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Kristen Bukowski McSwain, P.G.

Kris McSwain is a Physical Scientist in the Office of Planning and Programming for the USGS Water Mission Area.

Research Interests:

Temperature as a tracer in groundwater/surface-water interaction; Salt-water intrusion and its impact to coastal water supply; Use of stable isotopes to track groundwater movement; Groundwater monitoring for water supply and anthropogenic impact

Professional Experience

  • July 2020 - Present:     Physical Scientist, Office of Planning and Programming, USGS Water Mission Area

  • June 2019  - June 2020:     Coordinator, Advisory Committee on Water Information, USGS Water Mission Area  

  • November 2016 - June 2019:     Groundwater Specialist, USGS, South Atlantic Water Science Center

  • January 2013 - November 2016:     Hydrologist, USGS, Raleigh NC 

  • January 2011 - January 2013:     Student Trainee (Hydrology), USGS, Raleigh NC 

  • November 2005 - January 2011:     Hydrologist, USGS, Raleigh NC

  • February 2004-November 2005:     Hydrogeologic Technician, NC Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Raleigh NC

  • November 1999 - July 2001:     Supervisory Hydrologist, USGS, Atlanta GA

  • June 1995 - November 1999:     Hydrologist, USGS, Atlanta GA

  • November 1994 - June 1995:     Geologist, Jordan, Jones, & Goulding, Atlanta GA

  • November 1992 - November 1994:     Student Intern, USGS, Atlanta, GA

Education and Certifications

  • M.S. in Soil Science, North Carolina State University
    Thesis:  Groundwater-surface water interaction and nutrient retention within a floodplain of the Cape Fear River, N

  • B.S. in Geology, Georgia State University

Science and Products

Filter Total Items: 17

South Atlantic Water Science Center Strategic Science Plan: 2019–23

Executive SummaryThe South Atlantic Water Science Center Strategic Science Planning Team has developed a unified strategic science plan to guide the science vision of the South Atlantic Water Science Center (SAWSC) in response to the merging of the Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina Water Science Centers. This plan proposes a path forward to keep SAWSC science activities relevant to the m
Authors
Thomas F. Cuffney, Ana M. Garcia, Arthur J. Horowitz, Jacob H. LaFontaine, James E. Landmeyer, Anna M. McKee, Kristen Bukowski McSwain, Jaime A. Painter, John M. Shelton, Christopher A. Smith
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Water Resources Mission Area, South Atlantic Water Science Center (SAWSC)

Delineation of areas having elevated electrical conductivity, orientation and characterization of bedrock fractures, and occurrence of groundwater discharge to surface water at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Barite Hill/Nevada Goldfields Superfu

During October 2012 through March 2013, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), in cooperation with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region 4, Superfund Section, conducted borehole geophysical logging, surface geophysical surveys, and water-quality profiling in selected wells and areas to characterize or delineate the extent of elevated subsurface electrical conductivity at the EPA Barite
Authors
Melinda J. Chapman, Brad A. Huffman, Kristen Bukowski McSwain
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Water Resources Mission Area, South Atlantic Water Science Center (SAWSC)

Effect of land-applied biosolids on surface-water nutrient yields and groundwater quality in Orange County, North Carolina

Land application of municipal wastewater biosolids is the most common method of biosolids management used in North Carolina and the United States. Biosolids have characteristics that may be beneficial to soil and plants. Land application can take advantage of these beneficial qualities, whereas disposal in landfills or incineration poses no beneficial use of the waste. Some independent studies and
Authors
Chad R. Wagner, Sharon A. Fitzgerald, Kristen Bukowski McSwain, Stephen L. Harden, Laura N. Gurley, Shane W. Rogers
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Water Resources Mission Area, South Atlantic Water Science Center (SAWSC)

Use of stable isotopes of nitrogen and water to identify sources of nitrogen in three urban creeks of Durham, North Carolina, 2011-12

A preliminary assessment of nitrate sources was conducted in three creeks that feed nutrient impaired Falls and Jordan Lakes in the vicinity of Durham County, North Carolina, from July 2011 to June 2012. Cabin Branch, Ellerbe Creek, and Third Fork Creek were sampled monthly to determine if sources of nitrate in surface water could be identified on the basis of their stable isotopic compositions. L
Authors
Kristen Bukowski McSwain, Megan B. Young, Mary L. Giorgino
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Water Resources Mission Area, South Atlantic Water Science Center (SAWSC)

Hydrogeology, hydraulic characteristics, and water-quality conditions in the surficial, Castle Hayne and Peedee aquifers of the greater New Hanover County area, North Carolina, 2012-13

