ISSN 0549-799X Number 314 November/December 1998 threatens mountains and Piedmont

On Oct 29, the Drought During an El Niño the steady and northern Florida. El Niño produces Monitoring Council issued a warning westward blowing trade winds weaken, winters that are generally mild in the that if below-average rainfall continues, or even reverse direction, and a large northeast and central and as forecast, through the spring of 1999, mass of warm water normally located wet over the south from Florida to Texas. the result could be a drought equaling or near Australia moves eastward along the During La Niña the easterly trade exceeding the drought of record at equator until it reaches the coast of South winds strengthen, and cold ocean Piedmont water supply B. America. The displacement of so much upwelling along the equator and the west Everett Jordan, Falls, and John H. Kerr. warm water affects evaporation, causing coast of South America intensifies. Sea- The N.C. Drought Monitoring the formation of rain clouds and altering surface temperatures along the equator Council (DMC) is a group of federal and the typical atmospheric jet stream can fall as much as 7 degrees Fahrenheit state agencies, chaired by the N.C. patterns around the world. During such below normal. The jet stream over the Division of Water Resources, that is an El Niño event, the jet stream over the United States extends from the central responsible for monitoring emerging United States is oriented from west to Rockies east-northeastward to the drought conditions and activating the east over the northern Gulf of Mexico continued page 3 state’s drought response plan if condi- IN THIS ISSUE September/October 1998 tions warrant. Page The DMC’s Oct 29 bulletin also said Director’s Forum: What is meant by “objective, rigorous science”? 2 that streamflows in the mountains are approaching record low-flows and that October action of the N.C. Environmental Management Commission 4 14 public water supply systems in the Additional legislation passed during the 1998 “short session” mountains have enacted water conserva- of the N.C. General Assembly 6 tion measures to reduce system demand. National strategy for animal feeding operations would target largest operations Seven public water supply systems in the and groups of operations contributing to watershed impairment 8

Piedmont, including Greensboro, have Reports link soil and water quality stewardship to small, diversified farms 9 also put water conservation measures into effect. UNC-Wilmington publishes Environmental Assessment of the Lower Cape Fear River System, 1997-1998 10 La Niña said to increase WRRI reports available 12 Denitrificaton Dynamics of an Estuarine Headwater Creek risk of drought Receiving Agricultural Runoff

Below normal precipitation in North An In Vitro Test for Estrogenicity Combining Cultured Hepatocytes Carolina is being attributed to a current and an Enzyme-linked Immunosorbant Assay cold phase in sea-surface temperatures PLUS . . . Digest . . . Publications . . . Conferences and Workshops . . . Websites . . . MORE. across the eastern tropical Pacific—a La Niña. The now infamous El Niño and La PLEASE NOTE: Because of space limitations some material prepared for this issue of the WRRI News had to be severely edited or left out. Longer versions of several articles as Niña are extreme phases of a naturally well as summaries of some legislation can be read on the web version of this issue of occurring climate cycle referred to as El the WRRI News at http://www2.ncsu.edu/ncsu/CIL/WRRI/news/314. html. Niño/Southern Oscillation (ENSO). 2 WRRI NEWS November/December 1998 Director’s Forum Kenneth H. Reckhow, Director, Water Resources Research Institute What is meant by “objective, rigorous science”?

Is nitrogen runoff from agriculture sample preservation, to nutrient analysis, Yet all of these studies produce data, responsible for algal blooms, fishkills, denitrification, sediment oxygen de- and it is the analysis of those data that and outbreaks of Pfiesteria piscicida? mand, community composition charac- ultimately leads to inference and How might additional controls on terization, and other analytic issues, conclusions. Should there not be nitrogen discharges from municipal researchers discuss the latest literature, corresponding rigor for the statistical wastewater treatment plants affect equipment, and techniques. All of this analysis? Would we attach the same estuarine eutrophication in North assures the scientific community (and, weight to water chemistry data if they Carolina? indirectly, the public) that the best were based on state-of-the-art laboratory What will be the impact of alterna- science is involved in the study. This is analysis as we would to water chemistry tive forested buffer rules on nitrogen as it should be. data obtained from a portable kit and loading to rivers? continued next page The answer to each of these ques- tions requires scientific analysis and Water Resources Research Institute News assessment, and this ultimately contrib- of The University of North Carolina utes to decision making. Given the consequences of these decisions on the ISSN 0549-799X economy and the environment, scientists Number 314 have an important responsibility to be November/December 1998 rigorous in their analysis and objective in Published bimonthly their assessment. What does this mean? First, objective assessment is to This newsletter is financed in part by the Department of the Interior, U.S. Geologi- some degree an ideal. Very little, if any, cal Survey, as authorized by the Water Resources Research Act of 1984. Thirty- science is truly objective. As scientists, seven hundred copies of this newsletter were printed at a cost of $1,321.99 or 35 we make choices about hypotheses we cents per copy. choose to test (and choose not to test), we select the metrics for the study, and EMAIL SUBSCRIPTIONS TO WRRI NEWS AVAILABLE we draw the conclusions. All of these Anyone with an Email account and connectivity to the internet can have the WRRI News delivered bimonthly via Email. To subscribe, send an Email message to: require judgment. In most cases, these [email protected]. In the message say: subscribe WRRI-NEWS Your Full Name. judgments are either non-controversial or Once you have subscribed, if you would like to comment on any article in the accepted practice. When they are not, we News or submit an article or announcement to be considered for the News, send have the responsibility to identify biases, an Email message to [email protected]. (If you are not subscribed to the reveal judgments, and discuss the basis Email newsletter, please send Email correspondence regarding the News to for conclusions. [email protected].) To define the basis for conclusions from studies, we must consider the rigor WRRI NEWS AVAILABLE ON WRRI WORLD WIDE WEB SITE in scientific analysis. Many of the top The WRRI News plus summaries of a number of WRRI reports and other scientists in North Carolina are truly information products are accessible at: experts in their fields and have interna- http://www2.ncsu.edu/ncsu/CIL/WRRI tional reputations. To achieve this stature WRRI offices are located at 1131 Jordan Hall requires significant contributions to the on the North Carolina State University campus science, and to make those contributions, Mailing address: Box 7912, NCSU, Raleigh, NC 27695-7912 scientists use the latest technology or Telephone: (919) 515-2815 Email: [email protected] methods of analysis in their respective WRRI Staff fields. Director/Kenneth H. Reckhow For example, recent proposals to Associate Director/ Robert E. Holman WRRI addressing water quality issues Newsletter Editor and Tech Transfer Spec/ Jeri Gray properly emphasize the latest thinking on Business and Administrative Officer/ Mary Sanford Secretary/ Eva Walters appropriate analytical methods. From Accounting Technician/ Frances Yeargan November/December 1998 WRRI NEWS 3 colorimeter? Of course not. Then why Drought continued SERCC says, “ We are currently should we not expect that state-of-the-art experiencing a ‘moderate’ La Niña cold eastern Great Lakes, making severe statistical methods have been examined phase. If it deteriorates into a more weather more likely further north and and selected in consideration of the severe condition during the winter of west than during an El Niño. underlying data generation methods, 1999, planners should be fully aware of In many locations, La Niña produces sampling approaches, and study objec- the worst case conditions and potential the opposite climate variations from El tives, with the same thoughtfulness and impacts. We urge planners to heed the Niño. During a La Niña year, winter rigor demanded in the choice of labora- NOAA Climate Outlook for a La Niña temperatures are warmer than normal in tory techniques? dry period through the Spring of 1999 the Southeast and cooler than normal in Consider a research proposal that quite seriously.” the Northwest. La Niña often features contains a detailed description of state- The N.C. Drought Monitoring drier than normal conditions in the of-the-art laboratory and field techniques Council recommends that all communi- Southwest in late summer through the intended to yield a wealth of interesting ties closely monitor and assess their subsequent winter, in the Central Plains data but largely dismisses the statistical current water supply and their ability to in the fall, and in the Southeast in the analysis by simply indicating that meet demand with below normal winter. stepwise regression will be performed. amounts of rainfall. Communities should According to the Southeast Regional Aside from the need to consider the review and update their drought response Climate Center (SERCC), oceanographic implications on statistical inference from plans and ordinances for adequacy. In conditions in the Equatorial Pacific stepwise choice of a model, this proposal the absence of a drought response plan, Ocean that drive the two extremes of the severely shortchanges the important the council recommends the following: