EPA-440/3-77-018 , ,
^ i / • i
Assessment of Hural Nonpoint
Source Pollution —
A Model Based on the Universal
Soil Loss Equation
A Case History in 208 Water Quality Management Planning
-------
EPA-440/3-77-018
November 1977
ASSESSMENT OF RURAL
NONPOINT SOURCE POLLUTION—
A MODEL BASED ON THE
UNIVERSAL SOIL LOSS EQUATION
0
^
U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
* Environmental Research Information Center •Technology Transfer
* Office of Water Planning and Standards *Water Planning Division
401 "M" St. S.W. (WH544)»Washington, D.C. 20460
-------
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
This publication contains information prepared for the U.S. En-
vironmental Protection Agency, Environmental Research Informa-
tion Center, Office of Research and Development; and Water Plan-
ning Division, Office of Water Planning and Standards.
The information in this publication was prepared by Alan E.
Rimer, P.E., Wiggins-Rimer and Associates, Durham, North
Carolina with the assistance of James A. Nissen, P.E., and Roger
Schecter, AIP. Mr. Dory Montazemi, Dr. Merza Meghji, and Mr.
Don Niehus of the Ohio-Kentucky-Indiana Regional Council of
Governments also assisted in preparing information.
NOTICE
This publication has been reviewed by the Environmental Research Informa-
tion Center and the Water Planning Division, Office of Water Planning and
Standards, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and is approved for publica-
tion. Approval does not signify that the contents necessarily reflect the views
and policies of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, nor does any mention
of trade names or commercial products constitute endorsement or recommenda-
tion for use.
ii
-------
CONTENTS
Page
Introduction iv
Overview of Area 1
Nonpoint Source Assessment Program 2
Selecting a Methodology 2
The OKI Rural Nonpoint Source Model 2
Results of Nonpoint Source Assessment 4
Ranges for Parameters Modeled 4
Establishing Criteria 5
Identifying Magnitudes and Problem Sources 5
Applications of Data in Developing Best Management Practices 5
Testing Alternative Management Approaches 7
Strategy for Developing Management Practices 9
Implementation of Nonpoint Source Recommendations 10
Basis of the Implementation Approach 10
m
-------
INTRODUCTION
With the advent of grants to areawide water quality planning
agencies under Section 208 of Public Law 92-500, many agencies
have been designated to undertake water quality planning. While
some programs are in the early phases of the planning period, signifi-
cant portions of other programs have been completed and are being
implemented. The case history discussed in this publication is an
example of work done by a Section 208 water quality management
agency and may be useful to other agencies in their water quality
planning.
IV
-------
ASSESSMENT OF RURAL NONPOINT SOURCE POLLUTION —
A MODEL BASED ON THE UNIVERSAL SOIL LOSS EQUATION
As a major element of its areawide water
quality management planning program, the
Ohio-Kentucky-Indiana Council of Govern-
ments (OKI) developed a methodology for
identifying and assessing rural nonpoint source
pollution problems. Beginning its program in
July 1974, OKI recognized that, while urban
nonpoint source problems had received con-
siderable attention in other areas, information
concerning rural contribution and problems
was almost non-existent. As a selected course
of action, OKI developed the rural runoff
model for application in the study area which
is 85 percent rural.
The OKI model is based upon the Universal
Soil Loss Equation utilized by the Soil Con-
servation Service (SCS). For each of the 226
rural watersheds, the OKI model and the ap-
proach for assessing rural nonpoint sources
provided an estimate of the nonpoint source
loadings, an identification of problem uses
within watersheds, and a means of evaluating
alternative management practices for allevia-
ting identified problems.
Model results indicated that gross erosion
ranged from 0.02 to 32.5 tons per acre per
year under existing conditions and provided
estimates of sediment, nutrient and organic
matter loads. To determine the relative magni-
tude of the erosion problems, criteria were
established for cropland, grassland, and wood-
land uses, based upon "allowable soil loss."
