. Coincident sample-collection dates of suspended-sediment concentration and turbidity at U.S. Geological Survey sites in Kentucky. For consistency with other figures, the time period extends to 2008. However, the p00076 monitoring parameter was discontinued in 2005 (Miller, 2004). Since the late 1970s, coincident suspended-sediment concentration and turbidity data were measured at 42 sites at least once. Each crosshatch (+) indicates a single sample date.
10 Inventory and Statistical Analysis of Sediment Data for Streams in Kentucky, 1950–2008

Statistical Analysis of Selected 

Sediment and Nutrient Parameters

Five water-quality parameters—SSC, TSS, turbidity, 

total nitrogen (TN), and total phosphorus (TP)—were statistically summarized to reveal any significant relation among 

them (table 2 and figs. 7–12). The nutrient parameters TN 

and TP were included in the statistical analysis because of the 

perceived relation between sediment and nutrient abundance 

in streams (as mentioned, for example, by Alexander and 

others, 2008). For the 42 stations at which there are coincident data for at least two sediment parameters, a Pearson’s 

product-moment correlation was calculated. This analysis 

showed significant correlation between all pairs of sediment 

parameters and between the nutrient parameters. In addition, 

there was significant correlation between all sediment and 

nutrient parameters except for the total phosphorus and TSS 

pairing (fig. 12). The significance, however, is likely due to 

the large number of observations; visual inspection shows 

that none of the scatterplots shows a linear relation, and the 

correlations between sediment and nutrient parameters are 

all < 0.4. Correlation between water-quality parameters also 

was evaluated separately for those sites that are part of the 

Interior Plateau area of Kentucky (red outline in fig. 1), which 

includes the Bluegrass and Pennyroyal karst terranes (Ecoregion 71 of Woods and others, 2002). Results from this analysis 

were similar (fig. 12; correlation coefficients in parentheses), 

with significant correlation between sediment parameters and 

between nutrient parameters; however, for sites in the Interior 

Plateau area of Kentucky, the correlation between SSC and 

total phosphorus is the only significant relation between an 

individual sediment parameter and a nutrient parameter.

 In order to quantify the significant correlations between 

SSC and the surrogates TSS and/or turbidity, coincident 

observations were used in stepwise linear regression (table 

3). These coincident observations ranged from 1 to 400 mg/L 

suspended sediment (recorded as p80154, SSC). Previous 

researchers have shown a natural (or Napierian) logarithm 

transformation to make the regressions more rigorous (Galloway and others, 2005) and this was true when either TSS 

or turbidity were individually used to estimate SSC. For sites 

with coincident observations of all three sediment parameters, 

the combination of TSS, turbidity, and instantaneous discharge 

was the strongest estimator of SSC; in this case, the untransformed values were the most rigorous indicators. 

Each of these regressions of SSC on TSS and turbidity 

(table 3) is highly significant, and all coefficients retained are 

significant at the 0.05 confidence level. Although this indicates 

a significant ability to estimate SSC for streams in Kentucky 

from the surrogates TSS and turbidity, this ability is strongest 

when coincident TSS and turbidity data are available. The TSS 

slope coefficient was expected to be close to 1 because SSC 

and TSS are reported with the same units and should quantify 

the same material. Finally, although the regression of SSC on 

turbidity is significant, the relatively low R2 combined with the 

high number of observations suggests that estimates of SSC 

from this equation may be less accurate than those derived 

from TSS data. 

Glysson and Gray (2002) noted that estimation of SSC 

sediment loads from other sediment parameters was most 

successful when data from individual stations were separated. 

Consequently, these regressions were assessed for all sites 

with ≥ 5 coincident observations of different sediment parameters (tables 4, 5, and 6). Although some of these regressions 

are more rigorous, not all of the regressions are significant, 

and there is no clear pattern of significance with respect to 

sample size or coefficient values. The resulting slope (β) 

coefficients also are inconsistent within each set of equations. 

