Resources for Environmental Quality
Title | Available As | Summary | Date | ID | Author |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Distiller's Grains for Dairy Cattle and Potential Environmental Impact | May 1, 2009 | 404-135 | |||
Pesticides and Aquatic Animals: A Guide to Reducing Impacts on Aquatic Systems | Fisheries and aquatic resources (ponds, lakes, rivers, streams, and oceans) are exceptionally valuable natural assets enjoyed by millions of Americans. They provide citizens with generous long-term benefits in return for minimal care and protection. |
May 1, 2009 | 420-013 | ||
Understanding the Science Behind Riparian Forest Buffers: An Overview | May 1, 2009 | 420-150 | |||
Understanding the Science Behind Riparian Forest Buffers: Effects on Water Quality | Over a third of our nation’s streams, lakes, and estuaries
are impaired by some form of water pollution (U.S.
E.P.A. 1998). Pollutants can enter surface waters
from point sources, such as single source industrial
discharges and waste-water treatment plants; however,
most pollutants result from nonpoint source pollution
activities, including runoff from agricultural lands,
urban areas, construction and industrial sites, and failed
septic tanks. |
May 1, 2009 | 420-151 | ||
Understanding the Science Behind Riparian Forest Buffers: Effects on Plant and Animal Communities | The riparian area is that area of land located immediately adjacent to streams, lakes, or other surface waters. Some would describe it as the floodplain. The boundary of the riparian area and the adjoining uplands is gradual and not always well defined. However, riparian areas differ from the uplands because of their high levels of soil moisture, frequent flooding, and unique assemblage of plant and animal communities. Through the interaction of their soils, hydrology, and biotic communities, riparian forests maintain many important physical, biological, and ecological functions and important social benefits. |
May 1, 2009 | 420-152 | ||
Understanding the Science Behind Riparian Forest Buffers: Benefits to Communities and Landowners | The riparian area is that area of land located immediately adjacent to streams, lakes, or other surface waters. Some would describe it as the floodplain. The boundary of the riparian area and the adjoining uplands is gradual and not always well defined. |
May 1, 2009 | 420-153 | ||
Understanding the Science Behind Riparian Forest Buffers: Factors Influencing Adoption | The riparian area is that area of land located immediately adjacent to streams, lakes, or other surface waters. Some would describe it as the floodplain. The boundary of the riparian area and the adjoining uplands is gradual and not always well defined. However, riparian areas differ from the uplands because of their high levels of soil moisture, frequent flooding, and unique assemblage of plant and animal communities. Through the interaction of their soils, hydrology, and biotic communities, riparian forests maintain many important physical, biological, and ecological functions and important social benefits. |
May 1, 2009 | 420-154 | ||
Understanding the Science Behind Riparian Forest Buffers: Planning, Establishment, and Maintenance | May 1, 2009 | 420-155 | |||
Understanding the Science Behind Riparian Forest Buffers: Resources for Virginia Landowners | Riparian forest buffers can provide many benefits to society through improved water quality, reduced flooding, reduced sedimentation of streams and reservoirs, and enhanced recreational opportunities. However, the cost of establishing and maintaining these buffers on private lands can be significant to the individual landowner. To help Virginia's landowners in their restoration efforts, the agencies of the commonwealth have agreed to work with individuals and communities in their efforts to restore streamside lands by providing education, technical assistance, and funding. They are joined in this effort by federal agencies and many non-profit conservation organizations. |
May 1, 2009 | 420-156 | ||
Sustaining America's Aquatic Biodiversity - Freshwater Snail Biodiversity and Conservation | Six hundred fifty different species of snails are
widely distributed across the streams, rivers,
and lakes of North America. There are unique
species associated with every type of aquatic habitat
from the Canadian Arctic to the Everglades of
Florida. |
Nov 5, 2019 | 420-530 (CNRE-76P) | ||
Phosphorus, Agriculture & The Environment | Jan 24, 2019 | 424-029 | |||
