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Urban development results in increased impervious surfaces, causing an increase in runoff and degradation of water quality and stream habitat. Stormwater control measures (SCMs), also known as urban best management practices (BMPs) are used to reduce these impacts. In Virginia, 15 SCMs have been approved for use in site development, and a corresponding fact sheet was developed for each. New technologies are continually being developed and implemented within SCMs, so a new series for these “Innovative Stormwater BMPs”, was created. The 2nd in this series addresses Regenerative Step Pool Storm Conveyance (RSPSC). RSPSC is a unique technology being implemented to reduce erosion, recharge groundwater, and improve water quality and stream habitat at stormwater outfalls. Published version

Hypotheses Channel instability in Minebank Run is caused by high shear stresses generated during even relatively frequent storm events. Retrofitting the Minebank Run watershed with additional watershed stormwater controls will reduce channel incision and bank failure (will compare environmental site design (ESD) only, traditional downstream controls only, and combination of both). Had Minebank Run been developed with ESD channel incision and degradation would have 1) been prevented, or 2) been reduced. Current channel degradation in tributaries to Little Seneca Creek are the result of recent large magnitude storm events, which are typically not well controlled by ESD. Had the Clarksburg watershed been developed using traditional stormwater control measures (SCMs), more extensive channel degradation would have occurred. A combination of ESD controlling small storms and SCMs controlling larger events is necessary to protect stream channels against erosion.

Urbanization increases runoff, sediment, and nutrient loadings downstream, causing flooding, eutrophication, and harmful algal blooms. Stormwater control measures (SCMs) are used to address these concerns and are designed based on inflow loads. Thus, estimating nutrient and sediment loads is important for meeting restoration objectives. Pollutants accumulate on surfaces during dry periods, making Event Mean Concentration (EMC) a function of antecedent dry period (ADP). An EMC results from wash-off of accumulated pollutants from catchment surface during runoff events. However, several studies found little to no correlation between constituent concentrations in stormwater and ADP. The objective of this study is to verify this finding and discover which climatological or catchment characteristics most significantly affect stormwater quality. Stormwater quality data were obtained from the National Stormwater Quality Database (NSQD), which is the largest data repository of stormwater quality data in the U.S. Bayesian Network Structure Learner (BNSL) was used to assess the relationships between catchment characteristics, climatological information, and stormwater quality for selected land uses. Given the optimal BN structure, it was determined which parameters most affect stormwater quality EMCs. The results demonstrate that both catchment and rain characteristics affected stormwater quality EMCs. Among catchment characteristics, land use (LU) was the most important factor and catchment size was the least. Precipitation depth (P) and duration (D) affected Total Phosphorus (TP), Total Nitrogen (TN), and Total Suspended Solids (TSS). This indicated that it is likely that P and D had a greater influence on stormwater quality more than ADP. P, D, and ADP affected the dissolved constituents of TN (i.e. NO2-N/NO3-N) and TP (i.e. Ortho-P). Compared to other factors (i.e. P and D), the effect of ADP on TSS was negligible. Stormwater quality EMCs related to nitrogen were not affected by catchment slope (S). However, TSS and Ortho-P were influenced by S. Virginia Water Resources Research Center (VWRRC) through the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) [G21AS00517]; Virginia Agricultural Experiment Station; National Institute of Food and Agriculture [S1089]; Computational Hydraulics International (CHI) Published version We would like to thank Computational Hydraulics International (CHI) for providing a university grant to use PCSWMM. The authors express their appreciation to Alexander Maestre for information on the NSQD. Support for this research was provided by the Virginia Water Resources Research Center (VWRRC) grant number G21AS00517 which is funded through the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS); however, opinions expressed within are entirely of the authors and reflect no endorsement by VWRRC or USGS. Any use of trade, firm, or product names is for descriptive purposes only and does not imply endorsement by the US Government. Funding for this work was provided in part by the Virginia Agricultural Experiment Station and the Hatch program, Project S1089, of the National Institute of Food and Agriculture, which also does not imply endorsement of opinions contained herein.

Extended detention ponds (EDs) are dry detention ponds that provide 12 to 24 hours of runoff storage during peak runoff events. 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. Revised P 426-134

A stormwater filtering practice treats stormwater runoff by passing it through and 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. Revised P 426-131

Constructed Wetlands are low cost and sustainable engineered best practice to reduce stormwater pollution.

