Browsing by Subject "Environmental impact"

Now showing 1 - 4 of 4
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    Completion Report for Minnesota Technology, Inc. (June 30, 1999): Development of Salmon and Trout Aquaculture in Mine Pit Lakes (1989-1991); Commercial Aquaculture Implications for Water Quality (1991-1993); Constructed Wetlands for Treating Aquaculture Wastes (1993-1996)
    (University of Minnesota Duluth, 1999) Axler, Richard P
    The assessment of environmental impacts associated with intensive salmonid aquaculture, development of tools for predicting impacts, and the development of techniques for mitigating the effects of these potential negative impacts on water resources were the focus of three MTI grants in the period 1989-1996. They are: (1) Development of Salmon & Trout Aquaculture in Mine Pit Lakes, (1989-1991); (2) Commercial Aquaculture Implications for Water Quality, (1991-1993); and (3) Constructed Wetlands for Treating Aquaculture Wastes, (1993-1996) All of these grants were "matched" with grant funds obtained from the Iron Range Resources & Rehabilitation Board, the Minnesota Sea Grant Program (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) and the Minnesota Department of Agriculture. The development of constructed wetlands(#3) subsequently led to the development of an ongoing research, development and demonstration program focused on broader on-site wastewater disposal systems for rural, residential and business needs.
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    Literature Pertaining to the Environmental Impacts of Turfgrass Management on Wetlands
    (University of Minnesota Duluth, 1990) Johnston, Carol A
    This report lists references pertaining to the environmental impact of turfgrass management, in the following categories: General Wetland References, Impacts of Wetland Loss, Construction Impacts to Wetlands, Impacts of Pesticides on Wetlands, Nonpoint Source Pollution from Urbanization, Impacts of Recreation, Cumulative Impacts to Wetlands
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    Minnesota's Water Resources: Impacts of Climate Change
    (University of Minnesota Duluth, 2011-01-04) Johnson, Lucinda B
    Minnesota's climate has become increasingly warmer, wetter, and variable, resulting in unquantified economic and ecological impacts. More recent changes in precipitation patterns combined with urban expansion and wetland losses have resulted in an increase in the frequency and intensity of flooding in parts of Minnesota with extensive and costly damage to the state's infrastructure and ecosytems. We are examining historic climate records and developing a database of key climatic measures and their variability in a current LCCMR project “Impacts on Minnesota's aquatic resources from climate change.” To assess the consequences of past climate trends on aquatic resources we are analyzing hydrologic, water quality, and fish community responses. We propose to expand that study to develop prediction for future climate specific to Minnesota, and then quantify the potential economic impact of climate-induced changes in precipitation and hydrology on the water resource infrastructure, including storm sewers, bridges, water treatment facilities, and shoreline development. The current biological analyses will be expanded beyond fish to invertebrates (e.g., mosquitos) and projections of future biotic responses from hydrologic and water quality models will be developed. Lastly, to assist the state's natural resource managers and regulators, we will identify potential hydrologic and aquatic indicators and propose monitoring methods that can be implemented in Minnesota. An advisory committee will help define the initial questions to be answered and review products
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    Study of Environmental Effects of De-Icing Salt on Water Quality in the Twin Cities Metropolitan Area, Minnesota
    (Minnesota Department of Transportation, 2008-09) Stefan, Heinz; Novotny, Eric; Sander, Andrew; Mohseni, Omid
    A study was conducted to generate knowledge on the environmental effects of de-icing salt, particularly sodium chloride (NaCl), on water quality in Minnesota, especially the Twin Cities Metropolitan Area (TCMA). The Mississippi River receives substantial sodium chloride inputs from the Minnesota River and waste water treatment plants as it passes through the TCMA. In addition, road salt applications in the TCMA use about 350,000 short tons of NaCl every year. A chloride budget at the scale of the TCMA and on individual sub-watersheds in the TCMA indicates that about 70% of the road salt applied in the TCMA is not carried away by the Mississippi River. Rates of seasonal road salt use are correlated with snowfall, road miles and population. Salinity in TCMA lakes increases in winter and decreases in summer. Ionic composition of dissolved substances in lakes of the TCMA suggests unnaturally high sodium and chloride concentrations compared to lakes and other water bodies in the Midwestern U.S. Data indicate a rising trend in urban lake water salinity over the last 30 years. Shallow groundwater in the TCMA, especially near major roadways, has started to show increasing chloride concentrations. Salinity trends in lakes and shallow aquifers of the TCMA are of concern.