Showing papers on "Nonpoint source pollution published in 1979"
TL;DR: The FC/FS ratio and percentage of Streptococcus bovis in pasture runoff are useful indicators for evaluating the effectiveness of livestock management practices for minimizing bacterial contamination of surface water.
Abstract: Runoff from a cow-calf pasture in eastern Nebraska was monitored for total coliforms (TC), fecal coliforms (FC), and fecal streptococci (FS) during 1976, 1977, and 1978. Bacteriological counts in runoff from both grazed and ungrazed areas generally exceeded recommended water quality standards. The FC group was the best indicator group of the impact of grazing. Rainfall runoff from the grazed area contained 5 to 10 times more FC than runoff from the fenced, ungrazed area. There was little difference in TC counts between the two areas, but FS counts were higher in runoff from the ungrazed area and reflected the contributions from wildlife. Recommended bacteriological water quality standards, developed for point source inputs, may be inappropriate for characterizing nonpoint source pollution from pasture runoff. The FC/FS ratio in pasture runoff was useful in identifying the relative contributions of cattle and wildlife. Ratios below 0.05 were indicative of wildlife sources and ratios above 0.1 were characteristic of grazing cattle. Occasions when the FC/FS ratio of diluted cattle waste exceeded one resulted from differential aftergrowth and die-off between FC and FS. The FC/FS ratio and percentage of Streptococcus bovis in pasture runoff are useful indicators for evaluating the effectiveness of livestock management practices for minimizing bacterial contamination of surface water. The importance of choice of medium for the enumeration of FS in runoff derived from cattle wastes is discussed.
193 citations
01 Aug 1979
97 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors investigated the microbiological quality of urban stormwater runoffs at three different locations in Southern Ontario, Canada and found that microbial densities in these waters were similar to those found in dilute raw wastewaters and, therefore, represent a potential health hazard.
60 citations
TL;DR: In this article, a multiobjective planning framework for a river basin that considers both point and nonpoint source pollutants is presented, and the need for an intergrated approach to pollution abatement originating from these two sources is discussed.
Abstract: A multiobjective planning framework for a river basin that considers both point and nonpoint source pollutants is presented. The need for an intergrated approach to pollution abatement originating from these two sources is discussed in the light of Public Law 92-500. The need for including multiple objective functions in their noncommensurable formats and units are also discussed. Two broad-based planning objectives considered are: economic development and environmental quality. The environmental quality model includes the following multiple objectives: (1) soil erosion, (2) phosphorus, (3) biological oxygen demanding load in the stream. Noninferior solutions and trade-offs among the objectives are examined for several alternative planning scenarios using the surrogate worth trade-off (SWT) method. The decision-maker's role in obtaining the basin-wide plan is discussed. Finally, the planning framework is applied to the Maumee River Basin study.
49 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors made estimates of petroleum hydrocarbon pollution loadings reaching the Delaware Estuary by determining storm event loadings of hydrocarbons from four storm sewers, draining areas of different land uses.
Abstract: Estimates were made of petroleum hydrocarbon pollution loadings reaching the Delaware Estuary by determining storm event loadings of hydrocarbons from four storm sewers, draining areas of different land uses. Although refinery effluents constituted the largest source of petroleum pollution in 1975, it appears that after completion of currently required treatment processes urban runoff will be the largest remaining source of petroleum pollution. The petroleum in urban runoff resembles used crankcase oil in composition and contains toxic chemicals such as polynuclear hydrocarbons. Further research is clearly desirable. Remedial programs to control such pollution may be warranted on the basis of information now available.
46 citations
TL;DR: In this article, a cattle-pasturing system involving four rotationally grazed summer pastures with winter feeding on one pasture was studied on sloping upland watersheds in Ohio to determine its effect on chemical quality of water.
Abstract: A beef cattle-pasturing system involving four rotationally grazed summer pastures with winter-feeding on one pasture was studied on sloping upland watersheds in Ohio to determine its effect on chemical quality of water. The concentrations of chemicals in runoff from the pastures, which were summer-grazed only, increased relative to that of incoming precipitation but not enough to significantly impair water quality. No measurable sediment was lost from the pastures used only for summer grazing, allowing no chemical movement via that pathway. Much soil and plant-cover disturbance on the pasture used for winter-feeding, however, resulted in increased runoff, some surface erosion, and more chemical movement as compared with the pastures grazed only in summer. Considerably more chemicals moved in subsurface than in surface flow from the summer pastures while amounts of chemicals transported from the winter-feeding pasture were equally as great in surface runoff and subsurface flow. Watershed surface management was a key factor in determining the flow route of water in excess of that used for evapotranspiration and, hence, the pathways and amounts of chemical transport from the pastures.
