Water Quality in

the Portage
Escarpment
A study of the health of the
Euclid portion of the escarpment

Jim Chambers, Brian Danchik, Amanda

Doppelheuer, Corey Falatic, Chris Tomecko
CUYAHOGA COMMUNITY COLLEGE

This page intentionally left blank

Abstract
The Euclid portion of the Portage Escarpment is an interesting area to study nature.
Due to its steep topography, it was historically difficult to develop. Progress in
technology makes this area ripe for new development. The investigators were
tasked with collecting baseline water quality data for some of the streams in this
area. The overall health of the streams is good with the exception of phosphate

Introduction
Background
Water quality was studied in the Euclid portion of the Portage escarpment in
Northeast Ohio. The escarpment has multiple lake-direct streams that drain directly
into Lake Erie. Investigators prepared a study plan in consideration of Level 2 data
quality standards prescribed by the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (OEPA).
The study was completed over a three-week period in March and April 2016. The
streams studied were selected because of their unique location in the Lake Erie
watershed, their historical significance, and concerns regarding their place in an
urban landscape.
Development plans proposed for one of the escarpment runs would significantly
alter local ecology with unknown effects to water quality. One such plan currently
being revisited includes wetland impacts with compensatory mitigation likely to
occur outside the watershed.

Geologic History
The City of Euclid has a very interesting and diverse topography, with three
different watersheds. The Cuyahoga River watershed, Chagrin River watershed, and
Euclid Creek watersheds empty into Lake Erie. The Portage Escarpment, which runs
from Willoughby Hills to the Euclid Creek Reservation, runs along the East branch of
Euclid Creek. Wisconsonian glaciers carved out Lake Erie and the Portage
Escarpment is the delineation between the Appalachian Highland and Central
Lowland of North America. Along with the lake plain and the plateau, the
escarpment is one of three regions within the Euclid Creek watershed. The lake
plain sits at an elevation of about 580 above sea level and the plateau rises to an
elevation of 12,500.
The soil composition in the escarpment is patchy mantel, thin till, or silty clay.
However, the soils of the plateau just above it consists primarily of silt loam which is
Figure 6:
2: Conductivity
4:
Examples
Benthic
Figure
Life
of at
Rubbish
3:Diamond
5:
Diamond
Babbitt
and
Run
Run
Run
Life
Ravine
Ravine
in Green Creek

levels and slightly elevated conductivity at Babbitt Creek. Further research is

needed to develop a better understanding of the status of the escarpment runs and
the influence of surrounding urbanization on their physical, chemical, and biological
characteristics.

Introduction
Background
Water quality was studied in the Euclid portion of the Portage escarpment in
Northeast Ohio. The escarpment has multiple lake-direct streams that drain directly
into Lake Erie. Investigators prepared a study plan in consideration of Level 2 data
quality standards prescribed by the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (OEPA).
The study was completed over a three-week period in March and April 2016. The
streams studied were selected because of their unique location in the Lake Erie
watershed, their historical significance, and concerns regarding their place in an
urban landscape.
Development plans proposed for one of the escarpment runs would significantly
alter local ecology with unknown effects to water quality. One such plan currently
being revisited includes wetland impacts with compensatory mitigation likely to
occur outside the watershed.

Geologic History
The City of Euclid has a very interesting and diverse topography, with three
different watersheds. The Cuyahoga River watershed, Chagrin River watershed, and
Euclid Creek watersheds empty into Lake Erie. The Portage Escarpment, which runs
from Willoughby Hills to the Euclid Creek Reservation, runs along the East branch of
Euclid Creek. Wisconsonian glaciers carved out Lake Erie and the Portage
Escarpment is the delineation between the Appalachian Highland and Central
Lowland of North America. Along with the lake plain and the plateau, the
escarpment is one of three regions within the Euclid Creek watershed. The lake
plain sits at an elevation of about 580 above sea level and the plateau rises to an
elevation of 12,500.
The soil composition in the escarpment is patchy mantel, thin till, or silty clay.
However, the soils of the plateau just above it consists primarily of silt loam which is
Figure 6:
2: Conductivity
4:
Examples
Benthic
Figure
Life
of at
Rubbish
3:Diamond
5:
Diamond
Babbitt
and
Run
Run
Run
Life
Ravine
Ravine
in Green Creek

