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

Effect of Visibility on Maintenance Investment and Consequent Performance of Urban Stormwater Control Measures

Moin, S., Hunt, W. F., Birgand, F., & Ratzlaff, S. (2022), JOURNAL OF SUSTAINABLE WATER IN THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT. https://doi.org/10.1061/JSWBAY.0000975

A Comparison of Methods to Address Anaerobic Conditions in Rainwater Harvesting Systems

Gee, K. D. B., Schimoler, D., Charron, B. T., Woodward, M. D., & Hunt, W. F. (2021), WATER. https://doi.org/10.3390/w13233419

Hydrologic Modeling of Distributed Stormwater Control Measure Retrofit and Examination of Impact of Subcatchment Discretization in PCSWMM

Shaneyfelt, K. M., Johnson, J. P., & Hunt, W. F. (2021), JOURNAL OF SUSTAINABLE WATER IN THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT. https://doi.org/10.1061/JSWBAY.0000938

Monitoring the Water Quality Benefits of a Triangular Swale Treating a Highway Runoff

Luell, S. K., Winston, R. J., & Hunt, W. F. (2021), JOURNAL OF SUSTAINABLE WATER IN THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT. https://doi.org/10.1061/JSWBAY.0000929

Next generation swale design for stormwater runoff treatment: A comprehensive approach

Ekka, S. A., Rujner, H., Leonhardt, G., Blecken, G.-T., Viklander, M., & Hunt, W. F. (2021). [Review of , ]. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT, 279. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvman.2020.111756

Survey of the operational status of twenty-six urban stormwater biofilter facilities in Sweden

Beryani, A., Goldstein, A., Al-Rubaei, A. M., Viklander, M., Hunt, W. F., III, & Blecken, G.-T. (2021), JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvman.2021.113375

Designing Dry Swales for Stormwater Quality Improvement Using the Aberdeen Equation

Hunt, W. F., Fassman-Beck, E. A., Ekka, S. A., Shaneyfelt, K. C., & Deletic, A. (2020), JOURNAL OF SUSTAINABLE WATER IN THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT, 6(1). https://doi.org/10.1061/JSWBAY.0000886

Field Assessment of the Hydrologic Mitigation Performance of Three Aging Bioretention Cells

Johnson, J. P., & Hunt, W. F. (2020), JOURNAL OF SUSTAINABLE WATER IN THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT, 6(4). https://doi.org/10.1061/JSWBAY.0000925

Hydrologic and water quality performance of two aging and unmaintained dry detention basins receiving highway stormwater runoff

Wissler, A. D., Hunt, W. F., & McLaughlin, R. A. (2020), JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT, 255. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvman.2019.109853

Using Irrigation to Increase Stormwater Mitigation Potential of Rainwater Harvesting Systems

Gee, K. D., Hunt, W. F., Peacock, C. H., Woodward, M. D., & Arellano, C. (2020), JOURNAL OF SUSTAINABLE WATER IN THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT, 6(2). https://doi.org/10.1061/JSWBAY.0000913

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Grants

Greenfield Lake Water Quality Improvements

US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)(1/01/22 - 6/30/23)

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Greenfield Lake Water Quality Improvements

Sponsor: US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

Start Date: 1/01/22

End Date: 6/30/23

Abstract

Greenfield Lake is a 250-acre lake and public park in the heart of Wilmington, NC. The lake hosts an abundance of wildlife as well as thousands of residents and tourists who enjoy the lake’s recreational amenities. However, the surrounding development produces stormwater runoff carrying excessive nutrients, causing dangerous algal blooms, fish kills, and overall poor water quality conditions in the lake. This project aims to reduce the amount of nutrients entering Greenfield Lake by implementing low-impact-development stormwater control measures at the new site of the Food Bank of Central and Eastern North Carolina. The site, which will house the Food Bank as well as the local food nonprofit, Feast Down East is located along Squash Branch, a northern tributary of Greenfield Lake. By replacing a traditional wet pond with a rainwater harvesting system and infiltration basin, less stormwater runoff will flow to the lake, reducing the overall nutrient load and decreasing the negative impacts. Additionally, the rainwater captured will be used to irrigate crops grown by Feast Down East’s community learning farm, increasing access to both fresh food and environmental education opportunities to the surrounding, underserved community.

