Professional Papers

Permanent URI for this communityhttps://www.lib.ncsu.edu/resolver/1840.20/36864

Browse

Now showing 1 - 20 of 224

1,4-Dioxane and the Application of Phytoremediation at North Carolina Hazardous Waste Groundwater Contaminated Sites
(2013-11) Sorensen, Heather
Abstract Sorensen, Heather. Master of Environmental Assessment. 1,4‐Dioxane and the Application of Phytoremediation at North Carolina Hazardous Waste Groundwater Contaminated Sites 1,4‐Dioxane is a manufactured chemical that is considered to be recalcitrant in nature due to its inability to be remediated through traditional groundwater remediation systems and its inability to degrade under ambient groundwater conditions. 1,4‐Dioxane has been established as “likely to be carcinogenic to humans by all routes of exposure” by the United States Environmental Protection Agency. Through historical releases and improper disposal of industrial waste and accidental spills of 1,4‐dioxane chemicals to the environment, groundwater has become contaminated with 1,4‐dioxane. The goal of this paper is to identify Treatment Storage and Disposal Facilities in North Carolina with 1,4‐ dioxane contaminated groundwater and evaluate the potential application of phytoremediation as a viable remedial option for 1,4‐dioxane. Through the investigation of 1,4‐dioxane and phytoremediation, this paper explores why 1,4‐dixoane is a constituent of concern and why phytoremediation should be considered as an remediation strategy for contaminated groundwater. Twelve 1,4‐dioxane hazardous waste sites with 1,4‐dioxane contaminated groundwater were provided by the North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Division of Waste Management, Hazardous Waste Section. Six out of the twelve sites were assessed for phytoremediation applicability. This assessment demonstrates that phytoremediation should be considered as a viable remedial option for 1,4‐dioxane, specifically at sites that have no current remediation strategy and that have access to space for a phytoremediation tree stand.
2012 North Carolina Energy Conservation Code: Environmental and Economic Impacts
(2016) Janaro, Julia
JANARO, JULIA Master of Natural Resources – Policy and Administration Technical Option. Environmental and Economic Impacts of the 2012 NC Energy Conservation Code in North Carolina Successful strategies for natural resources management are intended to connect long-term environmental solutions and benefits with present-day action, policies, and investments. While a Cost-Benefit Analysis (CBA) is required for any major environmental policy (Hsu & Loomis, 2002), it is also a means to address the interests of multiple stakeholders - and to ensure that the limited resources available for implementation are used as effectively as possible. The difficulty in a CBA for a building code analysis is determining the viewpoint. The perspective may reflect the first costs of the contractor, or the long-term homeowner to whom these costs are passed down. This exercise is especially relevant in addressing natural resources demand that is directly tied to the well-being of a population or its economy – for example, creating safe and comfortable buildings for life and work. The energy demand from the building sector is a substantial component of the national energy economy. Policy tools to manage, plan, and optimize efficiency for this demand are necessary for both our economic and environmental future. Connecting the increased energy efficiency of construction practices with reduced strain on energy and land resources is not a new concept. National initiatives developed in cooperation with energy utility companies have reported that improving energy efficiency “is one of the most constructive, cost-effective ways to address the challenges of high energy prices, energy security and independence, air pollution, and global climate change in the near future.” (National Action Plan for Energy Efficiency Vision, 2008). With the building sector consuming roughly 40% of U.S. energy consumption (US Energy Information Administration, 2015), there is tremendous opportunity for building energy policies to proactively address these growing issues. North Carolina population growth has been outpacing the national average since the 1940s. The most recent projections for continued increased growth, along with the urbanization trends of the current population, will have a tremendous effect on social and environmental resources. Demand for new housing units is expected to increase to 2.46 million new housing units by the year 2050 (UNC Carolina Population Center Carolina Demography, 2013). While the residential construction market is often seen as a positive harbinger of a state’s immediate economic health, there are long-term economic and environmental implications resulting from the energy demand associated with these structures. In North Carolina, new residential and commercial buildings are subject to compliance with the requirements of the 2012 North Carolina Energy Conservation Code (NCECC). The 2012 NCECC represents 30% energy improvement for commercial buildings and 