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Showing papers on "Nonpoint source pollution published in 1982"



Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, a nutrient flu assessment for phosphorus and nitrogen is conducted through an extensive literature review of nutrient export studies, and the coefficients are screened according to sampling design criteria and compiled according to land use.
Abstract: Lake and watershed management strategies and recent environmental legislation dictate that nonpoht nutrient sources associated with storm water runoff must be assessed. Accordingly, a nutrient flu assessment for phosphorus and nitrogen is conducted through an extensive literature review of nutrient export studies. These studies are reevaluated. The nutrient export coefficients are screened according to sampling design criteria and compiled according to land use. The ecological mechanisms within each land use influencing the magnitude of nutrient flux are also discussed

381 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: It was found that the distribution of 'sink' landscapes at the middle-lower reaches of the watersheds had close relationships with the changes of reservoir water quality, suggesting that 's sink' landscape pattern was of significance in the management of non-point pollution.
Abstract: In this paper, the relationships between landscape pattern and water quality at western reservoir area in Shenzhen City were studied with grey connection method, and the influences of source' and 'sink' landscape patterns on non-point pollution were probed. The results showed that the dominance, adjacency, and fragmentation of 'source' and 'sink' landscapes could markedly influence the water quality. From 2000 to 2001, due to the changes of the 'source' and 'sink' landscape patterns in research areas, the output of pollutants increased and the reduction of pollution decreased, resulting in the deterioration of water quality of three reservoirs. According to the spatial distribution of 'source' and 'sink' landscapes, it was found that the distribution of 'sink' landscapes at the middle-lower reaches of the watersheds had close relationships with the changes of reservoir water quality, suggesting that 'sink' landscape pattern was of significance in the management of non-point pollution.

160 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: E.Escherichia coli concentrations of bottom sediment and overlying water were determined from a variety of streams in southwestern Idaho by a one-step most probable number technique, suggesting microbial analysis of bottom sediments be considered a part of water-quality evaluations for rangeland streams.
Abstract: Escherichia coli concentrations of bottom sediment and overlying water were determined from a variety of streams in southwestern Idaho by a one-step most probable number technique. Results show E. coli concentrations of bottom sediments to be from 2 to 760 times greater than from the overlying water. E. coliconcentrations of bottom sediment were found to be resuspended following disturbance simulation and a rainstorm event, contributing to pollution of the overlying waters. It is, therefore, suggested that microbial analysis of bottom sediments be considered a part of water-quality evaluations for rangeland streams. During the past decade, Federal legislative action has brought attention to sources of nonpoint pollution related to livestock grazing on public lands. Collectively, the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, the Federal Water Pollution Control Act Amendments of 1972, and the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 have specified the need to establish criteria for identifying pollution sources and to improve environmental quality of streams through improved management. To achieve the goals set forth in these acts, many research programs have been initiated to identify and document pollution sources. One of the findings has been the implication that livestock grazing on western rangeland watersheds is a source of bacterial pollution of streams (Darling and Coltharp 1973; Doty and Hookano 1974; Buckhouse and Gifford 1976; Skinner et al. 1974; Authors are geologist, USDA ARS, 1175 South Orchard, Suite 116, Boise, Idaho 83705; and associate professor of microbiology, Boise State University, 1910 University Drive, Boise, Idaho 83725, respectively. This research is a contribution from the Northwest Watershed Research Center, Agricultural Research Service, U.S. Dep. Agr.; and Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Dep. Interior; in cooperation with the Agricultural Experiment Station, University of Idaho, Moscow 83843. The authors gratefully acknowledge the efforts of James Harris and Rebecca O'Brien, biological technicians, for their laboratory and field assistance during the course of this study. Manuscript received May 27, 1980. Stephenson and Street 1978). Researchers have had difficulty, however, explaining variations in bacterial indicators occurring in many of the studies (Buckhouse and Gifford 1976; Darling and Coltharp 1973; Kunkle 1970; Skinner et al. 1974; Stephenson and Street 1978). These variations can be characterized by two questions: (1) why do fecal coliform counts remain relatively high in some streams after livestock have been removed from the area, and (2) what is the source of sudden fecal coliform increases in stream runoff from rainstorms or snowmelt? Wildlife have been suggested as the source in question one (Fair and Morrison 1967; Stuart et al. 1971; Walter and Bottman 1967; Doran and Linn 1979), while for question two, Stephenson and Street (1978) suggest that fecal coliforms remain in soil and adjacent streambanks to be flushed into the streams during subsequent runoff. In an attempt to more fully answer the above questions, we began a study in 1979 on southwestern Idaho rangeland, utilizing eight sampling sites on six separate shallow stream segments within varying land-use practices. Our objective was to evaluate stream bottom sediments as a possible reservoir of bacterial pollutants available to overlying surface waters via resuspension. In previous work relating possible bacterial pollutants to stream bottom sediment, none of the studies have dealt with rangeland environments. In a study of the Greenwater River Watershed in Washington, Varness et al. (1978) found that concentrations of fecal coliforms increased dramatically during periods of human use. Since rainfall and surface runoff were minimal, they suggested that fecal coliforms might be surviving in sediments. Matson et al. (1978) found mean fecal coliform counts in sediment to be 2,500 times greater than in the overlying water, upstream of a sewage treatment plant on the Shetucket River in northeastern Connecticut. Downstream of the treatment plant effluent discharge site, the fecal coliform counts for the sediment JOURNAL OF RANGE MANAGEMENT 35(1), January 1982 119 This content downloaded from 207.46.13.33 on Sun, 20 Nov 2016 04:17:32 UTC All use subject to http://about.jstor.org/terms Boise P?j 2 ~~Idaho City

