This action approves an award in the amount of $1,304,942 to the university of south alabama to enhance and protect the water quality of the gulf of mexico by reducing nonpoint source nutrient loads…

This action approves an award in the amount of $1,304,942 to the university of south alabama to enhance and protect the water quality of the gulf of mexico by reducing nonpoint source nutrient loads and removing nutrients from urban stormwater runoff. Project activities include developing nutrient adsorbing geotextiles for green infrastructure application while also studying their performance under real-world stormwater treatment and investigating their life expectancy. Results of this demonstration project will be disseminated in peer-reviewed journals, conferences, and educational presentations at title 1 schools to engage underserved youth. Anticipated deliverables upon completion of this project are the generation of a new technology and knowledge that can be implemented into existing and future green infrastructure to reduce nutrient loads from urban stormwater runoffs. The results will provide relationship between geotextile elements and the removal of contaminants from non-point source runoff. This project will also yield an overall technology assessment, with recommendations on deployment and operation, that will help inform towards the rapid implementation of this technology, to mitigate pollution and improve habitat by removal of nutrients from entering the gulf of mexico. Intended beneficiaries are residents of the cities of mobile and auburn and the communities near mobile BAY and coastal alabama, who will benefit from improved water quality. Activities:.subrecipient:subrecipient activities will be funded to develop and characterize the hybrid geotextile materials and hydraulic properties, conduct geotextile field testing and stormwater quality analysis, and to lead the outreach initiative (education presentations), organize BI-annual workshops, and coordinate field trips for underserved youth participation. Outcomes:.