A major issue facing the greater New Hanover County, North Carolina, area is the increased demand for drinking water resources as a result of rapid growth. The principal sources of freshwater supply in the greater New Hanover County area are withdrawals of surface water from the Cape Fear River and groundwater from the underlying Castle Hayne and Peedee aquifers. Industrial, mining, irrigation, an
Authors
Kristen Bukowski McSwain, Laura N. Gurley, Dominick J. Antolino
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Water Resources Mission Area, South Atlantic Water Science Center (SAWSC)

Hydrogeology, groundwater seepage, nitrate distribution, and flux at the Raleigh hydrologic research station, Wake County, North Carolina, 2005-2007

rom 2005 to 2007, the U.S. Geological Survey and the North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Division of Water Quality, conducted a study to describe the geologic framework, measure groundwater quality, characterize the groundwater-flow system, and describe the groundwater/surface-water interaction at the 60-acre Raleigh hydrogeologic research station (RHRS) located at the
Authors
Kristen Bukowski McSwain, Richard E. Bolich, Melinda J. Chapman
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Water Resources Mission Area, South Atlantic Water Science Center (SAWSC)

Determination of flow losses in the Cape Fear River between B. Everett Jordan Lake and Lillington, North Carolina, 2008-2010

During 2008-2010, the U.S. Geological Survey conducted a hydrologic investigation in cooperation with the Triangle J Council of Governments Cape Fear River Flow Study Committee and the North Carolina Division of Water Resources to collect hydrologic data in the Cape Fear River between B. Everett Jordan Lake and Lillington in central North Carolina to help determine if suspected flow losses occur i
Authors
J. Curtis Weaver, Kristen Bukowski McSwain
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Water Resources Mission Area, South Atlantic Water Science Center (SAWSC)

Distribution of transmissivity and yield of the surficial, Castle Hayne, and Peedee aquifers in Northern New Hanover County, North Carolina

Data were collected from more than 230 wells in northern New Hanover County, North Carolina, to evaluate the distribution of transmissivity and yield of the surficial, Castle Hayne, and Peedee aquifers of the Coastal Plain Physiographic Province. Constant-rate,single-well aquifer test data were obtained and analyzed to calculate additional transmissivity values for 25 production wells that were co
Authors
Kristen Bukowski McSwain, Laura A. Nagy
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Water Resources Mission Area, South Atlantic Water Science Center (SAWSC)

Groundwater level and specific conductance monitoring at Marine Corps Base, Camp Lejeune, Onslow County, North Carolina, 2007-2008

The U.S. Geological Survey, in cooperation with the Marine Corps Base, Camp Lejeune, monitored water-resources conditions in the surficial, Castle Hayne, Peedee, and Black Creek aquifers in Onslow County, North Carolina, from November 2007 through September 2008. To comply with North Carolina Central Coastal Plain Capacity Use Area regulations, large-volume water suppliers in Onslow County must re
Authors
Kristen Bukowski McSwain
By
Water Resources Mission Area, South Atlantic Water Science Center (SAWSC)

Summary and statistical analysis of precipitation and groundwater data for Brunswick County, North Carolina, Water Year 2008

Groundwater conditions in Brunswick County, North Carolina, have been monitored continuously since 2000 through the operation and maintenance of groundwater-level observation wells in the surficial, Castle Hayne, and Peedee aquifers of the North Atlantic Coastal Plain aquifer system. Groundwater-resource conditions for the Brunswick County area were evaluated by relating the normal range (25th to
Authors
Kristen Bukowski McSwain, A.G. Strickland
By
Water Resources Mission Area, South Atlantic Water Science Center (SAWSC)

Water-Resources Data and Hydrogeologic Setting at the Raleigh Hydrogeologic Research Station, Wake County, North Carolina, 2005-2007

Water-resources data were collected to describe the hydrologic conditions at the Raleigh hydrogeologic research station, located in the Piedmont Physiographic Province of North Carolina. Data collected by the U.S. Geological Survey and the North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Division of Water Quality, from May 2005 through September 2007 are presented in this report. Th
Authors
Kristen Bukowski McSwain, Richard E. Bolich, Melinda J. Chapman, Brad A. Huffman
By
Water Resources Mission Area, South Atlantic Water Science Center (SAWSC)

Summary of Ground-Water Data for Brunswick County, North Carolina, Water Year 2007

Ground-water availability in Brunswick County, North Carolina, has been monitored continuously since 2000 through the operation and maintenance of ground-water-level observation wells in the surficial, Castle Hayne, Peedee, and Black Creek aquifers of the North Atlantic Coastal Plain aquifer system. Ground-water-resource conditions for the Brunswick County area were determined by relating the peri
Authors
Kristen Bukowski McSwain
By
Water Resources Mission Area, South Atlantic Water Science Center (SAWSC)
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Thumbnail of Continental US Map of USGS HABs Cooperarative Matching Funds Projects locations

