Dr. Azad Hossain, an environmental geoscientist at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, has received a $227,172 contract to study the impact of urban development on Friar Branch Creek, part of a vital watershed in Chattanooga. The project, funded by stormwater fees and running until September 2029, aims to evaluate how land use changes affect the creek’s behavior and water quality through geospatial analysis, field data collection, and advanced modeling.
Hossain emphasizes the need to balance urban growth with environmental sustainability, as increased hard surfaces lead to faster runoff and sediment transport, degrading water quality and aquatic habitats. By analyzing 40 years of satellite imagery alongside new field data, the team will create models to predict future scenarios based on ongoing development.
A significant aspect of the research involves integrating total maximum daily load (TMDL) considerations to help the city with future planning and environmental management. The collaboration with the City of Chattanooga and the University of Mississippi’s National Center for Computational Hydroscience and Engineering will deepen data collection and modeling expertise, providing real-world applications for UTC students.
Hossain believes this work is crucial for sustainable growth in Chattanooga, stating the project’s ultimate goal is to inform local decision-making to promote environmental stewardship.