El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) choices for methods of statistical (as ■ Systems with water supply reservoirs process began shifting from the extreme opposed to chemical) analysis. should request voluntary conservation warm phase to the extreme cold phase in Likewise, consider the final scien- when less than 80% of storage May 1998, and atmospheric reaction to tific report of an important water quality remains and require mandatory La Niña cold water began sometime investigation on, for example, nutrient/ conservation when 60% or less during that period. SERCC says that it is phytoplankton relations. In this report, a remains. somewhat unusual to see the two wealth of data is graphically presented, ■ Systems with run-of-river intakes extreme ENSO conditions following scientific inferences are drawn, but no should require mandatory conserva- back-to-back, but that the swing from the statistical analysis is performed linking tion when demand exceeds 50% of El Niño condition to the La Niña phase data to conclusions. The result is a the estimated streamflow above their is now sufficiently pronounced that the scientific study that poses interesting intakes. likely climate impacts during the winter hypotheses, summarizes a strong ■ Groundwater systems should regularly of 1998-99 can be extrapolated from monitoring and experimental program, check water levels and number of historical analogues. The prediction is yet lacks a rigorous scientific analysis hours pumped daily to tell if supply is that drier conditions will persist through from data to conclusions. Can we depend decreasing. Declines should trigger spring 1999. on the conclusions from this study to mandatory water conservation. SERCC reviewed the historical serve as a basis for policy recommenda- ■ Systems that depend on purchased precipitation records during La Niña tions? supplies should coordinate closely episodes for the Southeast region for the When scientific studies have the with suppliers. 20th Century. It found that the five potential to influence major decisions, all Community planners should stay previous most “extreme” La Niñas in this methods employed should be rigorous abreast of drought conditions in North century have resulted in winter/spring and state-of-the-art. The consequences of Carolina and recommendations for throughout the region. A worst- bad decisions based on poor science handling water supply systems during case composite for these five episodes should force that degree of meticulous- drought by checking bulletins posted on shows North Carolina receiving 8 inches ness on us. For WRRI supported re- the N.C. Drought Monitoring Council of rain in the December through April search, we owe nothing less to ourselves, website at http://www.dwr.ehnr.state. time period, when precipitation normally our colleagues, and to the public who nc.us/drought/index.htm, or by calling equals about 19.35 inches. SERCC says provide the funds and depend on our the N.C. Division of Water Resources at this is a highly unlikely scenario, but that scientific objectivity and rigor in the (919) 733-4064. it is “sufficiently concerned about the development of sound environmental Development of the current La Nina impacts of this climate outlook for our policy. episode can be monitored through the rain-fed agricultural sector, forestry, and SERCC web site at http:// water storage providers that this climate water.dnr.state.sc.us/climate/sercc/ outlook should be given widespread products/la_nina/info.html. dissemination to all possible sectors.” 4 WRRI NEWS November/December 1998 ■ Approved application of appropriate October action of the N.C EMC critical area and protected area boundaries for Lookout Shoals Lake and its tributaries to accommodate a Following is action taken by the N.C. ■ Adopted amendments to Air Quality new water supply intake for the City Environmental Management Commis- Title V permitting procedures and of Statesville. (Part of the lake lies sion at its regular October meeting. The requirements. EMC normally does not meet in Novem- within the watershed boundaries of Lake Norman and was already ber, but a November 12 meeting was ■ Approved revisions to the WS-IV classified for water supply. This scheduled to take action on reclassifica- water supply classification for the action will change boundaries.) tion of the Randleman for City of Morganton (Catawba River), water supply. That action will be Town of Wilkesboro () ■ Approved a major variance for the reported in the next issue of the WRRI and City of Winston-Salem (Yadkin City of Belmont from the Water News. River). Supply Watershed Protection rules’ stream buffer requirements. ■ Adopted amendments to air quality ■ Approved reclassification of Harris rules incorporating emission guide- Lake and Mayo Reservoirs (Carolina ■ Approved a variance from the Neuse lines for hospital, medical, and Power & Light Company reservoirs) River Nutrient Sensitive Water infectious waste incinerators. to Water Supply-V and of Hyco Lake Management Strategy Riparian Area (CP&L reservoir) to Water Supply V Protection and Maintenance Rule for ■ Adopted amendments to ambient air and B. CP&L is already using these a 25-acre recreation project south of quality standards for ozone and reservoirs to supply drinking water to Roxboro on U.S. 501 in a 100-acre particulate matter, to the transporta- employees in the power plants. This watershed that eventually drains to tion conformity rules, and to the after-the-fact reclassification of water Lake Michie. indirect heat exchanger rules. supply sources raised questions from some commissioners about the ■ Adopted a resolution supporting the ■ Adopted amendments to air quality coordination between the Commis- Clean Water Bond referendum. monitoring, recordkeeping, and sion for Health Services (CHS), reporting rules. These proposed which approves water sources for amendments generated quite a bit of drinking water supply, and the EMC, EMC Committee issues discussion, with Air Quality Commit- which reclassifies water supply At their meetings on Oct 7, EMC tee Chairman Marion Deerhake sources for purposes of implementing standing committees discussed a number attempting to revise the proposed watershed protection measures. of items including the following. amendments to make monitoring of Division of Water Quality Director air toxics (mercury, arsenic, nickel, Preston Howard told the EMC that ■ Form for requesting a variance dioxins) by electric utilities manda- there is no legal requirement that from Neuse buffer rules. The Water tory. The rules that were adopted water supply sources be reclassified Quality Committee reviewed a draft make monitoring of air toxics by by the EMC before they can be form for requests for variances from electric utilities discretionary (at approved for use for drinking water the Neuse River Riparian Area rule. discretion of the Director of the by the CHS. However, according to Some commissioners expect that Division of Air Quality). Referring to N.C. Public Water Supply officials, requests for variances will be numer- a recent EPA report, Deerhake said their rules (15A NCAC 18C.0202) ous and have not been satisfied with that she wants “to raise awareness of have required since 1977 that water the level of engineering detail in hazardous pollutants in connection bodies must be classified by the EMC previous requests. They had asked for with utilities. “ She said, “These for water supply before they can be a mechanism to make sure future issues will be coming before us in the approved for public water supply by requests contain sufficient informa- next few years.” (The report CHS. tion for analysis of equal protection, Deerhake referred to is Study of and staff had drafted a request form. Hazardous Air Pollutant Emissions ■ Approved reclassification of There was discussion about an item from Electric Utility Steam Generat- Armstrong Creek in McDowell on the form which requested an ing Units - Final Report to Congress, County (Catawba River Basin) to estimate of nutrient removal by which is available on the EPA web High Quality Waters. The waterbody stormwater BMPs. Some commission- site at http://www.epa.gov/airlinks/.) had been classified for water supply. ers expressed concern about whether such information is available. Water November/December 1998 WRRI NEWS 5 Quality Section Chief Coleen Sullins ■ Odor control at animal operations. establish requirements for approval of said that the section is working on a The Air Quality Committee discussed effluent filters. For a copy of the rules, review of pollutant removal efficien- proposed approaches to controlling contact the On-Site Wastewater Section cies of various BMPs and treatments odors from animal operations. The at (919) 733-2895 or email: so that information can be made General Assembly has required the [email protected] available in one place for consultants EMC to adopt odor controls for and others who prepare engineering animal waste systems. Division of Air Durham stormwater suit. In July the plans. Quality (DAQ) staff presented to the N.C. Supreme Court upheld the City of committee options for implementing Durham’s authority to impose fees to ■ CRC shoreline protection initiative. odor controls, and the committee operate its stormwater program, reversing The Water Quality Committee also chose an option that would initiate a decision by the State Court of Appeals. heard a presentation from Bill mandatory controls only if a com- The suit was brought by Smith Chapel Crowell of the Division of Coastal plaint was received and an odor Baptist Church, Fellowship Baptist Management about the Coastal problem subsequently identified. Church, Layman’s Chapel Baptist Church Resources Commission’s (CRC) According to Tom Allen with DAQ, and Calvary Baptist Church of Durham. shoreline protection initiative (see under the committee’s preferred These plaintiffs contested the program Sept/Oct 1998 WRRI News for approach, an operation where DAQ or established by the City of Durham to description). While commissioners DWQ identified an odor problem comply