Showing papers on "Nonpoint source pollution published in 1980"

Environmental impact of nonpoint source pollution

Abstract: Modelling of non-point pollutants serves as a guide for understanding and quantifying the various soil, vegetation and climate elements responsible for controlling water quality. This book centers on watershed effects rather than total environment. It deals with pollutant transformations and environmental transport pathways into receiving waters. Agriculture, forestry, waste management by ground disposal, and water modelling are all discussed. (PSB)

Die-off of Fecal Indicator Organisms Following Land Application of Poultry Manure1

Abstract: Land-applied animal manure can be a major contributor of agricultural nonpoint source pollution. For surface-applied manures the time period prior to the first runoff is of greatest concern, because most enteric species initially exhibit rapid die-off rates. The objectives of this investigation were to follow the die-off of indicator organisms after manure application to a bar? soil surface and to ascertain if dieoff could be accurately modeled by first-order-k inetics. Poultry manure was surface-applied at approximately 36.5 and 164 metric tons/ha on Davidson clay loam and Norfolk sandy loam plots in a controlled environment chamber at a constant temperature (24.5°C). Soil samples were analyzed at intervals during a 30-day period for fecal coliforms and fecal streptococci. Modeling die-off of fecal coliform during the first 7 days gave good agreement with experimental data showing an average die-off rate constant of 0.29/day. After 7 days, regrowth of fecal coliform populations was seen on all plots. Fecal streptococcal numbers declined steadily after the first 3 days of the 30-day study and exhibited an average first-order rate constant of 0.093/day. Neither soil type nor manure application rate seemed to influence the decline in organism populations. First-order kinetics did not explain all aspects of die-off, but it appears this model could be successfully employed as a first approximation for estimating bacterial kinetics in a larger nonpoint source pollution model for agricultural lands.

Modeling the relationship between development and storm water and nutrient runoff.

Abstract: The EPA Storm Water Management Model was used to model the effects of urban and agricultural development on storm water runoff from uplands bordering a Louisiana swamp forest Using this model, we examined the effects of changing land use patterns By 1995 it is projected that urban land on the uplands bordering the swamp will increase by 321 percent, primarily at the expense of land currently in agriculture Simulation results indicate that urbanization will cause storm water runoff rates to be up to 42 times greater in 1995 than in 1975 Nutrient runoff will increase 28 percent for nitrogen (N) and 16 percent for phosphorus (P) during the same period The environmental effects of these changes in the receiving swamp forest are examined

Delivery of Suspended Sediment and Pollutants from Nonpoint Sources during Overland Flow

Abstract: Delivery of sediment and particulate pollutants from diffuse sources is shown to be related to the loss of sediment carrying energy of runoff during the overland flow phase. The loss is caused by the termination of rainfall and by reduction of flow energy during the recession phase of the overland flow hydrograph. It has been demonstrated both by theoretical analyses and experimental measurements that the saturated sediment concentration in overland flow is a function of rainfall erosivity and the runoff flow rate. The hypotheses were verified by field measurements from a small homogeneous watershed.

Urban Storm Runoff Quality in Southeast Michigan

Abstract: Methods of sampling urban runoff and its impacts on receiving waters are reviewed and classified into three types. The field designs which yield data on mass emissions are generally most useful for evaluating alternatives to control urban nonpoint pollution. Recent field sampling of urban runoff in the Detroit, Mich. area (Southeast Michigan) permits better characterization of urban runoff quality, distribution of sizes of solids in runoff, and correlations of suspended solids with other constituents in runoff. It is concluded that region-specific runoff data are useful to planners and engineers engaged in analysis of alternative control strategies. Data from Southeast Michigan indicate that certain aspects of the urban nonpoint problem are not amenable to some source controls, such as street sweeping, but suggest that hydrologic modifications, such as detention and increased infiltration, may be more effective.

Runoff Control for Livestock Feedlots -State of the Art

Abstract: Runoff from open feedlots may transport large quantities of organic matter, polluting public waters and resulting in fishkills. The objective of this paper is to summarize the current state of the art for runoff control from beef, dairy, swine, sheep, and turkey feedlots. Layers and broilers are essentially all produced under housed conditions and thus do not create a runoff control problem. A summary of legal implications of feedlot runoff control, quantity and quality of runoff, runoff control facilities and their applications, and disposal of the controlled runoff are included in this paper.

