Master of Environmental Assessment Professional Papers

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    Investigation of Total Dissolved Solids Regulation in the Appalachian Plateau Physiographic Province: A Case Study from Pennsylvania and Recommendations for the Future
    (2011-08) Wozniak, Mark
    ABSTRACT WOZNIAK, MARK. Investigation of Total Dissolved Solids Regulation in the Appalachian Plateau Physiographic Province: A Case Study from Pennsylvania and Recommendations for the Future. (Under the direction of Linda Taylor and Dr. Chris Hofelt). Total dissolved solids (TDS) are a natural constituent of surface water throughout the world. The World Health Organization, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and most states regulate TDS as a secondary drinking water criteria, affecting taste and odor, limiting discharges to 500 mg/L. This method of regulation fails to account for the conservative nature of TDS, with in-stream concentrations increasing with each addition, as well as impacts to aquatic life. New sources of TDS are further stressing historically contaminated waterways throughout the Appalachian Plateau, leaving them unable to assimilate additional TDS. With these new sources only projected to increase, it is necessary, now more than ever, for the states to develop total maximum daily loads for the affected waterways. This is the most effective method for regulating TDS to ensure the sustained health of the regional aquatic communities and human health.
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    A GIS Database of North Carolina Municipal Waste Land Application Sites: Current Uses and Potential for Biofuels Crop Production
    (2011-10) Nielsen, Laurie
    ABSTRACT NIELSEN, LAURIE EVANS. A GIS Database of North Carolina Municipal Waste Land Application Sites: Current Uses and Potential for Biofuels Crop Production. (Under the direction of Dr. Elizabeth Nichols.) A Geographic Information System (GIS) database of North Carolina municipal wastewater and biosolids land application sites was developed to provide spatial information about municipal waste management lands, and to help assess the potential for production of biofuels crops on public lands within the state. The primary purpose of this database is to support ongoing research on the potential use of municipal waste land application fields for the production of biofuels crops, by providing data on the size, location, distribution and current uses of municipal liability lands in North Carolina. In addition, the database contains updated contact information for local operators and decision-makers, which will facilitate dissemination of information about biofuel crop production to the regulated community. Parties who may find the spatial database and maps useful include representatives from the Biofuels Center of North Carolina, the N.C. Department of Environment and Natural Resources (NCDENR), the N.C. Eastern Region Military Growth Task Force, the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service, North Carolina municipalities, and others with a vested interest in the development of sustainable, renewable energy sources for the state. Maps depicting municipal facilities with non-discharge permits issued by NCDENR’s Aquifer Protection Section were created to show the state-wide distribution of sites receiving either treated wastewater irrigation or land-application of wastewater-treatment residual biosolids. A total of 90,554 acres are currently permitted to receive treated municipal wastewater products in North Carolina. Phone surveys were conducted to obtain current information about land-use patterns on these application sites, including the growing of traditional small-grain row-crops for livestock consumption, grasses used for hay or pasture, or trees. With few exceptions, virtually no biofuels crops are being produced on municipal liability lands at this time. This database represents the first known spatial depiction of total North Carolina acreage devoted to the disposal of wastewater treatment plant residues or post-treatment water. The database currently is housed on a server within the NCSU College of Natural Resources, Department of Forestry and Environmental Resources.
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    Assessment of Undergraduate Perceptions of Renewable Energy Technologies and Careers
    (2011-12) Ebersohl, Richard Jr
    EBERSOHL, JR, RICHARD DALE. Assessment of Undergraduate Perceptions of Renewable Energy Technologies and Careers. (Under the direction of Dr. Elizabeth Guthrie Nichols.) The development and implementation of renewable energy technology is becoming increasingly important as the world’s energy usage continues to rise. The shift in focus from fossil fuels to sustainable energy sources requires the addition of educational opportunities designed to support the growing need for renewable energy professionals. The purpose of this project is to identify and evaluate current North Carolina State University undergraduates’ knowledge and perceptions of renewable energy technologies, the value of an education in renewable energy technologies, and career opportunities in this emerging sector. An assessment was designed for a General Education Program course on Environmental Science that predominantly enrolls freshmen. The overall results suggest that students in this class have a basic understanding of renewable energy technologies but various misconceptions about the role these technologies currently play on a global scale. These results support an initiative to provide both science and non-science majors additional undergraduate curriculum for renewable energy assessment for non-engineers at North Carolina State University.