with the Clean Water Act NPDES praised the CRC initiative, some would be required to install best stormwater permitting program. The City expressed concern about possible management practices. If the problem of Durham adopted an ordinance and overlap with EMC rules and resulting persisted, the operation would be created the Durham Stormwater Utility to confusion among the regulated required to install more conventional receive fees, based on the impervious communities. Commissioner Douglas control technology, such as manure areas of assessed lands, to operate a Boykin wondered if there is a incineration. stormwater program. The plaintiffs corresponding effort to review alleged that the city did not have the “arbitrary” boundaries and definitions authority to impose fees to operate its in existing regulatory packages Digest stormwater program, that the method by worked out between the Division of which fees were to be calculated is Marine Fisheries and the CRC. New septic tank rules. Legislation unlawful, that the rates set by the city passed by the N.C. General Assembly were discriminatory, and that a fee for ■ Groundwater monitoring at animal during the 1998 “short session” requires utility service must be commensurate operations. The Groundwater that septic tank systems permitted after with services rendered while evidence Committee heard a report from Jan 1, 1999, must have an approved showed there was virtually no benefit to Groundwater Section staff on a effluent filter and at-grade or visibly them. With Lake and Orr dissenting, the groundwater monitoring study marked access to each compartment. To Justices rejected all the plaintiffs’ conducted at animal waste lagoons implement this law, the N.C. Commis- arguments and remanded the case for and sprayfields. According the Carl sion for Health Services (CHS) must put entry of a judgment for the defendant. In Bailey of the staff, the study was a temporary rule into place by Dec 1, the slip decision, the court found that it is designed to characterize animal 1998. Proposed temporary rules were not discriminatory to set fees based on operations where regular groundwater distributed by the N.C. On-Site Waste- the amount of pollution caused by a lot monitoring is needed. Bailey told the water Section in September, and a public and that it is not arbitrary and capricious committee that the Department of hearing on the proposed temporary rules to require those who cause a stormwater Environment and Natural Resources was held on October 28, 1998. The CHS problem to pay for it. The slip decision intends to begin designating indi- was scheduled to take action on the can be read on the Supreme Court of vidual animal operations where temporary rule and initiate the process to North Carolina web site. Direct address groundwater monitoring is required adopt a permanent rule at its November is http://www.aoc.state.nc.us/www/ by the end of the year. (According to 13, 1998, meeting. These rules affect public/sc/slip/slip98/250-97-1.htm Groundwater Section Chief Arthur septic systems permitted after Jan 1, Mouberry, the General Assembly 1999 and systems for which a new septic Division of Water Quality policy recently approved 12 new staff tank is installed for which an operation changes. The N.C. Division of Water positions for the Groundwater Section permit is issued on or after April 1, Quality, Non-Discharge Branch, has to conduct groundwater compliance 1999. They change the standards and issued public notification of the follow- activities at animal operations and requirements for design, construction, ing proposed policy changes: Effective municipal waste land application and installation of septic tanks, and they continued page 8 sites.) 6 WRRI NEWS November/December 1998 Additional environment-related legislation passed during the 1998 “short session” of the N.C. General Assembly

In addition to legislation listed in the Sept/Oct 1998 WRRI News, the HB 1480 An act to provide for the registration of swine operation following environment-related legislation was passed by the N.C. integrators by swine growers, to extend by six months the morato- General Assembly prior to adjournment of the 1998 “short session” on ria on construction or expansion of swine farms and on lagoons and October 29. animal waste management systems for swine farms, and to clarify exceptions to the statewide moratorium HB 577 An act to strengthen the registration requirement for foresters. HB 1483 An act to expedite the closure of low-risk leaking petroleum HB 661 An act to extend the time for the resolution of claims to land underground storage tank cleanups by allowing the cost of under navigable waters, as recommended by the Environmental obtaining the additional information required to assess the risk of Review commission. releases reported prior to the effective date of the risk assessment rules to be paid from the commercial fund or the noncommercial HB 900 An act to appropriate funds for federal matching funds for [a fund under certain circumstances, to provide that the cost of number of purposes including] wastewater and water supply connecting third parties to public water systems may be paid from matching funds for the Department of Environment and Natural the commercial fund or the noncommercial fund under certain Resources . . . [and] . . . to provide for water resources development circumstances, to make landowners eligible for reimbursement of projects. Appropriates to N.C. Department of Environment and cleanup costs from the noncommercial fund under certain circum- Natural Resources $7,432,412 for state match for federal wastewa- stances, to authorize the Environmental Management Commission ter assistance and water supply assistance and $11,150,000 for to require that assessment and cleanup tasks and costs be matching for federal water resources civil works projects, channel preapproved before work proceeds, to make petroleum commercial widening/deepening at the Wilmington Port, and repayment of underground storage tank operating permits subject to additional State cost-share funds for federal funds previously expended for the federal requirements applicable in 1998, to provide for assignment B. Everett Jordan Lake Water Supply. of payments from the commercial fund and the noncommercial fund, to establish a de minimus reporting requirement for petroleum HB 1114 An act providing that certain local governments maintain the underground storage tank spills and overfills of less than twenty- Swift Creek Management Plan (Wake County) as agreed to by five gallons that are cleaned up within twenty-four hours, to those jurisdictions. provide that federal limitations on lender liability apply to the leaking petroleum underground storage tank cleanup program, to HB 1260 An act to restore the authority of local governments to adopt provide that rules applicable to commercial underground storage floodplain management ordinances. tanks do not apply to certain tanks, and to make related conforming and technical amendments. HB 1402 An act to disapprove 15A NCAC 2B.0233 (The Neuse River Nutrient Sensitive Waters Management Strategy) as a permanent SB 1285 An act to exempt the transportation of certain agricultural rule, to continue 15A NCAC 2B.0233 in effect as a temporary rule, products from various requirements in conformity with federal to specify how the temporary rule is to be implemented, to require regulations and to authorize the Soil and Water Conservation the Environmental Management Commission (EMC) to adopt rules Commission to adopt temporary rules to implement the Conserva- to provide alternatives to maintaining riparian buffers and to tion Reserve Enhancement Program. establish compensatory mitigation fees, to establish the Riparian Buffer Restoration Fund, to require the EMC to adopt rules to SB 1299 An act to amend the laws regarding the withdrawal and provide for delegation of the Riparian Buffer Program to units of transfer of surface waters and the state water supply plan local government that seek such delegation, to recognize vested development rights, to require the EMC to revise the temporary rule SB 1366 1998 State Budget/Tax Relief. Among the provisions of the continued in effect by this act and to adopt a revised permanent rule “budget bill” are the following: with the assistance of a stakeholder advisory committee, to provide that erosion control plans will be consistent with riparian buffer ■ Transfers $47.4 million to Clean Water Management Trust Fund requirements, to require the EMC to establish a riparian buffer Reserve maintenance and restoration goal, to authorize the Department of Environment and Natural Resources to accept donations of real ■ Changes the Conservation Easement Tax Credit as in HB 1491 property, to provide for periodic review of the implementation of the Neuse River Nutrient Sensitive Waters Management Strategy ■ Allocates $200,000 to the Institute of Marine Sciences at the and reports to the Environmental Review Commission, and to University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill to study the potential authorize the EMC to adopt temporary rules to implement Part 1 of for sustainable oyster aquaculture of triploid Crassostrea sikamea this act; to authorize temporary rules governing coastal energy (Kumamoto), triploid Crassostrea ariakensis (Suminoe), triploid facilities; to provide that Federal Conservation Reserve Enhance- Crassostrea gigas (Pacific), and triploid Ostrea edulis (European ment Program or other available funds may be used to pay assisted flat). Research is to include evaluation of oyster growth of each farmer’s share of the cost of certain practices under State’s type of oyster in polluted waters and the ability of each type of Agriculture Cost Share Program for Nonpoint Source Pollution oyster to purify polluted waters. Control; and to revise reporting requirements. November/December 1998 WRRI NEWS 7 ■ Appropriates $250,000 to the North Carolina Farmland Preservation not responding to emergencies or citizen complaints. Mandates Trust Fund, established in G.S. 106-744 and