A wet swale is an engineered, BMP arranged in a straight line that is designed to reduce stormwater pollution. It consists of a shallow, gently sloping channel with broad, vegetated, side slopes and slow flows. 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. Revised P 426-130

A dry swale is a shallow, gently sloping channel with broad, vegetated side slopes. Water flow is slowed by a series of check dams. A dry swale provides temporary storage, filtration, and infiltration of stormwater runoff. they should remain dry during periods of no rainfall. It is a BMP designed to reduce pollution runoff reduction and pollutant removal and is part of a site's stormwater treatment practice. Revised P 426-129

Discussion of grass channels as a storm water conveyance system VT/1219/426-122(BSE-271P)

Permeable pavement on the top layer is efficient for storm water run off.

Discussion of devices that intercept, divert, store, and release collected roof runoff from rainfall for later use as an alternative water supply VT/0919/426-125(BSE-274P)

A biorentention cel, or rain garden, is a best management practice (BMP) designed to treat stormwater runoffs from roofs, driveways, walkways, or lawns. Where it can be used, how it works, what it does, maintenance, performance, limitations, expected cost Revised 426-128

Ponds or lakes which provide treatment and storage of stormwater.

Discussion of vegetated roofs which reduces storm water runoff and pollution. VT/1219/426-124(BSE-273P)

Discussion of infiltration practices which provide temporary surface and/or subsurface storage, allowing infiltration of runoff into the soil. VT/1219/426-127(BSE-276P)

Discussion of rooftop disconnection and compost amended flow paths VT/0819/426-120(BSE-269P)

Discussion of soil restoration; the technique of using compost to amend soils to improve their porosity and nutrient retention. The restored soils are less compacted and can replicate runoff from forested areas. VT/1219/426-123(BSE-272P)

Discussion of Sheet flow to open space (SOS) drainage practices VT/0819/426-121(BSE-270P)

Discusses rain gardens as a means for managing stormwater runoff.

Discusses the use of buffers as a way for managing stormwater.

Discusses water runoff from roofs and ways of redirecting this runoff.

Discusses the use of grass drainage swales to improve management of stormwater runoff. Published version

Discusses permeable pavement as a means to improve management of stormwater.

Discusses the use of rain barrels for collecting water runoff from roofs.

Discusses the use of sensors to monitor soil water, and evaluates several types.

The objective of this publication is to provide an overview of decentralized wastewater systems, in particular, small cluster wastewater systems that collect wastewater from a group of homes. This publication is not intended to cover single, on-site septic systems.

This publication explains what a constructed wetland is, where they are used, how they work, their limitations, routine and non-routine maintenance, performance, expected costs, and a glossary of terms. This fact sheet is one of a 15-part series on urban stormwater management practices.

This fact sheet is one of a 15-part series on urban stormwater management practices. This fact sheet discusses filtering practices, what they are, where they are used, how they work, maintenance, limitations, performance, expected costs and includes a glossary of terms.

This publication explains what extended detention ponds are, where and how they are used, their limitations, routine and nonroutine maintenance, expected costs, and a glossary of terms. This fact sheet is one of a 15-part series on urban stormwater management practices.

This publication explains what wet ponds are, where and how they are used, their limitations, routine and nonroutine maintenance, expected costs, and a glossary of terms. This fact sheet is one of a 15-part series on urban stormwater management practices.

This fact sheet is one of a 15-part series on urban stormwater management practices. This fact sheet discusses wet swales, what they are, where they are used, how they work, maintenance, limitations, performance, expected costs and includes a glossary of terms.

This publication explains what rainwater harvesting is, where and how it is used, their limitations, routine and nonroutine maintenance, expected costs, and a glossary of terms. This fact sheet is one of a 15-part series on urban stormwater management practices.

This publication explains what permeable pavement is, where and how it is used, their limitations, routine and nonroutine maintenance, expected costs, and a glossary of terms. This fact sheet is one of a 15-part series on urban stormwater management practices.

This publication explains what grass channels are, where and how they are used, their limitations, routine and nonroutine maintenance, expected costs, and provides a glossary of terms.

This publication explains what sheet flow to open space is, where and how it is used, their limitations, routine and nonroutine maintenance, expected costs, and a glossary of terms. This fact sheet is one of a 15-part series on urban stormwater management practices.

Explains what bioretention is, where and how it is used, its limitations, maintenance, expected costs, and a glossary of terms.

This fact sheet is one of a 15-part series on urban stormwater management practices. This fact sheet discusses dry swales, what they are, where they are used, how they work, maintenance, limitations, performance, expected costs and includes a glossary of terms.

