Research Description

Research interests: Stream restoration and water quality

Publications

Can rapid assessments predict the biotic condition of restored streams?

Doll, B., Jennings, G., Spooner, J., Penrose, D., Usset, J., Blackwell, J., & Fernandez, M. (2016), Water, 8(4). https://doi.org/10.3390/w8040143

Identifying watershed, landscape, and engineering design factors that influence the biotic condition of restored streams

Doll, B., Jennings, G., Spooner, J., Penrose, D., Usset, J., Blackwell, J., & Fernandez, M. (2016), Water, 8(4). https://doi.org/10.3390/w8040151

EVALUATING THE ECO-GEOMORPHOLOGICAL CONDITION OF RESTORED STREAMS USING VISUAL ASSESSMENT AND MACROINVERTEBRATE METRICS

Doll, B. A., Jennings, G. D., Spooner, J., Penrose, D. L., & Usset, J. L. (2015), JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN WATER RESOURCES ASSOCIATION, 51(1), 68–83. https://doi.org/10.1111/jawr.12233

Channel complexity and nitrate concentrations drive denitrification rates in urban restored and unrestored streams

Tuttle, A. K., McMillan, S. K., Gardner, A., & Jennings, G. D. (2014), ECOLOGICAL ENGINEERING, 73, 770–777. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecoleng.2014.09.066

INFLUENCE OF RESTORATION AGE AND RIPARIAN VEGETATION ON REACH-SCALE NUTRIENT RETENTION IN RESTORED URBAN STREAMS

McMillan, S. K., Tuttle, A. K., Jennings, G. D., & Gardner, A. (2014), JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN WATER RESOURCES ASSOCIATION, 50(3), 626–638. https://doi.org/10.1111/jawr.12205

Increasing Stream Geomorphic Stability Using Storm Water Control Measures in a Densely Urbanized Watershed

Tillinghast, E. D., Hunt, W. F., Jennings, G. D., & D'Arconte, P. (2012), JOURNAL OF HYDROLOGIC ENGINEERING, 17(12), 1381–1388. https://doi.org/10.1061/(asce)he.1943-5584.0000577

Morphology Characteristics of Southern Appalachian Wilderness Streams

Zink, J. M., Jennings, G. D., & Price, G. A. (2012), JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN WATER RESOURCES ASSOCIATION, 48(4), 762–773. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1752-1688.2012.00647.x

Stormwater control measure (SCM) design standards to limit stream erosion for Piedmont North Carolina

Tillinghast, E. D., Hunt, W. F., & Jennings, G. D. (2011), JOURNAL OF HYDROLOGY, 411(3-4), 185–196. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhydrol.2011.09.027

Analysis of functional traits in reconfigured channels: implications for the bioassessment and disturbance of river restoration

Tullos, D. D., Penrose, D. L., Jennings, G. D., & Cope, W. G. (2009), JOURNAL OF THE NORTH AMERICAN BENTHOLOGICAL SOCIETY, 28(1), 80–92. https://doi.org/10.1899/07-122.1

Improving construction site runoff quality with fiber check dams and polyacrylamide

McLaughlin, R. A., King, S. E., & Jennings, G. D. (2009), JOURNAL OF SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION, 64(2), 144–154. https://doi.org/10.2489/jswc.64.2.144

View all publications via NC State Libraries

Grants

Assessment of Compensatory Wetlands Mitigation in North Carolina

US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)(5/01/12 - 8/31/13)

×

Assessment of Compensatory Wetlands Mitigation in North Carolina

Sponsor: US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

Start Date: 5/01/12

End Date: 8/31/13

Abstract

Compensatory wetlands mitigation in North Carolina is a vital avenue in achieving no-net loss of wetland acreage and wetland function. Despite the significant investment to wetland mitigation, it is still unclear whether the program is effective in achieving both goals, particularly ecological function. The NC State University Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering (NCSU-BAE) propose to assist the Environmental Law Institute (ELI) and the NC Division of Water Quality? Wetland Program Development Unit (NCDWQ) in a pilot study that will evaluate the ecological performance of 24-30 wetlands mitigation sites in NC based on the National Wetlands Condition Assessment (NWCA) methodology. Anticipated outcomes include 1) increased understanding of the most important metrics that can be collected at mitigation sites, 2) the relationships of NWCA with current rapid assessment methods, 3) the status of current mitigation sites to help NC agencies make more informed mitigation decisions in the future, and 4) recommendations to these agencies to improve existing requirements for mitigation site monitoring and/or design and construction methods.

