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Title: Pinpointing nonpoint pollution

Journal Article · · Civil Engineering and Public Works Review; (UK)
OSTI ID:6898446
;  [1]
  1. Tennessee Valley Authority, Chattanooga (USA)

The Tennessee Valley Authority has employed aerial photography to map its attack on nonpoint sources of water pollution. These sources cause most of the water quality problems in the region and, unlike point sources, are difficult to locate and monitor by conventional methods. In one test, analysis of large scale aerial photographs provided the information needed to define the pollution sources and target cleanup efforts. Infrared color stereoscopic photos at a scale of 1:24,000, revealed 226 livestock operations and their surface drainage connections in a 70,000 acre watershed. Controlling nonpoint sources of water pollution will require a long term commitment. But at a cost of pennies per acre, aerial photographic methods provide an essential complement to conventional data collection techniques.

OSTI ID:
6898446
Journal Information:
Civil Engineering and Public Works Review; (UK), Vol. 58:2; ISSN 0009-7861
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English