Fact Sheet/Spring 2005
The Targeted Watersr
Grants program started in
2002 to encourage commu-
nity-based approaches to
protect and restore the
nation's watersheds. The
program emphasizes that
strong partnerships lead to
measurable environmental
results. The goal is to provide
resources and build on the
successes of strong public <
private partnerships already
working hard to improve their
waterways. Nominees forthe
program were required to set
clear goals that include strong
monitoring components.
Watershed plans and project
proposals were judged on
criteria such as: innovation,
environmental results, broad
financial integrity.
* EPA Contacts
Ralph Abele
(617)918-1629
abele.ralph@epa.gov
Sandra Fancieullo
(617)918-1566
fancieullo.sandra@epa.gov
United States
Environmental Protection
k Agency New England
swich River
Customer Call Center
888-372-7341
www.epa.gov/region1
Why Does the River Need Special Attention?
Hhe Ipswich is classified by the Massachusetts Water
Resources Commission as "highly stressed" and was
designated by American Rivers as the third most en-
dangered river in the nation.
* Human changes to the hydrologic cycle of the ba-
sin, especially the frequency and duration of low-
flow events, along with limited aquifer storage in
the upper basin, have contributed to extreme sum-
mer low-flow and dry channel conditions in the up-
per watershed in dry years.
* Development has increased impervious surfaces, re-
sulting in increased runoff and associated flood-
ing and erosion, degraded water quality, and lim-
ited recharge to aquifers.
Hhe watershed is a critical source of drinking
water for over 333,000 residents and businesses,
and has long been an economic and ecological as-
set for northeastern MA
What are the Long Term Goals?
^-Implement, demonstrate, and quantify the
water savings of innovative conservation
techniques.
^-Modify existing computer models thatpredict
streamflows and water budgets in the upper
Ipswich River Basin and establish the framwork
for a standardized water trading mechanism.
^-Promote a protection of water quality and water
flows throughout the watershed.
Progress/Goals for the Future
What Partnership Progress Has Been Made?
Mn 2004, The Ipswich River Watershed was one of
only fourteen watershed selected nationally to
receive funding.
Hhe Massachusetts Departmentof Conservation and
Recreation was awarded $1,045,185, to work with
Ipswich River Watershed Association, US Geologi-
cal Survey, and the communities of Reading,
Wilmington, North Reading, and Topsfield, to
implement, demostrate and quantify the benefits of
low impact development (LID) and water conserva-
tion techniques.
What Major Projects are Planned for 2006?
How Impact Development (LID) Demonstrations
and Assessments: LID Subdivision Demonstration;
Green Roof Demonstration; Porous Pavement Dem-
onstration and Sidwalk Renovation; Demonstra-
tion of LID Techniques to Reduce Nonpoint Source
Pollution to Silver Lake, Wilmington; Roof Rainwa-
ter Harvesting Systems in Wilmington
> Water Conservation Demonstration and Assess-
ments: LID Ballfields in North Reading; Reading
Conservation Pilots; Irrigation Controller Switch
Demonstrations in Reading, North Reading,
Hamilton, Peobodyand Middleton; Meter Replace-
ment and Monthly Billing in Topsfield
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Ipswich River
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What Major Projects are Planned for 2006?
(continued)
> Monitoring and Data Evaluation:
US Geological Survey Gage Installation,
Monitoring, and Data Evaluation
> Outreach Activities: Municipal and Legislative
Workshops and Forums; LID Website;
Demonstrations and Site Tours; Presentations
at National Meetings; Educational Materials
Who are the Partners?
EPA New England Massachusett Department of
Conservation and Recreation US Geological Sur-
vey Ipswich River Watershed Association Town
of Reading, MA Town of North Reading, MA
Town of Wilmington, MA Town of Topsfield, MA
OCR Contact
Sara Cohen
(617)626-1374
sara.cohen@state.ma.us
f/EPA
United States
Environmental Protection
Agency New England
Customer Call Center
888-372-7341
www.epa.gov/region1
Note: EPA-New England offers businesses and municipalities information and assistance to improve compliance with environmental laws and be better stewards of their
local environment. Please call to learn how EPA can help.
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