Close

Evaluation of Stream Crossing Culverts to Assess Impacts on Stream Morphology and Aquatic Passage-Part II

NC Department of Transportation(8/16/12 - 8/15/13)

×

Evaluation of Stream Crossing Culverts to Assess Impacts on Stream Morphology and Aquatic Passage-Part II

Sponsor: NC Department of Transportation

Start Date: 8/16/12

End Date: 8/15/13

Abstract

Permit conditions require burial of culverts a minimum of 12 inches or 20% in order to prevent ?perched? pipes which could hinder aquatic organisms? passage. Observation indicated that burying the culverts resulted in stream instability including headcutting downstream in some streams. This project will document whether this instability has occurred at 11 culverts encompassing a variety of topographic and hydraulic conditions, stream channel variations, and locations. Documentation will include longitudinal and cross sectional surveys of the stream channels upstream and downstream of the culverts, which will be compared to similar surveys conducted in 2005. If the survey and geomorphic data show the stream channel has not changed significantly, then it will be considered stable. Rainfall and land use data for the period between assessments will be obtained to document changes that could have caused stream instability. An estimate of bank erosion hazard will also be conducted using the BEHI method. An assessment of aquatic organisms? ease of passage through the culverts will also be determined. A report synthesizing all of the results will be prepared and submitted along with spreadsheets of the data.

Close

North Mecklenburg Park Stormwater Retrofit and Stream Restoration

NC Dept. of Natural & Cultural Resources formerly NC Dept of Env. & Natural Resources (DENR)(3/15/11 - 6/30/13)

×

North Mecklenburg Park Stormwater Retrofit and Stream Restoration

Sponsor: NC Dept. of Natural & Cultural Resources formerly NC Dept of Env. & Natural Resources (DENR)

Start Date: 3/15/11

End Date: 6/30/13

Abstract

The Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering of the North Carolina State University (NCSU) will provide services to Charlotte/Mecklenburg Stormwater Services and the Town of Huntersvilleto implement stream restoration and stormwater BMP retrofits as a component of an EPA 319 grant project at North Mecklenburg Park. The North Mecklenburg Park Retrofit and Stream Restoration project will treat 5.3 acres of high traffic parking lots and restore approximately 1050 linear feet of a tributary of McDowell Creek. The purpose is to improve ecosystem health and water quality by restoring natural stream functions and managing stormwater runoff in the Park. The project will not only address significant sources of pollution in the McDowell Creek Watershed, but also act as an environmental educational site for the citizens of the region. Similarly, the project will provide an example of maintenance and upkeep practices for retrofit BMPs and stream restoration as well as devices installed as a result of the Huntersville LID Ordinance. The work will be performed by a team of faculty, students, and technicians associated with the Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering at North Carolina State University. Drs. Greg Jennings, PE, and Bill Hunt, PE, will conduct oversight of the project and serve as the Project Directors. The project implementation team will include NCSU Extension Associates Ryan Winston, EI, Zan Price, PE, and Jason Zink, PE.

Close

Stream Restoration Performance Assessment, 2011-2012

NC Dept. of Natural & Cultural Resources formerly NC Dept of Env. & Natural Resources (DENR)(4/01/11 - 9/30/13)

×

Stream Restoration Performance Assessment, 2011-2012

Sponsor: NC Dept. of Natural & Cultural Resources formerly NC Dept of Env. & Natural Resources (DENR)

Start Date: 4/01/11

End Date: 9/30/13

Abstract

NC State University developed a rapid stream assessment protocol for CWMTF that includes both qualitative and quantitative sampling procedures of morphology, stream structure assessment, vegetation and macroinvertebrates. The assessment includes a scoring of each element assessed. The rapid assessment method was implemented on 29 stream restoration projects of varying ages and approaches in 2006 and 2008. The rapid assessment effort was intended to provide a snapshot of project compliance and water quality benefits in an attempt to provide CWMTF with a better understanding of the status and benefits of these type projects. It was determined that most of the projects were meeting their intended goals and objectives.As requested by CWMTF staff, NC Sea Grant and the Biological and Agricultural Engineering Department of NC State University are submitting this proposal to continue additional stream assessment work on 24 project sites, including both new sites (14) and revisits (10) to sites already assessed by our previous efforts.