This publication explains what soil restoration is, where and how it is used, their limitations, routine and nonroutine maintenance, expected costs, and a glossary of terms. This fact sheet is one of a 15-part series on urban stormwater management practices.

This publication explains what a vegetated roof is, where and how it is used, their limitations, routine and nonroutine maintenance, expected costs, and a glossary of terms. This fact sheet is one of a 15-part series on urban stormwater management practices.

This publication explains what rooftop disconnection is, where and how it is used, their limitations, routine and nonroutine maintenance, expected costs, and a glossary of terms. This fact sheet is one of a 15-part series on urban stormwater management practices.

This fact sheet discusses floating treatment wetlands, what they are, where they are used, how they work, maintenance, limitations, performance, expected costs and includes a glossary of terms.

This publication explains what infiltration practices are, where and how they are used, their limitations, routine and nonroutine maintenance, expected costs, and a glossary of terms. This fact sheet is one of a 15-part series on urban stormwater management practices.

This publication is intended to provide a summary of common terms and definitions used in urban stormwater management. A companion glossary is included with each fact sheet; this document provides a compilation of the terms used in the series. These terms and definitions are used throughout the Urban Stormwater Best Management Practices (BMP) fact sheet series 1-15, Virginia Cooperative Extension (VCE) publications 426-120 through 426-134.ﾠ

The Mekong River Basin (MRB) is famous for its rice farming and export and produces more than 20 million tons of rice per year. Rice production depends on climate, irrigation, soil fertility. However, this region is adversely impacted by several environmental concerns like nutrient deficiency from sediment and saltwater intrusion. The decrease in sediment deposition in the Mekong basin is caused by a number of factors. In China, Lao PDR, and Vietnam, the hydropower generation from dams has improved people's overall living standards, leading in more dams being built or planned in the future. However, dam construction work is adversely impacting the overall salinity condition in this region by reducing upstream flow. Upstream lower flows during the dry season contributes to the increased salinity in the lower Mekong Delta. In addition to these, multiple dams in the upper and middle region of the Mekong basin are trapping sediments and decreasing it in the lower zones. This study found that the reservoirs, built by China between 2008-2015, has reduced the sediment load at all five stations considered in the study. When a reservoir is removed from the model, the sediment load is increased which showed the substantial impact of reservoir construction on sediment load in this area. The landuse pattern is another factor for variability of the sediment yield in the study area. Forest area contributes to higher sediment production whereas agricultural area results in lower sediment yield. The GFDL RCP (4.5) and GFDL RCP (8.5) future climate change projection scenarios used in this study also demonstrated substantial variability in the precipitation pattern for the study region. GFDL RCP (4.5) scenario resulted in a lower sediment yield during the dry season. On contrary to that, GFDL RCP (8.5) showed higher sediment yield due to higher precipitation during the wet season. The severe salinity impact was observed in the Cai Nuoc, Nam Can, and Thanh Phu districts. In Ca Mau province, the observed salinity is highest among the provinces of the study area during dry season (February to May), about 12-14 PPT (parts per thousand) whereas the lowest level of salinity (less than 1 PPT) was observed in the Dong Thap and Vinh Long provinces. This salinity intrusion is adversely impacting the rice production in the study area. In the year 2000, rice production in the Ca Mau province was about 100-150 thousand tons. But salinity intrusion is drastically reducing the rice production in this area, about 10-30thousand tons per year during 2015-2017. Rice production is increasing in the upper deltaic part of the Mekong Delta region where preventive measures were taken. Master of Science The Mekong River Basin (MRB) is famous for its rice farming and export and produces more than 20 million tons of rice per year. The rice production is governed by rainfall, temperature, irrigation, soil fertility etc. However, this region is adversely impacted by multiple environmental concerns like nutrient deficiency, sediment concentration, and salinity. The decrease in sediment deposition in the Mekong basin is caused by several factors. In China, Lao PDR, and Vietnam, the hydropower sector has improved people's overall living standards. As a result, more reservoirs are being constructed or planned to be constructed in the future. But this dam construction work is adversely impacting the overall salinity condition in this region. Upstream flows rate during the dry season (February to May) contributes to the increased salinity condition in lower Mekong Delta. In addition to these, multiple dams in the upper portion of the Mekong basin are trapping sediments and decreasing it in the lower region. From the analysis performed in this study it was found that the reservoirs, built by China between 2008-2015, has reduced the sediment load at all five stations. When the reservoir is removed from the model, the sediment load is increased implying the substantial impact of reservoir construction on sediment load in this area. The landuse pattern is another dominating factor for variability of the sediment yield in the study area. Forest area contributes to higher sediment production whereas agricultural area results in lower sediment yield. Two future climate projection scenarios considered for this study are the GFDL RCP (4.5) and GFDL RCP (8.5). These two scenarios also demonstrated substantial variability in the precipitation pattern for the study region. The severe salinity impact was observed in the Cai Nuoc, Nam Can, and Thanh Phu districts. In Ca Mau province, the observed salinity is highest among the provinces of the study area during dry season (February to May), about 12-14 PPT ((parts per thousand) whereas the lowest level of salinity (less than 1 PPT) was observed in the Dong Thap and Vinh Long provinces. This salinity intrusion is adversely impacting the rice yield in the study area. In the year 2000, rice production in the Ca Mau province was about 100-150 thousand tons. But salinity intrusion is drastically reducing the rice production in this area, about 10-30thousand tons per year during 2015-2017. Rice production is increasing in the upper deltaic part of the Mekong Delta region where preventive measures were taken.