101 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
01 Apr 1982-Ecology

79 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors evaluated the use of cows with calves and by yearlings on the remaining portion of the riparian and upland zones during the summer grazing season and found that cows were more selective in use of certain plant communities than yearlings.
Abstract: Fencing has been proposed as the best alternative for rapid restoration of streamside riparian zones. In this study the major portion of the streamside riparian zone was excluded by fencing. Use by cows with calves and by yearlings was evaluated on the remaining portion of the riparian and upland zones during the summer grazing season. Regardless of aspect, both classes of livestock generally selected the riparian zone over the uplands throughout most of the summer grazing season. Both classes of livestock reversed their selection in favor of upland vegetation in the latter part of the season. Slopes less than 35% were preferred throughout the grazing season. Cows were more selective in use of certain plant communities than yearlings and, contrary to usual findings, distributed themselves over the range better than yearlings. Neither salt placement nor alternate water location away from the riparian zone influenced livestock distribution appreciably. Throughout the Pacific Northwest, riparian zones make up a small part of the total land base, yet receive a disproportionately large part of the resource in forest use (Thomas et al. 1979). Due to the favorable moisture, riparian zones surpass other habitats in terms of productivity and use. Recreation, timber harvest, road and railroad construction, and grazing by both wildlife and domestic livestock have a dramatic impact on this highly productive zone. Land managers are under pressure to improve water quality and maintain or enhance anadromous fisheries. The Federal Water Pollution Control Act (1972) requires that by 1983, all waters on public lands will be suitable for recreation and propagation of fish, shellfish, and wildlife; and the elimination of pollutant discharge into navigable water will be required by 1985. The 1972 Act also stipulates that the Environmental Protection Agency will be responsible for monitoring sources of point and non-point pollution. All animals on open ranges are a potential source of nonpoint pollution. The literature of range management is essentially devoid of information specific to the management of riparian zones. The impacts associated with livestock grazing in the riparian zone have become a subject of controversy in recent years (Carothers 1977). Potential solutions to preconceived problems are only now being formulated and tested. Cattle (Bos faurus) prefer the diversity, quality, and succulence of vegetation found in riparian zones (Ames 1977). The relationship between the microclimate of an area and cattle use is not well documented. The common solution has been to fence livestock out of the riparian zone. This approach is expensive, both in terms offencing costs and loss of forage. Other less drastic approaches, if successful, would be preferred. This study is part of a larger effort to accumulate information essential to development of livestock grazing systems that could protect riparian vegetation from overuse by cattle. Author is wildlife biologist, U.S. Dep. Agr. Forest Service, Pacific Northwest Forest and Range Exp. Sta., Range and Wildlife Habitat Laboratory, Route 2, Box 2315, La Grande, Ore. 97850. 760 The objectives of this study were to: 1. Determine differences in use patterns of yearling cattle and of cows with calves in pastures containing both riparian and upland mountain range plant communities, 2. Evaluate behavioral responses of cattle that are excluded from the riparian zone by fencing, 3. Determine differences in use between yearlings and cow-calf pairs between cover types on north and south aspects, and 4. Determine differences in 1,2, and 3 above due to the periods within the grazing season (time periods 1, II, and III).

