Education

Research Description

I am an member of the Bio & Ag Stormwater Management Group and Low Impact Development team. I provide research project assistance and extension outreach.

Grants

Durham Catch Basin Insert Study

Durham, NC(8/17/21 - 12/31/22)

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Durham Catch Basin Insert Study

Sponsor: Durham, NC

Start Date: 8/17/21

End Date: 12/31/22

Abstract

The North Carolina State University (NCSU) Biological and Agricultural Engineering (BAE) Department will provide technical support to the City of Durham and Civil Consultants Inc. for a study focusing on the effectiveness of catch basin inserts (CBI). NCSU BAE will develop selection criteria for CBIs and a quality assurance project plan (QAPP) for the study using knowledge gained from previous studies. NCSU BAE will also provide suggestions for maintaining CBIs as well as analyzing and synthesizing the data.

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Monitoring a Subsurface Gravel Wetland in Raleigh, NC

NC Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ)(11/01/21 - 2/09/24)

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Monitoring a Subsurface Gravel Wetland in Raleigh, NC

Sponsor: NC Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ)

Start Date: 11/01/21

End Date: 2/09/24

Abstract

A subsurface gravel wetland will be constructed in Raleigh, NC by the City of Raleigh. North Carolina State University (NCSU) will monitor the gravel wetland for one year, analyze the data, and synthesize the results in a final report to the City of Raleigh. If the project is successful, these water quality and hydrology data will be used to help the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality establish nutrient concentrations for subsurface gravel wetlands.

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Off-Line Constructed Wetland Monitoring to Treat Downtown Wilson, NC

NC Clean Water Management Trust Fund(4/11/23 - 2/28/25)

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Off-Line Constructed Wetland Monitoring to Treat Downtown Wilson, NC

Sponsor: NC Clean Water Management Trust Fund

Start Date: 4/11/23

End Date: 2/28/25

Abstract

NC State Stormwater Engineering Group faculty and students will monitoring a to-be-built off-line constructed wetland, also known as the Park/Mercer wetland. The wetland will be constructed in an open area alongside an unnamed tributary to Hominy Creek. It drains much of downtown Wilson. The current field on site (up to approximately 4 acres) will be constructed as a shallow flow-through wetland. Water will be pumped from the unnamed tributary during storm events. The design will include earthwork, wetland planting, and outlet structure/s in addition to pumping infrastructure. The Land and Water Trust grant will specifically cover expenses associated with monitoring. A second grant (to the NC DEQ's 319 nonpoint source unit) will be submitted this spring to cover construction of the wetland proper.

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Monitoring Spore Capture and Release from a Stormwater Control Measure

US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)(5/07/21 - 6/30/23)

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Monitoring Spore Capture and Release from a Stormwater Control Measure

Sponsor: US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

Start Date: 5/07/21

End Date: 6/30/23

Abstract

In conversation with Anne Mikelonis of the United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA), NC State will contract with APTIM to conduct a field demonstration of spore transport to and capture by a Stormwater Control Measure (SCM). The exact SCM to be examined will be determined but the most likely alternatives are permeable pavement and bioretention. NC State Stormwater Engineering Group (SEG) will receive spores from the USEPA, apply them to the candidate SCM’s watershed and then monitor their fate for approximately five storm events. Samples will be collected by an NC State SEG student and delivered to the USEPA’s office in the Research Triangle Park. NC State faculty and students will analyze results and submit a report to APTIM to be shared with US EPA.

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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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Monitoring RADTIPS Wetlands

NC Clean Water Management Trust Fund(8/01/21 - 11/30/24)

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Monitoring RADTIPS Wetlands

Sponsor: NC Clean Water Management Trust Fund

Start Date: 8/01/21

End Date: 11/30/24

Abstract

The City of Asheville is constructing two wetlands in the River Arts District that will be monitored by NC State University. One of the wetlands will be retrofitted with a special media to determine if pollutant removal by wetlands can be enhanced. This project will occur for two years.

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Piggly Wiggly Subwatershed SCMs

US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)(1/01/20 - 12/31/22)

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Piggly Wiggly Subwatershed SCMs

Sponsor: US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

Start Date: 1/01/20

End Date: 12/31/22

Abstract

North Carolina State University (NCSU), Biocenosis, and the Piedmont Conservation Council (PCC) are partnering to construct stormwater control measures (SCMs) throughout the impaired Loves Creek watershed to improve water quality and reduce localized flooding. Additionally, educational workshops will be held to encourage the implementation of residential SCMs.

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Town of Cary SCM Maintenance Training

Southeast Sustainability Directors Network (SSDN)(1/01/20 - 12/31/21)

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Town of Cary SCM Maintenance Training

Sponsor: Southeast Sustainability Directors Network (SSDN)

Start Date: 1/01/20

End Date: 12/31/21

Abstract

North Carolina State University Biological and Agricultural Engineering (NCSU BAE) will develop a stormwater control measure (SCM) maintenance training program for the Town of Cary using funds from the Southeast Sustainability Directors Network (SSDN) foundation. NCSU BAE will develop program materials (e.g. lectures, demonstrations, hands-on activities) as well as coordinate and teach four workshops in 2020. Members from the NC Cooperative Extension will assist with the program development and workshops.

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Pervious Gutter and Silva Cell Project-DeepRoot

DeepRoot(1/06/20 - 7/31/20)

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Pervious Gutter and Silva Cell Project-DeepRoot

Sponsor: DeepRoot

Start Date: 1/06/20

End Date: 7/31/20

Abstract

A pervious concrete and stormwater treating street tree treatment train is going to be installed in Burlington, NC. NCSU will be cooperating with the City on the installation, monitoring, and dissemination of the project. The site will be located in downtown and focus on water quality and hydrology. If successful, this tandem of practices could become one of the most popular in downtown retrofits in NC.

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Pervious Gutter and Silva Cell Treatment Train- Burlington

Burlington, NC(1/06/20 - 7/31/20)

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Pervious Gutter and Silva Cell Treatment Train- Burlington

Sponsor: Burlington, NC

Start Date: 1/06/20

End Date: 7/31/20

Abstract

A pervious concrete and stormwater treating street tree treatment train is going to be installed in Burlington, NC. NCSU will be cooperating with the City on the installation, monitoring, and dissemination of the project. The site will be located in downtown and focus on water quality and hydrology. If successful, this tandem of practices could become one of the most popular in downtown retrofits in NC.

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