Urban Water Quality Management–Residential Stormwater: Put It in Its Place. Decreasing Runoff and Increasing Stormwater Infiltration | Humans and plants depend on an adequate supply of
clean water for a number of reasons, from producingfood
to sustaining life. The average Virginia resident
uses 826 gallons of fresh water daily (Virginia Department
of Environmental Quality [VADEQ] 2008). In the
Commonwealth alone, there are more than one million
households that depend on well water, withdrawing
more than 50 billion gallons annually (Virginia Department
of Health 2008). For groundwater replenishment,
we depend largely on recharge (water moving from the
surface to groundwater) from infiltration of precipitation
through permeable surfaces in the environment — an
important part of the natural water cycle (VADEQ
2010). |
Jun 2, 2020 | 426-046(HORT-160P) | ||
Groundwater Quality and the Use of Lawn and Garden Chemicals by Homeowners | May 1, 2009 | 426-059 | |||
Urban Stormwater: Terms and Definitions | Jul 14, 2020 | 426-119 (BSE-268P) | |||
Best Management Practice Fact Sheet 1: Rooftop Disconnection | Dec 4, 2019 | 426-120 (BSE-269P) | |||
Best Management Practice Fact Sheet 2: Sheet Flow to Open Space | Sheet flow to open space (SOS) is a group of best management practices (BMPs) designed to disperse concentrated runoff to sheet flow into filter strips or a riparian buffer. An SOS reduces runoff volume and associated sediment and nutrients that are carried with it (see figure 1). It is used as a stormwater treatment practice in both urban and rural areas. This practice is often used after another treatment practice to disperse or eliminate runoff. In a few cases, an SOS can be used as a pretreatment to remove small amounts of sediment via a vegetated filter strip — prior to a bioretention device, for example. |
Dec 4, 2019 | 426-121 (BSE-270P) | ||
Best Management Practice Fact Sheet 3: Grass Channels | Dec 11, 2019 | 426-122 (BSE-271P) | |||
Best Management Practice Fact Sheet 4: Soil Restoration | Soil restoration (SR) is the technique of enhancing
compacted soils to improve their porosity and nutrient
retention. It includes biological (worms) and mechanical
aeration, mechanical loosening (tilling), planting
dense vegetation, and applying soil amendments.
Soil amendments involve the spreading and mixing of
mature compost into disturbed and compacted urban
soils (see Figure 1). |
Dec 11, 2019 | 426-123 (BSE-272P) | ||
Best Management Practice Fact Sheet 5: Vegetated Roofs | A vegetated roof (VR) is a best management practice
(BMP) that reduces stormwater runoff and pollution.
Vegetation and media create a permeable system on
a previously impervious surface. The VR intercepts
rainfall and filters runoff while reducing the volume
and velocity. Vegetated roofs consist of a waterproofing
barrier, drainage system, and engineered growing
media. There are two types of VRs: intensive and
extensive. Intensive vegetated roofs are deeper and
heavier, while extensive vegetated roofs are shallower,
lighter, and more common (see Figure 1). The type of
VR determines the amount of maintenance necessary to
maintain the vegetation. |
Dec 11, 2019 | 426-124 (BSE-273P) | ||
Best Management Practice Fact Sheet 6: Rainwater Harvesting | Rainwater harvesting (RWH), also known as rainwater
harvesting systems or cisterns, are devices that intercept,
divert, store, and release collected roof runoff
from rainfall for later use as an alternative water supply
(see figure 1). RWH can also be designed to provide
runoff reduction benefits. Therefore, it is classified as
a best management practice (BMP) for treatment of
urban stormwater. Because of its dual purpose and
benefit, RWH is often classified as a sustainable urban
BMP. |
Dec 11, 2019 | 426-125 (BSE-274P) | ||
Best Management Practice Fact Sheet 7: Permeable Pavement | Permeable pavement (PP) is a modified form of asphalt or concrete with a top layer that is pervious to water due to voids intentionally created during mixing. PPs
include pervious concrete, porous asphalt, and interlocking concrete pavers. These materials are used as stormwater treatment practices in urban areas. They are used in place of traditionally impervious surfaces to allow infiltration and storage, thus reducing runoff
(see figure 1). |
Jan 22, 2020 | 426-126 (BSE-275P) | ||
Best Management Practice Fact Sheet 8: Infiltration Practices | Infiltration practices provide temporary surface and/or
subsurface storage, allowing infiltration of runoff into
soils. In practice, an excavated trench is usually filled
with gravel or stone media, where runoff is stored in
