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

Performance of regenerative stormwater conveyance on the removal of dissolved pollutants: Field scale simulation study

Koryto, K. M., Hunt, W. F., Arellano, C., & Page, J. L. (2018), Journal of Environmental Engineering (New York, N.Y.), 144(6).

Hydrologic and water quality evaluation of a permeable pavement and biofiltration device in series

Braswell, A. S., Anderson, A. R., & Hunt, W. F. (2018), Water, 10(1).

Evaluating the water quality benefits of a bioswale in Brunswick County, North Carolina (NC), USA

Purvis, R. A., Winston, R. J., Hunt, W. F., Lipscomb, B., Narayanaswamy, K., McDaniel, A., Lauffer, M. S., & Libes, S. (2018), Water, 10(2).

Hydrologic performance of four permeable pavement systems constructed over low-permeability soils in Northeast Ohio

Winston, R. J., Dorsey, J. D., Smolek, A. P., & Hunt, W. F. (2018), Journal of Hydrologic Engineering, 23(4).

Hydrologic performance of four permeable pavement systems constructed over low-permeability soils in Northeast Ohio

Winston, R. J., Dorsey, J. D., Smolek, A. P., & Hunt, W. F. (2018), Journal of Hydrologic Engineering, 23(4).

Hydrologic and water quality performance of regenerative stormwater conveyance installed to stabilize an eroded outfall

Koryto, K. M., Hunt, W. F., & Page, J. L. (2017), Ecological Engineering, 108, 263-276.

Hydrologic performance of regenerative stormwater conveyance in the North Carolina coastal plain

Cizek, A. R., Hunt, W. F., Winston, R. J., & Lauffer, M. S. (2017), Journal of Environmental Engineering (New York, N.Y.), 143(9).

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.

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Grants

Protocol for Outlet Analysis at Highway Sites

NC Department of Transportation(8/16/18 - 8/15/21)

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Protocol for Outlet Analysis at Highway Sites

Sponsor: NC Department of Transportation

Start Date: 8/16/18

End Date: 8/15/21

Abstract

Regulations require NCDOT to ensure all post-construction stormwater discharges are conveyed without causing downstream erosion. Natural flow pathways may be altered to ensure construction is feasible; however, liability for any substantial damage is a concern. As of date, NCDOT’s Guidelines for Drainage Studies and Hydraulic Design lack specific methods to assess outlets for overland erosion, resulting in evaluations that rely on best professional judgement. Somewhat related, previous research in North Carolina has included culvert assessments and stream stability as well as erosion and discharge metrics for stormwater control measures (SCMs). However, this previous research did not consider overland erosion or the effects of watershed area, hydrologic soil groups, and other NCDOT approved outlet types. This project will reduce the gap in knowledge and consist of four primary objectives: (1) determine the current conditions of NCDOT-managed outlets and identify which characteristics affect downslope stability, (2) develop a replicable outlet analysis protocol that uses a ranking system rather than best professional judgement for assessments, (3) create design standards for outlets that minimize erosion and cost, and (4) produce a Microsoft Excel-based tool that synthesizes the project results. Prior to any work, North Carolina State University (NCSU) will collaborate with NCDOT to explicitly define stable and unstable downslope receiving areas, which will form the basis of this project.

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Stormwater Runoff Monitoring and Analysis for Aviation Mode Facilities

NC Department of Transportation(8/01/18 - 7/31/20)

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Stormwater Runoff Monitoring and Analysis for Aviation Mode Facilities

Sponsor: NC Department of Transportation

Start Date: 8/01/18

End Date: 7/31/20

Abstract

Airports in North Carolina are currently considered as industrial sites for stormwater permits by the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (NCDEQ). This can lead to costly expenses incurred by airports to meet federally-mandated, state-administered stormwater requirements. Preliminary data collected at Wilmington International Airport (ILM) suggest that the air side of airports may, in fact, behave much more similarly to a residential Low Impact Development (LID) than an industrial facility. This is due to the disconnection of impervious surfaces (namely, the runway and taxiway), where runoff flows over large swaths of turf (or other) grass. This project proposes to examine a pair more airports located in a non-sandy part of the state (tentatively: BUY, Burlington, and INT, Smith-Reynolds in Winston-Salem), to determine if (at least a portion of) the air side of airports can be exempt from stormwater industrial permits. The assessment will be based upon hydrology (volume and peak rates) and water quality (pollutant concentrations and loads) leaving different air side landuses (ramp, taxi way, vegetated treatment areas, e.g.). The results collected herein would be compared to LID projects monitored in the Piedmont of NC and would provide NCDOT the necessary information and data to argue for a potential re-classification of airports from a stormwater permit perspective. This would, in the end, provide potentially substantial financial relief to many aviation facilities across North Carolina.