78 citations



Journal Article
TL;DR: In this article, a distributed parameter model, ANSWERS (Areal Nonpoint Source Watershed Environment Response Simulation), was used to estimate sediment yields in a 714-hectare (1,765-acre) agricultural watershed in Indiana.
Abstract: Accurate, comprehensive watershed models are among the most effective tools available to planners and researchers in water resources and water quality. Of the two basic types of models, the distributed parameter model has the potential for greater accuracy and output in estimating sediment yields than the lumped parameter model. One distributed parameter model, ANSWERS (Areal Nonpoint Source Watershed Environment Response Simulation), illustrates this potential in its applicaton to a 714-hectare (1,765-acre) agricultural watershed in Indiana, which was subjected to an actual precipitation event and treated with several alternative management schemes.

40 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, an intensive investigation of point source and non-point source inputs of nutrients was conducted in one of the eutrophic rivers, the Chowan River, and automated water quality samplers were utilized to record nutrient levels in stormflow and baseflow from several small agricultural watershed in the basin.
Abstract: Tidally influenced reaches of several coastal rivers in eastern North Carolina are suffering from very serious water quality problems — massive surface blooms of noxious blue-green algae, major fish kills from anoxic water, epidemics of red sore disease among fish, fresh water intrusion into estuarine waters, and declining commercial and sports fisheries. An intensive investigation of point source and nonpoint source inputs of nutrients was conducted in one of the eutrophic rivers, the Chowan River. Nonpoint source loading dominated the estimated annual flu of nutrients from the river basin. Automated water quality samplers were utilized to record nutrient levels in stormflow and baseflow from several small agricultural watershed in the basin. Levels of nitrate nitrogen and total phosphorus were from five to 40 times greater in these agricultural watersheds than levels in mostly forested watersheds. Existing water quality data in these eutrophic river basins implicate agricultural activities – particularly animal operations and cropland in watersheds with extensive drainage improvements – as the major contributing factor to the water quality problems.

38 citations




Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The U.S. Congress, by passing the Federal Water Pollution Control Act Amendments of 1972 (P. L. 92-500), has demonstrated the need for improvements in water quality as discussed by the authors.
Abstract: Achieving water quality goals will necessitate adoption of best management practices (BMP's) by some or all farmers. Water quality is expected to improve as farmers adopt BMP's such as conservation cropping systems, structural measures, and conservation tillage methods. Currently, there is an absence of pollution abatement incentives strong enough to induce farmers to abate sediment, nutrients, and pesticides to desirable social levels. Although a specific socially optimal level of pollutants may be difficult (or impossible) to quantify, the U.S. Congress, by passing the Federal Water Pollution Control Act Amendments of 1972 (P. L. 92-500), has demonstrated the need for improvements in water quality.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: For example, this paper found that barnyards in a dairying watershed are potentially a major source of sediment and nutrients, especially those dissolved fractions which have the potential for immediate water quality impacts.
Abstract: Loading rates derived from monitoring natural runoff from selected land uses are compared. Land uses selected for evaluation are construction sites, barnyards, and agriculture (dairying). Runoff volumes, sediment, and nutrient fractions were monitored and expressed as areal loadings for comparison purposes. Sediment yield and total phosphorus (total P) loss was directly proportional to runoff (m3/ha). In decreasing order, the loadings for sediment and total P were as follows: construction site > barnyard > general dairying. Runoff from the barnyard area was approximately 10 times higher in soluble phosphorus and ammonium nitrogen than the other land uses under investigation. Areal loss for nitrate nitrogen was highest from the construction site and was attributed to the higher volume of runoff per unit area. Results show that barnyards in a dairying watershed are potentially a major source of sediment and nutrients, especially those dissolved fractions which have the potential for immediate water quality impacts. Relative to general agricultural land, urban construction sites also appear to be a major source of sediment and nutrients. As with barnyard sites, however, the effect of such sites on water quality likely depends on proximity to surface water bodies and other watershed characteristics affecting delivery ratios of contaminants.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service initiated a national project to develop a hierarchy of systems for evaluating nonpoint source pollution to meet the planning needs of PL 92-500, Section 208 as discussed by the authors.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, atmospheric pollution deposits, largely consisting of soot, were removed from sycamore leaves growing downwind of a coking plant, and added to soil.
Abstract: Atmospheric pollution deposits, largely consisting of soot, were removed from sycamore leaves growing downwind of a coking plant, and added to soil. Increases in plant available S-ions (S2O32−; S4O62− and SO42−) and N (NH4+ and NO3−) occurred due to the action of soil microorganisms on the deposits. Although the detrimental effects of air pollution on plant growth have been previously emphasised, supply of nutrients resulting from the microbial transformation of particulate pollutants may prove important to the growth of pollution-resistant plant communities.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, the control of nutrient loading into a water body is approached from a multiobjective viewpoint, where the objective is to minimize P loading, while the objective of watershed management is to maximize agricultural revenue, and a discrete set of alternative control methods consisting in controlling a mix of the following elements: point sources, runoff, fertilizer type and application, cropping management, erosion, and sedimentation.
Abstract: The control of nutrient loading into a water body is approached from a multiobjective viewpoint. The example of phosphorus (P) loading into Lake Balaton, Hungary, is used as a case study. The element P is chosen because it appears to be the limiting factor of eutrophication in the lake considered, as in many other lakes. About one-half of P loading originates from nonpoint sources; furthermore, the mechanism is poorly known and only few observation data are available. The objective of eutrophication control is to minimize P loading, while the objective of watershed management is to maximize agricultural revenue. These two objectives often appear to be in conflict. A discrete set of alternative control methods is defined, consisting in controlling a mix of the following elements: point sources, runoff, fertilizer type and application, cropping management, erosion, and sedimentation. The system dynamics is provided by a previously developed stochastic model, whose output is an empirical prohability density function (pdf) of P-loading reflecting the control policy. A compromise solution of “satisfactum” can then be chosen as a mix of the best ranked policies.