Urbanization alters land cover by increases in impervious areas, resulting in large increases in runoff, sediment, and nutrient loadings downstream. These changes cause flooding, eutrophication, and harmful algal blooms. Stormwater control measures (SCMs) are used to address these concerns and are designed based on inflow loads. Thus, estimating nutrient and sediment loads from developed watersheds is vitally important for meeting the impacts of urbanization. Today, stormwater events are characterized mainly by watershed models using little, if any, actual field monitoring data. The simple event mean concentration (EMC) wash-off approach by land use is a common practice used by practitioners for estimating loads. Pollutants accumulate on surfaces during dry periods, making EMC a function of antecedent dry period (ADP). An EMC results from wash-off of accumulated pollutants from catchment surfaces during runoff events. However, it assumes concentration is constant across events from a particular land use and several studies found little to no correlation between constituent concentrations in stormwater and ADP. Build-up/wash-off equations were developed to account for variation of concentrations between events; however, the required parameters are difficult to estimate. This study applied machine learning approaches with a national dataset along with monitoring and modeling studies at watershed scales to improve predictions of stormwater quantity and quality. First, we obtained stormwater quality data from the National Stormwater Quality Database (NSQD), which is the largest data repository of stormwater quality data in the U.S., and used Bayesian Network Structure Learner (BNSL), a machine learning approach, to discover which climatological or catchment characteristics most significantly affect stormwater quality. Second, we developed and applied Random Forest (RF), a data-driven method, to predict nutrients and sediment EMCs in urban runoff. Third, we applied the Storm Water Management Model (SWMM), a widely used urban watershed model, to an urban watershed and assessed the best fit estimates of SWMM parameters and hydrological response of the watershed during dry and wet hydroclimatic conditions. Last, we conducted a monitoring and modeling study at a catchment scale and assessed the role of land use on stormwater quantity and quality to optimize and investigate the build-up/wash-off parameters for multiple urban land uses for nutrients and sediment. The results presented in this dissertation can help stakeholders, urban planners, and SCM designers improve estimates of nutrients and sediment loads and thus achieve more effective treatment of stormwater, better attain water quality goals, and protect downstream water bodies. Doctor of Philosophy Urban development results in increased hardscapes (impervious surfaces), which increases runoff and subsequent pollution from nutrients and sediment carried off land surfaces. This negatively impairs the health of receiving streams, lakes, rivers, and estuaries. A variety of management practices are available for reducing these impacts. Practice size is based on the water quantity and quality it will receive. Thus, estimating the quantity of nutrients and sediment from developed areas is crucial to meet water quality goals. However, designs of stormwater management practices typically use historical data based on land use; rather than conducting new monitoring studies to determine actual pollution loads. Event mean concentration (EMC) is a common method used to estimate wash-off of pollutants from the land. Pollutants accumulate on surfaces during dry periods, making EMC a function of antecedent dry period (ADP) which is the time between storm events. An EMC results from wash-off of accumulated pollutants from urban areas during a storm event. However, EMC assumes pollutant concentration is constant across any storm event from a particular land use. Several studies found little to no correlation between nutrients and sediment concentrations in stormwater and ADP. Build-up/wash-off equations were developed to account for variability of concentrations between storm events; however, there are several parameters that are difficult to estimate. This study applied machine learning approaches to a national stormwater quality dataset and conducted monitoring and modeling studies at progressively smaller scales to improve the predictions of stormwater quantity and quality. First, we obtained stormwater quality data from the National Stormwater Quality Database (NSQD), which is the largest data repository of its type in the U.S., and used Bayesian Network Structure Learner (BNSL), a machine learning method, to discover which climatological or catchment characteristics most significantly affect stormwater quality. Second, we developed and applied Random Forest (RF), also a machine learning method, to predict nutrients and sediment EMCs in stormwater. Third, we applied the Storm Water Management Model (SWMM), which is the most widely used rainfall/runoff model, to an urban area and assessed the best fit estimates of SWMM parameters during dry and wet years. Last, we conducted a monitoring and modeling study at smaller scales and assessed the role of land use on stormwater quantity and quality and estimated build-up/wash-off parameters for multiple urban land uses for nutrients and sediment using optimization. The results presented in this dissertation can help stakeholders, urban planners, and stormwater practice designers improve estimates of the quantity of nutrients and sediment in stormwater, achieve more effective treatment of stormwater, attain water quality improvement goals, and protect the health of receiving streams and downstream water bodies.

