Civil and Environmental Engineering Commons^™

Development Of A 7.62-M Long Span Guardrail System – Phase Ii, Karla A. Polivka, Robert W. Bielenberg, Dean L. Sicking, Ronald K. Faller, John R. Rohde, Eric A. Keller

Mid-America Transportation Center: Final Reports and Technical Briefs

A 7.62-m long span guardrail system was developed for use over low-fill culverts. The long span design was constructed with two 2.66-mm (12-gauge) thick nested W-beam rails totaling 30.48 m in length. The nested W-beam rail was supported by sixteen W150x13.5 steel posts and six standard CRT posts, each with two 150x200x360 wood blockouts. Each post measured 1,830-mm long. Post spacings were 1,905-mm on center except for the 7.62-m spacing between the two CRT posts surrounding the unsupported span.

The research study included full-scale vehicle crash testing, using a 3⁄4-ton pickup truck. The test, impacting at a speed of 102.9 …

Finding Of No Significant Impact Bank Stabilization Project Ponca State Park, Nebraska Missouri National Recreational River

United States Army Corps of Engineers, Omaha District

An environmental assessment has been prepared that summarizes the expected effects of the proposed project on the existing environment. This is a project proposed by the Omaha District, Corps of Engineers to halt the erosion occurring along the riverfront at Ponca State Park in Dixon County, Nebraska, and protect the access road to the park's public boat ramp. This project is authorized under the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act amendment of 1978 (Public Law 95-625). The proposed project is located along the right bank of the Missouri River between River Miles (RM) 753.9 and 753.5 at Ponca State Park about …

Final General Management Plan Environmental Impact Statement

United States Army Corps of Engineers, Omaha District

This Final General Management Plan / Environmental Impact Statement presents three alternatives for the future of the Missouri National Recreational River: a continuation of existing (conditions (no-action) alternative, a resource protection/recreation (preferred) alternative emphasizing protection and enhancement of biologic values and the history and culture of the area, and a recreational emphasis alternative. In both action alternatives, the Corps of Engineers (COE) and the National Park Service (NPS) would manage the area through a cooperative agreement. The Corps of Engineers would function as the day-la-day manager of the water-related resources, while the National Park Service would administer the land-related resources. …

Sprinkler Irrigation As A Voc Separation And Disposal Method: Innovative Technology Evaluation Report, Teri Richardson, Paul Depercin, Douglas Grosse, Rena Howard, Ann Kern, Endalkachew Sahle-Demissie, Johnny Springer Jr., Richard Schlenker, Roy F. Spalding

United States Environmental Protection Agency: Publications

This report summarizes the findings of an evaluation of sprinkler irrigation as a volatile organic compound (VOC) separation and disposal method.

Background A need for lower cost, effective treatment alternatives for the disposal of treated contaminated groundwater provided the impetus to conduct a SITE demonstration of sprinkler irrigation since it provides both separation and disposal options. Since the application of irrigation is fairly widespread throughout the United States, there may be an opportunity to employ this as a dual purpose technology; concurrent irrigation and disposal of treated groundwater. In order to determine whether this option is viable, it is necessary …

Climate Change And Nebraska

United States Environmental Protection Agency: Publications

The earth’s climate is predicted to change because human activities are altering the chemical composition of the atmosphere through the buildup of greenhouse gases — primarily carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, and chlorofluorocarbons. The heat-trapping property of these greenhouse gases is undisputed. Although there is uncertainty about exactly how and when the earth’s climate will respond to enhanced concentrations of greenhouse gases, observations indicate that detectable changes are under way. There most likely will be increases in temperature and changes in precipitation, soil moisture, and sea level, which could have adverse effects on many ecological systems, as well as on …

Sustainability And Resource Assessment: A Case Study Of Soil Resources In The United States, Dana L. Hoag, Jennie S. Hughes Popp, D. Eric Hyatt

United States Environmental Protection Agency: Publications

Assessment of environmental condition is critical to wise management and policy decisions. However, for some concerns such as sustainability, it is difficult to assess environmental condition because it involves disparate social objectives and an understanding of complex ecological systems. Here, a general framework is proposed to examine sustainability of environmental resources in objective, measurable ways. By using soil quality as an example, sustainability research is taken beyond theory and into application.
Sustainability depends on the quality of resource endowment. Endowment of a natural resource can be modeled as an index of quality to assess the degree of sustainable management. This …