administered by the evaluation of use of rapid response teams. Commissioner of Agriculture, to be used for a farmland preserva- tion pilot program to purchase agricultural conservation easements ■ Provides that the Partnership for the Sounds, Inc. shall use a portion pursuant to The Farmland Preservation Enabling Act. Requires of its appropriated funds to expand activities to promote nature- report on program by March 1999. based tourism and environmental stewardship and education in Pamlico county. ■ Appropriates funds to the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services for the 1998-99 fiscal year for animal waste management ■ Allocates $300,000 from the DENR budget to the Upper Neuse equipment grants to farmers of family-owned dairies (fewer than River Basin Association to aid in development of a cooperative, 300 dairy cows in operation prior to Jan 1, 1998) for the purchase comprehensive, and integrated State-local watershed management of equipment that is a component of an animal waste management plan for the Upper Neuse River Basin to serve as a model water- system. Provides that funds may not be used to enlarge anaerobic shed management approach for river basins and sub-basins in North lagoons or for the maintenance of anaerobic lagoons. Provides for Carolina. guidelines for use of funds. ■ Provides for transfer of funds from DENR to UNC Board of ■ Appropriates to the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Governors for continuation of Neuse ModMon Project by WRRI. Services for the 1998-99 fiscal year $50,000 to provide assistance to farmers who operate small, family farms. Requires report on use ■ Mandates reporting to the legislature by principal investigators on of funds by March 1, 1999. the Neuse and Cape Fear isotope studies, alternative animal waste technologies studies, and the Neuse ModMon Project. ■ Provides that funds appropriated to the North Carolina Rural Rehabilitation Corporation within the Department of Agriculture ■ Revises the fee schedule for water quality permits and amends the and Consumer Services for the 1998-99 fiscal year shall be used to authority of the Environmental Management Commission to make loans to farmers of small, family-owned farms having provide for assessment of additional fees for services related to financial difficulty as shown by their inability to obtain affordable water quality programs. Also make revisions in fees for Air Quality conventional loans from other sources. Specifies size of farms permits. Provides for use of fees. eligible and terms of loans. ■ Allocates funds from DENR budget for the following water ■ Provides that beginning in November 1998, the Marine Fisheries resources development projects: Morehead City Harbor Turning Appeals Panel shall rotate the location of its meetings among its Basin, Wilmington Harbor Maintenance Dredging, Wilmington three districts. Harbor Long-term Disposal, Beaufort Harbor Maintenance Dredging, Manteo Shallow Bag Bay Maintenance Dredging, ■ Allocates funds for Grassroots Science Program and appropriates Rollinson Channel Maintenance Dredging, Pine Knolls Shores $200,000 to Department of Environment and Natural Resources Protection, Tar River Road Streambank Protection, Battery Island (DENR) for environmental education grants. Bird Habitat Restoration, Dare County Beaches Feasibility Study, Deep Creek Watershed Project, North Channel Maintenance ■ Directs DENR to study the feasibility of including that portion of Dredging and Disposal Site, Aquatic Plant Control Statewide and in the Cullasaja River that borders Nantahala National Forest in the Lake Gaston, B. Everett Jordan Lake Water Supply. Also allocates North Carolina Natural and Scenic River System. Requires report funds for the following state-local projects: Frisco Ditch Snagging, by March 15, 1999. Moccasin Creek Restoration, Avery Pond Jetties and Dredging, High Rock Lake Dredging Feasibility Study, Northwest Creek ■ Amends state statutes to provide that any water-supply well that is Dredging, and other stream restoration projects. removed from service as a potable water supply source may be used for other purposes, including, but not limited to, irrigation, ■ Provides funds for the detoxification of the Warren County PCB commercial use, or industrial use. landfill. Sets out standards for residual contaminant concentrations and specifies detoxification technology to be used. ■ Establishes the Beaver Damage Control Advisory Board to develop a statewide program to control beaver damage on private and public ■ Provides that New Hanover County may undertake a project to lands. relocate the channel of Mason’s Inlet, with the concurrence of the Division of Water Resources of DENR. Provides no State funds can ■ Provides that the Environmental Management Commission shall be used for channel realignment. establish a schedule of dates between Jan 1, 1998, and Jan 1, 2003, by which existing wastewater treatment plants must comply with ■ Creates the Oregon Inlet Stabilization Study commission to nitrogen and/or phosphorous limits in the Clean Water Responsibil- continue investigations related to stabilizing the Oregon Inlet. ity Act (HB 515, SL 1977-458 passed in 1997). Provides that the Provides for an interim or final report to the 1999 session of the EMC may extend the compliance date required by this provision General Assembly. for facilities where nitrogen is not the nutrient of concern, under specific circumstances. Makes other provisions concerning implementation of nutrient limitations under the Clean Water More detailed summaries of some of this legislation and Responsibility Act. links to the bills on the General Assembly web server are provided on the web version of the WRRI-News: http:// ■ Provides that members of the Neuse and Tar-Pamlico Rapid www2.ncsu.edu/ncsu/CIL/WRRI/news/314.html. Response Teams assist in routine water monitoring when they are 8 WRRI NEWS November/December 1998 and that do not involve storage of liquid National strategy for animal feeding manure. Round 2 permits would also operations would target largest incorporate requirements of State water quality nutrient criteria, which are to be operations and groups of operations adopted by 2003. contributing to watershed impairment According to Dennis Ramsey with the N.C. Division of Water Quality, the State’s management requirements for In September, the U.S. Department of on their Clean Water Act Section 303 animal operations should, with a few Agriculture (USDA) and the U.S. (d) lists. changes, be able to meet or exceed Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requirements proposed by USDA/EPA. published a Draft Unified National Permitting approach The major issue yet to be resolved, Strategy for Animal Feeding Operations. To address water quality and public according to Ramsey, is the type of The document lays out the agencies’ health threats from “high risk” animal permits that should be issued. North proposed approach to minimizing water feeding operations, USDA and EPA Carolina currently implements its quality and public health threats from propose to work with states to develop regulation of animal waste systems concentrated animal feeding operations. and issue NPDES General Permits in two through “non-discharge” individual and Joint “listening sessions” on the pro- rounds. In round 1, General Permits General Permits rather than through the posed strategy were being scheduled for would be issued under EPA’s existing NPDES permitting program, as the cities around the country. concentrated animal feeding operations federal agencies propose. Ramsey said The proposed strategy is based regulations. Statewide General Permits that DWQ is currently working with EPA primarily on authority granted EPA would be developed for operations with and hopes to resolve the issue in the near under the Clean Water Act to regulate more than 1,000 animal units and those future. “concentrated animal feeding opera- with unacceptable conditions. In addi- Ramsey also said that the federal tions” as point sources of pollution tion, Watershed General Permits would agencies’ proposal for watershed-based through the National Pollutant Discharge be developed for facilities of any size in permitting is a strategy to encourage Elimination System (NPDES) permitting watersheds with aggregate water quality targeting of resources by states that do program. Permitting and enforcement impacts from animal operations. Water- not currently regulate animal operations. efforts would focus on “high risk shed General Permits would tailor permit He said that North Carolina’s permitting “operations” as follows: requirements to the manure production effort is well underway and that the State ■ Those that because of size produce and wastewater management practices in has committed to completing permitting quantities of manure that are a risk to a given locality and would promote more of animal operations by 2001. Water- water quality and public health effective public participation than would shed-based permitting is not a strategy whether the facilities are well man- a Statewide General Permit. Watershed currently used for animal operations in aged or not. The threshold size for General Permits would be written to North Carolina. these “concentrated animal feeding reflect any TMDL developed for the A more detailed version of this operations” (CAFOs) is proposed to watershed. article, including USDA/EPA recom- be 1,000 animal units. Round 1 permits would be issued mendations for research related to ■ Those that have a man-made convey- beginning in the spring of 1999 and animal operations can be read on the ance that discharge animal waste to would be good for a period of five years. WRRI website at http://www2.ncsu. waters or have a direct discharge to In round 2, General Permits and edu/ncsu/CIL/WRRI/news/314.html. waters that pass through the facility or individual permits would be reissued at come into direct contact with animals. the end of the permit term of round 1 ■ Those that individually or as part of a (about 2005) and would incorporate new Digest