40 citations
TL;DR: The effectiveness of SWCP's at controlling potential pollut-ants other than sediment depends on the characteristics of pollutants as discussed by the authors, which have been categorized in groups having distinctly different soil adsorption properties.
Abstract: THERE has been a tendency to equate best manage-ment practices, as defined in water quality legisla-tion, with soil and water conservation practices. The effectiveness of SWCP's at controlling potential pollut-ants other than sediment depends on the characteristics of pollutants. Pollutants have been categorized in groups having distinctly different soil adsorption properties which have been related to the effect of SWCP's on water and soil movement.
40 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, a simple model based on current state-of-the-art was developed to describe the nitrate accumulation in land areas receiving animal wastes or plant residues, which can be used to estimate the total potentially mineraliz-able N after the application of a waste to soil.
Abstract: A simple model based on current state-of-the-art was developed to describe the nitrate accumulation in land areas receiving animal wastes or plant residues. Earlier models using decay series were useful in predict-ing long term mineralization, but are less precise in determining the actual rate of mineralization or are less useful in transferring to other wastes which have not been studied. Utilizing the waste characteristics (C/N) and the soil nitrogen content, the model developed can be used to estimate the total potentially mineraliz-able N after the application of a waste to soil. This value is an asymptotic inorganic N yield achieved over the long term. Assuming a first-order kinetics for mineraliza-tion, the rate constants based on available literature were developed. It was concluded that about 50 percent of the N available for mineralization was converted in 3 to 6 wk for poultry and swine wastes. In comparison, beef wastes required approximately 18 wk under similar conditions. For wastes with C/N greater than 23 a lag period occurs as carbon is metabolized and lost, after which mineralization occurs with a rate constant of about 0.0077/day (at 35 °C). Correction factors were developed for the major soil and environmental parame-ters affecting the mineralization rate. These factors were soil temperature, soil moisture, soil pH, and method of application of the waste.
39 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, a mathematical model is presented that describes the transport of various sedi-ment particle types during unsteady overland-flow from manured areas, including tine primary, coarse primary, soil-aggregate, and ma-nure particles.
Abstract: SOME chemical pollutants are adsorbed to soil parti-cles and transported with the sediment load. Sediments contain a mixture of particles of varying sizes and densities that have differing transport characteristics and affinities for chemical pollutants. In addition, ma-nure particles are detached and transported by erosion processes during runoff events. A mathematical model is presented that describes the transport of various sedi-ment particle types during unsteady overland-flow from manured areas. The present version of the model con-siders transport of four discrete particle fractions— tine primary, coarse primary, soil-aggregate, and ma-nure particles. Sediment originates from two sources— interrill areas and rill areas. Two manure application modes, surface-applied or soil-incorporated, are recognized. The model operates with existing watershed hydrologic models and can be useful in studies of nonpoint source pollution from land areas receiving animal wastes.
34 citations
24 citations
TL;DR: In this article, selective management practices were used on two upland Southern Piedmont watersheds to assess their influence on overland transport of Cl, soluble-N, and total Kjeldahl-N (TKN).
