ABSTRACT. In some agricultural soils, decades of fertilizer applications have resulted in the accumulation of phosphorus (P) beyond agronomic needs. These legacy nutrients act as a major, non-point source of P loading driving eutrophication in surface water ecosystems. Targeting management practices to the largest nutrient loads is a more efficient use of resources to expedite water quality improvements, but a key knowledge gap makes finding these fields challenging as not all fields with high soil P levels release P at elevated rates. This research explores the role of soil texture in influencing these losses as percent silt may act as a physical control of the soil-water partitioning of P in fields with large P soil concentrations. Silt was found to explain 0.82 of variance of spring subsurface dissolved reactive P concentrations leaching from a field, as compared to 0.46 for models considering soil P levels alone. Through the continuation of this research, greater understanding of the role of soil texture in influencing the biogeochemistry of a soil on inter-field and sub-field scales as well as the geospatial distribution of silty soils in heavily agricultural watersheds can be used to guide the location of management practices to protect freshwater ecosystems.

ABSTRACT. Wetlands are known for providing ecosystem services such as retaining phosphorus and providing habitat for waterfowl. Lake Erie, one of the five Laurentian Great Lakes, suffers from harmful algal blooms (HABs) in its western basin which are correlated with phosphorus loading from the Maumee River Watershed (MRW). Waterfowl populations in the MRW have also declined significantly in recent decades. Ducks Unlimited, a major partner in wetland conservation in the MRW, has identified a need for a parsimonious model to predict wetland phosphorus retention and explore potential tradeoffs with waterfowl habitat suitability in an uncertain future. The objective of this study is to create a probabilistic spreadsheet tool that will inform the user, based on minimal site information, how much phosphorus a wetland is predicted to retain and whether the wetland is expected to provide suitable waterfowl habitat. Kadlec and Knight’s k-C model will be fed data from approximately 250 wetlands that have agricultural runoff as their primary pollutant of interest. Monte Carlo simulations under a variety of climate change, management, and design scenarios will be run to obtain probability distributions of wetland performance. Initial results should be available at the time of the meeting, but are expected to show that wetlands are capable of providing both waterfowl habitat and meeting phosphorus retention objectives in the MRW. Improved design parameter recommendations for wetlands that are resilient to climate change and better able to meet important wetland objectives for the Great Lakes region is an expected outcome for this project.

ABSTRACT. In the last decades, a significant number of resources have been invested to decrease external phosphorus (P) loads to freshwaters, resulting in lower eutrophication levels in some cases. However, P load reduction is not always concomitant with a decrease in harmful algal blooms. A two-part study designed to quantify the contribution of recalcitrant P to the pool of soluble reactive phosphorus (SRP) is underway. The objective is to quantify OP production from the mineralization of recalcitrant organic-P, that fuels HABs. Results from lab-scaled experiments showed that under low OP levels, sediments subjected to legacy P loadings released OP and organic-P under different environments. Under aerobic conditions, OP concentrations gradually increased from 0.01 to 0.1 mg-P/L suggesting that organic P mineralization, not redox reactions, was the main contributor to OP release. In anaerobic environments, OP concentrations increased to values higher than 0.1 mg-P/L when ORP levels decreased to approximately 0 mv. As ORP continued to decrease, OP decreased to ~ 0.05 mg-P/L, but suddenly increased to values higher than 0.1 mg-P/L. High OP concentrations were probably the result of recalcitrant organic-P mineralization under highly reduced environments. Results from sediment P extractions further revealed that sediments contained high concentrations of recalcitrant organic P including phytic acid. These results also showed that the OP-to-TP ratio in the sediments gradually increased, confirming that recalcitrant organic P was mineralized mainly in anaerobic environments. Overall, results suggested that recalcitrant organic P forms are important sources for OP under low dissolved OP conditions.