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Flow-through, Off-line Stormwater Wetland to Treat Downtown Wilson and Improve Hominy Creek Swamp

US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)(5/02/22 - 6/30/24)

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Flow-through, Off-line Stormwater Wetland to Treat Downtown Wilson and Improve Hominy Creek Swamp

Sponsor: US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

Start Date: 5/02/22

End Date: 6/30/24

Abstract

Wilson’s Hominy Creek Swamp is a Nutrient Sensitive Water (NSW) with benthos impairment. NC State University and the City of Wilson are partnering to implement a large-scale stormwater wetland that would treat runoff from most of downtown Wilson. Runoff from approximately 80-acre watershed will be treated by this off-line, flow-through wetland. As this urban SCM is large (3 acres), the funding request is separated into three proposals: (1) herein which requests funds for construction and a small amount of personnel time for construction supervision, (2) an EEG administered by the NCDOJ is providing funds for the design of the wetland, and (3) funds from the NCL&WF have recently been requested to cover all monitoring expenses. This wetland is expected to be highly effective at reducing N&P inputs to Hominy Swamp Creek, with SNAP outputs suggesting that nearly 17,000 lbs of N and more than 3000 lbs of P will be removed over a 30-year period. Because of the expected success of the project and the fact that many communities are looking for means to reduce runoff (to protect downstream underserved communities) while improving water quality, we plan to offer a flow-through wetland design workshop series in NC (including in Wilson) towards the end of this project. This workshop will disseminate information that will hopefully encourage other communities to follow a similar path. Lastly, due to the size of the ecosystem that is being created near downtown Wilson, the City will be partnering with the local science museum (Imagination Station) to develop educational displays.

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Monitoring Nutrient Loads from Urban Pervious Surfaces

US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)(9/20/21 - 12/31/23)

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Monitoring Nutrient Loads from Urban Pervious Surfaces

Sponsor: US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

Start Date: 9/20/21

End Date: 12/31/23

Abstract

Five-to-six urban pervious landcovers will be selected in the Raleigh-Durham area and 2-3 urban pervious landcovers will be selected in the Wilmington area. The intent of locating research sites in both places is to test a gradient of soil types (sandy in Wilmington and clayey in Durham/Raleigh). Three principal pervious covers will be tested, but flexibility exists for these to be adjusted per input from NCDEQ personnel. As of now, we will test forests with minimal management, shrub areas with minimal management, and turfgrass. Exact sites will be selected during the first 3 months of the project. Each small catchment will be surveyed to determine its size. When necessary, NC State SEG will construct diversions to channel runoff to a monitoring station. No monitoring will be installed until reviewed and approved by NC DEQ. Every site will be monitored for approximately one year and data collection will occur during the following 15 months (not every monitoring site will have the same “start” date). Hydrologic and water quality data will be collected using automated samples, v-notch weirs coupled with pressure transducers, and rain gauges. Flow-proportional samples will enable the calculation of Event Mean Concentrations (EMC’s) that are necessary for SNAP. The graduate student will keep a quarterly-revised tally of results for each monitoring station and be able to report this to NCDEQ upon DEQ’s request. Data will be analyzed using statistical techniques and tabulated in a final report. Findings from this report are intended to be incorporated into the SNAP tool. A workshop will be held towards the end of the project with a focus on SNAP, during which time the results of this research will be shared to the design and regulatory community.

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Durham Catch Basin Insert Study

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

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Durham Catch Basin Insert Study

Sponsor: Durham, NC

Start Date: 8/17/21

End Date: 12/31/22

Abstract

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

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9-Element Plan Development for Jack Smith Creek

City of New Bern(7/01/21 - 6/30/22)

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9-Element Plan Development for Jack Smith Creek

Sponsor: City of New Bern

Start Date: 7/01/21

End Date: 6/30/22

Abstract

The N.C. State BAE Stormwater group agrees to aid in the development of an EPA “9-Element Plan” for Jack Smith Creek in City of New Bern, NC. The cost of this assistance is $11,608. This quote includes staff time, overhead, fringe costs, and day travel for site visits, meetings, and collaboration. The start date for this proposal will be July 1, 2021 and the end date will be December 31, 2021. The goal of this project is to have the New Bern “9-Element Plan” for Jack Smith Creek completed and approved by the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality before the 20212 deadline for EPA 319 grant funding.

