Education

Research Description

Stormwater management, and low impact development and green infrastructure

Honors and Awards

• William Neal Reynolds Distinguished Professor, 2015
• Blue-Green Innovator of the Year in NC, 2014
• American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers Young Extension Award, 2008
• Inducted into the Academy of Outstanding Faculty Engaged in Extension (AOFEE), 2007
• Governor's Award for Water Conservationist of the Year, NC Wildlife Foundation, 2007
• NC State Alumni Outstanding Extension and Outreach Award, 2007
• Outstanding Extension Specialist for NCSU and NCA&T for support of county programs from the NCSU Association of Extension Specialists, 2007

Publications

Survey of the operational status of 25 Swedish municipal stormwater management ponds

Al-Rubaei, A. M., Merriman, L. S., Hunt, W. F., Viklander, M., Marsalek, J., & Blecken, G. T. (2017), Journal of Environmental Engineering (New York, N.Y.), 143(6).

Nutrient and sediment reduction through upflow filtration of stormwater retention pond effluent

Winston, R. J., Hunt, W. F., & Pluer, W. T. (2017), Journal of Environmental Engineering (New York, N.Y.), 143(5).

Evaluation of factors affecting soil carbon sequestration services of stormwater wet retention ponds in varying climate zones

Merriman, L. S., Moore, T. L. C., Wang, J. W., Osmond, D. L., Al-Rubaei, A. M., Smolek, A. P., Blecken, G. T., Viklander, M., & Hunt, W. F. (2017), Science of the Total Environment, 583, 133-141.

Nutrient sequestration by vegetation in bioretention cells receiving high nutrient loads

Turk, R. P., Kraus, H. T., Hunt, W. F., Carmen, N. B., & Bilderback, T. E. (2017), Journal of Environmental Engineering (New York, N.Y.), 143(2).

Modeling sediment reduction in grass swales and vegetated filter strips using particle settling theory

Winston, R. J., Anderson, A. R., & Hunt, W. F. (2017), Journal of Environmental Engineering (New York, N.Y.), 143(1).

The restoration of James Brindley's last canal and the serious threat from 21st century transport infrastructure developments

Newman, A. P., & Hunt, W. F. (2016), (World Environmental and Water Resources Congress 2016: Professional Development, Innovative Technology, International Perspectives, and History and Heritage, ) (pp. 124-133).

A Markup language for building a data warehouse for educational peer-assessment research

Song, Y., Pramudianto, F., & Gehringer, E. F. (2016), In 2016 ieee frontiers in education conference (fie). (Frontiers in Education Conference, ).

Evaluating the spatial distribution of pollutants and associated maintenance requirements in an 11 year-old bioretention cell in urban Charlotte, NC

Johnson, J. P., & Hunt, W. F. (2016), Journal of Environmental Management, 184, 363-370.

A simple infiltration test for determination of permeable pavement maintenance needs

Winston, R. J., Al-Rubaei, A. M., Blecken, G. T., & Hunt, W. F. (2016), Journal of Environmental Engineering (New York, N.Y.), 142(10).

Volume reduction provided by eight residential disconnected downspouts in Durham, North Carolina

Carmen, N. B., Hunt, W. F., & Anderson, A. R. (2016), Journal of Environmental Engineering (New York, N.Y.), 142(10).

View all publications via NC State Libraries

View publications on Google Scholar

Grants

NCSU-BAE RSC Monitoring in Morrisville, NC

NC Clean Water Management Trust Fund(9/28/16 - 2/28/18)

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NCSU-BAE RSC Monitoring in Morrisville, NC

