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

Evaluating the Hydrologic 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., … Libes, S. (2019), WATER, 11(6). https://doi.org/10.3390/w11061291

Field Monitoring of Downspout Disconnections to Reduce Runoff Volume and Improve Water Quality along the North Carolina Coast

Taguchi, V. J., Carey, E. S., & Hunt, W. F., III. (2019), JOURNAL OF SUSTAINABLE WATER IN THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT, 5(1). https://doi.org/10.1061/JSWBAY.0000872

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., … Libes, S. (2018), Water, 10(2).

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).

Hydrologic and water quality performance of permeable pavement with internal water storage over a clay soil in Durham, North Carolina

Braswell, A. S., Winston, R. J., & Hunt, W. F. (2018), JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT, 224, 277–287. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvman.2018.07.040

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).

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).

Stormwater management in nutrient-sensitive watersheds: a case study investigating impervious cover limits and pollutant-load regulations

Stillwell, C. C., Hunt, W. F., III, Page, J. L., Baird, J. B., & Kennedy, S. G. (2018), WATER SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, 78(3), 664–675. https://doi.org/10.2166/wst.2018.338

Vermuyden, Arkwright, and Slater the Traitor: Derwent Valley Mills-Birthplace of the water powered cotton spinning industry and skyscraper construction techniques

Newman, A. P., Rodriguez, A. M., & Hunt, W. F. (2018), In World Environmental and Water Resources Congress 2018: International Perspectives, History and Heritage, Emerging Technologies, and Student Papers (pp. 87–100).

Water quality and hydrologic performance of a regenerative stormwater conveyance in the piedmont of North Carolina

Cizek, A. R., Hunt, W. F., Winston, R. J., Waickowski, S. E., Narayanaswamy, K., & Lauffer, M. S. (2018), Journal of Environmental Engineering (New York, N.Y.), 144(8).

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Grants

Optimizing Dry Swale Design for Water Quality Improvement

NC Department of Transportation(6/01/19 - 12/31/19)

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Optimizing Dry Swale Design for Water Quality Improvement

Sponsor: NC Department of Transportation

Start Date: 6/01/19

End Date: 12/31/19

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 complete the research outlined in the previous project #2106-18 entitled “Swale Design Optimization for Enhanced Application and Pollutant Removal” specifically the controlled plot trials. The remaining work entails the testing of multiple design parameters (i.e. length, channel slope, and channel shape) for dry swales in a controlled setting. The plots are located at NCSU’s Sediment and Erosion Control Research and Education Facility (SECREF) in Raleigh, North Carolina. 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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Establishing Nutrient and Pathogen Thresholds for SCM Assessment and Revising the Rainwater Harvesting Model

US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)(7/22/19 - 12/31/19)

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Establishing Nutrient and Pathogen Thresholds for SCM Assessment and Revising the Rainwater Harvesting Model

Sponsor: US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

Start Date: 7/22/19

End Date: 12/31/19

Abstract

This is a three-part project. NCSU, with some contractor support, will complete the following three tasks: 1. Establish a baseline from which to assess TN and TP removal efficiencies for stormwater control measures. 2. Create a 2- or 3-tier threshold for pathogen (indicator species) removal/sequestration. This will resemble the guidance provided for TSS as part of the current NEST program 3. A substantial update to the Rainwater Harvester Model that feeds the SNAP tool (or can be used independently). Work will be completed by a team consisting of NCSU faculty, graduate students, and a faculty member at Longwood University (Dr. Kathy Gee).

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FACT: Developing Data-to-Decision Pipelines for Agroecosystem Management through High-performance Computing and Big Data Analytics

US Dept. of Agriculture (USDA) - National Institute of Food and Agriculture(8/01/19 - 7/31/23)

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FACT: Developing Data-to-Decision Pipelines for Agroecosystem Management through High-performance Computing and Big Data Analytics

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

Start Date: 8/01/19

End Date: 7/31/23

Abstract

The modern availability of novel data analytics and cost-effective high-performance computing creates unique opportunities to tap into the wellspring of potential offered by big data for creating decision-making tools that inform sustainable agroecosystem management. When coupled with climate, land use, and policy-related data streams through analytics, long-term monitoring data can be applied to develop data-driven decision-support tools designed for land and water resource managers, but foundational research is needed to develop such data-rich decision-support platforms. As a case study, this research will develop a data-to-decision pipeline for nearshore water quality management in support of shellfish agroecosystem protection. Shellfish growing areas are regularly screened for coliform bacteria to inform on-the-fly decision-making by regulators who are evaluating the sanitation of cultured shellfish, which has led to the accrual of a vast record of spatiotemporal bacterial observations. These national-scale data remain poorly explored and underutilized due to challenges associated with analyzing big, multi-scale data, but could be mined to develop critically-needed decision-support platforms.

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Evaluating Subsurface Gravel Wetlands

NC Clean Water Management Trust Fund(4/18/19 - 4/17/20)

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Evaluating Subsurface Gravel Wetlands

Sponsor: NC Clean Water Management Trust Fund

Start Date: 4/18/19

End Date: 4/17/20

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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Field Monitoring of Oldcastle BioPod BioFilters and PerkFilter Cartridge Filter

Oldcastle Infrastructure (Formerly Oldcastle Precast, Inc.)(6/01/19 - 6/30/21)

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Field Monitoring of Oldcastle BioPod BioFilters and PerkFilter Cartridge Filter

Sponsor: Oldcastle Infrastructure (Formerly Oldcastle Precast, Inc.)