Introduction
Background
Water quality was studied in the Euclid portion of the Portage escarpment in
Northeast Ohio. The escarpment has multiple lake-direct streams that drain directly
into Lake Erie. Investigators prepared a study plan in consideration of Level 2 data
quality standards prescribed by the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (OEPA).
The study was completed over a three-week period in March and April 2016. The
streams studied were selected because of their unique location in the Lake Erie
watershed, their historical significance, and concerns regarding their place in an
urban landscape.
Development plans proposed for one of the escarpment runs would significantly
alter local ecology with unknown effects to water quality. One such plan currently
being revisited includes wetland impacts with compensatory mitigation likely to
occur outside the watershed.

Geologic History
The City of Euclid has a very interesting and diverse topography, with three
different watersheds. The Cuyahoga River watershed, Chagrin River watershed, and
Euclid Creek watersheds empty into Lake Erie. The Portage Escarpment, which runs
from Willoughby Hills to the Euclid Creek Reservation, runs along the East branch of
Euclid Creek. Wisconsonian glaciers carved out Lake Erie and the Portage
Escarpment is the delineation between the Appalachian Highland and Central
Lowland of North America. Along with the lake plain and the plateau, the
escarpment is one of three regions within the Euclid Creek watershed. The lake
plain sits at an elevation of about 580 above sea level and the plateau rises to an
elevation of 12,500.
The soil composition in the escarpment is patchy mantel, thin till, or silty clay.
However, the soils of the plateau just above it consists primarily of silt loam which is
Figure 6:
2: Conductivity
4:
Examples
Benthic
Figure
Life
of at
Rubbish
3:Diamond
5:
Diamond
Babbitt
and
Run
Run
Run
Life
Ravine
Ravine
in Green Creek

Introduction
Background
Water quality was studied in the Euclid portion of the Portage escarpment in
Northeast Ohio. The escarpment has multiple lake-direct streams that drain directly
into Lake Erie. Investigators prepared a study plan in consideration of Level 2 data
quality standards prescribed by the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (OEPA).
The study was completed over a three-week period in March and April 2016. The
streams studied were selected because of their unique location in the Lake Erie
watershed, their historical significance, and concerns regarding their place in an
urban landscape.
Development plans proposed for one of the escarpment runs would significantly
alter local ecology with unknown effects to water quality. One such plan currently
being revisited includes wetland impacts with compensatory mitigation likely to
occur outside the watershed.

Geologic History
The City of Euclid has a very interesting and diverse topography, with three
different watersheds. The Cuyahoga River watershed, Chagrin River watershed, and
Euclid Creek watersheds empty into Lake Erie. The Portage Escarpment, which runs
from Willoughby Hills to the Euclid Creek Reservation, runs along the East branch of
Euclid Creek. Wisconsonian glaciers carved out Lake Erie and the Portage
Escarpment is the delineation between the Appalachian Highland and Central
Lowland of North America. Along with the lake plain and the plateau, the
escarpment is one of three regions within the Euclid Creek watershed. The lake
plain sits at an elevation of about 580 above sea level and the plateau rises to an
elevation of 12,500.
The soil composition in the escarpment is patchy mantel, thin till, or silty clay.
However, the soils of the plateau just above it consists primarily of silt loam which is
Figure 6:
2: Conductivity
4:
Examples
Benthic
Figure
Life
of at
Rubbish
3:Diamond
5:
Diamond
Babbitt
and
Run
Run
Run
Life
Ravine
Ravine
in Green Creek