Furthermore, site-specific analyses are prohibitive when trying 

to develop an SSC database for all of Kentucky due not only 

to the lack of coincident samples but also to the complexity of 

treating each site differently in regional modeling. 
Statistical Analysis of Selected Sediment and Nutrient Parameters 11

Table 2. Statistical summary of selected water-quality parameters for sites where suspendedsediment concentration and at least one other sediment parameter were coincidentally monitored. 

[SSC, suspended-sediment concentration; TSS, total suspended solids; n, number of coincident observations, not the 

number of matched sites; p, parameter; mg/L, milligrams per liter; NTU, nephelometric turbidity units]

Parameter name and USGS NWIS

parameter code Unit Mean Standarddeviation Range n

SSC – p80154 mg/L 161 413 0.9 to 10,600 2,429

TSS – p00530 mg/L 48 67 1 to 396 75

Turbidity – p00076 NTU 28 46 .2 to 350 943

Total nitrogen – p00600 mg/L 1.5 1.7 .2 to 26.0 1,333

Total phosphorus – p00665 mg/L .2 .4 .0 to 8.0 1,488

Table 3. Regression of suspended-sediment concentration on total suspended solids, turbidity, 

and discharge.

[SSC, suspended-sediment concentration; TSS, total suspended solids; Q, instantaneous discharge; n, number of 

coincident observations, not the number of matched sites; ln, natural or Napierian logarithm; R2, coefficient of 

determination for equation; *, regression significant at the 0.05 confidence level]

Equation n R2 p-value

ln SSC = 0.43 + 0.940 ln TSS 73 0.76* 0.000

ln SSC = 1.59 + 0.638 ln Turbidity + 0.046 ln Q 933 .53* .000

SSC = 7.5 + 0.73 TSS + 0.88 Turbidity + 0.006 Q 45 .92* .000

Table 4. Regression of suspended-sediment concentration on total suspended solids for individual 

sites. Each regression takes the form ln SSC = intercept + βTSS ln TSS.

[USGS, U.S. Geological Survey; ID, identification; β, slope coefficient; SSC, suspended-sediment concentration; 

TSS, total suspended solids; n, number of coincident observations, not the number of matched sites; ln, natural or 

Napierian logarithm; R2, coefficient of determination for equation;*, coefficient is significant at the 0.05 confidence level]

USGS site ID Intercept βTSS n R2 p-value

03209500 1.31* 0.80* 14 0.81 0.000

03212500 1.27* .76* 14 .95 .000

03215000 -.10 1.08* 13 .87 .000

03297845 -1.52 1.55* 6 .91 .003

03438220 .38 .88* 17 .38 .008

03609750 3.20* -.16 9 .05 .570
12 Inventory and Statistical Analysis of Sediment Data for Streams in Kentucky, 1950–2008

Table 5. Regression of suspended-sediment concentration on turbidity and discharge for 

individual sites. Each regression takes the form ln SSC = intercept +βTurbidity ln Turbidity + βQ ln Q.

[USGS, U.S. Geological Survey; ID, identification; β, slope coefficient; SSC, suspended-sediment concentration; 

Q, instantaneous discharge; n, number of coincident observations, not the number of matched sites; ln, natural 

or Napierian logarithm; R2, coefficient of determination for equation; *, coefficient is significant at the 0.05 

confidence level]

USGS site ID Intercept βTurbidity βQ n R2 p-value

03209500 1.92 0.27* 0.24 14 0.72 0.001

03212500 2.39 .49* .08 14 .71 .001

03215000 -.43 .50* .40* 99 .67 .000

03252500 .61 .75* .11 17 .77 .000

03254000 .62 .43* .27* 91 .53 .000

03280000 .78 1.16* -.08 17 .95 .000

03281000 1.21 .40* .20 17 .54 .005

03281500 1.41* .94* -.12 17 .83 .000

03289300 2.40* .68* -.27 19 .25 .096

03290500 -1.34 -.17 .73* 8 .96 .000

03297845 2.23* .29* .23* 28 .47 .000

03298500 .82* .41* .26* 94 .65 .000

03300400 .28 .79* .12 16 .84 .000

03301630 1.96* .35* .22* 91 .52 .000

03308500 1.09 .62* .13 47 .60 .000

03321230 .96 .19* .30* 62 .36 .000

03383000 1.08 .71 .08 10 .51 .083

03410500 -.47 .41* .30* 41 .54 .000

03438200 -2.72* .05 .53* 56 .40 .000

03609750 -.39 .08 .25 107 .14 .000

03610200 1.42* .64* .15 14 .57 .010

07024000 1.75* .63* .02 614 .49 .000

Table 6. Regression of suspended-sediment concentration on total suspended solids, turbidity, and discharge 