Water Quality Trap Efficiency of Storm Water Management Basins

Abstract: While the quality of rivers has received much attention, the degradation of small streams in upland areas of watersheds has only recently been recognized as a major problem. A major cause of the problem is increases in nonpoint source pollution that accompany urban expansion. A case study is used to examine the potential for storm water detention as a means of controlling water quality in streams of small watersheds. The storm water management basin, which is frequently used to control increases in discharge rates, can also be used to reduce the level of pollutants in inflow to receiving streams. Data collected on a 148-acre site in Maryland shows that a detention basin can trap as much as 98 percent of the pollutant in the inflow. For the 11 water quality parameters, most showed reductions of at least 60 percent, depending on storm characteristics.

Impact of mining activities on water quality in western North Carolina.

Abstract: An intensive water quality investigation was conducted in western North Carolina to determine whether water quality problems existed from point and nonpoint source inputs of sediment from surface mining activities. Depth integrated measurements of sediment transport and biological sampling of benthic communities indicated that very serious water quality problems were caused by erosion from a concentrated area of open pit mining for mica, kaolin, and feldspar. The erosion occurred on haul roads, active mines, inactive mines, and tailings disposal piles. The need for using specific “Best Management Practices” for erosion control on the mining operation is discussed. These practices need to be implemented to restore populations of trout to the degraded reaches of the river. Additional monitoring data are presented that indicate that the biological integrity of surface waters can be preserved in the vicinity of point source mining discharges when the operators utilize proper practices in settling and neutralizing their effluent. While much has been done to abate the point source discharges, attention now needs to be focused on the nonpoint sources of sediment from mining operations.

Water quality patterns during a storm on a mall parking lot

Abstract: Intensive temporal sampling of rainfall, surface runoff and subsurface drainage, and stream flow upstream and downstream of a suburban mall parking lot yielded expected patterns in time and space. Variations in temperature and conductivity showed strong dilution effects, while patterns of nine elemental concentrations in surface runoff showed a flushing effect early in the storm, following by dilution. Heavy nitrate loads in surface runoff were apparently from rainfall, not surficial sources. For the magnitude of storm studied and the existing study site, local impact on stream flow and water quality, like the run-off itself, is rather ephemeral, and dissipates after about five hours.

Stormwater Quality--First Efforts in Denver

Abstract: A sampling program for nonpoint source pollutants was initiated in Denver, in 1975. Some of the data collected and preliminary findings are presented. Tentative conclusions drawn on limited data from three watersheds are: (1)First-flush effects of storm runoff were not evident and pollutant loadings generally followed the hydrograph throughout the runoff period; (2)there is a vague indication that longer antecedent dry periods lead to higher pollutant loads in subsequent runoff, but there are exceptions to this as well; and (3)in comparison with secondary effluent in the same watersheds, storm runoff gave much lower mass loadings to the receiving waters for all constituents except metals. Zinc loadings were two to four times higher than in secondary effluent, and lead was sometimes 10 t0 20 times higher. Data collection programs of this type should be accompanied by immediate data analysis and evaluation, possibly to include computer modeling, to redirect further sampling.

Application of the continuous stormwater pollution simulation system (cspss): philadellphia case study

Abstract: This paper describes the Continuous Stormwater Pollution Simulation System (CSPSS) as well as a site-specific application of CSPSS to the Philadelphia urban area and its receiving water, the Delaware Estuary. Conceptually, CSPSS simulates the quantity and quality or urban stormwater runoff, combined sewer overflow, municipal and industrial waste water effuent, and upstream flow on a continuous basis for each time step in the simulation period. In addition, receiving water dissolved oxygen, suspended solids, and lead concentrations resulting from these pollutant sources may be simulated. However, only rceiving water dissolved oxygen (DO) response is considered in this paper. The continuous Do receiving water response model was calibrated to existing conditions usinv observed data at Chester, Pennsylvnia, located on the Delaware Estuary approximately 10 miles down stream from the study area. Average annual pollutant loads to the receiving water were estimated for all major sources and receiving water quality improvements resulting from removal of various portions of these pollutant loads were estimated by application of the calibrated stimultion model. It was found that the removal of oxygen-demanding pollutants from combined sewer overflow and urban stormwater runoff would result in relatively minor improvements in the overall dissoved oxygen resources of the Delaware Estuary; whereas. removal of oxygen demanding pollutants from waste water treatment plant effluent would result in greater improvemens. The results of this investigation can be used along with appropriate economic techniques to identify the most cost-effective mix of point and nonpoint source pollution control measures.