Trout are an important game species that provide a substantial economic impact in Virginia. Along with other cold-water fish species, trout are extremely susceptible to changes in stream temperatures. Urban development and the increase in impervious surfaces alter the hydrologic cycle in urban watersheds, limiting infiltration and increasing surface runoff. Impervious surfaces absorb and store solar radiation, resulting in higher surfaces temperatures, and then transfer this thermal energy to runoff during a rainfall event, resulting in higher runoff temperatures. Bioretention cells are a common stormwater control practice identified as a possible thermal mitigation practice in urban watersheds harboring cold-water fish species. However, design specifications vary by locality and few studies have explored how design characteristics impact the temperature reduction potential. The goal of this study was to investigate changes in stormwater thermal load due to bioretention cells. In this study two bioretention cells with differing design approaches were monitored to quantify the thermal reduction impact that the bioretention cells have on stormwater from impervious surfaces. Both cells significantly reduced stormwater outflow volume, event mean temperatures and heat loads; however, outflow temperatures repeatedly exceeded the 21°C temperature threshold for cold-water fish species. This finding indicates this practice alone may not be sufficient to reduce runoff temperatures below biological stress thresholds. In addition, previous literature suggested that deeper cells may provide more cooling benefits as deeper soil layers are cooler and have more stable temperatures. In this study, the deeper cell was not as effective in reducing runoff temperatures, likely due to surface overflow and a shorter residence time in the bioretention cell. This finding indicates there is a limit to the effectiveness of cell depth in runoff thermal reduction and that other cell characteristics, such as subsurface drainage system length, may play an important role in runoff temperature reduction. Master of Science Cold-water fish species such as trout are a game species of large economic value that are very susceptible to changes in water temperature. Due to warmer runoff temperatures from urban watersheds stream temperatures are increasing, posing a potential impact on the cold-water fish found in these watersheds. Bioretention cells are a common method for treating and reducing pollutants from stormwater in urban areas. Recently, research has focused on the potential of bioretention cells to reduce runoff temperatures in urban watersheds. However, research is limited and does not fully address the bioretention design characteristics that may be beneficial for reducing runoff temperatures. In this study two bioretention with differing design approaches were monitored during summer months to quantify and assess the potential for runoff temperature reduction. Both cells reduced runoff volume, temperature, and overall heat energy leaving the cell. However, outflow temperatures were typically above the stress temperature threshold for many cold-water fish species, indicating that this practice may reduce runoff temperatures to a level that will not stress these fish species. Previous research has suggested that deeper cells may provide more cooling benefits as deeper soil layers are experience cooler and more stable temperatures. In this study, the deeper cell was not as effective in reducing runoff temperatures as the shallow cell with a greater overall volume. This finding suggests that there is a limit to the effectiveness of deeper cells and that other cell characteristics, such as cell volume, play an important role in runoff temperature reduction.

