Education

Research Description

Wetland restoration, Effects of grassed/forested riparian buffers on reducing nutrient/sediment loads to streams, Constructed wetlands for stormwater and wastewater treatment, Innovative stormwater BMPs in coastal areas, Agricultural drainage water management, and Golf course BMPs,

Honors and Awards

• NC Soil and Water Conservation Society, Professional Achievement Water Quality, 2014
• NC State/Nancy G. Pollock Dissertation Award, 2003

Publications

Carbon storage potential in a recently created brackish marsh in eastern North Carolina, USA (vol 127, pg 579, 2019)

Shiau, Y.-J., Burchell, M. R., Krauss, K. W., Broome, S. W., & Birgand, F. (2021, October 1), ECOLOGICAL ENGINEERING, Vol. 168. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecoleng.2021.106276

Characterizing ambient nutrient concentrations and potential warning levels for surface water in natural forested wetlands in the Piedmont and Coastal Plain of North Carolina, USA

Kurki-Fox, J. J., & Burchell, M. R., II. (2021), ECOLOGICAL ENGINEERING, 172. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecoleng.2021.106395

Characterizing copper and zinc content in forested wetland soils of North Carolina, USA

Kurki-Fox, J. J., Burchell, M. R., II, Vepraskas, M. J., & Broome, S. W. (2021), ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT, 193(12). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10661-021-09618-6

Impact of control structures on hydrologic restoration within the Great Dismal Swamp

Kamrath, B. J. W., Burchell, M. R., Kurki-Fox, J. J., & Bass, K. L. (2020), ECOLOGICAL ENGINEERING, 158. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecoleng.2020.106024

Carbon storage potential in a recently created brackish marsh in eastern North Carolina, USA

Shiau, Y.-J., Burchell, M. R., Krauss, K. W., Broome, S. W., & Birgand, F. (2019), Ecological Engineering, 127, 579–588. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecoleng.2018.09.007

Diel fluctuations of high level nitrate and dissolved organic carbon concentrations in constructed wetland mesocosms

Messer, T. L., Birgand, F., & Burchell, M. R. (2019), Ecological Engineering, 133, 76–87. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecoleng.2019.04.027

Natural and Constructed Wetlands in North Carolina: An Overview for Citizens

Burchell, M., & Hunt, B. (2019). , (NC State Extension Publications No. AG-856). Retrieved from North Carolina Cooperative Extension Publication website: https://content.ces.ncsu.edu/natural-and-constructed-wetlands-in-north-carolina

The Potential Long-Term Impacts of Climate Change on the Hydrologic Regimes of North Carolina’s Coastal Plain Non-Riverine Wetlands

Kurki-Fox, J. J., Burchell, M. R., & Kamrath, B. J. (2019), Transactions of the ASABE, 62(6), 1591–1606. https://doi.org/10.13031/trans.13437

The Potential Resiliency of a Created Tidal Marsh to Sea Level Rise

Kamrath, B. J. W., Burchell, M. R., Cormier, N., Krauss, K. W., & Johnson, D. J. (2019), Transactions of the ASABE, 62(6), 1567–1577. https://doi.org/10.13031/trans.13438

Tidal Marsh Creation

Broome, S. W., Craft, C. B., & Burchell, M. R. (2019), COASTAL WETLANDS: AN INTEGRATED ECOSYSTEM APPROACH, 2ND EDITION, pp. 789–816. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-444-63893-9.00022-8

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Grants

(Farm Bill) Undergraduate Training where Science Intersects Practice and Policy to Address Grand Challenges in Agricultural Water Pollution (REEU-SIPP)

US Dept. of Agriculture - National Institute of Food and Agriculture (USDA NIFA)(9/15/23 - 9/14/28)

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(Farm Bill) Undergraduate Training where Science Intersects Practice and Policy to Address Grand Challenges in Agricultural Water Pollution (REEU-SIPP)

Sponsor: US Dept. of Agriculture - National Institute of Food and Agriculture (USDA NIFA)

Start Date: 9/15/23

End Date: 9/14/28

Abstract

This 10-week summer program will train six students per year for five years on the topic of agricultural runoff pollution through research and extension experiences. The program long-term goal is to prepare the upcoming generation of agro-environmental engineers and scientists, extension specialists, practitioners and industry leaders to address this issue by providing them with an holistic perspective of the science and practice. Students will engage in various experiential learning activities including training workshops, seminars, field visits, research and an ‘extension abroad’ experience in France.