Journal Article
TL;DR: In this article, the authors used the ANSWERS (Areal Nonpoint Source Watershed Environment Response Simulation) model for a study of solutions to runoff and erosion problems associated with construction activities.
Abstract: ANSWERS (Areal Nonpoint Source Watershed Environment Response Simulation), a model used primarily to assess the impacts of alternative management schemes on agricultural land, was selected for a study of solutions to runoff and erosion problems associated with construction activities. Several management alternatives, using both conventional and unconventional runoff and sediment control practices, were evaluated. These were compared to each other and to preconstruction responses of the watershed using a design storm concept. Some typical construction practices that left the soil in an exposed, disturbed state resulted in sediment yields exceeding those under the area9s original row-crop configuration. None of the management alternatives considered erosion from spoil piles or active gully head cuts. Other practices, such as seeding exposed areas and graveling roadbeds and exposing as little soil as possible, resulted in much smaller soil losses. Such structural measures as sediment basins and diversions produced variable sediment yields. These results, while preliminary, point out the applicability of ANSWERS in construction site planning. They agree with the meager data collected to date on sediment yield at construction sites.


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The engineering approaches to con­ trolling the microbial agents of water-borne diseases and the chemicals that have been actually or potentially implicated in producing human illness through the water route are discussed.
Abstract: This paper describes the public health hazards associated with the use of water and the protection provided by engineering control of such hazards. It presents first the problems of drinking water supply, and then those of wastewater management. It discusses the engineering approaches to con­ trolling the microbial agents of water-borne diseases and the chemicals that have been actually or potentially implicated in producing human illness through the water route. It focuses on chemical contaminants of industrial origin; on trihalomethanes, which result from the reaction of chlorine and natural humic substances; and on inorganic compounds of special health interest. The future role of dual water supplies in communities is consid­ ered. The paper describes the sharply increasing concern with deteriorating quality of groundwater sources. The following major components of a wastewater management program are described in some detail: water qUality objectives, wastewater treatment, and water quality surveillance. The paper discusses the effects of disposing of wastewaters by application on land. It examines the problems of com­ bined sewer overfl ows and nonpoint pollution, the latter having emerged as a perhaps more frustrating and, from a public health point of view, more significant problem than the point source of pollution. Finally, the paper describes the important problem of wastewater residuals management, namely, control of sludges and industrial waste liquor concentrates.