The Mekong River Basin (MRB) is one of the largest transboundary basins in the world shared between six south Asian countries. The Mekong river supports a population of more than sixty million people through irrigation and fisheries for their survival and hosts approximately 88,000 MW of unharnessed hydropower potential. The construction of the dams for the supply of energy has a wide-ranging effect on the downstream regions of reservoirs, causing unprecedented and devastating damage to the environment and livelihood of people. The dissertation examines the optimal operation of the dams for the equitable distribution of water between irrigation, domestic, and hydropower sectors with minimal effect on the downstream ecosystem by estimating the cascading effects of dams in the MRB. The hydrological characteristic of the MRB was simulated using the high resolution (1 km) Variable Infiltration Capacity (VIC) hydrological model with the Lohmann et al. (1996, 1998) routing scheme and general circulation models projection for the future till 2099. Remote sensing products were used for the derivation of the reservoir behaviors, while the net irrigation water requirement (NIWR) was simulated by the irrigation scheme embedded in the improved VIC model. The VIC-MODFLOW (VIC-MF) coupled model was used for the investigation of the interaction between the surface and groundwater movement. The hydropower potential of the dams was estimated using the modified Hanasaki et al. (2006) approach by explicitly considering the irrigation water demand from the expanding and intensifying agricultural activities. A system dynamic model for the MRB was developed for the sustainable optimization of water allocation to meet the needs from the irrigation, domestic, hydropower generation, and ecological sectors. Economic analysis was performed to evaluate the existing and future conditions over the resource surplus regions with consideration of social impacts. Streamflows in the MRB varied substantially with the peak monthly streamflow from 10 m3/sec to 40,000 m3/sec. The inflows to dams in both main river and tributaries are projected to increase from 1.2% to 25% under RCP 4.5 and a decrease of 28.5% - 74.7% under RCP 8.5 during 2020-2099 as compared to the historic mean. The NIWR for the MRB was calculated as 65,000 million m3 for the observed period (1981-2019) with a decrease of 0.25% for the future period. The groundwater interaction is expected to enhance the surface streamflow resulting in additional inflow to dams. The multipurpose reservoirs were able to generate the desired annual energy ranging from 15 GWh to 400 GWh along with satisfying more than 80% of the irrigation water demand. Similarly, the irrigation reservoirs also satisfied more than 80% of the water demand for irrigation and hydropower reservoirs to generate the required energy between 2 GWh and 18990 GWh. Climate change will enhance the hydropower potential with an average increase of 7.3% and 5.3% in the future under RCP 4.5 and RCP 8.5, respectively. The increase in the irrigated area (5% and 10%) reduces the energy generation of the multipurpose dams by 1.5%, however, the addition of a crop cycle lowers the energy generation by more than 10%. The system dynamics model showed the multipurpose dams produced annual energy of 316 GWh and satisfied more than 60% of the irrigation, municipal, and industrial sectors water demand during 2006-2019. Similarly, irrigation dams supplying more than 60% of the irrigation water demand, and 50% of the municipal and industrial sectors demand. Climate change has a positive influence on the performance of the dams. The assessment of the shadow price shows that the dam operation in Thailand, Laos PDR, and China will be sufficient to meet the water demands of the energy, irrigation, municipal, and industrial sectors, while the energy sector of Cambodia and Vietnam may experience adverse impacts. Doctor of Philosophy The Mekong River Basin (MRB) is one of the largest transboundary basins in the world shared between six south Asian countries. The Mekong river supports more than sixty million people through irrigation and fisheries for their survival and hosts unharnessed hydropower potential. The construction of the dams has a wide-ranging effect on the downstream regions of reservoirs, causing damage to the environment and livelihood of people. The dissertation studies the optimal operation of the dams in the MRB for the equitable distribution of water between irrigation, domestic, and hydropower sectors with minimal effect on the ecosystem. The streamflow of the MRB was simulated using the hydrological model with a routing scheme and future projection till 2099. Remote sensing products were used for the derivation of the reservoir behaviors. The water requirement for the irrigation and the groundwater-surface interaction was simulated by the irrigation scheme embedded in the hydrological model and groundwater coupled model. The hydropower potential of the dams was estimated by explicitly considering the irrigation water demand from the expanding and intensifying agricultural activities. A dynamic model for the MRB was developed for the sustainable optimization of water allocation to meet the needs from the irrigation, domestic, hydropower generation, and ecological sectors. Economic analysis was performed to evaluate the existing and future conditions over the resource surplus regions with consideration of social impacts. Streamflows in the MRB varied substantially between the dams based on the location at the mainstem or tributaries. The inflows to dams in both main river and tributaries in the future is expected to increase under low-carbon emission and decrease under high-carbon emission conditions. The irrigation water for the MRB was calculated as 65,000 million m3 for the period 1981-2019 and expected to decrease in the future. The groundwater interaction is expected to increase the surface streamflow resulting in additional inflow to dams. The multipurpose reservoirs were able to generate the desired annual energy ranging along with satisfying more than 80% of the irrigation water demand. Similarly, the irrigation reservoirs also satisfied more than 80% of the water demand for irrigation and hydropower reservoirs to generate the required energy. Climate change will favor the hydropower energy potential in the future. The increase in the irrigated area and the addition of a crop cycle reduces the energy generation of the multipurpose dams. The system dynamics model showed the multipurpose dams produced 97% of the demand energy and satisfied more than 60% of the irrigation, municipal, and industrial sectors water demand during 2006-2019. Similarly, irrigation dams supplying more than 60% of the irrigation water demand, and 50% of the municipal and industrial sectors demand. Climate change has a positive influence on the performance of the dams. The assessment of the shadow price shows that the dam operation in Thailand, Laos PDR, and China will be sufficient to meet the water demands of the energy, irrigation, municipal, and industrial sectors, while the energy sector of Cambodia and Vietnam may experience adverse impacts.