continued group of facilities have been shown requirements resulting from revisions to by monitoring to significantly EPA’s concentrated animal feeding Mar 1, 1999, an individual 401 Water contribute to or be likely to contribute operations regulations and NPDES Quality Certification will be required for to impairment of a waterbody and permitting regulations. EPA will revise the construction of any intake structures nonattainment of a designated use. effluent limitation guidelines for poultry in the Neuse River Basin for purposes of EPA and USDA would encourage and swine by December 2001 and for water withdrawal. This activity was States to use existing watershed beef and dairy cattle by December 2002. formerly allowed under a Section 401 assessment processes to determine New effluent guidelines are expected to Water Quality General Certification. whether a collection of animal consider new practices and technologies Written notification to DWQ and public feeding operations—regardless of that can minimize the transfer of notice are required before any certifica- size—is contributing to watershed pollutants from one medium (such as tion is issued. Also effective Mar 1, impairment and list these watersheds land or water) to another (such as air) 1999, DWQ will begin to implement its November/December 1998 WRRI NEWS 9 existing wetland standards (15A NCAC 2B .0231) with respect to wetland Reports link soil and water quality ditching and draining as well as stream stewardship to small, diversified farms dredging. Implementation had been scheduled to start Oct 1, 1998. For additional information, contact Wetland/ Two recent publications assert that In this volume, University of 401 Unit at (919) 733-1786 or Division continued loss of small, diversified farms Northern Iowa assistant professor of of Water Quality Regional Offices. could lead to further decline in soil and biology and agroecology Laura Jackson water quality, as well as a continuing says that science has not yet produced a Farmland preservation in Forsythe decline in the economic base and social broad enough framework for understand- County. In September Vice President Al fabric of rural communities. ing the impacts on water quality of large- Gore announced that USDA will provide One of the publications is the U.S. scale animal production or for compar- $17.2 million in matching funds to Department of Agriculture (USDA) ing these impacts to those of scattered programs in 19 states to purchase National Commission on Small Farms’ small-scale facilities. development rights and keep productive report on its 18-month study. N.C. State Says Jackson, “If we decide without farmland in use. Among the local Senator Charles W. Albertson is a due consideration that the environmental governments receiving farmland preser- member of the commission. problems large-scale livestock systems vation funding is Forsythe County, NC. The small farms commission report cause are no more severe than the Forsythe—the only county in the state says that in farming systems that mix problems caused by small, dispersed which has a farmland preservation crop and livestock production—as small systems, and we are wrong, we will have program with offers to farmers pending, farms traditionally have done—the committed a serious, potentially irrevers- as required for the federal match— rotation of forage and grain crops ible error.” received $300,000. The Federal Farm- enhances soil quality, controls erosion, She says it is likely policymakers are land Protection Program was established and cycles nutrients locally by utilizing committing this error because research in the 1996 Farm Bill and provided $35 livestock manure as crop nutrients. continues to “focus narrowly on the million in funding. According to the By contrast, large-scale animal specifics of lagoon design and manure Natural Resources Conservation Service, operations import feed and produce management without stepping back to which administers the program, all funds excess quantities of manure that concen- acknowledge the bigger picture.” available through the program have now trate nutrients and other materials in soil A more detailed review of the report been obligated. and water. of the National Commission on Small The findings of the National Farms and a review of Pigs, Profits, and Environmental Finance Center at Commission on Small Farms are Rural Communities by East Carolina UNC-Chapel Hill. The U.S. Environ- reinforced by a group of studies col- Professor David Griffith can be read on mental Protection Agency has awarded a lected by anthropologists at the Univer- the web version of the WRRI News at $65,000 grant to establish an Environ- sity of Iowa into the recently published http://www2.ncsu.edu/ncsu/CIL/ mental Finance Center at the University volume Pigs, Profits, and Rural Commu- WRRI/314.html. The USDA report, A of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. nities. (Kendall M. Thu and E. Paul Time to Act, can be downloaded in Environmental Finance Centers provide Durrenberger, editors. Albany: State WordPerfect or PDF format from the finance training as well as educational University of New York Press. vii + 208 USDA web site at http://www.reeusda. and analytical services designed around pps., photos, notes, bibliography, index.) gov/agsys/smallfarm/ncosf.htm.) the “how to pay” issues of environmental compliance. The new UNC-CH center is The City of Wilson seeks candidates one of a network strategically located at for Water Treatment Operations Manager. major universities throughout the country. It will be jointly administered Salary range: $37,300 to $55,900. by the Department of City and Regional Performs professional and administrative work in the management and operation of Planning (DCRP) and the Institute of the City’s Water Treatment Division. Government (IOG). Co-directors are Must have combination of education and experience equivalent to a bachelor’s Michael Luger of DCRP and Richard degree in natural or physical science or business administration and 2 years experi- Whisnant of IOG. The UNC-CH Envi- ence in operation of a water facility. Must have certification as a N.C Grade A Level ronmental Finance Center will focus on Water Treatment Operator. regionalization issues. For additional Applications must be received by 5:00 pm Dec 1, 1998, at the City of Wilson information, contact Richard Whisnant at Personnel Dept, 112 North Goldsboro St, Wilson, NC 27893 (252/399-2246). For more (919) 962-9320. information check the city’s web site at http://www.wilsonnc.org/jobs.htm 10 WRRI NEWS November/December 1998 UNC-Wilmington publishes Environmental Assessment of the Lower Cape Fear River System, 1997-1998

The Lower Cape Fear River Program is a ■ Low dissolved oxygen (DO) contin- ■ Fecal coliform bacteria levels remain a science and education program with the ued to remain a problem in the periodic problem as levels in the mission of developing an understanding system. Hypoxic conditions (DO <5 tributary stream stations often of processes which control and influence ppm) occurred at a number of stream exceeded the state recreational contact the Cape Fear River and providing public stations throughout the watershed water standard following rain events. information and education on the from June through October. Along the Fecal coliform sampling also indi- scientific findings. The scientific aspects river mainstem there was distinct cated that effluent from selected of the program are carried out by summer oxygen sag which reached its municipal and industrial point sources investigators at the University of North minimum at Horseshoe Bend. exceeded standards periodically. Carolina at Wilmington, Center for Summer DO levels at Station NC 11 Marine Science Research. Based on (representing water entering the lower ■ Generally high levels of turbidity (>25 more than three years’ worth of consis- basin) were about 5.5 ppm but fell to NTU) were often present at Station tent sampling, the investigators have 3.5 ppm in the sag area. One cause of NC 11 and nearby stations, indicating recently published an environmental the sag is BOD loading from indus- a considerable turbidity load coming assessment of the lower river, with trial point sources, and a second cause downstream from the Piedmont area. emphasis on the period June 1997 is low DO blackwater entering the Turbidity in the estuary was statisti- through May 1998. system from the Black River. cally correlated with river flow and Following are some of the principal with total nitrogen and phosphorus. conclusions of the UNC-W researchers: ■ High levels of nitrate enter the system at Station NC 11, probably from 1998-99 Water Resources Research agricultural nonpoint source runoff. Phosphate loading to the mainstem is Seminar Series somewhat lower than that of the Neuse and Pamlico Rivers, resulting Tuesday, November 17, 1998, 3 pm. 1132 Jordan Hall, NCSU Campus. “Ponds and in generally high inorganic nitrogen- Wetlands for Water Supply Protection.” Associate Professor Robert Borden, Department of to-phosphorus ratios. Civil Engineering, North Carolina State University. ■ Chlorophyll a concentrations were Tuesday, January 19, 1999, 3 pm. Groundfloor Hearing Room, Archdale Building, generally low to moderate in the downtown Raleigh. “Two Approaches to Modeling the Neuse River Estuary: Mechanistic lower system. However, during low and Network Analysis Models.” Assistant Professor James Bowen, Department of Engineer- flow conditions dense algal blooms ing Technology, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, and Professor Robert Christian, did occur at several tributary stations. Department of Biology, East Carolina University. For the three-year period 1995-1997, Tuesday, February 23, 1999, 3 pm. 1132 Jordan Hall, NCSU Campus. “Microbial Impact there was a highly significant inverse from Animal Waste.” Professor Mark Sobsey, Department of Environmental Sciences and correlation between chlorophyll a and Engineering, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. both river flow and Piedmont rainfall.

