Degree Name
MSEH (Master of Science in Environmental Health)
Program
Environmental Health
Date of Award
12-2013
Committee Chair or Co-Chairs
Dr. Phillip Scheuerman
Committee Members
Dr. Kurt Maier, Dr. Eric Mustain
Abstract
The expansion of Interstate 26 from Erwin, TN to the North Carolina border was a project that potentially adversely impacted South Indian Creek because of the steep landscapes and potential for erosion. Several studies have shown the short-term, negative effects of road construction on the water quality of nearby water bodies. Non-point source pollution is the major source of water pollution in the United States. The primary objective of this research is to evaluate the long-term effects of the construction of Interstate 26 on South Indian Creek to see if there has been any ecological recovery. The Environmental Health Sciences Laboratory of East Tennessee State University was contracted by the Tennessee Department of Transportation to collect data from before construction (1991-1992), during construction (1993-1994), and postconstruction (1995-1996). Comparison of microbial enzyme activities and other parameters to present-day (2012-2013) water quality conditions indicate that South Indian Creek has not fully recovered from the effects of the construction of the interstate.
Document Type
Thesis - unrestricted
Recommended Citation
McClure, Clara, "Long-Term Recovery of South Indian Creek Following Interstate Construction" (2013). Electronic Theses and Dissertations. Paper 2296. https://dc.etsu.edu/etd/2296
Copyright
Copyright by the authors.
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Environmental Health and Protection Commons, Environmental Indicators and Impact Assessment Commons, Environmental Monitoring Commons