Urban and agricultural runoff is the principal contributor to non-point source (NPS) pollution and subsequent impairments of streams, rivers, lakes, and estuaries. Urban and agricultural runoff is a major source of sediment, nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) loading to receiving waters. Coastal waters in the southeastern U.S. are vulnerable to human impacts due to the proximity to urban an agricultural land uses, and hydrologic connection of the Coastal Plain to receiving waters. To mitigate the impacts of urban and agricultural runoff, a variety of stormwater control measures (SCMs) are implemented. Despite the importance of the Coastal Plain on water quality and quantity, few studies are available that focus on prediction of nutrient and sediment runoff loads from Coastal Plain watersheds. The overall goals of my dissertation are to assess the effect of urban and agricultural watershed on coastal waters through monitoring and modeling, and to characterize treatment performance of SCMs. These goals are addressed in four independent studies. First, we developed the Storm Water Management Model (SWMM) and the Hydrologic Simulation Program-Fortran (HSPF) models for an urbanized watershed to compared the ability of these two models at simulating streamflow, peak flow, and baseflow. Three separate monitoring and modeling programs were conducted on: 1) six urban land uses (i.e. commercial, industrial, low density residential, high density residential, transportation, and open space); 2) container nursey; and 3) a Coastal Plain retention pond. This study provides methods for estimating watershed pollutant loads. This is a key missing link in implementing watershed improvement strategies and selecting the most appropriate urban BMPs at the local scale. Results of these projects will help urban planners, urban decision makers and ecological experts for long-term sustainable management of urbanized and agricultural watersheds. Doctor of Philosophy Urban and agricultural runoff is a major source of sediment, nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) loading to receiving waters. When in excess, these pollutants degrade water quality and threaten aquatic ecosystems. Coastal waters in the southeastern U.S. are vulnerable to human impacts due to the proximity to urban an agricultural landuse. To mitigate the impacts of urban and agricultural runoff, a variety of stormwater control measures (SCMs) are implemented. The overall goals of my dissertation are to assess the effect of urban and agricultural watershed on coastal waters through monitoring and modeling, and to characterize treatment performance of SCMs. These goals are addressed in four independent studies. First, we developed two watershed models the Storm Water Management Model (SWMM) and the Hydrologic Simulation Program-Fortran (HSPF) to simulate streamflow, peak flow, and baseflow within an urbanized watershed. Three separate monitoring programs were conducted on: (1) urban land uses (i.e. commercial, industrial, low density residential, high density residential, transportation, and open space); (2) container nursey; and (3) a Coastal Plain retention pond. These studies provided methods for estimating watershed pollutant loads. Results of these projects will help urban planners and ecological experts for long-term sustainable management of urbanized and agricultural watersheds.

