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Section 319
P9INT SIHTiCE PROGRAM SUCPKS STORY
Basin-wide Cleanup Effort Reduces Instream Nitrogen
Waterbody Improved
Nitrogen runoff from crops, pasture, and animal feeding
operations was a major contributor to frequent algal blooms,
hypoxic conditions, and fish kills in the Neuse River, one of the three main feeders to the
Albemarle-Pamlico Sound system. The agricultural community implemented best manage-
ment practices (BMPs) such as buffers, contour planting, no-till planting, and creek fencing
that resulted in a 42 percent decrease in nitrogen loading to the estuary, exceeding the
30 percent reduction goal called for in the total maximum daily load (TMDL). This reduc-
tion, combined with additional point source reductions, resulted in a 27 percent instream
nitrogen reduction in the Neuse River just above the estuary.
Problem
Water quality in the estuary of the 6,000-
square-mile basin has been a concern for over
a century. High nitrogen levels from agricul-
tural runoff have contributed to frequent algal
blooms, hypoxic conditions, and fish kills. In
1993 a North Carolina Division of Water Quality
management plan for the basin recommended
an accelerated schedule to reduce nitrogen
from point and nonpoint sources. The Neuse
River Basin was listed as impaired by nitrogen
on the state's 303(d) list.
Project Highlights
In 1997 the North Carolina Environmental
Management Commission (EMC) adopted the
state's first mandatory plan to control both
Average Nitrogen Fertilization Rates
Corn-Grain
Corn-Silage
Soybeans-waste
Soybeans
Cotton
Wheat
Tobacco
Bermuda
Fescue
Rye
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0 50 100 150
200 250
Filter strips in the Neuse River Basin
decrease nitrogen loads to the river.
Decreased fertilizer use was one factor that led to a
reduction in nitrogen levels.
point and nonpoint source pollution in the
basin. The plan, backed by figures in the Neuse
River TMDL, called for a mandatory 30 percent
reduction in nitrogen from point, urban, and
rural sources by 2003. The EMC worked with
the appropriate nonpoint source agencies to
target the implementation of BMPs to reduce
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1979
sediment and nutrient runoff throughout the
basin. Between 1996 and 2003, half of the
croplands enrolled in the program implemented
BMPs such as buffers, contour planting, no-till
planting, and creek fencing.
Results
Data for 2003 show that the Neuse agricultural
community achieved a 42 percent nitrogen
reduction, exceeding the 30 percent goal set
by the EMC and Neuse River TMDL. A con-
tinuous monitoring system was established
in the lower portion of the basin, near the
Neuse estuary. Using flow-adjusted nitrogen
concentrations, long-term nutrient data show a
27 percent instream nitrogen reduction in 2003
as compared to the average flow-adjusted
concentrations from the 1991 to 1995 baseline.
This decrease, along with point source reduc-
tions, was accomplished by installing BMPs,
implementing fertilizer management plans,
and removing cropland from production. The
Fort Barnwell
1983
1987
1991
1995
1999
2003
Flow-adjusted total nitrogen concentrations at Fort
Barnwell on the Neuse River from 1979 to 2003 showing
a 27% decrease in concentration from 1991-1995 base
period to 2003. Dr. Craig A. Stow, University of South
Carolina, 2004.
new agricultural practices also led to lower
phosphorus levels and slowed erosion, while
farmers benefited from savings on fertilizer.
The BMPs prevented more than 480,000 tons
of soil from being washed away by erosion.
Partners and Funding
This basin-wide effort has brought together
diverse interests from throughout the water-
shed. Project partners include the North Caro-
lina Division of Water Quality, North Carolina
Division of Soil and Water Conservation,
Soil and Water Conservation Districts, North
Carolina Cooperative Extension Service,
North Carolina Farm Bureau, Duke University,
Neuse River Foundation, U.S. Department of
Agriculture's Natural Resources Conservation
Service (NRCS), and local agricultural, envi-
ronmental, and scientific communities. Funds
were derived from governmental and non-
governmental sources to pay for BMPs and
technical assistance. Through 2002 more than
$12 million was committed to meeting proj-
ect goals. The section 319 program provided
more than $1 million contributing directly to
the installation of BMPs on farms and working
with farmers to determine appropriate fertilizer
rates. Additional project funding was provided
by the NRCS Environmental Quality Incentives
Program ($4.7 million), North Carolina
Agriculture Cost Share Program ($3.2 million),
Clean Water Management Trust Fund ($2.7 mil-
lion), and Pew Charitable Trust. Funding figures
do not include the substantial costs incurred
by Neuse Basin farmers.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Off ice of Water
Washington, DC
EPA841-F-05-004A
August 2005
For additional information contact:
Kelly Johnson
NC Division of Water Quality
919-733-5083x357 • kelly.p.johnson@ncmail.net
Julie Henshaw
NC Division of Soil & Water Conservation
919-715-9630 • julie.henshaw@ncmail.net
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