United States Environmental Protection Agency Office of Water (WH-556F) 843-S-92-001 March 1992 &EPA Summary Of Section 319(h) Wetlands And Riparian Projects Fiscal Years 1990 and 1991 Printed on Recycled Paper ------- Special thanks to the Regional Nonpoint Source Coordinators and their staffs for providing information on the projects identified in this report. ------- TABLE OF CONTENTS page(s) I. INTRODUCTION i-ii II. SECTION 319(h) FY 1990/1991 PROJECT SUMMARIES A. PROTECTION AND RESTORATION Colorado North Fork Republican River Watershed 1 Boulder Creek Basin 1-2 Connecticut Pequabuck River Bristol 2 Mattabasset River Nonpoint Source Program 2-3 Florida Megginnis Arm Revegetation 3-4 Georgia Water Quality Effects of Reestablished Riparian Forest in Southeastern Coastal Plain 4 Hawaii Pearl Harbor Demonstration 4-5 Iowa Riparian Zone Tree Buffer 5 Minnesota Wetland Restoration Within the Big Stone Lake Watershed 5-6 Montana Three Mile Creek Stabilization Plan 6 Nonpoint Source Hydrologic Unit Water Quality Plan, Godfrey Creek 7 Musselshell River Stream Corridor 7-8 East Spring Creek Rehabilitation 8 Nevada Electronic Control of Livestock 8-9 Eightmile Creek Restoration 9-10 South Dakota Watershed Protection Plan, Pickerel Lake 10 ------- TABLE OF CONTENTS A. PROTECTION AND RESTORATION (continued) page(s) Utah Chalk Creek Watershed 10-11 Jordan River Parkway Restoration 11-12 Otter Creek Restoration 12 B. PROGRAM ADMINISTRATION Delaware Biological Criteria Development Program 13 Illinois Wetland Conservation Easement Program 13 Indiana Environmental Scientist Staff Position 14 Iowa Staff Position - Iowa Great Lakes Protection 14-15 New Hampshire Lower Merrimack River Basin Initiative 15 Upper Connecticut Watershed 15-16 North Carolina Staff Position - Nonpoint Source Mgmt. 16 Rhode Island Staff Positions - Water Quality Protection and Stormwater Regulations 16-17 Vermont Wetlands Enforcement Implementation 17 Wisconsin Nonpoint Source Easement Coordinator 18 C. EDUCATION AND TECHNICAL TRAINING California "How to Heal the Land" Video 19 Kentucky Riparian Education 19 Louisiana Wetland and Estuaries 20 Mermentau River Basin 20 ------- TABLE OF CONTENTS C. EDUCATION AND TECHNICAL TRAINING (continued) page(s) South Dakota Riparian Grazing Workshop 21 Utah "Stream Team"/ Utah Riparian Coalition 21 Vermont Nonpoint Source Control Project 21-22 Wyoming Using Beaver Management and Ecology to Stabilize Riparian Watercourses 22 D. CONSTRUCTED WETLANDS Alabama Big Prairie/ Cottonwood Creek Watershed 23 Sand Mountain/ Lake Guntersville Watershed 23 Bayview Watershed 24 Illinois Lake Argyle and Siloam Springs Wetlands Construction and Evaluation 24 Indiana Livestock Waste Management and Multiple-Use Constructed Wetlands in the Upper Tippecanoe River 25 Mississippi Catfish Pond Nutrient Removal Demonstration 25-26 Nebraska Czechland Lake Watershed 26 Ohio Acid Mine Drainage Treatment Using Wetland Technology 27 Tennessee and Kentucky Big South Fork/ Bear Creek Demonstration 27 Virginia Coordinated Approach to Hazard Abatement on Abandoned Mine Lands 28 West Virginia Potomac Valley and Eastern Panhandle Nutrient and Pesticide Management 28 ------- TABLE OF CONTENTS page(s) E. OTHER PROJECTS OF INTEREST California Field Test of Demonstration Urban Stormwater Treatment Marsh (DUST) 29 Delaware Installation of Stormwater Management Basin 29-30 Iowa Coldwater Streams Corridor Protection in Northeastern Iowa 30 Poplar Tree Buffer Strips, Am ana 30-31 Coon Creek Water Quality Project in Allamakee and Winneshiek Counties 31 New York Great Lakes Demonstration, Irondequoit Creek 31-32 III. INDEX ------- INTRODUCTION This report was compiled by the Wetlands Division's Strategies and Initiatives Section in the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Office of Wetlands, Oceans, and Watersheds. The purpose of the report is to briefly describe fiscal year 1990 and 1991 Clean Water Act Section 319(h) projects that have a wetlands or riparian area component. By highlighting these efforts, EPA regions and their respective States can share ideas for incorporating protection and restoration of these ecosystems into the watershed-based approaches of the Section 319 proposals and projects. The watershed-based approach is recognized by EPA headquarters and the regions as being important for effectively addressing problems caused by nonpoint source pollution. The Nonpoint Source Agenda for the Future (1989), the National Guidance on Wetlands and Nonpoint Source Control Programs (1990), the Section 319 Grant Guidance (1991) as well as the guidance issued by a number of regions promote and encourage States to develop and implement projects that incorporate a watershed approach to addressing nonpoint source problems. Wetlands and riparian areas, as important components of the watershed, should be considered for two primary reasons. First, wetlands are "waters of the U.S.", and as such, are afforded protection under the Clean Water Act. Their unique functions and values (i.e., wildlife and fish habitat, flood control, recreation and aesthetic appeal) make them a valuable resource that should be protected from adverse impacts. Second, in unaltered watersheds, wetlands and riparian areas have historically performed the important function of intercepting upland runoff and filtering or transforming nutrients and sediments, thus protecting the water quality of the adjacent waterbody. Many of these areas still perform or have the potential to perform these functions, though changes in upland land use (i.e., clearing to facilitate agriculture or paving from urban development) or alterations to the wetlands may have impaired or endangered the capabilities of these ecosystems to function as effectively. The opportunity for wetlands and riparian areas to be integral components of nonpoint source watershed projects continues to expand. Wetland and riparian protection, combined with other practices to reduce the generation of nonpoint source pollutants or to pretreat runoff to avoid adverse impacts, is an approach many States are taking to improve the water quality of the States' impaired waters. For example, the Godfrey Creek Hydrologic Unit Water Quality Plan (Montana) combines restoration of riparian corridor, re-establishment of indigenous plants, and landowner education with the development of farm and pasture management plans as a means of improving and then maintaining water quality in Godfrey Creek. Similarly, the Big Stone Lake Clean Lakes Program (Minnesota) has identified wetland restoration as one of the principle land management practices to be implemented in the watershed to address nonpoint source pollution. This program emphasizes wetland protection and restoration in three subwatersheds that were identified as major contributors of nonpoint source pollution to Big Stone Lake. Projects such as these result not only in water quality improvement, but also in important opportunities for protecting or re-establishing other functions and values. ------- This report provides the reader with summary information on the wetlands or riparian component of State projects, with particular emphasis on projects which focus on protection and restoration of these ecosystems. In addition, descriptions of projects that replicate the water quality improvement function of wetlands through use of constructed wetlands are also provided. In many cases, however, constructed wetlands may not be providing the multiple benefits of wetland ecosystems. In addition, because of the active maintenance, large changes in hydrologic regime, and potential for concentration of contaminants associated with some uses of constructed wetlands, it may be best not to design these systems so that they also serve habitat functions. This report is organized into five sections. The first section, Restoration and Protection Projects, highlights those projects that have a fairly direct objective of protecting or restoring wetlands or riparian areas. The second section, Program Administration, provides information on efforts where a State is instituting an administrative procedure such as regulations or staffing focusing resources on wetland and riparian programs that are part of the State nonpoint source or water quality program. The third section, Education and Technical Training, highlights efforts that are focusing on education, public outreach or training to promote protection or restoration of wetlands or riparian areas. The fourth section, Constructed Wetlands, identifies projects using variations of this technology. The fifth section is classified as Other Projects of Interest due to the variation in approaches of these projects. This organization is provided for reader convenience, however, many projects have components that cut across the identified sections. For answers to questions regarding additional information on the projects, the reader should contact the identified State or EPA regional personnel. For copies of this document, contact the Wetlands Hotline on 1-800-832-7828 or write to the Wetlands Division at the address below: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Office of Wetlands, Oceans and Watersheds Wetlands Division (A-104F) 401 M Street, SW Washington, DC 20460 Attn: Sherri Fields 11 ------- PROTECTION AND RESTORATION PROJECTS ------- Section 319 Summary Wetland/ Riparian COLORADO TITLE: North Fork Republican River Watershed Project AGENCY: Yuma County Soil Conservation District FY: 1991 CONTACT: Roger Dean, US EPA Region 8, 303-293-1603, FTS 330-1571 DESCRIPTION: Excess levels of sediment and nutrients have been found in the North Fork of the Republican River, the only cold water fishery in Eastern Colorado. These pollutants have led to a decline in the fishery resource found in the stream. Encroachment by cattle grazing in the streambank is the largest factor in fish habitat degradation. The aquatic habitat is also affected by inadequate shading of the river which causes increased water temperature. The proposed remedy is to improve riparian areas along the strearfi channel by developing conservation plans for 15,000 