Principal Investigators and Department:
Brian D. Adam, Arthur Stoecker, and Bailey Norwood, Agricultural Economics; and Daniel Storm, Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering, Oklahoma State University

Project Abstract/Summary:
This project is an evaluation of the economic efficiency of a set of policies designed to remedy phosphorus pollution problems in the Eucha-Spavinaw watershed in Eastern Oklahoma and Western Arkansas. A basin-level mathematical programming model will be used to simultaneously determine the: a) optimal location of processing facilities for and the quantity of poultry litter to be converted to energy, b) quantity of litter to be transported from poultry houses to locations within and out of the watershed, and c) best management practices for applying poultry litter in each HRU within the watershed so that the total cost of meeting specific phosphorus emission targets is minimized.

Principal Investigators and Department:
Surinder K. Sahai and Todd Halihan, Geology, Oklahoma State University; and Roger A. Young, Geology and Geophysics, University of Oklahoma

Project Abstract/Summary:
This project is a feasibility study to determine if multicomponent 3-D ground-penetrating radar (GPR) technique can be used effectively to map the fracture orientation and intensity in fractured rocks. The investigators will select a field location where fractures of different aperture, degree of occlusion, and intensity are present. The fracture orientation and intensity mapped by GPR will be verified by hydraulic tests in the field. The results of this study could be used to refine hydrologic modeling in fractured rock aquifers.

Principal Investigators and Department:
Beth Schaefer Caniglia, Sociology; and Marc Krein, Journalism and Broadcasting, Oklahoma State University

Project Abstract/Summary:
This project is a longitudinal study that will follow the impact of a scientific study being conducted by the Oklahoma Water Resources Board. The project assembles baseline public opinion data from newspaper articles, public comment letters, and in-depth semi-structured interviews. These baseline data account for public opinion toward the Arbuckle-Simpson aquifer prior to the release of significant scientific findings from the Oklahoma Water Resources Board. These baseline data will be compared against subsequent data to measure the change in public opinion over time. The results will provide important insights into the role of science in the adjudication of groundwater policy in the Arbuckle-Simpson case. In the final analyses, the investigators hope to discern the ultimate impact of science on Oklahoma groundwater law.

Principal Investigators and Department:
Daniel E. Storm, Michael D. Smolen, Glenn O. Brown, and Chang-xing Jin, Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering, Oklahoma State University

Project Abstract/Summary:
This project will be developed and tested to maximize the efficiency of riparian strips to remove sediment and nutrients and improve water quality. This study is the first step in developing a tool to assist the design and placement of buffer strips in agriculture dominated watersheds.