Interactive, web-based stream causal assessment tool developed to ID likely causes of degradation

SCCWRP and its partners have developed a user-friendly, web-based tool to help managers rapidly evaluate the likely vs. unlikely causes of degraded biological condition in streams in the San Gabriel River watershed.

The web interface for the Rapid Screening Causal Assessment (RSCA) tool – completed in October – is designed to speed up the traditionally time-consuming process of analyzing stream bioassessment data to pinpoint which stressors are responsible for poor stream condition. It builds on previous work in the San Diego and Santa Ana River watersheds.

The screening tool considers a wide range of potential stressors, including habitat degradation, eutrophication, elevated ionic concentration, altered water temperature and altered flows. Screening-level causal assessment analyses for individual stream sites are presented on an interactive, visual dashboard.

Although the screening tool was initially built for application in the San Gabriel River watershed, researchers’ goal is to eventually scale it up for use statewide.