Showing papers on "Nonpoint source pollution published in 1986"

The Relative Efficiency of Agricultural Source Water Pollution Control Policies

Abstract: This paper examines the relative expected efficiency of four general strategies which have been proposed for achieving agricultural nonpoint pollution abatement. Emphasis is placed on the implications of differential information about the costs of changes in farm management practices, the impracticality of accurate direct monitoring, and the stochastic nature of nonpoint pollution. The possibility of using hydrological models to reduce, but not eliminate, the uncertainty about the magnitude of nonpoint loadings is incorporated into the analysis. The principal result is that appropriately specified management practice incentives should generally outperform estimated runoff standards, estimated runoff incentives, and management practice standards for reducing agricultural nonpoint pollution.

Characterization and Modeling of Chemical Transfer to Runoff

Abstract: The release and migration of nutrients, pesticides, and other chemicals from agricultural lands is both an economic loss and a threat to the quality of our surface and ground waters. This problem was recognized more than two decades ago, and a large number of investigations on the subject have taken place since the early 1970s. In the United States, the research has been stimulated by the Federal Water Pollution Control Act Amendments of 1972 (PL 92-500), which specify that the Administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency shall, in cooperation with State and other Federal agencies, provide guidelines for identifying and evaluating the nature and extent of nonpoint sources of pollution.

Pollutional Aspects of Urban Runoff

Abstract: It is widely recognised that surface waters in urbanised areas are water quality limited and that secondary treatment of dry weather flows is insufficient to improve receiving water quality or to achieve and maintain long term quality objectives. The impact of urban runoff is perceived by many at the local municipal or borough level as limiting and impairing the full and beneficial uses of receiving waters in urban environments. Existing sewer design, operation and management singularly fails to embrace or adequately incorporate the quality dimension and the water industry in both Europe and America has been slow to undertake post-project appraisal in terms of evaluations of storm sewer performance. This is despite the accepted fact that, for example, some 35% of the total annual pollutant levels discharged to receiving waters in the U.K. comes from combined or storm sewer overflows which only operate some 2–3% of the time. It is also a fact that total effluent discharges represent a very significant proportion of most urban river flows (1). A recent US Environmental Protection Agency report (2) stated that urban nonpoint source water quality problems affect some 20% of the nation’s river mileage whilst Heaney and Huber (3) have indicated that 36% of 248 urbanised areas in the US suffer priority runoff problems.

Pollutants associated with sand and salt applied to roads in minnesota

Abstract: The component of snowmelt pollutant washoff due to sand and salt application to roadways in Minnesota is simulated. Laboratory methods are used to extract various pollutants from sand-salt mixtures commonly used in the Minneapolis-St. Paul Metropolitan Area of Minnesota for keeping winter road conditions safe. Values derived in the laboratory are compared with actual snowmelt runoff values to estimate the contribution of materials application. High concentrations of solids, phosphorus, lead and zinc in snowmelt from road surfaces axe due in part to sand and salt spread to improve winter driving conditions. The source of the sand and salt appears to be influential in determining the pollutant levels. Judicious use and careful application of materials can reduce the increment of pollution due to anti-skid sand and salt applied to road surfaces.

The Integration of Farm Programs for Achieving Soil Conservation and Nonpoint Pollution Control Objectives

Abstract: Trust and communication barriers have contributed significantly to the lethargic performance of many point-nonpoint source water quality trading programs-farmers are often reluctant to participate despite direct financial incentives-yet the literature ...

Nonpoint-source pollution: Are cropland controls the answer?