acres within the watershed. The following BMPs are expected to be used: (1) conservation cropping sequence; (2) critical area planting; (3) deferred rotation grazing; (4) fencing; (5) fish stream improvement; (6) pasture and hayland management; (7) proper grazing systems; (8) streambank and shoreline protection; (9) tree planting; (10) nutrient management; and (11) pest management. Landowners who participate will be required to incorporate nutrient and pest management in their conservation plans. It is anticipated that this project will enhance existing riparian areas, with little or no deleterious impact. COLORADO TITLE: Boulder Creek Basin AGENCY: City of Boulder, Department of Public Works/ Utilities, Department of Real Estate and Open Space, Department of Flood Control, Department of Cable Television Channel 28, US Forest Service, Soil Conservation Service, US Army Corps of Engineers, Colorado Division of Wildlife, Department of Health FY: 1990 CONTACT: Roger Dean, US EPA Region 8, 303-293-1603, FTS 330-1571 DESCRIPTION: The Boulder Creek basin is within Boulder County and includes a total of 318 square miles which drain into Boulder Creek. The purpose of this project is to control nonpoint source pollution through the use of BMPs to reclaim the physical, biological, and chemical integrity of the basin and to facilitate attainment of aquatic life use. The project's goal is to improve water quality and restore the functional integrity of the entire stream, riparian and wetland ecosystem. Nonpoint impacts are mainly from channelization, livestock 1 ------- Section 319 Summary Wetland/ Riparian grazing, dewatering, irrigation return flows, and sand and gravel mining. Grazing has resulted in the removal of most of the riparian vegetation in the project area. Riparian vegetation removal by grazing has eliminated several important functions including shading, sediment entrapment and filtration of overflow. Selected BMPs include: (1) fencing; (2) wetland detention - constructed wetlands will be utilized to treat very low quality and sediment laden agricultural irrigation return flows; (3) low flow channel; (4) berm removal; and (5) revegetation. CONNECTICUT TITLE: Pequabuck River Bristol (Riparian Zone Habitat Restoration) AGENCY: CT Department of Environmental Protection FY: 1991 CONTACT: Doug E. Cooper, Supervising Environmental Analyst, DEP Inland Water Resources Management Division, Room 207 State Office Building, 165 Capitol Avenue, Hartford, CT 06106 DESCRIPTION: Urban development, stormdrain outlets and gravel excavation have altered the riparian habitat and contributed to nonpoint impacts in Bristol. The purpose of this project is to improve a segment of riparian habitat along the Pequabuck River using best management practices. BMPs will include: construction of temporary and permanent erosion control measures, removal of unnatural sediment accumulations, construction of sediment catchment systems at roadway drainage discharge points, acquisition of conservation easements, placement of rip-rap and vegetative slope stabilization, habitat improvements such as conservation planting and in-stream measures such as fish shelter rocks, pools and riffle areas. DEP will be working closely with land owners and local officials both to educate and to encourage a strong State-local partnership. The Connecticut Department of Transportation will be encouraged to participate on treatments of stonnwater outfalls from the State highway and to prepare a model maintenance program for regular street sweeping, catch basin and sediment basin cleaning and roadside stabilization. The DEP will monitor the success of habitat improvement over a period of years. CONNECTICUT TITLE: Mattabasset River Nonpoint Source Program AGENCY: CT Department of Environmental Protection, Hartford County Soil and Water Conservation District (SWDC), Middlesex County Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) FY: 1991 ------- Section 319 Summary Wetland/ Riparian CONTACT: Hartford and Middlesex County SWCD, c/o 627 River Street, Windsor, CT 06095 203-688-7725 DESCRIPTION: The Mattabasset River, a tributary of the Connecticut River, is located in an urban watershed in central Connecticut. The river has experienced significantly degraded biological activity due to sedimentation, mostly as a result of urban development (i.e., maintenance of roads and stormwater systems, sand and salt management and erosion at construction sites). This project focuses on the effect of urban development on a watercourse, including direct discharge of stormwater and the development of land within 500 feet. Outfall areas will be inspected to identify maintenance needs and erosion problems. Water quality monitoring will be done at each outfall to establish baseline data. Compliance inspection of the river and riparian areas will be performed to determine the activities that contribute to pollution of the river. During the inspection, an assessment of the riparian areas will be made and areas of possible riparian restoration will be identified. A plan will be developed to better protect and manage riparian areas still functioning. Educational information will be developed to promote the riparian zone concept and encourage voluntary buffer strips by landowners along the river. A demonstration project will be selected to show riparian restoration along an urban watercourse. FLORIDA TITLE: Megginnis Arm Revegetation Project AGENCY: Florida Department of Natural Resources and the Northwest Florida Water Management District (NWFWMD) FY: 1991 CONTACT: Karen Wilson, US EPA Region 4, 404-347-2126, FTS 257-2126 DESCRIPTION: This project undertakes a large-scale revegetation effort at Megginnis Arm to restore riparian wetlands and monitor survival rates for different types of planting densities and methods. Megginnis Arm is the southernmost portion of Lake Jackson, a 4,000-acre waterbody located immediately north of Tallahassee, Florida. Over the past twenty-five years, Megginnis Arm has experienced severe water quality degradation due to increasing quantities of polluted stormwater runoff from the heavily urbanized portion of Tallahassee. The magnitude of poor quality sediments within the Lake is such that resuspension of pollutants in the lake is of equal concern as pollutants entering the lake from runoff. The NWFMD is currently implementing a project that will remove approximately 100,000 cubic yards of contaminated sediments from Megginnis Arm. Upon completion of the sediment removal project, the wetland edges in the littoral zone (approximately 9 acres) of the arm ------- Section 319 Summary Wetland/ Riparian will be prepared for reestablishment of pre-existing water quality benefits to Megginnis Arm as well as restoration of fish and wildlife habitat. GEORGIA TITLE: Water Quality Effects of Reestablished Riparian Forest in Southeastern Coastal Plain Project AGENCY: University of Georgia Coastal Plain Experiment Station, Department of Agricultural Engineering of Animal Science, US Department of Agriculture/ Agricultural Research Service, Soil Conservation Service, Cooperative Extension Service, Georgia Soil and Water Conservation Commission, Game and Fish Commission, EPA and the Middle South Georgia Soil and Water Conservation District FY: 1991 CONTACT: Betty Barton, US EPA Region 4, 404-347-2126, FTS 257-2126 DESCRIPTION: Agricultural nonpoint source pollution is caused by field management practices, but can be ameliorated by buffer areas along streams. This project will demonstrate and evaluate water quality effects of reestablishing forested wetland in the Southeastern Coastal Plain. This project will be implemented in conjunction with a project to grow forage crops using liquid manure at the University of Georgia Coastal Plain Experiment Station near Tifton, GA. Forested wetlands downslope of cropped areas will be reestablished to treat applied liquid manure. Effects of the forested wetlands on the water quality will be monitored by evaluating changes in surface and subsurface water quality parameters as water leaves the application site and moves through the forested wetland toward the stream. HAWAII TITLE: Pearl Harbor Demonstration Project AGENCY: Hawaii Department of Health, Pearl Harbor Estuary Committee, U.S. Navy, Hawaii Department of Transportation, The University of Hawaii, City and County of Honolulu, West and South Oahu Conservation Districts, US Fish and Wildlife Service FY: 1991 CONTACT: Jovita Pajarillo, US EPA Region 9, 415-744-2011, FTS 484-2011 DESCRIPTION: The Pearl Harbor Estuary Committee will coordinate a demonstration project focused on reducing sediment loadings to the water quality impaired bay. The project will address riparian restoration and urban runoff ------- Section 319 Summary Wetland/ Riparian through the coordination and cooperation of federal, state and local agencies. The demonstration project will also lead to instituting a holistic approach to confronting the myriad of nonpoint source problems in the Pearl Harbor Watershed. IOWA TITLE: Riparian Zone Tree Buffer, Story County AGENCY: Iowa State University Agricultural Experiment Station, Iowa Department of Natural Resources Environmental Protection Division, ISU Cooperative Extension Service, IDNR Forestry Division, Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture FY: 1990/1991 CONTACT: Ubbo Agena, Iowa Department of Natural Resources, Environmental Protection Division, 900 East Grand, Des Moines, Iowa 50319, 515-281-6402 Richard C. Schultz, Iowa State University Agriculture Experiment Station, 104 Curtis Hall, Ames, Iowa 50011 DESCRIPTION: This four-year project will demonstrate the effectiveness of a protected buffer zone containing trees and other permanent vegetation in protecting and improving aquatic habitat and water quality in small Iowa streams. The buffer strips are expected to intercept eroding soil and agricultural chemicals, stabilize streambanks, provide wildlife habitat, and generally improve stream water quality and environmental conditions. Riparian tree plantings and associated research plots have been established on crop and