ALEXANDRIA, VA, April 6, 2015 -- Under new contracts, the Water Environment Research Foundation (WERF) is continuing to provide watershed managers with cutting-edge tools and information needed to protect the water quality of local streams and waterways. The projects are underway to expand an important data set -- the Best Management Practices (BMP) Database -- for these professionals.
The first project, "Agricultural BMP Performance: Population of a New National BMP Database (WERF4C14)," is funded by the United Soybean Board. The project team from Wright Water Engineers and Geosyntec will populate WERF's newly developed Agricultural BMP Database with agricultural BMP performance data and information using scientifically developed methods and protocols.
Building this central clearinghouse with data on the effectiveness of agricultural BMPs will greatly benefit agricultural producers and watershed managers by helping to consistently and scientifically evaluate observed field performance of these practices. The United Soybean Board joins WERF, the National Corn Growers Association and the Missouri Corn Growers Association to develop this innovative, new data resource tool.
The second project, "Stream Restoration: A Crucial New BMP Database Module (U5R14)," also awarded to Wright Water Engineers, will develop a new module for the BMP Database for Stream Restoration projects. The primary goal of the program is to develop an information clearinghouse to help guide watershed planners and designers with the most up-to-date design and performance information for this emerging technology.
Both urban and agricultural communities are using stream restoration practices to reduce pollution and improve habitat in watersheds across the United States. Having this type of clearinghouse is critical to assure that communities are implementing the most effective projects.
See also:
"WERF, WEF to advance LIFT program through new water quality industry opportunities"
"WERF issues request for proposals for priority trace organics in biosolids study"
About WERF
The Water Environment Research Foundation is America's leading independent scientific research organization dedicated to wastewater and stormwater questions. LIFT is moving innovation into practice by allowing providers to introduce their emerging, pre-commercial, and newly commercialized technologies to funders, advisors, and end users. For more information, visit www.werf.org.
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