15% energy improvement for residential buildings over the 2006 NCECC performance requirements. The NCECC is typically modeled after the most recent version of the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC), written by the International Code Council. The 2012 NCECC was only adopted after a highly contentious and year-long debate between representatives from home-builder organizations and environmental groups. While code updates are not typically contested, the efficiency goals of the code document (with 30% energy efficiency requirements for residential construction) sparked concern from the construction industry. In fact, the code has been regularly contested by North Carolina legislators even after it went into effect. While disagreements over the policy may seem to pit economic interests against environmental ones, this project assesses whether energy performance requirements might effectively be positive from both perspectives. The goal of this project is to 1) Develop a cost-benefit analysis for individual homeowners of the actual first-cost and longterm savings implications of the NCECC, 2) Identify the broader environmental impact potential of these energy policies, and 3) use these findings to identify recommendations for the next updates to the Energy Conservation Code. Census data, economic projections, detailed energy code analysis, and energy payback data were all used to integrate the localized, state-wide, ecological, and economic concerns of North Carolina energy code policy. Ultimately, the optimal energy conservation policy for North Carolina (and the one that can be supported by the widest range of stakeholders) will need to balance all these scales and types of considerations. The intent of this project is view energy efficiency policy from a broader perspective, to increase the effectiveness of an existing policy resource, and to contribute to the ongoing dialogue concerning energy demand from the building sector. Energy efficiency policy is a pragmatic approach to natural resource demand that speaks to key aspects of North Carolina’s personal, economic, and environmental well-being. There is great potential for finding and achieving a common interest – and acceptable policy direction - amongst those stakeholders.
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.
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.
A Comparison and Contrast of Environmental Monitoring Techniques from 2008 to 2014 on the Pacific Harbor Seal and Northern Channel Island Pinnipeds
(2015-05) Ortt, Jesse
Ortt, Jesse. Master of Environmental Assessment. A Comparison and Contrast of Environmental Monitoring Techniques from 2008 to 2014 on the Pacific Harbor Seal and Northern Channel Island Pinnipeds. During certain times of the calendar year, United States Spacelift launches from Vandenberg Air Force Base, California can cause stress and impact on the breeding grounds of the Pacific Harbor Seal and the Northern Channel Island Pinnipeds. The US Fish and Wildlife Service and NOAA Fisheries Service have established monitoring requirements for space lift operations from Vandenberg Air Force Base for anthropogenic noise based off of the sonic boom modeling program (PCBoom3). Following the analysis of 5 years of cumulative data of the Atlas V launches, the Air Force proposed a set of mitigation and monitoring measures that would lessen the impact on the marine mammals. This included implementing seasonal restrictions such as “avoiding missile and rocket launches during the harbor seal pupping season of March through June, whenever possible and avoiding, whenever possible, launches which are predicted to produce a sonic boom on the Northern Channel Islands during Pinniped pupping seasons” (NOAA 2013). Based on these seasonal restrictions, the requirements for monitoring were reduced for Vandenberg Air Force Base.
A Cost-Benefit Analysis of South Korea's Biodiesel Mandate
(North Carolina State University. College of Natural Resources, 2011-05-09) Sim, Jinsu
A Geospatial Characterization of Ecologically Significant Areas Impacted by Current and Potential Co-firing Woody Biomass Feedstock Demand in North Carolina
(North Carolina State University. College of Natural Resources, 2012-12) Clary, Christopher
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.
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.
A Marketing Plan for the 2009 NCAA Women’s Basketball Regional
(North Carolina State University. Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management, 2008) Liebert, Patrick
The concept of marketing is the means that an organization seeks to make a profit by serving the needs of customer groups. The purpose of marketing concepts is to rivet the attention of marketing managers. Successful marketing starts with the recognition of customers needs and then works backwards to devise products and services to satisfy these needs. The principal task under the marketing concepts is not to manipulate consumers to do what suits the interests of an organization, rather to find effective and efficient means of making do what suits the interest of customers.
