Education

Research Description

Nonpoint source pollution prevention and treatment • Restoration ecology • Stormwater management • Stream assessment •Sustainable landscaping

Publications

A Framework for Planning and Evaluating the Role of Urban Stream Restoration for Improving Transportation Resilience to Extreme Rainfall Events

Doll, B., Kurki-Fox, J. J., & Line, D. E. (2020), Water. https://doi.org/10.3390/w12061620

Can the Stream Quantification Tool (SQT) Protocol Predict the Biotic Condition of Streams in the Southeast Piedmont (USA)?

Donatich, S., Doll, B., Page, J., & Nelson, N. (2020), Water. https://doi.org/10.3390/w12051485

Flood Flow Frequency Analysis to Estimate Potential Floodplain Nitrogen Treatment during Overbank Flow Events in Urban Stream Restoration Projects

, (2020). Water. https://doi.org/10.3390/w12061568

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., Jennings, G. D., Spooner, J., Penrose, D. L., & Usset, J. L. (2015), JAWRA Journal of the American Water Resources Association, 51(1), 68–83. https://doi.org/10.1111/jawr.12233

HYDRAULIC GEOMETRY RELATIONSHIPS FOR URBAN STREAMS THROUGHOUT THE PIEDMONT OF NORTH CAROLINA

Doll, B., Wise-Frederick, D. E., Buckner, C. M., Wilkerson, S. D., Harman, W. A., Smith, R. E., & Spooner, J. (2002), Journal of the American Water Resources Association, 38(3), 641–651. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1752-1688.2002.tb00986.x

Sea grant and invasive aquatic plants: A national outreach initiative

Crawford, H. M., Jensen, D. A., Peichel, B., Charlebois, P. M., Doll, B. A., Kay, S. H., … O'Leary, M. B. (2001), Journal of Aquatic Plant Management, 39(2001 Jan), 8–11.

Constructed wetlands treatment of high nitrogen landfill leachate

Liehr, S. K., Kozub, D. D., Rash, J. K., Sloop, G. M., Doll, B., Rubin, A. R., … Burks, D. (2000). , . Alexandria, VA : Water Environment Research Foundation.

Jump Run Creek Shellfish Restoration Project

White, N. M., Line, D. E., Potts, J. D., Kirby-Smith, W., Doll, B., & Hunt, W. F. (2000), Journal of Shellfish Research, 19(1), 473–476.

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Grants

Engaging Partners to Evaluate Plastics Loading to the Pamlico Sound from Urban and Rural Lands via the Neuse River in North Carolina

NCSU Sea Grant Program(5/01/20 - 4/30/22)

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Engaging Partners to Evaluate Plastics Loading to the Pamlico Sound from Urban and Rural Lands via the Neuse River in North Carolina

Sponsor: NCSU Sea Grant Program

Start Date: 5/01/20

End Date: 4/30/22

Abstract

Plastics currently comprise the bulk of marine debris. Over the last decade, researchers have documented the proliferation of plastics (both macro and micro) in aquatic environments around the globe. However, little sampling and quantification of plastics in North Carolina coastal rivers and estuaries has been conducted. Recent research results vary considerably, both spatially and temporally, and sample collection procedures and reporting methods also differ widely. North Carolina Sea Grant in partnership with other university programs and environmental groups proposes to conduct a variety of field sampling protocols for both macro and micro plastics in the Neuse River Basin. Specifically, netting, trawling and/or regular trash removal from gridded sample sites will be implemented over a one year period at 15 US Geological Survey stream gage monitoring sites in the basin. The purpose of this effort is to better understand the concentration and loadings of plastics reaching the lower Neuse River and entering the Pamlico Sound. This work will enable us to determine the relative contributions based on the scale and land-use characteristics of the watersheds and the sampling protocols that best fit North Carolina waterways based on their size, flow and access.

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Characterizing Water Quality Status, Trends and Potential Watershed Management Opportunities from NPDES Stormwater Data

NC Clean Water Management Trust Fund(9/16/20 - 5/31/22)

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Characterizing Water Quality Status, Trends and Potential Watershed Management Opportunities from NPDES Stormwater Data

Sponsor: NC Clean Water Management Trust Fund

Start Date: 9/16/20

End Date: 5/31/22

Abstract

The proposed research will utilize geospatial and statistical analyses combined with water quality modeling to evaluate a large water quality database for streams located within the City of Charlotte and Mecklenburg County. The data will be provided by Charlotte-Mecklenburg Stormwater Services (CMSWS) including 15 years of monthly grab samples, data from automated ISCO samplers, data collected at YSI monitoring stations and annual macroinvertebrate data. The overall goal of the proposed project is to identify future monitoring, management and planning decisions that North Carolina municipalities can employ to better protect and restore urban stream water quality. To achieve this goal, extensive statistical analyses and watershed modeling will be conducted. In addition, contemporary watershed models and watershed pollutant load estimation tools will be employed to individual sub-watersheds of specific stream sampling locations in order to identify which models and tools best predict water quality of Charlotte’s highly urbanized streams.

