Abstract
Watershed vulnerability was assessed for Bernalillo County, New Mexico using a multi-criteria Fuzzy Inference System (FIS) implemented in a Geographic Information System (GIS). A vulnerability map was produced by means of a weighted overlay analysis that combined soil erosion and infiltration maps derived from the FIS methodology. Five vulnerability classes were stipulated in the model: not vulnerable (N), slightly vulnerable (SV), moderately vulnerable (MV), highly vulnerable (HV), and extremely vulnerable (EV). The results indicate that about 88% of the study area is susceptible to slight (SV) to moderate vulnerability (MV), with 11% of the area subject to experience high or extreme vulnerability (HV/EV). For land use and land cover (LULC) classifications, shrub land was identified to experience the most vulnerability. Weighted overlay output compared similarly with the results predicted by Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE) model with the exception of the not vulnerable (N) class. The eastern portion of the county was identified as most vulnerable due to its high slope and high precipitation. Herein, structural stormwater control measures (SCMs) may be viable for managing runoff and sediment transport offsite. This multi-criteria FIS/GIS approach can provide useful information to guide decision makers in selection of suitable structural and non-structural SCMs for the arid Southwest.
Highlights
The soil erosion maps were developed as a result of merging 5 input raster data: slope gradient, precipitation, K factor, Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), and land use and land cover (LULC)
The analysis indicated that about 76% of the study area is susceptible to moderate vulnerability (MV), and less than 12% of the area is subject to experience high or extreme vulnerability (HV/extremely vulnerable (EV))
A 30 × 30 m watershed vulnerability risk map was generated for the Bernalillo County, New Mexico using an Fuzzy Inference System (FIS) methodology
Summary
Common runoff pollutants include sediments, nutrients, organic materials, pathogens, hydrocarbons, pesticides, metals, chlorides, grease, trash, and toxic substances. These pollutants pose a serious threat to surface water quality and sustainable development. A search for stormwater management practices to reduce stormwater runoff volume and improve overall runoff quality is a concern shared by many community planners and local governments for all land use classifications (urban and non-urban) within their jurisdictional boundary
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
