Feasibility of a Dune Infiltration System to Protect North Carolina Beaches from Fecal Bacteria Contaminated Storm Water

Storm water ocean outfalls discharging into recreational waters pose a human health threat because of increased potential exposure to bacteria and other pathogens. The dune infiltration system (DIS) was designed and implemented at two ocean outfall sites in response to concerns by the North Carolina Department of Transportation and the town of Kure Beach, North Carolina The systems were designed to divert storm water runoff from 1.9 ha (4.7 acre) and 3.2 ha (8.0 acre) watersheds into the beach dunes. Following construction, data were collected from 25 storms during March through October 2006. The systems captured a combined total of nearly 1,800 m3 (63,500 ft3), or 95% of the influent storm water runoff—a significant reduction of runoff volume and peak flow discharging directly onto the beach (p<0.0001). Fecal coliform and enterococci concentrations were measured in the inflowing storm water runoff and groundwater downslope of the systems. Both groundwater bacteria concentrations near the systems were significantly lower than the bacteria concentrations in the inflowing storm water (p<0.001). Furthermore, groundwater fecal coliform concentrations after implementing the DISs were statistically similar to preconstruction levels (p<0.05). The initial results are promising, and the system should be considered for more widespread use. However, further comprehensive research is recommended to more thoroughly understand the viability of the DIS as a storm water best management practice and the fate and transport of the bacteria within the dunes.