ABSTRACT. Phosphorus Removal Structures (PRS) are a relatively novel system that can achieve a substantial reduction in the bioavailable form of P. Functioning like infiltration beds, PRS can be designed for various lifetimes and removal rates to treat water discharged from sources like agricultural fields. These systems are being implemented in the Lake Erie watershed through a targeted management approach to site them near fields that discharge the greatest P loads. At monitored field sites, issues with these systems have been noted that have led to P reductions that are less than expected, such as the clogging of the P sorption material. Furthermore, a lack of knowledge of these systems by farmers could dampen the adoption rates associated with this practice. To identify solutions for overcoming common issues as well as to improve the familiarity of farmers with PRS, a bench-scale model was designed and produced using 3D printing technology. The resulting PRS model will be used to demonstrate how these systems function to farmers and other stakeholders within the Lake Erie watershed. Moreover, experimental designs will be discussed, which will be executed by students as part of research theses. Finally, a novel design will be introduced that alters the physical designs of these structures. The proposed novel design will allow for better treatment with PRS under high flow rates.

ABSTRACT. Major utility-scale ground solar panel installations, called ‘solar farms,’ are rapidly growing. There is potential for impacts on natural hydrologic processes, and a need to understand implications for design of appropriate management practices. We have been conducting field research on two solar farms in central Pennsylvania that are representative of the complex terrain in our region (e.g., high slopes). Soil moisture monitoring indicates redistribution of water relative to panels, with elevated soil moisture at the dripline, and drier conditions under the panel. Despite reduced solar radiation under the panels, there is still good vegetation coverage, which is important for managing runoff and erosion. Soil moisture data also indicate periods of saturation and likely runoff generation near panel driplines, but very limited occurrence of saturation in the interspace between panel rows, indicating infiltration of runoff. Data from the infiltration basin and trench document the ability to adequately retain and infiltrate runoff. This hydrologic data is being used to calibrate models of solar farm hydrology using SWMM and OpenHydroQual. This research indicates that well-vegetated open space between panel rows plays a critical role in managing runoff. In certain landscapes, structural stormwater management may be necessary on solar farms, in order to prevent net adverse impacts on runoff. Continued development of these practices will ensure that solar farms are developed in the most sustainable way possible, with maximum benefit.

ABSTRACT. Confronting the challenges of rapid urbanization and population growth, our research explores a novel approach to sustainable urban development, harmonizing ecological resilience with the escalating demands for resources. We introduce a novel agricultural model that coalesces solar energy generation and rainwater harvesting, thus fostering a sustainable union beneficial to urban and peri-urban agricultural settings. This integrative system, aimed at yielding triple benefits—water, energy, and food—merges cisterns and solar panels within an agricultural structure. This research evaluates this system's potential to use solar energy for drip irrigation and collect rainwater from solar panels in metropolitan areas. The experimental design includes a control group without solar panels and four treatment groups with different solar panel angles (30°, 45°, and 60°) over six replicates. The research focuses on growing high-value specialty crops such as arugula, collard greens, kale, mustard greens, spinach, and Swiss chard. The inquiry focuses on plant growth indicators, solar energy collection in kWh/m2, and rainwater harvesting measures to determine the system's productivity in these various contexts. Preliminary findings show that crops grow better under solar panels, especially at 30° and 45°. The 30° panels optimize solar energy and rainwater collection. This project combines solar farming with sustainable agriculture and water conservation and offers a novel solution to urban land-use competition. This research supports the growing need for resources and advances ecological engineering. Our concept combines renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, and ecological mindfulness to strengthen environmental and community resilience.

ABSTRACT. Take a drive around certain areas of rural Texas and you'll notice a new type of farm cropping up: solar farms. These large utility-scale sites are being developed at a fast clip, driven by national renewable energy incentives and market demands. However, while solar energy is a global climate win, some construction and management practices can lead to local environmental losses. As of right now, the rate of development is outpacing research about how construction and vegetation management decisions affect runoff volume, water quality, soil health, and wildlife. In addition, we lack differentiation between what BMPs are most appropriate in different ecoregions. Some key questions for water quality professionals to consider are: Are you seeing this type of development in your landscape? If so, have you engaged with the energy companies, construction contractors, or landowners? What are the most urgent knowledge gaps? What do you want to know? What does an "ideal" solar farm look like to you? How do we encourage energy project stakeholders to work with local natural resource professionals early in the planning process?

