Big Run (East Branch Fishing Creek tributary) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Big Run |
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Big Run Falls
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| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | eastern Davidson Township, Sullivan County, Pennsylvania 2,240 to 2,260 feet (680 to 690 m) |
| River mouth | East Branch Fishing Creek in Davidson Township, Sullivan County, Pennsylvania 1,358 ft (414 m) |
| Length | 2.4 mi (3.9 km) |
| Basin features | |
| Progression | East Branch Fishing Creek → Fishing Creek → Susquehanna River → Chesapeake Bay |
| Basin size | 1.38 sq mi (3.6 km2) |
Big Run is a small stream in Sullivan County, Pennsylvania, USA. It flows into another stream called East Branch Fishing Creek. Big Run is about 2.4 miles (3.9 km) long. It flows through a place called Davidson Township. The area around the stream, called its watershed, covers about 1.38 square miles (3.57 km2).
The water in Big Run can sometimes be a bit acidic. Scientists are working on ways to make the water quality better. The land around the stream has different types of rocks and soils.
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Where Big Run Flows
Big Run starts in the eastern part of Davidson Township. It flows east for a short distance. It almost reaches the border of Luzerne County.
Then, the stream turns north and goes into a valley. As it flows deeper into the valley, it turns west and then southwest. After a short distance, it turns northwest. Finally, Big Run joins with another stream called Sullivan Branch. Together, they form East Branch Fishing Creek.
Smaller Streams Joining Big Run
Big Run has two smaller streams that flow into it. These streams don't have official names. They are known as Unt 28011 and Unt 28012.
The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection says that these two smaller streams are affected by air pollution. This pollution can make their water less healthy.
Water Health of Big Run
Big Run usually has about 1404 gallons of water flowing through it every minute. This is called its average flow.
The water in Big Run can be a bit acidic. Scientists measure this using something called pH. The pH of Big Run is usually around 5.61. A pH of 7 is neutral, like pure water. Lower numbers mean more acidic. Sometimes, the pH can drop very low, even below 3. Other times, it can be almost 7. This means the stream's acidity changes a lot.
When there's a normal amount of water flowing, Big Run's water quality is considered "good." But when there's a lot of water, like after heavy rain, the water quality can become "severe." This is because the stream becomes more acidic during high flows.
To help the stream, people are looking at ways to improve its water. One idea is to add limestone sand to the stream. Limestone can help make acidic water less acidic. Another idea is to add limestone to nearby roads. This can help the water that runs off the roads.
Land and Rocks Around Big Run
The land where Big Run flows into East Branch Fishing Creek is about 1358 feet (414 meters) above sea level. Where Big Run starts, the land is much higher. It's between 2240 feet (683 meters) and 2260 feet (689 meters) high.
The rocks near the end of Big Run are from the Catskill Formation. Most of the stream flows over rocks from the Huntley Mountain Formation. But where the stream begins, the rocks are from the Burgoon Sandstone.
The soil around most of Big Run is called the Deep-Wellsboro-Oquaga soil. However, near the start of the stream, the soil is different. It's from the Oquaga and Norwich soil types. You can also see rocks sticking out of the ground near the stream. Most of the soil in this area is quite acidic.
Big Run's Water Area
The entire area that collects water for Big Run is called its watershed. This watershed covers about 1.38 square miles (3.57 km2). There are about 2.5 miles (4.0 km) of streams within this watershed.
Some parts of Big Run flow through private land.
The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection has marked Big Run and its two smaller streams as important for aquatic life. This means they want to protect the plants and animals that live in these waters.
History of Big Run
Scientists and environmental groups are working to restore Big Run. This effort is part of a bigger plan to improve the East Branch Fishing Creek. This phase of the plan is expected to cost about $200,000.
In 2002, the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection said that Big Run was "impaired." This means its water quality was not good enough. By December 2011, a plan was set to help fix the stream by 2015.
