Collaborative Research to Manage Stormwater Impacts on Coastal Reserves; NERRS

Tuesday, November 30, 2021; 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM EST

Like many older towns along the east coast, Beaufort, North Carolina grew at a faster pace than its stormwater and wastewater infrastructure. Stormwater outfalls that discharge into coastal waters have detrimental impacts on human and ecosystem health. Runoff often results in elevated levels of pathogens and nutrients, which can lead to fishing and swimming closures, illnesses, and negative impacts on coastal ecosystems. 

At the Rachel Carson component of the North Carolina National Estuarine Research Reserve, a project team used a comprehensive sampling regimen to gather quantitative information that helped them assess the effects of precipitation and tidal inundation on stormwater impacts, and identify sources of fecal contamination. In this webinar, two members of the project team highlight the technical and collaborative aspects of their approach. The webinar introduces the sampling regimen, and discusses how the team’s engagement approach resulted in a decision-maker summit and a citizen science app that fosters ongoing community engagement on stormwater issues.

Register here