Binder Containing Plant Protein And Densified Refuse Fuel Cubes Made Using Same And Methods Of Making Them, Jerry D. Eastin, David Jones, Darin Dux, Harold Earl Egger

Department of Agricultural and Biological Systems Engineering: Faculty Publications

To form a binder from naturally occurring products or a fuel brick or pellet using the binder without extraction or purification steps, the binder utilizes proteins from the germ or endosperm of cereal grasses or from the seed of buckwheat, oil seed plants, Amaranthus or leguminous plants or from leaves or from grain stillage. The protein has a thermoplastic microstructure with linear polymers of molecular weight of at least 2,000 linked with peptide linkages of at least 50 in number. The binder is mixed with waste such as municipal waste without further processing and processed in a pelleting machine.

Induction Of Oxidative Stress In Brain Tissues Of Mice After Subchronic Exposure To 2,3,7,8-Tetrachlorodibenzo-P-Dioxin, Ezdihar A. Hassoun, Shawn C. Wilt, Michael J. Devito, Angelique Van Birgelen, Naser Z. Alsharif, Linda S. Bimbaum, Sidney J. Stoh

United States Environmental Protection Agency: Publications

The ability of single doses of 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) to induce oxidative stress in hepatic and some extrahepatic tissues of animals is well documented. However, no previous study has examined the ability of TCDD to induce oxidative stress and tissue damage in brain in vivo. In this study the ability of TCDD to induce oxidative stress in brain tissues of mice was studied after subchronic exposures. Groups of female B6C3F1 mice were treated orally with TCDD (0, 0.45, 1.5, 15, and 150 ng/kg/day) for 13 weeks, 5 days/week. The animals were euthanized 3 days after the last treatment and brain tissues …

Missouri River Erosion Update 1941-1998 Yankton Sioux Reservation Marty, South Dakota, Stephen Cournoyer Jr.

United States Army Corps of Engineers, Omaha District

Pacific GeoScience has completed a revised study of the erosion of Tribal lands (tracts) located along the Missouri River within the yankton Sioux Reservation. This riverbank erosion is related to the construction and operation of Fort Randall Dam. This study evaluated the erosion and accretion of Tribal tracts from 1941 through 1998 (the study period), and estimates the value of the net land eroded as a result of dam construction and operation. This report supersedes the ENVIRON report of 1992 and presents a more comprehensive evaluation of the monetary value of the lost acreage. This study utilizes the current tract …

Matrix-Enhanced Calibration Procedure For Multivariate Calibration Models With Near-Infrared Spectra, Mark R. Riley, Mark A. Arnold, David W. Murhammer

Department of Agricultural and Biological Systems Engineering: Faculty Publications

A novel method is introduced for developing calibration models for the spectroscopic measurement of chemical concentrations in an aqueous environment. To demonstrate this matrix-enhanced calibration procedure, we developed calibration models to quantitate glucose and glutamine concentrations in an insect cell culture medium that is a complex mixture of more than 20 components, with three components that manifest significant concentration changes. Accurate calibration models were generated for glucose and glutamine by using a calibration data set composed of 60 samples containing the analytes dissolved in an aqueous buffer along with as few as two samples of the analytes dissolved in culture …

Laboratory Assessment Of Advanced Oxidation Processes For Treatment Of Explosives And Chlorinated Solvents In Groundwater From The Former Nebraska Ordnance Plant, Elizabeth C. Fleming, Mark E. Zappi, Evelyn Toro, Rafael Hernandez, Karen Myers, Prasad Kodukula, Rosemary Gilbertson

United States Army Corps of Engineers, Omaha District

The study herein was performed through a partnering effort between the U.S. Army Engineer District, Kansas City, Kansas City, MO, and the U.S. Army Engineer Waterways Experiment Station (WES), Vicksburg, MS. The Kansas City District funded portions of this effort as a means of evaluating various treatment options for the contaminated groundwaters at the Nebraska Army Ammunition Plant, Mead, NE.