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    The Influence of Land Cover on Drinking Water Quality and Treatment Cost
    (2011-12-09) Sears, Alexandra
    Abstract Sears, Alexandra. Master of Environmental Assessment. The Influence of Land Cover on Drinking Water Quality and Treatment Cost. There is significant evidence that land cover is correlated with water quality. There is a lack of evidence however, examining the specific connection between forested land and drinking water quality. National datasets with information on land cover, drinking water intakes and their watersheds, drinking water contaminants, and drinking water treatment cost were used to assess the correlation between forests and drinking water quality. The particular databases were selected because of their national coverage and because they could be linked directly to a drinking water watershed. For each watershed, the percentage of forest cover was correlated with the drinking water contaminant and treatment cost data. The results are highly inconclusive and show no overall trends. The correlation coefficients averaged 0.0698 which rules out rejecting the null hypothesis that there is not a connection between forest cover and drinking water quality. EPA Region 8 (the mountain west) was the most highly correlated region in the country. The correlation between agricultural, urban, and impervious land cover and drinking water quality in that region was no more significant than that of forest cover. Because of the quality of the data utilized, these results should not deter future investigations into similar topics. Knowing how forests and other land cover types affect drinking water quality could influence future land planning measures that lead to a reduction in both the contaminants in drinking water as well as a reduction in the additional cost of treatment related to increased pollutants in the water. More research is needed in this area to determine the influence of land cover on drinking water quality.
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    Goose Creek Watershed On-Site Wastewater System (Septic System)
    (2012) Michael, Jeremy
    ABSTRACT Michael, Jeremy A. Goose Creek Watershed On-Site Wastewater System (Septic System) Failure Rate Analysis. (Under the direction of Linda Taylor). The Goose Creek Watershed located in Mecklenburg County, North Carolina is home to the federally endangered Carolina heelsplitter mussel which is sensitive to many pollutants commonly found in municipal and industrial wastewater releases. On-site wastewater systems were evaluated within the Goose Creek Watershed from April 2009 through April 2011 to determine if any failing on-site wastewater systems could have had a significant impact on high fecal coliform counts found in the tributaries. This project considered how the following criteria could contribute to on-site wastewater system performance: system design, age of system, seasonal impacts, operation and maintenance, and siting location. On-site wastewater failures were found at 12 out of 1,422 sites inspected, with a failure rate of 0.84%. This failure rate is considerably lower than other failure rate studies conducted in North Carolina and abroad. Only three of the twelve failures were located within 400ft of any surface water indicating a minimal impact on-site wastewater failures may have contributed to the high fecal coliform counts throughout the watershed. Age and excessive water usage from leaks or too many people living in the residence was a major contributing factor to more than half of the failures observed. On-site wastewater systems that were sited based on the soil type, operated per design, and maintained routinely had lower impacts on failures. This may be attributed to Mecklenburg County having a licensed soil scientist on staff, along with conducting routine public management entity (PME) inspections. There was a higher failure rate observed in the wet season as opposed to the dry season. Further investigation is needed to determine other potential sources of fecal coliform found in the tributaries throughout the watershed.