pore spaces or voids between the stones (see figure
1). These systems can reduce significant quantities of
stormwater by enhancing infiltration, as well as provide
filtering and adsorption of pollutants within the
stone media and soils. Infiltration practices are part of
a group of stormwater treatment practices, also known
as best management practices (BMPs) |
Dec 4, 2019 | 426-127 (BSE-276P) | ||
Best Management Practice Fact Sheet 9: Bioretention | A bioretention cell, or rain garden, is a best management
practice (BMP) designed to treat stormwater runoff
from roofs, driveways, walkways, or lawns. They
are a shallow, landscaped depression that receives and
treats polluted stormwater with the goal of discharging
water of a quality and quantity similar to that of a forested
watershed (figure 1). |
Jan 27, 2020 | 426-128 (BSE-277P) | ||
Best Management Practice Fact Sheet 10: Dry Swale | A dry swale (DS) is a shallow, gently sloping channel
with broad, vegetated, side slopes. Water flow is
slowed by a series of check dams (see figure 1). A DS
provides temporary storage, filtration, and infiltration
of stormwater runoff. Dry swales function similarly to
bioretention, and are comparable to wet swales; however,
unlike a wet swale, a DS should remain dry during
periods of no rainfall. A DS is an engineered best management
practice (BMP) that is designed to reduce pollution
through runoff reduction and pollutant removal
and is part of a site’s stormwater treatment practice
(see figure 2). |
Mar 5, 2020 | 426-129 (BSE-278P) | ||
Best Management Practice Fact Sheet 11: Wet Swale | A wet swale (WS) is an engineered, best management
practice (BMP) arranged in a straight line that is
designed to reduce stormwater pollution. A WS consists
of a shallow, gently sloping channel with broad,
vegetated, side slopes and slow flows (see figure 1).
Wet swales typically stay wet because the bottom of the
swale is below the water table. This is done to encourage
the growth of wetland vegetation, providing water
quality treatment similar to a natural wetland. This
stormwater treatment practice also functions as part of
the stormwater conveyance system. Wet swales have a
relatively low capital cost; however, maintenance can
be is intensive and expensive when compared to other
BMPs. |
Mar 5, 2020 | 426-130 (BSE-279P) | ||
Best Management Practice Fact Sheet 12: Filtering Practices | A stormwater filtering practice (FP) treats stormwater
runoff by passing it through an engineered filter media
consisting of either sand, gravel, organic matter, and/
or a proprietary manufactured product, collecting it in
an underdrain, and then discharging the effluent to a
stormwater conveyance system. FPs are stormwater
treatment practices that are often obtained from the
marketplace due to unique proprietary technologies
(see figure 1). |
Mar 5, 2020 | 426-131 (BSE-280P) | ||
Best Management Practice Fact Sheet 13: Constructed Wetlands | Constructed wetlands are a series of ponds with varying depths that treat stormwater using wetland processes. In terms of biological activity, wetlands are extremely productive; and thus constructed wetlands can provide significant water quality treatment to urban runoff. This fact sheet describes these benefits, and provides guidance on their design and limitations. |
Jan 22, 2020 | 426-132 (BSE-281P) | ||
Best Management Practice Fact Sheet 14: Wet Ponds | Wet ponds are ponds designed to retain water through storage. They provide treatment through settling and biological uptake. They can also attenuate peak flows and provide flood and streambank protection. This fact sheet describes wet ponds and their benefits and limitations. |
Jan 22, 2020 | 426-133 (BSE-282) | ||
Best Management Practice Fact Sheet 15: Extended Detention Ponds | Extended detention ponds (EDs) are dry detention ponds
that provide 12 to 24 hours of runoff storage during peak
runoff events (see figure 1). Releases from the ED ponds
are controlled by an outlet structure. During a storm
event, as the discharge restriction is reached, water backs
up into the ED pond. The pool slows flow velocities and
enables particulate pollutants to settle. Peak flows are
also reduced. ED ponds have the lowest overall pollutant-
removal rate of any stormwater treatment option,
so they are often combined with other upstream, lowimpact
development (LID) practices to better maximize
pollutant-removal rates. Due to their placement at the exit
point of the watershed, ED is often the last opportunity
to treat stormwater before it is discharged to a stream.