Abstract: Selective management practices were used on two upland Southern Piedmont watersheds to assess their influence on overland transport of Cl, soluble-N, and total Kjeldahl-N (TKN). Ammonia-N and TKN were measured in both runoff water and sediment phases and related to these transport modes. Chloride (112 kg Cl/ha) served as a tracer anion because of its inert biological activity. Optimum rates of N-fertilizer (∼140 kg N/ha) were applied in recommended split-applications for corn growth. Annual NH₄-N and TKN losses were 35 to 40% less when associated with terraces and double cropping of corn (Zea mays L.) and winter rye (Secale cereale L.) than from a watershed without conservation practices. This difference was related primarily to differences in sediment yield from the two watersheds. No real annual differences were detected for Cl and NO₃-N losses between watersheds. Total seasonal nutrient losses were strongly affected by the quantity of sediment transported during highly erosive periods of May, June, and July. Chloride and TKN concentrations in runoff were more constant among cropping seasons; therefore, individual storm yields were best related to runoff water volume. Nitrate-N and NH₄-N concentrations in runoff decreased rapidly during corn canopy development causing the quantity of these N species to be best related to sediment transport. An inadequate number of runoff storms occurred during these short periods of high soil chemical concentrations, derived from Cl- and N-fertilizer sources, in the surface depth (0 to 8 cm) to significantly develop a relation to runoff concentrations. Runoff water and sediment variation accounted for 82 to 93% of nutrient loss variation on the nonconservation watershed. The same variables accounted for as little as 61% of the nutrient variation on the conservation watershed. Runoff losses of plant nutrients may be reduced by shifting most of their application to periods of rapid plant canopy development and periods of less intense rainfall.
TL;DR: In this article, a mathematical model for describing the sedimentation characteristics of detention basins is presented and the significance of the factors determining sediment deposition in esti-mating basin trap efficiency and peak effluent sediment concentrations has been analyzed.
Abstract: PUBLIC Law 92-500 requires the control and reduction of point and nonpoint pollution to meet the 1983 water quality standards. Current legislation in several states requires the use of sediment detention basins to control pollution from strip mining and construction activities. It is envisaged that sediment basins may successfully be employed to control the nonpoint pollution associated with agriculture and silviculture. This paper presents a mathematical model for describing the sedimentation characteristics of detention basins. Using data generated by the model, the significance of the factors determining sediment deposition in esti-mating basin trap efficiency and peak effluent sediment concentrations has been analyzed. Regression equations are presented for estimating trap efficiency and peak effluent sediment concentrations from basins equipped with either a perforated riser or a drop inlet riser. The effects of selective withdrawal from the basin have been studied as well as the effect of sediment accumulations in the basin on the trap efficiency. The model has been tested in simulation studies on several actual basins and appears to give a good estimate of measured trap efficiencies.
TL;DR: In this article, economic development and environmental quality related to water quality and land use planning are formulated in a multi-objective optimization framework, and a recommended plan with its associated trade-off values are presented.
Abstract: The models represent economic development and environmental quality related to water quality and land use planning, and are formulated in a multiobjective optimization framework. The economic objectives constitute the cost of point and nonpoint-source pollution abatement, and other related land activities. The environmental quality sector includes the following noncommensurable objectives: (1)Soil erosion and sediment control; (2)control of phosphorus discharge from point and nonpoint sources; (3)abatement of biological oxygen-demanding material from point sources; (4)enhancement of land-based recreational opportunities; (5)maintenance of wildlife habitat; and (6)flood control. The trade-offs analysis was carried out using the Surrogate Worth Trade-off (SWT) method. The planning framework was developed for the Maumee River Basin Level-B Study. A recommended plan with its associated trade-off values are presented. The decision-maker’s (Planning Board) role in obtaining a basin-wide plan is discussed.
TL;DR: In this article, process-oriented techniques have been developed to allow the planner, engineer, or hydrologist to evaluate the impact that any proposed silvicultural activity will have on the hydrology of the planning unit.
Abstract: Most pollution associated with silvicultural activities has a nonpoint source and is difficult to control by conventional methods. Process-oriented techniques have been developed to allow the planner, engineer, or hydrologist to evaluate the impact that any proposed silvicultural activity will have on the hydrology of the planning unit. Changes in the hydrologic processes stimulate changes in non-point source pollution. As a part of the effort to quantify hydrologic impacts, the country was broken into five hydrologic regions. Hydrologic models were fitted to representative baseline watersheds in each region. Process stimulation was then used to develop response coefficients to be used to modify the regional baseline levels of evapotranspiration (ET), soil water, and streamflow as a function of cover, soil depth, aspect, latitude, and position in the watershed. This presentation summarizes the results of the efforts and presents an evaluation of the usefulness of the methodology.
TL;DR: In this paper, a mathematical model describing transport of sediment and manure during unsteady overland flow from land areas receiving animal wastes was presented, and results of a comprehensive literature survey characterizing model inputs due to manure presence are presented in this paper.
