Nitrogen Reduction for Transitional Land Uses

Abstract

Identifying pollutant reduction strategies is a key component to meeting total maximum daily loads (TMDLs) for impaired water bodies. Reduction of total nitrogen as a pollutant in stormwater runoff is particularly challenging due to the lower relative treatment efficiencies of structural best management practices (BMPs) such as wet detention ponds. Enhancing BMP systems with vegetative buffers or filtration has proven to be an effective method to increase nitrogen reduction. For pre-existing urban areas, there is limited opportunity to implement structural BMPs due to land availability. Focusing efforts on identifying potential implementation of BMPs in transitioning rural land use areas prior to the occurrence of intense development allows for effective set asides for total nitrogen reduction strategies. The authors have conducted a feasibility study for total nitrogen reduction opportunities as part of the Stormwater Management project for the Royal Trails Subdivision. The transitioning subdivision is only approximately one-third built out. This presented a unique opportunity to allow the conceptualization of land intensive BMPs such as vegetative swale treatment and pond treatment while space is still available. These BMPs will assist in meeting the regional nitrogen reduction goal within the Wekiva River Protection Area.