ABSTRACT. Food forests are multidimensional agroecosystems that provide sustainable food production and habitat for the organisms that live within and around them. They mimic forest ecosystems that require minimal work to maintain while providing other ecosystem services that benefit society. This project aims to find the intersection between food forests and humans, interacting within the same collective space. A 2,100+ acre property in Frederick, Maryland which hosted a now removed historic industrial facility is planned to support a large scale data center whose focus is to offset their power derived carbon emissions to the greatest extent practicable. An initial 15-acre demonstration site design is proposed to support a larger 600 acre reforestation effort with an extensive trail system around riparian buffer zones on remediated agricultural lands. The objective is to maximize carbon sequestration within the first 15 years of site development, limit the noise pollution of the site and use native pollinator species while educating and advocating for climate resilience within and around the site. The intention is to source native trees from local tree nurseries that are both propagated and grown on-site. Through adaptive management, bioremediation methods, sourcing local materials and long-term land stewardship the project's design goals are expected to be realized within the short-term as well as meeting long-term carbon targets. This project is expected to serve as a model for future data centers around the world, setting high expectations for development models striving for on and near-site carbon mitigated systems through biophilic design implementation.

ABSTRACT. In this research project, we use a llfe cycle approach to evaluate the energy, water, seafood nexus in the main fisheries that supply USA seafood consumption. The study, funded by the US Department of Agriculture under the National Science Foundation’s Innovations at the Nexus of Food, Energy and Water Systems (INFEWS) program, investigated energy and water consumption in the USA seafood supply chain to identify strategies for increased efficiencies and reduction of wastes.

FAO statistics on global fisheries provide both optimism and warning signs for the future of a sustainable seafood system. In 2018, global seafood captures reached 96.4 million tonnes, an increase of over 5% from the previous 3 years. Yet, as of 2017, 34.2% of global fish stocks were overexploited, an increase of 142% since 1974 (FAO, 2020). Worldwide, seafood accounts for 20% of human protein consumption, while, estimates of global harvest that is either lost or wasted have reached 35%. Highest wastage rates are in North America and Oceania, where nearly 50% of seafood is wasted at the consumption stage. Clearly addressing waste and increasing efficiencies in the energy, water, seafood nexus will advance long term food security and resilience.

ABSTRACT. Trees, mostly sycamore (Platanus occidentalis L.), are growing in the channel of the lower 7 km of Sinking Creek in the Appalachian Mountains of Virginia. Sinking Creek is a gravel-bedded stream that disappears into a subsurface cave network and for its lower 7 km, flows intermittently throughout the year, exposing a dry streambed. We hypothesize that there have been low-flow periods in the past conducive to tree-seedling establishment. We describe this system and test our hypothesis through an analysis of hydrologic, dendrochronological, and geomorphic data to better understand the conditions leading to tree establishment and persistence in the stream channel. To our knowledge, this is the first study on trees growing in the channel of an intermittent stream in a temperate environment. Most riparian vegetation studies along intermittent rivers and ephemeral streams focus on dryland areas, where trees have also been observed growing in the channel. Our results show that sycamores are the oldest trees in the channel, that they established during periods of low precipitation, and they are located at the upstream end of bars. In their wake, on bars, other younger trees have established. Analysis of tree roots suggest that scour of the base of some trees occurred during thalweg migration. Additionally, we present a conceptual model of the flow-tree-sediment dynamics occurring in Sinking Creek that can be further tested as part of future work. This work highlights the conditions for tree establishment in streams, which is an important threshold for any streams under projected future drying.

ABSTRACT. As technological advances permit novel insights into the structure and function of ecological systems, developing a framework with which to link engineering models with ecological principles has become an important aspect of ecological analysis. It is well known that riverine ecosystems are complex systems influenced by the intersection of channel form, stream flow volume, and biology; however, it is often difficult to extend multi-disciplinary riverine studies that utilize knowledge from these different disciplines into an inter-disciplinary effort that comprehends both engineering and ecological principles. Challenges associated with cross-discipline communication and framing the scope of eco-hydraulic analysis are inherent barriers that limit the traction of research that crosses disciplinary boundaries. Given the magnitude of data that is available via hydraulic analysis, environmental flows analysis, and remote sensing, developing tools like conceptual ecological models helps frame the scope of engineering analysis to unite different technical backgrounds around a common scientific framework. Further, strong linkages between hydraulic/hydrologic conditions and ecological outcomes can inform restoration design and adaptive management. This presentation discusses how ecological literature review and functionalities of widely available riverine engineering models can be linked to develop testable conceptual models for research. The discussion is grounded with a case study evaluating freshwater mussel responses to hydraulic conditions in the San Saba River, Texas. This research is funded by USACE via the Aquatic Nuisance Species Research Program, Next Generation Ecological Models project.