Harmful Algal Bloom (HAB) Cooperative Matching Funds Projects

New projects from coast to coast will advance the research on harmful algal blooms (HABs) in lakes, reservoirs and rivers. The vivid emerald-colored algal blooms are caused by cyanobacteria, which can produce cyanotoxins that threaten human health and aquatic ecosystems and can cause major economic damage.
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Water Resources Mission Area, National Water Quality Program
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Harmful Algal Bloom (HAB) Cooperative Matching Funds Projects

New projects from coast to coast will advance the research on harmful algal blooms (HABs) in lakes, reservoirs and rivers. The vivid emerald-colored algal blooms are caused by cyanobacteria, which can produce cyanotoxins that threaten human health and aquatic ecosystems and can cause major economic damage.
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Ellerbe Creek, Durham, NC

Groundwater/Surface Water Interaction near Ellerbe Creek, Durham, NC

Falls Lake has been included in the North Carolina Division of Water Quality’s 303(d) list of “impaired” waters, due to violations of the State chlorophyll-a standard caused by excessive nutrient inputs (North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Division of Water Quality, 2010a). The North Carolina Environmental Management Commission has adopted nutrient management strategies...
By
South Atlantic Water Science Center (SAWSC)
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Groundwater/Surface Water Interaction near Ellerbe Creek, Durham, NC

Falls Lake has been included in the North Carolina Division of Water Quality’s 303(d) list of “impaired” waters, due to violations of the State chlorophyll-a standard caused by excessive nutrient inputs (North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Division of Water Quality, 2010a). The North Carolina Environmental Management Commission has adopted nutrient management strategies...
Learn More
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Ellerbee Creek, Durham, North Carolina

Evaluation of Nutrients in Durham County, North Carolina, Urban Streams

Falls Lake and Jordan Lake are included in the North Carolina Division of Water Quality's 303(d) list of "impaired" waters due to violations of the State chlorophyll-a standard caused by excessive nutrient inputs. Scientific data are needed allocate resources to achieve nutrient reduction targets have been adopted for the Falls Lake and Jordan Lake watersheds for stormwater, as well as for...
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South Atlantic Water Science Center (SAWSC)
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Evaluation of Nutrients in Durham County, North Carolina, Urban Streams

Falls Lake and Jordan Lake are included in the North Carolina Division of Water Quality's 303(d) list of "impaired" waters due to violations of the State chlorophyll-a standard caused by excessive nutrient inputs. Scientific data are needed allocate resources to achieve nutrient reduction targets have been adopted for the Falls Lake and Jordan Lake watersheds for stormwater, as well as for...
Learn More
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Edyth Hermosillo filtering groundwater sample

Hydrologic Assessment of New Hanover County, NC Aquifers

New Hanover County is one of the most populated areas along the North Carolina coastline and the population is projected to expand by 25 percent over the next 20 years. County managers and town planners are concerned about escalating demand for groundwater within the county and recognize the importance of high-quality drinking water to meet the demands of a growing population. This study will...
By
South Atlantic Water Science Center (SAWSC)
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Hydrologic Assessment of New Hanover County, NC Aquifers

New Hanover County is one of the most populated areas along the North Carolina coastline and the population is projected to expand by 25 percent over the next 20 years. County managers and town planners are concerned about escalating demand for groundwater within the county and recognize the importance of high-quality drinking water to meet the demands of a growing population. This study will...
Learn More
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USGS

Characterization of subsurface bedrock fractures at GMH Electronics EPA Superfund Site near Roxboro, NC

The US Environmental Protection designated a former electronics manufacturing facility as a Superfund cleanup site near Roxboro, North Carolina. Operations at a former gasoline station/store and electronic component production facility may have resulted in the presence of a volatile-organic compound (VOC) plume in groundwater in the area; referred to as the "GMH Electronics Site". The major...
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South Atlantic Water Science Center (SAWSC)
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Characterization of subsurface bedrock fractures at GMH Electronics EPA Superfund Site near Roxboro, NC

The US Environmental Protection designated a former electronics manufacturing facility as a Superfund cleanup site near Roxboro, North Carolina. Operations at a former gasoline station/store and electronic component production facility may have resulted in the presence of a volatile-organic compound (VOC) plume in groundwater in the area; referred to as the "GMH Electronics Site". The major...
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Image: Storm Surge Sensor During Hurricane Irene
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Image: Storm Surge Sensor During Hurricane Irene
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Image: Storm Surge Sensor During Hurricane Irene
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Image: Storm Surge Sensor During Hurricane Irene
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