for individual sites. Each regression takes the form SSC = intercept + βTSS TSS + βTurbidity Turbidity + βQ Q.

[USGS, U.S. Geological Survey; ID, identification; β, slope coefficient; SSC, suspended-sediment concentration; TSS, total 

suspended solids; Q, instantaneous discharge; n, number of coincident observations, not the number of matched sites; 

R2, coefficient of determination for equation; *, coefficient is significant at the 0.05 confidence level]

USGS site ID Intercept βTSS βTurbidity βQ n R2 p-value

03209500 15.92* 0.57 1.14 0.01* 13 0.97 0.000

03212500 9.50 .82* .75* .00 14 .98 .000

03215000 1.35 .51 1.39 .01 12 .89 .000

03297845 -19.94 2.51 -.04 -.15 6 .95 .076
Statistical Analysis of Selected Sediment and Nutrient Parameters 13 Figure 7. Suspended-sediment-concentration data for the 42 sites in Kentucky at which at least one other sediment parameter (total suspended solids or turbidity) was monitored. 1000 2000

3000

5000

7000

9000

11000

p80154 - Suspended-Sediment Concentration (mg/L) 

070240000361020003609750034382200341050003383000033212300330850003301630033004000329850003298000032978450329050003289500032893000328900003288000032875000328700003285200032850000328400003283500032833700328250003282100032820750328200003281500032811000328104003281000032807000328060003280000032540000325250003249500032150000321250003209500

U.S. Geological Survey Site Identification Number

0

•

Data outside10th and 90th percentile90 percent75 percentMedian25 percent10 percent

p National Water Information 

System Parameter Code

EXPLANATION
14 Inventory and Statistical Analysis of Sediment Data for Streams in Kentucky, 1950–2008

0 50 100 150 200 250 300 350 400

p00530 - Total Suspended Solids (mg/L) 

070240000361020003609750034382200341050003383000033212300330850003301630033004000329850003298000032978450329050003289500032893000328900003288000032875000328700003285200032850000328400003283500032833700328250003282100032820750328200003281500032811000328104003281000032807000328060003280000032540000325250003249500032150000321250003209500

U.S. Geological Survey Site Identification Number

•

Data outside10th and 90th percentile90 percent75 percentMedian25 percent10 percent

p National Water Information 

System Parameter Code

EXPLANATION

Figure 8. Suspended-solids data for the six sites in Kentucky at which suspended-sediment concentration was coincidentally monitored. For consistency, all 42 matched sites have been included.
Statistical Analysis of Selected Sediment and Nutrient Parameters 15 0 20 40 60 80 100 120 140 160 180 200 220 240 260 280 300 320 340 360 p00076 - Turbidity (NTU)

070240000361020003609750034382200341050003383000033212300330850003301630033004000329850003298000032978450329050003289500032893000328900003288000032875000328700003285200032850000328400003283500032833700328250003282100032820750328200003281500032811000328104003281000032807000328060003280000032540000325250003249500032150000321250003209500

U.S. Geological Survey Site Identification Number

•

Data outside10th and 90th percentile90 percent75 percentMedian25 percent10 percent

p National Water Information 

System Parameter Code

EXPLANATION

Figure 9. Turbidity data for the 42 sites in Kentucky at which suspended-sediment concentration was coincidentally monitored.
16 Inventory and Statistical Analysis of Sediment Data for Streams in Kentucky, 1950–2008

0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20 22 24 26

p00600 - Total Nitrogen (mg/L)

