Maintaining sufficient DO in the state’s coastal waters requires managing anthropogenic discharges of oxygen demanding substances. The operational measure of oxygen demanding substances is the determination of five-day Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD5).  The overall goal of the proposed research is to provide quantitative estimates of nonpoint source BOD as a function of land-use and stormwater management practices to inform improved stormwater management and TMDL development for coastal waters impacted by low dissolved oxygen. Addressing this goal will involve:

• Quantifying BOD5 in stormwater runoff originating from first-order catchments that span the range of natural to highly developed (as defined by land cover, degree of development density, and % impervious cover) as well as from the outfalls of common stormwater management conveyances and best management practices (e.g., ponds, constructed wetlands, etc.)
• Resolving time-course degradation kinetics during BOD incubations so as to define the relationship between BOD5 measures and Ultimate Oxygen Demand (BODu) for key terrestrial source waters
• Incorporating research findings into technical recommendations for considering the role of land use and stormwater management practices on BOD5 loading to coastal receiving waters and disseminate to state agencies, county and municipal stormwater managers, and the broader scientific community.