Sponsor: NC Clean Water Management Trust Fund

Start Date: 9/28/16

End Date: 2/28/18

Abstract

NCSU faculty, staff, and students will monitor the RSC located at Providence Place for one year, starting approximately 6 months after construction of the RSC is complete. A total of 15 storms will have inflow and outflow water quality samples collected. Six different pollutants will be analyzed: TSS, TKN, NO2-3, TAN, TP, and Dissolved P. From these measured pollutants TN, Organic N, and Particulate P can be calculated. These are the target pollutants in the Jordan Lake watershed (nutrients) as well as in water supply watersheds (TSS) across NC. Equipment will be installed by NCSU personnel at the outlet of the dry pond (and therefore inlet to the RSC) and then again at the outlet of the RSC before it joins an existing channel. Monitoring will be isolated so that only water initially discharged from the dry pond will be collected. Following results from Cizek et al. (2015), a special effort will be made to capture ‘seep out’ from the RSC in addition to overflow. V-notch weir assemblies at the inlet and outlet are most likely to be used. They will be crafted in the Biological and Agricultural Engineering shop at NC State University. They will be particularly sensitive to measuring low flows precisely as was needed at an earlier RSC study (Cizek et al. 2015). An expected 60-70 hydrologic events are expected to occur during the year of monitoring; however, the exact number is (of course) weather dependent. Water quality samples will be collected by an undergraduate student and or a research technician. All samples will be brought to the Center for Applied Aquatic Ecology (CAAE) laboratory at NC State University. This is an EPA-certified laboratory, which will run blanks and duplicate samples to verify measurements. Samples will be collected within 24h of the completion of the event and then cooled to 4oC prior to delivery to the laboratory. Statistical analysis will employ the upstream / downstream design, allowing the effect of the RSC on hydrology and water quality to be isolated. If possible, parametric statistics will be utilized, but if the measured data are not normally distributed non-parametric statistics will be employed. The latter is commonly done in stormwater research projects. Statistical analyses and a synthesis of findings will be conducted by an Extension Associate with the assistance of the project research lead, Dr. William F. Hunt. Pollutant loads will be calculated by multiplying flow volumes by the Event Mean Concentrations (EMCs) collected over the course of the study. One key component to the research will be calculating / estimating annual pollutant loads entering and then discharging the RSC.

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Evaluation of Gross Solids Proprietary Devices

US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)(10/01/16 - 12/31/16)

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Evaluation of Gross Solids Proprietary Devices

Sponsor: US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

Start Date: 10/01/16

End Date: 12/31/16

Abstract

Per federal and state regulations, many municipalities must implement stormwater management programs that prevent pollution, maintain stormwater infrastructure, and manage stormwater for new development and redevelopment (US EPA, 2000; NCDENR, 2009). Often stormwater control measures (SCMs) such as bioretention cells, wetlands, detention or retention ponds, and grassed swales are used to comply with regulations. The effectiveness of SCMs are typically evaluated with automated water quality samplers that cannot effectively sample particles greater than 250 µm in diameter (Clark et al., 2009). Moreover, a significant amount of stormwater is still managed by gray infrastructure that includes catch basins (Roy et al., 2008; Backstrom et al., 2002). Research by Smith (2010) and Hobbie et al. (2014) suggest current sampling techniques do not account for loads contributed by particulate-bound pollutants or gross solids. Examples of gross solids include organic matter (i.e. leaves) and litter (i.e. plastic bottles). Additionally, there is limited research regarding proprietary or commercial devices designed specifically to capture gross solids entering catch basins via stormwater runoff. North Carolina State University (NCSU) has installed three different proprietary devices to identify the units’ removal efficiencies or gross solids capturing efficacies. Each unit was installed at two locations within a low-density residential neighborhood in Cary, NC. To determine how much is bypassed by the device, NCSU installed the unit an upstream catch basin with an effluent pipe and constructed a custom-made mesh contraption in the immediate downstream catch basin to collect any gross solids that bypass the device. The mesh contraption was constructed such that the bypassed solids will not mix with the solids entering the basin from the street. Data collected from this project will determine if the proprietary devices are a viable option for municipalities to treat stormwater runoff in existing municipal infrastructure. In summary this project will consist of the following: • Installation of three different proprietary gross solid devices in six locations in a low-density residential neighborhood in Cary, NC. • Monitoring for efficacy with detailed data collection by NCSU personnel. • Maintenance recommendations for proprietary gross solid devices. • Identifying the viability of municipalities to treat stormwater runoff using proprietary gross solid devices and existing municipal infrastructure. • Publication and presentations at engineering conferences and workshops of project results.

