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

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).

The interrelationship of green infrastructure and natural capital

Chenoweth, J., Anderson, A. R., Kumar, P., Hunt, W. F., Chimbwandira, S. J., & Moore, T. L. C. (2018), Land Use Policy, 75, 137–144. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.landusepol.2018.03.021

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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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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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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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Evaluating Sand Filters in North Carolina

NC Clean Water Management Trust Fund(2/01/19 - 7/31/21)

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Evaluating Sand Filters in North Carolina

Sponsor: NC Clean Water Management Trust Fund

Start Date: 2/01/19

End Date: 7/31/21

Abstract

Sand filters are a commonly used stormwater control measure (SCM) in North Carolina. They are often implemented in highly impervious areas to help municipalities comply with regulations. The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (NCDEQ) has identified this technology as a primary SCM or practice that can treat runoff from built-upon-areas for water quality without the need of additional SCMs. Due to a lack of North Carolina data, NCDEQ used research from sites located outside of North Carolina to establish pollutant removal credits for sand filters. There is a concern these data are not reflective of North Carolina sand filters and may skew effluent pollutant loads. This project will quantify the water quality and hydrologic benefits of sand filters with and without internal water storage (IWS). These much needed data will be provided to NCDEQ to update the pollutant removal credits for sand filters. These updates will alleviate concerns of skewed effluent loads and encourage the installation of sand filters throughout the state. Products from this project will include: maintenance agreements, educational workshops, presentations at two science and engineering conferences (copies of the presentations will be given), at least one peer-reviewed journal publication discussing the project results and conclusions, and quarterly and final reports to the Clean Water Management Trust Fund. Additionally, NCSU will create a technical worksheet summarizing design and maintenance recommendations developed from the project.

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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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Assistance with Selection and Monitoring of Stormwater Control Measures in the City of Asheville

Asheville, NC(8/15/17 - 12/31/19)

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Assistance with Selection and Monitoring of Stormwater Control Measures in the City of Asheville

Sponsor: Asheville, NC

Start Date: 8/15/17

End Date: 12/31/19

Abstract

State and federal regulations require the city of Asheville (city) to manage and mitigate the effects of stormwater runoff. To comply with these regulations, the city has obtained the services of Hazen and Sawyer to design three to be determined stormwater control measures (SCMs). In addition to achieving compliance, the city wants to monitor these SCMs for water quality and hydrology. North Carolina State University (NCSU) will collaborate with Hazen and Sawyer to review the SCM designs to ensure water quality and hydrology monitoring is feasible, apply for grant fund acquisition from state sources, and assist with community outreach.

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Modeling low impact commercial hotel development in Black Creek Watershed

US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)(8/17/18 - 4/15/21)

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Modeling low impact commercial hotel development in Black Creek Watershed

Sponsor: US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

Start Date: 8/17/18

End Date: 4/15/21

Abstract

A collaborative partnership under the Black Creek Watershed Association is working with the community and landowners to reduce the volume and velocity of stormwater runoff entering the creek system with the goals of improving aquatic habitat, water quality and secondary recreational contact. The Black Creek Watershed Plan identifies stormwater retrofits that infiltrate stormwater as the main management measure needed to meet these goals and remove it from the 303(d) list. A follow-up study identified an impervious surface disconnection goal related to the amount of development that occurred prior to the implementation of the Neuse River stormwater rules (Horvath 2011). While the team has been successfully and steadily implementing retrofits to reduce runoff `since 2010, macro-invertebrate assessments conducted in 2016 (May and Nov) indicate a lack of noticeable improvement in these populations. The remaining land in this urbanizing watershed continues to be developed with high intensity land uses given its ideal location in the Triangle adjacent to several parks, Research Triangle Park, and SAS Institute’s World Headquarters. A tributary to Black Creek has recently experienced severe erosion following development of a high density commercial and residential development in its headwaters. As a result, the Beechtree Homeowners Association (Beechtree HOA) is committing $20,000 to repair a section of the tributary that is eroding away their greenway. The macro-invertebrate assessment and tributary condition degradation point to evidence that current stormwater management practices may not be effectively protecting Black Creek from continued degradation. While the BCWA has been primarily focusing upon stormwater retrofits, strategies to prevent additional stormwater from running off of new development may help protect the investments made to retrofit existing development and disconnect impervious surfaces. This raises the question of how can we work with developers to provide real, measureable protection of Black Creek from development impacts? This project proposes a partnership between Beechtree HOA, the Black Creek Watershed Association, Water Resources Research Institute, NCSU Dept of Biological and Agricultural Engineering, Daly 7, a local development firm, and its contracted engineering firm, Red Line Engineering, to design, develop, and monitor a low impact development hotel site in the watershed. Daly 7 has been contracted by Marriott Hotels to develop two hotels on a parcel of land within the Black Creek Watershed, upstream from the HOA’s greenway and at the headwater of the aforementioned degraded tributary. The partnership seeks to model, design, and evaluate distributed runoff volume-reducing stormwater control measures on the site with the goal of little to no additional runoff from the developed site entering the stream system. Pre and post stream stability assessments coupled with hydrology monitoring will assess the actual performance on stream health. This project is inspired by and will consider lessons learned in a similar ground-breaking low-impact development in Northeast Raleigh,The Market at Colonnade. The proposal team has met with the stormwater engineer and site developers and managers of the Market at Colonnade to help inform this proposal. This high profile project with a world-renown corporate hotel chain has a high potential to provide a model for collaboratively and sustainably managing stormwater on a highly impervious commercial use that drains to an impaired waterway.

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