Using the OKI model, watersheds with particu-
lar problems were identified and alternatives
for reducing erosion through improved man-
agement were tested. Reductions in erosion
were calculated and public costs to implement
the tested control measures were estimated.
The model results and supporting informa-
tion were used to develop a rural nonpoint
source control program which keys on the ef-
fective application of management practices in
prioritied problem areas, and demonstrates the
need for an increased Agricultural Conservation
Program through local Soil and Water Conser-
vation Districts. Strong support has resulted
from the OKI program for sediment control
legislation in Ohio and Indiana and such legis-
lation is pending. Prior to the OKI water
quality management planning efforts, support-
ing documentation in regard to rural nonpoint
source problems and abatement alternatives
had not been available.
The OKI model was the culmination of much
original research and its development and appli-
cation cost approximately $200,000. The OKI
model had proven its effectiveness and will be
utilized as a continuing planning and evalua-
tion tool.
OVERVIEW OF AREA
OKI was organized in 1964 and initally func-
tioned as a single purpose transportation and
development planning agency. OKI broadened
its responsibilities in 1973-1974 to include all
aspects of regional planning in the form of a
Council of Governments. OKI is governed by a
100-member Board of Trustees composed of
elected officials and appointed representatives.
Policy is established by the Executive Commit-
tee which is formed from members of the
Board of Trustees. The continuing objectives
of OKI are to promote cooperation among lo-
cal agencies, to conduct studies, perform plan-
ning services, and function as the regional pro-
ject review and comment agency.
OKI was designated by the Governors of
Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana to undertake the
areawide water quality planning effort. The
water quality management process at OKI was
-------
begun in July 1974 and is guided by the 90-
member Water Quality Advisory Committee.
Serving on the Committee are elected officials,
local and state agency personnel, technical
representatives, private citizens, and representa-
tives of citizens groups.
From the beginning, the areawide water
quality planning process addressed all aspects
of water quality. With regard to nonpoint
source problems, OKI recognized that consider-
able attention in other areas had focused on
urban nonpoint source problems. By compari-
son, information on rural nonpoint source pol-
lution was found to be almost nonexistent. OKI,
because of the strong rural influence in the re-
gion, undertook to develop a rural nonpoint
source methodology and model as a major in-
put to the overall, areawide water quality plan-
ning process.
The 3,000-square mile planning area in-
cludes nine of the Council of Governments'
ten counties. As shown in figure 1, four of
these counties are in Ohio, three in Kentucky
and two in Indiana. At the center of the study
area is the urban core represented by the cities
of Cincinnati, Covington and Newport. There
are over 100 municipalities in the area and
numerous special purpose districts. Population
of the planning area was 1.6 million in 1970
and is projected to increase to 2.2 million by
the year 2000. Employment in the region is
industrially based. Hydrologically, the area is
dominated by the Ohio River and the tributary
basins of the Great Miami River, Little Miami
River, Licking River, and Mill Creek. More
than 80 percent of the region's population
live on 15 percent of the land. In contrast to
the urban core, 85 percent of the region is
rural. The rural areas are characterized by crop-
land and grazing activities, although much of
the land is steep and wooded.
NONPOINT SOURCE ASSESSMENT
PROGRAM
Because of the strong influence of rural land
uses in the OKI region, particular emphasis
was directed toward determining the rural con-
tribution to nonpoint source pollution prob-
lems. Urban runoff was assessed utilizing
modeling techniques developed by the Corps of
Engineers in STORM. The staff of OKI was in-
terested in developing a model to assess the
rural nonpoint source contribution.
Selecting a Methodology
Considerations of an OKI rural nonpoint
source assessment strategy were based on sev-
eral objectives which included:
• Assessing pollutant loadings from rural
watersheds.
• Determining the relative magnitudes of
point and nonpoint sources in a stream
segment.
