What is the Pawcatuck Watershed?
Everyone lives in o watershed. Watersheds come in all sizes and shapes, and
they ignore political boundaries. A watershed is all the land area that drains to
a common outlet be it o lab, a stream, a river, or a bay. The Pawcatuck water-
shed, located in southeastern Connecticut and southwestern Rhode Island,
covers u land area of approximately 300 square miles, one-quarter the size of
Rhode Island, and includes oil or sections of ten Rhode Island and four
Connecticut towns. Seven major rivers and their tributaries: the Chipuxet,
Chickasheen, Wood, Queen, and Powcatuck Rivers of Rhode Island; and the
Shunock and Green Foil Rivers of Connecticut drain to the common outlet of the
Pawcatuck River and Little Narragansett Bay. These rivers along with the lakes,
ponds, wetlands, ond streams serve as important wildlife habitat,
recreational resources, ond water supplies for agricultural production. Significant
groundwater resources underlie the watershed and remain the sole source of
drinking woter for the people living within the watershed. Groundwater and
surface waters ore interconnected, ond the wotershed is noted for having some
of the highest quality ground water and surface water in the areo. The woter-
shed is one of Southern New Englond's "special places" and features several
centuries of historical resources in a remarkably rural ond unspoiled natural
setting. It is rich in Native American sites, family-owned farms and farmsteads,
small-scale industrial villages, summer colonies and o vital, picturesque down-
town nrea (Westerly-Pawcatuck).
Contents
Introduction 2
Past, Present, Future 2
Natural Resources J
CIS Maps 7
A Better Way oj Managing
Our Environment 11
How to Get Involved 13
Glossary 75
References 16
Acknowledgments 16
Hou/ was the Pawcatuck Watershed I
The Powcatuck watershed is characterized by low, rolling hills
separated by relatively flat valleys. Formed 16,000 to 17,000
years ago as the late Wisconsin continental ice sheet retreated
from southern New England, the watershed's topography and
the underlying deposits are relics of the glacial age. Erosion
rilonn nrtK.vKtir.r 'iver willsys product n series of ftaflp nnrtH-
south bedrock v.illeys present today beneath the cover of glacial
deposits. As the glacier retreated from Block Island Sound, if
deposited the 100-foot high Charlestown end moraine, o ridge
of glacial sediment, running alongside U.S. Route 1 on the south
shore of Rhode Island. This ridge effectively blocked southward
drainage through the river valleys. Glacial lakes formed behind
the moraine as the glacier retreated to the north and meltwater
accumulated in the volleys. Drainage from these lakes was
ultimately established to the west creating the ancestral
Pawcatuck watershed, i Large braided meltwater streams
flowed south from the ice margin into the glacial lakes deposit-
ing sorted, stratified sediment along the valley floors. The north
end of most valleys is dominated by relatively coarse (sand,
gravel, and boulders) outwosh deposits, whereas the southern
end of many valleys is filled with fine-grained (fine sand,
silt, and clay) glacial lake deposits. Accumulations of stratified
sediment in the bedrock valleys exceed 60 feet in many areas
Photo by ttie Nature Conservancy
irmed?
and may reach thicknesses as great as 150 feet or more in
selected areas. Worden Pond and the surrounding Greet Swamp
ore the remnant of glacial Lake Worden which occupied a
bedrock volley now filled with over 200 feet of sediment. Kettle
ponds (Larkin Pond, Yawgoo Pond, Sandy Pond) dot the land-
srone where blocks of huripH the;inl rjirtwosb "'"H r*'nd
gravel, melted leaving topographic depressions that extend
below the woter table. ± Blockage of the bedrock volleys by the
Charlestown moraine and the lock of significont topographic
relief in many valleys hove creoted a relatively sluggish drainage
system in the Powcatuck watershed. Rivers that would have
drained southward along a relatively steep gradient, flow insteod
to the west behind the moraine as tributaries to the Pawcatuck
River along a much shallower gradient. As a result, wetlands
occur throughout the watershed ond are extensive at the
southern end of some valleys (for example, Indian Cedar
Swamp, Greot Swamp, Chapman Swamp, Watchaug Pond
area). The watershed preserved today therefore represents a
unique accommodation between the modern drainage system
and the geologic features inherited from the last ice age.
together these forces hove formed expanses of diverse, scenic,
and unspoiled habitats.
NOTE: See glossary for definition of technical terms.
Photo by Rhode Island DEM Heritage Program
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PA WCA TUCK WA TERSHED
The Pawcatuck watershed is rich with historical resources. Historic use and
resources produced by human settlement ond occupation of the watershed ore
intimately associated with the area's natural environment. Human occupation
extends back several thousand years and includes many sites associated with
both Native American and European American inhabitants.
Native Americans first occupied ttie watershed soon after the retreat of the
glaciers. The earliest settlers were nomadic hunters, followed in the Archaic
Period (5000-2000 years Before Present) ond Woodland Period (2500-200 BP)
by seasonally nomadic hunters, gatherers, and farmers. In winter they occupied
inland campsites in granite rock shelters, such as Rattlesnake Ledge in West
Greenwich or the Tomoquag Volley in Hopkinton. In warmer weather, they
migrated nearer the ocean to plant crops, to fish, and to harvest shellfish. In
addition to seasonal campsites, Native American resources included prehistoric
and contact-period fortifications like Fort Ninigret in Charlestown; battle sites such
as Shannock Falls; and burial grounds. Today, the Narragansetts occupy their
allotted "tribal lands" in Charlestown.
18TH AND 19TH CENTURIES
European contact and settlement began in the seventeenth century, but remained
sparse until the eighteenth century wnen farm complexes began to dot the land-
scape. The earliest European villages developed around transportation or
manufacturing centers where streams provided water power for milling
operations (saw mills, grist mills, and carding mills). During this period, the mills
and villages in the watershed were characterized by small scale industrial
development, closely associated with the area's natural resources. Cross Mills in
Charlestown, for example, grew up at a spot on the newly established Post Road
where a small brook provided water power for a grist mill. By the end of the
eighteenth century it included a blacksmith shop, where agricultural implements
were made and repaired, and horses were shod. At Bradford, a dam was
erected across the Pawcatuck River in 1758, and a sowmill was constructed on
the Hopkinton side of the
river. A grist mill followed in
the I770's. Avondole rose
at an inlet on the Pawcatuck
River and enjoyed a long
association with boat build-
ing. Shannock developed at
a spot on the Pawcatuck
with both lower and upper
falls and had both saw- and
gristmills in place before
1759. Hope Volley included
a sawmill, gristmill, fulling
mill and carding mill by the
I770's. By 1776 Hopkinton
City counted a gristmill,
sowmill, tannery, blacksmith
Population Trends*
in Pawcatuck Watershed Towns
Year
' Total population (ot each town b included
*' Farmland acreage is for Washington County, Rl
Nineteenth-century growth brought changes in the relationship between the environment and human
settlement. Industries within the watershed exploited stream and river waters for processing as well as for
power. Textile mills in particular used water for various operations, but all used the water to eliminote waste
with little thought about consequences to the environment. As communities grew, they came to use the rivers
for sewage disposal. Lack of municipol sewer systems or individual septic systems also contributed to the
contamination of subsurface drinking water supplies.
20TH CENTURY
Suburban growth exploded after World War II. In urban areas, such as Providence, the population had
peaked before 1950. Federal housing policy encouraged new construction and discouraged
investment in inner-city neighborhoods. The Interstate Highway Act of 1956, intended both as a defense-
mobilization reinforcement during the Cold War and as a personal and commercial transportation improve-
ment, provided easier escape from cities. Population trends for watershed towns dramatically illustrate this
period of rapid growth, especially
after the completion of Interstate
Highway 95 in the late 1960s
ond the widening of Route 1
along the south shore. Large-
scale commercial development
soon followed the thousands of
ne" residents.
The character of suburban devel-
opment differed radically from
that of the previous two-ond-a-
half centuries. Residential subur-
ban development typically
includes large lots, often two Photo by Southern Rhode Island Conservation District
acres, with low spreading houses and wide streets, in contrast to the historic pattern of relatively large-
acreage forms and small-scale, tightly built villages. Suburban commercial development tends toward
shopping centers surrounded by large parking lots. As the population increased, shopping centers, their
constituent stores, and surface parking all grew in both numbers and size. Suburbanization hos exerted
profound effects on the watershed's environment. Suburban residential tract development has claimed
former farmland ond second-growth forests, leaving less ond less open space. Phosphorus and nitrate
nutrients from suburban septic systems can both trigger algal growth in rivers and estuaries ond contaminate
groundwater. Oil runoff from roads ond lorge parking lots contributes significantly to nonpoint pollution.
Large numbers of automobiles produce water- soluble exhaust contaminants that pollute both air and water.
While development before 1950 was visually cohesive
with the landscape, environmental conditions were largely
unaddressed. In the early twentieth century, the Pawcatuck
River and many of its tributaries were heovily polluted, but
todoy the river is cleaner. Most of the textile mills have
been closed for decades. Towns have odequate sewage
disposal systems, ond point-specific sources of pollution are
now carefully controlled.
THE CHALLENGE
shop, distillery, and tavern. Westerly Village's location was strategic: it grew around the intersection of the AND OPPORTUNITY
Post Road ond the Pawcatuck River's head of navigotion immediately below a natural waterfall. With the mill
or shop as the focus, these villages typically included, ot most, a handful of houses, a church, o tavern or
inn, a stoie oi two, and perhaps a post office.
In the nineteenth century, railrood lines helped provide the more efficient transportotion required by
increasing industrialization, in turn stimulating further development in established villages. Textile ond
machine-tool mills began to spring up following the introduction of mechanized textile production in 1791 at
Slater Mill in nearby Pawtucket, Rl. Between 1810 and 1825 nine new mills were constructed in the water-
shed, eight devoted to textile production. The 1840's saw tremendous growth of textile manufacturing along
the watershed's rivers: new mills sprang up at Kenyon (1844), Potter Hill (1844-47), Bradford (1846),
Shannock (1848), Stillmanville (1848), and White Rock (1849). The nineteenth-century mills, unlike their
predecessors, produced goods which were exported beyond the locol community throughout the state or the
region. Granite quarrying supplemented textile manufacturing after 1830.