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Engineering Services for Two Shovel-Ready Projects

National Fish & Wildlife Foundation(7/01/22 - 7/30/24)

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Engineering Services for Two Shovel-Ready Projects

Sponsor: National Fish & Wildlife Foundation

Start Date: 7/01/22

End Date: 7/30/24

Abstract

The habitats of the Rachel Carson Reserve are vulnerable to changing environmental conditions and severe storms given the current rate of sea level rise and its coastal location just inside of Beaufort Inlet. Thus, it is important to begin resilience planning activities that will support persistence of these important habitats while also providing protection for the Town of Beaufort, which is located just north of the reserve. Through a collaborative process supported by the NFWF funds, several areas of the Rachel Carson Reserve were identified as highly vulnerable and needing research and/or restorative action. Two of these areas were chosen for on-the-ground projects that will enhance their resilience. The Division will work with North Carolina State University’s Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering (NCSU) to involve students to assist in developing engineered plans for the two shovel ready projects at west Bird Shoal and the southwest ribbon of marsh at Middle Marsh. A commercial engineer (separate contract) will be the lead engineer. NCSU’s work will involve site visits for environmental assessment and working with the commercial engineer to develop the shovel-ready projects.

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Evaluating Flow-Through Wetlands for Stormwater Management

NC Clean Water Management Trust Fund(1/31/22 - 5/31/25)

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Evaluating Flow-Through Wetlands for Stormwater Management

Sponsor: NC Clean Water Management Trust Fund

Start Date: 1/31/22

End Date: 5/31/25

Abstract

Monitoring results from traditionally designed multi-cell stormwater wetlands and flow-through wastewater treatment wetlands suggest designing stormwater wetlands as flow-through rather than capture and release systems would provide cost savings and increase the implementation of stormwater wetlands for treatment (Hathaway and Hunt 2010; Merriman et al. 2016; Drake et al. 2018; Wang et al. 2006). The purpose of this project is to determine the water quality and hydrologic benefits of flow-through wetlands. More specifically, this project will address NC DEQ concerns regarding appropriate hydraulic retention times, vegetation selection, and pollutant removal credits. Addressing these concerns will determine if stormwater wetlands can be more cost effective than equivalent SCMs (e.g. wet ponds). To the project stakeholders' knowledge single cell stormwater wetlands designed for a hydraulic retention time rather than a design volume have yet to be constructed or monitored in North Carolina.

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North Carolina Volunteer Wetland Monitoring Pilot Program

US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)(10/01/19 - 3/31/24)

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North Carolina Volunteer Wetland Monitoring Pilot Program

Sponsor: US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

Start Date: 10/01/19

End Date: 3/31/24

Abstract

Wetland monitoring in North Carolina (NC) has a 14-year history conducted by NC Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) for the first 10 years and North Carolina State University (NCSU) for the last 4 years. We will use the outcomes and lessons learned from these monitoring efforts to develop and implement a pilot, volunteer wetland monitoring program administered by NCSU with support from the Carolina Wetlands Association and RTI. This pilot program will establish the procedures and methods for a sustainable, citizen-based wetland monitoring program that can be expanded in future years. In Task 1, we will determine the methods used to monitor the hydrology, water quality, soil chemistry, vegetation and biota based on the outcomes of the September 2019 meeting of wetland experts from WPDG No. CD-00D25014. In Tasks 2 and 3, we will develop a project QAPP and SOPs for monitoring activities and provide training to volunteers including representatives from local and state agencies. In Task 4, we will establish 10-12 monitoring stations within undisturbed, protected wetland sites recognized as Wetland Treasures of the Carolina. Task 5 will develop a data portal for volunteers to share data, provide tools to visualize results, and develop applications to enhance the volunteer experience. In Task 6, we will develop and populate a database compatible with NC DEQ’s data structure and submit the data to NC DEQ’s for use in their wetland and other water programs. In Task 7, we will disseminate information and results through a quarterly newsletter, website, reporting to the EPA, and annual meetings, where we will also provide training to prospective volunteers. The outputs include a pilot volunteer wetland monitoring and outreach program, training materials and SOPs, data portal and supporting website, and various education materials (factsheets, newsletters, webinars). The data from these sites will determine the condition of different wetland types and demonstrate/quantify services provided by different wetland types. By becoming a sustainable volunteer citizen-based wetland monitoring program, this program will launch a state-wide wetland monitoring network and establish baseline metrics for wetland restoration, and protection.