Journal Article
TL;DR: The Federal Water Pollution Control Acts Amendments of 1972 and the Soil and Water Resources Conservation Act of 1977 (P.L. 95-192) have focused considerable attention on agriculture and forestry in the United States as discussed by the authors.
Abstract: THE Federal Water Pollution Control Acts Amendments of 1972 (P.L. 92–500) and the Soil and Water Resources Conservation Act of 1977 (P.L. 95–192) have focused considerable attention on agriculture and forestry in the United States. Both statutes are rather specific in their goals and objectives. They should complement one another. But there are differences in the two laws that appear to be in conflict. Management practices are applied on farm fields for resource conservation, while nonpoint-source pollution control is often carried out on a much larger scale at some point in a major stream system. Inconsistencies result between soil and water resource conservation practices and nonpoint pollution control practices. The approach to pollution control Nonpoint sources of pollution are diffuse sources, such as agricultural land and forest land. Point sources of pollution discharge from pipes. Pollutants, of course, include any constituents that degrade water quality, such as sediment, plant nutrients, and pesticides. P.L. 92-500 did not specify …

01 Jan 1982
TL;DR: In this article, the authors conducted a survey on conservation practices in the field of agriculture and found that the majority of farmers with erosion problems used buffer strips and tree windbreaks to protect buffer strips.
Abstract: iv 1.0 Background 1 2.0 Study Goal 3 2.1 Study Objectives 3 3.0 Significance of the Study 4 4.0 Study Methodology 5 4.1 Study Area 5 4.2 Survey # 1: Farm Interviews -Conservation Practices In Place 5 4.3 Survey # 2: Farm Interviews -Farmers With Erosion Problems 7 4.4 Survey # 3: Random Mail-out Survey 7 4.5 Assessment of Perceptions and Attitudes of Professionals 9 5.0 Findings 10 5.1 Survey # 1: Farm Interviews -Conservation Practices In Place 10 5.1.1 Sod-based Crop Rotation 10 5.1.2 Conservation Tillage 11 5.1.3 Buffer Strips 15 5.1.4 Grassed Waterways 16 5.1.5 Tree Windbreaks 18 5.1.6 Controlled Livestock Access 19 5.1.7 Drain Protection 20 Table of

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors interviewed farmers from a small watershed in northeastern Indiana and found that over 60 percent of them indicated that the federal government should play an important role, in terms of both technical and financial assistance.
Abstract: Concern over the pollution of our lakes and streams has become a major issue in the United States. Sedimentation from sigricultural lands has been identified as a significant factor in water pollution. Some citizens suggest that government should force compliance with soil loss standards, while others suggest that we ask farmers to voluntarily comply. Related questions are “DO farmers think government should be involved in controlling erosion and protecting water quality?”“To what extent should government be involved?” What level of government should be involved? Federal? State? Local?“Why should pay for water quality projects?” Farmers from a small watershed in northeastern Indiana were interviewed before and after a major demonstration project. Their responses suggest that farmers feel that individual landowners should be responsible for controlling erosion and agricultural nonpoint source water pollution. However, over 60 percent of the study fanners indicated that the federal government should play an important role, in terms of both technical and financial assistance.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Both taxa richness and total numbers were reduced below the orchards, particularly during two pesticide application periods, and several taxa were especially susceptible to apple orchard runoff.
Abstract: As part of a statewide evaluation of the impact of nonpoint sources of water pollution (relevant to Section 208 of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act Amendments of 1972), a study was conducted to determine the effects of surface runoff from apple orchards. It was conducted by the Biological Monitoring Group of the North Carolina Division of Environmental Management using aquatic macroinvertebrates as assessment organisms. Both taxa richness and total numbers were reduced below the orchards, particularly during two pesticide application periods. Results indicate chronically severe stress conditions at the most downstream site and periodic stress, followed by recovery, at an upstream site. Several taxa were especially susceptible to apple orchard runoff, includingEpeorus (Iron) sp. and all Plecoptera.


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The history of the Milwaukee water pollution abatement program is examined as a case study to investigate the costs of conflicting environmental policy as mentioned in this paper, which will help preclude the type of environmental policy conflict which has been found to be so costly to Milwaukee.
Abstract: The history of the Milwaukee water pollution abatement program is examined as a case study to investigate the costs of conflicting environmental policy. The recent U.S. Supreme Court decision concerning the Milwaukee case is described as a milestone in U.S. water pollution abatement policy which will help preclude the type of environmental policy conflict which has been found to be so costly to Milwaukee. The implications to U.S. water pollution abatement policy of the 13-year history of conflict in Milwaukee are presented.

