D36 No. 35: #QuarryYesMore Newsletter Series, Day 6. Hydrology of The Peninsula Quarry

??Hydrology of The Peninsula Quarry

By: Jim O'Flanagan

#QuarryYesMore Newsletter Series Summary:

• Day 1: Preserving the Legacy of the Peninsula Quarry
• Day 2: Honoring Our Land and Its History
• Day 3: Sustainability in Action
• Day 4: Community and Conservation
• Day 5: Education and Outreach

Day 6: Hydrology of The Peninsula Quarry        

• Day 7: Community Testimonials and Memories
• Day 8: The Naming Issue: An In-Depth Look

Article Summary:

• Introduction
• Thought Experiment No. I

The Scientific Method:

• 1. Observation
• 2. Research Question
• 3. Hypothesis
• 4. Assumptions
• 5. Experiment/Testing (Methods)
• 6. Analysis (Results)
• 7. Conclusion

• Errata
• About OAPSIE?Inc.
• About USGS Water Feature Naming Project
• Cool Facts About Peninsula, Ohio

Article Playlist:

• Day 1: Faith No More, "Epic." (1989).
• Day 2: The Marshal Tucker Band, "Can't You See." (1973).
• Day 3: Johnny Cash, "Don't Go Near The Water." (1974).
• Day 4: Deep Blue Something, "Breakfast at Tiffany's." (1993).
• Day 5: Aerosmith, "Sweet Emotion." (1975)

Day 6: Milli Vanilli, "Girl I'm Gonna Miss You." (1989).        

Music by: Milli Vanilli, "Girl I'm Gonna Miss You." (1989).

Link Reference: https://vimeo.com/995444178/540a930763

Author's Note:

In this article, we're diving deep—pun intended—into the hydrology of The Peninsula Quarry , focusing on Slipper Run, the underappreciated tributary that keeps our little quarry full of water. By using the scientific method (yes, I dusted off my old lab coat), we’re going to explore how human activity and nature have danced together to shape this landscape.

Introduction

• Picture this:

You’re driving down Stine Road near Peninsula, Ohio, a quiet, tree-lined stretch on the outskirts of the village. It’s one of those roads that feels like a step back in time, with its modest homes and the occasional sight of kids playing on well-worn front lawns. At the very end of this road, at the top of the hill, there’s an old fire hydrant that doesn’t see much action—except when the village runs the water for maintenance. That’s where Slipper Run begins, winding its way through the landscape and, quite literally, setting the stage for our story.

Now, let’s break it down to basics:

• Gravity ??
• Down??

These two simple principles are key to understanding how water flows and fills our beloved quarry. Though it’s unclear whether natural springs are involved, what we do know is that The Peninsula Quarry is closely tied to Slipper Run. Hydrologically speaking, the quarry likely became part of the stream’s system when it was excavated, with water seeping in from Slipper Run and the surrounding area.

Now, let’s talk science—specifically, the scientific method. It’s the backbone of our investigation into the hydrology of The Peninsula Quarry . But what exactly is it? The scientific method is a systematic approach to inquiry, used to explore observations, answer questions, and test hypotheses. Here’s how it works:

1. Observation: Noticing something interesting or unusual.
2. Research Question: Asking a question about what you’ve observed.
3. Hypothesis: Proposing a possible explanation or answer to your question.
4. Experiment/Testing: Conducting experiments to test your hypothesis.
5. Analysis: Analyzing the data from your experiments to see if your hypothesis holds up.
6. Conclusion: Drawing conclusions based on your analysis—does your hypothesis stand or need revising?

Link Reference: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peninsula,_Ohio

Thought Experiment No. I:

What would happen if you dug a hole in the ground next to a river?

It fills up with water.

Same thing here, at The Peninsula Quarry .

Exactly the same.

1. Observation

Slipper Run, a key tributary of the Cuyahoga River, has seen some human intervention, particularly near The Peninsula Quarry . These changes likely helped manage water flow and prevent flooding, essential for quarry operations. But what does that mean for the local ecosystem and the broader watershed?

2. Research Question

How have the modifications to Slipper Run, including its likely diversion for quarry operations and the creation of Mill Run, impacted the local environment and the Cuyahoga River system?        

3. Hypothesis

The diversion of Slipper Run and the creation of Mill Run were critical to keeping The Peninsula Quarry operational by managing water flow and preventing floods. However, these changes likely had significant environmental impacts, particularly on the Cuyahoga River ecosystem.

4. Assumptions

• Diversion of Slipper Run: We’re assuming Slipper Run was diverted to keep the quarry dry, based on standard practices and the site’s topography.
• Environmental Impact: The diversion likely affected nearby wetlands and riparian zones, with ripple effects on the Cuyahoga River.
• Historical Practices: Quarrymen of the time probably used common methods like water diversion, supported by historical precedents.
• USGS Naming Consideration: The historical alterations to the landscape will likely influence the USGS naming process, reflecting the area’s industrial past.

5. Experiment/Testing (Methods)

5.1. Geological Analysis:

We dug into geological records to understand why The Peninsula Quarry was chosen and how its sandstone deposits influenced water flow.