070240000361020003609750034382200341050003383000033212300330850003301630033004000329850003298000032978450329050003289500032893000328900003288000032875000328700003285200032850000328400003283500032833700328250003282100032820750328200003281500032811000328104003281000032807000328060003280000032540000325250003249500032150000321250003209500

U.S. Geological Survey Site Identification Number

•

Data outside10th and 90th percentile90 percent75 percentMedian25 percent10 percent

p National Water Information 

System Parameter Code

EXPLANATION

Figure 10. Total-nitrogen data for the 42 sites in Kentucky at which suspended-sediment concentration and at least one other sediment parameter were monitored.
Statistical Analysis of Selected Sediment and Nutrient Parameters 17 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7

8

p00665 - Total Phosphorus (mg/L) 

070240000361020003609750034382200341050003383000033212300330850003301630033004000329850003298000032978450329050003289500032893000328900003288000032875000328700003285200032850000328400003283500032833700328250003282100032820750328200003281500032811000328104003281000032807000328060003280000032540000325250003249500032150000321250003209500

U.S. Geological Survey Site Identification Number

•

Data outside10th and 90th percentile90 percent75 percentMedian25 percent10 percent

p National Water Information 

System Parameter Code

EXPLANATION

Figure 11. Total-phosphorus data for the 42 sites in Kentucky at which suspended-sediment concentration and at least one other sediment parameter were monitored.
18 Inventory and Statistical Analysis of Sediment Data for Streams in Kentucky, 1950–2008 25201510

5

p00076

Turbidity

(NTU)

p00530

TSS

(mg/L)

p00600

Total Nitrogen

(mg/L)

p00665

Total Phosphorus

(mg/L)

p80154

SSC

(mg/L)

0 100 200 300 400

0 2 4 6 8

0 100 200 300

300020001000

0

400300200100

8642

0 5 10 15 20 25

0.540***

(0.104*) 

0.085*

(0.013) 

0.360***

(0.002) 

0.134***

(0.167***)

0.026

(0.033)

0.706***

(0.778***)

0.034**

(0.024) 

0.046***

(0.105***)

0.269***

(0.473***)

0.179***

(0.087***)

EXPLANATION

Individual Observation

0.540*** Pearson’s Product-Moment Correlation Coefficient for All Kentucky(0.104*) Pearson’s Product-Moment Correlation Coefficient for Interior Plateau *,**,*** Significant at the p < 0.05, 0.01, 0.001 level, respectively p National Water Information System Parameter Code NTU Nephelometric Turbidity Units mg/L Milligrams per Liter TSS Total Suspended Solids SSC Suspended-Sediment Concentration

Figure 12. Scatterplot and Pearson’s product-moment correlations of five water-quality parameters for each of the coincident observations discussed in the text. For the entire state, all but the total suspended solids-total phosphorus correlations are highly significant due to the large number of observations, even though the correlations are generally low. However, only the sediment parameters show clear linear relations.
References Cited 19

Summary

An inventory and statistical analysis of sediment data for 

Kentucky streams was completed by the USGS, in cooperation with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, to assess 

the availability and quantify the statistical relations among 

suspended-sediment concentration (SSC) and the surrogate sediment parameters total suspended solids (TSS) and 

turbidity for the period 1950–2008. The relation of sediment 

parameters to total nitrogen and total phosphorus was also 

quantified. Suspended-sediment concentration is significantly 

correlated to the two surrogate sediment parameters of TSS 

and turbidity, as well as to total nitrogen and total phosphorus. 

On the basis of this analysis, TSS and turbidity both can be 

used to statistically estimate SSC for runoff events and stream 

reaches where no SSC data are available. However, this analysis also shows that estimation will be stronger by use of TSS, 

as opposed to turbidity, and that these data should be weighted 

accordingly in any modeling efforts for which SSC is the preferred method. The strongest statistical estimate results from a 

combination of TSS and turbidity data. 

