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Georgia Water Resources Conference

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Author: Risse, L. Mark × End date: 2013 × Start date: 2010 ×

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The impact of on-site wastewater treatment systems on the nitrogen load and baseflow in urbanizing watersheds of Metropolitan Atlanta, Georgia

2013-04 , Oliver, C. , Risse, L. Mark , Radcliffe, David E. , Habteselassie, M. , Clarke, John S.

On-site wastewater treatment systems (OWTSs) are widely used in the Southeastern United States for municipal wastewater treatment. As urban and suburban populations increase, the use of OWTSs is expected to further increase. This region heavily depends on surface waters for its water supply, therefore, the impact of OWTSs on surface water quality and quantity must be investigated. Conventional OWTSs can be potential sources of N pollution for groundwater and streams that can cause human health concerns and stimulate algal growth resulting in eutrophication. The overall goal of this project is to determine the impact of OWTSs on the N load and baseflow in urbanizing watersheds of Ocmulgee and Oconee River basins in Georgia. This paper presents preliminary results of the differences in the N load and baseflow as well as other water quality indicators such as electrical conductivity (EC) and chloride (Cl-) in streams of watersheds impacted by high (HD) and low density (LD) OWTSs. Synoptic samples and discharge measurements of 24 watersheds were taken 3 times per year in fall, spring, and summer under baseflow conditions. EC and Cl- concentrations were significantly higher in HD OWTS watersheds for all three sampling events. N concentrations were not statistically different between HD and LD watersheds for all three sampling events. Baseflow measurements in the fall and spring were not statistically different between HD and LD watersheds, but summer measurements were significantly higher in the HD watersheds. The results indicate the presence of OWTS effluent in streams of watersheds with HD OWTSs, while N analysis indicates a reduction in concentration through dilution and denitrification. However, increased baseflow in watersheds impacted by HD OWTSs results in an increase in total N load. Further analysis is needed to accurately determine and quantify the impact of OWTSs on water quality and quantity at the watershed-scale.

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A Survey of Georgia Citizens on Their Attitudes and Beliefs Associated with Water

2011-04 , Risse, L. Mark

To accurately determine the effectiveness of educational efforts related to water resources, it is important both to establish base-line information about public perceptions and literacy, and then to measure change in public attitudes and actions over time. Furthermore, to identify the best opportunities for successful regional programming, it is imperative to understand the similarities and differences that exist among the target audiences. As part of the NIFA national water program, a survey instrument was developed to provide base-line information on public attitudes regarding water resources in 2002 from which future Extension programming outcomes can be measured (Mahler, Simmons, Sorensen, & Miner, 2004). This initial regional survey documented public attitudes about water resources in over 40 states around the United States. In 2009 and 2010, this survey tool was used to measure responses from a statistically significant sampling of randomly selected Georgia citizens. The objectives of this article are to document baselines in the public's perception of water resource priorities, identify the information sources used by the public, and examine recent and future water resources learning opportunities most likely to be used by the public. Responses to the 50 question survey will be shares and compared to results of surveys conducted in other Southeastern States.

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Linking Onsite and Distance Education Efforts to Improve Regional Watershed Education Efforts

2011-04 , Henning, Frank , Risse, L. Mark , Brantley, Eve , Calabria, Jon

The Southern Regional Water Program’s Watershed Education and Restoration Team, which is composed of Extension faculty from Land Grant Universities in the southeast partnered to offer multiple regional workshops focused on practices that improve ecological function in developing watersheds. Partners included USDA NIFA Southern Regional Water Program, University of Georgia, NC State University, Auburn University, University of Kentucky, Texas A&M, Clemson University, and University of Florida. Soil Scientists, engineers, hydrologists, horticulturalists, and landscape architects combined their skills to develop a series of webinars and workshops that were designed to improve water quality and ecological function of streams by advancing education on stormwater management and stream restoration. One focus of this effort was advancing stormwater management. In 2009, a web-based train-thetrainer effort that featured regional stormwater experts was initiated to introduce innovations in wetland, stormpond, rain garden, and rainwater harvesting techniques. Archives of the training, presentations, activities, relevant publications and evaluation resources were compiled into an online learning center to support county-based training efforts. http://www.caes.uga.edu/extension/water/lc/rwh.html Over 200 people were trained, survey respondents indicated that rainwater harvesting knowledge increased by 25.2%, rain garden knowledge increased by 32.4%, 94.7% of participants found the learning center useful, and 86.5% of attendees reported that they either already conducted a training, or plan to conduct a training in the future. A second focus of this regional effort was stream restoration. In 2010, a webinar workshop was broadcast from Al, NC and GA, combined regional expertise in order to train Extension Agents and Watershed Coordinators. Over 150 participants from 17 states were trained were trained on vegetative stream restoration techniques. A web-based learning center was developed to enhance the success of this training effort: http://www.caes.uga.edu/extension/water/lc/StreamVeg.ht ml This training resulted in a 16.8% increase in knowledge on vegetation for ecosystem restoration, knowledge of soil considerations for restoration increased by 15.2%, and 91.2% of respondents indicated that they plan to use information from either the workshop or learning center in future training events. Keys to success in this education effort included: cooperative partners, good communication, and dedication to developing practical workshops that are fun for trainers and participants. Webinar training and online Learning centers were developed by the Southern Regional Water Program's Watershed Education and Restoration Team successfully increased knowledge on water resource management and ecosystem restoration.

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Impacts of Organic Soil Amendments on Runoff and Soil Erosion under Natural Rainfall Conditions, Preliminary Results

2011-04 , Risse, L. Mark , Zhu, X. , Eason, J. , Leonard, T.

Organic amendments such as composts and mulches have been shown to improve soil quality and reduce the impacts of stormwater runoff and soil erosion Previous studies using rainfall simulators have documented that runoff volumes and soil erosion can be significantly reduced when organic materials are added to the soil profile. The objectives of this study are to measure the changes in runoff and soil erosion under natural rainfall conditions in Georgia over a five year period and to determine the changes in soil carbon levels over time. Results from such measurements could be used to improve prediction technologies such as the curve number method and RUSLE type erosion models that engineers and designers use to account for soil erosion during construction as well as long term stormwater management.

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