Monday, March 22, 1999, 3 pm. Groundfloor Hearing Room, Archdale Building, Data produced by the Lower Cape downtown Raleigh. “Water Quality Trends in the Neuse and Pamlico Basins.” Professor Fear monitoring efforts are posted at Donald Stanley, Institute of Marine and Coastal Resources, East Carolina University. website: http://smec.uncwil.edu/glaxo/ cfrp/index.htm#testing. Tuesday, April 20, 1999, 3 pm. 1132 Jordan Hall, NCSU Campus. “Effect of Management For information on obtaining Practices on Land Application of Swine Waste.” Assistant Professor Steve Whalen, Depart- Environmental Assessment of the Lower ment of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, University of North Carolina at Chapel Cape Fear River System, 1997-1998 Hill. (CMSR Report No. 98-02) contact Monday, May 24, 1999, 3 pm. Groundfloor Hearing Room, Archdale Building, down- Michael A. Mallin, Project Coordinator, town Raleigh. “Optimizing Buffers to Reduce Pollutants in Runoff.” Associate Professor at [email protected] or (910) 256- Richard McLaughlin, Department of Soil Science, North Carolina State University. 3721 Ext 275. November/December 1998 WRRI NEWS 11 Nancy White is the NCSU School of People Design’s first extension professor and Publications program leader. The new faculty position Martha E. Cardona is the new Non- was created by the N.C. Cooperative Estimating the Bankfull Event in Small point Source Coordinator for the On-Site Extension Service and the School of Watersheds of the Southern Appalachian Wastewater Section of the Division of Design to conduct research and outreach Mountains by Mickey B. Henson, Lloyd W. Environmental Health. Contact her at on using land-use planning as a tool for Swift, Jr., and David VanLear. This paper (as (919) 715-0141 or Martha_Cardona preventing and mitigating water pollution yet unpublished) describes a study under- @deh.enr.state.nc.us. on a watershed basis. Read about her taken as a graduate project between 1992 and current research projects in the Septem- 1993 to characterize the bankfull event on Beth McGee, who formerly handled ber 1998 issue of NWQEP Notes pub- nine gaged streams at the Coweeta Hydro- nonpoint source issues for the N.C. lished by the NCSU Water Quality logic Laboratory in Otto, NC. For eight of Division of Water Quality, has left the Group. Request the newsletter by calling the nine study watersheds the recurrent division and joined the staff of the Clean (919) 515-3723. probability for bankfull flows on the Annual Water Management Trust Fund. Maximum Series was found to be 1.03 to 1.26 years. Alternatively on the Partial NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETINGS Duration Series, the recurrence probability was found to be 0.20 to 0.30 years or 3 to 5 The Public Water Supply Section of the N.C. Background: In 1996, the amendments to times per year. For a copy of the report, Department of Environment and Natural the federal Safe Drinking Water Act Resources has scheduled public meetings (SDWA) required states to establish contact Mickey Henson at (828) 586-1973 or to present and take comments on its draft Source Water Assessment Programs by email: [email protected]. Source Water Assessment Program(SWAP). (SWAP), and submit a plan to the Four public meetings are scheduled: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) by Nutrient Imports to the Cape Fear and February 6, 1999 detailing how they will: Neuse River Basins in Animal Feeds is a Dec. 8, 1998, 2:00 p.m. · delineate source water protection paper presented at the Manure Management Asheville - Arboretum, Visitor Educa- areas Conference in Ames, Iowa, in February 1998 tional Center in auditorium · inventory significant contaminants in and published on the Conservation Technol- these areas ogy Information Center’s web site. Written Dec. 9, 1998, 2:00 p.m. · determine the susceptibility of each by Lawrence B. Cahoon, Jill A. Mikucki, and Winston-Salem - Hall of Justice, Rm 701, water supply to contamination for each Michael A. Mallin of UNC-Wilmington, the 200 N. Main Street public water system intake. paper estimates that at least 87.2% of feed Dec. 10, 1998, 1:30 p.m. grains and 94.5% of soybeans used as animal North Carolina has convened a Citizen’s Washington - Regional Office Hearing feed in the Cape Fear Basin and 60.6% of and Technical Advisory Committee and Room, 943 Washington grains and 73.6% of soybeans used as feed in held three meetings in Raleigh to ensure the Neuse River Basin in 1995 were broad representation and wide public Dec. 14, 1998, 7:00 p.m. imported. Feed imported to the Cape Fear involvement in the development of the Raleigh - Archdale Bldg., Hearing Room, Basin represented 92,000 metric tons of SWAP plan. The State received the full 512 N. Salisbury St. nitrogen and 32,000 metric tons of phospho- ten percent of its Drinking Water State Revolving Fund allotment for development rous. Feed imported to the Neuse Basin You may obtain a copy of the draft Source and implementation of a SWAP and has represented 24,400 metric tons of nitrogen Water Assessment Program (SWAP) and be completed an “Intended Use Plan - Phase and 10,400 metric tons of phosphorous. The placed on the list to receive future informa- I: Set-Aside Accounts,” that describes the paper says that essentially all of the nutrients tion on the SWAP by contacting Linnette use of the funds for development and excreted by swine and poultry in the Cape Weaver [Phone (919)715-2633; Fax implementation the SWAP plan. North (919)715-4374]. Fear Basin and a large majority of nutrients Carolina has been progressive in its excreted by animals in the Neuse Basin were approach toward source water protection. Technical questions and comments on the imported as opposed to being grown (and The State’s SWAP will use the work of document should be addressed to R.W. potentially providing nutrient uptake) in the existing programs and activities to the “Bob” Midgette at: Protection & Enforcement basin. Based on feed conversion rates, the fullest extent possible to avoid any Branch, N.C. Public Water Supply Section, paper estimates the amount of nutrient duplication of effort and ensure the SWAP P.O. Box 29536, Raleigh, NC 27626-0536 or loading attributable to swine operations. You will integrate into ongoing Department of by e-mail to robert_midgette@mail. Environment and Natural Resources can read the paper at http://kyw.ctic. enr.state.nc.us. [Phone (919)715-3224; Fax (DENR) activities. The SWAP is a non- purdue.edu/FRM/ManureMGMT/ (919)715-4374]. Comments will be regulatory program with no new require- Paper59.html. received until December 31, 1998. ments for public water systems. Publications continued page 14 12 WRRI NEWS November/December 1998 stations where nitrification was inhibited during periods of WRRI reports available anoxia. The magnitude and timing of denitrification and IN - determined during rain events suggests that nitrate (NO3 ) in WRRI has recently published peer-reviewed reports on projects runoff was rapidly denitrified in creek headwaters while + for which it provided funding. Single copies of WRRI reports are ammonium (NH4 ) processing appeared to be limited by available free to federal/state water resource agencies, state nitrification during spring/summer periods of anoxia. Compari- water resources research institutes, and other water research sons of denitrification and primary production during rain institutions with which exchange agreements have been made. events indicate that after initial peaks in denitrification, assimi- Single copies of publications are available to North Carolina lation dominates 1-2 weeks after moderate flow events. residents at a cost of $4 per copy prepaid ($6 per copy if billed) To optimize N removal, management should focus on water and to nonresidents at a cost of $8 per copy prepaid ($10 per controls that enhance denitrification at farm sites. A compari- copy if billed). Send requests to WRRI, Box 7912, NCSU, son of IN up- and downstream of flashboard risers indicated Raleigh, NC 27695-7912 or call (919) 515-2815, or Email: that N concentration was reduced in downstream waters [email protected]. following some runoff events, but this pattern was not consis- tent. Denitrification rates (in situ) were highest upstream of