Because of its low treatment performance, an ED should
be viewed as the treatment option of last resort. |
Mar 6, 2020 | 426-134 (BSE-283P) | ||
Pest Management for Water Quality | Research has shown that consumers find reading and understanding the label to be the most difficult aspect of applying
pesticides. However, an understanding of the label information is essential before work begins. The label printed
on or attached to a container of pesticide tells how to use it correctly and warns of any environmental or health safety
measures to take. Read the label when you purchase a pesticide and again before mixing or applying it. If you are
confused about any part of the label, consult your Extension agent or a representative of the company that makes the
product. Many pesticides now list a toll-free number for consumers. The label includes specific information that you
should be aware of and learn to understand.Diane Relf, Extension Specialist, Horticulture, Virginia Tech
Reviewed by David Close, Consumer Horticulture and Master Gardener Specialist, Horticulture, Virginia Tech |
Mar 18, 2015 | 426-615 (HORT-138P) | ||
Nutrient Management for Small Farms | Dec 17, 2018 | 442-305 (BSE-241P) | |||
Selecting a Treatment Technology for Manure Management | Animal manure has been used for centuries as a fertilizer and a soil builder because it contains nutrients and organic matter. However, as animal production shifts toward fewer but larger operations, the number of confined animals has increased in some geographical locations, resulting in more manure produced than can be assimilated by the available farmland where the animals are raised. |
Dec 19, 2018 | 442-306 (BSE-242P) | ||
Selection and Location of Poultry and Livestock Manure Storage | Jan 17, 2019 | 442-307 (BSE-243P) | |||
Poultry and Livestock Manure Storage: Management and Safety | Jan 16, 2019 | 442-308 (BSE-244P) | |||
Manure Management and Environmental Stewardship | Jan 16, 2019 | 442-309 (BSE-245NP) | |||
On-Site Sewage Treatment Alternatives | Mar 27, 2018 | 448-407 (CSES-222P) | |||
Water Reuse: Using Reclaimed Water for Irrigation | Water reuse can be defined as the use of reclaimed water for a direct beneficial purpose. |
Aug 29, 2018 | 452-014 (SPES-1) | ||
Mid-Atlantic Composting Directory | This directory is intended to provide contact
information for service and equipment suppliers, along
with sources for information and education. Every
attempt has been made to present accurate information.
Contents are for informational purposes only and are
based on details provided by the organizations and
entities listed. Inclusion in this directory does not
constitute an endorsement by the publishers of the
products or services of any business organization or
individual listed herein. |
Aug 30, 2018 | 452-230 (SPES-51P) | ||
Compost: What Is It and What's It To You | Feb 28, 2018 | 452-231 (CSES-204P) | |||
Virginia Master Naturalist | The Virginia Master Naturalist program is a statewide corps of volunteers providing
education, outreach, and service dedicated to the beneficial management of natural
resources and natural areas within their communities. |
May 1, 2018 | 465-300 (ANR-307NP) | ||
Virginia Master Naturalist, American Naturalists | Jared Diamond (2005), in his book,
“Collapse: How Societies Choose to Fail
or Succeed,” defines landscape amnesia as
one of the primary mechanisms for the
decline and ultimate collapse of societies.