Some of the WES activities were performed under funding from the U.S. Department of Defense's (DoD) Strategic Environmental Research and Development Program (SERDP). WES has been tasked by SERDP to develop peroxone oxidation as an economical means of decontaminating groundwaters …

The Agricultural Health Study: Factors Affecting Completion And Return Of Self-Administered Questionnaires In A Large Prospective Cohort Study Of Pesticide Applicators, Robert Tarone, Michael Alavanja, Sheila Hoar Zahm, Jay Lubin, Dale Sandler, Suzanne Mcmaster, Nathaniel Rothman, Aaron Blair

United States Environmental Protection Agency: Publications

Response rates were examined in a prospective epidemiologic study of individuals, mostly farmers, from Iowa and North Carolina seeking a pesticide applicator license during the period from 1994 through 1996. In the first year of enrollment 16,535 farmers (representing 77% of eligible farmer applicators) enrolled in the study by completing a 17-page questionnaire administered at a pesticide training session; 47% of the enrolled farmers completed and returned a much longer take-home questionnaire. The characteristics of farmers who completed only the enrollment questionnaire were quite similar to those of farmers who also completed and returned the take-home questionnaire. The most notable …

Quantitation Reference Compounds And Voc Recoveries From Soils By Purge-And-Trap Gc/Ms, Brian Schumacher, Steven Ward

United States Environmental Protection Agency: Publications

Unquantified volatile organic compound (VOC) losses occur in every phase of VOC determination including sample collection, transport, storage, preparation, and analysis. Current quality assurance/quality control measures, such as surrogate spikes and internal standards, do not account for losses that occur during sample handling nor do they account for soil matrix effects. An alternate approach, the quantitation reference compound (QRC) approach, is presented that involves direction injection of the QRCs onto the soil matrix to account for any matrix effects and losses during subsequent processing steps prior to sample analysis. Final VOC quantitation is based on the QRC instead of the …

Runoff, Erosion, And Soil Quality Characteristics Of A Former Conservation Reserve Program Site, John E. Gilley, John W. Doran, Douglas Karlen, T. C. Kaspar

Department of Agricultural and Biological Systems Engineering: Faculty Publications

No-till and moldboard plow tillage systems were established on a former Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) site in southwest Iowa. Runoff rates from simulated rainfall events were significantly greater on sites returned to crop production than from adjoining, undisturbed CRP areas. Substantial soil loss was measured from the moldboard plow treatments, but no significant differences in erosion rates were found between the undisturbed CRP and no-till management systems. No-till management maintained levels of soil quality similar to those of CRP by preserving soil structural integrity and reducing losses of soil organic matter (SOM) associated with tillage. Conservation tillage systems which maintain …

Proceedings: Seventeenth Vertebrate Pest Conference, Rohnert Park, California, March 5-7, 1996 (Complete Work), Robert M. Timm , Editor, A. Charles Crabb , Editor

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 17th (1996)

340 registered attendees
58 papers
273 pages
52 Mb

You have come from throughout California, from across the United States, and from many corners of the world to gather here for the purpose of sharing information, expertise, and wisdom in dealing with vertebrate pest problems. Our common purpose is to find yet better methods for preventing and resolving situations in which wildlife comes into conflict with humans. The Conference's mission remains one of education. We learn from each other, and we strive to find better ways of applying our knowledge to real-world problems.

Development Of A Tl-3 F-Shape Temporary Concrete Median Barrier, Ronald K. Faller, John R. Rohde, Barry T. Rosson, Richard P. Smith, Kenneth H. Addink

Mid-America Transportation Center: Final Reports and Technical Briefs

A temporary concrete median barrier (CMB) was designed and tested for compliance under the Test Level 3 (TL-3) guidelines specified in the Recommended Procedures for the Safety Performance Evaluation of Highway Features, National Cooperative Highway Research Program (NCHRP) Report No. 350. The barrier is built to the new metric standards and has a traditional pin and loop configuration for interconnection. The objective of this research project was to develop and evaluate a standardized, temporary concrete barrier design while addressing the concerns for safety, economy, structural integrity, constructability, ease of installation, and maintenance. The resulting F-shape barrier segment is 3,800-mm …

Disaccharide Intolerance Of European Starlings, Leonard R. Askham

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 17th (1996)

The use of disaccharides to discourage bird depredation to agricultural crops has elicited some interest during the last few years. Data developed in these trials indicate that several avian species are intolerant to sucrose because of the lack of sucrase enzymes in their digestive systems. Based on this research it is hypothesized that progressively increasing rates and volumes of solutions would elicit consistent adverse stress reactions. Furthermore, that if birds were intolerant to sucrose, because of their co-evolutionary development with plants, then they should lack the ability to digest lactose. The data developed in these trials does not support either …

Closing Remarks—Seventeenth Vertebrate Pest Conference, Rex O. Baker

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 17th (1996)

As chair-elect of the council, I would like to thank all of those who participated in this 17th Vertebrate Pest Conference.