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Evaluating the nutrient removal capabilities of the Suntree Technologies Nutrient Separating Baffle Box

Suntree Technologies, Inc(6/01/18 - 12/31/19)

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Evaluating the nutrient removal capabilities of the Suntree Technologies Nutrient Separating Baffle Box

Sponsor: Suntree Technologies, Inc

Start Date: 6/01/18

End Date: 12/31/19

Abstract

This project (“Evaluating the nutrient removal capabilities of the Suntree Technologies Nutrient Separating Baffle Box”) aims to explore the water quality performance of a proprietary stormwater control product in Hickory, NC. As the regulation of exported nutrient pollution continues to be an area of particular focus in nutrient sensitive watersheds in North Carolina, there is a growing need for stormwater control measures, products, and devices with the capability to curtail nutrient loads from stormwater runoff. This project will test the treatment capabilities of the Nutrient Separation Baffle Box (NSBB) by Suntree Technologies as it pre-treats stormwater runoff that enters a proprietary underground detention system. The NSBB will be installed at Hendrick Honda in Hickory, NC and will treat stormwater runoff from a completely impervious watershed. Monitoring will include the collection of paired samples from 18 storm events that will subsequently be analyzed for nitrogen, phosphorus, and total suspended solids.

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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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Maintenance Costs of Stormwater Control Measures (SCMs) in North Carolina

NCSU WRRI Storm Water Management Group(8/01/17 - 10/31/18)

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Maintenance Costs of Stormwater Control Measures (SCMs) in North Carolina

Sponsor: NCSU WRRI Storm Water Management Group

Start Date: 8/01/17

End Date: 10/31/18

Abstract

With urbanization the need for stormwater control measures (SCMs) to meet federal and state stormwater regulations grows. Maintenance is necessary and typically required by state and local regulations to ensure SCMs remain functional and continue to mitigate the impacts of urbanization. In addition to functional drivers, SCMs are also maintained for aesthetic appeal. Previous research has quantified maintenance costs for SCMs in North Carolina but (1) this study is dated, (2) there remains a lack of data regarding costs for routine, preventative/proactive, and restorative maintenance, and (3) the relationship of curbside appeal (aesthetic need) and maintenance frequency (i.e., how does the location of a SCM affect its aesthetics and the level of maintenance performed) has not been evaluated. North Carolina State University Biological & Agricultural Engineering (NCSU BAE) is seeking to partner with the Urban Stormwater Consortium (USC) of the Water Resources Research Institute of the University of North Carolina (WRRI) to answer these questions. Updated information will provide municipal guidance for budgeting and maintenance optimization (i.e., cost effectiveness of preventative versus restorative maintenance SCM maintenance), which will allow entities responsible for SCM maintenance to better allocate their resources (human and financial capital). Additionally, the researchers anticipate these findings will improve SCM implementation with respect to available resources. While maintaining the interviewees’ anonymity, NCSU will interview (1) representatives from the WRRI-USC communities, (2) at least 20 individuals who work with private firms who have been certified under the NCSU Stormwater BMP Inspection & Maintenance Workshop series, (3) staff from the NCSU and University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill stormwater maintenance groups, (4) employees of the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT), and (5) a few out-of-state maintenance-conducting entities. A standard set of questions will be developed, including (but not limited to): how many practices are maintained, the characteristics of the maintained practices (e.g., age and watershed size), the location of the maintained practices with respect to the parcel/catchment, the types of maintenance tasks needed for a particular SCM, the frequency and time for each maintenance task, the costs associated with each task (and cumulatively each practice), and whether certain (more expensive) tasks can be avoided by conducting alternative (less costly) maintenance. Maintenance will be determined for both highly visible (those meeting important aesthetic needs) and low visibility (and consequent lack of aesthetic appeal) SCMs. Descriptive statistics (e.g., average, range, etc.) of the maintenance costs will be reported for each practice (and how it might differentiate among land uses). These results will be disseminated through a final report to WRRI, a peer-reviewed journal publication, state and national conferences, and the NCSU Stormwater BMP Inspection & Certification Workshop series.

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Optimized Design of Dry Detention Basin For Nutrient Load Removal

NC Department of Transportation(8/16/17 - 8/15/20)

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Optimized Design of Dry Detention Basin For Nutrient Load Removal