A proposal for reclassification of the Walnut Creek Wetland to a nature preserve
(North Carolina State University. College of Natural Resources, 2015-04) Graham, Sherry
Graham, Sherry Anne. A proposal for reclassification of the Walnut Creek Wetland to a Nature Preserve. (Under the direction of committee chair Dr. Gary Blank and committee members Dr. George Hess and Dr. Roger Moore). The Walnut Creek Wetland Center opened in September of 2009 aiming to increase awareness about the benefits wetlands provide. The center is situated in a 48 acre wetland owned and managed by the City of Raleigh Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources Department. Although establishment of the Walnut Creek Wetland Center was brilliant, the surrounding open space still requires procedures and funding to address problems like invasive species, erosion, poor access to the wetland, lack of properly trained staff to handle spontaneous arrivals of unattended children, and influxes of litter washed from upstream. The land surrounding the center is categorized in different use classes, with none of them being preserve or park. The 48 acre tract is designated as greenway by Raleigh Parks, which is a land use class managed more for human access rather than protection of natural resources. In 2011, the City of Raleigh Parks Recreation and Cultural Resources adopted criteria to guide establishment of nature preserves. The Walnut Creek wetland has never been formally assessed for suitability as a nature preserve but according to my estimation, it meets five of the first eight Nature Preserve criteria and all of the additional criteria for a total of 10/13. Hence, I propose a formal assessment prior to expenditure of bond funds. In this document I set forth factors to make this a high priority for natural resource managers within the City of Raleigh. Factors set forth as motivation for reclassification are: (1) Socio-economic motivation (2) Historical land use, specifically how it informs future land use (3) Current inventory assessments of wetland function and habitat (4) Adherence to the City of Raleigh 2030 Comprehensive Plan and hence the newly adopted Parks Recreation and Cultural Resources System Plan. Research on these four factors confirmed that the neighborhood just north of the WCWC is one of the most economically depressed in the city. Current quality of ecosystem function and habitat are medium in the wetland, which indicates potential for restoration. Biodiversity and human access are low but bond funding will eventually be available. Historical research shows that rich habitat once did exist; even now a relatively diverse habitat exists despite a two-mile proximity to a major metropolitan area in a sustained period of population growth. In response to population growth the City of Raleigh adopted the System Plan. The Parks Recreation and Cultural Resources System Plan sets forth the current Level of Service for Nature Preserves by establishing that each citizen should live within five miles of a Nature Preserve. There is not a preserve within a 5 mile radius of the majority of citizens in southeast Raleigh. Establishment of a Preserve in the Walnut Creek Wetland would satisfy this Parks Recreation and Cultural Resources objectives by increasing level of service while protecting ecosystem services. In anticipation of a Master Plan, the wetland is being proposed for designation as a Nature Preserve with funding, management, and protection beyond that of a traditional park. A unique proximity to both downtown and connection to other protected properties makes habitat improvement in the Walnut Creek wetland an ideal resolution for the immediate neighborhood, urbanites in downtown Raleigh, and the ecosystem itself. To improve habitat, five actions are recommended. (1)Reclassify the Walnut Creek Wetland from greenway to Nature Preserve. (2) Dedicate funds to the Nature Preserve to control access and ensure the most sensitive areas see minimal impact. (3) Preserve and protect the area to expand Significant Natural Heritage Areas via ecosystem restoration efforts designed to increase occurrences of heritage species. (4) Protect water quality by taking measures to reduce influx of litter from Little Rock Creek and pinpoint the sources of other pollutants; and (5) Strengthen community outreach to increase awareness that healthy streams are a community asset and wetlands are an integral aspect of healthy urban infrastructure and economy due to the ecosystem services they provide.
A regression analysis exploring the impact that sawmills and production have on Southeast softwood timber prices
(North Carolina State University. College of Natural Resources, 2015-06-24) Humphrey, Christopher
Abstract: This analysis focused on the price and production of softwood saw timber in the states of North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia. Since the preponderance of softwood timber production occurs along the eastern portion of these states, only specific regions were used for modeling purposes. The data was analyzed via a 2 stage least squares regression model which determined the relationship and effect between the number of sawmills, and estimated production within in a particular region and the price for timber. After analyzing the data, it was determined that the positively correlated relationship that exists amongst the independent variables in the time series format does not exist when a regional, spatial component is taken into account. The negative relationship exists between prices and markets on a regional level at the 98% confidence interval. The elasticity of sawmills was determined to be a 1% increase in sawmills leads to a 5% decrease in prices.
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.
A review of the existing and prospective methods for the reuse and CO2 collected with carbon capture technology
(2016-05-05) Lempert, Michelle
Climate change, which is linked with fossil fuel combustion related Carbon Dioxide (CO2) emissions, is one of the major environmental problems that our society will be facing in the coming decades. Carbon capture and sequestration (CCS) methods coupled with CO2 reuse is a way to mitigate CO2 emissions. This research has two concurrent goals. First, the researcher will review current companies reusing CO2 collected via carbon capture technology to see how the CO2 reuse company landscape has changed since The Global CCS Institute’s 2011 report. The second portion of this report is the community engagement phase. The goal of this research is to assess a sample of subjects both on their current knowledge of carbon capture, sequestration (CCS) and reuse, and on their capacity to increase their understanding of this topic after viewing a short presentation.