ABSTRACT. Stream restoration has been employed to offer more ecological, aesthetic, and hydraulic benefits to watersheds in emerging practices of dealing with post-development storm runoff and erosive conditions as well as remediating historical practices of gray infrastructure that control runoff. Fish habitat and passage is often included in stream restoration guidelines and regulations, however some species have been prioritized historically (i.e., migratory species such as salmon and trout). In some specific provinces, local keystone species have been identified such as the bluehead chub (Nocomis leptocephalus). Bluehead chubs are known as “ecosystem engineers” who build gravel-mound nests in southeastern North American streams, which provide nesting habitat for multiple fish species. The impacts of stream velocities on chub nests and their incipient motion is modeled and evaluated in regards to current prevailing stream restoration practices.

ABSTRACT. Freshwater mussels serve as ecosystem engineers by creating stable substrate and habitat heterogeneity, filtering water, and enhancing nutrient cycling to stream and river beds; thus providing valuable ecosystem services. However, native freshwater mussel populations have severely declined due to over-harvesting, widespread habitat destruction, pollution, land-use change, and/or the introduction of exotic species including invasive mussels. Because mussels live on the bottom of rivers, it is difficult to monitor their response to changing environmental conditions, except through the use of repeated quantitative or semi-quantitative surveys which are time-consuming and therefore limited in both spatial and temporal resolution. For this reason, we combined field surveys with indoor and outdoor laboratory experiments at St. Anthony Falls Laboratory (SAFL) at the University of Minnesota to quantify the complex interactions between mussels and their habitat from individual organism to watershed scale, and to examine mussel response to flow and sediment transport on timescales from seconds to decades. Flume experiments designed to measure mussel filtering response to flow and suspended sediment transport; Outdoor experiments designed to measure mussel response to flow and mobile bedload and feedbacks between mussel presence and channel morphology; and Field studies designed to investigate the effects of agricultural landuse, including high sediment loads, on mussel populations, growth, and stored energy (glycogen) were synthesized. This presentation will focus on the insights gained from this multi-pronged research effort that will facilitate mussel recovery and conservation and will highlight new tools and technologies such as valvometry and multibeam sonar habitat mapping.

ABSTRACT. Hydropeaking is the turning on and off of turbines to satisfy the sub-daily peaks in electricity demand at hydropower facilities. Hydropeaking sets off a sudden and significant change in hydraulic conditions, causing alterations in river flow that affect biota, and in particular, may transport newly settled juvenile freshwater mussels to less suitable habitats. The purpose of our work is to assess the extent to which hydropeaking, compared to climate change, can explain changes in freshwater mussel populations, specifically as hydropeaking affects juvenile freshwater mussel recruitment. We evaluated the impact of hydropeaking on freshwater mussels settling in the gravel-bedded Dan River, North Carolina, USA. We compared the streamflow hydrographs of two adjacent rivers, Dan River (regulated) and Mayo River (free-flowing), from 2001 to 2022 to isolate when hydropeaking was occurring and defined hydrological metrics based on 15-minute flow intervals to characterize hydropeaking and low-flow periods. Our major finding is that low-flow events, which are decreasing in part due to climate change, are important for freshwater mussel recruitment, and these low flows are being disrupted by dam releases, which are occurring more frequently, that together are correlated with a decrease in the freshwater mussel population in the Dan River. Important low-flow periods for freshwater mussel recruitment will not occur every year, but during July-August when juvenile freshwater mussels are expected to settle onto the streambed and if it is a low-flow period, then we recommend avoiding abrupt dam releases, to the extent possible, that would disrupt this critical low-flow period.