The future of the watershed is not secure. Populations will
lead to accelerated nonpoint source pollution and to
fragmented habitats. Control over mony of the existing and
potential threats to the environment will increasingly
depend on those who live and work here. The Pawcatuck
Watershed Partnership, a new effort to protect our
watershed and promote sustainable economic vitality, is
perhaps the mechanism by which we can better coordinate
our efforts to develop healthy communities. We need to
keep working harder, and smarter, to keep improving
environmental and economic conditions in the watershed.
PAGE 2
Past, Present, f uture
HISTORY OF THE
El triij roads made the
watershed mere acces-
sible. The Post Read
(Rt I) was established
ea. 1700 to connect
colonial settlements
between Boston and
New York. Ten Rod
Road provided a direct
route for driving cattle
and brinqinij produce
from the fertile inland
farms after 1703.
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PAGE 3
Natural Resources
GROUND WA TFR. AN IMPORTANT RESOURCE
Significant groundwater resources underlie large portions of the watershed. Much of the ground-
water flows slowly through aquifers composed of stratified sand and gravel deposits that are
capable of yielding large amounts of water. Groundwater is the sole source of drinking woter for
the people living within the watershed and supplements supplies beyond the watershed's bound-
ary. In 1988, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency designated the groundwater resources of
the watershed a Sole Source Aquifer. This designation signifies that the drinking water supply of
the area is from groundwater and no reasonable alternate source of drinking water exists, such
as surface water reservoirs. Thus, protection of this resource is of utmost importance.
The watershed is noted for having the highest quality ground and surface water in both
Connecticut and Rhode Island, according to their respective departments of environmental
protection and management. The quality and quantity of groundwater and surface water are
interconnected. Groundwater is recharged by rainfall within the watershed, then discharges into
surface water bodies. During severe drought conditions streams and rivers can recharge to
groundwater. Hence, the quality and quantity of one water resource affects the quality and
quantity of the other.
WETLANDS. AN IMPORTANT RESOURCE AND HABITAT
Wetlands are periodically flooded lands that ore often found between high, dry, upland areas and
low-lying open bodies of woter such as lakes, rivers, and streams. Occasionally, wetlonds can also
be found in upland areos on hill slopes or in surface depressions near groundwater springs or
where surface water collects. Wetlands cover about 27,000 ocres of the Pawcatuck watershed,
approximately 14 percent of the watershed's area.
Once thought of only as "foul quagmires" and sources of disease, scientists now know that wet-
lands perform many important ecological functions. Several of these functions have direct,
significant human value. Wetlonds protect the health of lakes and streams and improve the
quality of our drinking water. Acting os natural filters, wetland plants ore oble to hop excess
nutrients ond other contaminants found in rainwater and melting snow which runs over the
surface of the land. Wetlands provide critical hobitot for fish, waterfowl, and other wildlife in our
increasingly urbanized environment. Wetlands reduce ond delay flood peaks by temporarily
storing storm woter in depressions in the landscape, and promote the recharge of the watershed's
groundwater resources. In this woy, even the smallest wetlonds are part of nature's "least-cost
engineering" solution to flooding. Yet to mony, it is the natural beauty and wildness of wetlonds
Photo by Natural Resource Conservation Service
that is their most valuable, or even priceless, feature. Many of the largest remaining
undeveloped tracts of land in the Powcatuck watershed are wetlands. A visit to one of these
sites can provide the wilderness-like quiet and solitude needed to rejuvenate us and inspire a
sense of wonder about the natural world.
Legislation to protect and regulate the use of wetlands exists at the federal, state and local
government levels in both Connecticut ond Rhode Island. Some of the best protection for
wetlands has been provided through acquisition ond conservation easements by private and
public land protection programs. However, despite the recognition of ecological and human
volues, wetlands continue to be altered or destroyed. When small, isolated wetlonds or the
edges of lorge wetlands ore filled, the loss may seem unimportant locally, but over the entire
watershed the totol ecological effect can be significant.
Wetlands ore classified based on their overall wetness and the characteristics of their soils and
plai;*,. Besides ihe familiar livers, lakes, and ponds, some less obvious wetland types found
in our watershed ore swamps, marshes, bogs, fens ond vernal pools.
SWAMPS,
or forested wetlands, account for nearly 90 percent of the Pawcatuck watershed wetlands. Red maple swamps are the largest and most common of the
forested wetland types, but the watershed also contains some of the region's largest Atlantic white cedar evergreen swamps. The water level in swamps
ranges widely over the seasons, from well above the soil surface during the winter to several feet below the surface in late summer. The changing water
level promotes the formation of water-filled pools and damp mounds over the swamp's surface. This variable terrain encourages growth of a wide variety of
plants, each with their own particular adaptation to wetness. In turn, the diversity of frees, shrubs, and herbs attracts many different kinds of wildlife in search
of food and cover. Because swamps are so common, or possibly because they often have no surface water for long periods, they are the wetland type most
commonly altered by man's activities.
Figure 1. A red maple swamp in winter, Biscuit City Landing, Richmond, Rl
MARSHES
also known as emergent wetlands, are generally wetter tiian swamps and feature leafy herbs that are often rooted underwater. Many freshwater marshes
arise along the edges of lakes and streams in late spring. At this time, the salt marshes near the mouth of the Pawcatuck River begin to turn green again.
During the summer, many floating-leaved marsh plants produce spectacular displays of colorful flowers while providing food for waterfowl and refuge for
fish and amphibians. As winter approaches, many marshes temporarily disappear as their fragile leaves disintegrate from the effects of low temperatures
and high winds.
Figure 2. Flowering pickerelweed marsh, Belleville Pond, North Kingstown, Rl
BOOS and htNS,
or peatlands, are the least common of the wetland types found in the Pawcatuck watershed. Bogs are unusual wetlands that are completely covered by raised
cushions of Sphagnum moss and rarely have any standing water on their surface. Instead, water continuously saturates the fibrous soil, or peat, composed of
partially decayed bog plants resulting in a spongy surface, or mat, that often bounces, quakes, and undulates underfoot. The continuous saturation of the bog
mat creates some very harsh conditions for plants to grow, including little soil oxygen, acidic water, and few nutrients. In fact, most bogs receive all of their
nutrients from rainfall alone. Many bog plants are able to grow only in a stunted condition, while others have developed unusual adaptations to cope with the
difficult growing conditions. Some, like the pitcher plant and sundew, have adapted to the problem of low amounts of soil nutrients by evolving specialized leaf
structures to trap and digest insects attracted to the plant's odor. This delicate relationship between plants and nutrients can be upset when rainfall from
polluted air brings excess nutrients to the bog surface. Under these conditions, more common plant species may replace the unusual plants found on the bog.
i§} Fens differ from bogs in that they are relatively flat, have little or no Sphagnum moss, and are sometimes flooded with surface water. Besides rainfall, fens
receive nutrients from groundwater, streams, or in storm water runoff from the surrounding land. The slightly higher nutrient levels allow fens to support a wider
variety of more robust plants. Like bogs, however, the plant species found in a fen can be adversely affected by excess nutrients coming from polluted ground-
water or streams.
Figure 3. Autumn on a leatherleof shrub bog, Diamond Bog, Richmond, Rl
Photo by Frank Golet
Photo by Frank Golet
Photo by Frank Golet
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PAGE 4
VERNAL POOLS
are small, temporary ponds found in isolated, shallow basin depressions in the land. The word "vernal" means spring, and refers to the fact that by springtime,
these depressions are filled with water that has accumulated over the winter months. Vernal pools are "isolated" in that they have no connection to permanent
slTeams or other continuous sources of water. Some vernal pools form in dense soil that allows rainwater and melting snow to collect in the basin, while others
fill as the groundwater table rises above the bottom of the basin during the winter and early spring. As evaporation rates increase through late spring and
summer, and plants lower the groundwater table by extracting water from the soil, the water level in the pools begins to drop. By late summer or early fall, often
all that remains are depressions lined with gray leaves to mark the location of where these ponds once existed. The periodic drying, high summertime
temperatures, and winter freezing of vernal pools prevent the establishment of permanent populations of fish. W Vernal pools are so small that they are not
usually found on maps of wetlands; still, they are important as wildlife habitat and are valuable for their flood control properties as well. Several species of
amphibians depend upon vernal ponds as habitat for reproduction. Examples include the common toad, spotted salamander, marbled salamander, and wood frog.
The lack of predatory fish and the abundance of insect food make the pools an attractive location for amphibians to deposit their eggs. Each spring, the duck-
like "quacking" of breeding wood frogs reveals the location of many woodland vernal pools. W The basins where vernal pools are found can easily be over-
looked in terms of their value as natural flood control structures. Though a single vernal pond may not hold much wafer, the many small depressions in the land-
scape found over on entire watershed can temporarily store large volumes of water during storms. By slowing the overland flow of water, the downstream flood
peak in low-lying areas prone to flooding is often reduced and delayed.
Figure 4. A vernal pool in late winter, Rte. 138 and Beaver River Road, Richmond, Rl
I RARE SPECIES and UNIQUE HABITA TS
The Pawcatuck watershed is located at the intersection of the North Atlantic Coast and Lower New England ecoregions. The plant and animal communities of the Pawcatack watershed
therefore reflect a mix of coastal and inland, northern and southern influences. About 70 percent of Rhode Island's globally rare (generally found at fewer than 100 sites, worldwide) and 63
percent of its state rare species and natural community occurrences are found within the Pawcatuck watershed.
The watershed is a "special place." These species and communities are found here because it is relatively undeveloped and is approximately 70
percent forested. The watershed supports a high diversity of species, including forest nesting neotropical migrant birds, freshwater mussels, river
invertebrates, reptiles, and amphibians. These species require large areas with relatively little human disturbance to survive, either because they range
widely or because they are susceptible to water quality degradation. Continued fragmentation ond suburbanization of the landscape poses a long-term
threat to the survival of these species.
Some Examples:
Unique and Historic Habitats
At the origin of the Pawcatuck River, near the point where it begins its flow from Worden's Pond, is one of the largest deciduous flood plain forests in Rhode Island. Composed of red maple,
green ash, and black gum, with some trees approaching 150 years in age, this dense swamp covers more than 300 acres. Possibly better than ony site in the state, this swamp closely approx-
imates the vegetation of the region prior to European settlement. Among the inhabitants of this unique forest is the Prothonotary Warbler, a bright yellow songbird most commonly found in the
vast bottom lands of the South, occupying its only New England nesting site in the Great Swamp of the Pawcatuck River.