pasture lands along a half mile stretch of Bear Creek, a perennial stream in northern Storey County, Iowa. The replicated plots include five rows of trees (poplar hybrids, silver maple, green ash, and black walnut), two rows of shrubs (ninebark and red osier dogwood), and 24 feet of switch-grass planted parallel to the creek. Surface and ground water quality, stream condition, and soil movement data will be collected throughout the project and used to assess the environmental impacts of the tree buffer strips. Site preparation, planting, and management costs will be determined and used to assess the economics of this practice. MINNESOTA TITLE: Wetland Restoration Within the Big Stone Lake Watershed FY: 1991 CONTACT: US EPA Region V Nonpoint Source Section, 312-886-0209 ------- Section 319 Summary Wetland/ Riparian DESCRIPTION: The Big Stone Lake Clean Lakes Program (CLP) has identified wetland restoration as one of the principle land management practices to be implemented within the watershed to address nonpoint source pollution. Through the implementation phase of their CLP, project cooperators restored nine basins representing approximately 95 acres of wetland habitat. Additional upland acres have been retired and seeded to native grasses to act as buffers for the restored areas. Three subwatersheds were identified as major contributors of NFS pollution to Big Stone Lake. It is proposed that wetland restoration and protection will be emphasized within these three watersheds. Through cooperative efforts of both public and private interests, including U.S. Fish and Wildlife, Soil Conservation Service, MN Department of Natural Resources, local Soil and Water Conservation Districts and private landowners, wetlands will be restored by either subsurface tile breaks or plugging of surface ditches. These restoration techniques are accepted practices that have been utilized throughout the prairie pothole region of North America. In addition, landowners with restored wetlands will be offered an easement payment to protect the wetland in perpetuity. MONTANA TITLE: Three Mile Creek Stabilization Plan, Rivalli County AGENCY: Soil Conservation Service, Bitterroot Conservation District, National Wildlife Refuge, Fish Wildlife and Parks and private landowners FY: 1990 CONTACT: Roger Dean, US EPA Region 8, 303-293-1603, FTS 330-1571 DESCRIPTION: Three Mile Creek originates in the Sapphire Mountains in the northeast corner of Rivalli County. It flows in a westerly direction before it meets the Bitterroot River. For years, this drainage system has carried extremely high sediment loads causing problems for water users, wildlife, fisheries and creek-side property owners. The streambanks are damaged primarily due to heavy livestock concentration, which makes them subject to erosion. It has been determined that the most cost effective way to reduce sediment loads and stabilize the stream corridors will be through revegetation of the stream channel. Landusers will participate in this effort through the adoption of best management practices (eg. vegetation planting, mechanical structures and fencing). ------- Section 319 Summary Wetland/ Riparian MONTANA TITLE: Nonpoint Source Hydrologic Unit Water Quality Plan, Godfrey Creek, Gallatin County AGENCY: Montana Soil Conservation Service, Montana State University- Cooperative Extension Service, Agriculture Stabilization and Conservation Service, and State Department of Environmental Sciences-Water Quality Bureau FY: 1990 CONTACT: Roger Dean, US EPA Region 8, 303-293-1603, FTS 330-1571 DESCRIPTION: Godfrey Creek is primarily a spring-fed stream which is part of a watershed that drains 14 square miles. For most of it's length, the creek flows in an incised and narrow valley that is bordered by farms, ranches, livestock confinement pens and dairies. Animal impact on the stream has severely reduced riparian vegetation and streambank stability. One of the several objectives of the NPS Hydrologic Unit Water Quality Plan is to restore and maintain riparian vegetation. The overall long term objectives are to be able to use the Godfrey Creek experience to demonstrate a successful educational and technical assistance process which utilizes local leadership in pivotal decision making roles; to reduce the fecal coliform and nitrate loadings; to further improve the riparian corridor so that it becomes a functional entity in maintaining water quality in the watershed as well as an integral part of associated farm management plans; to work with farm operators in the rest of the watershed to implement best management practices; and to re-establish the creek as fish habitat. In order to re-establish riparian zone diversity, some plantings of adaptable plants will be required, since most reproductive structures of natural riparian vegetation are absent. Associated with the planting of riparian vegetation will be the development of pasture management plans which may include partial year enclosure fences and cross fences to manage grazing intensity and to enhance development of the riparian zone. Data will be collected on establishment and growth rates of planted materials and the re-establishment of indigenous plants. MONTANA TITLE: Musselshell River Stream Corridor Project, Musselshell Valley AGENCY: Upper Musselshell Conservation District, Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation FY: 1990 CONTACT: Roger Dean, US EPA Region 8, 303-293-1603, FTS 330-1571 ------- Section 319 Summary Wetland/ Riparian DESCRIPTION: The purpose of the Musselshell River Corridor Project is to introduce a stream corridor management program to the area. The project will demonstrate to landowners cost-effective measures that minimize effects of accelerated erosion from channel alterations and improper use of the riparian area. Fanning and grazing to the river's edge, railroad and highway construction, and numerous channel alterations have resulted in (1) severe erosion of streambanks; (2) deterioration in water quality; (3) reduction of fish and wildlife; and (4) economic losses to the landowners. The goal of the stream corridor project is to increase streambank stability and improve water quality while enhancing fish and wildlife habitat. Several alternative solutions to the resource problems will be identified, including costs and benefits to the landowners. This project will demonstrate how the placement of materials (i.e. tree revetments and vegetative cover) and/or grazing plans and fencing can help to stabilize the Musselshell streambank. MONTANA TITLE: East Spring Creek Rehabilitation Project AGENCY: Flathead Conservation District FY: 1990 CONTACT: Roger Dean, US EPA Region 8, 303-293-1603, FTS 330-1571 DESCRIPTION: East Spring Creek is located in Flathead County, flows generally southward and its major tributary is Trumbull Creek. The Flathead Conservation District established the goal of upgrading the creek in its Long Range Plan for the period of 1981-1985. The District designed a rehabilitation plan in order to achieve its goal of enhancing the in-stream water quality and fish and wildlife habitat of East Spring Creek, while maintaining the present level of agricultural and domestic water withdrawals. One important component to the plan is the improvement of riparian habitat by implementing best management practices, which will vary according to land ownership and use. BMPs will include fencing, excavation, flow control structures, erosion control, fish habitat improvements and riparian vegetation plantings. NEVADA TITLE: Electronic Control of Livestock in Riparian Areas AGENCY: Nevada Department of Environmental Protection, National Park Service, Great Basin National Park, Oregon State University FY: 1991 CONTACT: Jovita Pajarillo, US EPA Region 9, 415-744-2011, FTS 484-2011 8 ------- Section 319 Summary Wetland/ Riparian DESCRIPTION: The Great Basin is a physiographic region comprising about 502,000 square kilometers and encompassing nearly all of Nevada. It is a region of high desert basins interspersed with a series of 200 isolated, long and narrow, north-south oriented mountain ranges. In 1986, to preserve a portion of this unique region, 31,200 hectares of the South Snake Range in eastern Nevada was set aside as the Great Basin National Park. The park has been subjected to considerable alteration by the expansive livestock production that was begun in the early 1900s. Adverse impacts of grazing animals on soils, vegetation, and water quality in riparian areas is one of the most serious and intractable land management problems. A direct relationship between intensity of grazing in riparian zones and bacterial water quality has been demonstrated. The project's objective is to develop and test a new management alternative to fencing for controlling livestock use in riparian areas that involves electronic control of livestock. For the past two years, scientists at the Pacific Northwest Research Station and Oregon State University have been working on fenceless livestock control that uses electrical stimulus to achieve animal avoidance of designated exclusion areas. The project involves testing the technology in riparian areas in a large scale rangeland setting. Before the technology is broadly applied, it is critical to understand how it performs in a realistic management situation and be able to measure the behavior of animals wearing the electronic eartags for an extended period. The project will also document changes in water quality that may result from successful implementation of the new and innovative management technique. NEVADA TITLE: Eightmile Creek Restoration AGENCY: Nevada Department of Environmental Protection, U.S. Forest Service Humboldt County, Foundation for North American Sheep, Nevada Division of Forestry, National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, Trout Unlimited, Private Organizations FY: 1991 CONTACT: Jovita Pajarillo, US EPA Region 9, 415-744-2011, FTS 484-2011 DESCRIPTION: Eightmile Creek is an ecologically sensitive area because it is habitat for a Federally listed threatened species, the Quinn River strain of the Lahontan Cutthroat