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Predicting Roadway Washout Locations During Extreme Rainfall Events

NC Department of Transportation(1/01/21 - 12/31/22)

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Predicting Roadway Washout Locations During Extreme Rainfall Events

Sponsor: NC Department of Transportation

Start Date: 1/01/21

End Date: 12/31/22

Abstract

Recent extreme rainfall events have revealed the transportation network’s vulnerabilities to road washouts. Currently, NC DOT reacts to these problems as are reported from the field. This inability to predict where washouts are likely to occur leads to long response times and inefficient positioning of resources. The availability of high quality statewide elevation data, historical rainfall records and advances in computer processing presents the opportunity to modify and develop programs to predict where washouts are likely to occur during extreme rainfall events. The purpose of this project is to develop models and test several approaches for predicting crossing washouts based on forecasted rainfall. A team of NCSU BAE engineers will first characterize and analyze historical washouts during extreme events. Then, detailed HEC-HMS models will be developed and calibrated and validated for one watershed in each physiographic region. A user interface will be created to run the models using forecasted rainfall, relate the predicted discharge to potential washouts using water surface elevation-discharge relationships, and then output the results for display in a GIS map. The model output for a large number of historical events will then be used to test different machine learning algorithms for their ability to predict discharge and potential washout locations. The information on historical washouts and the model predictions will be used to develop a network of “safe” routes for each watershed. The results will help determine if existing hydrologic models can be leveraged to accurately predict potential washout locations and to evaluate if machine learning technology can be employed for accurate flood prediction. This project has the potential to substantially enhance NC DOT’s ability to respond to storm events and position resources appropriately. Results will be disseminated in NC DOT meetings, a training workshop for NC DOT personnel, and through extension factsheets and academic publications.

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Quantifying and Predicting Streambank Erosion in the Ridge and Valley and Blue Ridge Physiographic Regions of Virginia to Benefit Eastern Hellbender Populations

US Dept. of Agriculture - Natural Resources Conservation Service (USDA NRCS)(10/25/19 - 7/31/22)

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Quantifying and Predicting Streambank Erosion in the Ridge and Valley and Blue Ridge Physiographic Regions of Virginia to Benefit Eastern Hellbender Populations

Sponsor: US Dept. of Agriculture - Natural Resources Conservation Service (USDA NRCS)

Start Date: 10/25/19

End Date: 7/31/22

Abstract

NCSU will conduct streambank erosion studies along 16 eroded stream reaches in the Ridge and Valley (Clinch, Powell and Holston Rivers) and Blue Ridge (New River) physiographic regions of Virginia. The purpose of this work is to help prioritize implementation of conservation practices through the NRCS Working Lands for Wildlife and EQIP Program that will prioritized for protecting and improving habitat for the Eastern Hellbender population. The BANCS model (Bank Assessment for Non-point Source Consequences of Sediment) and annual streambank measurements will be conducted in order to develop a regional streambank erosion rate curve for each physiographic region. The erosion rating curve will be used to provide an estimate of sediment loading from streambank erosion in Eastern Hellbender watersheds. In addition, streambank sediment will be sampled and laboratory analyses will be performed to determine the associated load of nutrients from streambank erosion.

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Designing Toward Implementation: Lumberton Floodprint Phase 2

NC Community Foundation(7/25/19 - 4/25/21)

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Designing Toward Implementation: Lumberton Floodprint Phase 2

Sponsor: NC Community Foundation

Start Date: 7/25/19

End Date: 4/25/21

Abstract

The requested funding will advance recovery and rebuilding activities within two Lumberton Floodprint focus areas: 1) Meadow Branch Floodway Restoration adjacent to the Best Drive neighborhood, and 2) Repurposing the Scottish Meatpacking Plant property into an environmental outreach and education amenity associated with the Lumber River State Park and/or NC Wildlife Resource Commission. The funding will support research, engagement, design, and communication activities including, but not limited to: [1] a minimum of three (3) community workshops to elicit participation and input from neighborhood residents and two (2) meetings with city council/staff; [2] hydrologic modeling and development of schematic restoration concepts for Meadow Branch; [3] development of schematic design alternatives for both project areas to be used by the city as evidence/leverage for seeking larger implementation grants and to inform respective requests for proposals (RFPs); and [4] continued evaluation of issues and opportunities related to both Hurricane Matthew and Hurricane Florence impacts (i.e., FEMA flood map updates, incorporation of new property acquisition data, etc.), including associated updates and revisions to the Lumberton Floodprint.