Sponsor: NC Department of Transportation

Start Date: 8/16/17

End Date: 8/15/20

Abstract

Dry detention basins (DDB) are prevalent stormwater practices for North Carolina’s highway system, with at least 84 currently maintained by NC DOT. These basins were designed for one purpose: flood mitigation. Although it is generally accepted that dry detention basins do not substantially improve water quality, it is possible that modifications could enhance the ability of these simple practices to treat to a higher water quality standard. Because these practices are relatively easy to construct and straightforward to maintain, applicable improvements to performance could make a significant impact to water quality on a large scale. Minimal research that has been conducted on dry detention indicates that design modifications such as increased detention time, or the addition of wetland vegetation to existing basins, may significantly improve the performance of these dry ponds with regard to pollutant removal. The purpose of this three-year proposal is two-fold: (1) confirm the validity of the current nutrient effluent concentrations for DDBs programed into the NCDOT-JLSLAT nutrient load accounting model, or provide justification for changing the effluent concentration to a more accurate reflection of the data (2) Test multiple design parameters for DDBs in controlled plots and field settings, the purpose of which is to improve pollutant removal. Field testing would be conducted in two physiographic regions of North Carolina: the Piedmont and the Coastal Plain, with specific sites to be determined. Plot tests will be conducted at the Sediment and Erosion Control Research and Education Facility (SECREF) located at NC State University. These tests will be designed to provide either validation for current pollutant reduction values programmed into NCDOT-JLSLAT or quantified justification for adjustments to those values. Multiple design alternatives will be tested in this controlled setting including the addition of porous baffle walls (two material types) for improved sediment removal, and comparisons between top and bottom drawdown at the outlet structure. A two foot gravel bed outfitted with an underdrain and upturned elbow for IWS will also be tested. Four field sites will be monitored pre-and post- retrofit, two in the Piedmont and two in the Coastal Plain. The sites will be selected so that variations in vegetation types found in the practice (grassed vs. woody vegetation) may be evaluated. Particle size distribution analyses will be used to determine specific functionality associated with the linear highway environment. PSD tests will provide insight into the settling dynamics associated with typical highway sediment loads. Data collected will be used to model settling in these systems and contribute to the establishment of a baseline by which other dry detention design configurations may be assessed. All modifications will be made based on input from NC DOT. NC State will prepare a project specific QAPP following the guidance provided in NCDOT’s research program QAPP. NCSU faculty, staff and students will conduct the following tasks as part of this proposal: 1. Design and implementation of the monitoring plan for the controlled plots at SECREF 2. Design and implementation of the monitoring plan for four field sites across NC 3. Data collection at all field and control sites 4. Analysis and reporting of final data 5. Development of design criteria and management tools 6. Final report and journal publication preparation and, 7. 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. The tool will assess the performance of multiple design options using hydrology and pollutant data as well as PSD analyses. Establishing an accurate baseline for dry detention performance in North Carolina allows for better understanding on which to base possible alternatives to conventional design, with the goal of maximizing water quality t

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Brynn Marr Watershed Water Quality Improvement

US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)(5/01/17 - 9/30/19)

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Brynn Marr Watershed Water Quality Improvement

Sponsor: US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

Start Date: 5/01/17

End Date: 9/30/19

Abstract

Jacksonville, North Carolina, has experienced explosive population growth and subsequent land development over the last 25 years. In 2014, Forbes magazine listed Jacksonville as the fifth fastest-growing small city in the country. Due in part to this rapid development, water quality in the New River, a part of the White Oak River Basin, has declined significantly. Local watersheds in and around Jacksonville have experienced an increase in flooding, stream bank erosion, and sedimentation. In addition, portions of the New River are classified as nutrient sensitive. Of particular concern are the closing of SA waters in the New River due to high bacteria counts. All rivers in the basin have periods of anoxia, as well as incidents of high fecal coliform counts and turbidity levels. Operating under the White Oak River Basin Restoration Priorities (ORBRP) document developed by the Ecosystem Enhancement Program in 2010, this project aims, through the design and installation of two urban stormwater control measures (SCM), to begin the process of mimicking predevelopment hydrology in areas characterized by high percentages of impervious surface. The two engineering projects slated for installation for this project are SCMs designed to retain and treatstormwater runoff from highly impervious commercial parcels. Both projects will be monitored for hydrology and water quality in order to assess design criteria for the region. This first project is a bioretention cell located in the parking lot of the Brynn Marr shopping center off Bell Fork Road in Jacksonville’s Brynn Marr Watershed. This project will treat a large percentage of stormwater runoff from an aging parking lot. The second project, also located in the Brynn Marr Watershed, is a constructed wetland located in the back parking lot of a local business, currently vacant. The parking lot is adjacent to a drainage ditch that will be expanded to hold and treat higher volumes of runoff. A pre-discharge sand filter will be added as an experimental design element. A sand berm will be constructed to force water through the filter before it reaches the outlet. Sand filtration is used widely in the early stages of drinking water treatment and the same concept may also be applied to stormwater treatment. Sand filters have an established record for pathogen removal which ideally will translate to constructed wetland systems. Both projects have support from the respective property owners, and both are in locations that will draw a great deal of attention to the effort. In keeping with the goals of the ORBRP, NC State Biological and Agricultural Engineering Department will partner with City of Jacksonville Stormwater and the local N.C. State Extension Office to collaborate not only on the design and construction of the projects, but public outreach and education as well. NC State will conduct at least one BMP Inspection and Maintenance workshop for Jacksonville residents and city staff to further promote stormwater awareness within the community. In addition, because the New River has not yet been assigned a formal watershed restoration plan as identified by the NCDENR 319 grant program, as project match NC State will aid the City of Jacksonville in the development of this document. By establishing a recognized 9-step restoration program, the City of Jacksonville ensure eligibility for future 319 funds geared toward water quality improvement in the New River.