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Advancing Key Low Impact Development Strategies to Restore Water Quality in the White Oak River Basin

Attorney General of North Carolina(7/01/16 - 6/30/17)

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Advancing Key Low Impact Development Strategies to Restore Water Quality in the White Oak River Basin

Sponsor: Attorney General of North Carolina

Start Date: 7/01/16

End Date: 6/30/17

Abstract

The City of Wilmington Stormwater Services Department has identified that a .26 acre lot located at 2124 Lynnwood Drive, Wilmington, NC 28403 drains approximately 20 acres of the Glen Meade neighborhood in the Hewletts Creek (map attached). This neighborhood discharges into Hewletts Creek and is contributing to the impairment of the watershed. The City approached the land owners Jack D. Powell, Rita M. Powell, David J. Powell and Michelle W. Powel about the possibility of sale to secure the land for the purpose of capturing and infiltrating stormwater in the Hewletts Creek watershed. This piece of land has great potential to drain major portions of the neighborhood that is currently contributing large volumes of stormwater runoff into the watershed. Like many others, the neighborhood was developed using conventional stormwater measures and is discharging runoff through the traditional curb and gutter system. Using the land for stormwater management will implement a key strategy in the watershed restoration plan. The owners have agreed to sell the property for $84,000, which is $10,000 less than their sale price. Once purchased, the City of Wilmington has committed its own resources to construct and maintain a stormwater control measure to enhance the lot’s ability to capture, infiltrate and treat polluted runoff. This work will be in-kind match on the project. This partnership between Wilmington, the federation and private landowners is in keeping with the watershed restoration plan and has the potential to reduce large volumes of runoff. The timing is right to act on this rare opportunity to acquire vacant land that can capture a large volume of runoff. The added stormwater control measure on site will make a large impact on the hydrograph volume peaks of Hewletts Creek, and will be a good stormwater educational tool for other neighborhood residents.

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Design, Training & Monitoring of the Oak Island Septic Tank Stormwater Retrofit Project

NC Clean Water Management Trust Fund(4/01/16 - 11/30/17)

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Design, Training & Monitoring of the Oak Island Septic Tank Stormwater Retrofit Project

Sponsor: NC Clean Water Management Trust Fund

Start Date: 4/01/16

End Date: 11/30/17

Abstract

NC State will assist the Town of Oak Island in a retrofitting and monitoring project where abandoned septic tanks will be converted to rainwater harvesting and/or infiltration devices. The purpose of this project is to improve the quality of many of Oak Island’s surface waters and help regain their intended shellfishing uses which have been impeded by excess pathogens reaching the surface waters via stormwater runoff. With the goal of decreasing the volume of stormwater reaching waterways, the main objective is to retrofit 60 abandoned, residential septic tanks into infiltration devices or rainwater harvesting cisterns, depending on the needs of the homeowners. Another objective includes educating homeowners and septic and landscape contractors on the retrofit system, as well as stormwater issues. This education also serves the purpose of future stormwater volume reduction through behavior change and the proliferation of volume-reducing practices. Six of the conversion projects will be monitored for hydrology and/or water quality.

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Developing and Publishing State-Recognized Pollutant Credit for North Carolina Stormwater Control Measures

US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)(7/01/16 - 9/30/16)

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Developing and Publishing State-Recognized Pollutant Credit for North Carolina Stormwater Control Measures

Sponsor: US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

Start Date: 7/01/16

End Date: 9/30/16

Abstract

Per new North Carolina regulations, the Minimum Design Criteria were developed for each Stormwater Control Measure (SCM) in the state design manual. Each SCM has associated with it a pollutant removal credit, which have not been updated recently with the MDC changes. North Carolina’s Department of Environmental Quality prefers to have an external, third-party database for the performance credit ratings rather than codifying the values in the adjoining state statutes. North Carolina State University’s Stormwater Engineering Group (NCSUSEG) will act as a third-party technical expert for the crediting of the SCMs, which can then be referenced by NCDEQ. The SEG representatives will participate in 5 months of stakeholder meetings (“SCM Crediting Team”) to discuss the science, applicability, and flexibility of each SCM’s current crediting. The NCSU effort will include doing literature research into the existing BMP data, as well as developing any potential new crediting schema. This will involve statistical analysis of past and current studies with factorization of parameters applicable to North Carolina’s BMP siting and design concerns in the MDCs. Final document preparation is expected to commence in early 2016 during the stakeholder process, with multiple drafts being produced for internal and committee review by one or more extension associates under Dr. Hunt’s supervision. The SEG will subsequently publish and be continuous stewards of the crediting documentation that can be referenced by NCDEQ. NCSU-SEG will work with experts at W.K. Dickson, NCDEQ, and local municipalities to inform the current state-of-the-science throughout the stakeholder process. Additionally, they will work with the American Public Works Association (APWA) on a state and national level to approve documents for more widespread adoption if applicable.