Table of Contents
Table of Figures.......................................................................................................... iv

Introduction
Background
Water quality was studied in the Euclid portion of the Portage escarpment in
Northeast Ohio. The escarpment has multiple lake-direct streams that drain directly
into Lake Erie. Investigators prepared a study plan in consideration of Level 2 data
quality standards prescribed by the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (OEPA).
The study was completed over a three-week period in March and April 2016. The
streams studied were selected because of their unique location in the Lake Erie
watershed, their historical significance, and concerns regarding their place in an
urban landscape.
Development plans proposed for one of the escarpment runs would significantly
alter local ecology with unknown effects to water quality. One such plan currently
being revisited includes wetland impacts with compensatory mitigation likely to
occur outside the watershed.

Geologic History
The City of Euclid has a very interesting and diverse topography, with three
different watersheds. The Cuyahoga River watershed, Chagrin River watershed, and
Euclid Creek watersheds empty into Lake Erie. The Portage Escarpment, which runs
from Willoughby Hills to the Euclid Creek Reservation, runs along the East branch of
Euclid Creek. Wisconsonian glaciers carved out Lake Erie and the Portage
Escarpment is the delineation between the Appalachian Highland and Central
Lowland of North America. Along with the lake plain and the plateau, the
escarpment is one of three regions within the Euclid Creek watershed. The lake
plain sits at an elevation of about 580 above sea level and the plateau rises to an
elevation of 12,500.
The soil composition in the escarpment is patchy mantel, thin till, or silty clay.
However, the soils of the plateau just above it consists primarily of silt loam which is
Figure 6:
2: Conductivity
4:
Examples
Benthic
Figure
Life
of at
Rubbish
3:Diamond
5:
Diamond
Babbitt
and
Run
Run
Run
Life
Ravine
Ravine
in Green Creek

Introduction................................................................................................................ 1
Background............................................................................................................. 1
Geologic History...................................................................................................... 1
Goals....................................................................................................................... 2
Methods and Materials............................................................................................... 2
Conductivity............................................................................................................ 2

Introduction
Background
Water quality was studied in the Euclid portion of the Portage escarpment in
Northeast Ohio. The escarpment has multiple lake-direct streams that drain directly
into Lake Erie. Investigators prepared a study plan in consideration of Level 2 data
quality standards prescribed by the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (OEPA).
The study was completed over a three-week period in March and April 2016. The
streams studied were selected because of their unique location in the Lake Erie
watershed, their historical significance, and concerns regarding their place in an
urban landscape.
Development plans proposed for one of the escarpment runs would significantly
alter local ecology with unknown effects to water quality. One such plan currently
being revisited includes wetland impacts with compensatory mitigation likely to
occur outside the watershed.

Geologic History
The City of Euclid has a very interesting and diverse topography, with three
different watersheds. The Cuyahoga River watershed, Chagrin River watershed, and
Euclid Creek watersheds empty into Lake Erie. The Portage Escarpment, which runs
from Willoughby Hills to the Euclid Creek Reservation, runs along the East branch of
Euclid Creek. Wisconsonian glaciers carved out Lake Erie and the Portage
Escarpment is the delineation between the Appalachian Highland and Central
Lowland of North America. Along with the lake plain and the plateau, the
escarpment is one of three regions within the Euclid Creek watershed. The lake
plain sits at an elevation of about 580 above sea level and the plateau rises to an
elevation of 12,500.
The soil composition in the escarpment is patchy mantel, thin till, or silty clay.
However, the soils of the plateau just above it consists primarily of silt loam which is
Figure 6:
2: Conductivity
4:
Examples
Benthic
Figure
Life
of at
Rubbish
3:Diamond
5:
Diamond
Babbitt
and
Run
Run
Run
Life
Ravine
Ravine
in Green Creek

Dissolved Oxygen Concentration............................................................................ 2