Excessive nutrient loading from watersheds causes nutrient enrichment and water quality issues in very small streams to large rivers. Nutrient enrichment is exacerbated by urbanization and agricultural land use; however, the magnitude of the problem differs by regional landscape and environmental characteristics. Currently, we do not understand how regional variables moderate these relationships. Thus, the overall objective of this thesis was to investigate how regional landscape and environmental variables moderate developed land cover–stream nutrient relationships across the United States. The first study examined how climate and land use influences the scaling of phosphorus, total nitrogen, ammonia and nitrate loads for very large regions (Mid-Atlantic, Upper Mississippi, Ohio and Missouri) of the U.S. Results show the scaling relationships of nutrient loads with watershed size depends on the nutrient species and differed by region; the magnitude of the relationships was greater in wetter climates and developed watersheds. The second study determined 1) whether the relationships between urban and agricultural land cover intensity and concentrations of phosphorus, total nitrogen, ammonia and nitrate across the U.S., differed by ecoregion, and 2) whether regional landscape and environmental factors explained those differences. The relationships were found to differ by ecoregion and the differences were moderated by regional agriculture, topography and climate where stream nutrients increased more rapidly with anthropogenic land use in regions with high agricultural land use, wetter climates and flatter topography. The study findings will enable water quality managers create region-specific water management strategies for streams impacted by excessive nutrient loads. Master of Science Several factors affect the loading and concentration of nutrients, which in high amounts cause harmful algal blooms in streams. The size of watersheds and the level of urban and agricultural land use influence how much nutrient is added to streams. The main goal of this study was to determine how the effect of watershed size and urban and agricultural land cover on stream nutrient loading and concentrations, respectively, are controlled by particular environmental variables, such as climate, topography and land cover. To understand these effects, phosphorus, total nitrogen, ammonia and nitrate concentrations and loads were analyzed using statistical models. In the first study, the degree to which nutrient loading is affected by watershed size in four regions of the U.S. (Mid-Atlantic, Upper Mississippi, Ohio and Missouri) was assessed. The study found that the effect of watershed size on nutrient loading depended on the nutrient type and differed by region, and nutrient loads were greater in wetter climates and watersheds dominated by human activities. In the second study, regional differences in the effects of urban and agricultural land on nutrient concentrations was assessed. The study found that the effects of human land use differed by region and that these effects were greater in wetter, flatter regions, and those with a high degree of agricultural use. This study facilitates understanding and identification of important regional factors that regulate water quality in streams and therefore, will facilitate region-specific water management strategies for streams impacted by excessive nutrient loading.

Municipal separate storm sewer system (MS4) permittees face costly obligations to reduce pollutant loadings needed to achieve waste load allocations (WLAs) and meet total maximum daily loads (TMDLs). Street sweeping is potentially an effective BMP since streets exist throughout urban watersheds, often are directly connected to the storm sewer, and are found to contain an abundance of contaminants. Although pollutant removal from street sweeping has been evaluated for decades, an understanding of the impact on water quality in receiving streams is elusive. Due to numerous variables, the large number of samples necessary to measure impact in receiving streams may never be obtained. In response, modeled pollutant removal efficiencies based on frequency of sweeping have been recommended to the Chesapeake Bay Program, but these results are suspect. Alternatively, the amount of swept material has emerged as a method to quantify reductions. A sampling study was conducted to measure pollutants in swept material. The study identified the fraction of material susceptible to transport in runoff based on timing of sweeping in relation to runoff events. Based on observed pollutant concentration associations with particle size, the study results in estimates of pollutant concentrations for the fraction of material susceptible to downstream transport, dependent on duration since the last rainfall and type of surface swept, whether the area is a streets or a parking lot. Pollutant loadings and required reductions to achieve the Chesapeake Bay WLAs for various land use sample areas are computed for an average year. Modeled removal efficiencies and results from the sampling study were employed to assess impacts from street sweeping. Modeled efficiencies predict significantly lower impact than measurements of pollutants susceptible to runoff in swept material. Modeled loadings are inconsistent with measurements of swept materials and the rigorous sweeping frequency required for modeled removal efficiency credit appears to be unnecessary. Doctor of Philosophy Many localities, state agencies and other public entities that own storm sewer systems are increasingly required to reduce pollutants discharged from their systems to surface waters as a result of programs stemming from the Clean Water Act. Traditional stormwater management practices, such as retention ponds, appear limited towards providing the total pollutant reductions necessary due to physical constraints, opportunity and cost. Street sweeping is potentially an effective alternative practice since streets exist throughout urban watersheds, often are directly connected to the storm sewer, are found to contain an abundance of contaminants and can be cost effective. Although pollutant removal from street sweeping has been evaluated for decades, an understanding of the pollutants removed from stormwater is elusive. Past studies suggest the large number of samples necessary to measure impact from sweeping in receiving streams may never be obtained. In response, pollutant removal estimates have been made using computer models, but modeled results are suspect since they cannot be calibrated. Alternatively, a measure of swept material has emerged as a method to quantify pollutant reductions. A sampling study was conducted to measure pollutants in swept material. Results identify the fraction of swept material washed from the swept surface dependent on timing of sweeping in relation to the duration since the last rainfall. Based on observed pollutant concentration associations with particle size, the study results in estimates of concentrations for the fraction of material susceptible to downstream transport, dependent on duration since the last rainfall and type of surface swept, whether the area is a streets or a parking lot. Application of the results are compared to modeled removal efficiencies towards achieving regulatory compliance within various land use sample areas. Modeled efficiencies predict significantly lower impact than measurements of pollutants susceptible to runoff in swept material. Rigorous sweeping frequency required for modeled removal efficiency credit appears to be unnecessary.