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9- Element Plan Development for North East Creek

Jacksonville, NC(2/01/16 - 8/01/16)

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9- Element Plan Development for North East Creek

Sponsor: Jacksonville, NC

Start Date: 2/01/16

End Date: 8/01/16

Abstract

An Extension Associate with the N.C. State BAE team will work with City of Jacksonville staff to collect data pertinent to, and required for, the development of the “9-Element Watershed Restoration Plan” for the Northeast Creek watershed . Once gathered, the data will be used to develop a watershed restoration plan based on EPA guidelines. The City of Jacksonville and NCSU BAE will work with NC Department of Environmental Quality to ensure full adherence to these guidelines.

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Investigating Blue, Green, And Conventional Roof Stormwater Management At The University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill

NC Clean Water Management Trust Fund(5/01/15 - 4/14/17)

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Investigating Blue, Green, And Conventional Roof Stormwater Management At The University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill

Sponsor: NC Clean Water Management Trust Fund

Start Date: 5/01/15

End Date: 4/14/17

Abstract

A pair of roof retrofits will be tested on top of the Daniels Student Stores Building at UNC-Chapel Hill. The roof’s six scuppers will be divided between a control set up, a green roof, and a blue roof (two of each). NCSU- Bio & Ag Engineering will cooperate with UNC-CH facilities to monitor each roof ‘parcel’ for 12 months, determining how each roof treatment (v. control) improves runoff quality and reduces outflows.

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Use of Hydrologic Models to Evaluate Stormwater Treatment Strategies: A Case Study

NCSU Water Resources Research Institute(6/01/16 - 5/31/17)

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Use of Hydrologic Models to Evaluate Stormwater Treatment Strategies: A Case Study

Sponsor: NCSU Water Resources Research Institute

Start Date: 6/01/16

End Date: 5/31/17

Abstract

There are 5 goals: 1.Create Hydrologic Models: The goal of Objective 1 is to create a hydrologic model for each of the four scenarios: Driving Range, Rainwater Harvesting, Interbasin Transfer, and Conventional. These models will be used to create long-term datasets, which will be required for determining cumulative hydrologic performance and water quality improvements. 2. Evaluate Stormwater Treatment with Flow Duration Curves: LID studies typically compare peak discharge rates and total runoff volumes. However, other important metrics are overlooked, such as runoff frequency, duration, timing, and rate of change8. A flow duration curve (FDC) is a cumulative frequency distribution of discharge rates, and it can be used as a more robust measure of hydrologic performance. The goal of Objective 2 is to evaluate the stormwater treatment ability of each design scenario through comparison of their FDCs. 3. Relate Site Runoff to Stream Health: The overall goal of LID is to improve the ecological condition of streams in urban watersheds. The findings from most LID studies, however, are confined to the site itself; that is, they do not examine the impacts on stream integrity. The goal of Objective 3 is to calculate specific runoff rates (“target” rates) that trigger changes to receiving stream health, then determine the probability that runoff will exceed these targets. 4. Estimate Water Quality Improvements: The existing monitoring study includes water quality sampling. The goal of Objective 4 is to use hydrologic modeling to expand upon the findings of the monitoring study to estimate long-term water quality improvements. 5. Cost/Benefit Analysis: Financial implications are important when considering future LID implementation. For Objective 5, a cost/benefit analysis will be performed in terms of lifecycle costs and pollutant removal ability for each design scenario.

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Swale Design Optimization for Enhanced Application and Pollutant Removal

NC Department of Transportation(8/16/15 - 8/15/18)

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Swale Design Optimization for Enhanced Application and Pollutant Removal