Denitrificaton Dynamics of an Estuarine Headwater Creek flashboard risers in the spring when NOx concentrations were Receiving Agricultural Runoff Report 317, July 1998 elevated. Potential denitrification rates did not show a clear pattern in relation to flashboard risers, but rates peaked up- Suzanne P. Thompson, Hans W. Paerl, and Malia C. Go; stream of risers in the fall, likely in response to deposited Institute of Marine Sciences, University of North Carolina at organic matter and remineralized N. For most effective N Chapel Hill removal, management of flashboard risers should be intensive during spring/summer when cycling of IN in headwater creeks Nonpoint-source nutrient pollution from agricultural runoff has through the nitrification-denitrification pathway is inhibited by been identified as a major constituent of watershed nitrogen (N) anoxia and by competition with primary producers. Comparison loading. Denitrification is thought to be a substantial sink for N of denitrification rates in a vegetated ditch, flashboard risers, inputs to estuaries and is believed to account for sizable losses and marsh sediments showed the greatest potential for denitrifi- of field-applied N fertilizer in agricultural watersheds. cation in the latter. The investigators conclude that wetland The goal of the current study was to quantify denitrification buffers are the most effective sites for N removal and should be in an estuarine creek receiving agricultural runoff, with an given management priority. emphasis on environmental control of this process. Annual N removal in Culvert Creek was estimated at 1.27% Denitrification (simulated in situ and potential rates), (in situ) or 68.70% (potential rates) of inputs. An estimated dissolved inorganic nitrogen concentrations (IN) and water 11% of N inputs were removed via the nitrification-denitrifica- column parameters were measured on both seasonal and short- tion pathway in Culvert Creek assuming that rates were closely term (runoff event) time scales in Culvert Creek. In addition, coupled. Mean annual (1995-1997) creek denitrification rates of nitrification and primary productivity were measured to 2.17 Kg * ha-1 * yr-1 (in situ) and 90.52 Kg * ha-1 * yr-1 (poten- examine the interaction of these processes with denitrification. tial) fall in the range of rates measured in various freshwater Finally, the effectiveness of several water control structures at N wetland systems receiving agricultural drainage. removal from surface waters via denitrification was evaluated. Spatial-temporal patterns of simulated in situ denitrification and IN showed an elevated response to runoff of field-applied An In Vitro Test for Estrogenicity Combining Cultured fertilizer at the farm stations, but denitrification rates were low Hepatocytes and an Enzyme-linked Immunosorbant Assay in middle portions of the creek except during fertilizer runoff in (ELISA) Report 318, September 1998 the winter. Statistical correlations indicated that denitrification in Culvert Creek is regulated most directly by inorganic George H. Monteverdi and Richard T. Di Giulio, Nicholas nitrogen, with rates enhanced at the upper transect stations by School of the Environment, Duke University runoff. At the mid-creek and estuarine stations, regulation appeared to be more complex, as dynamic hydrological condi- The potential threat of endocrine disrupting compounds in tions affected microbial processing of N through nitrification- aquatic systems has garnered a great deal of attention from both denitrification and assimilatory pathways. the scientific community and the public at large. The ubiqui- Potential denitrification rates ranged to an order of magni- tous nature of many of these compounds, and the fact that many tude higher than simulated in situ rates and exhibited a wider of them enter our waterways as components of complex temporal and spatial distribution. Potential denitrification industrial or municipal waste streams, has fostered the desire showed a similar seasonal/spatial pattern to that of nitrification for effective methods of screening for endocrine effects. One at the most estuarine stations, with lower rates at the mid-creek such effect, that of xenobiotic-associated estrogenicity November/December 1998 WRRI NEWS 13 (xenoestrogenicity) has received particular attention, primarily design developed here allows for examination of a wide variety because of the important role estrogen plays in early life-stage of aquatic pollutants, including complex mixtures of chemicals development and reproduction. such as those often associated with industrial and municipal The goal of this project was to develop a reliable screen- waste treatment processes. ing assay that would afford the opportunity to examine the estrogenicity of a wide range of environmentally relevant CALL FOR PAPERS chemicals and chemical mixtures. The researchers developed an in vitro assay to screen for IN WATER RESOURCES FOR: estrogenic activity of single chemicals or complex mixtures. Their method combines primary hepatocyte cultures from the 1. 1999 Annual North Carolina Water Resources channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus) with an enzyme-linked Research Conference—March 25, 1999—N.C. immunosorbant assay (ELISA) to detect and quantify the State University McKimmon Center, Raleigh, NC production of vitellogenin (VTG), a liver-derived, estrogen- induced lipoprotein. They tested a variety of environmentally This conference will highlight all water resources research that is relevant chemicals and chemical mixtures, including the being conducted in North Carolina and provide an opportunity for polyaromatic hydrocarbon benzo(a)pyrene (BaP), the researchers to meet and discuss their work with others interested alkylphenolic surfactants 4-tert-octylphenol (OP) and p- in water research. University and other researchers, representa- nonylphenol (NP), the chlorinated insecticide o,p’-DDT, tives from local, state and federal agencies, and industrial and ag- stigmastanol (a plant derivative commonly found in pulp mill ricultural representatives should attend this conference to gain effluents), and a number of waste waters from pulp and paper current information on research that is addressing water resource mills. They also examined, the effects of estradiol (E2), the issues. The Plenary session will address the topic “Meeting NC synthetic estrogen diethylstilbestrol (DES) and the antiestrogens Water Supply Needs” with two invited speakers. Papers address- ing current research and North Carolina applications on the fol- trans-1-(4-β-dimethylaminoethoxyphenyl)-1,2-diphenylbut-l- lowing general topics are invited as well as other related subjects: ene (tamoxifen) and 7α-[9-(4,4,5,5,5-pentafluoro- ■ Water Supply Issues ■ Novel Measurement Techniques ■ Environ- β pentylsulfinyl)nonyl]estra-3,17 -diol (ICI-182,780). mental Risk Assessment ■ Flood Plain Issues ■ Nutrient Management The major findings of the studies were as follows: ■ Environmental Effects of Structural Controls Aquatic Habitat Resto- 1. E2, DES, OP, NP, and o,p’-DDT all induced detectable levels ration. Abstracts are due January 8, 1999. Space will also be of vitellogenin synthesis in cultured channel catfish hepato- provided for posters. For information on how to submit abstracts cytes. The relative potencies of the compounds were: for papers or posters, contact Robert Holman at (919) 515-2815. DES > E2 >> OP > o,p’-DDT > NP The VTG-induction associated with each of these treatments 2. Mountain Water Resources: Understanding was significantly (> 60%) inhibited by the presence of the and Management—April 27, 1999, Asheville antiestrogen tamoxifen. These data indicate that these Radisson, Asheville, NC compounds elicit their effect through the estrogen receptor. 2. Stigmastanol, the polyaromatic hydrocarbon benzo(a)pyrene, This conference will highlight water resources research being con- a number of waste waters from pulp and paper mills, and the ducted in the mountain region of North Carolina and provide an antiestrogens tamoxifen and ICI-182,780 exhibited no, or opportunity for mountain researchers to meet and discuss issues undetectable, estrogenic activity. and their work with others interested in water research. University 3. Stigmastanol and the pulp mill effluents were also tested for researchers, government agencies, industrial and agricultural rep- anti-estrogenic activity in cells incubated in media contain- resentatives in the mountain region of North Carolina should at- ing both DES and stigmastanol or effluent. Compared to tend this conference to gain current information on research that is addressing mountain water resource issues. This conference DES alone, none of these treatments caused a significant will be different from the March 25, 1999, WRRI Annual Confer- reduction in the media concentrations of VTG. ence and only address mountain issues and research. The Plenary 4. The detection limit for this assay was typically 15-25 ng session will specifically focus on water resource issues in the VTG/mL medium. Both the results of the screening and the mountain region of North Carolina. There will be several ses- experimental limit-of-detection were in agreement with data sions such as: ■ Flow Management ■ Wetlands ■ Aquatic Habitat ■ published by other researchers for work with other species. Water Quality ■ Human Health Issues ■ Riparian Areas ■ Water and Wastewater ■ Groundwater ■ Economic Issues ■ Atmospheric Issues This WRRI-funded work has developed an effective, in ■ Erosion and Sediment Control ■ Storm Water. vitro xenoestrogen screen that utilizes primary hepatocyte cultures from the channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus), an Abstracts for this conference are due Dec 4, 1998. Space will also be provided for a poster session. If you are interested in pre- environmentally and commercially important species in North senting a paper or poster, contact Robert Holman at (919) 515- Carolina and the southeastern United States. In addition to its 2815 for details on requirements for submission of abstracts. utility for screening individual chemicals, the experimental 14 WRRI NEWS September/October 1998 Quality Management Plan. Both publica- (USGS WRI Report 98-4149). For informa- Publications continued tions are available upon request. Call Hope tion on obtaining the reports call the USGS Thompson at (919) 733-5083, Ext 360. N.C. District Office at (919) 571-4000. The N.C. Division of Pollution Prevention and Environmental Assistance, the N.C. The U.S. Geological Survey has recently The N.C. Division of Water Resources has Division of Water Resources, and the Land- published Low-flow characteristics and recently published Hydrogeologic Frame- of-Sky Regional Council have published discharge profiles for selected streams in work and Ground Water Resources of the Water Efficiency Manual for Commercial, the Neuse River Basin, North Carolina North Albemarle Region, North