Ammonia................................................................................................................. 3
pH............................................................................................................................ 3
Phosphate (Orthophosphates)................................................................................. 3
Turbidity.................................................................................................................. 3
Materials..................................................................................................................... 3

Introduction
Background
Water quality was studied in the Euclid portion of the Portage escarpment in
Northeast Ohio. The escarpment has multiple lake-direct streams that drain directly
into Lake Erie. Investigators prepared a study plan in consideration of Level 2 data
quality standards prescribed by the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (OEPA).
The study was completed over a three-week period in March and April 2016. The
streams studied were selected because of their unique location in the Lake Erie
watershed, their historical significance, and concerns regarding their place in an
urban landscape.
Development plans proposed for one of the escarpment runs would significantly
alter local ecology with unknown effects to water quality. One such plan currently
being revisited includes wetland impacts with compensatory mitigation likely to
occur outside the watershed.

Geologic History
The City of Euclid has a very interesting and diverse topography, with three
different watersheds. The Cuyahoga River watershed, Chagrin River watershed, and
Euclid Creek watersheds empty into Lake Erie. The Portage Escarpment, which runs
from Willoughby Hills to the Euclid Creek Reservation, runs along the East branch of
Euclid Creek. Wisconsonian glaciers carved out Lake Erie and the Portage
Escarpment is the delineation between the Appalachian Highland and Central
Lowland of North America. Along with the lake plain and the plateau, the
escarpment is one of three regions within the Euclid Creek watershed. The lake
plain sits at an elevation of about 580 above sea level and the plateau rises to an
elevation of 12,500.
The soil composition in the escarpment is patchy mantel, thin till, or silty clay.
However, the soils of the plateau just above it consists primarily of silt loam which is
Figure 6:
2: Conductivity
4:
Examples
Benthic
Figure
Life
of at
Rubbish
3:Diamond
5:
Diamond
Babbitt
and
Run
Run
Run
Life
Ravine
Ravine
in Green Creek

Results........................................................................................................................ 4
Discussion.................................................................................................................. 4
Visual Observations................................................................................................. 4
Green Creek......................................................................................................... 4
Lilly Creek............................................................................................................ 5
Diamond Run Ravine............................................................................................ 6

Introduction
Background
Water quality was studied in the Euclid portion of the Portage escarpment in
Northeast Ohio. The escarpment has multiple lake-direct streams that drain directly
into Lake Erie. Investigators prepared a study plan in consideration of Level 2 data
quality standards prescribed by the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (OEPA).
The study was completed over a three-week period in March and April 2016. The
streams studied were selected because of their unique location in the Lake Erie
watershed, their historical significance, and concerns regarding their place in an
urban landscape.
Development plans proposed for one of the escarpment runs would significantly
alter local ecology with unknown effects to water quality. One such plan currently
being revisited includes wetland impacts with compensatory mitigation likely to
occur outside the watershed.

Geologic History
The City of Euclid has a very interesting and diverse topography, with three
different watersheds. The Cuyahoga River watershed, Chagrin River watershed, and
Euclid Creek watersheds empty into Lake Erie. The Portage Escarpment, which runs
from Willoughby Hills to the Euclid Creek Reservation, runs along the East branch of
Euclid Creek. Wisconsonian glaciers carved out Lake Erie and the Portage
Escarpment is the delineation between the Appalachian Highland and Central
Lowland of North America. Along with the lake plain and the plateau, the
escarpment is one of three regions within the Euclid Creek watershed. The lake
plain sits at an elevation of about 580 above sea level and the plateau rises to an
elevation of 12,500.
The soil composition in the escarpment is patchy mantel, thin till, or silty clay.
However, the soils of the plateau just above it consists primarily of silt loam which is
Figure 6:
2: Conductivity
4:
Examples
Benthic
Figure
Life
of at
Rubbish
3:Diamond
5:
Diamond
Babbitt
and
Run
Run
Run
Life
Ravine
Ravine
in Green Creek