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Carolina Shroomin'

NC Clean Water Management Trust Fund(9/13/17 - 9/30/20)

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Carolina Shroomin'

Sponsor: NC Clean Water Management Trust Fund

Start Date: 9/13/17

End Date: 9/30/20

Abstract

Stropharia rugoso-annulata, is a fungi species uniquely equipped and tested for stormwater treatment applications. This study is an effort to test the possible pathogen and nutrient reduction capabilities of mycofiltration as a component of Green Infrastructure (GI) in North Carolina. Two of the bioretention cells are located in a commuter parking lot on the Centennial Campus of NC State University. The third cell is located in a commercial parking lot in Wilmington, NC. The bioretention cells will be monitored pre- and post-treatment. After pre-treatment monitoring and data collection, the BRCs will be planted with media, likely wood chips, inoculated with Stropharia rugoso-annulata. Hydrology, and water quality samples will be collected at the inlet and outlet of each Raleigh BRC, while hydrology data and pathogen samples will be collected at the Wilmington site. Overflow samples will also be included in the study when captured. Samples will be analyzed for E.coli for the Wilmington site, and six water quality parameters (TKN, NO23, TSS, OP, TP, NH4) at the Raleigh sites. Because the BRCs have already been constructed, pre-treatment data collection will begin immediately, and last for nine months. After nine months, the cells will be treated with Stopharia rugoso-annulata; the 12 month post-treatment data collection will begin once the fungi population has established.

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Evaluating Subsurface Gravel Wetlands

NC Clean Water Management Trust Fund(9/13/17 - 10/31/20)

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Evaluating Subsurface Gravel Wetlands

Sponsor: NC Clean Water Management Trust Fund

Start Date: 9/13/17

End Date: 10/31/20

Abstract

Subsurface gravel wetlands have produced favorable results in wastewater applications and initial promise in stormwater management. As of date, subsurface gravel wetlands have yet to be installed or monitored in NC. A sample installation of this innovative technology is proposed to be designed, installed, and monitored by North Carolina State University (NCSU), Kris Bass Engineering, and the city of Greensboro (city). NCSU and Kris Bass Engineering will be responsible for the design and monitoring of the subsurface gravel wetland. The city will review these designs and contribute funds to project implementation. NCSU will use the grant and contributed funds to acquire a contractor needed to construct the wetland. Monitoring (including equipment purchase, installation, data collection, and analysis) will be principally conducted by NCSU with cooperation from the city. The city will be responsible for maintaining the subsurface wetland and performing all inspections, post-monitoring. Project deliverables include production of reports, at least one peer-review journal publication, educational workshops, a technical worksheet, and presentations at two science and engineering conferences. If the practice proves worthy, NCSU will work with NCDEQ to add this technology to the state's Stormwater Design Manual and SCM Crediting Document.

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Clean Little Alamance From the Y Up

US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)(2/01/17 - 9/30/19)

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Clean Little Alamance From the Y Up

Sponsor: US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

Start Date: 2/01/17

End Date: 9/30/19

Abstract

Little Alamance Creek, which drains a large portion of the City of Burlington, NC, is a 15.9 square mile 303-d listed stream for poor benthic health. A 2014 Category 4B Demonstration plan (NCDOT et al, 2014) was developed listing restoration and improvement goals of the watershed, including stormwater BMP retrofits for common urban water quality stressors. A 9-element plan (the Little Alamance, Travis, and Tickle Creek, or LATT, plan) was subsequently developed using the 4B as guidance and accepted by NCDEQ in 2015. North Carolina State University and the City of Burlington are proposing to partner and install one innovative stormwater BMPsat one City-owned site that drains to Little Alamance Creek. BMP 1 is to be a buried stormwater infiltration and detention chamber. In summary this project will consist of the following: • Design of one BMP retrofit by NC State Engineers, with construction of BMP by City of Burlington, In-Kind services and external contractors. The practice will treat runoff from 5 acres. The practice is under-utilized in North Carolina (Piedmont Infiltration Galleries). • Monitor the hydrologic & water quality effectiveness for the BMP 1 with detailed data collection by NCSU graduate students. This will enable piedmont infiltration galleries to be better understood and to inform future designs of similar BMPs • Engage in public outreach via workshops, public signage, and any local news media on the retrofits. At least one workshop (on retrofits) will be held in the Burlington/ NC Triad area. Another 1-2 will be given across NC.

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