This inventory has illustrated that sediment monitoring of 

all types has declined in Kentucky since the maximum number 

of sites in the early 1980s (65, 11, and 20 sites for SSC, TSS, 

and turbidity, respectively). As of March 2008, SSC was 

monitored at nine sites; eight of these sites were started in 

2007. The remaining site at which SSC was monitored is on a 

controlled stream reach, downstream from a reservoir, where 

high-flow events are attenuated. The result is that there are 

no remaining sites that can be used for modeling changes in 

sediment concentration due to climatic events or contemporary 

land-use changes, including urban development and agricultural management. 

References Cited

Alexander, R.B., Smith, R.A., Schwarz, G.E., Boyer, E.W., 

Nolan, J.V., and Brakebill, J.W., 2008, Differences in phosphorus and nitrogen delivery to the Gulf of Mexico from the 

Mississippi River Basin: Environmental Science & Technology, v. 42, no. 3, p. 822–830. 

Anderson, C.W., 2005, Turbidity (version 2.1): U.S. Geological Survey Techniques of Water-Resources Investigations, 

book 9, chap. A6, section 6.7, 55 p., accessed September 16, 

2008, at http://water.usgs.gov/owq/FieldManual/Chapter6/

Section6.7_v2.1.pdf

Galloway, J.M., Evans, D.A., and Green, W.R., 2005, Comparability of suspended-sediment concentration and total 

suspended-solids data for two sites on the L’Anguille River, 

Arkansas, 2001 to 2003: U.S. Geological Survey Scientific 

Investigations Report 2005–5193, 10 p. 

Glysson, G.D., and Gray, J.R., 2002, Total suspended solids 

data for use in sediment studies, in Turbidity and other 

sediment surrogates workshop proceedings, April 30–May 

2, 2002: Accessed September 16, 2008, at http://water.usgs.

gov/osw/techniques/TSS/glysson.pdf

Insightful Corporation, 2008, S-plus 8: Boston, Mass., TIBCO 

Software Inc., available at http://www.insightful.com/

products/splus/default.asp

Miller, T.L., 2004, Revision of NFM Chapter 6, Section 6.7—

Turbidity: U.S. Geological Survey Office of Water Quality 

Technical Memorandum 2004.03 : Accessed September 16, 

2008, at http://water.usgs.gov/admin/memo/QW/qw04.03.

html

Sadar, Mike, 2002, Turbidity instrumentation—An overview 

of today’s available technology, in Turbidity and other 

sediment surrogates workshop proceedings, April 30–May 

2, 2002: Accessed September 16, 2008, at http://water.usgs.

gov/osw/techniques/TSS/sadar.pdf

Schwarz, G.E., 2008, A preliminary SPARROW model of 

suspended sediment for the conterminous United States: 

U.S. Geological Survey Open-File Report 2008–1205, 

8 p., accessed September 16, 2008, at http://pubs.usgs.gov/

of/2008/1205. 

Woods, A.J., Omernik, J.M., Martin, W.H., Pond, G.J., 

Andrews, W.M., Call, S.M., Comstock, J.A., and Taylor, 

D.D., 2002, Ecoregions of Kentucky (color poster with map, 

descriptive text, summary tables, and photographs): Reston, 

Va., U.S. Geological Survey (map scale 1:1,000,000). 

Ziegler, A.C., 2002, Issues related to use of turbidity measurements as a surrogate for suspended sediment, in Turbidity and other sediment surrogates workshop proceedings, 

April 30–May 2, 2002: Accessed September 16, 2008, at 

http://water.usgs.gov/osw/techniques/TSS/ZieglerT.pdf
20 Inventory and Statistical Analysis of Sediment Data for Streams in Kentucky, 1950–2008

Table 1. Long-term stations where at least one parameter was monitored. Matched sites, with coincident SSC observations, are 

indicated by an * next to the second parameter.—Continued

[USGS, U.S. Geological Survey; ID, identification; SSC, suspended-sediment concentration; TSS, total suspended solids; p, parameter code]

USGS 

site ID Site name SSC(p80154)

TSS

(p00530)

Turbidity

(p00076)

Total 

nitrogen 

(p00600)

Total 

phosphorus 

(p00665)