Posted Content
TL;DR: In this article, the authors examined the relationship between the agricultural sector's contribution to soil erosion and the process of environmental degradation and compared the economic "solution" to the resulting externality problem.
Abstract: Agricultural land is one of the most important natural resources of the nation. However, this same resource, transported by wind and water, has been identified as one of the major sources of nonpoint source pollution. This paper examines the relationship between the agricultural sector's contribution to soil erosion and the process of environmental degradation. The economic "solution" to the resulting externality problem is discussed and contrasted with existing nonpoint source pollution abatement policies which rely on individual investment in best management practices. Minimum tillage is identified as a best management practice which also appears to be a profitable investment decision for farmers. Minimum tillage is evaluated on its merits as an investment from the farmer's perspective and for its contribution to nonpoint source pollution abatement.


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, the ANSWERS water quality model is used to describe and understand the complex processes of non-point source hydrology and pollution production in the Black Creek watershed in northeastern Indiana.
Abstract: AN increased emphasis on obtaining and preserving our nation's water quality has led to the need for in-novative and accute methods of assessing and treating nonpoint source water quality problems. The Agricul-tural Engineering Department at Purdue University has been working on the problem of quantifying and treating nonpoint source water quality problems, in conjunction with several local, state and national agencies, since 1972. Water quality problems and their solutions cannot be fully described and understood from monitoring studies alone, due to the spatial and temporal nature of the pro-blem. On the other hand, unverified or unvalidated simulation studies are just as questionable. A methodology is presented which uses both monitoring and modeling information to describe and understand the complex processes of nonpoint source hydrology and pollution production. Examples of the use of the ANSWERS watersehd model in both planning and evaluation applications are provided. The planning example examines a primarily agricultural watershed of approximately 1964 ha both before and after application of several different manage-ment schemes. Selection criteria based both on sediment yield reduction and cost/benefit ratios are presented. The evaluation example utilizes the entire Black Creek watershed in northeastern Indiana in showing the im-pacts of incorporating several types of Best Management Practices (BMPs) throughout the watershed from 1975 to 1978. Spatial as well as temporal changes are noted.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In the Upper Potomac River Estuary, the degree to which additionally strict point source controls are needed is the subject of current investigations by Washington, D.C. metropolitan area local jurisdictions as discussed by the authors.
Abstract: While an ambitious point source control program has yielded measurable improvements in water quality of the Upper Potomac River Estuary, the degree to which additionally strict point source controls are needed is the subject of current investigations by Washington, D.C. metropolitan area local jurisdictions. Indications are strong that eutrophication trends and periodic events of low dissolved oxygen will continue in the Estuary despite public expenditures for advanced wastewater treatment. Contributing to poor water quality conditions are significant uncontrolled loadings of oxygen demanding material and nutrients estimated to come from natural sources, unregulated agricultural activities, urban stormwater and other nonpoint pollution sources generated locally and upstream of the Washington region. Area jurisdictions are beginning to reappraise the region’s water quality control program with the intent of developing a more comprehensive program that considers pollutant loadings from all sources. Investigations will involve an assessment of the costs of achieving desired water quality levels, and a study of possible mixes of point source, nonpoint source and combined sewer overflow controls. Studies will involve use of refined prediction models of the Estuary which employ new information on the magnitude and fluctuation of pollution loadings.

01 Jan 1982
TL;DR: In this paper, a pair of privately owned farms in the piedmont of Wake County were studied during 1982 and the experimental farm produces swine and utilizes a variety of BMPs ranging from no-till to land application of swine waste.
Abstract: The reduction of agricultural nonpoint source (NPS) pollution is essential to protect the quality of North Carolina's water resources. In order to reduce these pollutants, increased implementation of Best Management Practices (BMPs) by individual producers is being proposed. Recommended BMPs include soil and water conservation practices, fertilizer and animal waste management and integrated pest management. However, little quantifiable data exists on BMP system effectiveness in reducing NPS losses or on any associated economic benefits. In order to obtain such information, a pair of privately owned farms in the piedmont of Wake County were studied during 1982. One farm was used as a control, with no BMPs being used except soil testing. The experimental farm produces swine and utilizes a variety of BMPs ranging from no-till to land application of swine waste. During 1982, the loss of water, sediment and nutrients from each farm was measured. Results show water yield to be 50% lower, sediment yield 99% lower, and total nitrogen and total phosphorus yield to be 80% lower on a per acre basis from the experimental farm compared to the control farm. With specific data available on BMP effectiveness, it is hoped that producer BMP implementation will increase across North Carolina.