Assessment of contaminant sources and pathways affecting the Congaree National Park South Carolina

Maliszewski, Laura

The study identified gaps in the water quality information of Congaree National Park and offered potential research proposals that would help correct the exisiting information gaps. Congaree National Park was established to protect the largest intact remnant of old-growth bottomland hardwood forest remaining in the United States. Hydrology is the single most important factor affecting the Park because it controls the delivery of water, sediments, and nutrients that are fundamental to sustaining the Park’s unique aquatic ecosystem. This study compiled all previous studies and technical reports within the 8,531 square-mile watershed to identify gaps in water quality information for the Park, such as a lack of groundwater quality data or pesticide data; and to assess the current water quality issues. Also, a relational water quality database was created in Microsoft Access, to house all water quality data records in the watershed. Research proposals for future investigations targeted water quality issues that addressed the existing data gaps. These proposals include: 1) an intensive assessment of heavy metals entering Congaree National Park through surface waters and sediments, and 2) a targeted sampling assessment to determine sources of fecal contamination entering the Park through Toms Creek. Through the Old-growth Bottomland Hardwood Forest Research and Education Center, public educational programs on water quality issues were presented to groups from Dreher High School, the University of South Carolina, Winthrop University, and the general public. Finally, recommendations for future research were suggested, including programming for the water quality database and creating a water quality monitoring program at Congaree National Park.