03207935 LICK CREEK AT LICK CREEK, KY x

03207962 DICKS FORK AT PHYLLIS, KY x

03207965 GRAPEVINE CREEK NEAR PHYLLIS, KY x

03208000 LEVISA FORK BELOW FISHTRAP DAM NEAR 

MILLARD, KY

x

03209300 RUSSELL FORK AT ELKHORN CITY, KY x

03209500 LEVISA FORK AT PIKEVILLE, KY x x* x* x*

03209800 LEVISA FORK AT PRESTONSBURG, KY x

03210000 JOHNS CREEK NEAR META, KY x

03211500 JOHNS CREEK NEAR VAN LEAR, KY x

03212000 PAINT CREEK AT STAFFORDSVILLE, KY x

03212500 LEVISA FORK AT PAINTSVILLE, KY x x* x*

03213594 CAMP CREEK NEAR ARGO, KY x x

03213630 RIGHT FORK HURRICANE CREEK NEAR STOPOVER, KY x

03213700 TUG FORK AT WILLIAMSON, WV x

03214700 ROCKCASTLE CREEK AT INEZ, KY x

03215000 BIG SANDY RIVER AT LOUISA, KY x x* x* x* x*

03216500 LITTLE SANDY RIVER AT GRAYSON, KY x

03216800 TYGARTS CREEK AT OLIVE HILL, KY x

03217000 TYGARTS CREEK NEAR GREENUP, KY x

03248500 LICKING RIVER NEAR SALYERSVILLE, KY x

03249500 LICKING RIVER AT FARMERS, KY x x* x*

03250100 NORTH FORK TRIPLETT CREEK NEAR MOREHEAD, KY x

03251000 NORTH FORK LICKING RIVER NEAR LEWISBURG, KY x

03251500 LICKING RIVER AT MCKINNEYSBURG, KY x

03252500 SOUTH FORK LICKING RIVER AT CYNTHIANA, KY x x* x* x*

03254000 LICKING RIVER AT BUTLER, KY x x* x* x*

03277400 LEATHERWOOD CREEK AT DAISY, KY x

03277500 NORTH FORK KENTUCKY RIVER AT HAZARD, KY x x

03278500 TROUBLESOME CREEK AT NOBLE, KY x

03280000 NORTH FORK KENTUCKY RIVER AT JACKSON, KY x x* x* x*

03280600 MIDDLE FORK KENTUCKY RIVER NEAR HYDEN, KY x x* x*

03280700 CUTSHIN CREEK AT WOOTON, KY x x* x*

03281000 MIDDLE FORK KENTUCKY RIVER AT TALLEGA, KY x x* x* x*

03281040 RED BIRD RIVER NEAR BIG CREEK, KY x x* x*

03281100 GOOSE CREEK AT MANCHESTER, KY x x* x* x*

03281500 SOUTH FORK KENTUCKY RIVER AT BOONEVILLE, KY x x* x* x*

03282000 KENTUCKY RIVER AT LOCK 14 AT HEIDELBERG, KY x x* x* x*

03282075 BIG SINKING CREEK NEAR CRYSTAL, KY x x* x* x*

03282100 FURNACE FORK NEAR CRYSTAL , KY x x* x* x*
Table 1 21

Table 1. Long-term stations where at least one parameter was monitored. Matched sites, with coincident SSC observations, are 

indicated by an * next to the second parameter.—Continued

[USGS, U.S. Geological Survey; ID, identification; SSC, suspended-sediment concentration; TSS, total suspended solids; p, parameter code]

USGS 

site ID Site name SSC(p80154)

TSS

(p00530)

Turbidity

(p00076)

Total 

nitrogen 

(p00600)

Total 

phosphorus 

(p00665)

