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Ecosystem Restoration and Protection

NCSU BAE Ecosystem Restoration and Protection
Fishing Pier

Kure Beach Dune Infiltration System

The Kure Beach Dune Infiltration System (DIS) is a new and innovative sandfilter Best Management Practice (BMP) designed to reduce flow volumes and bacteria concentrations discharged directly onto the beach or into the ocean.

Currently in coastal communities, untreated stormwater is discharged into recreational areas through direct ocean outfalls. The NC DOT, Town of Kure Beach, and BAE Department at NC State are investigating the effectiveness of this new BMP to treat bacteria laden stormwater. The DIS uses existing sand dunes as a natural sand filter, allowing stormwater runoff to be directed underneath the dunes where it is filtered and then transported to the ocean through natural groundwater movement.

The DIS is currently undergoing its fourth year of research, with the first two systems being constructed in 2006 and a third system constructed in February 2009. Monitoring data thus far has shown promising results. Research and data analysis will continue in an effort to develop recommendations and guidelines for the implementation of the DIS at future locations. The current use of the DIS is an end-of-pipe, first flush BMP for coastal stormwater systems; however future implementations are limitless and may include directly treating bridge, road, driveway, and rooftop runoff. The DIS does require sandy/permeable soils, several feet of cover, and several feet of infiltration area (vertical distance from the base of the system to the SHWT).

For more information on the DIS, please visit the links located in the navigation bar on the left-hand side of the website. Contact information is provided under Graduate Students and on Dr. Burchell’s Home Page.

Recent News

Site Surveys
We just completed our annual survey of all three sites (K, L, M) and the control site. This newest survey will be used to produce professional grade drawings of the sites and systems, as well as help us ascertain any changes in the dune’s surface. The topographical survey will be compared to previous years’ surveys as well as the control site to aid in detecting abnormal changes. The drawings are underway and the topological comparison will occur in the coming months.

Sand Sampling
The second sand-bacteria sampling trial occurred in July. The results are promising and similar to last October’s results – low bacteria (enterococcus) concentrations. Sand samples were taken from approximately two feet below the surface and approximately four to nine feet below the surface (presumably in the flow path during infiltration events) from 12 locations. This data will be analyzed in the coming weeks.

Storm-event Sampling
It has been a slow summer for storm-event groundwater sampling. Kure Beach has been quite dry and most events have been below the minimum storm-event threshold of 0.25 inches. Storm-event sampling will continue into September and pick back up next Spring. Monthly sampling has and will continue.

Upcoming Tasks

Data Analysis
Data exploration and analysis is beginning. In the next few weeks data from 2007 through June 2009 will be analyzed and prepared for the final WRRI report.

WRRI Final Report
The final report for our WRRI grant is due soon. Data analysis and report writing has begun. Dr. Chip Cheshire is calibrating a water table response predictive model which will be a major portion of this report.

Tracer Studies
Groundwater tracer studies are ready to be performed. We are currently waiting on a large storm system to roll through Kure Beach in order to perform the study.

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