Transcript Presentation - Restore Rock Creek
Restore Rock Creek
Caryn Canfield Eileen Straughan http://www.restorerockcreek.org/
Agenda
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Organization History Rock Creek Watershed Water Quality Challenges What You Can Do
RestoreRockCreek.org started in 2009
Organization History
Rock Creek Watershed
Rock Creek Watershed
What Happens to Rainwater?
40% evapotranspiration 38% evapotranspiration 10% runoff 25% shallow infiltration 25% deep infiltration
Natural Ground Cover
35% evapotranspiration 20% runoff 21% shallow infiltration 21% deep infiltration v
10 – 20% Impervious Surface
30% evapotranspiration 30% runoff 20% shallow infiltration 15% deep infiltration 20 – 70% Impervious Surface 55% runoff 10% shallow infiltration 5% deep infiltration 70– 100% Impervious Surface
Run-off Variability with Increased Impervious Surfaces (FISRWG, 1998)
Nutrients Sediment Bacteria “….While the main causes of degradation in the 1970s were point sources that could be targeted more directly, sources of contamination are now prevalent throughout entire watersheds and are caused in part by patterns of development, population growth, and consumer behavior….”
Coming Together for Clean Water EPA’s Strategy to Protect America’s
Waters, March 30, 2011
Water Quality Challenges
Nutrient Sources Stormwater Runoff ◦ ◦ ◦ Rooftops Driveways Roadways •
Soluble Nitrogen
• Treatment plant with ENR (3mg/l) • Septic System with Nitrogen Removal 10mg/l Old Septic System 20-
NITROGEN IS THE ENEMY
◦ Yards Sewage ◦ Treated and untreated Septic systems; a 24/7 source Pumping station overflows; an infrequent source
Nutrients in Rock Creek
Nutrient Sources Animal waste ◦ Domestic ◦ Wildlife Air Pollution 40% of the nitrogen inputs to the Bay are from atmospheric deposition
Nutrients in Rock Creek
Sediment Sources Erosion Poor vegetative cover Uncontrolled stormwater Poorly maintained erosion sediment control devices on construction sites
Sediment in Rock Creek
Bacteria Sources Illegal connections Leaking connections Failing septic systems Pet Waste Wildlife Raw sewage overflows 24/7 sources vs Weather related incidents
Bacteria in Rock Creek
2010 Non-Tidal Sampling 2010 Rainbarrel Demonstration and Sale 2011 Stream Clean Up 2011 Oyster Program On-going coordination with Anne Arundel County DPW On-going Research to Prioritize
Restore Rock Creek Activities
◦ ◦ ◦ ◦ ◦ ◦ ◦ Join Us Control your stormwater runoff ◦ Check car, boat, motorcycle for leaks ◦ ◦ ◦ Wash on lawn, not driveway Recycle used oil Use fertilizer/pesticides sparingly and according to directions AND soil test results Plant deep rooted plants Go native!
Sweep instead of hose Vegetate bare spots Replace waterfron lawn with native grasses Eliminate impervious surfaces Keep stormwater out of the roadways and stormwater systems – Spread the water out and slow it down!
What YOU can do to help
Don’t overwater lawn, use drip irrigation Use nontoxic, biodegradable, recycled and recyclable products Clean paint brushes in sink, dispose of unwanted paint safely Disconnect downspouts Install a rainbarrel Install a rain garden PICK UP AFTER PETS Convert lawn to low maintenance landscaping Plant a tree!
What YOU can do to help
Drain spas/pools to sewer where possible Make sure no chlorine in discharge – Use Oxyclean Inspect and maintain septic system regularly