Sponsor: NC Department of Transportation

Start Date: 8/16/15

End Date: 8/15/18

Abstract

Swales are the most prevalent stormwater conveyance - and therefore potential treatment device - within NCDOT’s linear right-of-way. To date, swale performance with respect to hydrologic change and pollutant retention has been assumed to be modest; however, initial NCDOT-funded research on hydrologic condition (wetland versus upland) and check dam presence has yielded basic results that lead to some potential design improvements. To date, a comprehensive and systematic research program of post-construction swale performance has yet to be conducted. Because swales are such a common practice, small but defined design improvements could yield substantial improvements in runoff quality and quantity released to receiving waters. The purpose of this proposal is to test multiple design parameters in controlled plots and field settings. Moreover, field testing would occur in two physiographic regions (Piedmont and Coastal Plain). NCSU’s Sediment and Erosion Control Research and Education Facility (SECREF) will be the location of the plot tests. Multiple swale design parameters are planned to be tested in this controlled setting, including: channel slope, vegetation height (or type), end-of-swale treatment and hydraulic loading ratio. NC DOT-directed variables may be added or substituted, if requested. The field tests are located in both the RTP (exact location TBD, but perhaps NC 147 in Southern Durham County) and Wilmington (Shipyard Blvd.). In addition to underlying soil type variation, the field tests will examine bioswale hydraulic loading ratio. NCSU faculty, staff and students will conduct the following tasks as part of this proposal: (1) Design, construction and instrumentation of controlled research plots at SECREF, (2) Design and implementation of the monitoring plan for the two field sites, (3) Data collection, (4) Analysis and reporting of final data, (5) Development of design and management tools, and (6) Delivery of information to NC DOT personnel (& designees) via an end-of-project workshop. Deliverables provided in addition to the workshop include a final report to NCDOT and a companion Microsoft Excel-based design tool to assess the performance of multiple swale design options. By better understanding and predicting swale performance, and its various design configurations, NC DOT will be able to more efficiently manage runoff within its unique linear environment.  

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Partnering with a School Community, Town of Cary, and Homeowners to Improve Black Creek

US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)(2/03/16 - 6/30/18)

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Partnering with a School Community, Town of Cary, and Homeowners to Improve Black Creek

Sponsor: US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

Start Date: 2/03/16

End Date: 6/30/18

Abstract

The Black Creek Watershed Association seeks to continue its work led by NC State University (the Water Resources Research Institute and formerly by WECO) to implement the Black Creek Watershed Plan (2009). Goals of the this innovative proposed project are to: •Continue building on the momentum in the community to improve Black Creek, engaging additional community members in the efforts •Install a large, high impact stormwater control measure retrofit at Kingswood Elementary School that provides an outdoor natural learning environment for current and future students to experience and learn about storm water and watershed management •Assist a homeowners’ association with installing a series of residential rain gardens that reduces runoff in their community •Identify sites and create preliminary designs for intercepting and infiltrating concentrated stormwater flows along the right of way of the Black Creek Greenway in concert with the Town of Cary’s design process for redeveloping the greenway •Provide a check-up on the aquatic health of Black Creek through benthic macro-invertebrate sampling, and use the sampling events and results as an educational opportunity The Black Creek watershed, about 3.3 mi2 in area, is in the Town of Cary. The creek discharges to Lake Crabtree, in the Crabtree Creek subwatershed of the Neuse River Basin. Highly urbanized, the watershed is nearing build-out with a combination of high density residential, commercial, and institutional development. The Town’s popular Black Creek Greenway runs adjacent to most of Black Creek. The Greenway connects to Umstead State Park, Crabtree County Park, and City of Raleigh greenways, and experiences heavy use. Black Creek has been on the NC 303d list since 1998 with impairment for aquatic life and potential sources listed as urban runoff/storm sewer. Like many suburban Piedmont watersheds, most of it was built out before stormwater regulations such as the Neuse Rules were in effect, and the watershed assessment identified excessive stormwater runoff volumes and velocity as the main impairing factors. Implementation of the plan since 2010 has focused on runoff volume reduction and water quality improvement by disconnecting “effective” impervious surfaces (those directly connected to the stream system without stormwater treatment) and infiltrating and treating previously untreated stormwater runoff. Many successes have been reached in the watershed, including several new stormwater management projects on residential (single family, homeowners association properties), Wake County Schools, Town of Cary, and business properties. This proposal moves us to the high priority headwater area in downtown Cary to partner with a STEM (science-technology-engineering-math) school and Natural Learning Initiative- College of Design, NC State University, to leverage a stormwater project as a formal outdoor learning environment with accompanying curriculum. The project team will also join the Black Creek Greenway redesign process to identify opportunities to disconnect stormwater conveyences from neighborhoods adjacent to the greenway, and to build on a HOA’s efforts to address stormwater. This proposal provides innovative new opportunities to advance watershed restoration and knowledge about the Black Creek Watershed efforts.

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