Start Date: 6/01/19

End Date: 6/30/21

Abstract

This project (“Field Monitoring of Oldcastle BioPod BioFilters and PerkFilter Cartridge Filter”) aims to explore the water quality performance of two proprietary stormwater control products in North Carolina. As management of exported nutrient pollution via stormwater runoff continues to be regulated 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 both the BioPod and PerkFilter by Oldcastle Infrastructure as they treat stormwater runoff. BioPods are tree box filters that provide highly localized stormwater treatment in densely populated and highly urban areas. The PerkFilter is a cartridge filtration system used to remove pollutants from stormwater runoff as it flows through the system. For this research, two BioPods and two PerkFilters will be installed in central North Carolina. The four devices will treat stormwater runoff from watersheds consisting of parking lot and rooftop runoff. NCSU BAE will monitor hydrology and water quality of the four systems to evaluate overall sediment, nitrogen, phosphorus, and metals removal capabilities over the monitoring period.

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Monitoring a RSC in Greensboro, NC

Greensboro, NC(4/01/19 - 8/31/21)

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Monitoring a RSC in Greensboro, NC

Sponsor: Greensboro, NC

Start Date: 4/01/19

End Date: 8/31/21

Abstract

A regenerative stormwater conveyance (RSC) will be constructed in Greensboro, NC. NCSU will monitor the RSC constructed at the city's operations facility located on Patton Avenue. Monitoring will occur for one year and or 15 storm events (total rainfall greater than or equal to 0.1 inches for six continuous hours). Rainfall will be monitored with a tipping rain bucket gauge and manual rain gauge installed near the site. Influent concentrations and runoff volumes will be found using a combination of a weir (compound or v-notch), automated sampler, bubbler, and ISCO 730 Bubbler Module. Effluent concentrations and discharges will be found using the same combination installed at the outlet. NCSU will collect water quality samples within 48 hours after each rain event and transport the samples to Raleigh for analysis at the Environmental Analysis Laboratory (EAL). Paired inlet and outlet samples will be analyzed for the following parameters: total suspended solids (TSS), total kjeldahl (TKN), nitrate/nitrite nitrogen (NO2,3-N), total ammoniacal nitrogen (TAN), total phosphorus (TP), and orthophosphate (O-PO43-). Total nitrogen (TN) will be calculated using TKN and NO2,3-N values. Statistical comparisons between influent and effluent pollutant loads will be performed, and load reductions will be calculated. Hydrology data including runoff volume, peak discharge, and peak flow attenuation will also be analyzed. These analyses will adhere to statistical methods developed by Helsel and Hirsch (1991) for USGS, including non-parametric statistics that are often needed to analyze stormwater data. Results from the analyses will be synthesized in a final report to the city of Greensboro.

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Lower Creek Water Quality Improvement

US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)(3/08/19 - 6/30/21)

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Lower Creek Water Quality Improvement

Sponsor: US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

Start Date: 3/08/19

End Date: 6/30/21

Abstract

Lower Creek is a 303(d) listed stream for poor benthos health due to hydrologic modification (i.e. stream bank erosion, stream channelization, and nutrients). Its watershed drains 62,720 acres of Caldwell and Burke county, including the City of Lenoir. The Lower Creek Watershed Management Plan identifies numerous management strategies such as stormwater control measures (SCMs) or best management practices (BMPs), stream restoration, riparian buffer plantings, and watershed education programs to address Lower Creek’s impairment. North Carolina State University, NC Cooperative Extension, the City of Lenoir, and Caldwell County are proposing to install one regenerative stormwater conveyance system (RSC), one community bioretention cell or wetland at the city-owned J.E. Broyhill Walking Park (Broyhill Park), and a stormwater wetland at the Caldwell County Social Services building to mitigate the effects of Lower Creek’s hydrologic modification. These locations were chosen given their location within Lower Creek watershed and close proximity to the creek itself, surrounding impervious areas, and high public visibility. Public outreach will be included in the project via educational workshops and signage at Broyhill Park. Additionally, collected data will be incorporated into a state-wide workshop series regarding RSC design. Finally, a local workshop will be held for the Citizens of Lenoir.

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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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Assessment of Park Shopping Center in Siler City

NC Clean Water Management Trust Fund(3/01/18 - 7/31/19)

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Assessment of Park Shopping Center in Siler City

Sponsor: NC Clean Water Management Trust Fund

Start Date: 3/01/18

End Date: 7/31/19

Abstract

The Loves Creek Watershed is impaired for habitat degradation. The Town of Siler City is interested in daylighting a portion of a Loves Creek tributary to improve water quality and aquatic health while minimizing localized flooding. This project has been funded by the North Carolina Clean Water Management Trust Fund (CWMTF). NCSU-BAE will evaluate the feasibility of daylighting the tributary and identify the best alternative to pursue (daylight tributary into meandering stream, daylight tributary into wetlands, install SCMs, do nothing).

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