Babbitt Run Ravine............................................................................................... 7

Burk Run Ravine................................................................................................... 8
Water Quality Data.................................................................................................. 9
Dissolved Oxygen Concentration.......................................................................10
Ammonia............................................................................................................ 11
pH...................................................................................................................... 12

Introduction
Background
Water quality was studied in the Euclid portion of the Portage escarpment in
Northeast Ohio. The escarpment has multiple lake-direct streams that drain directly
into Lake Erie. Investigators prepared a study plan in consideration of Level 2 data
quality standards prescribed by the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (OEPA).
The study was completed over a three-week period in March and April 2016. The
streams studied were selected because of their unique location in the Lake Erie
watershed, their historical significance, and concerns regarding their place in an
urban landscape.
Development plans proposed for one of the escarpment runs would significantly
alter local ecology with unknown effects to water quality. One such plan currently
being revisited includes wetland impacts with compensatory mitigation likely to
occur outside the watershed.

Geologic History
The City of Euclid has a very interesting and diverse topography, with three
different watersheds. The Cuyahoga River watershed, Chagrin River watershed, and
Euclid Creek watersheds empty into Lake Erie. The Portage Escarpment, which runs
from Willoughby Hills to the Euclid Creek Reservation, runs along the East branch of
Euclid Creek. Wisconsonian glaciers carved out Lake Erie and the Portage
Escarpment is the delineation between the Appalachian Highland and Central
Lowland of North America. Along with the lake plain and the plateau, the
escarpment is one of three regions within the Euclid Creek watershed. The lake
plain sits at an elevation of about 580 above sea level and the plateau rises to an
elevation of 12,500.
The soil composition in the escarpment is patchy mantel, thin till, or silty clay.
However, the soils of the plateau just above it consists primarily of silt loam which is
Figure 6:
2: Conductivity
4:
Examples
Benthic
Figure
Life
of at
Rubbish
3:Diamond
5:
Diamond
Babbitt
and
Run
Run
Run
Life
Ravine
Ravine
in Green Creek

Phosphate (Orthophosphate).............................................................................13
Turbidity............................................................................................................. 14
Inaccuracies.......................................................................................................... 14
Conclusions.............................................................................................................. 15
Acknowledgements.................................................................................................. 16
Works Cited.............................................................................................................. 16

Introduction
Background
Water quality was studied in the Euclid portion of the Portage escarpment in
Northeast Ohio. The escarpment has multiple lake-direct streams that drain directly
into Lake Erie. Investigators prepared a study plan in consideration of Level 2 data
quality standards prescribed by the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (OEPA).
The study was completed over a three-week period in March and April 2016. The
streams studied were selected because of their unique location in the Lake Erie
watershed, their historical significance, and concerns regarding their place in an
urban landscape.
Development plans proposed for one of the escarpment runs would significantly
alter local ecology with unknown effects to water quality. One such plan currently
being revisited includes wetland impacts with compensatory mitigation likely to
occur outside the watershed.

Geologic History
The City of Euclid has a very interesting and diverse topography, with three
different watersheds. The Cuyahoga River watershed, Chagrin River watershed, and
Euclid Creek watersheds empty into Lake Erie. The Portage Escarpment, which runs
from Willoughby Hills to the Euclid Creek Reservation, runs along the East branch of
Euclid Creek. Wisconsonian glaciers carved out Lake Erie and the Portage
Escarpment is the delineation between the Appalachian Highland and Central
Lowland of North America. Along with the lake plain and the plateau, the
escarpment is one of three regions within the Euclid Creek watershed. The lake
plain sits at an elevation of about 580 above sea level and the plateau rises to an
elevation of 12,500.
The soil composition in the escarpment is patchy mantel, thin till, or silty clay.
However, the soils of the plateau just above it consists primarily of silt loam which is
Figure 6:
2: Conductivity
4:
Examples
Benthic
Figure
Life
of at
Rubbish
3:Diamond
5:
Diamond
Babbitt
and
Run
Run
Run
Life
Ravine
Ravine
in Green Creek

