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ARS Home » Southeast Area » Tifton, Georgia » Southeast Watershed Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #248870
Title: Alternative methods for fecal coliform load reductions in South Georgia watersheds

Author
item Bosch, David - Dave
item CHIN, DAVID - University Of Miami
item SAKURA-LEMESSY, DONNA - Albany State University
item GAY, P - University Of Georgia
item VELLIDIS, GEORGE - University Of Georgia

Submitted to: Watershed Management Conference Proceedings
Publication Type: Proceedings
Publication Acceptance Date: 8/2/2010
Publication Date: 11/17/2010
Citation: Bosch, D.D., Chin, D.A., Sakura-Lemessy, D., Gay, P., Vellidis, G. 2010. Alternative methods for fecal coliform load reductions in South Georgia watersheds. Watershed Management Conference Proceedings. 9 pp.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Of the 11,285 miles of streams and rivers assessed in the state of Georgia, roughly 57% have been classified as impaired. Of the impaired water bodies, impairments due to fecal coliform (FC) bacteria are the most prevalent form of pollutant. FC bacteria are found in both urban and rural settings and pathogenic forms of FC pose a great risk to human health. FC can be effectively managed by the implementation of control strategies such as structural and non-structural best management practices (BMPs). Of the 86 streams that are on the 303(d) list of noncompliant waters for the Georgia portion of the Upper Suwannee River Basin, 15 of the streams are impaired due to FC bacteria. The most common recommendations for reducing FC loading to streams are (1) point source reductions, (2) reduction of domestic animals, and (3) management of manure land management. Here we examine different strategies for reducing FC loading within these stream segments. Recommendations for alternative and optimized best management practices will be presented.