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    Implementation of a stormwater pollution prevention plan
    (2012-04) Herring, Carra
    Herring, Carra. Master of Environmental Assessment. Implementation of a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan at North Carolina State University and its effects on Water Quality. Stormwater Runoff has become one of the greatest challenges in water pollution control, as this source of contamination is a major contributor to water quality impairment of waterbodies nationwide. Stormwater runoff picks up pollutants as it travels across land and creates negative effects on water quality, aquatic biota, and stream temperature. In an effort to protect water quality, the Division of Water Quality and the federal Clean Water Act implemented the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) program in 1972 making it illegal to discharge pollutants into surface waters without a permit. NC State’s Environmental Health and Safety Office (EHSO) are currently working on updating the University’s Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan to maintain compliance with their Stormwater Permit. The Environmental Health and Safety Office Stormwater data from the years 2007-2011 were analyzed and used to create multiple graphs. Findings from the data analysis suggest that there are pollutants found in Stormwater on campus that are both above and below regulatory limits. Certain pollutants were above regulatory limits in the same location from 2007-2011. Total Suspended Solids, Lead, Copper, and Fecal Coliform showed results that were 100% above the regulatory limit. In order to help improve the water quality of Rocky Branch Creek and other waterways on campus, there will need to be a strict enforcement of the Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plans by the EHSO and the Chancellor of the University. By implementing consequences it will help reduce the amount of pollutants that will flow into the waterways on campus and can begin to improve the water quality. In addition, the EHSO will need to spread more public awareness about what stormwater pollution is and how to prevent it in order to keep NC State’s waterways free of pollutants.
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    The Effectiveness of Vegetated Drainage Swales in Nutrient Management
    (2012-05) Lawson, Danon
    Abstract Excessive nutrient runoff to the surface waters of the United States through stormwater has been identified by the Environmental Protection Agency as one of the largest current contributors of water pollution. Stormwater that runs off of the land surface with no identifiable origin is known as Nonpoint Source Pollution (NPS). NPS Pollution control is typically performed from either a Structural or Non-structural best management practice (BMP). Nonstructural BMPs, also known as Passive BMPs, often are less costly, quicker to design and easier to install and maintain. One of the more common passive stormwater BMPs are vegetated swales. The vegetated swale has traditionally been used solely as a primary conveyance device for NPS stormwater. Because the cost and installation of swales is reasonable, the view of swales in recent years has shifted from simply a stormwater conveyance system to a possible effective pollution removal BMP. The general pollution control from these established passive systems are thought to rely on a number of factors. Because one of the primary factors influencing pollutant removal in an open channel drainage swale may be the swale's soil medium, the relationship soil media has with dissolved nutrient pollution warrants investigation. Site tests were conducted in Gaston County to determine the effect that a soil’s medium would have on nutrient absorption within vegetated swale. A solution mixture was released in four separate channels, whose soil was composed of either clay or sand. Samples were then collected within these channels at fifty foot intervals. When tested at a private lab it was determined that nutrients in the released solution did show varying degrees of nutrient reduction. Although solution samples showed reductions at least 37% for N and 24% for P, the different soil media being examined provided no substantive difference in the removal of nutrients.
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    A human health risk assessment of exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in coal-tar sealcoats
    (2012-12) Mocka, Corey
    ABSTRACT MOCKA, COREY ADAM. A human health risk assessment of exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in coal-tar sealcoats. (Under the direction of Dr. Stephen Graham and Ms. Linda Taylor). Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are organic molecules that consist of two or more fused benzene rings. They are natural components of coal or petroleum products and also formed by the incomplete combustion of organic matter, making them ubiquitous environmental contaminants. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) currently classifies seven PAHs as B2 chemicals (probable human carcinogens) and, considering their presence in most environmental exposure media (e.g., soil, sediment, water, air) PAHs are a significant concern to environmental and human health professionals. Coal-tar sealcoats are black, shiny coatings that are adhered to driveway and parking lots to increase pavement life and improve aesthetics. Recent studies by the United States Geological Survey (USGS) have determined that certain PAH concentrations in settled dust on the coal-tar seal coated parking lots were 5,300 times greater than concentration limits recommended for designated superfund sites. The research herein consisted of two parts: (1) background research on recent coal-tar sealant data to determine individual PAH concentrations, and (2) an initial human health risk assessment (HHRA) for selected exposure pathways. In order to determine the exposure point concentration (EPC) of PAHs, two calculation methods were used based on the EPA’s 1993 relative potency factors (RPFs) and the more recent 2010 RPFs. This comparison of RPFs was essential to demonstrate the impact of the EPA possibly implementing an expanded PAH risk assessment. Of the three scenarios examined, worker exposure to volatilized PAHs in the air presented the largest LADD and cancer risk values of 3.25E-06 mg/kg-day and 2.37E-05, respectively, when using the 2010 RPF values for the calculations. These results have upheld the hypothesis of the potential PAH risk of certain populations that may become exposed to coal tar sealcoats.