Appendix A: Study Plan............................................................................................ 17

Appendix B: Raw Data Tables..................................................................................41
Green Creek.......................................................................................................... 41
Diamond Run Ravine............................................................................................. 41
Babbitt Run Ravine................................................................................................ 42
Burk Run Ravine.................................................................................................... 42

Introduction
Background
Water quality was studied in the Euclid portion of the Portage escarpment in
Northeast Ohio. The escarpment has multiple lake-direct streams that drain directly
into Lake Erie. Investigators prepared a study plan in consideration of Level 2 data
quality standards prescribed by the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (OEPA).
The study was completed over a three-week period in March and April 2016. The
streams studied were selected because of their unique location in the Lake Erie
watershed, their historical significance, and concerns regarding their place in an
urban landscape.
Development plans proposed for one of the escarpment runs would significantly
alter local ecology with unknown effects to water quality. One such plan currently
being revisited includes wetland impacts with compensatory mitigation likely to
occur outside the watershed.

Geologic History
The City of Euclid has a very interesting and diverse topography, with three
different watersheds. The Cuyahoga River watershed, Chagrin River watershed, and
Euclid Creek watersheds empty into Lake Erie. The Portage Escarpment, which runs
from Willoughby Hills to the Euclid Creek Reservation, runs along the East branch of
Euclid Creek. Wisconsonian glaciers carved out Lake Erie and the Portage
Escarpment is the delineation between the Appalachian Highland and Central
Lowland of North America. Along with the lake plain and the plateau, the
escarpment is one of three regions within the Euclid Creek watershed. The lake
plain sits at an elevation of about 580 above sea level and the plateau rises to an
elevation of 12,500.
The soil composition in the escarpment is patchy mantel, thin till, or silty clay.
However, the soils of the plateau just above it consists primarily of silt loam which is
Figure 6:
2: Conductivity
4:
Examples
Benthic
Figure
Life
of at
Rubbish
3:Diamond
5:
Diamond
Babbitt
and
Run
Run
Run
Life
Ravine
Ravine
in Green Creek

Appendix C: Glossary............................................................................................... 43

Introduction
Background
Water quality was studied in the Euclid portion of the Portage escarpment in
Northeast Ohio. The escarpment has multiple lake-direct streams that drain directly
into Lake Erie. Investigators prepared a study plan in consideration of Level 2 data
quality standards prescribed by the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (OEPA).
The study was completed over a three-week period in March and April 2016. The
streams studied were selected because of their unique location in the Lake Erie
watershed, their historical significance, and concerns regarding their place in an
urban landscape.
Development plans proposed for one of the escarpment runs would significantly
alter local ecology with unknown effects to water quality. One such plan currently
being revisited includes wetland impacts with compensatory mitigation likely to
occur outside the watershed.

Geologic History
The City of Euclid has a very interesting and diverse topography, with three
different watersheds. The Cuyahoga River watershed, Chagrin River watershed, and
Euclid Creek watersheds empty into Lake Erie. The Portage Escarpment, which runs
from Willoughby Hills to the Euclid Creek Reservation, runs along the East branch of
Euclid Creek. Wisconsonian glaciers carved out Lake Erie and the Portage
Escarpment is the delineation between the Appalachian Highland and Central
Lowland of North America. Along with the lake plain and the plateau, the
escarpment is one of three regions within the Euclid Creek watershed. The lake
plain sits at an elevation of about 580 above sea level and the plateau rises to an
elevation of 12,500.
The soil composition in the escarpment is patchy mantel, thin till, or silty clay.
However, the soils of the plateau just above it consists primarily of silt loam which is
Figure 6:
2: Conductivity
4:
Examples
Benthic
Figure
Life
of at
Rubbish
3:Diamond
5:
Diamond
Babbitt
and
Run
Run
Run
Life
Ravine
Ravine
in Green Creek