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A feasibility study to examine expansion of infiltration systems to reduce direct ocean stormwater discharge in Kure Beach NC

NC Clean Water Management Trust Fund(12/17/18 - 5/31/19)

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A feasibility study to examine expansion of infiltration systems to reduce direct ocean stormwater discharge in Kure Beach NC

Sponsor: NC Clean Water Management Trust Fund

Start Date: 12/17/18

End Date: 5/31/19

Abstract

In 2005, the Town of Kure Beach began a collaboration with NC State University and the NC Department of Transportation (NC DOT) to reduce direct discharge of stormwater to the beach. An innovative and cost-effective Dune Infiltration System (DIS) was developed and studied to determine if the technology was a feasible. During this 5-year partnership, we successfully demonstrated that the technology worked and provided an alternative solution for coastal towns to protect human health from bacterial contamination often found in stormwater that discharged to the beach. We propose to partner with the Town of Kure Beach to develop a plan to install infiltration devices near beach access areas that have storm water discharge pipes. We anticipate the locations with respect to the beach front and the subsequent design configurations and of these devices will be somewhat different compared to the previous systems installed at Kure Beach. Results of this planning grant will help inform this and other coastal NC towns about potential locations and design alternatives for subsurface stormwater infiltration devices.

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Detritus Removal and Enhanced Aeration to Improve Water Quality Treatment and Extend the Useful Life of Constructed Wetlands in NC

NCSU Sea Grant Program(3/01/19 - 11/30/20)

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Detritus Removal and Enhanced Aeration to Improve Water Quality Treatment and Extend the Useful Life of Constructed Wetlands in NC

Sponsor: NCSU Sea Grant Program

Start Date: 3/01/19

End Date: 11/30/20

Abstract

In 1996, the Town of Walnut Cove, NC designed and built a two-cell constructed wetland to upgrade their lagoon-based wastewater treatment system. For over 20 years, this constructed wetland has allowed the town to successfully meet their effluent permit requirements. In recent years, treatment efficiency for ammonium (NH4+-N), total suspended solids (TSS), and biological oxygen demand (BOD) has diminished. Additionally, the town has more frequently exceeded fecal coliform bacteria effluent permitted concentrations over the last few years. We believe that the age of the wetland system and associated detrital buildup is the cause for all of these issues. This proposal seeks to remove accumulated biomass from one of the wetlands cell and incorporate aeration, then test the change in treatment performance of the wetland. Results will be used to both inform the town and other facilities how to maintain and enhance water treatment potential their aging wetlands.

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Developing and Testing Wetland Hydrology Performance Criteria for Restoration Sites

US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)(10/01/18 - 9/30/23)

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Developing and Testing Wetland Hydrology Performance Criteria for Restoration Sites

Sponsor: US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

Start Date: 10/01/18

End Date: 9/30/23

Abstract

Water table levels (saturation periods) in wetlands vary across the wetland and change with soil type and drainage class. These saturation periods have not been determined for most soils, and consequently, hydrologic performance requirements for restored wetlands haven’t been well defined. The main objective of this project is to define saturation periods as a percentage of the growing season that restored wetlands should meet for the specific soils used for restoration. Saturation periods of natural wetlands will be determined for selected soil series ranging from very poorly drained organic soils to moderately well drained mineral soils. Data for most soils will come from prior investigations that measured water tables and computed 40 year records of water table data for each soil. Field monitoring of flood plain soils will also be conducted to complete the data base. Saturation periods for restored wetlands will be obtained from the data base of the NC Department of Environmental Quality which has catalogued water table and soils data from 233 restored sites in NC. Sites having soils similar to the natural sites will be identified, visited to determine soil type at each well location, and to assess wetland condition. Saturation periods will be compared between the restored and natural sites for a given soil type (series and drainage class). Saturation periods for wetlands successfully restored will be proposed for very poorly drained, poorly drained, somewhat poorly drained and moderately well drained classes. These results will allow saturation periods to be estimated for all soils across the region that restoration sites should meet to be successful.

