Title: Reducing Bacteria Concentrations in Stormwater Runoff from Areas where Canadian Geese Congregate.

Author: Jeff Bennett

Abstract: Bacteria in stormwater runoff has become a problem for urban planners. As urban areas expand the infiltration rates decline from increased impervious surfaces. These surfaces help to direct stormwater into water basins carrying Non-Point Source Pollution at levels that cause risk to the environment and human health. E coli is one pollutant that is monitored by city managers and found in stormwater. E coli has a tendency to bioaccumulate as it makes its way through the water basin posing health risks to himans and reducing dissolved oxygen in waterways. E coli levels have been linked to concentrations of wild Canadian Geese. As these geese increase in numbers in urban settings, the bacteria levels in stormwater systems around where they congregate can increase. The research for this study included literature reviews, data analysis, and interviews directed at finding long term solutions for city planners in the City of Salem for the Canadian Geese population problems around the Coho Salmon Spawning turnout park on State Street.

Key References:

Feare, C., Sanders, M., Blasco, R., Bishop J. Canada Goose (Branta canadensis) droppings as a potential source of pathogenic bacteria. The Journal of the Royal Society for the Promotion of Health, Sep 1999; vol. 119: pp. 146 - 155.

Smith, A., Craven, S., Curtis, P. (1999) Managing Canadian Geese in Urban Environments. Jack Berry Institute Publication 16, and Cornell University Cooperative Extension, Ithaca, NY.

Russell, C. S., Shogren, J. F. (1997) Theory, Modeling and Experience in the management of Nonpoint-Source Polution. Kluwer Academic Publishers.

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Date: May 2009
Student: jbennett@willamette.edu
ENVR 327: Water Resources
Instructor: Dr. Karen Arabas
http://www.willamette.edu/~karabas/courses/envr327w