ABSTRACT. Authors: Nathan Stoltzfus, Jay Martin, Michael Brooker. Agricultural sources are a major contributor to the eutrophication of many systems worldwide. In Ohio, Lake Erie experiences recurrent harmful algal blooms, fueled by the excess phosphorus lost from agricultural fields via both sub-surface drainage and surface runoff. In an effort to reduce nutrient losses at the edge of fields, we have analyzed a variety of edge of field management practices that can be implemented in agricultural landscapes to reduce nutrients. At a site in Williams County, Ohio we were awarded funding through the H2Ohio program to design and build a 6-ac wetland in series with a Phosphorus Removal Structure (PRS). We partnered with MAD Scientist, an ecological consulting firm, to complete the wetland design. The wetland grading was completed in the summer of 2023, with vegetation establishment in fall 2023 through spring 2024. Following the wetland construction we installed the top-down PRS at the outlet of the wetland. Monitoring infrastructure was implemented to quantify the water quality benefits of both the wetland and the P-filter. This presentation will give an overview of the design and construction of both the wetland and the P-filter as well as preliminary water quality results.

ABSTRACT. Problem: wetlands are poor at phosphorus removal relative to nitrate. Large Prado wetland (500 acres) removes nitrate well considering its short 2–4-day water residence time. Average warm season phosphorus removal efficiency was only 23% (inflow 1.20 mg PO4-P/L, outflow 0.93) over 24 years of operation compared with ~ 50% for nitrate. The aerial P-removal rate was high at 23 mg P/m2/d or 8.5 g/y probably due to the high inflowing P-concentrations since the water source is a diversion from the effluent-dominated Santa Ana River. Joy: Least Bell’s Vireo (Vireo belli pusillus), a small, endangered bird depends on riparian habitat which is itself is endangered in the developed areas of California. Prado wetland created riparian habitat on the extensive berms that divide the 28 treatment cells. Since 1998 the vireo population has increased from 19 to 444 pairs. Only part of the increase can be attributed to habitat improvement because an active reduction of cowbird parasitism was also instituted. The Prado results show that cleaning up rivers via diversion thought wetlands benefits both water quality and wildlife.

ABSTRACT. As eutrophication of surface waters continues to be a serious concern, it is crucial to investigate the overlooked point source nutrient loads from rural wastewater treatment plants (WWTP). In North Carolina, there are about 425 municipal or domestic minor WWTP. Most do not have strict discharge or monitoring requirements for total nitrogen (TN) and total phosphorus (TP). Many also have aging infrastructure resulting in reduced treatment efficiency. The aim of this study is to 1) determine the quantity of nutrients discharged from six rural wastewater treatment systems in North Carolina and 2) evaluate if ecological engineering solutions could be used to improve effluent quality. Five of the six systems are traditional wastewater package plants designed for maximum ammonium removal. The sixth WWTP was designed using constructed wetlands. The first eight months of data collection at the traditional WWTPs show low effluent ammonium (NH4-N) levels, but still discharge high concentrations of nitrate (NO3-N) produced during treatment processes. TP concentrations varied but were often higher than proposed discharge limits. Effluent data from the constructed wetland system showed the lowest effluent concentrations of TN and TP. The effluent quality demonstrated by this system coupled with the ability to treat NO3-N at a high level suggests that constructed wetlands could serve as a viable supplementary upgrade to existing package plants or as a promising alternative for new rural treatment plants. The results of this research can be used to enhance nutrient removal in rural wastewater treatment systems and improve the overall health of watersheds.

ABSTRACT. Wetland treatment systems are used extensively to mitigate surface runoff. While wetland treatment for nitrogen mitigation has been comprehensively reviewed, the implications of other contaminants of potential concern such as common-use pesticides and pharmaceuticals on nitrogen reduction remain relatively unreviewed. Therefore, this study sought to determine the impact that contaminant mixtures from urban (imidacloprid, caffeine, and PFOS) and rural (atrazine, glyphosate, and sulfate) environments have on nitrogen removal processes. Two types of constructed wetlands, floating treatment wetlands (FTW), and free water surface wetlands (FWS), were tested to determine the impact that wetland design has on treatment removal potential along with planted and un-planted controls, equating to 24 mesocosms with replicates. Five experiments were tested to determine if the contaminants of potential concern impacted nitrate removal when they appeared alone and together in various mixtures. This was followed by a 15N tracer study to determine the specific wetland processes impacted by the contaminant mixtures. Results indicate that the contaminant mixtures inhibit nitrate removal compared to the presence of each individual contaminant. Additionally, the FWS outperformed the FTW earlier in the growing season (May-June) when the water temperatures were lower, while the FTW outperformed the FWS when the water temperatures warmed up and plant growth occurred later in the season (July-August). By understanding the impact that different types of contaminants have on nitrogen removal processes within these systems, treatment wetlands can be specifically designed to treat and manage contaminants of potential concern.