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Improving performance and examining expansion of constructed wetlands for tertiary treatment of nitrogen from domestic and municipal wastewater

NCSU Water Resources Research Institute(6/01/18 - 12/31/20)

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Improving performance and examining expansion of constructed wetlands for tertiary treatment of nitrogen from domestic and municipal wastewater

Sponsor: NCSU Water Resources Research Institute

Start Date: 6/01/18

End Date: 12/31/20

Abstract

Nitrogen (N) loading to our streams and rivers has improved since the mid-1990s through management practices that have reduced discharges from stormwater and agricultural sources. However, load reductions to surface waters like the Neuse River have not reached targeted goals, and eutrophication remains a major concern. Problems with N fluxes from our watersheds are expected to continue and worsen. Projected population increase and shifts in precipitation patterns will lead to significant increases in N loads to our surface waters, requiring new management strategies to reduce inputs by an additional 20-30%. Large facilities that treat wastewater for major municipalities are most heavily scrutinized, but what about the hundreds of small towns and communities that do not have advanced wastewater facilities? Often overlooked, the discharge limits for smaller systems for ammonia-nitrogen (NH4-N) are often high (10 mg/L) or even non-existent. Package plants that use aerobic processes to treat wastewater in smaller, rural communities often successfully treat NH4-N to low levels through the process of nitrification, but the effluent contains the byproduct nitrate-nitrogen (NO3-N). Discharge of this form of nitrogen is often similar to loads discharged from agricultural facilities on an areal basis and will continue to contribute to eutrophication problems if left unchecked. To help meet current and future N reduction goals, the time is now to address these often overlooked sources using alternative technologies. Installation of constructed wetlands, known for high N removal potential, placed strategically in the landscape to intercept N from smaller rural wastewater treatment facilities, could be a solution to help NC get closer to its N reduction goals. Constructed wetlands are often used across the country and the world for advanced nitrogen removal from wastewater. In NC, these systems have been successful, but very few are in operation. The objectives of this research and outreach project are 1) to help small towns improve nitrogen removal performance of older existing constructed wetlands and 2) advance the understanding and use of constructed wetlands to remove nitrogen from domestic and municipal wastewater. 3) demonstrate the impact constructed wetlands could have on overall watershed N reduction when coupled with existing wastewater package plants.

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Restored wetlands to improve water quality in agricultural watersheds – a pilot-scale study

North Carolina Coastal Federation(3/01/17 - 9/28/18)

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Restored wetlands to improve water quality in agricultural watersheds – a pilot-scale study

Sponsor: North Carolina Coastal Federation

Start Date: 3/01/17

End Date: 9/28/18

Abstract

This project will extend the impacts of on-going wetland demonstrations and research projects in Hyde County to improve water quality in the Pamlico Sound. While the ongoing studies have a focus on nutrient reductions, the funding in this proposal will be used to provide additional focus on fecal bacteria removal potential of restored wetlands that receive pumped agricultural drainage water, and the water balance within the wetland cell. Elevated bacterial levels in the Pamlico Sound have affected the affect the ability of these waters to be used for shellfishing. Therefore, the results of this study will hopefully reveal whether pumping agricultural drainage water to wetlands rather than directly to the Sound is a management practice that if widely employed can improve the quality of shellfishing waters in NC.

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Field Testing of Mesocosm-Scale Derived Nitrate Removal Models to Verify Water Quality Improvement Potential of Restored Coastal Forested Wetlands

NCSU Water Resources Research Institute(9/01/16 - 12/31/18)

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Field Testing of Mesocosm-Scale Derived Nitrate Removal Models to Verify Water Quality Improvement Potential of Restored Coastal Forested Wetlands

Sponsor: NCSU Water Resources Research Institute

Start Date: 9/01/16

End Date: 12/31/18

Abstract

The proposed project will test mesocosm-scale derived nitrogen dissipation models at the field-scale and determine maximum water quality and ecosystem benefits for a large-scale wetland restoration project. Results from this study will be used by the wetland owner to manage the pumping rates to maximize ecosystem services, and results will be publicized to encourage the replication of projects like this and LFR, and the use of the mesocosm derived nitrate reduction models as a design tool. The specific objectives of the study include: 1. Test the mesocosm-scale derived kinetic nitrate dissipation model developed by Messer (2015) at the field scale to determine accuracy in predicting nitrate reduction on a seasonal basis. 2. Determine target maximum pumping rates for the MVR project based on nitrate removal goals and ecological inundation limits. 3. Assess whether the pumping agricultural drainage water though MVR project will cause the site to function as a source or sink of phosphorus.

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