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FIELD INVESTIGATIONS OF CONCENTRATED ANIMAL FEEDING OPERATIONS (CAFOs): AUGUST 2007 – SEPTEMBER 2008
Impact/Purpose:
The Region 4 Water Management Division uses the field and analytical data obtained by the Region 4 Science and Ecosystem Support Division during CAFO investigations to assess the level of contamination and public health concerns resulting from the operation of the CAFOs.
Description:
Field investigations of CAFO sites conducted by the Region 4 Science and Ecosystem Support Division involve identifying, sampling, and characterizing the level of microbiological and chemical contamination in surface water, groundwater, and sediment in areas surrounding the CAFO sites. For this reporting period, two CAFO investigations were conducted in Wilkes Co., NC. This research project was conducted to specifically identify elevated levels of nitrates-N in groundwater associated with animal feeding operations. SESD Region 4 personnel along with the North Carolina Department of Natural Resources conducted the investigation at the request of the Region 4 Water Management Division.