Photo by Frank Golet
When the Creeping SI. JonrVs-wort
Rare and Exceptional
Occurrences
blooms at Meadowbrook Pond in
Richmond during mid to late
summer, over an acre of water
surface is turned brilliant by the
golden blossoms of this emergent
shrubby plant. Considered to be rare
throughout its restricted range,
nowhere else does this plant attain
such abundance as in the Pawcatuck
River watershed.
Atlantic White Cedar is the only tree
in Rhode Island that is an obligate
wetland species; that is, wetland
conditions are necessary for this
species to thrive. Occupying a
Photo by Robert Wodmon no(row ban(l f,om soutl™ Moine ,0
Florida, some of the largest stands
of Atlantic White Cedar ore found in the Pawcatuck River watershed at such places as the Great Swamp, Indian Cedar Swamp,
and Chapman's Swamp in Westerly. Forests of White Cedar provide a specialized habitat for many organisms, including the
Hessel's Hairstreak butterfly. The caterpillars of this dainty species feed exclusively on cedar foliage, and later when they have
transformed to adults, the males sit on the tips of branches waiting to engage their fellows in territorial combat.
Biodiversity
The above examples represent a tiny fraction of the biodiversity of the
Pawcatuck River watershed. Residing here are more than 36 species
of mammals, 16 amphibians, 18 reptiles, 123 nesting birds, 33
freshwoter fish, and literally thousands of insects and other
invertebrates. In general, at least 75% of all species found in Rhode
Island inhabit the watershed. Similarly, more than 70% of the species
considered to he rare in the state ore found in the Pawcotuck's varied
environs, with several found nowhere else in the state. Included in
this elite group are such organisms as Sandplain Gerardia, Northern
Parula Warbler, Etuberculated Rush, Eastern Spadefoot Toad,
, Spatterdock Darner, Eastern Pearlshell Mussel, and the Pale Green
oto y oonne ic au p.^ ^ ^ ^ amazing diversity of habitats in the
watershed which include pitch pine barrens, rhododendron swamps, laurel thickets, flood plain forests, marshes, bogs, fens,
crystal dear ponds, deciduous woodlands, ond the perennial waters of the river itself. The reasons for the rich biotic diversity of
this watershed are as varied as the organisms it supports. Chief among the factors is the unique glacial history of the area that
provided the topographic setting for the myriad wetlands and upland habitats.
A WATERSHED-BASED APPROACH
IV MANAGING WETLANDS^
The Nature Conservancy and the
University of Rhode Island have formed a
partnership to demonstrate a watershed-
level approach to wetlands management
through the following activities: (1) locat-
ing and mapping ecologically significant
wetlands, such as those supporting pollu-
tion-sensitive fresh water mussels or rare
dragonflies; (2) developing a procedure to
evaluate the cumulative effect of land-
scape features and land use on wetland
water quality using computerized maps,
also known as Geographic Information
Systems; (3) encouraging stewardship of
privately owned lands and wise land use
policies through education and technical
assistance to landowners and local
decision makers; and (4) identifying and
mapping riparian areas considered to have
a high potential for protecting the
environment. Riparian areas are areas of
stream side vegetation. These areas can
trap pollutants before they reach
wetlands and water bodies. Riparian
areas also provide cooling shade for trout
and protected corridors for wildlife in
which to move. Other critical areas
mapped through this project include
pollution "hot spots." These are high-
intensity land use areas most likclif to
contribute pollutants or areas with hiijh-
risk soils that will likely generate off-site
movement of pollutants to either
groundwater or surface waters. The
results of this assessment will be
combined with conservation priorities
identified bg The Nature Conservancy
and Rl DEM in a management plan for
the Queen River as a model for water-
shed-based wetlands management
in other areas.
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PAGE 5
Globally Imperiled
Species and Natural
Communities in Rl
A FORESTED LANDSCAPE tCOSYSTtM
The landscape may be thought of os an interlocking web of different natural communities, most
dominated by forest. Embedded within this web are unique habitats or rare species sites. The continued
health of these unique habitats, however, is highly dependent upon the condition of the surrounding forest-
ed landscape. Many wide ranging species of birds, frogs, and salamanders are particularly vulnerable to
habitat fragmentation, and may require blocks of intact forest hundreds, or even thousands, of acres in size
to reproduce successfully and sustain
their populations. As large expanses of
habitat are broken into smaller and
smaller tracts, the resident plants and
animals become cramped in reduced
parcels. Gradually species disappear,
until what remains is a depauperate
sampling of the former diversity,
comprised of those species capable
of surviving in the land use mosaic
typical of the Northeast urban corridor.
Conservation biology teaches that of
most critical importance is the protection of the largest tracts of land. By concentrating on those species that
require the most expansive habitats, and on those most unique to the system, we automatically extend
protection to many other members of the Pawcatuck's rich natural community.
WATER UUAUTYSTATUS OF THE PAWCATUCK WATERSHED
Photo by Rick Enser
Tiicic are u vuucly ul iineuts tc uguanc lite in the watershed, tievated nutrients, particularly elevated nitrate levels, have
been measured in the Powcntuck, the Ashawoy, the Queen, and Tomoquag Brook. Elevated nutrients cause excess algal
growth, organic enrichment, and low dissolved oxygen problems. These conditions are not healthy for fish. Fecal coliform
bacteria is another important nonpoint source contaminant, originating from farm and wild animals and failing septic
systems; fecal coliform bacteria have been measured in Meodow Brook, Tomoquag Brook, and Canonchet Brook. The pres-
ence of these bacteria threatens the use of these waters for swimming and other contact recreation. Substantial amounts
of water are withdrawn directly from rivers and streams for agricultural and golf course irrigation. This may be impacting
water and habitat quality where withdrawals hove been noted on the Beaver, Usquepoug, Chipuxet, ond Pawcatuck. The
upstream area of Roaring Brook has elevated sodium ond chloride levels which are believed to be associated with a salt
pile ot the headwaters. As a result, aquatic life support in Roaring Brook is considered threatened.
Lalces and Ponds
Lakes and ponds in the Pawcatuck watershed are generally stable in terms of water quality. All locations appear to be
influenced by the timing ond amount of precipitation, land use in their surrounding watersheds, and possibly the omount
of naturally occurring tannin in the water. Since 1988, the Wood-Pawcotuck Watershed Association hos sponsored volun-
teer monitoring of a significant number of water bodies in the watershed as a port of the University of Rhode Island's
Watershed Watch program. They currently include 11 lakes and ponds (Alton Pond, Barber Pond, Borberville Pond, Boone
Rivers and Streams
Woter quality in the Pawcatuck watershed is generally described as excellent, and o number of valuable
water resources in the watershed provide unique habitats for numerous rare and endangered species.
Threats in the Pawcatuck watershed are due chiefly to agricultural and nonpoint source pollution impacts.
Most major tributaries to the Pawcatuck River are meeting aquatic life support, with some threatened by
nutrients and metals, particularly lead. Recent monitoring on the Pawcatuck River and its tributaries suggests
that the river is threatened by lead levels which may occasionally exceed the national, EPA chronic aquatic
life criterion. Elevated lead levels have been measured in the Pawcatuck, Chipuxet, Usquepoug, Ashawoy,
and Queen rivers, ond the Meadow, Tomaquog, and Canonchet brooks. Water quality criteria ore inversely
related to water hardness; the lower the hardness of the water the more stringent the criteria. The entire
Pawcatuck watershed is characterized by extremely low hardness. As a result, additional monitoring is
required on the Pawcatuck and many tributaries to determine if in-stream lend concentrations represent
violations or simply background levels which exceed the more stringent criterion.
Photo by Wood-Powcohick Watershed Association
Several measurements are routinely
taken in the watershed to see if the
aquatic communities are healthy.
A "rapid bioassessment" technique is
used to identify and count invertebrate
species (fish food such as insect
lorvae) present in the bottom
sediments of the streams and river.
These measures are made at mony
sites in the watershed during the sum-
mer. Additionally, long term biological
monitoring of invertebrate communities
is performed using artificial substrates
ot several sites in the watershed. This is
a very sensitive measure of chonge and
ecosystem health. Both of these
techniques consider changes in the
types of species present. These changes
ore an excellent measure of health for „ ,
aquatic environments. Results of these ftao by Rhode ** Hen1°se P,oa™
ossessment techniques indicate that the Pawcatuck River is stressed as is the Chipuxet, the Ashaway, the Queen, Meadow
Brook, Tomaquag Brook, and Canonchet Brook. So, while the rivers and streams in the Pawcatuck watershed are now in
generally good condition, there are threats actively eroding the environmental quality of the watershed.
DotQ Sources: Biological data on imperiled species from Rhode Island Natural Heritage Program. Occurrence points were located in the field,
mopped ol 1:24,000 scale and entered into the Biological and Conservation Datobose (BCD). This data does not represent an exhaustive survey, but rather
a current snapshot of the BCD database which is updated on a regular basis.
Town and watershed boundaries from RIGIS
Global ranks from The Nature Coaservancy central database. G1 - G3 Species and Natural Communities typically occur al fewer than 21-100 sites,
worldwide, with totol populations of no more than 3,000 -10,000 individuals.
(Situ NakJii (mummy Mop produced by INI Rhode Island Hold Offkt, 2/98
RESTORING SALMON AND SHAD /N THE
PAWCATUCK RIVER
Historical records show that Rhode Island
rivers and streams once contained thriving
populations of anadromous fish species such
as Atlantic salmon, American shad, alewiyes,
blueback herrim), rain how smelt, sea-run
trout, and white perch. This resource was of
major importance to early settlers.
Unfortunately, most of the anadromous runs
in Rhode Island were destroyed in the earhj
1800s when rivers were dammed for
hydropower without consideration for fish
passage facilities. Since the passage of the
Anadromous Fish Conservation Act in 1965,
the Rhode Island Division of Fish and Wildlife
has been actively involved in efforts to restore
this depleted resource. The Pawcatuck River
was chosen for Atlantic salmon and American
shad restoration. Two large fish ways were
built, and shad brood stock u>ere transplanted
into the system. A process of isolation and cul-
tivation of tin appropriate strain of Atlantic
salmon was initiated.