• Gauging the impacts of nonpoint source
pollution on water quality.
• Selecting alternative management combi-
nations to control significant nonpoint
sources from rural areas.
In selecting the desired course of action,
OKI considered three general approaches for
estimating the quantity and quality of runoff
from rural areas. One approach was to use ex-
tensive sampling and monitoring to assess run-
off from watersheds. Even if the approach were
carried out on selected watersheds, OKI con-
cluded that such a methodology had several
limitations, not the least of which were time
consumption and expense. Another approach
considered was the use of a "black-box" pre-*
dictor to multiply acreage values for various
land uses by previously established unit runoff
values to derive total loads. However, this sec-
ond approach lacked flexibility by not taking
into account numerous other factors, particu-
lar to the region, which exert an influence on
nonpoint source pollution. The third approach
was to develop a model based on the SCS Uni-
versal Soil Loss Equation (USLE), with soil
loss used to estimate rural nonpoint source
pollution. This approach, which was consid-
ered to overcome the limitations of the first
two, is described in this case history.
The OKI Rural Nonpoint Source Model
To determine the nonpoint source loadings,
OKI developed a rural nonpoint source model
which focused on the USLE. Erosion was recog-
nized as the greatest potential rural nonpoint
source pollutant problem, not only because of
the delivery of suspended solids but also be-
cause of the adsorbed nutrients and organic
materials that sediments carry to the streams.
-------
•s T=
o 3
x CO
MP'( * <• -- iPT
\>" V ** I ^ o« > ^f *^
E §
O
U-")C. 5
omo S^y\ r'
-—•-VaL% ^^ I
I .« eueipui ^5, V'^^V I
U1 .^£X M
\v
1
.y
T3
5
CO
oo
o
CM
ro
c
C
cu
IE
O
ro
iZ
O
O
o
CM
-------
The USLE was applied to individual water-
sheds to develop estimates of gross soil erosion.
This estimate was then multiplied by a sedi-
ment delivery ratio to determine the amount
of solids carried out of the watershed. Addi-
tionally, nutrients and organic loads were es-
tablished from reported chemical analyses of
sediment or known nutrient levels and enrich-
ment ratios for soils in the region. Because the
input values for the OKI model had been de-
veloped historically for use in the USLE, liter-
ature values were readily available, and since
specific physical characteristics of the water-
sheds could be determined, extensive stream
sampling and monitoring were not undertaken.
With this methodology, OKI could deter-
mine the average annual loadings for certain
parameters and use these as a means of estimat-
ing water quality conditions. The types of pol-
lutants which were considered included sedi-
ments," nutrients (nitrogen and phosphorus),
and organic matter.
The OKI region was divided into 233 water-
sheds, of which 226 were predominantly rural.
Watersheds ranged in size from 20 to 100
square miles. As input to the model, OKI gath-
ered specific data for each of the rural water-
sheds. In determining the land use in each
watershed, three categories were delineated
by the interpretation of LANDSAT satellite
imagery: cropland, woodland, and grassland.
These categories were selected because they
were easily interpreted with satellite imagery
and were the predominant land uses influenc-
ing rural water quality in the OKI region.
Acreage data and maps were generated from
this analysis.
OKI gathered data on soil associations (par-
ticularly on credibility) and developed a matrix
for soil/land use mixes using the satellite-
generated map overlays and SCS soil maps. For
example, a mix such as soil with high erodibil-
ity having a woodland land use would not pose
as great a potential water quality problem as the
same soil with cropland use. Information con-
cerning topography, type of crops, crop rota-
tions, and general ground cover conditions for
each soil type/land use mix within each water-
shed was also tabulated. Additionally, informa-
tion concerning the type and extent of existing
conservation practices in each watershed was
compiled from interviews with area Soil and
Water Conservation District personnel.