trout. The lower reaches of the Eightmile Creek drainage are degraded due to heavy livestock use, wildfires, and a 100-year flood event which occurred in 1983 and took the channel down to the bedrock in some reaches and denuded the riparian zone. The degraded area continues to be exposed to some livestock use due to the lack of allotment boundary fence separating the drainage from the adjacent grazing allotment. The project will ------- Section 319 Summary Wetland/ Riparian restore the perennial creek by excluding cattle through fencing, protecting stream banks, planting upland areas affected by wildfire, and monitoring for effectiveness of these BMPs. SOUTH DAKOTA TITLE: Watershed Protection Plan for the Pickerel Lake AGENCY: Day County Conservation District, South Dakota State University, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Soil Conservation Service, Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Service, Cooperative Extension Service, Watershed Planning Commission, local volunteers FY: 1991 CONTACT: Roger Dean, US EPA Region 8, 303-293-1603, FTS 330-1571 DESCRIPTION: The Pickerel Lake watershed is situated in the Coteau des Prairie, a hilly plateau of glacial moraine. The climate is continental with cold, dry winters and short springs marked by rapid weather changes. Pickerel Lake is eutrophic with excessive total phosphorus and organic nitrogen. Dense weeds in nearshore areas and blue-green algal blooms in open water impair immersion recreation during summer. Dangerous nutrient loadings result from runoff from agricultural lands in the watershed, faulty septic tanks, feedlots and lakeshore erosion. The goal of the Pickerel Lake Watershed project is to maintain and prevent further degradation of the lake water quality. There are two main objectives associated with this project. The first is to produce a detailed watershed map to direct lake protection activities. The second is to implement land use practices to maintain lake water quality. The wetland component is to incorporate SCS wetland inventory information onto maps to identify drained wetlands that could serve to store runoff and retain sediment if easements were negotiated for wetland recovery. UTAH TITLE: Chalk Creek Watershed Project AGENCY: Utah Department of Agriculture, Soil Conservation Service, Utah State University Extension Service, Summit County Soil Conservation District, Summit County, Coalville City FY: 1990-1991 CONTACT: Roger Dean, US EPA Region 8, 303-293-1603, FTS 330-1571 10 ------- Section 319 Summary Wetland/ Riparian DESCRIPTION: Chalk Creek Watershed is a tributary to the Weber River System which provides municipal, industrial, and agricultural water to several hundred thousand water users. Chalk Creek contributes the heaviest load of sediment to the Weber River System, as well as significant amounts of nitrate, nitrites, phosphorous, sulfate and coliform. Most of the riparian areas along the creek are in poor condition and the water table along some reaches has dropped due to stream channel erosion. This has been detrimental to wetlands and riparian areas. Also, the heavy sediment load has reduced its value as a fishery. A healthy riparian area is essential for this watershed to function effectively in providing wildlife habitat and in delivering quality water to downstream users. The project will apply best management practices to restore and improve vegetative cover in an effort to reduce erosion and stabilize and protect the streambanks. Projected benefits include (1) reduced sediment loading to reservoir of 2 acre feet/year; (2) reduced property damage; (3) improved fisheries; (4) improved water quality; (5) improved wildlife habitat; and (6) improved aesthetics. UTAH TITLE: Jordan River Parkway Restoration Project AGENCY: City of Murray, Utah NPS Water Pollution Control Management Program, U.S. Department of Interior, Jordan River Parkway Foundation, National Association of Industrial Office Parks, Riverway Enhancement Fund, Salt Lake County Public Works, Salt Lake City-County Health Department FY: 1990-1991 CONTACT: Roger Dean, US EPA Region 8, 303-293-1603, FTS 330-1571 DESCRIPTION: The Jordan River Watershed is both urban and rural, lying between Utah Lake and Great Salt Lake along the Wasatch Front. Hydrological modifications have impacted fishing and recreational uses of the Jordan River. Wetlands have been extensively degraded as a result of stream channelization and straightening. Stormwater discharges to the river have been documented and include heavy metals, suspended sediment, coliform bacteria, and nutrients. Depletion of riverside wetlands has reduced the capacity of the river ecosystem to attenuate such pollutant loads. This project is part of a long-range plan to re- establish the structural, functional and visual characteristics of Jordan River riparian and wetland ecosystems to create an open space corridor. Best management practices will be implemented to restore the river bank: regrading of 1400 linear feet of 2:1 slopes, minor rip-rapping using 2-3' diameter rock material and revegetation with native forbs, grass, shrubs and trees. Monitoring will be done using equal-width integrated sampling techniques for a wide range of 11 ------- Section 319 Summary Wetland/ Riparian parameters, including nutrients, bacteria, heavy metals and sediment. Restoration of the complex native plant communities that once existed along the river will bring biological stability to the floodplain. In addition, wetlands will be restored by allowing seasonal flooding during periods of high flow for flood retention. Students are working with the local Rotary Club in clean up and planting of wetland plants. A system of trails and boardwalks will be used to connect limited areas developed for picnics, play and exercise. Plans also include observation blinds and a nature center as well as boat launching and docking facilities. UTAH TITLE: Otter Creek Watershed Project AGENCY: Utah Department of Agriculture, Soil Conservation Service, Utah State University Extension Service, Piute County Soil Conservation District, Piute County and Sevier County FY: 1990/ 1991 CONTACT: Roger Dean, US EPA Region 8, 303-293-1603, FTS 330-1571 DESCRIPTION: The Otter Creek Watershed is a tributary to the Sevier River System which provides municipal, industrial, and agricultural water to several thousand downstream water users. Otter Creek is a contributor of nitrate and nitrites, phosphorous, sulfate and sediment, and colifonn to this river system. Most of the riparian areas along the creek are in poor condition. Wetland and riparian areas have declined considerably within the watershed. This project will reduce erosion and stabilize and protect streambanks through best management practices, including tree and shrub planting, riparian zone management, proper grazing use, wildlife habitat management, fencing and livestock exclusion. 12 ------- PROGRAM ADMINISTRATION ------- Section 319 Summary Wetland/ Riparian DELAWARE TITLE: Biological Criteria Development Program AGENCY: Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control FY: 1991 CONTACT: Teena Reichgott, US EPA Region 3, 215-597-9800, FTS 597-3364 John Maxted, State of Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control, 89 Kings Highway, P.O. Box 1401, Dover, DE 19903, 302-736-5726 DESCRIPTION: The purpose of this project is to develop biological criteria using narrative and numeric thresholds of biotic integrity as a component of Delaware's water quality standards. This project will also focus on reviewing and revising staffing of the State's Section 401 Water Quality Certification Program. Technical assistance and coordination between the nonpoint source program and the Wetlands and Aquatic Protection Branch on the water quality benefits of wetlands and riparian systems is an integral component of the project. ILLINOIS TITLE: Wetland Conservation Easement Program AGENCY: Illinois Department of Conservation, Illinois Environmental Protection Agency, Illinois Department of Agriculture FY: 1990 CONTACT: Tom Davenport, US EPA Region 5, 312-353-2000, FTS 886-0209 DESCRIPTION: The State of Illinois has identified over one million acres of wetlands and high quality streams and floodplains in the State. The purpose of this project is to assess and prioritize these lands based on water quality benefits and habitat values. Afterwards, a Conservation Easement Program will be implemented for prioritized wetland areas that have high value for water quality and those streams and floodplain areas identified as having highly valued habitats. 13 ------- Section 319 Summary Wetland/ Riparian INDIANA TITLE: Environmental Scientist Staff Position AGENCY: Indiana Department of Environmental Management FY: 1990 CONTACT: Tom Davenport, US EPA Region 5, 312-353-2000, FTS 886-0209 DESCRIPTION: The Water Quality and Surveillance and Standards Branch, Office of Water Management, Indiana Department of Environmental Management is suffering from inadequate staffing. This branch oversees an environmental review program that addresses many types of activities that can affect water quality. These include, among other things, Section 404 dredge and fill projects, construction projects that could cause off-site erosion problems, agricultural watershed projects, and streambank erosion control projects. An Environmental Scientist III position will be provided under this grant and will assist in the following: (1) develop BMPs for erosion control in developing areas and protection of water quality in streams and wetlands; (2) work with other agencies to promote utilization of construction and erosion control practices that preserve water quality and prevent wetland destruction; (3) participate in inspections of constructipn projects to verify compliance with pollution control requirements; (4) work on efforts to reduce secondary impacts to streams and wetlands; and (5) evaluate and limit potential impacts of projects in urban areas. IOWA TITLE: Staff Position - Iowa Great Lakes Protection Project, Dickinson County AGENCY: Dickinson County