Abstract: EFFORTS to improve the quality of surface waters in the United States have brought about a large number of state and federal regulations. Most of these regulations are directed at point sources of pollution, such as factories and municipal waste treatment plants. But now pollution from nonpoint sources is gaining the attention it deserves. These sources often account for the vast majority of waste discharges. Sediment, sediment-related pollutants, and runoff from agricultural land, including cropland, rangeland, and forests, are the principal sources of nonpoint pollution. Soil erosion on cropland is a particularly important source of sediment and related pollutants. Because measures to reduce soil erosion typically reduce runoff also, nonpoint pollution policy has concentrated heavily on control of cropland erosion. This approach is evident in the conservation reserve provision of the 1985 farm bill. Resources for the Future has developed a data base and modeling system that can assist in the design of nonpoint agricultural pollution control policy at the national level. The system permits simulations of alternative national policy approaches directed, if desired, at a variety of pollutants and geographical locations. In addition, the system accounts for the effects of point-source pollutants, thus permitting analyses of policies …

A Review of Hydrologic and Water Quality Models Used for Simulation of Agricultural Pollution

Abstract: Nonpoint source simulation programs are part of a category of loading models which describe primarily formation of runoff and generation of pollutants from a source area They can be divided into continuous simulation models or event oriented models They also can be based on the distribution parameter or lumped parameter concept In scope, they range from small field size application models to mostly deterministic, process-oriented, large watershed models The available models range from simple application of the long term form of the Universal Soil Loss Equation, to medium complexity models that use a simple hydrological component, to multiple parameter-multicomponent models requiring a large computer memory and considerable amount of field data for calibration Models have been developed to simulate hydrology, erosion and sediment process, nutrient (fertilizer) losses, and transport of organic chemicals from agricultural watersheds From a large number of models that have been developed in the United States in the last ten years, this paper focuses on those that are in practical use and/or have been used by practitioners for managing nonpoint pollution from agricultural operations

Urban Runoff Quality: Impact and Quality Enhancement Technology

Abstract: This book contains the papers presented at the Engineering Foundation Conference, Urban Runoff Quality, held June 22-27, 1986 in Henniker, New Hampshire. Topics covered include data needs and collection technology, pollution sources and potential impacts on receiving waters, institutional issues, effectiveness of best management practices, detention, retention, and wetlands. A workshop on research and future activities needs is summarized. Three supplemental papers on urban runoff quality not presented at the conference are also included.

Some effects of grazing on soil and water in the eastern forest

Abstract: Conservationists continue to decry grazing in the eastern forest, now only one-seventh its 1930 extent, for its presumed ill effects on soil and water. Grazing damages trees and trampling compacts the soil, thereby reducing water infiltration and percolation rates. These hydrologic effects usually are innocuous because only severe trampling reduces infiltration and percolation below usual rates of rainfall intensity. Overland flow is little increased for that reason; it is prerequisite for delivering most soil and other pollut­ ants to streams, so water quality is little affected. Bacterial pollution rises when animals have access to streams, and declines soon after excluding them. The universal soil loss equation, predicated on ubiq­ uitous overland flow, is widely misused to predict erosion from grazed forest land where overland flow seldom occurs. Such misuse overstates soil loss, helping to perpetuate the notion that grazing unac­ ceptably worsens forest soil erosion and stream

Lognormality of Point and Non-Point Source Pollutant Concentrations

Abstract: This paper presents a series of probability plots of water quality data from a variety of discharge sources. It is intended to provide a visual display of the appropriateness of characterizing the variable pollutant concentrations by a log normal distribution. Representative examples of observed data that have been analyzed and plotted to test whether they can be treated as lognormally distributed random variables, are presented for data sets from the following applications: highway stormwater runoff; combined sewer overflows; urban runoff; point source discharges from POTW's; and agricultural runoff. Such examination suggests that a lognormal distribution either actually defines the underlying population of pollutant concentrations, or is at the least a satisfactory approximation for most environmental analyses.

