Browsing by Subject "fecal coliform"
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Item Open Access Community-Based Stormwater Mitigation: Rescuing a Clam Fishery in Middens Creek, N.C.(2008-04-24) Durkee, Stephen J.Eastern North Carolina’s expansive aquatic environment, with large lagoonal sounds tapering into winding inland waterways, maximizes the number of residents with direct influence on our coastal waters. Such a system creates a complex management scenario where regulating non-point source pollution proves difficult. To examine sources and potential remedies of fecal coliform loading, a study was initiated in our model waterway, Middens Creek, where active shellfish harvesting is ongoing. Through a multi-phase investigation, current legislation aimed at reducing stormwater impacts is reviewed and pre- and post-storm fecal coliform levels characterized. It became evident during the course of the study that non-point source runoff is the primary way fecal coliform is conveyed into Middens Creek. Quantifying the impact of this runoff in the subwatershed was further extended to examine the statistical link between human development and bacteria levels within the creek and significant correlations between the two were found. Finally, public outreach and education was initiated to affect grassroots change among the residents living along the model waterway in an effort to mitigate the trend anthropogenic impacts.Item Open Access Pathogen Pollutant Loading Responses to Precipitation Dynamics and Land Cover(2008-04-25T15:33:48Z) O'Banion, RyanThe Newport River Estuary in Carteret County, North Carolina has been placed on the state’s 303D list for its inability to meet federally mandated surface water quality criteria. A pathogen pollutant Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) study with fecal coliform as an indicator species has therefore been undertaken by Kenneth H. Reckhow of Duke University. Integral to the completion of this TMDL is an understanding of the terrestrial pathogen pollutant loading responses to precipitation dynamics and land use within the Newport River Estuary. This masters project investigates pathogen pollutant loading by completing three primary objectives. Through visual analysis of sampled fecal coliform and flow data, the best available data are chosen for model fitting and creation. Geospatial analysis tools are then developed in Python and ArcGIS to accurately delineate coastal watersheds with Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR) data. The data are then used to calibrate a model to predict fecal coliform loading responses to precipitation dynamics within the Newport River Estuary. The results of the three primary objectives illustrate the complicated relationship between fecal coliform loading and precipitation events. The geospatial analysis tools allow for the accurate delineation of coastal watersheds at scales previously unavailable to managers. Additionally, the calibrated model highlights problem areas for future modelers to address when attempting to quantify fecal coliform loading and precipitation dynamics.Item Open Access TMDLs for Bacterial Impairment of Shellfish Waters: An Analysis of Options for Coastal North Carolina(2008-04-25T17:41:55Z) Wallach, LauraIn North Carolina, more than 100,000 acres of shellfish waters have been closed to shellfishing, many since the Clean Water Act was put in place in 1972. These waters are considered impaired because of levels of fecal coliform bacteria in excess of a set water quality standard. By law, the state must develop a TMDL, or total maximum daily load, for each impaired water body. In North Carolina, only one TMDL for fecal coliform in shellfish waters has been developed in the State, and it has not been implemented. North Carolina does not offer any guidelines for implementing these TMDLs. The purpose of this project was to use case study TMDLs for nonpoint sources of fecal coliform in shellfish waters to see how they have been implemented and what North Carolina could learn from this. Land use was analyzed for coastal North Carolina counties, and the counties were categorized based on those land uses as forest, agriculture, or developed. Two case study TMDLs were selected for each category. After reading each case study, the TMDL contact for the state was interviewed about implementation of the case study and general guidelines for implementation in the state. Though some of these case studies were approved as early as 2004, none have been implemented. In addition, each state had different methods for dealing with TMDL implementation. Other means of improving water quality before TMDL development were also investigated. These included different types of best management practices, action by stakeholders, and watershed management plans. Any of these could be used to prevent water quality impairment or to improve degraded water quality. Actions can be taken on state and local levels to improve water quality in closed shellfish waters in North Carolina. Locally, sources of fecal coliform should be identified so appropriate best management practices can be selected and implemented. At the state level, requiring TMDL implementation with a specific timeline would increase the probability that water quality will improve as a result of the TMDL process.