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    The Military Munitions Response Program – A Case Study of Munitions Response Site MU732
    (2013) Limani, Kevin
    ABSTRACT LIMANI, KEVIN. The Military Munitions Response Program – A Case Study of Munitions Response Site MU732 (Under the direction of committee chair Linda R. Taylor, PE) Munitions Response Site (MRS) MU732 at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada was added to the Military Munitions Response Program’s inventory in 2003 due to a long history of soil contamination by military munitions. Comprehensive Site Evaluations and a Remedial Investigation conducted on the site identified soil concentrations of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and lead hazardous to human and ecological health. A Feasibility Study was developed and identified a remedial action suitable for MRS MU732. To meet the objective of reducing risk to human and ecological health, a system of land use controls would be implemented, and the burrowing owl, a sensitive species found on site, would be relocated to a suitable site in Southern Nevada. Due to the site’s remote location, physical and biological properties, and planned future use the contaminated soil at MRS MU732 would not be remediated.
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    Implications for policy related to the methodology used by US government agencies to conduct ecological risk assessments
    (2013) Schaller, Amanda
    Abstract Ecological risk assessments (ERAs) are centered on predicting ecological impacts resulting from anthropogenic or natural sources of stress, in order to assist in making informed environmental policy decisions. Within the United States government, ERA procedures are driven by laws, regulations, policies, and other governances, and the actions of its decision makers have impact on a public services or practice. In addition to limits on federal ERA processes from policy-directed decisions and outcomes, the distinct mission of a particular agency profoundly influence the assessment procedures. Every attempt is made to avoid redundancy in agency responsibilities, so the primary duties, scope of work, and foci of assessments for each organization are inimitable. Each agency has developed unique frameworks to demonstrate the procedure it uses to conduct ecological risk assessments in order to meet the distinctive needs of decision-makers serving that entity. This report examines the methodologies of three US agencies, the US Department of Commerce National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration National Marine Fisheries Service, the US Environmental Protection Agency, and the US Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service. This suite of agencies was selected because of its regulatory purview over all landscapes, ecosystems, and industries, as well as the prevalence of ERA-based products resulting from mission-critical work. Aspects of each agency’s ERA methodology that are evaluated include the role of stakeholders and risk managers in the assessment process, the degree of economic and social influence, the utility and universalism of the approach, array of resulting decisions, technical aspects of the framework itself, efficiency, and public perception. The analysis concludes that the frameworks of the three agencies are more similar than they are disparate with regard to functionality, flexibility, and public involvement in the proceedings. Opportunities to increase flexibility of the frameworks and increase public trust in the processes appear to be the areas that are most in need of attention.