Nutrient Loads to Wisconsin Lakes: Part II. Relative Importance of Nutrient Sources

Abstract: A comparison of municipal wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) and nonpoint source nutrient loads to Wisconsin's 14,927 inland lakes was performed. Only 65 of the 2,925 Wisconsin lakes having surface areas of at least eight ha and a maximum depth of at least 2.4 m had one or more WWTP's located within 40 km upstream; 99 of Wisconsin's 477 WWTP's were identified to be upstream of these 65 lakes. WWTP total nitrogen and total phosphorus loads to these 65 lakes were estimated using per capita influent loads and removal efficiencies based on wastewater treatment types. Nonpoint source nutrient loads were calculated utilizing nutrient export coefficients derived specifically for Wisconsin. Total nitrogen inputs to the lakes were dominated by nonpoint sources. The effectiveness of various phosphorus control programs to produce water quality improvements visible to the public was estimated to be as follows (going from most to least effective): municipal phosphorus removal and agricultural reductions, municipal phosphorus removal alone, agricultural reduction plus phosphate detergent ban, agricultural reductions alone, and phosphate detergent ban alone. The last option would not be expected to produce water quality improvement visible to the public in any Wisconsin lakes. The differences between the distributions in Wisconsin of population and inland lakes highlights the need to consider regional characteristics in any statewide water quality management plan.

Selection and Application of Models for Nonpoint Source Pollution and Resource Conservation

Abstract: Some guidelines are given for consideration in selecting a model for evaluating nonpoint source pollution and for resource conservation. An example application of the CREAMS model is presented to indicate how the model might be used to analyze pesticide losses in runoff and with sediment for two different soils with pesticides of different characteristics.

Cropland Sources of Water Pollution

Abstract: In recent years, there has been a growing perception that the original objectives of the Clean Water Act would not be realized until more attention was directed toward so-called nonpoint sources of water pollution. These sources included run-off from city streets, rangelands, pastures, forests, croplands, and stream-bank erosion. Water pollution from the erosion of croplands has been a concern of the EPA and the Department of Agriculture for several years. This paper discussed the problem of cropland erosion as a source of water pollution and the potential effectiveness of legislation drafted to control this problem.

Runoff Controls in Wisconsin's Priority Watersheds

Abstract: The Wisconsin nonpoint source program is becoming more heavily involved in urban runoff controls. About 3 million of state cost sharing money has already been allocated to controlling urban runoff in the three watershed plans containing urban elements. At least 10 to 15 million of state money will be used in Milwaukee projects. The development of efficient urban inventory and analysis procedures has become a high priority item in the nonpoint source program. Extensive use of previous urban runoff research results, the development of a source oriented urban runoff model, and monitoring special urban runoff control demonstration projects have all been recently used in the nonpoint source program. Actual watershed assessment monitoring activities will also be used.

UTILIZATION OF WETLANDS AS BMPs FOR THE REDUCTION OF NITROGEN AND PHOSPHORUS IN AGRICULTURAL RUNOFF FROM SOUTH FLORIDA WATERSHEDS

Abstract: As part of an overall strategy to evaluate the impacts of river channelization, the Florida legislature funded a three-year demonstration project. Five sites were studied to determine the efficiency and effectiveness of natural and recreated wetlands to reduce nutrient loads in nonpoint source runoff from agricultural lands. The land uses ranged from native range to highly improved pasture and supported cattle populations of various densities, from 1 animal per 20 acres to over 1.5 animals per acre. Typical nutrient loads in nonpoint source runoff from these lands were determined. The abilities of the wetlands to remove nutrients were mixed. Dissolved inorganic forms of nitrogen and phosphorus were consistently actively taken up while particulate-bound forms (mostly organics) were exported in amounts comparable to those measured in the inflows.

Regional BMP Master Plans

Abstract: This paper summarizes some important considerations and procedures for developing comprehensive nonpoint pollution management plans relying upon regional facilities. The advantages and disadvantages of piecemeal and comprehensive approaches to nonpoint pollution management are discussed. Procedures for developing a comprehensive regional BMP master plan are outlined.