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Monitoring a Subsurface Gravel Wetland in Raleigh, NC

NC Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ)(11/01/21 - 10/31/22)

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Monitoring a Subsurface Gravel Wetland in Raleigh, NC

Sponsor: NC Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ)

Start Date: 11/01/21

End Date: 10/31/22

Abstract

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

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Monitoring Spore Capture and Release from a Stormwater Control Measure

US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)(5/07/21 - 7/31/22)

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Monitoring Spore Capture and Release from a Stormwater Control Measure

Sponsor: US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

Start Date: 5/07/21

End Date: 7/31/22

Abstract

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

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Stormwater & Channel Retrofits for the Upper Portion of Hominy Creek Swamp in Wilson, NC

US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)(1/27/21 - 6/30/23)

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Stormwater & Channel Retrofits for the Upper Portion of Hominy Creek Swamp in Wilson, NC

Sponsor: US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

Start Date: 1/27/21

End Date: 6/30/23

Abstract

Wilson’s Hominy Creek/ Hominy Swamp is a Nutrient Sensitive Water (NSW) with benthos impairment. NC State University and the City of Wilson are partnering to implement five storm water control measure (SCM) retrofits within the City Limits. The retrofits are varied and demonstrate a variety of improvements that can be made across the watershed going forward. They are: (1) the engineering of a headwaters basin to convert it into a functioning stormwater wetland, (2) the improvement of an eroding headwaters channel by either bank stabilizing or linear wetland channel creation, (3) retrofitting an existing wet pond with floating wetland islands, and (4) and (5) converting 2 alleyways into green alleys. In all, more than 130 watershed acres will be treated. In addition to the construction of these 5 retrofits, NC State and the City of Wilson will partner on multiple education programs. The first is a local wetland plant installation and maintenance workshop that will target local landscapers and City of Wilson maintenance staff. The second is a workshop that will be targeted at stormwater design and regulatory professionals highlighting specific retrofits constructed as part of this 319 grant. While the workshop series will be constructed state-wide, one of the offerings will be in the City of Wilson and will highlight these projects as part of a field tour. The City is able to provide a profound amount of match through two separate efforts. The first is the construction of a major ($1.9M) underground detention stormwater retrofit SCM in downtown and the second is applying $80,000 of a $150,000 EEG grant received for SCM design. Thus, the majority of the money requested in this grant is going towards installation (rather than being shared with a substantial amount of design costs). The City will also perform at least some of the construction for three of the SCMs to be constructed: the headwaters basin and both green alleys. A pair of watershed monitoring stations will be maintained and collected data analyzed by NC State. One monitoring station will focus on downtown Wilson runoff (and its consequent treatment); the second will focus on collective headwaters improvement. The two downtown green alley retrofits will be specifically monitored for hydrologic performance. The wet pond retrofit with floating wetland islands will be monitored for water quality improvement. Benthic macroinvertebrate testing will also be conducted at both watershed monitoring stations.

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Bradley Creek Water Quality Improvement

US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)(2/05/21 - 6/30/23)

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Bradley Creek Water Quality Improvement

Sponsor: US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

Start Date: 2/05/21

End Date: 6/30/23

Abstract

Bradley Creek is a tidal creek whose bacterial impairment threatens Wilmington and Wrightsville Beach resident’s recreational and economic opportunities, and ecological communities. In response, the City of Wilmington has set aggressive goals for volume reduction of runoff within the watershed as a way to control and remediate water quality. In an effort to help the city meet these goals, this project proposes creating one and retrofitting four stormwater management practices with improvements that will reduce water quantity and improve water quality within the watershed. These improvements include: 1. Retrofitting the pond in the Sam’s Club parking lot with a bulwark. The current design of the pond has water coming into the pond very near where it exits. This means that treatment time is limited. Installing a solid barrier between the inlet and outlet will force water to flow through more of the pond and provide more treatment. 2. Expanding and converting the wet pond at University Commons into a constructed stormwater wetland. The wetland will be much shallower and contain many more plants. This conversion will not only remove more pollutants, but it will also return more of the water to the underlying groundwater through infiltration. The space will also host much more biodiversity. 3. Retrofitting a swale, or grassed ditch, with native grass species and small dams to slow and pond the water to increase pollutant removal. 4. Disconnecting 8-10 downspouts in a residential townhome complex. Rather than having the gutter downspouts flow over pavement and parking areas, it will be redirected to flow over grass or other landscaping. This way the water can seep into the ground rather than flow into storm drains. 5. Converting a parking lot roundabout into a rain garden. A rain garden is a landscaped area that collects and temporarily ponds stormwater during rain events. The garden then treats the stormwater by allowing it to soak into the ground and be used by the growing plants. This conversion will not only treat stormwater that would have otherwise gone untreated, but it will also alleviate some minor flooding within the parking lot. Together, these 5 improvements will reduce the amount of runoff entering Bradley Creek and will improve the quality of the water that does trickle into the creek. Finally, City of Wilmington personnel and NCSU faculty will deliver multiple educational efforts, targeting both local citizens and the design community.