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    A Case Study: Emergency Response and Time Critical Removal Action for the Stony Hill Road Trichloroethylene (TCE) Site in Wake Forest, NC
    (2013-05) Rhame, Kenneth
    RHAME, KENNETH. Emergency Response, Removal Site Evaluation and Time Critical Removal Action for the Stony Hill Road TCE Site in Wake Forest, NC. A Case Study and Review of Actions Taken; under the Authority of the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA); commonly known as Superfund. (Under the direction of Linda Taylor). TCE is a volatile organic compound (VOC) that is commonly used as an industrial solvent to remove grease from metal parts. It is also found in adhesives, paint removers, rug-cleaning fluids, spot removers, etc. (USEPA TEACH TCE). TCE is present in at least 852 of the 1,430 National Priority List sites identified by USEPA (ATSDR TCE ToxFAQs). The presence of TCE at the Stony Hill Road site is believed to be attributed to improper handling/disposal related to circuit board cleaning operations. The Stony Hill Road TCE site is not currently on the NPL. TCE is a designated hazardous substance as defined by 40 CFR 302.4 The United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) classified TCE as a carcinogen to humans by all routes of exposure and determined it harmful to fetal development in 2011. It is these types of compounds that threaten public health and/or the environment that allow USEPA to initiate an action under CERCLA authority. CERCLA, also known as Superfund was enacted by Congress in 1980. Superfund created a tax on chemical and petroleum industries to establish a trust that could be used to address releases or threatened releases of hazardous substances that endanger public health or the environment. The appropriation for Superfund has expired and now most funding comes from either general tax revenues or by USEPA’s cost recovery efforts against responsible parties. Therefore the funding that is available to address environmental threats from year to year will vary and likely decline due primarily to the poor economic climate. It will become necessary to utilize critical thinking in decisions being made and to utilize outside resources effectively when response actions are initiated in the future. There are two types of response actions under CERCLA: 1. Removal Actions – short term actions taken that require a immediate or prompt response to address releases of hazardous substances 2. Remedial Actions – long term actions dealing with National Priority List (NPL) sites that significantly reduce the threats associated with releases of hazardous substances, but not immediately life threatening. The National Contingency Plan (NCP) provides policy and guidance necessary in responding to releases or threatened releases of hazardous substances. The NCP is the federal government’s doctrine for environmental emergency response actions. The NCP establishes three types of removal actions; emergency response, time-critical removals and non time-critical removals. The Stony Hill Road TCE site was addressed under CERCLA, consistent with the NCP and using both emergency response and time-critical removal action authority by the Federal On-Scene Coordinator (FOSC). In order for a site to meet the criteria to be addressed by the removal program, a concentration above a removal management level (RML) formerly known as the removal action level (RAL) must be documented. The RML for TCE was recently lowered from 128 parts per billion (ppb) to 8 ppb (USEPA, 1988 and USEPA RML Table 2012). The Stony Hill Road TCE site met the criteria as the TCE concentrations present in residential wells were documented as high as 340 ppb. A review of the decisions and actions taken at the Stony Hill Road TCE site as well as issues encountered and future recommendations in responding to exposures or threats of exposures resulting from hazardous substances affecting residential drinking water wells using CERCLA authority will be presented.
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    Natural gas and the environment: the effect of the new EPA MATS/MACT regulations
    (2013-06) Trimberger, Karen
    Abstract Trimberger, Karen. Natural Gas and the Environment: The Effect of the New EPA MATS/MACT Regulations In late 2011, the EPA promulgated regulations (MACT/MATS) to reduce toxic air emissions from coal and oil fired electric utility steam generating units and industrial boilers. Some groups believe the regulations “encourage” fuel switching from coal or petroleum liquids to NG and a number of utility companies have already announced plans to switch. Utility commissions east of the Mississippi River were surveyed to determine if the MACT/MATS regulations have played a significant role in future compliance planning. Also, data obtained from EIA was analyzed to determine the cost of converting a set percentage of existing coal-fired plants to NG and clean coal technology. Of the surveys returned (6:24), only four commissions indicated that some of the planned conversions to NG were driven by regulatory compliance. The remaining stated that MATS was one of many issues impacting possible changes at facilities. Analysis of the EIA data indicated that it was significantly cheaper to convert to NG than clean coal. The projected cost of NG (currently low) over the next 10 to 20 years will play a role in the fuel switching decision. The economics and possible fuel cost savings associated with NG maybe the driving force in the utility companies’ decision to fuel switch, rather than switching as a method of compliance. The undetermined consequence of MATS/MACT regulations is whether the switching to, and the resultant increase in demand for NG, will ultimately lead to a transfer of environmental contaminants from one environmental media (air) to others (soil, water) in the drive to reduce air emissions.