ABSTRACT. Most of the nation’s more than 16,000 publicly owned wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) have reached or will soon reach the end of their service lives according to the American Society of Civil Engineers, which has provided a “D+” rating of US wastewater infrastructure. Aging infrastructure, increased incidences and severity of extreme weather events, and increasingly stringent effluent regulatory limits have incentivized communities to consider alternative and supplemental wastewater treatment options. Ecological engineered technologies, including treatment wetlands, are one such approach. In this talk, I will provide an overview of lab- and pilot-scale investigations by our lab of hybrid constructed wetlands, including exploration of various media types, for mitigation of nutrients and pathogens from wastewater. Our results indicate that gravel removed significantly more E. coli (median removal of 96%) than peanut shells (80%) and woodchips (67%) in lab columns receiving nitrate and E. coli amended reverse osmosis water at a hydraulic retention time of 6 hours. In a pilot-scale multi-stage hybrid constructed wetland receiving decant water from an aerobic digestor at a municipal WWTP, preliminary results indicate that ammonium concentrations were decreased by 99% from an average influent concentration of 30.5 mg N/L, with almost all ammonium reduction occurring in a horizontal flow cell containing zeolite. Phosphate was reduced by an average of 55% from an average influent concentration of 353 mg P/L, with most reduction occurring in a horizontal flow cell containing crushed concrete. These results demonstrate the potential of treatment wetlands as a supplementary WWT approach.

ABSTRACT. Streams inherently constitute dynamic ecosystems. Stream corridors establish a dynamic connection between the floodplain and the flowing waters and impact the longitudinal distribution of phosphorus (P) and nitrogen (N). The downstream cycling of N and P in flowing waters is examined through short-term injections, where the efficiency of nutrient retention is quantified as the spiraling length. The spiraling length of a nutrient molecule encompasses the cumulative distance it traverses in particulate form and dissolved form (Sw). Sw serves as a metric for retention efficiency and has the potential to reflect the influence of various factors, including anthropogenic disturbances and restoration efforts. The primary objective of this research is to assess the impact of stream restoration on nutrient retention in a low-order urban stream in the upstate region of South Carolina. The hypothesis posits that streams subjected to restoration, particularly those with more intricate in-stream geomorphological features and enhanced floodplain attributes, will exhibit shorter nutrient uptake lengths, thereby achieving higher nutrient retention efficiency. The presentation will feature and share datasets and analyses from pre and post restoration of the stream. Pre-restoration datasets were collected in May 2022. Post-restoration data was collected in May 2023. While the goal of the project is to continue collecting post-restoration data for the next several years, the findings from 2022 and 2023 are expected to provide valuable insights for guiding the design of future restoration projects, developing tools for a more comprehensive assessment of success of stream projects, and facilitating strategic policy formulation.

ABSTRACT. Assessing the Efficacy of Stream Restoration and SCM Retrofitting for Channel Stability in Urbanized Catchments Abstract: The hydrological benefits of catchment-scale implementation of stormwater control measures (SCMs) in mitigating the adverse effects of urbanization are well established. Nevertheless, recent studies indicate that Maryland's stormwater regulations, mandating the combined use of distributed and end-of-pipe SCMs, fall short in maintaining channel stability, despite their effectiveness in reducing runoff from impervious surfaces. The study objective was to evaluate the incremental impact of SCM retrofits and stream restoration on channel stability in a small, urbanized catchment (0.9 sq. km) in Montgomery County, Maryland, USA. This study employed a refined, well-calibrated, coupled hierarchical modeling approach, integrating a watershed-scale Storm Water Management Model (SWMM) with the Hydrologic Engineering Centers River Analysis System (HEC-RAS). A comprehensive methodology was developed using the calibrated SWMM and HEC-RAS models. The modeling results revealed that only retrofitting SCMs with multi-stage outlet structures designed to maintain the pre-development mobility of bed particles may not effectively reduce channel degradation. Conversely, stream restoration practices, including the removal of legacy sediments from the floodplain, significantly mitigated channel instability. Notably, the combination of SCM retrofitting, aimed at matching the sediment transport capacity of the predevelopment state, and stream restoration practices did not yield better results compared to stream restoration alone. This finding suggests that for streams impacted by legacy sediments, floodplain restoration alone might suffice to achieve channel stability, eliminating the need to retrofit SCMs designed under existing regulations.