SWCD, Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation, Iowa Department of Natural Resources, EPA, USFWS, SCS, ASCS, ISU Extension FY: 1990 CONTACT: Ubbo Agena, Iowa Department of Natural Resources, Environmental Protection Division, 900 East Grand, Des Moines, Iowa, 50319, 515-281-6402 Roger McGinnis, Dickinson County Soil and Water Conservation District, RR Box 5783, Spirit Lake, Iowa 51360, 712-336-2604 DESCRIPTION: Through the cooperative efforts of a number of agencies and organizations, an overall strategy for protecting the water quality of the Iowa Great Lakes has been developed. This strategy has several components, including: restoration of wetlands and acquisition and management of existing wetlands; establishment of trees and/or permanent vegetation on critical 14 ------- Section 319 Summary Wetland/ Riparian watershed lands; and, development and implementation of comprehensive nutrient and pesticide management public information/ education program for both agricultural and non-agricultural lands within the Iowa Great Lakes watershed. To support this effort, a soil conservation technician position was established and filled within the Dickinson County Soil and Water Conservation District. The purpose of the position is the coordination and implementation of the wetlands and the nutrient and pesticides management components of the Iowa Great Lakes Protection strategy. NEW HAMPSHIRE TITLE: Lower Merrimack River Basin Initiative AGENCY: Department of Environmental Services, Office of State Planning, NH Association of Conservation Commissions, NH Audubon Society, Nashua Regional Planning Commission, Merrimack Conservation Commission FY: 1991 CONTACT: E. Ann Poole, NPS Program Manager, DES-WSPCD, Concord, NH, 603-271-2358 DESCRIPTION: The purpose of this project is to reduce NPS pollution from urban and developing areas in the Lower Merrimack River Corridor and to assist communities in the identification and protection of priority wetlands. A River Corridor Planner and Wetlands Bureau Administrator will be working with communities to achieve the goals of the project. Performance measures relating to wetlands include (1) number of communities adopting BMP-based regulations for wetlands; (2) number of volunteer citizens participating in the wetlands field verification; (3) completed evaluation of wetlands in the town of Merrimack; (4) selection of significant wetlands; (5) identification of wetlands protection procedures needing additional technical/ procedural development; and (6) production of a guidebook for use by towns statewide wanting to designate priority wetlands. NEW HAMPSHIRE TITLE: Upper Connecticut River Watershed Project AGENCY: Department of Environmental Services FY: 1991 CONTACT: Bob Morehouse, US EPA Region 1, 617-565-3420, FTS 835-3513 DESCRIPTION: The purpose of the Upper Connecticut River Watershed Project is to significantly reduce nonpoint source pollutants from agricultural, 15 ------- Section 319 Summary Wetland/ Riparian forest, urban and developing areas. Under the project, two staff positions will be partially funded: a NFS Program Manager and a River Corridor Planner. Some specific activities of the contract that the River Corridor Planner oversees relate to wetlands, including: (1) develop a local wetland regulation that requires minimum setbacks from and vegetative buffer strips adjacent to wetlands for adoption by towns in the Upper CT River region; (2) work with specific towns to adopt local water quality protection regulations for wetlands. One of the performance measures for the project is the number of communities adopting best management practice based regulations for wetlands. NORTH CAROLINA TITLE: Staff Positions - Nonpoint Source Management Program - Wetlands Protection, State of North Carolina AGENCY: Department of Environment, Health and Natural Resources FY: 1990 CONTACT: Mary Ann Gerber, US EPA Region 4, 404-347-3209, FTS 257-3209 DESCRIPTION: In FY 1990, North Carolina identified as an important goal the development and enforcement of a full program to protect the State's wetlands from degradation and to provide more protection for the State's waters from nonpoint source pollution. Two staff positions will be added for a two year period to initiate this program and their first major assignments will be : (1) to develop and adopt wetland standards including designations as identified in the State's NFS Management Program, Four-Year Action Plan to Protect Wetlands; and (2) to establish a complete set of permitting guidance and operating procedures. The staff members will be considering issues such as wetland identification, wetland loss, wetland mitigation, and methods to track and monitor permitting. They will also be responsible for training and assisting regional staff. RHODE ISLAND TITLE: Staff Positions - Development of Water Quality Protection and Stormwater Management Policy Regulations AGENCY: RI Department of Environmental Management FY: 1990 CONTACT: Bob Morehouse, US EPA Region 1, 617-565-3420, FTS 835-3513 DESCRIPTION: Addressing statewide water quality issues related to urban stonnwater runoff and land development is the highest priority for the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (RIDEM) Nonpoint Source Program. Lack of planning and policy staff within RIDEM regulatory programs 16 ------- Section 319 Summary Wetland/ Riparian has hindered development of a comprehensive stormwater management policy and revision of development regulations (in particular, Freshwater Wetland regulations) to incorporate water quality protection provisions. Two staff positions are being funded: one to work with the Division of Water Resource (DWR) and the second to work with the Freshwater Wetlands Program (FWP). The staff person assigned to FWP will concentrate on strengthening the water quality protection provision of the Freshwater Wetlands regulations, including addressing stormwater runoff from development sites. The staff are expected to work closely together in developing these policies and may begin to incorporate relevant Naragansett Bay Project (NBP) recommendations and to test models developed by the NBP investigators in the regulatory context. VERMONT TITLE: Wetlands Enforcement Implementation AGENCY: Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation FY: 1990 CONTACT: Bob Morehouse, US EPA Region 1, 617-565-3420, FTS 835-3513 DESCRIPTION: The Department of Environmental Conservation and the EPA estimate that discharges of fill eliminate 200 to 400 acres of wetlands each year in Vermont. In order to control such discharges, the Department is institutionalizing a statewide management program to protect and preserve the values and functions of significant wetlands as mandated by state legislation through the application and enforcement of the new Wetland Rules. The Lake Champlain basin is undergoing the highest amount of wetland impacts and is therefore the focus of the enforcement implementation plan. The project has four elements. The first, Identification of Significant Wetlands, addresses the designation of wetlands into one of three classes. Wetlands are designated as either class I, II or III based on their functions and values. Class I and II are significant wetlands, and therefore are protected under the Vermont Wetland Rules. The second element of the project, Protection of Significant Wetlands. focuses on the development of the conditional use determination application process. The third element, Education Outreach, serves to provide town officials, regional planning commissions, consultants, and the general public with information about wetlands and wetland regulations. The fourth component, Enforcement of Wetland Violations, addresses the authority to enforce provisions of the Wetlands Rules established by the Rules. 17 ------- Section 319 Summary Wetland/ Riparian WISCONSIN TITLE: Nonpoint Source Easement Coordinator AGENCY: Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources FY: 1991 CONTACT: Tom Davenport, US EPA Region 5, 312-886-0209 DESCRIPTION: The Wisconsin Nonpoint Source Pollution Abatement Program has authority to use program funds for the purpose of securing easements to help control critical nonpoint sources of pollution. Easements are being used to support the Best Management Practices of wetland restoration, stream bank buffers, and critical area stabilization. In addition, the Stewardship Program grants authority to the Department of Natural Resources to obtain stream bank easements to protect water quality and fish habitat in streams most in need of protection from degradation from agricultural or urban runoff. The Nonpoint Source Easement Coordinator is providing coordination between the Bureaus of Water Resources Management and Property Management in implementation of these programs. The coordinator will assist local and state agencies involved in easement acquisition and in addition will play a direct role in some acquisitions. 