Collaborative Research to Manage Stormwater Impacts on Coastal Reserves - NERRS/NSC(NERRS Science Collaborative)

This project will 1) quantify pathogens, nutrients, and sediment delivery to the Rachel Carson Reserve; 2) create predictive models for shellfish and recreational waters in the North Carolina Reserve by using this information, along with decades of historical data; 3) engage stakeholders and end users to prioritize management options; and 4) engage coastal decision makers, community members, K-12 students, and teachers in hands-on education on stormwater runoff and its impacts.

Stormwater that discharges into coastal waters has negative impacts on human and ecosystem health. This runoff often results in elevated levels of bacteria, viruses, nutrients, sediment, and turbidity, which can lead to fishing and swimming closures, illnesses, and negative impacts on coastal ecosystems. The Rachel Carson Reserve is a component of the North Carolina National Estuarine Research Reserve and includes a series of islands and surrounding waters adjacent to the town of Beaufort, North Carolina. Beaufort is a historic coastal town experiencing rapidly increasing development but lagging in stormwater and wastewater infrastructure. Recent research on stormwater outfalls in North Carolina, including those discharging to the Rachel Carson Reserve, shows dramatic delivery of contaminants during storm events. However, most decision makers and stakeholders concerned with water quality are unprepared to address longterm water quality issues related to stormwater discharge.

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Rachel Noble

Institute of Marine Sciences, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

rtnoble@email.unc.edu

Partners:

Rachel Carson NERR, NC

Town of Beaufort, North Carolina

Institute of Marine Sciences, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

The distributor does not assume liability.

None

Cite this dataset when used as a source: NOAA retains the right to analyze, synthesize and publish summaries of the NERRS/NSC data. The NERRS/NSC retains the right to be fully credited for having collected and process the data. Following academic courtesy standards, the NERR site where the data were collected should be contacted and fully acknowledged in any subsequent publications in which any part of the data are used. The data enclosed within this package/transmission are only as accurate as the quality assurance and quality control procedures that are described in the associated metadata reporting statement allow. The user bears all responsibility for its subsequent use/misuse in any further analyses or comparisons. The Federal government does not assume liability to the Recipient or third persons, nor will the Federal government reimburse or indemnify the Recipient for its liability due to any losses resulting in any way from the use of this data. Requested citation format: NOAA National Estuarine Research Reserve System (NERRS) Science Collaborative(NSC).