-------
PAGE 6
Lake, Locustville Pond, Hundred Acre Pond, Meodowbrook Pond,
Wotchaug Pond, Wyoming Pond, Yawgoo Pond, Worden Pond), the
Queen River at Usquepaugh, ond the Pawcatuck River at Bradford
and at Potter Hill. Past monitoring has also included Chapman Pond
and Breokheart Pond. There hove been a number of additional spon-
sors of volunteer monitoring efforts in the Pawcatuck through the
URI Watershed Watch program. They include volunteer monitoring
at 7 locations on the Queen River by the Audubon Society of Rhode
Island; 4 locations on the Falls River by the Narragansett Chapter of
Trout Unlimited; and Wyassup and Spalding Ponds, the Shunock
River at Bobcock Rood. Hewitt Pond, and the Green Falls Ri»er, all
by the North Stonington Citizens Lond Alliance.
These locations show varying degrees of nutrient enrichment,
defined by the amount of nutrients (primarily phosphorus), algae
(meosured by chlorophyll content), and/or water clarity (measured
by Secchi Depth Transparency). Such enrichment causes too much
plant growth, choking water bodies and decreasing the oxygen con-
tent of the water. These conditions are not healthy for fish. In
1996, Watchaug, Tucker, Boone, Wyassup, Barber, and Locustville
Ponds had low to moderate phosphorus levels, classifying them as
oligotrophia Alton, Yawgoo, Wyoming, and Meodowbrook Ponds all
had moderate levels of phosphorus, leading to their classification as
mesotrophic. Hundred Acre, Spalding, Worden, and Chapman Pond
have all typically had moderate to above average levels of
phosphorus, giving them a eutrophic classification. The source of the
nutrients can generally be traced to the surrounding land use in each
watershed. Meodowbrook Pond has been one of the most dynamic
ponds in the watershed, responding to changing lond use and to
precipitation patterns. Meodowbrook Pond relies on adequate rain-
fall to flush nutrients downstream. In periods of low rainfall, when
the water level drops below the spillway, there have been significant
algal blooms. Yawgoo and Barber Ponds, in the Chickasheen sub-watershed, suffered from extreme eutroph-
icotion (nutrient enrichment) 1989-1991. When upstream nutrient sources diminished, both locations
enjoyed a dramatic resurgence of water quality. Boone Lake has excellent water quality despite its heavily
developed shoreline. Hundred Acre Pond appears to be experiencing a decline in water quality. All of the loca-
tions that are deep enough for monitoring of dissolved oxygen show depletion of oxygen in mid-summer in
the bottom waters. None of the volunteer monitored lakes in the watershed appear to be capable of sus-
taining trout.
The river locations all have low to moderate levels of nutrients. Phosphorus levels have been declining in the
Pawcatuck River. With the closure of the residential facility and the sewage treatment plant at Ladd School
in Exeter, phosphorus loading to the Queen River has decreased nearly one hundred-fold. Acidification is a
problem in a number of ponds in the watershed, particularly those in the northwestern portion of Hopkinton
(Blue, Wincheck, Ashville, Long, ond Moscow) and in Charlestown (Watchaug). These ponds have little or
no buffering capacity due to the granitic bedrock which underlies them. Acid input to these ponds comes from
naturally acidic soils, acid rain, and naturally occurring tannic acids from oaks and pines.
Coastal Waters
The tidal portion of the Pawcatuck River, from the Main Street highway bridge in Westerly south to the mouth
of the Pawcatuck at Pawcatuck and Rhodes Points, is not designated for shell fishing; that is, shell fishing is
not permitted. This reach is assessed as partially supporting aquatic life. Oxygen levels are very low because
of nutrient over enrichment. Metals and pathogens are also threats in the upper tidal reach. The Westerly
waste water treatment facility is considered to be a relatively minor loading source in comparison to the non-
point source inputs (urban runoff, storm sewers, etc.) along tfiis stretch of shoreline. Swimming and other
primary contact recreation activities ore not recommended in this reoch. The lower tidal section is considered
threatened for aquatic life support due to organic enrichment. Swimming is not allowed because of high
levels of fecal coliform bacteria. Sources of pathogens in this section include upstream nonpoint source runoff
and boot mooring fields.
Little Narragansett Bay is the terminus of the Pawcatuck watershed. Significant increases in the variability of
coliform bacteria data collected by the Rl OEM Shellfish Growing Area Monitoring Program resulted in a
permanent shellfish closure of Little Nnrraaansett Bny in 1991. The most profound change to the area is the
increased density of large boats moored overnight. A recent estimate by Rl Coastal Resource Management
Council indicated that boat density in summer may reach 5,000 within an area of less than one square mile.
RICRMC and their Connecticut counterparts developed an interstate resource management plan for this
estuary in 1991. The actual implementation of this plan, along with efforts such as Rl's application for
federal No Discharge designation for all Rl waters (RIDEM is expecting approval for the start of the 1998
booting season and several marine pump-out facilities are planned for the Westerly area) could go a long
way towards restoring shell fishing. Presently, Little Narragansett Bay is assessed as not supporting shell
fishing and fully supporting both aquatic life and swimming uses.
bvaluatiiui Cumulative Impacts
The quality of water within the
watershed is affected by both
point and nonpoint sources of
pollution. Unlike point source
pollution which originates from a
specific place or location on the
landscape such as a discharge
pipe from a factory, nonpoint
source pollution originates over a
widespread area of the land-
scape and may include:
malfunctioning septic systems,
soil erosion, leaking underground
fuel storage tanks, storm water
runoff, fertilizers, pesticides, ond
road salts. The best way to
control nonpoint source pollution
is to reduce its input into
the environment. By properly
installing, locating, and maintain-
ing septic systems; soil testing to
determine adequate amounts of
fertilizer; preventing soil erosion;
and implementing Integrated
Pest Management techniques to
minimize pesticide use; the input
of nonpoint source pollution to
the ground ond surface waters
of the Pawcatuck watershed
can be reduced.
Comparison of Lakes Monitored in the
URI Watershed Watch Program
Rank of 1995 Watershed Watch watefshe('
Locations by Mean Total ¦ lakes outside watershed
Phosphorus Trophic Status Eutrophic
Mesotrophic
PTTTTTTTT
37 39 41 43 45 47 49 51
II II 1
m* 1
-------
PAGE 7
Paivcatuck Watershed
Groundwater Resources
Current state wellhead protection areas in CT are
formally delineated for large stratified drift public
wells only. Other public wells are protected b y
statewide setbacks and water quality classification
system.
Local aquifer or well protection zones may also
exist.
The full area! extent of the CT aquifers
upstream or downstream may not be shown
due to hydrogeologic considerations.
Pm/1
Connecticut
Moderate to High Yield Aquifer
• Public Community Wells
• Public Non-community Wells
Rhode Island
I I Groundwater Recharge Areas
Groundwater Reservoirs
LJ Wellhead Protection Areas
• Public Community Wells
• Public Non-community Wells
— Town Boundaries
State Boundary
4 3 2 10
January 1998
-------
Pawcatuck Watershed
Land Use/Land Cover
11
Connecticut
Rhode Island
a
High Density Residential
¦
High Density Residential
~ Waste Disposal
¦
Medium Density Residential
~
Medium Density Residential
i Barren
¦
Transportation
¦
Low Density Residential
~ Water
¦
Impervious Surfaces
¦
Commercial
n Fields, Pastures, Orchards
d
Barren Land
¦
Industrial
1 Wetland
a
Coastal Marsh
¦
Mixed Urban
CD Brushland
~
Pavement
¦
Other Urban
H Forest
0
Roof
¦
Transportation
CH Cropland
~
Pasture
¦
Institutional
.0
Cropland
¦
Forest
~
¦
Water
Wetland
o
) sifB
— — State Boundary
-------
Pawcatuck. Watershed Current Water Quality Conditions
quality suitability
pictured below
Icons represent
and arranged
Water Quality Conditions
(Based on 1996 Clean Water Act 305(b) Data)
Swimmable Use Support
Fully Supporting
Fully Supporting (Threatened)
Fully Supporting (*)
Partial Support
Not Supporting
Aquatic Life Support
Fully Supporting
Fully Supporting (Threatened)
Partial Support
Drinking Water Support
Fully Supporting
SheQfishing Support
Fully Supporting (Restricted Relay)
Suitability for
direct human contact
Suitability for
drinking water
T 1 jy ^Suitability for
fish consumption
Suitability for
shellfish harvesting
Suitability for
resent adjacent
the black diamonds
1. Icons are positioned to
stream or river segment
segments and adjacent lakes, if not separated
by a black diamond
- lakes, ponds, or estuary segments
No icon indicates "unassessed' waters.
Not Supporting (Direct Harvest)
(Restricted Relay only)
Not supporting
Fish Consumption Support:
Partial Supporting
Monitoring Locations
Begin and End Points for
Coded River Segments
(*) Primary contact
impaired due
approved wastewater
Lake, River & hstuary
Water Quality Use Classification
Class A
Class A, Not Assessed
Class B, Not Assessed
Class B1
<"x Class SA
Class SA(b)
Class SB/SA
Class SC/SB
Class SB
Class SB1
Wetland Connections
Pawcatuck Watershed Boundary
Town Lines
T
iC
PAWCATUCK WATERSHED WATER QUALITY ASSESSMENT TOTALS
Aquatic Life Support
Swimmable
13.03
Aquatic Life Support 785.3 2063.6
Swimmable 3210.3
Drinking Water
I Use
Aquatic Life Support 1. 92
Swimmable 1.92
Shellfishing 0.21
FS: Fully Supporting FS(T): Fully Supporting (Threatened)
PS: Partial Support NS: Not Supporting NA: Not Ass.-.ssihI
Scale: 1:104.092
DRAFT
MAC 04/15/98
SWIMMING IMPAIRMENTS - POTENTIAL SOURCES
A - Bacteria: Unknown sources
B - Bacteria: ISDS
C - Bacteria: Agriculture, Land disposal, Development
D - Bacteria: Agriculture, Stormwater runoff
E - Bacteria ana Noxious aquatic plants: ISDS
F - Bacteria: Agriculture
G - Bacteria: Industrial point source
H - Bacteria: Municipal point source, Urban runoff
I - Bacteria: Municipal point source, Recreational
J - Bacteria: ISDS, Recreational activities
K - Bacteria: Municipal point source
Stormwater runoff
;, Municipal point sc
QUATIC LIFE IMPAIRMENTS - POTENTIAL SOURCES
D.O. / Organic Enrichment: Unknown sources
D.O. / Organic Enrichment: ISDS; Salt: Salt storage
Salt: Salt storage, Stormwater runoff
Nutrients and Noxious aquatic plants: Agriculture
Noxious aquatic plants: Upstream source, Stormwater runoff, ISDS
Nutrients and Noxious aquatic plants: ISDS; Alkalinity I pH: Natural sources.