18 ------- EDUCATION AND TECHNICAL TRAINING ------- Section 319 Summary Wetland/ Riparian CALIFORNIA TITLE: "How to Heal the Land" Video Project AGENCY: Mendocino County Resource Conservation District FY: 1991 CONTACT: Jovita Pajarillo, US EPA Region 9, 415-744-2011, FTS 484-2011 DESCRIPTION: The public has shown increasing interest in participating in watershed restoration and riparian improvement projects. Local communities have expressed a sincere interest in curing the environmental degradation they see in their surroundings through volunteer efforts. The Mendocino RCD, through its Tomki Creek watershed implementation activities, has been involved early on in restoration efforts and has made a proposal to translate the Tomki experience into a video documentary. This video will provide information on the basics of watershed planning, typical problems and types of BMPs used to treat coastal range watersheds. It will also provide an understanding of the institutional arrangements and funding considerations for such projects. KENTUCKY TITLE: Riparian Education Effort STATE: Kentucky AGENCY: Kentucky Division of Conservation, Division of Water and Fish and Wildlife, other state and federal agencies, and local citizen groups FY: 1990 CONTACT: Duane Roberts, Region 4, 404-347-2126, FTS 257-2126 DESCRIPTION: Increased concern with land disturbing activities associated with agriculture and construction within environmentally sensitive riparian areas has led the Kentucky Division of Conservation (DOC) to propose the establishment of a Riparian Education effort within the state. This will consist of a Riparian Area Management Technical Task Force with representatives from Divisions of Water, Fish and Wildlife, and Conservation taking the lead role, and a cross-section of other state, federal and local agencies and citizens organizations. The task force will develop educational materials with recommendations to minimize the impacts of land disturbing activities, and guidelines on the appropriate state and federal laws and regulations governing these activities. Conservation districts, in cooperation with the task force, will utilize the information and education material and sponsor local workshops and field tours for riparian landowners. The task force will provide training to various agencies providing technical assistance to the local landowners. 19 ------- Section 319 Summary Wetland/ Riparian LOUISIANA TITLE: Wetland and Estuaries Project AGENCY: Interagency Committee: Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality, Louisiana Department of Natural Resources, Office of the Governor of Louisiana FY: 1990, 1991 CONTACT: Susan Alexander, Region 6, 214-655-7140, FTS 255-7140 DESCRIPTION: This project focuses on the implementation of corrective measures necessary to reduce loading of nonpoint source pollutants from agriculture, septic systems, oil and gas production, and urban run-off into targeted wetlands and estuaries. An educational program in wetlands and estuaries will be developed to inform local residents about nonpoint source problems in their areas, and corrective measures being taken. Also, the effectiveness of implementation activities in reducing nonpoint source pollutants in wetlands and estuaries of the State will be tracked. LOUISIANA TITLE: Mermentau River Basin Project AGENCY: Louisiana Cooperative Extension Service, Local Soil and Water Conservation Districts, U.S. Soil Conservation Districts, Department of Environmental Quality FY: 1991 CONTACT: Susan Alexander, Region 6, 214-655-7140, FTS 255-7140 DESCRIPTION: This demonstration project will evaluate the effectiveness of streambank stabilization in reducing sediment loading and turbidity in the Mermentau River basin. Water quality specifications will be included through the 401 certification process into permits required by the Corps of Engineers for dredging and channelization activities. In addition, an educational program will be developed. The effectiveness of the demonstration projects in reducing the level of non point source pollutants entering surface waters will be tracked. 20 ------- Section 319 Summary Wetland/ Riparian SOUTH DAKOTA TITLE: Riparian Grazing Workshop AGENCY: South Dakota Association of Conservation Districts FY: 1991 CONTACT: Roger Dean, US EPA Region 8, 303-293-1603, FTS 330-1571 DESCRIPTION: Poor riparian grazing management practices have resulted in -problems statewide: loss of terrestrial wildlife habitat, water quality degradation and wetland and aquatic habitat impacts. Experience shows that although landowners currently have degraded riparian areas, many would like to improve them but don't know how. This project is to develop a technical training session to bring State, Federal, Indian and conservation technical staff in South Dakota and surrounding states up to date on the state-of-the-art riparian grazing management techniques. UTAH TITLE: "Stream Team"/ Utah Riparian Coalition Project AGENCY: Utah Department of Agriculture/ Environmental Quality Section, Utah Division of Water Rights, Utah Division of Wildlife Resources FY: 1991 CONTACT: Roger Dean, US EPA Region 8, 303-293-1603, FTS 330-1571 DESCRIPTION: A team consisting of a hydrologist, geologist and a fisheries biologist will provide technical assistance to proposed alterations and restoration activities in Utah's streams. Utah's streams are degraded as a result of past attempts to improve channel carrying capacities, construction activities and overgrazing of riparian areas. Team member input will address erosion problems, designated uses of the streams, Utah's antidegradation policy and the protection and possible restoration of wetlands and fisheries conditions. VERMONT TITLE: Vermont Nonpoint Source Control Project AGENCY: Department of Environmental Conservation, Agency of Transportation, Vermont Extension Service, Vermont Educational Television, Soil Conservation Service FY: 1991 CONTACT: Bob Morehouse, US EPA Region 1, 617-565-3420, FTS 835-3513 21 ------- Section 319 Summary Wetland/ Riparian DESCRIPTION: This educational program is designed to increase the awareness of the public and state and local governments of the new Vermont wetlands rules and to educate them on the value of wetlands, the connection between off-site projects and wetlands, and, where needed, to increase enforcement response to selected violations of wetlands rules involving the discharges of nonpoint source pollutants. Specific tasks of the project include: (1) create fact sheets; (2) search New England for video and printed material dealing with wetland values, and the effectiveness in controling nps; (3) conduct public seminars and video tape; (4) develop memoranda of agreement with state agencies on nps; (5) conduct seminars for State and local governments and video tape; (6) air video tapes on Vermont Education Television; (7) conduct and complete at least four enforcement actions. WYOMING TITLE: Using Beaver Management and Ecology in Wyoming to Stabilize Riparian Watercourses and Improve Water Quality: An Extension Educational Publication AGENCY: University of Wyoming FY: 1991 CONTACT: Rich Olson, University of Wyoming, Department of Range Management, P.O. Box 3354, University Station, Laramie, WY 82071 DESCRIPTION: The purpose of this project is to produce a comprehensive extension educational bulletin on beaver management and ecology in Wyoming, with emphasis on utilizing beavers to enhance water quality and improve watershed stability. Proper beaver management is a very cost-effective technique to improve watershed stability and enhance water quality. This project proposes to produce a state-of-the-art extension educational bulletin emphasizing applied beaver management techniques for reducing nonpoint source pollution and improving water storage. The publication will be distributed to local conservation districts, state, and federal resource management agencies and others interested in beaver management 22 ------- CONSTRUCTED WETLANDS ------- Section 319 Summary Wetland/ Riparian ALABAMA TITLE: Big Prairie/ Cottonwood Creek Watershed Project AGENCY: Alabama Department of Environmental Management, Alabama Agriculture Experiment Station and Auburn University's Department of Fisheries and Allied Aquaculture FY: 1990 CONTACT: Mary Ann Gerber, US EPA Region 4, 404-347-3269, FTS 257-2126 DESCRIPTION: The purpose of the Big Prairie/ Cottonwood Creek Watershed Project is to demonstrate proper management techniques in the area's growing catfish industry and procedures for reducing impacts upon water quality that result from release of production pond water. Alternative methods of water utilization and treatment will be explored and may include experimentation with closed systems, reduction of water usage and use of wetlands as treatment systems. ALABAMA TITLE: Sand Mountain/ Lake Guntersville Watershed Project AGENCY: Alabama Department of Environmental Management, USDA/ Soil Conservation Service, Alabama Soil and Water Conservation Committee, TVA, Alabama Agriculture Experiment Station and EPA FY: 1991 CONTACT: Betty Barton, US EPA Region 4, 404-347-2126, FTS 257-2126 DESCRIPTION: The purpose of the Sand Mountain/ Lake Guntersville watershed project is to provide demonstration in the proper management of animal wastes and associated water quality benefits. In conjunction with education efforts and implementation and monitoring of spray irrigation systems for animal wastes, this project involves the evaluation and demonstrated use of constructed wetlands in the treatment of swine wastes by the Alabama Agriculture Experiment Station (AAES) at Auburn. Various species of wetland plants will be utilized and water quality monitoring for surface and ground water will be performed and evaluated for various parameters. This project also includes public informational tours of constructed wetlands. 23 ------- Section 319 Summary Wetland/ Riparian ALABAMA TITLE: Bayview Watershed Project AGENCY: Alabama Department of Environmental Management, USD A/ SCS, TVA, Jefferson County, City of Birmingham, USX Corporation and civic organizations to improve lake water quality through NFS management FY: 1991 CONTACT: Betty Barton, US EPA Region 4, 404-347-2126, FTS 257-2126 DESCRIPTION: The purpose of the Bayview Watershed Project is to provide demonstration of wetland treatment for NFS acid mine drainage from a large coal mine tailings pile and for runoff from an industrial landfill all of which impact Bayview Lake near Birmingham, AL. The project will establish two demonstration areas of constructed wetlands, one at an inactive surface coal mine and one at an industrial landfill site for treatment of NFS runoff. The systems will be evaluated through photo documentation and monitoring for effectiveness in water quality improvements over a two-year period. ILLINOIS TITLE: Lake Argyle and Siloam Springs Wetlands Construction and Evaluation AGENCY: Indiana Department of Conservation FY: 1991 CONTACT: Bill White, Geomorphologist, Illinois Department of Conservation, Springfield IL DESCRIPTION: Protection and enhancement of quality habitat for fish and wildlife and recreational water quality is the focus of proposed activities at Argyle Lake and Siloam Springs State Parks. Specifically, the proposed actions to improve environmental conditions at these sites include the construction of sediment detention/wetland basins with grade stabilization and biotechnical erosion control of the feeder channels and gully's above the targeted arms of the lakes. Investigation and documentation of sediment and nutrient transport conditions, lake sedimentation documentation, maintenance of operation requirements, water quality impacts, biological impacts and recommendations for optimal construction requirements to improve water quality habitat and recreational opportunities will be offered as a result of monitoring evaluation. 