We had a total attendance of 340 from 27 states in the U.S., including 27 attendees from 8 countries outside the U.S. The contributions and sacrifices made by foreign speakers is genuinely appreciated and has, as always, added greatly to the diversity of the conference.

As most of you know, the council's primary goal is fostering education and advancement in the field of vertebrate pest management. We have always tried to draw noted experts to present a broad range …

Field Efficacy Of Diphacinone Grain Baits Used To Control The California Ground Squirrel, J. A. Baroch

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 17th (1996)

Diphacinone treated oat groats were effective in reducing populations of California ground squirrels (Spermophilus beecheyi) by more than 84%. Two concentrations of active ingredient (0.005% and 0.01%) were compared, as well as two application methods: spot baiting and bait stations. Squirrel activity on test plots was assessed before and after bait applications using visual counts and active burrow counts. There was good correspondence between results of the two activity indices. There was no significant improvement in efficacy provided by the higher concentration of diphacinone. Bait consumption was much lower on bait station plots. Squirrel carcasses were found on …

Overhead Wires Reduce Roof-Nesting By Ring-Billed Gulls And Herring Gulls, Jerrold L. Belant, Sheri K. Ickes

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 17th (1996)

The authors evaluated the effectiveness of overhead wires in reducing roof-nesting by ring-billed gulls (Larus delawarensis) and herring gulls (L. argentatus) at a 7.2 ha food warehouse in Bedford Heights, Ohio during 1994-1995. In 1994, stainless steel wires (0.8 mm diameter) were attached generally in spoke-like configurations between 2.4 m upright metal poles spaced at 33.7 m intervals over the main portion of roof. The 6 to 14 wires radiating from each pole created a mean maximum spacing between wires of about 16 m. Nesting by ring-billed and herring gulls was reduced by 76% and 100% …

Towards "Best Practice" Vertebrate Pest Management In Australia, Mike Braysher, Peter O'Brien, Mary Bomford

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 17th (1996)

Australia has 26 species of introduced pest mammals that cause extensive damage to agriculture and the conservation of native wildlife. Past efforts tried to eradicate them. This focus on reducing pest numbers rather than the outcome, reduced damage, has had limited success. Under its Vertebrate Pest Program, the Bureau of Resource Sciences has developed principles and a strategic approach to managing pest damage. Close cooperation with land managers as co-researchers and co-learners is an essential element, as is a coordinated group approach to pest management. The approaches are illustrated with an example.

Effectiveness Of Vichos Non-Lethal Collars In Deterring Coyote Attacks On Sheep, J. Russell Mason, Richard J. Burns

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 17th (1996)

Vichos non-lethal collars containing 45 to 105 ml of 3 % capsicum oleo resin were evaluated as deterrents to coyote attacks on sheep. Each of five coyotes tested made neck/throat attacks on one collared lamb; four punctured collars and one pulled the collar from a lamb without puncturing it. One coyote did not resume biting the lamb for 60 min; it was retested two and four days later. At two days, the coyote punctured a second collar and briefly halted its attack. At four days, the coyote attacked a third collared lamb but made no attempt to grasp the neck/throat …

An Overview Of Animal Damage Control (Adc) Assistance To The Vertebrate Pest Management Industry, William H. Clay

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 17th (1996)

The Animal Damage Control (ADC) program has had a long history dating back to 1885. ADC was officially established in 1931 under the United States Department of Agriculture. In 1939, the program was moved to the United States Department of Interior's Fish and Wildlife Service. In 1996, ADC was transferred back to the USDA and placed under the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service. The mission of the Animal Damage Control program is to provide federal leadership in managing problems caused by wildlife. Current program assistance includes: a) technical assistance in wildlife management; b) conducting research and development activities related …

Improved Sealants For M-44 Cyanide Capsules, Guy Connolly

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 17th (1996)