A risk perception analysis: Toxicology education, its effect on quantitative judgments of risk, and the influence of demographic variables
(2015-05) Carlson, Daneil
Carlson, Daniel. A Risk Perception Analysis: Toxicology Education, its Effect on Quantitative Judgements of Risk, and the Influence of Demographic Variables. In order to study the influence of education on risk perception, particularly in toxicology with a focus on risk assessment, a survey was administered to 14 classes of undergraduate students at North Carolina State University before and after completing an undergraduate general education requirement course, Toxicology 201: Poisons, People, and the Environment. The multi-year surveys asked registered students to rank 10 activities, on a scale of 1-10, on their perception of the risk associated with them. Analysis of those survey results determined students’ relative changes in risk perception across each activity as a result of having taken the course, the influence of demographic characteristics (e.g., education and gender) on their overall risk perception, and the magnitude of the changes and inherent differences in risk perception. Statistical significance of changes in risk perception was determined by utilizing sign tests on pre- and post-survey data while statistical significance of differences in risk perception between demographic variables (e.g., males vs. females) was determined by utilizing Mann-Whitney U tests on pre-survey data. Results found a combined statistical and practical significance in the change in risk perception for all students with two of the activities - smoking tobacco products and living within 5 miles of a nuclear power plant; after completing the course, the former was ranked as more risky and the latter was ranked as less risky. Demographic variables were weak influencers of changes in risk perception, as risk ranking changes amongst the demographic variables studied were very similar to the overall risk ranking changes amongst the entire group of students. There was generally little variability in differences in risk perception between demographic variables and Mann-Whitney U tests were unable to establish statistically significant differences between risk rankings; despite this, certain differences were large enough to suggest a real affect, particularly when they were aligned with hypotheses supported by previous studies in risk perception, such as with the apparent difference in risk perception between men and women for the living within 5 miles of a nuclear power plant activity. Overall, the educational treatment was indicated as effective for changing risk perception for select activities related to toxicological hazards, and while demographic variables were weak influencers of changes in risk perception following the treatment, they suggested at inherent differences in risk perception that may be more apparent with additional study.
A Spatial Database of Existing and Potential North Carolina Renewable Energy (NCRE) Facilities and Resources
(North Carolina State University. College of Natural Resources, 2010-11-23) Cser, Helene
Abstract Cser, Helene. Master of Natural Resources – Assessment and Analysis Technical Option. Title: A Spatial Database of Existing and Potential North Carolina Renewable Energy (NCRE) Facilities and Resources A detailed Geographic Information System (GIS) based database has been created to show the locations of existing and potential renewable resources and their proximities to energy facilities capable of harnessing the energy to meet the requirements stated in the NC Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Portfolio Standard (REPS) and North Carolina’s Strategic Plan for Biofuels Leadership 2017. The purposes of this database are to (1) provide preliminary data to interested parties and (2) encourage sustainable renewable energy development for North Carolina. The renewable energy resources and facilities that are included in the database include: animal waste, secondary fuels (biodiesel, biogas, and ethanol), processing residues, electrical generators (co-firing coal plants, biomass facilities, wood fired boilers, operational and potential landfill gas projects, solar, wind, and small hydroelectric sources). The database also contains supporting data such as infrastructure, boundaries, and population centers. One problem with the wealth of resources is that they are widely dispersed across the North Carolina landscape. The expected significance of this spatial database is that it will provide a tool for encouraging economic growth within the renewable energy industry sector. It will also provide a baseline state inventory and help ensure the sustainable development of renewable energy. Those who will find this spatial database mapping useful include parties interested and involved in sustainable renewable energy development, such as the scientific community, energy developers, environmental groups, and local planners. The documentation and methods of data accumulation used to create this spatial database consisting of existing and potential renewable resources datasets gathered and created are provided. An overview of GIS (Geographic Information System) terminology, the geodatabase structure, and an explanation of the format used to describe the spatial database is provided for users new to GIS. A database assessment of the strengths, limitations, opportunities, and potential problems are provided as well. The spatial database currently exists on a server that is housed within the Forestry Department at the College of Natural Resources. It is recommended that all renewable energy data for North Carolina continue to be consolidated into one spatial database and updated frequently in order to provide beneficial information for all renewable energy sectors. The spatial database should be housed within an organization that will maintain and update the data, provide an interactive web application, and consulting services to interested parties. The organization that will house the spatial database should form partnerships with various state agencies, non-profit and private organizations, and universities. Finally, it is recommended that additional data and models be incorporated into the database to allow for more in depth spatial analysis.