Atmospheric deposition
Alkalinity / pH: Natural sources, Atmospheric deposition
Lead: Underground injection; Biodiversity impacts: Agriculture, Land disposal,
Golf course, Underground injection, Development
Lead: Stormwater runoff; Nutrients and Biodiversity impacts: Agriculture,
Stormwater runoff
- Lead, Total suspended solids and Biodiversity impacts: Agriculture, Agricultural
water withdrawal
- D.O. / Organic Enrichment, Nutrients and Noxious aquatic plants: Agriculture,
Land disposal
- Alkalinity / pH: Natural sources, Atmospheric deposition
- Salt: Salt storage; Noxious aquatic plants: Land aisposal
- D.O. / Organic Enrichment: tnf1 • -> — »«—
Urban runoff
- Lead: Stormwater runoff, Industrial point source; Nutrients: Agriculture,
Stormwater runoff, ISDS, Industrial point source, Urban runoff, Development;
Biodiversity impacts: Agriculture, Stormwater runoff, ISDS, Industrial point
source. Urban runoff, Development
d Noxious aqua*-"
- D.O. I Organic Enrichment;
- D.O. / Organic Enrichment, Nutrients and Noxious aquatic plants: ISDS,
Agriculture
- D.O. / Organic Enrichment, Lead and Biodiversity impacts: Stormwater runoff
- Lead: Stormwater runoff; Nutrients: Agriculture, Stormwater runoff, ISDS
- Lead: Stormwater runoff, Golf course
- D.O. / Organic Enrichment and Nutrients: ISDS
- Lead, Nutrients and Biodiversity impacts: Agriculture, Unknown sources. Golf
- Nutrients: Agriculture
- Noxious aquatic plants: ISDS
- Lead: Stormwater runoff; Nutrients: Agriculture, Stormwater runoff, ISDS,
Urban runoff, Development; Biodiversity impacts: Agriculture, Stormwater
runoff, ISDS, Urban runoff, Development
- Nutrients and Lead: Agriculture, Unknown sources
SHELLFISH IMPAIRMENTS - POTENTIAL SOURCES
L - Pathogens: Municipal point sources, urban runoff, marinas, natural sc
M - Pathogens: Municipal point sources, urban rui
natural sources
FISH CONSUMPTION IMPAIRMENTS - POTENTIAL SOURCES
N - Mercury: Atmospheric deposition
RHODE ISLAND DESIGNATED USES
Public drinking water supply, fish and wildlife habitat, primary and
secondary contact recreation (i.e. contact and non-contact recreation),
good aesthetic value. These waters are also suitable for compatible
industrial processes and cooling, hydropower, aquacultural uses,
navigation, and irrigation and other agricultural uses.
Fish and wildlife habitat, primary and secondary contact recreation,
good aesthetic value. These waters are also suitable for compatible
industrial processes and cooling, hydropower, aquacultural uses,
navigation, and irrigation and other agricultural uses.
Salhmter
Class SA
Same as Class B, however, primary contact recreation may be impacted
due to pathogens from approved wastewater discharges. All Class B
Shellfish harvesting for direct human cc
secondary contact recreation, fish and w
aesthetic value. These waters are also suitable for aquacultural u;
navigation and industrial cooling.
Primary and secondary c
shellfish harvesting for controlled relay a , , u
value. These waters are also suitable for aquacultural uses, navigation
and industrial cooling.
;ens from approved wastewater d
CONNECTICUT DESIGNATED USES
Potential drinking water supply; fish and wildlife habitat;
recreational use; agricultural, industrial supply and other
legitimate uses, including navigation.
Recreational use; fish and wildlife habitat; agricultural and
industrial supply and other legitimate uses including navigation.
Class SA Marine fish, shellfish and wildlife habitat; shellfish harvesting for
direct human consumption; recreation and all other legitimate uses
including navigation.
Class SB/SA Presently not meeting Water Quality Criteria or one or more designated
uses.
Class SB Marine fish, shellfish and wildlife habitat; shellfish harvesting for
transfer to a depuration plant or relay (transplant) to approved areas
for purification prior to human consumption; recreation; industrial and
other legitimate uses including navigation.
Class SC/SB Due to point or nonpoint sources of pollution, certain Water Quality
Criteria or one or more designated uses assigned to Class SB waters are
not currently met.
-------
PACE 8
OK
Q
The difference in wetlands classification between
Rhode Island and Connecticut is due to dissimilar
identification and mapping methods.
'' *
*. :t,
il\ ' j h V.. 'I ¦«
a -a i
Pawcatuck. Watershed
Wetlands
£
y
f
y V -k
1 °v-V
;> r*r ¦ ¦ \* :ai ^:• JkiJ i ,">¦ ¦ ^
%X?ifrrk |f%h
>-V V -. . >
. r . ^ ^aNI v Vv^- "
*y\ IT "? V. VY W.
U f ¦• :, ' i, :
t
i*-
¦V
V
'A
P A
v£
€
\V. -
'A
!&*
.,m),
Connecticut
Rhode Island
H Alluvial and Floodplain Soils
H Poorly Drained and
Very Poorly Drained Soils
Poorly Drained Soils
11 Very Poorly Drained Soils
! Water
I Forested Wetland: Coniferous
J Forested Wetland: Deciduous
S Forested Wetland: Dead
I I Shore
I] Estuarine Emergent Wetland
I Open Water
H Emergent Wetland: Marsh/Wet Meadow
CH Emergent Wetland: Emergent Fen or Bog
CH Scrub-shrub Wetland: Shrub Swamp
I Scrub-shrub Wetland: Shrub Fen or Bog
— — State Boundary
m
§.m
January 1998
-------
PAGE 9
Pawcatuck Watershed
Potential Threats to
Natural Resources
• Superfund National Priority List Sites
• CERCLA Sites
° RCRA Sites
* RIPDES Facilities
RIPDES Discharge Locations
"*¦ Dams without fish ladders
* Dams with fish ladders
~ 0-75 People/Sq. Mile
~ 75-250 People/Sq. Mile
LI 250-1000 People/Sq. Mile
I > 1000 People/Sq. Mile
I Water
State Boundary
SBft §epa Etctc
January 1998
-------
PACE 10
Pawcatuck. Watershed
Protected Open Space
)
Connecticut
Trail System
Scenic Road
Existing Creenway
Golf Course
Municipal/Private Property
DEP PROPERTY
Q State Forest
[I] Wildlife Area
U Water Access
I I DEP Owned Waterbody
I Other
Rhode Island
i I State Owned
CD Town Owned
I ! Privately Owned
D State Farmland Easements
I State Miscellaneous Easements
¦ Other
3 2 10
Nlt0
Conservancy. ^
$epa
January 1998
'
-------
PAGE 11
A Better Way of Managing Our tnviromnent **
WHAT IS THE PA WCATUCK WATERSHED PARTNERSHIP?
A new approach to protecting and managing oar environment is being promoted in this country and gaining
popularity from coast to coast. This new approach redefines interactions between big government and local
areas. It is often colled the "community-based stewardship approach" to watershed planning ond protection.
More simply, it means bringing people together who have on interest or a stoke in the local economy or
environment. Together, the "stakeholders" develop solutions to natural resource problems.
In the community-based watershed approach, people who live in the watershed or rely on its resources, act
as environmental stewards and take responsibility for defining the management of local resources. The
community-based watershed approoch focuses on problems in a particular wotershed, such as the Powcatuck
watershed. It relies upon local support and voluntary commitments to managing natural resources. It olso
considers tfie economic and social well-being of communities as expressed by their stakeholders.
Over the past twenty-five years excellent progress in protecting notural resources has been achieved under
national and state regulatory standards. In particular, progress has been made in the control of pollutants
from point source discharges. However, even if there were perfect compliance with existing environmental
laws and regulations, we would still see many disturbing environmental conditions and trends. Many of oar
most common environmental problems today are related to the activities and living requirements of people
which result in pollutants from road drainage, urban and agricultural runoff, failed septic systems, leaking
underground fuel storage tanks, ond erosion of stream bonks.
These and others comprise a wide array of nonpoint source discharges to groundwater, estuaries, salt ponds,
rivers, and other natural areas. Unlike point source discharges, comprehensively managing these types of
problems is beyond the authorities of EPA, Rl DEM, CT DEP, and other federal and state agencies. Increasingly,
these agencies and other stakeholders believe that many problems can, and should, be addressed locally
through land use planning, education, and where appropriate, regulation. These agencies recognize that it is
critical to form partnerships with local, regional, and state stakeholders to address natural resource problems
collectively. Every stakeholder has an equal voice as well as responsibility to discuss issues about which they
are concerned, and to offer possible options to resolve them. As partners they also share in the solution.
Partnerships that are community-based have Hie benefit of bringing together motivated people and organi-
zations with resources, expertise, and experience. However, most people are not used to thinking about
issues from a watershed perspective. It requires thinking beyond political boundaries, considering more than
one issue at a time, considering the many facets of each issue, and working in partnership with others.
Although this is sometimes more difficult, it makes sense to consider not only environmental issues, but
important related economic, social, cultural, and political issues as well.