Abstract: A mathematical model describing transport of sediment and manure during unsteady overland flow from land areas receiving animal wastes was presented in a previous paper. Results of a comprehensive literature survey characterizing model inputs due to manure presence are presented in this paper. Inputs are: manure cover on the watershed, manure erodibility factor, and manure particle-size distribution and particle density. Estimated sediment yields were compared with measured data for selected storms on a 1.1-ha pasture watershed near Coshocton, OH. The simulated results agreed reasonably well with these field data.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors assess the magnitudes and types of nonpoint discharges that affect the water quality of Pequea Creek and determine which variables most affect the transport of these constituents.
Abstract: From abstract: The objective of this project was to assess the magnitudes and types of nonpoint discharges that affect the water quality of Pequea Creek. The project included the determination of (1) the total discharge of suspended sediment, nitrogen, and phosphorus from the basin; (2) intermittent storm and base-flow discharges from six subbasin sites of varying size, geology, and land use; (3) the difference in magnitudes of the discharges during base-flow periods and storms; and (4) which variables most affect the transport of these constituents.
01 Jan 1979
01 Jan 1979
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors focused on estimating the economic cost of implementing farm management practices which reduce pollutant loadings by estimating the relationship between soil loss and farm income in the Honey Creek Watershed.
Abstract: The net economic impacts of restrictions on soil loss, taxes on soil loss, and subsidies for lessening soil loss are analyzed. Net economic impacts are nearly the same under the three strategies, but the income distribution differs substantially. Model results indicate that total net revenue of farmers in the watershed can be increased if soil loss reducing practices are adopted. The purpose of the Lake Erie Wastewater Management Study of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is to develop and recommend a management program for agricultural sources of pollution. The procedure to be followed is to identify land management practices which reduce pollutant loadings in the Lake Erie Basin, to quantify the effects of these practices on pollutant loadings, and to determine the economic cost of implementing the practices. 1 While the objective of the Lake Erie Wastewater Management Study is to develop a management program for all of the Lake Erie Basin, the study reported here concentrates on a small (189 square mile) watershed within the basin. Northern Ohio, where the watershed is located, is a major contributor to nonpoint pollution loading in Lake Erie. There is strong evidence that agricultural activity is the predominant source of sediment and phosphate loadings from the area. This analysis of the Honey Creek Watershed, which is representative of rural land in Northern Ohio, allows inferences to be made about much of Northern Ohio. This study concentrates on estimating the economic cost of implementing farm management practices which reduce pollutant loadings by estimating the relationship between soil loss and farm income in the Honey Creek Watershed. STUDY OBJECTIVES
TL;DR: In this paper, the potential economic impact of proposed regulations on agriculture in Mississippi is estimated and identified research needed to minimize the adverse economic impacts of attaining the objectives of the regulations, even if carried out uniformly and on the basis of scientifically determined information.
Abstract: The Federal Water Pollution Control Act of 1972, PL92-500, established the goals of making the nation's streams and lakes swimmable and fishable by 1983 and eliminating both point and non-point pollution discharge by 1985. Implementation of this act, even if carried out uniformly and on the basis of scientifically determined information, could have far-reaching impacts on the agricultural sector.The purpose of this article is to:
1. Review the requirements of the legislation.2. Review selected research.3. Estimate the potential economic impact of proposed regulations on agriculture in Mississippi.4. Identify research needed to minimize the adverse economic impact of attaining the objectives of the regulations.
TL;DR: In this paper, a simplified method to evaluate the event magnitude of nonpoint source rain-induced UBOD loads for urban areas is proposed, which is flexible, non-dependent upon computer simulation, and uses readily available data.
Abstract: This work devises a simplified method to evaluate the event magnitude of nonpoint source rain-induced UBOD loads for urban areas. The method is flexible, non-dependent upon computer simulation, and uses readily available data. The results appear to be realistic. Ten urban watersheds were studied using a methodology that assumes triangular hydrographs and piece-wise linear pollutographs. A rapid method for estimating pollutant loadings in terms of pounds per acre per storm is presented. UBOD was used in this study but the methodology is readily adaptable to other parameters. The effects of storage and streetsweeping on total storm loadings are preliminarily evaluated.