Accuracy Assessments for Headwater Stream Maps in Western North Carolina
(North Carolina State University. College of Natural Resources, 2013-05) Johnson, Amanda
Headwater streams are essential to downstream water quality, therefore it is important they are properly represented on maps used for stream regulation. Current maps used for stream regulation, such as the United States Geological Survey (USGS) topographic maps and Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) soil survey maps, are outdated and do not accurately nor consistently depict headwater streams. In order for new stream maps to be used for regulatory purposes, the accuracy must be known and the maps must show streams with a consistent level of accuracy. This study assessed the valley presence/absence and stream length accuracy of the new stream maps created by the North Carolina Center for Geographic Analysis (CGIA) for western North Carolina. The CGIA stream map does not depict headwater streams with a consistent level of accuracy. This study also compared the accuracy of stream networks modeled using the computer software program, Terrain Analysis using Digital Elevation Models (TauDEM), to the CGIA stream map. The stream networks modeled in TauDEM, also do not consistently predict the location of headwater streams across the mountain region of the state. The location of headwater streams could not be accurately or consistently predicted by solely using aerial photography or elevation data. Other factors such as climate, soils, geology, land use, and vegetation cover should be considered to accurately and consistently model headwater stream networks.
Agroforestry Technology Transfer in Los Rios, Chile: Analysis of Rural Farmers’ Response to Outreach and Education
(North Carolina State University. College of Natural Resources, 2014-11) Gonzalez-Jeuck, Grizel
Gonzalez-Jeuck, Grizel. Master of Natural Resources – International Resources Agroforestry Technology Transfer in Los Rios, Chile: Analysis of Rural Farmers’ Response to Outreach and Education Owing to their commitment to sustainable development, Chile has implemented education and outreach programs to motivate rural farmers to implement agroforestry methods. Follow-up visits to farmers who had received outreach services revealed that while some farmers had successfully implemented the methods introduced, other farmers expressed confusion about the processes or appeared as though they had never received outreach materials. A qualitative, multiple method study was conducted, utilizing SWOT analysis design to survey farmers who had received agroforestry outreach materials in San Jose de la Mariquina. Written outreach materials were also analyzed to establish design and readability appropriateness. Analysis of current written outreach materials indicate that they are not suitable for theintended audience and that design elements such as font and picture size, use of technical language and the number of concepts covered should be revised. In addition, survey responses suggest that agencies should incorporate alternate modes of communication, such as mobile phones and radio as a means of bolstering outreach efforts. Finally, results from the SWOT analysis reveal that respondents tend to have a positive attitude toward benefits associated with agroforestry and they show interest in learning about agroforestry methods. However, inconsistent delivery of written materials and continued tensions between Mapuche stakeholders and the Chilean government pertaining to land use and development pose threats to outreach efforts. Further analysis of outreach methods in other regions is needed determine generalization of this study’s findings.
American chestnut: First year field viability
(2020-08) Warren, Alex
An Analysis of the North Carolina Wetland Assessment Method (NCWAM) Using Quantitative Metrics
(North Carolina State University. College of Natural Resources, 2013-01) Steele, Ashley
The purpose of this project is to determine the accuracy of the North Carolina Wetland Assessment Method (NCWAM). NCWAM is a rapid assessment method developed by an interagency team of federal and North Carolina agencies. The purpose of NCWAM is to provide a resource to regulators, planners, and the general public. This resource would aid in project planning, alternatives analysis, compliance, enforcement, mitigation planning, and tracking functional replacement. The successful implementation of NCWAM would allow these agencies to regulate mitigation based on wetland functionality, and therefore value. Because of the intent to use NCWAM in a regulatory capacity, it is important to provide evidence supporting its ability to successfully perform as an accurate evaluator of wetland functionality or find weaknesses so that it can be improved upon. By finding evidence to support or refute the accuracy of NCWAM in this way, this project contributes to the credibility of the NCWAM project. Data were collected which included physical vegetation, macroinvertebrate, amphibian, and physical and chemical data. This project used these data to calculate metrics, which were then examined for relationships between the data and the NCWAM scores.

Browse

Browsing Professional Papers by Title