Each of these factors has its particular in-
fluence on runoff quality and quantity from
rural areas. By using the OKI model, specific
characteristics of soils, type of land use, and
management conditions were combined with
drainage characteristics, rainfall data, and
hydrograph information to estimate annual
loads from each of the 226 rural watersheds.
Through the OKI model, estimates of annual
pollutant quantities were derived by three
primary steps: computation of surface erosion;
sediment yield; and computation of pollutant
loadings. Pollutant parameters for which load-
ings and concentrations were calculated con-
sisted of chemical oxygen demand, biochemi-
cal oxygen demand, total nitrogen, and total
phosphorus.
The development of the OKI rural nonpoint
source model was the culmination of consid-
erable original research and development.
Developing the model, obtaining the input
data, testing and refining the model, and gen-
erating the output data involved approximately
$200,000 of the OKI water quality planning
funds. A specific description of the OKI model
computational procedures is available in the
1975 publication, "A Method for Assessing
Rural Nonpoint Sources - Interim Report V."
This publication is available from the Water
Planning Division (WH-554), EPA, Washington,
D.C. 20460.
RESULTS OF NONPOINT
SOURCE ASSESSMENT
The OKI model and the approach for de-
termining rural nonpoint source pollution
problems were developed to provide an esti-
mate of the nonpoint source loadings, to iden-
tify problem watersheds, and to evaluate
alternative management practices for allevi-
ating identified problems.
Ranges for Parameters Modeled
Model results for each of the 226 rural
watersheds indicated that the estimated ero-
sion rates ranged from 0.02 to 32.5 tons per
acre per year under existing conditions.
Ranges for average annual loadings to area
streams for the parameters under considera-
tion are shown in table 1. These calculated
-------
Table 1.—Ranges for average annual loadings
Parameter
Sediment yield
ToLal nitrogen
To'tal phosphorus
Organic matter
Range over watersheds
0.16 to 1.72 tons per acre
0.96 to 10.3 Ibs per acre
0.1 to 1.22 Ibs per acre
1.77 to 20.68 Ibs per acre
Source: OKI Staff Working Paper, 1976.
average annual loadings were compared with
reported values in the region and the literature,
and were found to be in general agreement
with them.
Establishing Criteria
Since no state standards for nonpoint source
parameters existed, it was necessary to estab-
lish a basic set of criteria on which the relative
magnitude of nonpoint source problems could
be based. Considerations in establishing the
criteria focused on the technical feasibility of
meeting the criteria, and the ability to imple-
ment various control measures. After analyz-
ing the alternative strategies which could be
applicable in a rural setting, OKI decided that
a single criterion governing sediment was de-
sirable. In rural areas, the control of sediment
was considered to be feasible, in terms of im-
plementation, because farmers could identify
with economic benefits of decreasing topsoil
loss. Water quality improvements could also
be realized with a reduction in sediment yield
and the associated nutrients and organic matter
being carried to streams by the sediment.
Therefore, the criterion selected was the
"allowable soil loss"established by the SCS.
This gross erosion rate criterion is specific to
soil type and soil/land use factors which were
being used in the OKI model. The allowable
soil loss is generally defined as the maximum
rate of soil erosion that would allow a high
level of crop production to be sustained
economically and indefinitely. Although the
criterion is based on crop production, water
quality benefits would be realized by meeting
the allowable soil loss limits. OKI was aware
that farmers were more likely to implement
control measures which would improve their
crop yields than to support measures solely
directed toward improved water quality.
For cropland, the allowable soil loss was
established as a range from 1 to 5 tons per
acre per year gross erosion. For other land
uses in rural areas, values were determined
from literature review and were established to
be 1 ton per acre per year for grassland and
0.5 tons per acre per year for woodland. With
these criteria set, each watershed was analyzed,
those areas not meeting the criteria were iden-
tified, and total acres of each land use require-
ing conservation measures were calculated.
In this manner, the OKI model enabled po-
tential water quality improvements to be
maximized by concentrating implementation
efforts in identified problem watersheds.