Carolina. Industrial, and Institutional Facilities. (USGS WRI Report 98-4135) and Lake Report author Jeff Lautier constructed an up- According to the manual, some areas of Hickory, North Carolina: Analysis of to-date hydrogeologic framework of the area North Carolina that have experienced growth ambient conditions and simulation of including Camden, Chowan, Currituck, rates of 20 to 30 percent are facing water hydrodynamics, constitutent transport, and Gates, Pasquotank, Perquimans, eastern supply challenges. Since nonresidential use water-quality characteristics, 1993-94 Bertie and Hertford counties in North accounts for about 43 percent of the average continued page 15 daily demand for public water supply systems in the state (as opposed to 38 percent for residential uses), meeting water supply North Carolina Precipitation/Water Resources challenges in high-growth areas will require more efficient use by industry, business, and September October institutions —such as government and universities. This manual is designed to help Rainfall (+/- average) nonresidential water users to adopt improved Asheville 1.62” (-2.25”) 1.79” (-1.80”) technologies and practices that will allow Charlotte 3.79” (+0.29”) 1.38”(-1.98”) them to deliver equal or better service with Greensboro 2.34” (-1.18”) 0.62” (-2.88”) less water. The publication is available from Raleigh 3.55” (+0.36”) 2.78” (-0.08”) the Pollution Prevention Clearinghouse at Wilmington 5.38” (+0.34”) 1.36” (-1.33”) (800)763-2036. Streamflow The latest issue of N.C. Sea Grant’s Index Station September mean flow (CFS) October mean flow (CFS) WaterWise newsletter describes various (County, Basin) (% of long-term median) (% of long-term median) urban stormwater structural best management Valley River at Tomotla (Cherokee, Hiwassee) 42 (49%) 44 (54%) practices, how they work, and how effective Oconaluftee River at Birdtown (Swain, Tenn) 123 (52%) 126 (52%) they are. WaterWise is a free newsletter. French Broad River at Asheville (Buncombe, FB) 487 (45%) 768 (54%) Request it by calling (919) 515-2454. South Fork New near Jefferson (Ashe, New) 153 (61%) 160 (45%) Elk Creek at Elkville (Wilkes, Yadkin/Pee-Dee) 23 (50%) 27 (44%) The National Pollutant Removal Perfor- Fisher River near Copeland (Surry, Yadkin/Pee-Dee) 55.3 (54%) 97.5 (80%) near Mocksville (Rowan, Yadkin/PD) 82.8 (47%) 96.3 (53%) mance Database for Stormwater BMPs— Rocky River near Norwood (Stanly, Yadkin/Pee-Dee) 1,543 (533%) 366 (168%) 1997 contains summaries of 123 urban BMP Deep River near Moncure (Lee, Cape Fear) 271 (72%) 198 (81%) pollutant removal monitoring studies. The Black River near Tomahawk (Sampson, Cape Fear) 556 (159%) 83.2 (36%) 190-page report includes a statistical and Trent River near Trenton (Jones, Neuse) 237 (568%) 14.1 (35%) Lumber River near Boardman (Robeson, Lumber) 888 (132%) 444 (89%) graphical comparison of removal rates for Little Fishing Creek near White Oak (Halifax, Pamlico) 23 (62%) 11.5 (35%) seven groups of stormwater BMPs: ponds, Potecasi Creek near Union (Hertford, Chowan) 26.3 (171%) 25.7 (169%) wetlands, water quality swales, grass channels, filters, infiltration and on-site devices. The report is available for $25.00 Groundwater from the Center for Watershed Protection. Index well September depth October depth Call 410-461-8324 or visit the center’s (Province) below surface (ft) below surface (ft) website and print an order form: http:// (departure from (departure from www.pipeline.com/~runoff/ average for month) average for month)

Blantyre (Blue Ridge) 31.89 (-0.19) 33.61 (-0.24) The N.C. Division of Water Quality has Mocksville (Piedmont) 16.94 (+0.67) 17.54 (+0.21) published the final Broad River Basinwide Simpson (Coastal Plain) 4.68 (+1.02) 5.32 (+0.25) Water Quality Management Plan and the final Yadkin- Basinwide Water Source: U.S. Geological Survey’s Water Resources Conditions in North Carolina September/October 1998 WRRI NEWS 15 The North Carolina Lake Management Society’s Carolina and some southern counties in Virginia. He concludes that the best option 5th Annual Fall Workshop for water-concerned counties in the eastern North Albemarle region is to further develop “Water Quality and Watershed Issues at Lake Rogers” potable water supply in the Yorktown aquifer. For information on obtaining the report, contact Lautier at (919) 733-4064.

The N.C. Division of Water Resources has published Hydrogeologic Assessment of the Proposed Deepening of the Wilmington Harbor Shipping Channel, New Hanover and Brunswick Counties, North Carolina. Results of model simulations described in the study indicate that dredging of the Wilmington Harbor shipping channel will not Vance-Granville Community College South Campus cause any short-term changes in water levels On NC 56, East of I-85, Creedmoor, NC of the Peedee and Castle Hayne Aquifers. 8:30 am – 3:00 pm, Friday, December 11, 1998 (new date) Contact Jeff Lautier at (919) 733-4064 for information on obtaining the report. Lake Rogers, in the upper Neuse River Basin, is a fine jewel in the landscape of southern Granville County. The reservoir serves as the drinking water supply for the citizens of nearby Creedmoor. Lake Rogers and nearby Lake Holt are the only water Conferences and supply reservoirs for this area. Land-use issues and long-term water quality problems have drawn citizens, local environmental organizations, and resource agencies together workshops to learn more about the lake and its watershed. Lake Rogers is threatened in its capacity to store water by sedimentation and in its ability to supply clean water by The Georgetown University Center for Food excess nutrients. Agriculture, development, failing septic systems, and urban runoff & Nutrition Policy will present Pfiesteria & threaten water quantity and quality within the region You are invited to participate in the Environment: Convergence of Science this informational and educational workshop. Upon conclusion of this workshop, & Policy Dec 10-11, 1998, at the your knowledge can serve as a basis for future lake management efforts at Lake Georgetown University Conference Center. Rogers. For information call (202) 965-6400 or check website http://www.ceresnet.org/ Workshop registration fee postmarked on or before December 4, 1998, is $20. newpage1.htm. JoAnn Burkholder of Fee includes registration and lunch. Preregistration is strongly encouraged to ensure NCSU, is keynote speaker. a sufficient number of lunches, mid-morning break refreshments, and programs are ordered. After December 4 and on-site, a $5.00 late fee will be assessed. The Environmental Law Institute will present Environmental Impact Assessment: National Environmental Policy Act and Name Related Requirements Dec 10-11, 1998, at the Madison Hotel in Washington, DC. For Address information call (215) 243-1630 or check City, State, Zip Code + 4 website http://www.ali-aba.org/aliaba/ CD25.HTM. Daytime Telephone (including area code) The American Association for the Advance- E-mail address (if applicable) ment of Science will hold its 1999 Annual Meeting, Challenges for a New Century, Jan 21-26, 1999, in Anaheim, CA. For informa- Please cut along the dotted line and mail this form along with your check (made tion call (202) 326-6431 or check website payable to NCLMS) to: NCLMS, P.O. Box 28348, Raleigh, NC 27611-8348. http://www.aaas.org/meetings/scope/. Presenters from N.C. universities include For more program information, contact Bryn Tracy at (919) 733-6946 (work) or (919) JoAnn Burkholder, NCSU; Larry Crowder 779-7575 (home) or [email protected] or visit website: and Orrin Pilkey, Duke University; and http://www2.ncsu.edu/ncsu/CIL/WRRI/nclms.html Emily DeVoto, UNC-Chapel Hill. Websites The Neuse River has a homepage.

Volvo Cars of North America has created a website, “Cars and Their Environ- mental Impact,” to provide junior high and high school educators information they can use to enhance environmental science lesson plans. Material includes how cars work, how cars impact the environment, how impacts have been http://www2.ncsu.edu/ncsu/CIL/WRRI/neuse.html reduced by government and car compa- WRRI has initiated a comprehensive web site for information on the Neuse River. nies, what car owners can do to reduce Currently the site includes: ■ links to all known Internet sites related to the Neuse, ■ ■ impacts, and what the future holds. links to research documents (or summaries) related to the Neuse, and links to or information about agencies and groups concerned with Neuse River management. According to the site, 12 million cars were junked in 1996, representing more North Carolina Water Resources Association than 12 million tons of recoverable iron and steel. The URL is http:// NCWRA www.environment.volvocars.com/. North Carolina Section of the American Water Resources Association Luncheon and Forum Schedule The Environmental Defense Fund has developed a website that lets users view Feb 22, 1999 New Developments in Erosion and Sediment Control data from the U.S. EPA toxic release April 12,1999 Wetlands Restoration and Related Programs inventory (TRI) at the state, regional, Sept 13, 1999 Stormwater: NPDES Phase II and Neuse River Rules county, or city level. Users can enter a Dec 6, 1999 Cape Fear Basin Water Quality Issues zip code and see a map of their area showing manufacturers and industries All luncheon/forums take place at 11:30 am at the Jane S. McKimmon Center on the N.C. State that reported TRI data. URL is http:// University campus. For additional information call Robert Holman at WRRI (919/515-2815). www.scorecard.org.

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