Introduction
Background
Water quality was studied in the Euclid portion of the Portage escarpment in
Northeast Ohio. The escarpment has multiple lake-direct streams that drain directly
into Lake Erie. Investigators prepared a study plan in consideration of Level 2 data
quality standards prescribed by the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (OEPA).
The study was completed over a three-week period in March and April 2016. The
streams studied were selected because of their unique location in the Lake Erie
watershed, their historical significance, and concerns regarding their place in an
urban landscape.
Development plans proposed for one of the escarpment runs would significantly
alter local ecology with unknown effects to water quality. One such plan currently
being revisited includes wetland impacts with compensatory mitigation likely to
occur outside the watershed.

Geologic History
The City of Euclid has a very interesting and diverse topography, with three
different watersheds. The Cuyahoga River watershed, Chagrin River watershed, and
Euclid Creek watersheds empty into Lake Erie. The Portage Escarpment, which runs
from Willoughby Hills to the Euclid Creek Reservation, runs along the East branch of
Euclid Creek. Wisconsonian glaciers carved out Lake Erie and the Portage
Escarpment is the delineation between the Appalachian Highland and Central
Lowland of North America. Along with the lake plain and the plateau, the
escarpment is one of three regions within the Euclid Creek watershed. The lake
plain sits at an elevation of about 580 above sea level and the plateau rises to an
elevation of 12,500.
The soil composition in the escarpment is patchy mantel, thin till, or silty clay.
However, the soils of the plateau just above it consists primarily of silt loam which is
Figure 6:
2: Conductivity
4:
Examples
Benthic
Figure
Life
of at
Rubbish
3:Diamond
5:
Diamond
Babbitt
and
Run
Run
Run
Life
Ravine
Ravine
in Green Creek

Table of Figures
Figure 1: Green Creek................................................................................................. 4
Figure 2: Examples of Rubbish and Life in Green Creek..............................................5

Introduction
Background
Water quality was studied in the Euclid portion of the Portage escarpment in
Northeast Ohio. The escarpment has multiple lake-direct streams that drain directly
into Lake Erie. Investigators prepared a study plan in consideration of Level 2 data
quality standards prescribed by the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (OEPA).
The study was completed over a three-week period in March and April 2016. The
streams studied were selected because of their unique location in the Lake Erie
watershed, their historical significance, and concerns regarding their place in an
urban landscape.
Development plans proposed for one of the escarpment runs would significantly
alter local ecology with unknown effects to water quality. One such plan currently
being revisited includes wetland impacts with compensatory mitigation likely to
occur outside the watershed.

Geologic History
The City of Euclid has a very interesting and diverse topography, with three
different watersheds. The Cuyahoga River watershed, Chagrin River watershed, and
Euclid Creek watersheds empty into Lake Erie. The Portage Escarpment, which runs
from Willoughby Hills to the Euclid Creek Reservation, runs along the East branch of
Euclid Creek. Wisconsonian glaciers carved out Lake Erie and the Portage
Escarpment is the delineation between the Appalachian Highland and Central
Lowland of North America. Along with the lake plain and the plateau, the
escarpment is one of three regions within the Euclid Creek watershed. The lake
plain sits at an elevation of about 580 above sea level and the plateau rises to an
elevation of 12,500.
The soil composition in the escarpment is patchy mantel, thin till, or silty clay.
However, the soils of the plateau just above it consists primarily of silt loam which is
Figure 6:
2: Conductivity
4:
Examples
Benthic
Figure
Life
of at
Rubbish
3:Diamond
5:
Diamond
Babbitt
and
Run
Run
Run
Life
Ravine
Ravine
in Green Creek

Figure 3: Diamond Run Ravine.................................................................................... 6