Identifying Magnitudes and Problem Sources
To carry the analysis of rural nonpoint
source problems a step further, relative magni-
tudes of pollution from point sources, rural
nonpoint sources, and urban nonpoint sources
were compared. Such analyses provided in-
sight into which source represented the most
significant contribution to water quality prob-
lems. The analyses were carried out by model-
ing stream segments, and the results indicated
the relative importance of each source in a
particular segment. Average annual loads for
sediment yield, BOD5, nitrogen, and phos-
phorus were calculated and compared. An ex-
ample of this output for Segment I of the
Great Miami River Basin (from the Ohio River
to river mile 10) is presented in table 2.
Within the urban watersheds, it was deter-
mined (through the use of STORM) that non-
point source runoff from urban areas was not
as significant a water quality problem as in-
dustrial and municipal point sources. In rural
watersheds, varying degrees of nonpoint source
problems (related to sediment) were identified
under existing land use conditions. Figure 2
illustrates average annual sediment yield for
the watersheds within the Great Miami River
Basin as determined by the OKI model.
APPLICATIONS OF DATA IN
DEVELOPING BEST MANAGEMENT
PRACTICES
By analyzing nonpoint source pollution
problems in rural areas, watersheds with exist-
ing problems (gross erosion in excess of the
allowable soil loss criterion) were identified.
-------
-------
Table 2.—Comparison of annual loads by source—Segment I, Great Miami River Basin
Source
Nonpoint rural
Nonpoint urban
Industrial
Municipal
Annual loads (tons)
Sediment
13,754
826
42
35
%of
total
94
5.5
0.3
0.2
BOD5
75.7
13.5
168.4
23.5
%of
total
27
5
60
8
Nitrogen
41.26
5.07
17.35
11.03
%of
total
55
7
23
15
Phosphorus
8.38
1.68
5.00
4.42
%of
total
43
9
25
23
Source: OKI Water Quality Management Plan (Chapter VI, Table VI-17).
Relative contributions with regard to soil/land
use were determined so that potential controls
to abate the nonpoint source pollution could
be related to the contributing source. Con-
sequently, alternative control measures or best
management practices were developed as they
related to reducing the erosion rate and soil
loss under cropland, grassland, and woodland
uses.
Testing Alternative Management Approaches
The strategy was to apply and test alterna-
tive control measures in problem watersheds
through the use of OKI's rural nonpoint source
model. With control measures in place, differ-
ences in gross erosion were calculated and rela-
tive improvements in the nonpoint source
problems were determined. The application of
the best management practices for rural uses
was not undertaken to produce site-specific,
detailed control measures which would be re-
quired, but rather to exemplify the utility of
best management practices and demonstrate
the benefits which could be derived. Data and
results were utilized to support the need for
and encourage the implementation of manage-
ment practices.
For cropland areas, three alternatives were
tested to demonstrate the effectiveness of con-
trol measures in reducing erosion. These man-
agement practices were established, though not
uniformly applied, in area farm operations. For
cropland areas which were identified by the
OKI model as having very high erosion rates,
the tested alternative was a change in land use
(i.e., change from cropland to woodland). In
cropland areas with less severe rates, manage-
ment practices included minimum tillage and
improved crop rotation. Similarly, in wood-
land and grassland areas with erosion problems,
improved management practices such as in-
creased brush cover, reforestation, and better
grazing practices were tested. Depending on
the degree of the problem, extent of the par-
ticular land use, and level of treatment con-
sidered appropriate, the management practices
being tested were applied in each watershed
within a river basin. The OKI model predicted
the effectiveness of the management practices
in terms of the reduction in gross erosion.
