Date post: | 17-Dec-2015 |
Category: |
Documents |
Upload: | britney-wheeler |
View: | 213 times |
Download: | 0 times |
Restore Rock CreekRestore Rock CreekCaryn Canfield
Eileen Straughan
http://www.restorerockcreek.org/
AgendaAgenda1. Organization History2. Rock Creek Watershed3. Water Quality Challenges4. What You Can Do
Organization HistoryOrganization History
RestoreRockCreek.org started in 2009
Rock Creek WatershedRock Creek Watershed
Rock Creek WatershedRock Creek Watershed
What Happens to Rainwater?
Run-off Variability with Increased Impervious Surfaces (FISRWG, 1998)
v
20 – 70% Impervious Surface
70– 100% Impervious Surface
Natural Ground Cover35% evapotranspiration
40% evapotranspiration
10% runoff
25% shallow infiltration
25% deep infiltratio
n
38% evapotranspiration
21% shallow
infiltration 21% deep infiltratio
n10 – 20% Impervious Surface
30% runoff
20% shallow
infiltration15% deep infiltratio
n
55% runoff
10% shallow
infiltration5% deep infiltratio
n
30% evapotranspiration
20% runoff
Water Quality ChallengesWater Quality Challenges
NutrientsSedimentBacteria
“….While the main causes of degradation in the 1970s were pointsources that could be targeted more directly, sources of
contamination are now prevalent throughout entire watersheds and are caused in part by patterns of development, population growth,
and consumer behavior….”Coming Together for Clean Water EPA’s Strategy to Protect America’s
Waters, March 30, 2011
Nutrients in Rock CreekNutrients in Rock Creek
Nutrient Sources Stormwater Runoff
◦Rooftops◦Driveways◦Roadways◦Yards
Sewage ◦Treated and untreatedSeptic systems; a 24/7 sourcePumping station overflows; an infrequent source
Soluble Nitrogen•Treatment plant with ENR (3mg/l)•Septic System with Nitrogen Removal 10mg/l•Old Septic System 20-40mg/l
NITROGEN IS THE ENEMY
Nutrients in Rock CreekNutrients in Rock Creek
Nutrient SourcesAnimal waste
◦Domestic◦Wildlife
Air Pollution 40% of the nitrogen inputs to the Bay are from atmospheric deposition
Sediment in Rock CreekSediment in Rock Creek
Sediment Sources
ErosionPoor vegetative coverUncontrolled stormwaterPoorly maintained erosion sediment control devices on construction sites
Bacteria in Rock CreekBacteria in Rock Creek
Bacteria SourcesIllegal connectionsLeaking connectionsFailing septic systemsPet WasteWildlifeRaw sewage overflows
24/7 sourcesvsWeather relatedincidents
Restore Rock Creek ActivitiesRestore Rock Creek Activities
2010 Non-Tidal Sampling2010 Rainbarrel Demonstration and Sale2011 Stream Clean Up2011 Oyster ProgramOn-going coordination with Anne Arundel
County DPWOn-going Research to Prioritize
What YOU can do to helpWhat YOU can do to help
Join UsControl your stormwater runoff
◦ Check car, boat, motorcycle for leaks◦ Wash on lawn, not driveway◦ Recycle used oil◦ Use fertilizer/pesticides sparingly and according to
directions AND soil test results◦ Plant deep rooted plants◦ Go native!◦ Sweep instead of hose◦ Vegetate bare spots◦ Replace waterfron lawn with native grasses◦ Eliminate impervious surfaces◦ Keep stormwater out of the roadways and stormwater
systems – Spread the water out and slow it down!
What YOU can do to helpWhat YOU can do to help
Don’t overwater lawn, use drip irrigationUse nontoxic, biodegradable, recycled and
recyclable productsClean paint brushes in sink, dispose of
unwanted paint safelyDisconnect downspoutsInstall a rainbarrelInstall a rain gardenPICK UP AFTER PETSConvert lawn to low maintenance
landscapingPlant a tree!
What YOU can do to help…What YOU can do to help…
Drain spas/pools to sewer where possibleMake sure no chlorine in discharge – Use
OxycleanInspect and maintain septic system
regularly