The M-44 sodium cyanide ejector is one of the most important tools used by the Animal Damage Control (ADC) program to protect livestock from coyotes. Unacceptable performance of M-44 cyanide capsules due to inadequate seals stimulated research to develop a better capsule sealant. Comparative tests of crude beeswax, Scheel SC-100 wax, and other materials revealed that capsules sealed with SC-100 were most resistant to deterioration in adverse environments. Based on these results, SC-100 wax was selected as the sealant of choice. Beginning in April 1989, all M-44 capsules made for ADC program use have been sealed with SC-100 wax. Since …

Impacts Of A Daily Trap Check Law On The California Adc Program, Craig Coolahan

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 17th (1996)

Effective January 1, 1990 California law required that all steel-jawed leghold traps be inspected at least daily and all animals in such traps be removed. The inspection and removal could be performed by the individual who set the traps, the landowner, or an agent of either. Prior to the passage of this law, California Animal Damage Control (ADC) personnel were exempt from Department of Fish and Game trap checking regulations. The data suggest that a decrease in trap use occurred after the implementation of the daily trap check. Where the program could effectively substitute other control tools or methods for …

Analysis Of Vertebrate Pest Research, Jim Hone

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 17th (1996)

Research on vertebrate pest control is mostly empirical, focusing on control of species X in location Y using method Z. Such an approach is needed. The science of vertebrate pest research is developing some generalizations across species, locations, and methods. This paper further explores such generalizations by discussing six questions asked by Hone (1994), the answers to which are relevant to vertebrate pest research world-wide. Several case studies are examined, with emphasis on control of damage by small mammals and predation control. Suggestions are made for future research.

Operational Control Of The Brown Tree Snake On Guam, Thomas C. Hall

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 17th (1996)

An operational control program for brown tree snakes (Boiga irregularis) on Guam began in April 1993. The program focused on minimizing the dispersal of brown tree snakes to other Pacific islands and the U.S. mainland. During the first year of operation, more than 3,000 snakes were caught within a kilometer of high risk port facilities using traps, detector dogs, and spotlighting. Additionally, habitat modifications and prey-base removal were used to reduce the attractiveness of these facilities to brown tree snakes. Public awareness was also an important part of the program such as the education of cargo packers, shippers, …

Rodents And Cover Crops—A Review, Gregory A. Giusti, Desley A. Whisson, W. Paul Gorenzel

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 17th (1996)

Inter-row plantings of herbaceous cover crops has become a widely accepted practice by orchard and vineyard managers. Cover crops, used as part of a production management system, are not considered a cash crop and are therefore selected by individual growers for various reasons. Little is written regarding the relationship of cover crop management and the impact on rodent populations. This paper reviews the recent literature and examines how cover crop species and cultivar selection along with management procedures may be influential in limiting rodent populations and their damage to cropping systems.

A Profile Of Depredating Mountain Lions, Steven D. Fairaizl, San Juan Stiver

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 17th (1996)

Information regarding the demographics and physical condition of mountain lions (Felis concolof) killed during damage control efforts in Nevada was gathered and compared to sport harvested mountain lions. The average age of depredating male lions was 4.92 years of age compared to 4.95 years for sport harvested males. Depredating female lions were older than sport harvested females averaging 5.09 years compared to 4.44 years. Older age class mountain lions of both sexes were more likely to commit depredations than expected. Male lions were involved in depredations 45 % more often than females. Domestic sheep comprise more than 90% …

The Persistence And Secondary Poisoning Risks Of Sodium Monofluoroacetate (1080), Brodifacoum, And Cholecalciferol In Possums, C. T. Eason, G. R. Wright, L. Meikle, P. Elder

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 17th (1996)

To determine the risk of secondary poisoning for animals preying on sub-lethally poisoned brushtail possums, captive possums were treated with near-lethal doses of sodium monofluoroacetate (1080) or brodifacoum, and toxicant concentrations in blood and tissue were monitored over time. Sodium monofluoroacetate was rapidly eliminated from the blood (within three days). Brodifacoum was retained in the liver and, to a lesser extent, the muscle of possums for eight months after dosing. To determine the potential risk for animals scavenging on the carcasses of possums poisoned with cholecalciferol, cats were fed poisoned carcasses for six days. No changes in behavior, appetite, or …