An example of the application of best man-
agement practices is illustrated in the case of
the Great Miami River Basin. Applicable land
treatment measures were applied to the 49
watersheds of the Great Miami and Whitewater
River Basins based upon the acreages of the
three land uses in each watershed identified
as needing treatment. For those land uses
needing treatment within the Great Miami
Basin, 70,400 acres were cropland, 41,700
were grassland, and 20,300 were woodland. It
was estimated that within the Great Miami
Basin, 61 percent of the gross erosion was from
cropland, 35 percent from grassland, and 4 per-
cent from woodland. By applying best manage-
ment practices to the aggregate basin, the over-
all reduction in gross erosion was calculated
for two alternatives.
Figure 3 shows the findings of this analysis
in the Great Miami and Whitewater Basins of
the Great Miami River. For the Great Miami
Basin, it can be noted that, by applying alter-
native 1 (woodland improvement, grassland
improvement, and cropland practices improve-
ment), a greater reduction in gross erosion
could be realized than with alternative 2
-------
Proportions of rural land uses by river basin
I
Woodland
I I I II Cropland
Percent of change in gross erosion
o S 8 £ 5 g
i. i i i i
I
AIM
Great
River
H
U
Alt 2
Miami
Basin
^^H Woodland improvement
1 1 Grassland improvement
Legend
.
M
nn
.
Art 1 Alt 2
Whitewater
River Basin
Minimum tillage on cropland
Improvement in cultural
practices on cropland
Figure 3. Reduction in annual gross erosion rate with application of best management practices
Great Miami River.
-------
(changing from cropland improvement to
minimum tillage). Under the management
practices of alternative 1, gross erosion could
be reduced by approximately 35 percent.
It is of significance that in the Whitewater
Basin, improvements in grassland management
alone would greatly reduce the gross erosion.
For those management practices which were
analyzed in the Great Miami Basin, total annual
public costs were calculated. Public costs are
those which would be borne by the federal
government under the existing cost-sharing pro-
gram. As shown in table 3, these costs were
subdivided according to management tech-
niques. When applied to the Great Miami
Basin as a whole, the total annual cost ap-
proaches $685,000 (table 4). This figure repre-
sents the cost for the basin controls associated
with the cost-sharing program of the federal
Agricultural Conservation Program. This pro-
gram is administred through the Agricultural
Stabilization and Conservation Service in the
U.S. Department of Agriculture. Direct costs
to individual farmers were not calculated be-
cause of the complexities of dealing with a
variety of potential conservation practices for
a particular tract of land.
It should be noted that only a portion of the
$685,000 is an expenditure for the direct bene-
fit of pollution abatement. As stated previously,
meeting the allowable soil loss criterion is al-
ready an established agricultural objective, so
cost savings and increased crop yields would
benefit area farmers. Other cost savings result-
ing from the management practices analyzed
would be a reduction in flood damages and
dredging costs associated with sediment build-
up in streams.
Strategy for Developing Management
Practices
In the nonpoint source analysis undertaken
for the Great Miami Basin, a limited number
Table 3.-Rural nonpoint source control costs by management technique for
Great Miami River Basin
Management
technique
Cropland
Annual cover
Sod in rotation
Terraces
Permanent cover
Weighted average
Woodland
Livestock exclusion
Woodland improvement
Weighted average
Grassland
Pasture management
Pasture planting
Weighted average
Unit cost8
($/acre)
3.89
24.34
12.61
51.05
20.00
20.00
18.00
70.00
Practice life
(years)
1
3
10
5
25
10
4
10
Annualized cost
($/acre)
3.89
8.11
1.26
10.21
6.52
0.80
2.00
1.77
4.50
7.00
4.53
Represents average cost of practice as cost-shared by Agricultural Stabilization and
Conservation Services.
Source: OKI Water Quality Management Plan (Chapter VI, Table VI-4).