03282500 RED RIVER NEAR HAZEL GREEN, KY x x* x* x*

03283370 CAT CREEK NEAR STANTON, KY x x* x* x*

03283500 RED RIVER AT CLAY CITY, KY x x* x* x*

03284000 KENTUCKY RIVER AT LOCK 10 NEAR WINCHESTER, KY x x* x* x*

03285000 DIX RIVER NEAR DANVILLE, KY x x* x* x*

03285200 CLARKS RUN NEAR DANVILLE, KY x x* x* x*

03286500 KENTUCKY RIVER AT LOCK 7 AT HIGHBRIDGE, KY x x

03287000 KENTUCKY RIVER AT LOCK 6 NEAR SALVISA, KY x x* x* x*

03287500 KENTUCKY RIVER AT LOCK 4 AT FRANKFORT, KY x x*

03288000 NORTH ELKHORN CREEK NEAR GEORGETOWN, KY x x* x* x*

03289000 SOUTH ELKHORN CREEK AT FORT SPRING, KY x x* x* x*

03289300 SOUTH ELKHORN CREEK NEAR MIDWAY, KY x x* x* x*

03289500 ELKHORN CREEK NEAR FRANKFORT, KY x x* x* x*

03290500 KENTUCKY RIVER AT LOCK 2 AT LOCKPORT, KY x x* x* x*

03291500 EAGLE CREEK AT GLENCOE, KY x

03292474 GOOSE CREEK AT OLD WESTPORT RD NEAR 

ST MATTHEWS, KY

x

03293000 MIDDLE-FORK BEARGRASS CREEK AT 

OLD CANNONS LANE AT LOUISVILLE, KY

x

03297500 PLUM CREEK AT WATERFORD, KY x

03297845 FLOYDS FORK NEAR CRESTWOOD, KY x x* x* x* x*

03297900 FLOYDS FORK NEAR PEWEE VALLEY, KY x

03297980 LONG RUN NEAR FISHERVILLE, KY x

03298000 FLOYDS FORK AT FISHERVILLE, KY x x* x* x*

03298100 POPE LICK AT POPE LICK ROAD NEAR MIDDLETOWN, KY x

03298150 CHENOWETH RUN AT GELHAUS LANE NEAR 

FERN CREEK, KY

x

03298200 FLOYDS FORK NEAR MT WASHINGTON, KY x

03298250 CEDAR CREEK AT THIXTON ROAD NEAR LOUISVILLE, KY x

03298300 PENNSYLVANIA RUN AT MT WASHINGTON ROAD NEAR 

LOUISVILLE, KY

x

03298500 SALT RIVER AT SHEPHERDSVILLE, KY x x* x* x*

03300400 BEECH FORK AT MAUD, KY x x* x* x*

03301630 ROLLING FORK NEAR LEBANON JUNCTION, KY x x x* x* x*

03303205 SINKING CREEK NEAR LODIBURG, KY x

03306500 GREEN RIVER AT GREENSBURG, KY x x

03307000 RUSSELL CREEK NEAR COLUMBIA, KY x

03308500 GREEN RIVER AT MUNFORDVILLE, KY x x x* x* x*

03309000 GREEN RIVER AT MAMMOTH CAVE, KY x

03309100 WET PRONG BUFFALO CREEK NEAR 

MAMMOTH CAVE, KY

x
22 Inventory and Statistical Analysis of Sediment Data for Streams in Kentucky, 1950–2008

Table 1. Long-term stations where at least one parameter was monitored. Matched sites, with coincident SSC observations, are 

indicated by an * next to the second parameter.—Continued

[USGS, U.S. Geological Survey; ID, identification; SSC, suspended-sediment concentration; TSS, total suspended solids; p, parameter code]

USGS 

site ID Site name SSC(p80154)

TSS

(p00530)

Turbidity

(p00076)

Total 

nitrogen 

(p00600)

Total 

phosphorus 

(p00665)