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Evaluating the Capacity of Natural Infrastructure for Flood Abatement at the Watershed Scale

Environmental Defense Fund(5/20/19 - 2/19/20)

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Evaluating the Capacity of Natural Infrastructure for Flood Abatement at the Watershed Scale

Sponsor: Environmental Defense Fund

Start Date: 5/20/19

End Date: 2/19/20

Abstract

Upper Coastal Plain communities have been plagued by flooding. Flash flooding along tributaries of the major rivers is an issue along with riverine flooding. NC Sea Grant and the Biological & Agricultural Engineering Department will conduct a study to identify and evaluate potential mitigation measures that could be taken to lessen the impacts of flooding across a range of storm event return periods. The objective of the proposed work is to evaluate the capacity of the large-scale implementation of natural infrastructure projects to mitigate flooding. This will be completed by conducting modeling case studies in two small Coastal Plain watersheds in the City of Goldsboro to evaluate the potential to decrease peak flow and lower water surface elevation (WSE) by converting agricultural land to timberland and restoring floodplains. Specifically, this project will seek to identify how much land conversion and restoration is needed to have a significant reduction in tributary flow and associated flood stage, and to identify the largest storm event at which these efforts can be expected to have a significant impact.

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Phase II School Campus Stormwater Assessment and Implementation

US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)(5/01/18 - 12/31/20)

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Phase II School Campus Stormwater Assessment and Implementation

Sponsor: US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

Start Date: 5/01/18

End Date: 12/31/20

Abstract

NC Sea Grant and NC State University's Biological and Agricultural Engineering Department (BAE) will work collaboratively with Sounds Rivers, Inc. (SRI) to conduct stormwater assessments and make BMP recommendations for 17 school campuses in the Tar-Pamlico and Neuse River basins. NCSU will also support SRI in ranking and prioritizing the structural BMPs identified. Finally, NCSU will provide site assessment, design and construction oversight for the implementation of $200,000 in stormwater BMPs. SRI has been awarded funding from the Bosch Community Fund, the Albemarle-Pamlico National Estuary Partnership (APNEP) and the NC Department of Justice’s Environmental Enhancement Grants program for this project. Topographic maps, field surveys, soil cores, and existing campus master plans will be utilized to complete the assessment for each campus. A full report will be provided to each campus outlining areas of concern and needs for their campus.

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Jaycee Park Forested Stormwater Wetland Retrofit

NC Clean Water Management Trust Fund(1/17/18 - 9/30/19)

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Jaycee Park Forested Stormwater Wetland Retrofit

Sponsor: NC Clean Water Management Trust Fund

Start Date: 1/17/18

End Date: 9/30/19

Abstract

NC Sea Grant and NC State University's Biological and Agricultural Engineering Department (BAE) will work with Sounds Rivers, Inc. (SRI) to conduct stormwater assessment, design and construction oversight for the retrofit of an existing abandoned and non-functioning farm pond into a forested stormwater treatment wetland. The existing pond is located on public land at Jaycee Park in Greenville, North Carolina. This project will support the City of Greenville’s Greens Mill Run (GMR) Watershed Master Plan (WSMP) and will work to provide water quality improvements to Reedy Branch, a tributary of Green Mill Run, an impaired waterway. In addition, NCSU will support in developing educational and outreach activities.

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Upper Durant Lake Retrofit Alternatives Analysis

Raleigh, NC(1/19/18 - 12/31/19)

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Upper Durant Lake Retrofit Alternatives Analysis

Sponsor: Raleigh, NC

Start Date: 1/19/18

End Date: 12/31/19

Abstract

NC Sea Grant and NC State University’s Biological & Agricultural Engineering Department (BAE) will evaluate alternatives for the best long-term management and use of Upper Durant Lake within the City of Raleigh's Durant Nature Preserve. Because of the significantly reduced capacity of the lake due to decades of sedimentation, a failing outlet structure, and the structurally compromised spillway and embankment, the City recognizes the need identify opportunities for repairing and modifying the existing lake to improve water quality protection, ecosystem services, flood control, recreational and educational opportunities. NCSU BAE will thereby conduct a watershed and site assessment and develop engineering alternatives for the Lake.

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2018-2021_North Caorlina Sea Grant Omnibus

US Dept. of Commerce (DOC)(2/01/18 - 8/31/22)

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2018-2021_North Caorlina Sea Grant Omnibus

Sponsor: US Dept. of Commerce (DOC)

Start Date: 2/01/18

End Date: 8/31/22

Abstract

The North Carolina Sea Grant College Program integrates three university functions — research, education and outreach — into a cohesive, innovative, program that addresses priorities of the state’s numerous coastal communities. These include, but are not limited to: communities of individuals located along the 300 miles of oceanfront shoreline and those within the 20 counties designated by the Coastal Area Management Act; coastal and estuarine water- and land-based industries; the vast natural environmental resources including the 2.3 million acres of estuarine habitat that provide important ecological and cultural resources for the entire state. North Carolina Sea Grant (NCSG) positions itself at this intersection of research and outreach, working to ensure results are translated to actionable information in support of the varied stakeholders invested in North Carolina’s coast. Taking discoveries, demonstrations and experiential knowledge developed by experts and delivering those results to identified audiences is a model our program embodies. These efforts support improved understanding and appreciation of the near-shore and coastal ocean environment and the sustainable use and development of its resources. We join other coastal and Great Lakes states in a national network of Sea Grant universities charged with meeting the needs of society in our home state, our regions, and the nation as a whole.

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