Urban Runoff Pollution and Water Quality Planning

Abstract: Areawide Water Quality Planning under Section 208 of PL 92-500 is supposed to integrate two approaches, first, effluent treatment requirements, and, second, the achieving of stated water quality criteria with control of nonpoint as well as of point sources of pollution. Urban runoff pollution is considered one of the nonpoint sources, although it flows largely through storm and combined sewers. Section 208 planning has been handicapped for lack of adequate data and technology applicable to the highly variable storm flows that characterize urban runoff. Urban runoff pollution includes sediment, BOD, nutrients, heavy metals, and petroleum, most of which occur in particulate form. It is harmful to fish life, but the agents mainly responsible are usually not identified. Planning of remedial measures requires consideration of both steady state and variable flow modeling. Detention storage for combined purposes of flood control and water quality appears to have some possibilities.

Strategies to Control Nonpoint Source Water Pollution

Abstract: Strategies for controlling nonpoint sources of water pollution are discussed in terms of three representative states and eighteen regional agencies. The programs in Virginia, New York, and Wisconsin are seen to exhibit control options which range from voluntary action to strict regulation. Four conclusions are drawn from the analysis. First, nonpoint sources of pollution are a major component of the overall water pollution problem in the three states. Second, technical controls are generally available to solve the problems. Third, existing controls programs are not necessarily technologically sound or cost effective. Finally, existing control programs are capable of instituting solutions to the problems if and only if specified actions take place within the respective states and regions in the future. Critical research needs are identified which will assist states and regions in developing cost effective programs to control nonpoint source pollution.

The Importance of Hydrologic Factors on the Relative Eutrophic Impacts of Point and Non-Point Pollution in a Reservoir

Abstract: The Occoquan Reservoir, located downstream of a rapidly urbanizing Northern Virginia (USA) area, is a highly eutrophic water supply, which exhibits all the symptoms of excessive enrichment. Data collected during an intensive monitoring program since 1972 have vividly demonstrated the relative impacts of stormwater runoff and point-source sewage dis-charges on water quality.

Modeling Pollution in Strait of Maracaibo

Abstract: In 1974, a far-reaching research program was undertaken to solve the problems of pollution in the Lake Maracaibo system, a partially mixed estuary, and specifically to draw up a master plan to control and manage its water quality. Separate analyses of organic and bacterial pollution were carried out, using a combination of modeling techniques. Mathematical models which simulated the essential phenomena of these two types of pollution were calibrated. The hydrological balance of the lake was used to define the range of runoff values to be used in the design of control measures. The pollution loads were estimated, the self-purification factors calibrated, a wide range of simulated situations were analyzed, and sets of control curves of organic and bacterial pollution were prepared. Among the more significant findings is a deoxygenation rate of 0.02 and a bacterial disappearance rate of 0.6 in the strait.

Water Quality Management—Have We Lost Sight of the Objective—

Abstract: Present water pollution control strategy has been under increasing attack. The trend is towards the reincorporation of receiving-water conditions into management decisions. But are the profession and the regulatory agencies prepared for this step? Have we focused too long on only the discharges? The writer stresses that we cannot simply return to how things were done before 1972, because the strategy was ineffective and because the needs have changed. The writer makes recommendations for: (1)The modification of receiving-water standards; (2)the improvement of water quality management planning; (3)the need to emphasize nonpoint pollution, which must involve change in many areas including local government capability, monitoring, dealing with policy conflicts, use of incentives, new tools, and relating nonpoint pollution control to natural resource management; and (4)the need to integrate our environmental objectives.