The Powcatuck Watershed Partnership was organized in 1996 in response
to requests of people and organizations in the watershed. It is a group of
watershed towns, local groups, and agencies working together to improve
environmental quality and economic health of the watershed. The
Partnership seeks to bring watershed interests together to collectively
address environmental and related issues. During initial stakeholder meet-
ings, and subsequent interviews, people have expressed deep concerns
about the future of both water quality and water quantity, the fast pace of
development and tourism in the region, current and future gaming opera-
tions, inconsistent zoning, inadequate collaboration between towns and
states, as well as other issues. With the active participation of stakeholders,
key orgonizations like the Wood-Pawcatuck Watershed Association and the
Southern Rhode Island Conservation District joined with the agencies to
develop a stakeholders group that could collaboratively guide the water-
shed's future to ensure the quality of life people have come to know, depend
on, and cherish.
The Partnership is rapidly taking
shape and needs participants from
all sectors, public and private organizations as well as individuals who
live, work, or recreate in the watershed. It is crucial to the success
of this partnership endeavor that all interests In the watershed be
involved. The Partnership provides a place for stakeholders to voice
their concerns and then help to identify ond support attainable
solutions. Businesses, realtors and real estate developers,
agricultural interests, tourism groups, industries, town governments,
land trusts, environmental organizations, recreational interests,
historic commissions, and citizens of the watershed need to become
actively involved. These individuals and groups comprise the
Powcatuck Watershed Partnership and share the responsibility of
shaping the future of the watershed.
Persons who live, work, or use the Powcatuck watershed for recre-
ation hove a "stake" in its future. Input and participation as a stake-
holder is critical in creating ond working towards a vision for the
wotershed, and in resolving the issues to realize this vision. You can
influence the quality of life you enjoy, the beauty of the natural
setting that surrounds you, and the sustainable economic vitality of
the watershed. Now is the time to organize, support, and become
involved in this community-based approach for managing the natural
resources of the Powcatuck Watershed region.
Photo by Alan Desbonnet
REACHING OUT. DEFINING ISSUES
A View from Town Officials
A University of Rhode Island survey invited elected and
appointed local officials in the Powcatuck watershed to rank
their top concerns regarding land use and resource manage-
ment in the watershed. Approximately 180 locol officials
from the 14 communities throughout the watershed
responded to the survey. Their responses, os shown, rank
drinking water protection os the single greatest concern.
This survey was conducted by URI Cooperative Extension in
199/. The results are used to assist the Powcatuck
Watershed Partnership.
Concerns of Local Officials in the Powcatuck Watershed
Top 10 Ranking
Protect Public Drinking Water Wells
Manage Growth
Control Munia'pal Spending
Maintain Scenic and
Environmental Quality
Environmental Quality
Promote Economic Growth
Control Impacts of Development
Controlling Bureaucracy
Maintain Fish & Wildlife Habitat Quality
Protect Farmland and Open Space
20 30 40
Number of Responses
-------
PAGE 12
REACHING OUT. DEFINING ISSUES
A View from Communities and Individuals
As a part of its efforts at maintaining a healthy watershed, the Pawcatuck Watershed Partnership asked stakeholders what their issues were in the watershed.
The following is a summary of those issues:
Photo by the Nature Conseivoncy
/ tr need water for drinking and recreation. IVe need it chum and pure.
# The Pawcatuck is designated a "Sole Source Aquifer" - one of only 13 such designations in New England.
Groundwater is the only source of drinking water for tfie approximately 60,000 people living in the watershed
now and long into the future.
# Drinking water sources overlap the boundaries of two states, 14 towns, and one sovereign nation. We must foster
cooperation across political boundaries to ensure protection of this critical resource.
Stream and river quality and quantity are intimately linked to groundwater in the Pawcatuck watershed. We must
ensure that our use of water does not deplete streams during summer months and badly impact ecological resources.
# A flow of clear, clean water is essential life support for many species, including trout ond bass in the rivers and ponds,
and shellfish in the bay.
# Clean, fresh water is required to sustain the crops and livestock of the 70 large-scale farmers of the watershed.
<§> Water quality and quantity must be ensured and sustained for recreation, future drinking water supplies, and business and industrial needs, while preserving
ecosystem health and balancing the impact of one use on others.
f-armlands and forests are important rural traits of the watershed landscape. IVe need to preserve these traits.
# Population has increased by 20 percent in the watershed over the past decade. We must plan to ensure that growth
does not cause a rapid conversion of the landscape to residential and commercial sprawl.
# Approximately 65 percent of the land in the Pawcatuck watershed is undeveloped, providing an opportunity to plan
for a sustainable ecological and economic future.
© Twenty percent of the watershed land area is farmlands ond fields, which provide a unique rural atmosphere while
preserving open space. We need to preserve agriculture in the watershed.
# Present land use controls, including existing zoning, open the way for sprawl and strip development.
@ Lock of regional planning causes competition between towns and states and creates a "win or lose" atmosphere. The
result is chaotic ond conflicting development. We need "win-win" growth and development.
# Aesthetic values, such as dark, star-filled night skies, quietude, scenic vistas, small town chorm and unique natural landscapes need to be preserved.
PI
m
fiTf T
% V
r*
Photo by the Natural Resource Conservation Service
The regional economg is changing, shifting from one reliant upon manufacturing industries to one based on
"entertainment." tourism, and residential development. We need to define a watershed economg.
# Development of tourism needs to incorporate the unique natural and cultural amenities of the watershed, not
replace them.
# A variety of employment opportunities is essential for a sustainable economic future. Traditional elements of the
economy should be used as a foundation for future development.
d> Neighborhood villages provide diverse opportunities to create small-scale economic ventures that sustain a small town
atmosphere ond accommodate residential influx.
<& Marinas and other water-dependent businesses promote the enjoyment of high quality natural resources and provide
public access ^oto ^ ^ ®00('"'>m(:tl,uc'c Watershed Association
i> Land-based recreation, such os hiking and biking, diversifies and contributes to the economy while promoting sustainable use of natural resources.
# The downtown Westeriy-Powcatuck region is rich in history and culture, and is building support for its arts and theater economies.
Natural resources, open space and habitats in the watershed are uniijue and of high ijualitg.
iVe need to protect these resources.
# Thirty-one percent of the watershed area is protected natural habitat: parks, wildlife management areas, conservation
easements, ond private and public land trust holdings.
A major barrier to success for restoration of Atlantic salmon and other native species is the lock of fish passageways
at dams. Providing fish access to spawning grounds is needed.
# Eelgrass beds in Little Narragansett Bay are the most robust
beds along the Connecticut coastline. Nutrients from the
watershed flowing into the bay and estuary need careful
management to ensure their protection.
® State agencies promote a reliance on stocking programs for
wildlife management. We need ecosystem management.
# The Pawcatuck watershed contains 63 percent of Rhode
Island's rare plants and animals. It was selected as a national
pilot project for a collaborative approach to resource
management by 12 federal agencies - the New
England Federal Partners for Natural Resources.
We need to support this initiative.
WHAT'S YOUR VIEW...?
How can we evaluate whether our
efforts are making progress...in
preserving important natural
resources, farms, open space, ant/
promoting the localeconomg?
What should we measure as
indicators to track changing con-
ditions...
...in natural resources?
...in quality-of-life?
...in vitality of the local economg?
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How to Get Involved
There are many ways that one can "make a difference." One can begin right at home, place of employment, or even play. Each of us must be responsible for how we use the
land and waters around us. Inadvertent or sloppy use of chemicals, disbursing of waste oils, fertilizing lawns just before a soaking rain, forgetting to pump septic systems,
landscaping that causes muddy runoff to neorby streams, all contribute to degrading our water supply, neighborhoods and reducing the value of our real estate and consequently
our quality of life (See next page for list of groups to contact).
AN IMPORTANT ISSUE FOR HOMEOWNERS
Septic Systems - problems and Solutions for the Pawcatuck Watershed
More than 7 in 10 residents of the Pawcatuck watershed depend upon septic systems to handle household wastewater. Beyond the town centers of South Kingstown and Westerly-
Pawcatuck, oil-site wastewater systems are the only alternative. When properly designed, installed and maintained, septic systems con be a simple, effective and economical way
to dispose of wastewater while also replenishing groundwater. However, improper use, lack of maintenance, outdated systems, poor soil conditions, or thickly settled
neighborhoods can lead to expensive repairs or unsanitary conditions. Untreated wastewater can seep into groundwater supplies and into neorby streams and ponds where even
smoll amounts can hove significant effects.
Whit septic sustems are a particularly serious
problem in the Pawcatuck watershed:
? Homes built before 1970 predate R.I. septic system standards and are
more likely to hove cesspools or other substandard systems. In South
Kingstown, for example, almost half of the homes with septic systems
predate 1970. Since the typical life span of o septic system is about 20
years, many have outlived their expected usefulness.
5s Dense development paterns in historical mill villages and lakefront
cottage communities concentrate septic system discharges where effluent
hns the shortest travel time and greatest opportunity to enter surface
waters without proper treatment.
f> Problem soils • Rapid-draining soils, high water table, arid fine,
compacted soils found in 35 percent of the watershed (not including
wetfonds) con result in discharge of improperly treated wostes to either
ground or surface waters.
^ Combined impacts - All septic systems in the watershed contribute to
a major source of pollution. URI estimates that septic systems account for
more than 50 percent of all nitrogen entering the watershed as recharge to
groundwater.
? System care and maintenance - On-site wastewater systems were once
viewed as a temporary disposal solution while awaiting public sewers.
System care was left entirely up to the homeowner and consequently, only
emergency repairs rather thon regular inspection and pumping became the
norm. Some watershed communities hove adopted or are now considering
local septic system inspection and maintenance programs.
? Cost of regular pumping and maintenance is far less thon the expense
of constructing o new system or tying into public sewers where available.
What's being done:
Several Pawcatuck watershed communities are leading efforts to improve
locol management of on-site disposal systems through either voluntary
or mandatory septic system maintenance programs. Supported by Rl
Nonpoint Source Bond Fund, the towns of Charlestown, South Kingstown,
Narragansett, ond Westerly are currently developing wastewater manage-
ment plans to identify the extent of the problem, and implementing a
management structure.
What citizens can do:
Support adoption of the town's wastewater management efforts.
Learn about proposed regulations and attend hearings.
5^ Have home systems inspected every one to three years and pump as
necessary. Consider upgrading if substandard.
? Properly dispose of motor oil ond household chemicals. Do not dump
hazardous waste down drains. The well you contaminate just may
be your own...
