Georgia Water Resources Conference

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Georgia Water Resources Conference

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Georgia Water Resources Institute

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South Carolina Water Plan

(Georgia Institute of Technology, 1999-03) Cherry, Rodney N. ; Badr, A. W.

The sources of water for South Carolina are precipitation (48 inches average per year) and streamflow from adjacent states (8 inches average per year). In addition to the annual replenishment, water is stored mostly in sand and limestone aquifers of the Coastal Plain. The Water Plan suggests the utilization of water from streams and lakes, where feasible, in preference to using water from aquifers, because of the slow recharge to the aquifers and the high evapotranspiration losses and shorter retention times in streams and lakes. Minimum flows for streams should be established to protect fish and wildlife, preserve water quality, and maintain navigability. Minimum water levels for aquifers should be established to sustain water availability, control landsurface subsidence, and maintain wetlands ecosystems. All water withdrawals of 100,000 gallons or more in any day, 1 million gallons in any month, or 10 million gallons in any year should be registered. Mitigation techniques such as but not limited to restricting withdrawal, diverting water from other areas, withdrawing water from a stream rather than from an aquifer or vice versa, or taking water from water storage facilities such as lakes or reservoirs should be considered if a stream's flow is less than the minimum flow or the static water level is below the Trigger Level in an aquifer or undesired effects are occuring because of water withdrawals. A water shortage should be declared and administered by the State Drought Response Committee when insufficient water is available to meet all withdrawals and maintain the required minimum flow in streams or water level in aquifers.
Relation of Land Use to Nutrient and Suspended-Sediment Concentrations, Loads, and Yields in the Upper Chattahoochee River Basin, Georgia, 1993-98

(Georgia Institute of Technology, 1999-03) Frick, Elizabeth A. ; Buell, Gary R.

This report describes the effects of various land uses on fluvial transport of nutrients (nitrogen, phosphorus, and organic carbon) and suspended sediment during different hydrologic conditions within the upper Chattahoochee River basin from 1993 to 1998. Fluvial transport is discussed within the context of nutrient and suspended-sediment concentrations and load and yield estimates. Monthly and stormflow water-quality samples were collected and analyzed by the U.S. Geological Survey at four tributary streams to the Chattahoochee River: West Fork Little River (predominant land use, poultry and livestock production), Sope Creek (suburban), Peachtree Creek (urban), Snake Creek (silviculture). Monthly water-quality samples also were collected at two sites on the Chattahoochee River, one upstream and one downstream from Metropolitan Atlanta. Stormflow concentrations were significantly larger than basefiow concentrations for dissolved and suspended organic nitrogen, dissolved and suspended organic carbon, total phosphorus, and suspended sediment at all tributary sites and for ammonia at poultry and livestock production, suburban, and urban sites-thus enhancing constituent transport during periods of stormwater runoff. Nitrate concentrations were largest in baseflow samples at the poultry and livestock production site, indicating relatively large baseflow contributions of nitrate from ground water. Nutrient and suspended-sediment concentrations were significantly larger in the Chattahoochee River downstream than upstream from Atlanta. Treated wastewater effluent was the primary source of elevated nitrate concentrations in the Chattahoochee River downstream from Metropolitan Atlanta. Temporal and spatial patterns in the annual loads of nutrients and suspended sediment from the four tributary watersheds and from the Chattahoochee River sites upstream and downstream from Metropolitan Atlanta indicate that specific land uses within each of these basins exert a dominant control on the variations in loads. Alterations to basin hydrology resulting from development exert the dominant control on loads in the urban and suburban watersheds. Although mean-annual discharge at the urban site was 2.5 times larger than at the suburban site, mean-annual loads were typically 2.5 to 4 times larger at the urban site. Agricultural practices exert the dominant control on loads in the watersheds with predominantly poultry and livestock production and silvicultural land use. Although mean-annual discharge at the poultry and livestock production site was 40 percent smaller than at the silviculture site, mean-annual loads of nitrogen and phosphorus were about 3.6 times larger at the poultry and livestock production site. As a result of nonpoint runoff from intensive urban land uses and point-source discharges from wastewater-treatment facilities in Metropolitan Atlanta, Chattahoochee River loads of nitrogen, phosphorus, organic carbon, and suspended sediment were 8.5, 14, 3.7, and 5.3 times larger, respectively, at the site downstream than the site upstream from Metropolitan Atlanta. Three of the four tributary watersheds (urban, suburban, and silviculture) discharge to the Chattahoochee River between the sites upstream and downstream of Metropolitan Atlanta and drain 14 percent of the intervening area. However, on an annual basis, only 4 to 7 percent of the nitrogen increase was accounted for by loads from these tributaries, thus indicating the importance of point source contributions of nitrogen in this reach. By contrast, 12 to 37 percent of the suspended sediment was accounted for by loads from these tributaries, thus indicating the importance of nonpoint sources of suspended sediment. Among the tributary sites, the largest annual nutrient yields were from the tributary site with intensive poultry and livestock production within its watershed-ammonia, 0.52 tons per square mile (tons/mi2); nitrate, 3.2 tons/mi2; dissolved organic nitrogen, 0.66 tons/mi2; suspended organic nitrogen, 4.3 tons/mi2; orthophosphate, 0.25 tons/mi2 total phosphorus, 1.6 tons/mi2; suspended organic carbon, 14 tons/mi2; and suspended sediment, 1,600 tons/mi2. Surface runoff was the primary source of elevated yields of all constituents except nitrate. Sewer overflows in the predominantly urban watershed were the likely source of the largest dissolved organic carbon (8.8 tons/mi2) yields estimated among the six sites studied and elevated yields of ammonia and organic nitrogen. The predominantly silvicultural watershed had the smallest annual yields-sometimes by as much as an order-of-magnitude lower than the other tributary watersheds. From 1993 to 1995, yields of nitrogen and carbon constituents were approximately two to three times larger and yields of suspended sediment and total phosphorus were about six times larger at the Chattahoochee River site downstream from Metropolitan Atlanta than at the upstream site. Point-source discharges of treated sewage effluent from 10 major municipal wastewater treatment plants account for much of the increase in ammonia and nitrate and some of the increase in total phosphorus yields. Nonpoint sources account for most of the increase in suspended-sediment yields and some of the increase in total-phosphorus and suspended-organic carbon yields.
The Environmentors Program: An Outreach Program for High School Students