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Evaluating Maintenance Requirements & Water Quality Benefits of Alternative Vegetated & Non‐Vegetated Linings in Roadside Swales

NC Department of Transportation(1/01/21 - 12/31/22)

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Evaluating Maintenance Requirements & Water Quality Benefits of Alternative Vegetated & Non‐Vegetated Linings in Roadside Swales

Sponsor: NC Department of Transportation

Start Date: 1/01/21

End Date: 12/31/22

Abstract

Swales are the most widely-used stormwater control measure (SCM) in the transportation environment, including linear rights-of-way, highway interchanges, operations and maintenance facilities, and secondary roadways. They are predominant because they are of low expense and easily fit into typical DOT rights-of-way. Swales are usually constructed with turf grass and other low-lying grasses, and recent research (much of which was conducted in North Carolina) demonstrates modest to moderate effectiveness regarding pollutant reduction. However, there are many circumstances when grass-lined swales are impractical, especially when located under a tree line so that the vegetation is shaded or in areas with steep slopes. This situation is conducive to rock lining in lieu of vegetation. Moreover, native deep-rooted grasses are often adapted to growth in swales, and these grasses have different – and less costly – maintenance needs than conventional low-lying turf grasses that need to be mowed. There is little to no information available on how rock-lined and native-deep rooted grass-lined swales perform with respect to water quality. Additionally, research is needed to assign a manning’s roughness coefficient by deep-rooted grasses to flow. Four existing swales and four existing bioswales located at NC State’s Sediment and Erosion Control Research and Education Facility (SECREF) will be used to evaluate water quality performance of alternatively-lined swales. Four of the swales to be tested are currently conventional grass-lined, with the other two being bioswales. Data from previously-conducted experiments will serve as a basis to compare the performance of alternative swale linings. Two different linings will be retrofitted into the existing swales/bioswales. One will be a rock lining (Class B, as specified by NCDOT); the second, a deep rooted native grass mix. Field tests will be conducted in 2021, after a thorough literature review is conducted in autumn 2020. The research team will reach out to NCDOT Roadside Environmental Unit (REU) staff and also reach out to local contractors to determine the costs and availability of alternative swale linings to help NCDOT determine future swale designs. If alternatively-lined swales prove cheaper to maintain while providing at least comparable water quality treatment, the potential for less expensive, yet still safe, operations is likely. NCSU faculty, staff and students will conduct the following tasks as part of this proposal: (1) Conduct a literature review regarding alternative swale linings, included in this is an assessment of local availability and costs (2) Retrofit eight swales (four conventionally-drained and four bioswales) at SECREF. Characteristics of each of the 8 swales as outlined in Table 1. They include two liner types (rock and deep-rooted grass) and slopes (1% and 4%) (3) Run water quality tests, collect data at SECREF and then analyze and synthesize data (4) For two of the swales planted with deep-rooted grasses (Table 1), a manning’s roughness coefficient will be determined, using known flow rates, swale geometries, and slopes, while calculating flow height. (5) Based upon information gained from (3) and (4) above, NCSU will deliver design guidance to NCDOT personnel to help compare performance and maintenance needs of various swale linings under various conditions. The principal deliverable will be an end-of-project Final Report. Moreover, at least one journal article is expected to be produced as part of this research project. Data will be stored in a DPS workbook and later uploaded into the STORMDATA database. By better understanding and predicting swale performance under various lining and design configurations, NCDOT will be able to more efficiently manage runoff within its unique linear environment.

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