This phenomenon occurs when people
lose knowledge of how the natural world
once was, with each succeeding generation
accepting a degraded environment as the
status quo. Carried to its end, a society
remains unconcerned until it reaches the
point of no return. |
Jun 19, 2015 | 465-312(ANR-20NP) | ||
Effectiveness of Temporary Stream Crossing Closure Techniques Forest Operations Research Highlights | Protection of water quality is a critical component of forest harvesting operations. Virginia’s silvicultural water quality law (§10.1-1181.1 through 10.1-1181.7) prohibits excessive sedimentation of streams as a result of silvicultural operations. Virginia’s logging businesses invest substantial resources implementing BMPs to protect water quality. The Virginia Department of Forestry (VDOF) is responsible for enforcing this law and inspects all logging operations to ensure protection of water quality. |
Dec 13, 2019 | ANR-110NP | ||
Virginia Master Naturalist Program Strategic Planning Report 2015-2020 | This report summarizes the findings from a strategic planning process conducted by the
Virginia Master Naturalist program in 2013-2014. The process involved three steps: a
comprehensive needs assessment to identify program needs, strategic planning workshops
to identify initiatives for addressing those needs, and online voting to prioritize
proposed initiatives. |
Apr 9, 2015 | ANR-137NP | ||
Virginia Citizen’s Guide to Environmental Credit Trading Programs: An Overview | May 4, 2016 | ANR-173P | |||
Environmental Best Management Practices for Virginia's Golf Courses | Jan 9, 2019 | ANR-48NP | |||
Fertilizer Applicator Certification Training | May 4, 2018 | ANR-66 | |||
Mitigation of Greenhouse Gas Emissions in Agriculture | In this publication, information is presented on how to
increase farm productivity while potentially reducing
greenhouse gas* (GHG) contributions from agricultural
production. Some of the practices may be familiar
to many producers, such as building soil organic matter
(SOM) or increasing nitrogen fertilization efficiency,
but many producers may not know that these same productivity-boosting activities also help to reduce GHG
emissions and their impact on climate change. While
informative to the producer, this publication will also
inform those with an interest in both agriculture and
the environmental impact of GHG emissions on the
atmosphere. |
Apr 3, 2019 | BSE-105 (BSE-251P) | ||
Greywater Reuse | Greywater is any household wastewater other than that used for toilet flushing.
This water could be reused around the home (for purposes other than drinking
water). An example of greywater use is landscape irrigation. Wastewater that
comes in contact with human waste is referred to as blackwater. However, the
definition of greywater varies according to state regulations. |
Jul 23, 2019 | BSE-114NP (BSE-267NP) | ||
Using Reclaimed Water | Reclaimed water, sometimes referred to as “water reuse” or “recycled water,” is
water recovered from domestic, municipal, or industrial wastewater treatment
plants that has been treated to standards that allow it to be safely used for
designated purposes. Reclaimed water should not be confused with “wastewater,”
untreated liquid industrial waste or domestic sewage. However, “gray water,”
untreated water from bathing or washing, is considered one form of wastewater
(Water Reuse, VCE Publication 452-014).
The level of treatment and disinfection reclaimed water receives is dictated by its intended (and permitted) use. Many states encourage and promote the use of reclaimed water to conserve freshwater supplies and preserve rivers, streams, lakes, and aquifers.
|
Jul 23, 2019 | BSE-115NP (BSE-266NP) | ||
Rainwater Harvesting Systems | Rainwater harvesting is the process of collecting, storing, and later reusing rainwater
from surfaces such as roofs. Rainwater harvesting has long been used for agricultural
irrigation and as a source of drinking water, and allowed ancient civilizations to flourish
in semi-arid and arid regions. Rainwater harvesting systems are in use today in many
water-limited locations, especially in several western US regions. As population growth
increases pressure on water resources in the more humid eastern US, rainwater harvesting is
being considered to reduce the demand for potable water. |
Jul 23, 2019 | BSE-116NP (BSE-265NP) | ||
Communicating Climate Change to Agricultural Audiences | The objectives of this publication are (1) to outline
some climate-related challenges facing agriculture,
(2) to address challenges in communicating climate
change issues, and (3) to propose best practices when
attempting to communicate climate change issues to
agricultural stakeholders. Extension educators and
agricultural service providers can use the information
presented here to develop outreach and educational
programs focused on the impacts of climate change,
the effects of climate change on agricultural
production, and the best ways to motivate behavior
change. |
Nov 15, 2016 | BSE-203P | ||
Managing Drainage From Agricultural Lands with Denitrifying Bioreactors in the Mid-Atlantic | Nov 5, 2018 | BSE-234P | |||
How Do Stream Buffers Reduce the Offsite Impact of Pollution? | Nov 3, 2017 | BSE-38NP (BSE-216NP) | |||
Denitrification Management | Mar 27, 2018 | BSE-54P (BSE-223P) | |||
Denitrifying Bioreaders: An Emerging Best Management Practice to Improve Water Quality | Apr 25, 2018 | BSE-55P (BSE-227P) | |||
Decentralized Small Community Wastewater Collection Systems | Wastewater is a significant source of carbon, sediment,
nutrients, pathogens, and other potential pollutants.