Conventional Septic System
J I
The standard conventional septic system consists of a septic tank followed by a drainfield, also
called a leachfield or soil absorption field. Wastewater from toilet, bathtub, and sink drains to a
septic tank (1) where solids and grease are trapped and decomposition takes place. The liquid
effluent flows to a distribution box (2) which directs flow to a drainfield (3) where it seeps
into the underlying soil. Hie drainfield con either be a series of trenches - perforated pipe encased
in washed stone, or it can be galleys or flow diffusers - bottomless concrete chambers honey-
combed with holes that store and allow the effluent to gradually seep into the ground. If trenches
are used, a distribution box is used to split flow among the various trenches.
i
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Alternative Septic System - An Example
Alternative treatment systems cover o wide variety of treatment technologies and drainfield options. Most alternative systems generally
include an additional treatment step, following solids settling in a watertight fiberglass or concrete septic tank (1). A pump, which may
be in the septic tank or a separate unit is often used to convey the effluent to a treatment unit (2), which may be placed above or
below ground. Examples of treatment units include sand filters (intermittent, bottomless, recirculating), RUCK, trickling filters, aerobic units,
and biofilters - peat or foam.
The treated effluent then flows by gravity to a conventional trench or is pumped under pressure to
an alternative drainfield (3). A pressure-dosed shallow trench in native soil places effluent in
biologically active soils for additional pollutant removal by natural processes. Alternative drainfield
size can be reduced and site disturbance is minimal. Where pumps are used to distribute effluent
to the treatment unit and drainfield, an electrical control panel (4) is used.
¦
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WATER TABLE
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How Septic Systems Fail
One type of septic system failure happens when wastewater effluent is unable to seep into the ground because of system damage, clogged soils,
a solids-filled septic tank, or high water table in the leachfield. Sluggish drains and wastewater backups into the house are the most obvious
problems. Lush growth of grass, squishy patches above the leachfield, and odor (1) ore other telltale signs of this
classic hydraulic failure.
Less visible but equally harmful to water quality is treatment failure where wastewater reaches groundwater (2) without adequate purifica-
tion. Treatment failure is most common in quick-draining sandy soils where rapid movement short-circuits natural treatment in high water table
areas and in shallow soils where effluent channels olong compacted soil layers or bedrock fractures. Once in the groundwater, pathogens and
nutrients persist. Because the direction of groundwater flow is generally towards
surface waters or pumping wells, improperly treated effluent can eventually
enter wetlands, streams, ponds (3), and wells (4).
WELL
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PROGRAMS AND ORGANIZATIONS ACTIVE IN THE PA WCATUCK WATERSHED
The Pawcatuck Watershed Partnership
The Pawcatuck Watershed Partnership With support ond technical assistance
from EPA, NRCS, USGS, RIDEM, and URI, interested parties have joined together as the Pawcatuck
Watershed Partnership to assist local organizations and interests in managing watershed resources
on a sustainable basis. Contact Rob Adler (617) 565-9306.
The 14-Town Action Committee of the Pawcatuck Watershed Partnership is a group
of watershed interests committed to addressing the issues of growth and development and influ-
encing change. The goal is to develop strategies and processes that will create a desirable future for
the citizens of the watershed. They will conduct workshops/forums on growth and development in
the Pawcatuck watershed to more clearly define issues, and explore opportunities for confronting
them. The forum will provide a springboard by which one can begin to influence change. Everyone
can help. Just get involved. Contact Alan Oesbonnet (401) 874-6480 or (860) 599-5933.
A Water Use Stakeholders Group of the Pawcatuck Watershed Partnership is
addressing various issues, concerns, and conflicts related to the use of water in the Pawcatuck
watershed. The focus of this working group is to devise non-regulatory approaches to managing
water for both human and environmental needs in the watershed. Contact Alicia Good at
Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management, Division of Water Resources
(401)222-4700, extension 7214.
The University of Rhode Island
University of Rhode Island Cooperative Extension provides educational pro-
grams, publications, and events to help protect and improve the State's waters. For more informa-
tion on programs, educational materials, and availability of speakers, contact the following:
The Municipal Watershed Training offers training in the science, management, and
regulation of water resources for community leaders and volunteer board members. Its goal is to pro-
vide decision makers with the skills and resources to identify local water quality problems and to
adopt effective pollution controls. A variety of educational programs are offered throughout the year,
ranging from evening or one-day workshops, to intensive, small group trainings which are tailored to
meet the participant's interests and needs. Technical assistance in protecting local watersheds is
available to communities on a case-by-case basis. Contact Lorraine Joubert, University of Rhode
Island, Cooperative Extension Program, (401) 874-2138.
The University of Rhode Island Watershed Watch Program is a volun-
teer monitoring program that focuses on educating the public and providing current information on
the water quality status of freshwater lakes, ponds, streams, and reservoirs throughout Rhode Island.
The most significant goals of the program are to: (1) promote public education regarding water qual-
ity issues, (2) provide intensive multi-year baseline water quality information, (3) categorize the
ecological health of our freshwater bodies, and (4) promote active citizen involvement. The heart of
the program consists of weekly measurements taken by numerous trained volunteer monitors. The
program emphasizes watershed-scale monitoring because the water quality of a given lake, pond,
or stream is a reflection of the activities in the lands and waters which surround and lie upstream of
it. It is the hope of this program to encourage communities, lakeside homeowners, recreational
users, and local residents to understand the need to cooperatively manage and improve the wafer
quality of all water bodies within a watershed; thus ensuring that the Pawcatuck watershed's fresh
water resources remain one of its great assets. Contact Linda Green or Elizabeth Herron at Rhode
Island Watershed Watch Program, (401)874-2905.
The University of Rhode Island On-Site Wastewater Training
Program provides hands-on training in alternative septic systems by using fully functional, above-
ground systems at an outdoor training facility in Kingston, Rl. Over 25 full-scale septic tanks, treat-
ment units, and drain field options are used to demonstrate system design, function, ond mainte-
nance. Each of the demonstration systems are selected from proven technologies that minimize nutri-
ent and/or microbial inputs to ground water and surface waters. The Center represents a unique part-
nership between the University, state and federal agencies, the private sector, and municipal groups.
Contact George Loomis (401) 874-4558
Rhode Island Home*A*Syst Program is a voluntary residential pollution prevention
program that trains families to protect their health and the environment. The program helps residents
identify environmental risks and encourages preventive, cost-effective actions. Pollution prevention
from residential areas is the goal. The heart of the program is its community-based approach, focus-
ing on working with motivated community members and trained volunteers to achieve watershed
protection. Home*A*Syst offers public education workshops, a multi-session volunteer training pro-
gram, and customized educational and program materials. Contact Alyson McCann at the University
of Rhode Island, Cooperative Extension Water Quality Program at (401) 874-5398.
The University of Connecticut
The UConn Cooperative Extension System is noted for its Nonpoint Education
for Municipal Officials (NEMO) program. NEMO focuses on land use management within municipal-
ities to protect and conserve their natural resources. The program utilizes GIS (Geographic
Information Systems) as a tool for better decision-making, as well as for educating local officials in
better understanding land use management. UConn CE provides technical assistance in a strategic
fashion to help towns sustain their natural resource base and protect key ecological areas using
watersheds as the scale of study and implementation. Contact Chester Arnold, (860) 345-4511.
Towns
The Westerly-Pawcatuck Downtown Task Force is developing both a vision
and strategies for the revitalization of the economic viability of this historical center of the
watershed. Contact Linda Ozga (401) 348-0733.
The Town of Stonington is developing its "Stonington 2000" economic development
plan. This initiative will ultimately serve as the foundation on which to create a coordinated plan for
growth and development in the watershed. Contact Nick Smith (860) 535-5050.
Nonprofit Organizations
The Wood-Pawcatuck Watershed Association is a non-profit organization
whose mission is "to promote and protect the lands and waters of the Wood-Pawcatuck watershed."
The Association relies upon member support for its activities and functioning. The Association is
active in many areas, offering recreational opportunities to members through hikes and canoe trips,
educational opportunities through homeowner seminars, as well as "in the field" workshops. The
Association is also active in providing educational opportunities to schools throughout the watershed
by providing both field trips and classroom programs focusing on watershed resources, uses, and
problems. The WPWA was a founding participant in the URI Watershed Watch Program, and through
the assistance of over 30 member volunteers, monitors 16 sites for water quality in the watershed.
Contact Nina Rooks, Executive Director, (401) 539-9017.
The Audubon Society of Rhode Island is a non-profit chapter of the National
Audubon Society. The organization's headquarters are open to visitors who can browse through their
educational exhibits and other offerings. Rl Audubon is open to membership and offers a variety of
natural history and conservation programs to its members and the general public. Rl Audubon main-
tains several sanctuaries within the Pawcatuck watershed and offers volunteer opportunities through
which to involve its members in various educational programs, monitoring studies, and
research/rehabilitation efforts. Contact Lee C. Schisler, Jr. (401) 949-5454.
The Rhode Island Wild Plant Society is a non-profit organization whose mission is
the protection of Rhode Island's native plants and their habitats. The Wild Plant Society is a mem-
ber-supported organization that offers a variety of educational programs, field trips, workshops, and
lectures focusing on Rhode Island's wild plants. The organization also conducts inventories of plants
throughout the state of Rhode Island and offers volunteer opportunities for becoming involved in its
efforts and programs.Contact Debra Poor, Executive Director, (401) 783-5895.
The Nature Conservancy is an international non-profit organization working to preserve
ecologically significant habitats, including those of rare and endangered species through acquisitions,
easements, and other similar arrangements. The organization is member-supported and has oppor-
tunities for volunteer assistance in some of its monitoring, inventory, and research efforts. Contact
Douglas Parker, Rl Executive Director, (401) 331-7110.
The Salt Pond Coalition is a member-supported non-profit organization whose focus is the
preservation and enhancement of the environmental quality of Rhode Island's south shore salt pond
ecosystems. The Coalition offers a variety of educational programs and maintains volunteer oppor-
tunities. The Salt Pond Watchers, a volunteer monitoring effort of the Coalition, has conducted woter
quality monitoring in the region's salt ponds for over a decade while serving as a national model for
volunteer monitoring programs. Contact Dave Monk, Executive Director, (401) 322-3068.
