Onslow County Constructed Wetlands Project B. Howard Farm

In 1999, the 3500 swine capacity feeder-to-finish farm was purchased by B. Howard from the prior owner, who had been shut down by DENR in 1996. The old lagoon (pictured above) had only been in use for a few years prior to farm closure. From summer 1996 until fall 1999, the lagoon received no waste imputs. Nutrient levels in the lagoon reduced to very low levels and the lagoon took on the characteristics of a pond.

During fall 1999 and spring 2000, the liquid was land applied. The nitrogen concentration at that time was 0.09 lb N per 1000 gallons (NCDA waste analysis results). Roughly one million gallons of liquid was land applied, for a total nitrogen application of 90 lbs over more than seven acres of land. For comparison, coastal residential lawn grass types may receive 1 lb nitrogen per 1000 square feet of yard (varies depending on grass type). There are 43,560 square feet per acre; therefore, the residential rate equates to 43.56 lbs per acre. Emptying the liquid from the former lagoon resulted in a 12.86 lb per acre application....much less than residential use.

Groundbreaking for the constructed wetlands occurred on May 2, 2000. The following slides relate the events that have occurred at the site:

Photo 2	Photo 3	Photo 4	Photo 5	Photo 6	Photo 7	Photo 8
Photo 9	Photo 10	Photo 11	Photo 12	Photo 13	Photo 14	Diagram
Photo 16	Photo 17	Photo 18	Photo 19	Photo 20	Photo 21	Photo 22
Photo 23	Photo 24	Photo 25	Photo 26	Photo 27	Wildlife visitors

Rural & Agricultural Projects and Pictures
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http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/staff/drashash/enved/wetlnd1.html

Updated 11/04/2004

Employment and program opportunities are offered to all people regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability.
North Carolina State University, North Carolina A&T State University, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and local governments cooperating.