Reducing the quantity of these contaminants before
they are discharged to either groundwater or surface
water is essential to preserve or enhance water quality
in receiving waters. This is accomplished through the
installation of wastewater treatment and collection systems.
The form of these systems can vary substantially.
In Virginia, they range in size from 5,000 to 50,000
gallons per day; 49 percent are public systems and the
remainder are private (Parten 2008). |
Jul 10, 2014 | BSE-77P | ||
Nitrogen and Sulfur Leaching Potential in Virginia | Early summer often means locally heavy and sporadic rainfall as thunderstorms deliver intense rains, and 2015 appears to be no different with many areas in eastern Virginia receiving 3+ inches of rain in a few days (Figure 1). These storms also often coincide with the timing of sidedress nitrogen (N) and sulfur (S) applications on corn. While some rainfall after sidedress is very beneficial to facilitate N movement into soil, heavy rain (2+ inches) often leaves us wondering how much, if any, of that recently-applied N remains and if additional N is needed. |
Jun 19, 2015 | CSES-125NP | ||
The Nutrient Value of Straw | The mature and dried stem, leaves, and chaff remaining after barley and wheat are harvested is known as straw. Many farmers around Virginia harvest straw by baling in small bales, large round bales, or large square bales that range in weight from 40 to 1,000 lbs. plus per bale. |
Jun 19, 2015 | CSES-126NP | ||
The Soil and Me: A Perspective on Soil Health | Soil is the foundation upon which our natural
living world depends; it is otherwise known as the
dynamic material that civilization is built on (Lindbo,
Kozlowski, and Robinson 2012). Soil serves diverse
functions that are critical to the survival of humanity;
without the soil, life on earth is inconceivable. It
represents the critical zone of the earth where life,
water, minerals, and air intersect and interact (fig. 1)
because the soil constantly relates with other parts
of nature. The soil is considered a living, dynamic
resource at the earth’s surface and has been defined as
“the unconsolidated mineral or organic material on the
immediate surface of the earth that serves as a natural
medium for the growth of land plants” (SSSA 2015).
The thickness or depth of this surface or layer varies
with the type and environment of the soil. |
Nov 5, 2015 | CSES-132NP | ||
GroZone Tracker | Sep 21, 2016 | HORT-227P | |||
Backyard Composting | Feb 27, 2013 | HORT-49P | |||
Stormwater Management for Homeowners Fact Sheet 2: Rain Barrels | Jun 25, 2018 | SPES-10P | |||
Stormwater Management for Homeowners Fact Sheet 3: Permeable Pavement | Jun 25, 2018 | SPES-11P | |||
Stormwater Management for Homeowners Fact Sheet 4: Grass Swales | Jun 25, 2018 | SPES-12P | |||
Stormwater Management for Homeowners Fact Sheet 5: Rain Gardens | Jun 26, 2018 | SPES-13P | |||
Stormwater Management for Homeowners Fact Sheet 6: Buffers | Jun 26, 2018 | SPES-14P | |||
Motivations of Farming: A Soil, Conservation and Place supplement video | Aug 12, 2020 | SPES-184NP | |||
Stormwater Management for Homeowners Fact Sheet 1: Rooftop Redirection (Disconnection) | Jun 25, 2018 | SPES-9P | |||
Virginia Tech Pesticide Programs | May 11, 2009 | vtpp-1 |