Trout Unlimited is a national non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation, enhance-
ment, and protection of cold-water fisheries. The Narragansett Chapter of the national affiliate pro-
vides oversight to all of Rhode Island. The organization is member-supported and is active in a
variety of areas including: habitat and stream restoration, trout and salmon stocking, water qualify
and habitat monitoring, educational programming, and fisheries management. Volunteer
opportunities are available in all areas of activity. Contact Pat Kapsner, President, (401) 724-2932.
The Rhode Island Natural History Survey enhances communication among
Rhode Island's environmental and life scientists to advance scientific knowledge of Rhode Island's
biota, ecological communities, and environmental resources. It further facilitates and coordinates the
gathering and dissemination of information on Rhode Island's biota and natural communities.
Contact Lisa L. Gould, Executive Director, (401) 874-5800.
North Stonington Citizens Land Alliance is a member-supported non-profit
organization dedicated to the preservation of open space and rural character in the North Stonington
areo. The Alliance offers a variety of educational programs, including lectures and field trips to its
members and the general public. Volunteer opportunities are available in a variety of programs and
activities. The Alliance participates in lake and pond monitoring in cooperation with the University
of Rhode Island Watershed Watch Program. Contact Madeline Jeffery, Executive Director,
(860) 535-8256.
The Southern Rhode Island Conservation District and the New
London Soil and Water Conservation Service interact with agriculturists in the
watershed and provide technical expertise and other resources that help keep farmers forming.
Contact Alicia Leher (401) 822-8832 orSeth Lerman (860) 887-4163.
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PACE 15
Glossary
Anadromous fish: Fish Hint spend their adult lives in the sen but swim upriver into fresh water to spawn.
Anoxia: A condition of no oxygen in the water. Often occurs near the bottom of eutrophic, stratified lakes in summer.
Ataae: Green plants that occur os microscopic forms suspended in water (phytoplonkton), and os single cell or filamentous forms attached
to rocks and other solid surfaces.
Algal bloom: A sudden increase in the abundance of suspended algae, especially ot or neor the water surface, producing a green scum or
a "pea soup" appearance.
Aquifer: A geologic formation that can hold, and provide large quantifies of water readily.
Bedrock: A general term for the rock that underlies soil or other unconsolidated, superficial material.
Biodiversity: The number and variety of different organisms in the ecological complexes in which they naturally occur.
Criteria: Descriptive factors taken into account by EPA in setting standards for pollution control. For example, water quality criteria describe
the concentration of pollutants that most fish can be exposed to for an hour without showing ocute effects.
Endangered species: Animals, plants, birds, fish, or other living organisms threatened with extinction by man-made or natural changes
in the environment.
Estuary: Regions of interaction between rivers and near-shore ocean waters, where tidal action and river flow mix fresh ond salt woter. Such
areas include bays, mouths of rivers, salt marshes, and lagoons. These brackish water ecosystems shelter and feed morine life, birds, and wildlife.
Eutrophic: A term used to describe very productive or enriched lakes. These lakes tend to exhibit some or all of the following
characteristics: on abundance of rooted plants; turbidity due to algal blooms; loss of oxygen in bottom waters during the summer months; rapid
accumulation of soft bottom sediments; and abundant fish, which may include stunted and/or rough species in the most fertile lakes.
Fecalcoliform: Coliform bacterio that originate in the intestinal tract of humans and other warm-blooded animals; fecal coliform are used
to indicate the potential presence of other harmful bacteria.
Ground water: Water beneath the earth's surface ot varying depths; in reservoirs called aquifers.
Hot spot: A problem area or location where pollution, especially a chemical concentration, is very high. Generally located near urbanized
areas or point-source discharges.
' ittpoxia: A condition where very low concentrations of dissolved oxygen are in the water column.
Loading: The quantity of a substance entering the environment.
Mesotrophic: A term used to describe lakes which are moderately productive. These lakes tend to exhibit some or oil ot the following
characteristics: moderate growth of rooted plants ond algae; some loss of oxygen from bottom waters during the summer months; some
sediment accumulation; relatively good fish production of cool or warm woter species, such as perch, bass, pike, and panfish. Most lakes are
in this category.
Moraine: A mound, ridge, or other distinct accumulation of unsorted, unstratified glacial drift, predominantly till, deposited by direct action
of glacier ice.
Nitrogen: An element necessary for the growth of aquatic plants; may be found in several forms, including nitrates, nitrites, ond ammonia.
Nonpoint source pollution: Pollution of surface or ground water supplies originating from land use activities and/or the
atmosphere, having no well-defined point of entry.
Nutrients: Chemical elements or substances, such as nitrogen and phosphorus, that are essential for plant and onimol growth.
Oliaotrophic: A term used to describe a relatively unproductive lake or one poorly supplied with plant nutrients. Because of low biological
production, these lakes tend to exhibit some or all of the following characteristics: clear woters; limited growth of algae or rooted plants; bottom
waters well supplied with oxygen throughout the year; low rate of sediment accumulation; low fish production, but often of desirable species, such
as trout and perch.
Outwash: Stratified sand and gravel removed or "washed out" from a glacier by meltwater streams and deposited in front of or beyond
the terminal moraine or the margin of the active glacier.
Phosphorus: An element necessary for the growth of aquatic plants. It is naturally present in low concentrations, and lock of phosphorus
often limits plant growth. Thus the addition of phosphorus can affect water quality by increasing the production of algae and rooted plants.
Point source pollution: Pollution of ground or surface water supplies at well-defined, usually constructed, "points" or locations;
discharges of treated wastewater from municipol and industrial treatment plants are common point sources of pollution.
Recharge area: Land area over which precipitation infiltrates into die soil and percolates downward to replenish on aquifer.
Secchidisk.: A simple device widely used to measure the transparency or clarity of water, consisting of a metal oi plastic plate, usually 8"
ia diametei, painted black and white, on a calibrated line.
Watershed: A drainage area oi basin; all land and watei areas which draia oi flow toward a central collector, such as a stream or a lake
at a lower elevation.
Water table: The boundary between the saturated ond unsaturated zones in the ground. Generally, the level to which water
will rise in a well.
Wellhead protection area: A protected surface and subsurface zone surrounding a well or well field that supplies a public water
system ond through which contaminants could likely reach well water.
Wetlands: Any of a number of tidal ond nontidal areas characterized by saturated or nearly saturated soils most of die year that form an
interface between terrestriol and aquatic environments; include freshwater marshes around ponds ond channels (rivers ond streams), brackish ond
salt marshes; other common names include swamps and bogs.
Photo by Itie Nature Conservancy
Photo by the Wood-Pawcatuck
Watershed Association
Photo by the Nature Conservancy
Photo by the Wood-Pawcatuck
Watershed Association
Photo by the Nature Conservancy
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PAGE 16
Terences
Used
9 C;
' - .
%
Citizens' Guide to Environmental Terminology by William L. Magette, University of Maryland, Cooperative Extension Service,
published 1987-88.
Condition of the Mid-Atiantic Estuaries, by US EPA Office of Research and Development, 1998 in press.
Pawcatuck Watershed Partnership, Special Focus Issue. In WATERSHED, A newsletter of the Wood-Pawcatuck Watershed Association, Vol. 14, No. 2, Spring 1997.
The Nature Conservancy. 1997. Pawcatuck Watershed Conservation Plan. Rhode Island Field Office, Providence, Rl. Unpublished document.
The Pawcatuck Watershed Project, March, 1991 Fact Sheet No. 91-1, by Alyson McConn and Arthur J. Gold. Contribution #26262 of the University of Rhode
Island, College of Resource Development with support from the Rhode Island Cooperative Extension.
The University of Rhode Island Watershed Watch: 1995. Natural Resource Science Technical Report, 96-3 by E.M. Herron and L.T. Green, contribution #3395 of
College of Resource Development, URI. July 1996.
The following people all contributed to the production of this report:
Jerry Pesch - Project Coordinator, US EPA, Atlantic Ecology Division, Narragansett, Rl
Deborah Mercogliano - Graphic Design Manager, Creative Arts Department, Foxwoods Resort Casino, Ledyard, CT
Heather Dailey - Graphic Designer, Creative Arts Department, Foxwoods Resort Cosino
Jason Heon - Creative Arts Coordinator, Foxwoods Resort Casino
Jim Metcalfe - Editor, Foxwoods Resort Casino
Hal Walker, Suzanne Lussier, Walt Galloway, US EPA, Atlantic Ecology Division, Narragansett, Rl
Jane Copeland, Randy Comeleo, Patricio Bussiere, and George Morrison, OAO Inc./ US EPA, Atlantic Ecology Division, Narragansett, Rl
Robert Adler, Dovid Turin, US EPA, Region 1, Boston, MA
Michael Chorpentier, Signal Corp. US EPA, Region 1, Boston, MA
Anne Veeger, Geology Department, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, Rl
Lorraine Joubert, Alyson McCann, Arthur J. Gold, Peter August, Deportment of Natural Resource Science, University of Rhode Island
Linda Green, Elizabeth Herron, Watershed Watcb, Cooperative Extension Service, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, Rl
William McKenzie Woodword, Rhode Island Historical Preservation Commission, Providence, Rl
Alan Desbonnet, Coastal Resource Center, University of Rhode Island, Narragansett, Rl
Nina Rooks, Charlie Hickox, Wood-Pawcatuck Watershed Association, Hope Valley, Rl
Jon Regosin, and Kevin Ruddock, The Nature Conservancy, Providence, Rl
Rob Bernardo, Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management, Providence, Rl
Robert Hust, Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection, Hertford, CT
Chris Powell, Dennis Eta, Division of Fish and Wildlife, Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management, West Kingston, Rl
Richard W. Enser, Rhode Island Natural Heritage Program, Rl DEM, Providence, Rl
Dovid Schweid, Planning and Community Development, Moshantucket Pequot Tiibal Nation, Moshantucket, CT
Vicky O'Neal, Natural Resource Conservation Service, US Department of Agriculture, Warwick, Rl U.S. EPA, NHEERL/AED
27 Tarzwell Drive
Narragansett, Rl 02882
Charlotte Spang, Southern Rhode Island Conservation District, Warwick, Rl
Document by
*
Pawcatuck
Watershed
Partnership
Design & Layout by
Mashantucket Pequot
Tribal Nation
Printing by
Region 1, New England
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