A Paired-Watershed Approach to Evaluate the Influence of Onsite Wastewater Nutrient Inputs to Falls Lake, NC
Grant
Overview
abstract
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This proposed study will aim to quantify the influence of onsite wastewater inputs on nutrient loading to Falls Lake. Sub-watersheds in the Falls Lake watershed will be selected based on their wastewater management approaches (onsite - decentralized wastewater management vs. municipal - centralized wastewater management). A total of 24 stream sites will be targeted within 12 centralized wastewater management sub-watersheds and 12 decentralized wastewater management sub-watersheds. Surface water quality sampling during baseflow conditions will be conducted bi-monthly for 1 year to compare the influence of wastewater management approach on nutrient surface water quality. The differences in nutrient concentrations between the decentralized and centralized wastewater sub-watersheds will be used to evaluate the differences in nutrient loading associated with wastewater management approach. The outputs for the project will include estimates of nutrient loading from onsite wastewater systems based on system density for the Falls Lake watershed, a project report documenting the field study, a journal article, a presentation to NC DEQ and UNRBA, and at least one presentation at a scientific conference.
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