(Georgia Institute of Technology, 1999-03) Clark, Erin

The Environmentors program is an outreach initiative sponsored by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in cooperation with the University of Georgia W amell School of Forest Resources, Georgia Project Learning Tree, Georgia Adopt-A-Stream, Clarke Central High School and Athens Boys and Girls Club. The program is designed to involve high school students in their community and provide experiential learning in natural resources. These students are trained to monitor water quality using wet chemistry kits and mentor to younger children using two nationally recognized environmental curricula, Project Learning Tree (PLT) and Project WILD. The program provides an opportunity for mentoring and cooperative learning on all educational levels, while increasing environmental awareness and interest in natural resource management. The students of Clarke Central High School will study an impacted stream in Athens, Georgia throughout the year. The students will assess water quality and compare information with other Adopt-A-Stream groups throughout the state. Students in the Warnell School of Forest Resources will provide technical assistance and provide one outlet for information-sharing with the students in the program. Future plans for the program include training in and use of Project WET activities, as well as additional training in water quality analysis and laboratory procedures and planning. for rehabilitation of the impacted stream.
Water Conservation Regulations and Implementation for the State of Georgia

(Georgia Institute of Technology, 1999-03) Morris, William N.

Adequate quantities of water for drinking, industrial and agricultural use are essential for maintaining our quality of life. To meet these needs, surface water (from lakes and rivers) or ground water (from wells) is withdrawn, treated and pumped through pipe distribution networks to our homes and businesses. In recent years, the pressures and demands upon our water supplies have increased substantially due to rapid population growth as well as concerns of neighboring states. Meeting current as well as future demands while also protecting the quality of our limited and vital water resources, is a difficult challenge yet it is one that cannot be delayed. In order to accomplish this goal, the many opportunities to conserve water through pro-active programs such as enhanced public education, xeriscaping (water saving landscaping technique), ultralow flow plumbing fixtures, water rates that encourage conservation, etc ... must receive a much higher priority to insure that our water resources are used as efficiently as possible.
A Georgia Watershed Atlas Directory

(Georgia Institute of Technology, 1999-03) Ivey, Olin M. ; Usery, E. Lynn ; Boone, W. Wayne

In an effort to provide citizens in the Georgia region with information about watershed management and water quality, the Georgia Environmental Organization (GEO), the University of Georgia, and Southern Geographic Information Services, a corporate business unit of the Southern Company, have developed a geographic information system (GIS) database for a Georgia Watershed Atlas. The Atlas includes 14 major watersheds divided into 179 Ecobasins. In addition to base category data of boundaries, roads, lakes, and rivers, the Atlas database includes wetlands, federal and state superfund sites (CERCLA and HSRA), waste water discharge sites (NPDES), gauging stations, surface mines, solid waste sites, hazardous waste sites, national and state parks, airports, cities, urban and industrial intake and discharge sites, and water quality sampling sites. The database is being used to produce an Atlas/Directory with each Ecobasin represented on a 17x22-inch map and a corresponding information page. The database and Atlas production have been accomplished with GIS and digital mapping techniques described in this paper. The information pages are briefly described and the items included are listed.
The Effects of Antecedent Rainfall Upon Stream Runoff in the Coastal Plain of Georgia