24 ------- Section 319 Summary Wetland/ Riparian INDIANA TITLE: Livestock Waste Management and Multiple-Use Constructed Wetlands in the Upper Tippecanoe River AGENCY: Purdue University FY: 1991 CONTACT: Tom Davenport, US EPA Region 5, 312-886-0209 DESCRIPTION: Livestock waste management is of great environmental concern in agricultural systems as a means of controlling nonpoint source pollution. This project proposes the development of an alternative waste treatment system employing artificial or restored wetlands. A one-acre wetland will be constructed downstream from a livestock holding facility within the boundaries of the upper Tippecanoe River drainage in Kosciusko County. Wastewater will pass through a grass or shrub filter strip, into the wetland, and then on to the existing surface drainage system. Due to the filtering qualities of wetlands, it is anticipated that much of the dissolved organic and inorganic material will be removed from the water as it passes through the system. Purdue University is also investigating the possibility of additional benefits such as use of the aquatic plants for livestock fiber, use of plants grown in filter strip for forage or ornamental horticulture, and the development of aquaculture for farm diversification and alternative crops. MISSISSIPPI TITLE: Catfish Pond Nutrient Removal Demonstration Project, Gulf of Mexico Program AGENCY: Soil Conservation Service, Mississippi Cooperative Extension Service, University of Southern Mississippi, Mississippi State Soil and Water Conservation Commission, Sunflower County Soil and Water Conservation District, Catfish Growers Association, and an independent catfish farmer FY: 1990 CONTACT: Gary Anderson, Patricia Biesiot, George Pessoney, or Shiao Wang, University of Southern Mississippi, 601-266-4748 DESCRIPTION: The Gulf of Mexico Program has identified nutrient enrichment as an environmental concern in the Gulf of Mexico. Gulf Estuaries, and even the Gulf itself, are becoming enriched with plant nutrients in the form of nitrogen and phosphorus. This enrichment results from agricultural runoff and waste from activities such as catfish farming that impact the vast drainage network feeding the Gulf of Mexico. There is currently a demonstration project underway 25 ------- Section 319 Summary Wetland/ Riparian that uses constructed wetlands to remove excess organic material and nutrients from catfish ponds. This system will be designed to allow water to be recirculated so that little, if any, wastewater is discharged except as a result of an extraordinary rainfall. Additional goals of such a system are: (1) to establish this as an economically attractive alternative to water dropout methods currently in use; (2) to substantially reduce the nutrient, BOD and oxygen content of the water over the long term; (3) to provide satisfactory control of off-flavor and off- odors in edible fish tissues; (4) to eliminate public health risks which might be associated with accumulation of contaminants. NEBRASKA TITLE: Czechland Lake Watershed, Saunders County AGENCY: Nebraska Department of Environmental Control, Lower Platte North Natural Resources District, EPA, Soil Conservation Service, UNL Cooperative Extension Service, Saunders County Board of Supervisors, Nebraska Natural Resources Commission, Nonpoint Source Information and Education Committee FY: 1990 CONTACT: Steve Walker, Nebraska Department of Environmental Control, Lincoln, NE, 402-471-4227; Ray Hartung, Lower Platte North Natural Resources District, Wahoo, NE, 402-443-4675 DESCRIPTION: Intensive row crop agricultural practices in combination with highly credible soils, consistently cause reservoirs in eastern NE to be degraded by sedimentation, excessive nutrients and pesticide contamination. Czechland Lake, a newly-constructed reservoir on Cottonwood Creek, is located near the town of Prague, in Saunders County. The Cottonwood Creek watershed has documented problems of poor buffer zones, moderate to severe streambank erosion and a sizeable silt or sedimentation problem. This project has four objectives: (1) monitor Cottonwood Creek and Czechland Lake to assess quality changes over time; (2) demonstrate nonpoint source pollution prevention by installing treatments prior to entering the lake; (3) assess the efficiency of sediment/ nutrient traps above a reservoir; and (4) demonstrate the effectiveness of targeting and treating critical NPS pollution areas. Wetlands installations may include (1) a wetland/ sediment trap on the primary arm of the structure that will trap highway runoff; (2) two sediment traps with seasonal wetland areas; (3) a primary wetland habitat area managed in conjunction with a constructed low head dam; and (4) sediment/ flood control/ wetland sites in present road fill areas. 26 ------- Section 319 Summary Wetland/ Riparian OHIO TITLE: Acid Mine Drainage Treatment Using Wetland Technology AGENCY: Division of Reclamation, Abandoned Mines Land Program FY: 1991 CONTACT: R. Jeffrey MacDonald, Natural Resource Administrator, 1855 Fountain Square Court, Building H-2, Columbus OH 43224 (614) 265-1016 DESCRIPTION: The purpose of this project is to construct a wetland to intercept acid mine drainage and to monitor the effectiveness of the wetland system, including the chemical, microbiotic, and macrobiotic components. Project benefits of treating mine drainage are decreased levels of contaminants released to surface waters; increased pH; decreased impact to wildlife"habitat; and reduced mining impacts to Lick Run and Hocking River. TENNESSEE AND KENTUCKY TITLE: Big South Fork/ Bear Creek Demonstration Project AGENCY: Tennessee Department of Health and the Environment, Tennessee Department of Conservation, National Park Service, EPA, TV A, SCS FY: 1991 CONTACT: Duane Roberts, Region 4, 404-347-2126, FTS 257-2126 DESCRIPTION: The Big South Fork/ Bear Creek Demonstration Project is in an interstate watershed. The upper portion of Bear Creek lies in Tennessee and is impacted the most by nonpoint source pollution from abandoned mine sites. Bear Creek flows north into Kentucky where it joins the Big South Fork of the Cumberland River. The National Park Service has concerns about the impacts from the Bear Creek drainage on state and federally listed endangered species and recreational uses of the river. Acid mine damage continues to degrade water quality in the West Branch; BMPs will be implemented on over 50 acres of abandoned surface mines in the headwater section of this area. In addition to the surface acreage treated, anaerobic alkaline drains and constructed wetlands will be installed at several high volume acidic seeps. A monitoring station will be set up at the mouth of Bear Creek to evaluate water quality improvements associated with the implementation of BMPs and constructed wetlands. 27 ------- Section 319 Summary Wetland/ Riparian VIRGINIA TITLE: Coordinated Approach to Hazard Abatement on Abandoned Mine Lands - A Demonstration Project AGENCY: Virginia Department of Mines, Minerals and Energy, Division of Mined Land Reclamation's Abandoned Mine Land Program, Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation, US EPA FY: 1991 CONTACT: Conrad Spangler, VA Division of Mined Land Reclamation DESCRIPTION: This project will demonstrate the reclamation of abandoned coal mined land and determine the effectiveness of artificial wetlands in abating acid mine drainage in southwest Virginia. Mine drainage will be discharged into artificial wetlands after being treated by an Anoxic Alkaline Drainage Treatment System. The wetlands will serve as a polishing pond to precipitate out iron and manganese. Though the process is not thoroughly understood, it is known that wetland plants such as cattails remove metals from mine water by drainage, consumption and filtration. In addition, algae and bacteria, which thrive in wetlands, oxidize iron and manganese. The bacteria convert sulfates to hydrogen sulfide, a compound that removes metals from the water. Effectiveness will be determined through monitoring water quality. WEST VIRGINIA TITLE: Potomac Valley and Eastern Panhandle Soil Conservation Districts Nutrient and Pesticide Management Demonstration Project STATE: West Virginia AGENCY: West Virginia Division of Natural Resources Water Resources Section FY: 1991 CONTACT: Teena Reichgott, US EPA Region 3, 215-597-9800, FTS 597-3364 DESCRIPTION: Information and education activities will be used to promote sustainable agriculture methods and proper usage of nutrients and pesticides to protect water quality. The program involves development of alternatives for using poultry litter, installation of dead bird/ manure composting facilities, a disposal program for unused pesticides and containers, sinkhole capping and construction of wetlands to treat animal waste leachate. 