Close

Western North Carolina Erosion, Sediment, and Turbidity Control Demonstration Site

NC Dept. of Natural & Cultural Resources formerly NC Dept of Env. & Natural Resources (DENR)(10/01/10 - 4/30/11)

×

Western North Carolina Erosion, Sediment, and Turbidity Control Demonstration Site

Sponsor: NC Dept. of Natural & Cultural Resources formerly NC Dept of Env. & Natural Resources (DENR)

Start Date: 10/01/10

End Date: 4/30/11

Abstract

We propose to initiate construction of an erosion, sediment, and turbidity control (ESTC) demonstration center at the NC State University Mountain Horticultural Crops and Extension Center in Mills River, just south of Asheville. This will be modeled after the highly successful Sediment and Erosion Control Research and Demonstration Facility developed a decade ago at the Lake Wheeler Road Field Laboratory in Raleigh.

Close

Topographic Survey of the Landscape and a Design of the Stream Rehabilitation at the Tributary to the Hiawassee River Stream Rehabilitation Project Site

US Forest Service(4/08/10 - 9/30/10)

×

Topographic Survey of the Landscape and a Design of the Stream Rehabilitation at the Tributary to the Hiawassee River Stream Rehabilitation Project Site

Sponsor: US Forest Service

Start Date: 4/08/10

End Date: 9/30/10

Abstract

The Forest Service shall benefit from this agreement with BAE by completing a topographic survey and design of the Tributary to the Hiawassee River, required by State and Federal permitting agencies. BAE shall benefit from this agreement by using the collected survey data for future stream rehabilitation design and for educational purposes.

Close

Water Quality Assessment of NC DFR Projects in Wayne, Durham, and Granville Counties

NC Dept. of Natural & Cultural Resources formerly NC Dept of Env. & Natural Resources (DENR)(7/01/10 - 6/30/11)

×

Water Quality Assessment of NC DFR Projects in Wayne, Durham, and Granville Counties

Sponsor: NC Dept. of Natural & Cultural Resources formerly NC Dept of Env. & Natural Resources (DENR)

Start Date: 7/01/10

End Date: 6/30/11

Abstract

Faculty, staff, and students associated with the North Carolina State University (NCSU) Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering will work with the North Carolina Division of Forest Resources (DFR) to conduct water quality monitoring associated with DFR watershed projects in Wayne, Durham, and Granville Counties.

Close

Bolin Creek Watershed Restoration Phase 2

US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)(3/01/10 - 12/31/12)

×

Bolin Creek Watershed Restoration Phase 2

Sponsor: US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

Start Date: 3/01/10

End Date: 12/31/12

Abstract

The Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering (BAE) of the North Carolina State University will work with the Town of Chapel Hill to implement watershed restoration practices and water quality monitoring as a component of an EPA 319 project in the Bolin Creek Watershed. The purpose is to improve ecosystem health and water quality by restoring natural stream functions and treating stormwater runoff in degraded areas in the watershed.

Close

Using RUSLE2 to Determine Sediment Basin Size

NC Department of Transportation(8/16/10 - 8/15/13)

×

Using RUSLE2 to Determine Sediment Basin Size

Sponsor: NC Department of Transportation

Start Date: 8/16/10

End Date: 8/15/13

Abstract

Current regulations in North Carolina require sediment basins to be designed based on watershed size, regardless of watershed characteristics. For each disturbed acre, the basin needs to have 1,800 cubic feet of sediment storage and a surface area of 325 square feet if a surface outlet is used. Another approach to designing a basin would be to determine the expected runoff and sediment loads based on watershed characteristics, including soil type and slopes. By using local soil and weather data, the basin size would be adjusted to account for expected sediment loads. To determine if this is a valid approach, we will collect soil and topography data in at two basin watersheds on DOT projects and monitor sediment and flow over the landscape and into and out of the basins. This will be done during four critical phases of the site: preconstruction, mass grading, final grade, and post-construction.

Close

Nitrogen Retention in Urban Streams: Implications for Ecologically Based Stream Restoration

NCSU Water Resources Research Institute (prime funding)(6/01/10 - 11/30/11)

×

Nitrogen Retention in Urban Streams: Implications for Ecologically Based Stream Restoration

Sponsor: NCSU Water Resources Research Institute (prime funding)

Start Date: 6/01/10

End Date: 11/30/11

Abstract

Urban stream degradation is occurring throughout North Carolina as areas once dedicated to agriculture are rapidly being converted to suburban uses. Stream restoration efforts are underway throughout North Carolina and elsewhere to reverse some of these trends and create geomorphically stable streams. This project will expand the suite of options available to water resource managers and regulatory agencies when developing restoration strategies. Integration of current practices with techniques that maximize biologically mediated nitrogen removal will improve water quality throughout the watershed and protect downstream and coastal ecosystems.

Close