03310300 NOLIN RIVER AT WHITE MILLS, KY x x

03310400 BACON CREEK NEAR PRICEVILLE, KY x x

03314500 BARREN RIVER AT BOWLING GREEN, KY x x

03315500 GREEN RIVER AT LOCK 4 AT WOODBURY, KY x

03315520 GREEN RIVER AT ABERDEEN, KY x x x

03315915 MUD RIVER NEAR HOMER, KY x

03316645 GREEN RIVER AT ROCKPORT, KY x

03318500 ROUGH RIVER AT FALLS OF ROUGH, KY x

03318800 CANEY CREEK NEAR HORSE BRANCH, KY x

03319500 ROUGH RIVER AT DUNDEE, KY x x

03320000 GREEN RIVER AT LOCK 2 AT CALHOUN, KY x

03320500 POND RIVER NEAR APEX, KY x x

03321100 POND RIVER NEAR SACRAMENTO, KY x

03321120 POND RIVER NEAR VANDETTA, KY x

03321210 CYPRESS CREEK NEAR CALHOUN, KY x

03321230 GREEN RIVER NEAR BEECH GROVE, KY x x* x* x*

03321350 SOUTH FORK PANTHER CREEK NEAR WHITESVILLE, KY x

03321430 PANTHER CREEK NEAR OWENSBORO, KY x

03321500 GREEN RIVER AT LOCK AND DAM 1 AT SPOTTSVILLE, KY x

03322360 BEAVERDAM CREEK NEAR CORYDON, KY x

03383000 TRADEWATER RIVER AT OLNEY, KY x x* x* x*

03384180 TRADEWATER RIVER NEAR SULLIVAN, KY x

03400500 POOR FORK AT CUMBERLAND, KY x

03400785 MARTINS FORK ABOVE SMITH, KY x

03400800 MARTINS FORK NEAR SMITH, KY x

03400990 CLOVER FORK AT HARLAN, KY x

03401000 CUMBERLAND RIVER NEAR HARLAN, KY x

03401428 BENNETTS FORK AT MIDDLESBORO, KY x

03401450 STONY FORK NEAR MOUTH AT MIDDLESBORO, KY x

03402000 YELLOW CREEK NEAR MIDDLESBORO, KY x x

03402900 CUMBERLAND RIVER AT PINE STREET BRIDGE AT 

PINEVILLE, KY

x

03403000 CUMBERLAND RIVER NEAR PINEVILLE, KY x

03403500 CUMBERLAND RIVER AT BARBOURVILLE, KY x

03403910 CLEAR FORK AT SAXTON, KY x

03404000 CUMBERLAND RIVER AT WILLIAMSBURG, KY x x x

03404500 CUMBERLAND RIVER AT CUMBERLAND FALLS, KY x

03406500 ROCKCASTLE RIVER AT BILLOWS, KY x

03407100 CANE BRANCH NEAR PARKERS LAKE, KY x

03407200 WEST FORK CANE BRANCH NEAR PARKERS LAKE, KY x
Table 1 23

Table 1. Long-term stations where at least one parameter was monitored. Matched sites, with coincident SSC observations, are 

indicated by an * next to the second parameter.—Continued

[USGS, U.S. Geological Survey; ID, identification; SSC, suspended-sediment concentration; TSS, total suspended solids; p, parameter code]

USGS 

site ID Site name SSC(p80154)

TSS

(p00530)

Turbidity

(p00076)

Total 

nitrogen 

(p00600)

Total 

phosphorus 

(p00665)

03407300 HELTON BRANCH AT GREENWOOD, KY x

03407500 BUCK CREEK NEAR SHOPVILLE, KY x

03410500 SOUTH FORK CUMBERLAND RIVER NEAR STEARNS, KY x x* x* x*

03438220 CUMBERLAND RIVER NEAR GRAND RIVERS, KY x x* x* x* x*

03438500 CUMBERLAND RIVER AT SMITHLAND, KY x

03609500 TENNESSEE RIVER NEAR PADUCAH, KY x

03609750 TENNESSEE RIVER AT HIGHWAY 60 NEAR PADUCAH, KY x x* x* x* x*

03610200 CLARKS RIVER AT ALMO, KY x x* x* x*

03610545 WEST FORK CLARKS RIVER NEAR BREWERS, KY x

03611260 MASSAC CREEK NEAR PADUCAH, KY x

07024000 BAYOU DE CHIEN NEAR CLINTON, KY x x* x* x*

07024070 MISSISSIPPI RIVER AT HICKMAN, KY x

Total Number of Sites 114 21 46 35 43


Williamson—Inventory and Statistical Analysis of Sediment Data for Streams in Kentucky, 1950–2008—SIR 2009–5035