28 ------- OTHER PROJECTS OF INTEREST ------- Section 319 Summary Wetland/ Riparian CALIFORNIA TITLE: Field Test of Demonstration Urban Stormwater Treatment Marsh (DUST) AGENCY: Alameda County Flood Control and Water Conservation District FY: 1990 CONTACT: Jovita Pajarfflo, US EPA Region 9, 415-744-2011, FTS 484-2011 DESCRIPTION: In the early-to-mid 1980's, the Demonstration Urban Stormwater Treatment (DUST) Marsh was designed to study mechanisms of pollutant removal and release from urban runoff. The 55-acre marsh, located in southern Alameda County within the Coyote Hills Regional Park, is a natural wetland modified with a series of test basins designed to evaluate various removal mechanisms. The marsh also serves to maintain and enhance other uses of the area such as flood control and wildlife habitat and, very importantly, serves as a demonstration of the practicality of using wetland treatment facilities in other locations to protect sensitive receiving waters and aquatic ecosystems. Alameda County Flood Control and Water Conservation District (ACFC&WCD) is performing a study at the DUST Marsh to determine the effectiveness of the marsh in removing pollutants from urban runoff. This study focuses on the accumulation of selected heavy metals in the sediments throughout the Crandell Creek DUST Marsh system. The objective of this project is to construct a model which describes both the removal of pollutants from urban runoff in the marsh and the fate and bioavailability of the pollutants in the marsh. This project builds on the ACFC&WCD study and focuses on identifying the concentrations and potential bioavailability of selected heavy metals within the vegetative complex of the Crandell Creek DUST Marsh system. Data from this project will be collected to evaluate the partitioning of metals within selected vegetative compartments as well as the potential impacts on the food web. DELAWARE TITLE: Installation of Stormwater Management Basin Retrofit AGENCY: DE Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) Division of Soil and Water Conservation FY: 1991 CONTACT: Teena Reichgott, EPA Region 3, 215-597-9800, FTS 597-3364 DESCRIPTION: An existing dry Stormwater detention basin will be changed into a wet retention pond and wetland in order to reduce sediment and phosphorus nonpoint loads to Silver Lake. The goal of the project is to implement an urban demonstration project to show how water quality best 29 ------- Section 319 Summary Wetland/ Riparian management practices can be incorporated into existing and proposed stormwater management construction requirements. It is anticipated that the wetland will remove up to 90% of all particulate and 30-40% of total phosphorus. IOWA TITLE: Coldwater Streams Corridor Protection in Northeastern Iowa AGENCY: Iowa Department of Natural Resources, County Soil and Conservation Districts, Soil Conservation Service, Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation, Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, US Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Service, USFWS FY: 1990 CONTACT: Ubbo Agena, Iowa Department of Natural Resources, Environmental Protection Division, 900 East Grand, Des Moines, Iowa 50319,515-281-6402 DESCRIPTION: Protected corridor areas/ demonstration sites will be established on privately owned land adjacent to two coldwater streams in northeast Iowa where livestock access or animal waste discharges are a major source of impairment. Appropriate corridor area, stream bank, and stream bed protection and improvement practices will be implemented to enhance the stream's ability to support trout, while maintaining the profitability of livestock operation. In addition, monitoring and assessment activities will be conducted to document the project's impacts; and public information materials will be developed. The streams being considered for project implementation are Bigalk Creek and Middle Bear Creek. IOWA TITLE: Poplar Tree Buffer Strips - Amana Colonies, Iowa County AGENCY: Iowa Amana Colonies, University of Iowa, Iowa Department of Natural Resources, Iowa State University Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture FY: 1990/1991 CONTACT: Ubbo Agena, Iowa Department of Natural Resources, Environmental Protection Division, 900 East Grand, Des Moines, Iowa 50319,515-281-6402 Louis Licht, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa 52242, 913-335-5050 30 ------- Section 319 Summary Wetland/ Riparian DESCRIPTION: This two year project demonstrates the utility of poplar tree buffer strips in protecting shallow groundwater and adjacent surface waters from nitrate contamination, while providing stream corridor protection and improvement. A poplar buffer strip has been installed along a 300 foot length of stream adjacent to row-cropped land. The trees are being grown in a leach field configuration with tile line water being piped and drained through the root-rich buffer. Natural vegetation will be allowed to grow into the area around the trees to the point that it does not threaten their survival. Impacts of the buffer on pollutant concentrations in the shallow groundwater will be determined by analyzing piezometer and lysimeter samples. IOWA TITLE: Coon Creek Water Quality Project in Allamakee and Winneshiek Counties AGENCY: Allamakee and Winneshiek County Soil and Water Conservation Districts (SWCD), Iowa Department of Natural Resources, IDNR Forestry and Fisheries Staff, Iowa State University Cooperative Extension Service FY: 1991 CONTACT: Ubbo Agena, Iowa Department of Natural Resources, Environmental Protection Division, 900 East Grand, Des Moines, Iowa, 50319, 515-281-6402 DESCRIPTION: As part of a three year project to protect and improve water quality in Coon Creek, a coldwater trout stream in northeastern Iowa, best management practices will be implemented to control soil erosion and reduce water quality impairments caused by animal waste. This will include fencing areas . of the stream to exclude livestock and planting walnut trees along the fenced corridor to provide riparian habitat and associated water quality and fish and wildlife benefits. A 1/2 FTE soil conservation technisian position will re established in the Allamakee and Winneshiek County Soil and Water Conservation Districts to coordinate and implement project activities. NEW YORK TITLE: Great Lakes Demonstration Project - Irondequoit Creek AGENCY: NYSDEC Monroe County, USGS, USEPA, USFWS, USACOE FY: 1991 CONTACT: Malcolm Henning, US EPA Region 2, 212-264-2657, FTS 264^2059 31 ------- Section 319 Summary Wetland/ Riparian DESCRIPTION: This project proposes to install a temporary control structure to the Irondequoit Creek/ Empire wetlands to mitigate impacts of urban runoff to Irondequoit Bay. The control structure will allow for better attenuation of stonnwater runoff by providing for longer contact time over a greater area of wetlands. This will allow for increased removal of phosphorus and other nutrients. Before installing the temporary structure, an evaluation of the Irondequoit Creek/ Empire wetlands in treating stonnwater will be made. Once the temporary structure is in place, the water quality and ecosystem effects of the increased stonnwater detention in the wetland will be evaluated. If the results prove to be environmentally favorable, a permit for a permanent flow control structure will be sought. 32 ------- INDEX agriculture (4), (5), (7), (11), (13), (14), (20-22), (24), (29), (32) Alabama (24), (25) Army Corps of Engineers (1) Bear Creek (5), (28), (29), (32) beaver (23) best management practices (2), (7), (9), (11-13), (19), (32), (33) BMPs (1), (2), (9), (10), (15), (20), (28), (29) Boulder Creek (1) California (20), (31) catfish (24), (26), (27) Chalk Creek (11) citizen (20) coliform (7), (11-13) Colorado (1) Connecticut (2), (3), (16), (17) Connecticut River (3), (16), (17) Conservation District (1), (3), (4), (6), (8-11), (13), (15), (16), (20), (26), (31) Coon Creek (33) Cooperative Extension Service (4), (5), (7), (10), (21), (26), (27), (33) Cottonwood Creek (24), (27) creek (1), (5-11), (13), (20), (24), (27-29), (31-34) Czechland Lake (27) Delaware (14), (31) demonstrate (4), (5), (7), (8), (24), (27), (29) demonstration (3-5), (21), (24-29), (31), (32), (34) Department of Agriculture (4), (11), (13), (14), (22), (32) East Spring Creek (8), (9) education (16), (19), (20), (23), (24), (27), (29) Eightmile Creek (10) enforcement (17-19), (23) EPA (1), (3-20), (22), (24-29), (31), (34) fence (10) fencing (1), (2), (7-10), (13), (33) fish (1), (2), (4-10), (19), (20), (25), (27), (33) flood control (1), (28), (31) Florida (3) Forest Service (1), (10) Georgia (4) Godfrey Creek (7) grazing (1), (2), (8-10), (13), (22) Great Lakes (15), (16), (34) habitat (1), (2), (4-11), (13), (14), (19), (22), (25), (28), (31), (33) Hawaii (4), (5) ------- INDEX highway runoff (28) Illinois (14), (25) Indiana (15), (25), (26) Iowa (5), (15), (16), (32), (33) irrigation (2), (24) Jordan River (12) Kentucky (20), (28) Lake Guntersville (24) Lake Jackson (3) leachate (30) legislation (18) livestock (2), (7), (9), (10), (13), (26), (32), (33) Louisiana (21) Mattabasset River (3) Mermentau River (21) Merrimack River (16) Mississippi (26) monitor (2), (3), (17), (27), (28) Montana (6-8) Nebraska (27) Nevada (9), (10) New Hampshire (16) New York (34) nitrate (7), (11), (13), (33) nonpoint source (1), (3-7), (14), (17-19), (21-23), (26), (27), (28) North Carolina (17) North Fork Republican River (1) NFS (6), (7), (12), (16), (17), (23), (25), (27) nutrient (1), (11), (16), (25-27), (29) Ohio (28) oil and gas (21) Otter Creek (13) outreach (19) Pearl Harbor (4), (5) Pequabuck River (2) phosphorus (11), (26), (32), (34) Pickerel Lake (10), (11) policy (17), (18), (22) publication (23) regulation (17) restoration (2-6), (10), (12), (15), (19), (20), (22) Rhode Island (17), (18) riparian (1-5), (7-14), (20-23), (33) river (1-3), (7), (8), (10-13), (16), (17), (21), (26), (28) ------- INDEX SCS (11), (15), (25), (28) sediment (1), (2), (4), (5), (7), (11-13), (21), (25), (27), (28), (32) Soil Conservation Service (1), (4), (6), (7), (10), (11), (13), (22), (24), (26), (27), (32) South Dakota (10), (22) staff position (15) stormwater (2-4), (12), (17), (18), (31), (32), (34) sulfate (11), (13) Tennessee (28) Three Mile Creek (6), (7) treatment (24-26), (28), (29), (31) university (4), (5), (7), (9-11), (13), (23), (24), (26), (32), (33) urban runoff (5), (19), (31), (34) USFWS (15), (32), (34) Utah (11-13), (22) Vermont (18), (22), (23) video tape (23) Virginia (29) volunteer (16), (20) watershed (1), (3), (5-7), (10-13), (15-17), (20), (23), (24), (25), (27), (28) West Virginia (29) wetland (2), (4), (6), (11-15), (17-19), (21-29), (31), (32), (34) wildlife habitat (4), (5), (8), (9), (11), (13), (22), (28), (31) workshop (22) ------- |