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    A review of energy production systems through the utilization of poultry litter as a fuel source and determination of feasibility for North Carolina farming operations
    (2013-07) Crawford, Kyle
    ABSTRACT Crawford, Kyle. A review of Energy Production Systems through the utilization of poultry litter as a fuel source and determination of feasibility for North Carolina’s poultry farming operations (Under the direction of Linda Taylor) There is both a growing demand for clean energy consumption and an increase in agricultural production in order to both feed the world and continue to keep our global environment as clean as possible. The following dissertation aims to determine if clean and sustainable biofuel energy, utilization of poultry litter a fuel source, could be utilized to power the operation of a poultry farm, the same farm in which the litter was derived. Three techniques will be assessed: combustion, gasification, and digestion. In addition, a determination of feasibility associated with an average North Carolina poultry operation will be assessed for long term feasibility and applicability.
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    Implementation of Directive 2008/1/EC concerning the Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control in Kosovo: the IPPC permit
    (2013-07) Alla, Arta
    ABSTRACT ALLA, ARTA. Implementation of Directive 2008/1/EC concerning Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control in Kosovo: the IPPC permit. (Under the direction of Linda R. Taylor) The European Union seeks to control and prevent industrial pollution within its member states, and requires those countries seeking to join the EU to abide by these rules as well. The EU has regulated the emissions of large industrial installations through Directive 2008/1/EC, which serves as an EU-wide legal requirement. This directive represents a holistic approach to prevent, reduce or eliminate industrial pollution originating from industrial activities by addressing each source of pollution emanating from the entire industrial process. Directive 2008/1/EC requires large industrial installations to obtain an Integrated Pollution and Prevention Control (IPPC) permit which defines the emission limit values and other obligations for companies to reduce pollution. This is an inclusive and involved process which requires substantial expertise. Countries which are seeking to enter the EU must also implement Directive 2008/1/EC and its involved processes. Kosovo is a country newly formed from the former Yugoslavia and has a legacy of low environmental protections in the past. The Kosovo Government has recently had its first application for an IPPC permit. It had to create a process to comply with the Directive, with which the author participated, but as a new, post-conflict country, it encountered numerous obstacles due to this environmental regulation. This paper highlights those difficulties and challenges and offers some recommendations which were identified during the implementation process.
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    Cyanuric Acid in Commercial Swimming Pools and its Effects on Chlorine's "Staying Power" and Oxidation Reduction Potentails
    (2013-07) Askins, Aaron
    Abstract Cyanuric acid levels in commercial swimming pools has been a controversial topic in the swimming pool industry in the past few years. This chemical is known for its stabilizing abilities by protecting chlorine from the ultraviolet rays of the sun which cause photolysis. Cyanuric acid has received recognition for this ability, but has also received blame for over stabilization which reduces the effectiveness of sanitization and oxidation reduction potential (ORP) of chlorine. This loss in effectiveness could possibly result in recreational water illnesses arising due to water quality standards being compromised. Local and state regulations can make it unclear on what parameters cyanuric acid levels should be in commercial swimming pools due to its inconsistencies across the United States. These variances are wide and could possibly lead to confusion amongst pool professionals to exactly where they should be when applying this chemical. In this project a look at the “staying power” of chlorine and its oxidation reduction potential at various levels of cyanuric acid will hopefully develop an understanding on where the ideal range of this chemical should be kept. This along with surveys from North Carolina professional pool companies and an interview with a local official who oversees commercial pool inspections in Wake County will develop a foundation on the perception of how pool professionals view this chemical and its capabilities along with testing for its levels. An overall ideal range on cyanuric acid levels for swimming pools that require stabilized chlorine will be reached through the information gathered on this project. This will help the pool professional understand its use and keep higher water quality standards in commercial swimming pools.