ABSTRACT. Located within Pinellas County, the most densely populated county in southeast US, is a 5.5-mile stormwater channel, Joe’s Creek, which drains 9,500 acres of southern Pinellas County to the Gulf of Mexico. This channel flows through an area where 75 percent of the census blocks are characterized as historically disadvantaged. Surrounding heavy urbanization impacts have increased flooding and impaired Joe’s Creek for bacteria, subjecting it to an onerous Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL). Pinellas County required an innovative and collaborative solution to combat complex issues of water quality, flooding, and connecting historically disadvantaged communities. Design concepts were developed to meet County goals through watershed-wide improvements that include flood control infrastructure, nature-based water quality projects, channel widening and restoration, green infrastructure/low impact development, habitat creation, creation of a linear park, and the addition of a multi-modal trail to connect and improve community mobility. Ecological approaches include the conversion of in-line man-made lakes to ecological wetland parks that improve water quality, create diverse habitat, and provide opportunities for public interaction with green spaces in an urban setting. Stream restoration improvements include creek widening with natural erosion protection technologies that prevent erosion and include vegetated banks to improve water quality. This presentation will focus on innovative ecological approaches developed to maximize water quality improvements and habitat creation that exceed County goals and will discuss challenges and solutions that maximize benefits within the constraints of urban limits.

ABSTRACT. The Tennessee Stream Quantification Tool (SQT) provides a quantitative framework for stream assessment to measure functional loss or lift for stream mitigation projects. Practitioners evaluate stream reaches against the stream functional pyramid (hydrology, hydraulics, geomorphology, physicochemical and biology) through measurements of multiple field and desktop parameters. These values are compared against a reference index by ecoregion and stream type to determine functional status for each stream reach. Functional loss or lift is directly influenced by how SQT methods are applied to a stream reach. Desktop parameters are limited by the accuracy of the input datasets. Stream centerlines delineated from high resolution LiDAR digital elevation models are often longer than those delineated via hand-held GPS units. Coarse geospatial datasets may misrepresent land use parameters on small drainage area reaches. Field assessments also need to be tailored to the stream type under review. Stream succession and legacy degradation create challenges to characterize top of bank, low bank and bankfull stages appropriately to determine bank height and entrenchment ratios. This is particularly evident for steep, headwater stream systems often found on mitigation sites. These headwater systems often also present difficulties to apply the Bank Erosion Hazard Index (BEHI) to match qualitative observations and quantitative measurements. Best practices are needed to appropriately assess existing conditions to accurately characterize functional loss and lift associated with stream mitigation projects.

ABSTRACT. The process of turning an impaired stream and ecosystem into a flourishing and healthy system can incur many surprises and challenges along the way. From meeting landowner goals to hidden utilities there are no shortage of obstacles.

This presentation describes what obstacles the aspiring engineer and designer may encounter in the planning and implementation of stream design and how to learn from previous mistakes. Taking a restoration site from an initial scoping walk through to construction and monitoring will be highlighted, along with design elements, AutoCAD considerations, working with contractors, and adjusting design on the fly. Successful restoration projects require multi-disciplinary teams of ecologists, engineers, contractors, and geomorphologists to ensure that all objectives are optimized. When investigating a potential site engineers need to consider what materials will be used to build the grade control and bank protection structures, how the contractor will construct and phase the project, where will all the dirt go, and how the end result can be beneficial to the landowner. There can be a multitude of desired results from many different stakeholders such as: mitigation banking, private landowners, and government organizations, like the NRCS. Completed projects will be highlighted to show considerations and obstacles that were observed from the initial site walk all the way through the project completion and stages in between.

Lessons learned from ecosystem restoration projects should provide understanding of how to make the next project more successful than the last.