Indice de qualité de l'eau pour détecter l'impact de la pollution diffuse urbaine

Abstract: This study fits into the scheme of research work being carried out to control stormwater rejects. Its main objective is to represent, with the help of a water quality index, the deterioration of the quality of the Saint-Charles River, caused by the combined sewer overflows of Quebec City, Canada, during a rainstorm. The proposed quality index has been applied to evaluate the recreational use of the river.The overall results obtained in the case of a 20 mm rain show index values that characterize a water of poor quality. Moreover, within the region of the combined sewer overflow, a minimum delay of 24 h is necessary to allow the water quality of the Saint-Charles River to return to the level where it was at the dry period, which generally has a value less than the critical value for recreative use. Key words: water quality index, urban runoff, water pollution, nonpoint source of pollution, water quality, water use, environmental impact, pollution control.

Runoff and Receiving Water Models for NPS Discharge into the Venice Lagoon

Abstract: The paper deals with selection and application of runoff and receiving water models for nonpoint source pollution (NPSP) of the Venice Lagoon (Italy). Annual average nutrient loadings (either in dissolved or solid-phase form) are recognized together with source areas and spatial location of delivery. Novel theoretical grounds for mathematical modeling aimed at simulation of water quality within the Lagoon are presented. The approach, which focuses on long-term NPS impacts, yields a critical discussion concerning the features of NPSP models suitable to comprehensive simulations. The models consist of multiple-box mass balances of water and pollutants at nonconstant flow rates portraying the tidal hydraulic behavior of the water body. Spectral analyses of calculated and measured tidal elevation data have been performed and comparison of the hydraulic regime of the proposed model with transfer functions of static models (successfully used to evaluate water volumes exchanged by the sea with lagoon) is carried out. The nonnegligible effects of propagation are also discussed and modeled. The chemical behavior of the storages in Lagoon is assimilated to that of a continuous stirred tank reactor. Sample runs of the model for pollutant propagation throucfi the multiple-box net are also presented. Limits and validity of the modeling approaches, a review of noteworthy references and comparison with features of analogous models available in the literature are discussed.

State and Federal Land Use Regulation: An Application to Groundwater and Nonpoint Source Pollution Control

Abstract: Groundwater contamination and nonpoint source pollution of ground and surface waters are two of the most significant environmental problems of the 1980's.1 Although largely ignored in existing water pollution legislation, federal' and state3 attention to these problems has increased substantially in recent years. Nevertheless, because both types of pollution are intimately related to land use, Congress and state governments are reluctant to regulate them: Land use is commonly considered a purely local concern. This Note argues that this reluctance is no longer justified. In recent years, many states have recognized the inadequacies of local land use regulation, particularly in the environmental context. Local underregulation, by encouraging or tolerating harmful land uses, has adverse regional environmental consequences. Moreover, it may cause regional economic harm

Nonpoint-source pollution control: The USDA position

Abstract: NONPOINT-SOURCE pollution is among the nation's most serious natural resource problems. In 6 of the 10 Environmental Protection Agency regions nonpoint sources are the main cause of water pollution. In almost every state nonpoint sources contribute to impaired water quality. Some of these problems, but not all of them, can be layed at agriculture's door. Nearly two-thirds of the nation's nonfederal land is cropland or grazing land. Some five billion tons of soil erode on this land each year. Farmers use more than 20 million nutrient tons of commercial fertilizer annually. The active ingredients in pesticides used on major field crops come to around 500 million pounds each year. Some 60 million acres are irrigated. There are more than 100 million cattle, over 50 million hogs and pigs, and other livestock on open land or in confinement. Some of these activities are a potential threat to the quality of the environment. Fortunately, only a fraction of the po-tential degradation occurs. Unfortunately, because of the scale of American agriculture, that fraction causes real problems. The agricultural community is working hard to correct these problems. A policy position The U.S. Department of …

Impacts of Urban Runoff on Estuarine Ecosystems

Abstract: This paper first attempts to characterize the types of pollutants which could be expected to enter an estuary from urban runoff. Then, based on existing knowledge of the impacts of various types of pollutants on estuarine organisms and ecosystems, speculations are made concerning the potential impact of urban runoff on estuaries. Finally, some of the critical research questions which must be addressed in order to ameliorate the impacts of urban runoff are discussed.