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    A Case Study of Human Health Hazards and Environmental Effects Associated with the Release and Exposure of Arsenic Compounds from Poultry Litter Incineration
    (2013-07) Roston, Jeremy
    ABSTRACT ROSTON, JEREMY B. Master of Environmental Assessment. A Case Study of Human Health Hazards and Environmental Effects Associated with the Release and Exposure of Arsenic Compounds from Poultry Litter Incineration. Arsenic, particularly Roxarsone (3-nitro-4-hydroxy benzene arsonic acid), is a common feed additive widely used by the poultry industry that acts as a highly effective growth promoter by controlling coccidiosis, a parasitic intestinal disease. A growing body of research and literature has revealed that organic arsenicals used in poultry feed, such as Roxarsone, are converted to inorganic arsenicals within the chicken and are also rapidly transformed into inorganic arsenic in poultry wastes and in soils. Based on sufficient evidence of carcinogenicity in humans, Arsenic and inorganic arsenic compounds are known to be human carcinogens. Epidemiological studies have demonstrated that inorganic arsenic compounds increase the risk of cancer in the skin, lung, digestive tract, liver, urinary bladder, kidney, and lymphatic and hematopoietic systems. Although the impacts of Roxarsone on human health and the environment are still unknown, studies have found that all these biological effects require the metabolism of organoarsenical compounds to the more highly toxic inorganic Arsenic (AsIII, AsV) species. This is of great concern in regions of the US where the landscape is dominated by poultry Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFOs). In North Carolina alone, 787 million broilers are produced on an annual basis, and with it, an estimated 6.1 million tons of poultry manure is generated and land applied on agricultural lands. Utilization of animal manure as an organic fertilizer on private farm land is still the prefer means of waste management and disposal. However, obtaining renewable energy through the incineration of poultry litter has been proposed as an alternative by the North Carolina state legislature when it passed Session Law 2007-397. Nonetheless, despite continue urban expansion into rural areas, land use change, decline in water quality standards, and elevated nutrient in soils amended by poultry litter, it is necessary to carefully evaluate poultry litter incineration as a means for an alternative to waste management disposal, and its impacts on human health and the environment. Through the examination of current published information on the subject, this case study evaluates research related to human health hazards and the potential environmental effects associated with the exposure and release of arsenical compounds when poultry litter is incinerated. This paper also gathers and examines any relevant peer-reviewed research that provides sufficient evidence to further educate the public about the potential effects of poultry litter incineration and its feasibility as a renewable energy alternative for North Carolina.
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    Creating principles for the delineation of natural communities in the environment with the use of aerial photography and supplemental data
    (2013-11) Williamson, Justin
    Abstract WILLIAMSON, JUSTIN. Master of Environmental Assessment. Creating Principles for the Delineation of Natural Communities in the Environment with the Use of Aerial Photography and Supplemental Data. Natural communities are defined as “a distinct and reoccurring assemblage of populations of plants, animals, bacteria, and fungi naturally associated with each other and their physical environment.” (The Nature Conservancy, 1981). Natural communities are important for humans as well as for the environment. For humans, they provide ideal settings for scientists to study specific ecosystems that may be present. What organisms are found as well as the how each community functions is important information for scientists and ecologists. Land managers also find natural communities important to make land management decisions leading to increased biodiversity conservation. Many endangered plant and animals species can be found in specific community types and can be managed actively by prescribed fire or passively by preservation. In a natural perspective, these communities act as natural systems that provide protection to organisms that may live and thrive here. These communities are defined and divided based on numerous variables such as vegetation, slope, aspect, soils and elevation. This study looks to identify natural communities and their locations throughout the landscape using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and aerial photography coupled with supplemental natural resource data in order to delineate community types accurately. A unique ground-truthing methodology is then used in order to confirm and correct the data. The goals of this study are first to increase the accuracy of mapping natural communities through available data sources, and second to provide a standard for ground-truthing natural communities in the field. To determine if these methods are successful delineation techniques, this project will investigate two specific case studies and apply the methods developed to each.