ABSTRACT. According to the 2022 Report to the National Climate Task Force, nature-based solutions (NBS) are “fundamental pillar(s) of fighting the climate crisis”. The White House NBS roadmap recognizes the need to train the workforce to rapidly deploy NBS approaches. NBS encompass many potential actions, but we focused on natural infrastructure measures, which are nature-based features purposefully designed and/or managed to serve a desired infrastructure purpose. Federal and state agencies rely heavily on civil engineering and related disciplines to provide the expertise and knowledge base required to design and maintain infrastructure systems. However, natural infrastructure design relies in part on natural or living materials to provide the intended performance level, and conventional civil engineering training rarely provides all the necessary skills to design systems that utilize natural elements. While ecological engineering programs incorporate these skills, the demand for graduates and professionals competent with ecological engineering concepts outstrips their supply. Educational partnerships developed via the Network for Engineering with Nature intend to systematically train NBS practitioners at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Additionally, USACE and Federal partners are developing continuing education approaches to address training needs of current practitioners. Continuing education approaches range from curating relevant content via websites and short webinars to in-person short courses and peer-to-peer learning. This presentation describes ongoing work within the USACE Engineering With Nature program and the Network for Engineering with Nature to develop more consistent and standardized approaches to training on NBS from undergraduate to postgraduate levels.

ABSTRACT. The University of Oklahoma (OU) began the Presidential Dream Course program in 2004. The call for proposals asks “What sort of classes would OU faculty members devise if money were no object? Well, for one thing, they would bring in the best guest lecturers in their fields to stimulate interest and inspire students to delve more deeply.” Based on a regularly offered Ecological Engineering Science class, an undergraduate/graduate Dream Course entitled “Engineering the Nature of Change” was taught in spring 2023 at OU. The course was based on the premise that solving the many environmental challenges facing the Earth requires a revolution in our thinking of the relationship between humanity and the planet and enrolled nearly 30 students from five academic majors. With funding provided by the Office of the Senior Vice President and Provost, five Distinguished Speakers were brought to campus. Each speaker met with the class and provided a short guest lecture leading to a conversation on a specific topic. Well-publicized and well-attended evening Public Lectures were live-streamed and recorded for a broader audience. Speakers include representatives from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, the private sector, and academia. Topics includes Engineering With Nature and resilient infrastructure, the National Nature Assessment, passive treatment design and function, ecological engineering and the circular economy, and an historical accounting of ecological engineering over the past 50 years. Substantial community interest provided extraordinary experiences for both enrolled students and a broader audience.

ABSTRACT. Our society currently faces many environmental challenges such as natural resources depletion, pollution of soil, water and air, waste disposal, and climate change. To best solve environmental challenges, society needs graduates ready to enter workforce with understanding of natural processes and ability to incorporate these processes into traditional solutions. Therefore, a new course in Ecological Engineering and Science (EES) was introduced at NCA&T State University to teach students how to incorporate nature and lessons learned from nature to solve environmental problems and ensure environmental sustainability. However, the student lacked adequate background and preparation in EES and data science. Thus, an effort was made to immerse students in Biological Engineering and Environmental Science in experiential learning by developing laboratory exercises and semester-long project-based teaching materials. The project designed laboratory exercises and hands-on learning to teach ecological engineering skills and to prepare students for important skills including leadership, teamwork, and communication through the course projects. A semester-long project on wetland design as well as a module on data science and several laboratory exercises on bioretention basins, wetlands, physico-chemical processes, green roofs, etc. were developed and implemented. The student’s performance in the project steadily improved each year. The grade for the course increased each year and was higher than the baseline year of 2019. Therefore, the evidences and positive student comments in the course assessment indicated enhanced student interest and learning due to the modification and implementation of the course materials.

ABSTRACT. The Tarrant Regional Water District (TRWD) has implemented low impact development strategies with its continued landscaping retrofits at its Fort Worth Campus. Applying green stormwater infrastructure (GSI) into its landscape components, it has developed campus-wide BMPs that help clean, slow, and reuse stormwater, leading to the TRWD Rainscapes Program. The TRWD Rainscapes help to improve the local watershed and clean our stormwater before it reaches the Trinity River. The TRWD Rainscapes components on the campus demonstrate benefits to biodiversity, water conservation, and human health. This campus serves as a demonstration for stewards of the land (not just landowners!), both urban and rural, showcasing how ecosystem services can stack up and reach the triple bottom line. These benefits are applicable to residential, commercial, and industrial audiences, who tour the campus every year. We will discuss highlights from our adult and youth programs, and how we’ve adapted since 2015 to address a changing world and audience. Also our steps at policy changes to step away from reactive retrofits. Rainscapes Story Map: https://arcg.is/09ffqO0