Potential Impacts on Receiving Waters

Abstract: As a discrete source of water-borne pollutants that are discharged to receiving waters, urban stormwater runoff can be and has been in specific instances a source of water quality problems. Insight into where urban runoff fits among the sources of water pollution and potential water quality impacts that may result from urban runoff, as well as reactions to some of the scientific and regulatory implications that may well face the management of urban runoff in the future, are discussed in relation to experience with other programs aimed at controlling water pollution.

Consideration of modeling for runoff pollutant loads of storm drain in separate sewer system

Abstract: Various pollutants which caused by human activities are accumulated in our environment, and the accumulated pollution loads have a great amount of potential for the water pollution. These pollution loads are flushed out by rainfall through a road surface and gutters etc., and directly flowed into the receiving water. For this reason, the pollution loads in receiving water are increasing. For the purpose of reducing these non-point pollution loads, we must survery the characteristics of runoff loads from these pollution sources. In this paper, we derived the model for runoff loads of storm drain which is one of non-point pollution sources. And we applied these models to six drainage areas where separate sewer system are provided. From these examinations, it becomes clear that our model represents these runoff patterns and characteristics properly and it is useful for preliminary surveying of runoff loads.

A GIS to Predict Non-Point Source Pollution Potential

Abstract: The non-point pollution potential of agricultural lands was analyzed using a geographic, computer based system Bacterial pollution received special emphasis The system accepts digitally mapped information on soil type, topography, and land use; calculates characteristics such as slope, and slope length; and relates these characteristics to soils and land use parameters in order to produce three dimensional maps of runoff potential, sediment pollution potential, and bacterial pollution potential

Basin Response to Detergent-Phosphorus Control in Southern Ontario

Abstract: The role of phosphorus in the cultural eutrophication of the lower Great Lakes has been the subject of intensive study and regulative action. Phosphorus reduction has been carried out primarily by reduction of phosphorus in domestic laundry detergent and by removal in sewage handling facilities. Consequently, reductions of phosphorus in point source drainage systems are commonly cited as 40–60%. The response of in-stream processes in whole drainage basins is less well known. River- mouth data for the period 1969–1974, for 78 point and nonpoint source drainage systems in southern Ontario, permit an evaluation of basin response to phased reduction in detergent phosphorus and to imposition of a 1 mg·l−1 sewage effluent standard. It was postulated that diffuse source systems, which should reflect naturally occurring concentration/dilution effects, would provide an index against which to evaluate point source system response. However, phosphorus in nonpoint source drainage also underwent substantial reduction of up to 65% and 73% for total and soluble forms, respectively. Several alternative analytical procedures support the conclusion that reductions of phosphorus in detergent in Ontario has had a widespread beneficial effect that is not limited to those basins having point sources nor influenced by specific or unique land uses in nonpoint source basins.

Clostridium Perfringens: An Adjunctive Indicator in Nonpoint Pollution

Abstract: Clostridium Perfringens: An Adjunctive Indicator in Nonpoint Source Pollution by Steven G. Eberl, Master of Science Utah State University , 1986 Major Professor: Dr . Darwin L. Sorensen Department : Civil and Environmental Engineering vi Clostridium perfringens (CP) was evaluated as an additional indicator in assessing impacts and sources of microbial pollution in the Idaho-Utah Cache Valley . Point , nonpoint, river water, and animal fecal samples were analyzed for CP , total coli forms, fecal collforms, and fecal streptococci. Monthly river samples consistently contained 102 CP/100 mL , in areas impacted by nonpoint sources may suggest a municipal wastewater input. Coliform and streptococci indicators may not be able to distinguish municipal or domestic microbial loading in the presence of nonpoint source interferences in many circumstances.