5.2. Hydrological Assessment:

We reviewed historical documents and environmental assessments, focusing on Slipper Run and Mill Run’s role in local water management.

5.3. Environmental Impact Review:

We checked out existing studies on how these hydrological changes affected the local ecosystem, particularly wetlands.

5.4. Historical Context and USGS Naming Process:

We considered how these human interventions might sway the USGS in their naming decisions, looking at similar cases.

6. Analysis (Results)

6.1. Geological Formation:

The Peninsula Quarry’s sandstone deposits, shaped by ancient forces, made the site ideal for quarrying but required significant water management.

6.2. Likely Hydrological Modifications:

• Diversion of Slipper Run: Likely rerouted to prevent quarry flooding, Slipper Run’s new path was critical to keeping the quarry dry.
• Creation of Mill Run: Mill Run was engineered to handle excess water, complementing Slipper Run’s diversion.
• Hydrological Connection to Slipper Run: While it's unclear whether natural springs feed the Peninsula Quarry, hydrologically speaking, the quarry is closely connected to Slipper Run. The quarry likely became an extension of Slipper Run when the stream was diverted, and the water now filling the quarry seeps in from the surrounding area, including surface runoff from Slipper Run. Essentially, when the quarry was excavated, it tapped into the same water sources that feed Slipper Run, making the quarry part of the stream's broader hydrological system.

6.3. Environmental Impact:

These modifications altered local water flows, impacting the Cuyahoga River and diminishing biodiversity in some areas.

6.4. Historical Significance:

These water management strategies are a vital part of the Peninsula Quarry’s history and could influence the USGS’s official naming process.

7. Conclusion

Our exploration supports the idea that Slipper Run’s diversion and Mill Run’s creation were necessary for quarry operations. But, as with any major alteration to nature, these changes had lasting environmental impacts, particularly on the Cuyahoga River system.

Moving forward, conservation efforts should focus on restoring some natural water flows where possible and documenting these changes for future conservation planning. Educating the public on the history behind these interventions will also help build support for ongoing conservation efforts.

Some folks having a fun day at The Peninsula Quarry .

Video Reference: https://youtu.be/RxhEKSeXLC8?si=xN4fVaSj-kfNbyte

Errata

• Quarry Water Quality: The Peninsula Quarry is known for its remarkably clear water, making it a popular spot for swimmers and divers. This clarity is a testament to the natural filtration provided by the surrounding sandstone and the slow seepage of water from Slipper Run.
• Biodiversity Boost: Recent observations have noted an increase in local biodiversity around the quarry, particularly in the number of amphibians and aquatic plants. This suggests that the quarry has developed into a thriving micro-ecosystem over the years.
• Community Efforts: The ongoing community clean-up events at The Peninsula Quarry have been highly successful, reducing litter and preserving the natural beauty of the area. These efforts highlight the strong local commitment to conservation and environmental stewardship.
• Historical Recognition: The Peninsula Quarry was recently featured in a local historical society publication, which praised the site's blend of industrial history and natural beauty. This recognition further cements its importance in the region’s cultural landscape.

Link Reference: https://www.nps.gov/cuva/village-of-peninsula.htm

Cool Facts About Peninsula, Ohio

• Peninsula is home to the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad , which offers a scenic trip through the Cuyahoga Valley National Park.
• The village has a population of just under 600, making it a tight-knit community where everyone knows each other.
• Peninsula was once a bustling canal town, thanks to the Ohio & Erie Canalway Association 's Ohio & Erie Canal, and you can still see remnants of this history in the village.
• The historic Boston Store Visitor Center in the Cuyahoga Valley National Park is located in Peninsula, offering insights into the area’s rich heritage.

Link Reference: https://villageofpeninsula-oh.gov/

About OAPSIE?Inc.

OAPSIE?Inc. is an engineering agency dedicated to conservation and sustainability. Our mission is to protect and preserve natural resources for future generations. Through various projects and initiatives, we aim to promote environmental stewardship and community involvement.

Link Reference: https://oapsie.com/oapsie-daisy-newsletter-1

About USGS Water Feature Naming Project

This infographic titled "About USGS Water Feature Naming Project" features a stylized map of the United States highlighting water features like rivers and lakes, with location pins and icons symbolizing geographic naming, aimed at explaining the project's goal of preserving historical and cultural significance through official recognition.

One of our significant initiatives is the USGS naming project, which seeks to officially recognize geographic features to preserve their historical and cultural significance. For more details, please refer to Deck 36, Issue No. 19, where we explain this project in depth.

Link Reference: https://www.dhirubhai.net/pulse/d36-19-conservation-oapsie-inc-files-usgs-bgn-naming-james-o-flanagan-5fw8c/?lipi=urn%3Ali%3Apage%3Ad_flagship3_pulse_read%3B6FAxLyqJQpCz%2F9qyX%2B9kgA%3D%3D

#QuarryHydrology #SlipperRun #CuyahogaRiver #EnvironmentalImpact #WaterManagement #HistoricalSignificance #ConservationEfforts #ScientificInquiry #QuarryYesMore #OAPSIE #Deck36

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