-------
Table 4.—Summary of nonpoint source control costs for Great Miami River Basin
Land use
Cropland
Woodland
Grassland
Acres needing
treatment
70,400
20,350
41,700
Weighted average
annual ized cost
$6.52/ac/yr
$1.77/ac/yr
$4.53/ac/yr
Total annual
cost
$459,000
$ 36,000
$188,900
$683,900
Source: OKI Water Quality Management Plan (Chapter VI, Table VI-41).
of specific management alternatives were con-
sidered in the OKI model. The approach util-
ized for the other river basins in the region
was similar. The objective of this analysis was
to demonstrate the potential reduction of
rural nonpoint sources through the application
of best management practices rather than to
develop a detailed conservation plan for the
basin. OKI determined that a reduction in
gross erosion could be accomplished by the
sound application of other management
practices in specific tracts of land with specific
characteristics and problems.
To assist agricultural interests in implement-
ing management practices to reduce erosion,
several more specific practices were described
and assessed as part of the water quality man-
agement plan. The range of management prac-
tices which was developed is shown in table 5.
Since these best management practices are
basically variations of the modeled practices,
costs and effectiveness associated with them
on a regional basis would be similar to those
of the modeled practices.
IMPLEMENTATION OF NONPOINT
SOURCE RECOMMENDATIONS
Throughout the assessment process for rural
nonpoint source pollution, close coordination
was maintained with the various Soil and Water
Conservation Districts, SCS representatives,
and agricultural extension agents in the region.
These groups assisted in supplying the required
information to OKI in developing the rural
nonpoint source assessment procedure, and
participated in discussion and deliberations of
the significance of the data and model results
including potential measures for control.
Basis of the Implementation Approach
The focus of OKI was to address rural non-
point source problems on an areawide basis,
provide estimates of pollutant loadings, estab-
lish broad recommendations for control mea-
sures or best management practices to reduce
erosion from rural land, and estimate the pub-
lic or federal cost to implement these control
measures.
The overriding conclusions of the OKI rural
nonpoint source program were as follows:
erosion poses significant problems; it can be
controlled; and multiple benefits could be de-
rived from the application of best management
practices to rural land uses. Through institu-
tional analyses, it was determined that exist-
ing groups and agencies had the capacity to im-
plement rural nonpoint source control prac-
tices. These organizations, however, needed
background data for assigning priorities to ap-
proaches and needed funding at a greater level
than currently existed.
Traditional rural conservation programs in
the OKI planning area have dealt with the prob-
lem through education and technical assistance.
Through these means, agricultural extension
agents and district conservationists demon-
strated the effects of erosion and described
various control measures. To encourage the
application of management practices, qualify-
ing land owners can receive financial assistance
through the cost-sharing program. This pro-
gram is currently administered at the local level
on a first-come, first-served basis and the level
of funding is small, ranging from $10,000 to
$15,000 per county. As a means of implement-
ing the rural nonpoint source program, OKI is
10
-------
Table 5. —Best management practices developed for rural nonpoint source control
Cropland management
Tillage alternatives
Terraces
Diversions
Stripcropping
Contouring
Grassed waterways
Pipe outlets
Crop rotations
Cover crops
Timing field operations
Sod-based rotations
Other practices
Agricultural chemicals
Chemical registration
Approval of application methods
Applicator licensing
Alternatives to chemicals
Grassland management
Grassland planting
Grassland management
Grazing
Woodland management
Livestock exclusion
Improved management
Livestock management
Feedlots
Detention ponds
Settling areas
Grass filters
Pastureland
Animals-per-land ratio
Productive forage
Limited access to streams
Erosion control
Source: OKI Water Quality Management Plan (Outline for Chapter V).
working closely with the county Soil and
Water Conservation Districts to encourage the
allocation of existing cost-sharing monies on a
problem area priority basis which includes the
objectives of improved water quality. Prior to
the water quality management planning effort,
no supporting data had been available which
pinpointed problem areas and demonstrated the
effectiveness of control measures for a par-
ticular basin. Increased funding for cost-sharing
programs on a long-term basis is being actively
encouraged through the U.S. Department of
Agriculture.