Figure 4: Benthic Life at Diamond Run.......................................................................6
Figure 5: Babbitt Run Ravine...................................................................................... 7
Figure 6: Burk Run Ravine.......................................................................................... 8
Figure 7: Conductivity................................................................................................. 9
Figure 8: DO Averages.............................................................................................. 10
Figure 9: Average Ammonia Levels...........................................................................11

Introduction
Background
Water quality was studied in the Euclid portion of the Portage escarpment in
Northeast Ohio. The escarpment has multiple lake-direct streams that drain directly
into Lake Erie. Investigators prepared a study plan in consideration of Level 2 data
quality standards prescribed by the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (OEPA).
The study was completed over a three-week period in March and April 2016. The
streams studied were selected because of their unique location in the Lake Erie
watershed, their historical significance, and concerns regarding their place in an
urban landscape.
Development plans proposed for one of the escarpment runs would significantly
alter local ecology with unknown effects to water quality. One such plan currently
being revisited includes wetland impacts with compensatory mitigation likely to
occur outside the watershed.

Geologic History
The City of Euclid has a very interesting and diverse topography, with three
different watersheds. The Cuyahoga River watershed, Chagrin River watershed, and
Euclid Creek watersheds empty into Lake Erie. The Portage Escarpment, which runs
from Willoughby Hills to the Euclid Creek Reservation, runs along the East branch of
Euclid Creek. Wisconsonian glaciers carved out Lake Erie and the Portage
Escarpment is the delineation between the Appalachian Highland and Central
Lowland of North America. Along with the lake plain and the plateau, the
escarpment is one of three regions within the Euclid Creek watershed. The lake
plain sits at an elevation of about 580 above sea level and the plateau rises to an
elevation of 12,500.
The soil composition in the escarpment is patchy mantel, thin till, or silty clay.
However, the soils of the plateau just above it consists primarily of silt loam which is
Figure 6:
2: Conductivity
4:
Examples
Benthic
Figure
Life
of at
Rubbish
3:Diamond
5:
Diamond
Babbitt
and
Run
Run
Run
Life
Ravine
Ravine
in Green Creek

Figure 10: pH Averages (True).................................................................................. 12

Figure 11: Phosphate Averages................................................................................13
Figure 12: Turbidity Averages................................................................................... 14

Introduction
Background
Water quality was studied in the Euclid portion of the Portage escarpment in
Northeast Ohio. The escarpment has multiple lake-direct streams that drain directly
into Lake Erie. Investigators prepared a study plan in consideration of Level 2 data
quality standards prescribed by the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (OEPA).
The study was completed over a three-week period in March and April 2016. The
streams studied were selected because of their unique location in the Lake Erie
watershed, their historical significance, and concerns regarding their place in an
urban landscape.
Development plans proposed for one of the escarpment runs would significantly
alter local ecology with unknown effects to water quality. One such plan currently
being revisited includes wetland impacts with compensatory mitigation likely to
occur outside the watershed.

Geologic History
The City of Euclid has a very interesting and diverse topography, with three
different watersheds. The Cuyahoga River watershed, Chagrin River watershed, and
Euclid Creek watersheds empty into Lake Erie. The Portage Escarpment, which runs
from Willoughby Hills to the Euclid Creek Reservation, runs along the East branch of
Euclid Creek. Wisconsonian glaciers carved out Lake Erie and the Portage
Escarpment is the delineation between the Appalachian Highland and Central
Lowland of North America. Along with the lake plain and the plateau, the
escarpment is one of three regions within the Euclid Creek watershed. The lake
plain sits at an elevation of about 580 above sea level and the plateau rises to an
elevation of 12,500.
The soil composition in the escarpment is patchy mantel, thin till, or silty clay.
However, the soils of the plateau just above it consists primarily of silt loam which is
Figure 6:
2: Conductivity
4:
Examples
Benthic
Figure
Life
of at
Rubbish
3:Diamond
5:
Diamond
Babbitt
and
Run
Run
Run
Life
Ravine
Ravine
in Green Creek