(Georgia Institute of Technology, 1999-03) Rose, Seth

A 47-year data base (1948-1994) derived from 15 stream and 8 rain gaging stations was used to analyze the effects of antecedent rainfall upon subsequent runoff within the Coastal Plain of Georgia. One hundred and twenty 12-month periods were used to classify antecedent rainfall into "high" (+15 to +59% normal), "low" (-11 to -42% normal), and "normal" (-9 to+ 8%normal) populations. Subsequent rainfall following each of these 120 periods was classified in a similar manner. A "production ratio" (runoft7rainfall) was defined for each subsequent period and then normalized with the long-term ( 4 7-year study period) average production ratio for those months. This permitted the comparison of normalized production ratios for nine subpopulations consisting of various pairings of antecedent and subsequent rainfall conditions. Drought (below normal rainfall for at least one year) depresses streamflow in southern Georgia for a period of one to two years, given a return to normal rainfall. Production ratios associated with above normal antecedent rainfall remain greater than normal for a period of two years following a return to normal rainfall conditions.
Enhancing Understanding of Effects of Riparian Buffers on Aquatic Ecosystems through Development of Environmental Outreach Tools

(Georgia Institute of Technology, 1999-03) Pringle, Catherine M. ; Bjorkland, Ron ; Newton, Bruce

Environmental outreach is an important element in the protection of riparian and aquatic environments. Scientists can play a key role in helping stakeholders understand the role of riparian zones in the ecology of both aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. Toward this end we have developed several outreach and teaching tools which we discuss here. First, we developed a presentation on the function and value of riparian environments (80 slides and accompanying written materials) with emphasis on their importance to the health and biotic integrity of aquatic ecosystems. This 1-2 hour long presentation can be adapted for a wide variety of audiences (local communities, high school, and/or university-level). Distributed throllgh the North American Benthological Society, these materials are being used by a variety of local state and federal agencies, conservation organizations, and academic institutions. Second, we spearheaded the development of a Stream Visual Assessment Protocol (SV AP) through the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). SV AP was designed for use by NRCS field staff (who work with agricultural landowners in a nonregulatory capacity) to serve as an introductory screeninglevel assessment method. Third, we developed a 2-day training course for NRCS field staff and partners. The course covers three main topics: (1) basic stream ecology; (2) how to use SV AP; and (3) how to conduct a simple biological assessment using benthic organisms. It is designed in modules to allow for use in a variety of different contexts and includes an instructor's manual, a student workbook, -300 slides, a videotape, a macroinvertebrate training kit, and other materials. Finally, we are developing a field guide for NRCS on stream ecological assessment that is designed to help NRCS field staff with stream assessments and to help landowners understand the importance of healthy riparian zones.
Identifying Key Model Parameters in Matching Observed Past and Possible Future Behaviors for Lake Oglethorpe, Georgia

(Georgia Institute of Technology, 1999-03) Osidele, Olufemi O. ; Beck, M. B.

Lake Oglethorpe, a small impoundment located east of Athens in Oglethorpe County, Georgia, has been extensively studied since 1978. It currently provides a test base for some of our methods in on-going research into the long-term ecological integrity of nearby Lake Lanier. In this paper, we present the basic structure of a total ecosystem model being developed for simulating ecological processes in lake communities, and a regionalized sensitivity analysis approach for evaluating the model's constituent hypotheses. We hypothesize that long-term changes in the behavior of Lake Oglethorpe will be governed by slowly evolving processes - specifically the sediment-water interactions and fish population dynamics - typified by the timeconstants within the model. We present some preliminary results of our assessment of the significant ecological processes responsible for shaping the past and future behavior of Lake Oglethorpe.
Anaerobic Codigestion of Hog and Poultry Waste

(Georgia Institute of Technology, 1999-03) Magbanua, Benjamin S., Jr. ; Adams, Thomas T. ; Johnston, Phillip

This study assessed the feasibility of the anaerobic codigestion of hog and poultry waste. Anaerobic batch tests were performed using hog and poultry wastes in various proportions. Treatments that received both wastes produced higher yields of biogas, up to 200±30 mL/g volatile solids (VS) destroyed, and . methane, up to 130±20 mL/g VS destroyed, compared to either waste alone. The apparent complementation of the two wastes may reflect the absence of an added inoculum during the test. Keywords: agricultural waste, animal waste, anaerobic digestion, methanogenesis, waste treatment.
Hydrologic and Geomorphic Controls on Particulate Concentrations in Ichawaynochaway Creek, a Blackwater Coastal Plain Stream

(Georgia Institute of Technology, 1999-03) Golladay, Stephen W. ; Watt, Kevin ; Entrekin, Sally ; Battle, Juliann

Examining controls on particulate concentrations in streams is an important step in understanding stream structure and function. In Coastal Plain streams, organic particles derived from floodplain soils are an important food source for aquatic life; inorganic particle concentrations can ·be indicators of watershed disturbance. Since 1993, we have been examining organic and inorganic particle concentrations in Ichawaynochaway Creek, a 5th order blackwater tributary of the lower Flint River. Monthly samples have been collected during stable flow periods at 7 stations ranging from near the headwaters to the confluence with the Flint River. Our study indicates that geomorphology and hydrology interact to control particle concentrations. Concentrations of all particles were greatest during floods. Areas with well-developed floodplains appear to be source areas for organic particles. In the development of regional conservation programs, floodplain swamp forests may merit special consideration to protect the trophic base of stream communities. In addition, management actions or water allocation formulae that systematically reduce the annual period of floodplain inundation may reduce organic particle transport from floodplains. Reductions in organic concentrations would lower food availability to support aquatic life.