In addition to encouraging conservation
programs on a problem-area priority basis,
OKI realized that the cost-sharing program
needed to be more than voluntary to reduce
erosion effectively. The adoption of a man-
datory program had far-reaching impacts be-
yond those counties in the OKI planning area.
Such programs must have a legal basis at the
state level and also need sufficient funding.
Within the three states of the OKI planning
area, Indiana and Ohio have begun work on
state-wide sediment control legislation. Legis-
lative action on the Ohio bill is expected in
1977 and this bill is further along the legisla-
tive process than the Indiana bill. Both,
however, provide for greatly expanded Soil
and Water Conservation District programs in
terms of authority and staff funding. OKI is
actively supporting the legislation of both
states. Position papers in conjunction with area
district conservationists have been prepared,
and the OKI staff has joined with other water
quality planning areas in Ohio to strongly sup-
port passage of the bill as a cornerstone in
their efforts to implement the nonpoint
source control program.
To provide assistance to individuals and
organizations in carrying out the best manage-
ment practices, OKI developed within the
Water Quality Management Plan a more speci-
fic list and explanation of available manage-
ment practices which could be used. Each of
the major river basins in the planning area has
a chapter of the plan devoted to that basin's
characteristics, existing water quality, assess-
ment of pollutant loads and contribution of
sources, a review of alternatives to correct
identified water quality problems, and a
recommended plan specific to that basin.
Meetings were conducted with each of the
six Soil and Water Conservation Districts to
discuss the findings of the rural nonpoint
source assessment and demonstrate the bene-
fits of land conservation techniques. These
11
-------
groups have been provided with presentation
materials which they could use in meetings
with district farmers. Similar meetings have
been held with the various 208 advisory com-
mittees concerning the recommendations of
the full Water Quality Management Plan
and with a key organization, the OKI Regional
Conservation Council. This citizens council
acts as a mechanism to coordinate the activi-
ties of Soil and Water Conservation Districts
with the various county governments. Also,
public hearings were held between March and
May 1977 concerning Water Quality Man-
agement Plan recommendations for each of
the five river basin plans being prepared.
The final Water Quality Management Plan
was completed in July 1977. Of prime im-
portance in implementing the rural nonpoint
source program, as well as other water quality
considerations, is the continuing planning func-
tion at OKI. In regard to the rural nonpoint
source program, functions of the continuing
planning agency will include:
• Monitoring the implementation of the
rural nonpoint source program.
• Working with agencies, groups, and in-
dividuals in support of erosion control
legislation at the state level.
• Providing technical assistance and develop-
ing best management practice demonstra-
tion projects.
• Determining the success of management
practices.
Analyzing water quality problems which
could not be adequately addressed in the
initial planning effort.
The primary means of implementing the
best management practices for rural areas is
through a strengthening of existing mechanisms.
OKI has demonstrated the utility of various
broad management practices toward conserv-
ing valuable land resources for agricultural use
and improving water quality by reducing sedi-
ment loads. An understanding of the benefits
which could be derived through best manage-
ment practices has been developed with
farmers, agricultural extension agents, SCS
district conservationists, and area Soil and
Water Conservation Districts. The need for
developing soil conservation plans has been
well established and the costs to implement
management practices have been estimated.
Implementation of the rural nonpoint source
program hinges on the availability of money,
particularly through state and federal alloca-
tions for local cost-sharing programs. Agricul-
tural interests and OKI staff feel they now
have the data to strongly support requests for
additional allocations for conservation plans,
and can adequately show the benefits for water
quality as well as agricultural production from
such rural nonpoint source control mechan-
isms. The OKI rural nonpoint source model
will have continuing input through the pro-
gram implementation period. It will be
utilized to assess the effectiveness of specific
management practices and will be refined as
a planning and evaluation tool.
12
&US GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE 1977- 757-140/6588
------- |