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Project Details

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Project Information Sheet 2004-07

Agricultural BMP application to remediate nitrate contamination in a major outwash aquifer in Jackson County, Indiana

Funding Source:	Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM), Section 319 Program
Period of Contract:	14 Oct 2003 to 13 Oct 2007
Status:	active — Definition of status type
Project Director:	Denver Harper

Issue

The project involves a cooperative effort of the IGS, farmers, and farm-service agencies to implement various best management practices (BMPs) for fertilizer application and to determine the effects of the BMPs, if any, on the quality of ground water (particularly nitrate levels) in an underlying aquifer.

Approach

In association with farmers, demonstration fields were established and monitoring wells were installed to collect samples of water that leaches from these fields to the aquifer. Changes in nitrate concentrations through time will indicate which of the experimental procedures are most effective.

Products

A Web-based report on the efficacy of best management practices for the reduction of nitrate contamination is posted on the IGS Web site at the following URL: http://igs.indiana.edu/survey/projects/JacksonRemediation/index.cfm .

Benefits

If effective, the BMPs developed during the project can be applied to similar hydrogeologic settings throughout the state, as well as to the similar settings throughout the glaciated northern part of the United States.

Locations Affected:

Jackson

Indiana House Districts Affected:

65

Indiana Senate Districts Affected:

44

Indiana Congressional Districts Affected:

Information Updated February 8, 2007

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