ARS | Publication request: EFFECT OF BMP IMPLEMENTATION ON STORM FLOW QUALITY OF TWO NORTHWESTERN ARKANSAS STREAMS

Submitted to: Transactions of the ASAE
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: February 15, 1997
Publication Date: N/A

Interpretive Summary: Storm flow quality of the two main tributaries of Lincoln Lake in NW Arkansas was monitored for two and a half years to determine the effect of Best Management Practices (BMPs) implemented in the watershed. Significant reductions in both mass and concentrations of nitrate, ammonia, total nitrogen, and chemical oxygen demand (the amount of oxygen removed by the dissolved chemicals) occurred during this period. The decreases in nitrogen and chemical oxygen demand are attributed to BMPs, particularly nutrient management.

Technical Abstract: Storm flow quality of the two main tributaries to Lincoln Lake in Northwest Arkansas was monitored from September, 1991 to April, 1994 to determine the effects of best management practices (BMPs) implemented in the Lincoln lake watershed. Significant decreases (from 24-75% per year) in both concentrations and mass transport of nitrate nitrogen, ammonia nitrogen, total Kjeldahl nitrogen, and chemical oxygen demand occurred concurrently with BMP implementation. The decreases in nitrogen and chemical oxygen demand concentrations are attributed to BMP implementation, and the BMP most responsible for these decreases is most likely nutrient management.