01 Jul 1979
TL;DR: State control over agricultural non-point pollution caused by introducing soil and plant nutrients into ground and surface waters is examined for several alternative policies as mentioned in this paper, including voluntary programs with subsidies or tax incentives and mandatory programs that limit such activities as row-crop agricultures.
Abstract: State control over agricultural non-point pollution caused by introducing soil and plant nutrients into ground and surface waters is examined for several alternative policies These approaches include voluntary programs with subsidies or tax incentives and mandatory programs that limit such activities as row-crop agricultures Alternative policies are examined from a legal perspective, employing a broad framework of analysis to allow for the evolutionary nature of the control policies and the resulting lack of specificity If one assumes that each of the various policies considered can reduce non-point source pollution, then each could survive constitutional attack This means that the final mix of policies actually implemented will probably be determined by legislative and administrative procedures rather than by the courts 94 references
TL;DR: The contribution of abandoned farm fields to non-point source pollution in the Great Lakes Basin was studied on a 7.73 ha old field watershed near East Lansing, Michigan, that had been abandoned 18 years prior to the study.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors monitored nitrogen, phosphorus and organic matter in baseflow and runoff on four agricultural watersheds in the Delaware Coastal Plain, and found that the watersheds did not show an initial flush of organic nitrogen, ammonium nitrogen, nitrate-nitrite nitrogen or phosphorus during most storm events.
Abstract: NITROGEN, phosphorus and organic matter were monitored in baseflow and runoff on four agricultural watersheds in the Delaware Coastal Plain. Total nitrogen and total phosphorus loads in runoff and baseflow were less than the nitrogen and phosphorus loads in rainfall. Average annual total nitrogen loads for Blackwater Creek and Stockley Branch were 20.6 and 18.2 kg/ha/yr, respectively, while annual total phosphorus loads were 0.68 and 0.48 kg/ha/yr, respec-tively. The greatest nitrogen loads occurred during the first quarter of the year, with most of the load occurring in March. The watersheds did not show an initial flush of organic nitrogen, ammonium nitrogen, nitrate-nitrite nitrogen or phosphorus during most storm events because of the highly permeable soils.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors used data collected from a heavily developed area in Houston and a forested area 40 miles north to estimate the contribution of rainwater quality to stream pollution.
Abstract: Previous investigators have indicated that air quality may contribute to surface water pollution through rainfall or dry fallout, or both, even to the extent that pollutants travel via the air from industrial and agricultural regions may be deposited in undeveloped areas. Data collected from a heavily developed area in Houston and a forested area 40 miles north were used to estimate the contribution of rainwater quality to stream pollution.
01 Jan 1979
TL;DR: The three levels of enforcement of Section 208 are examined and various options for control are presented in this article, where the states are urged to make the necessary legislative changes, accompanied by more enforcement power or financial aid, for mandatory programs.
Abstract: Nonpoint source pollution (NPS) caused by agriculture, road building, and other activities is, while less visible than point source pollution, recognized as such a major contributor to water pollution that it must be brought under control. Section 208 is the only portion of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act Amendments of 1972 to deal directly with the NPS problem. The three levels of enforcement of Section 208 are examined and various options for control are presented. Implementation is uneven because enforcement mechanisms exist in only a few specific areas and voluntary compliance is sought for the rest. The states are urged to make the necessary legislative changes, accompanied by more enforcement power or financial aid, for mandatory programs. 172 references.
TL;DR: Hurt and Reinschmiedt have reviewed current non-point source water pollution policy, considered the potential impact on Southern agriculture, and presented some directions for future research as discussed by the authors.
Abstract: Hurt and Reinschmiedt have reviewed current non-point source water pollution policy, considered the potential impact on Southern agriculture, and presented some directions for future research. Their general conclusions include: (1) information upon which to base nonpoint source water pollution policy for agriculture is severely deficient, (2) implementation of pollution policy for agriculture will cause a severe economic impact on agriculture in the South, and (3) research is needed to develop farming systems that will reduce agricultural pollution while maintaining farm income. Their broad overview of this policy area is helpful for Southern agricultural economists because more public interest in these policy questions will undoubtedly arise as the 1983 and 1985 targets for achieving the goals of PL92-500 approach, and especially because research in this policy area in the South has been limited.
01 Jan 1979