Introduction

Introduction to watershed principles and NPDES Phase 2

Genesee County Community Water Quality Consortium www.ClearGeneseeWater.org

What is the Hydrologic Cycle?

Hydrologic cycle

- the process in which water evaporated from rivers, lakes, and oceans rises and condenses into clouds, and then falls back to earth as rain, hail, sleet or snow.

There is no new water .

KEEP IT CLEAR!

Genesee County Community Water Quality Consortium www.ClearGeneseeWater.org

What is a watershed?

A watershed is an area of land that drains to a particular stream, lake or wetland.

Genesee County Community Water Quality Consortium www.ClearGeneseeWater.org

Rainwater VS. Stormwater

Rainwater is: Calm Clear Cool Valuable

Rainwater is natures way of renewing our water systems.

Stormwater is: Swirling Dirty Warm Wasted

Stormwater causes problems in our freshwater systems.

Rainwater access natural paths as part of the water cycle.

Stormwater is rainwater that is channeled past important natural paths.

Rainwater is a valuable resource that is often lost. Rainwater should be held and used on the land where it falls.

Stormwater is rainwater that picks up pollution as it flows over hard surfaces and runs off our properties.

Genesee County Community Water Quality Consortium www.ClearGeneseeWater.org

Why care about storm water?

Pollutants fall on impervious surface Polluted storm water enters storm drain

Oil in parking lot

Storm water enters waterway Impaired waterway

Typical roadside catch basin Storm drain outfall Failed silt fence

Genesee County Community Water Quality Consortium

Sedimentation and flooding during rain event

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Stewardship

Education on public responsibility and stewardship in their watershed

Genesee County Community Water Quality Consortium www.ClearGeneseeWater.org

What is Stewardship?

• Assumption of responsibility for the welfare of the world • Inclination which leads one part of the world to care for the whole – Human rights – Economic welfare – Education – Healthcare – Environment, etc...

Genesee County Community Water Quality Consortium www.ClearGeneseeWater.org

Where does it come from?

• Spiritual beliefs – Native American – Christian – Muslim – Jewish – Others……..

Genesee County Community Water Quality Consortium www.ClearGeneseeWater.org

Where does it come from?

• Personal interest – Our children’s world EPA

Genesee County Community Water Quality Consortium www.ClearGeneseeWater.org

What does it look like in a watershed?

• Insert presentation topics

Genesee County Community Water Quality Consortium www.ClearGeneseeWater.org

Storm Drain System & Impacts

Education on the ultimate discharge point and potential impacts from the storm water drainage system

Genesee County Community Water Quality Consortium www.ClearGeneseeWater.org

Where does the storm drain go to?

• Directly to nearest lake or stream • Untreated • Unfiltered

Genesee County Community Water Quality Consortium www.ClearGeneseeWater.org

Where does the storm drain go to?

• Every home is waterfront property!

• Everything that enters the storm drain ends up in your local waterways

Genesee County Community Water Quality Consortium

© HRWC

www.ClearGeneseeWater.org

NPDES Phase 2

Introduction to NPDES Phase 2 Stormwater Regulations

Genesee County Community Water Quality Consortium www.ClearGeneseeWater.org

•

What are the NPDES Phase II Stormwater Regulations?

National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System, established in 1987 under the Clean Water Act • • Phase I (1990) covers industrial sites, construction sites over 5 acres, and municipalities over 100,000 Phase II (2003) covers industrial sites, construction sites over 1 acre, and

ALL public entities

Area (municipalities and institutions) operating separate storm sewer systems AND contained within the U.S. Census Urbanized • • • • Phase II affects… Cities, villages and townships in the urbanized area Counties Public institutions (schools, hospitals, prisons, etc.) Construction sites over 1 acre

Genesee County Community Water Quality Consortium www.ClearGeneseeWater.org

What are the NPDES Phase II Stormwater Regulations?

NPDES Phase II Goal: To reduce the discharge of pollutants to the “maximum extent practicable” to protect water quality

Genesee County Community Water Quality Consortium www.ClearGeneseeWater.org

What are the NPDES Phase II Stormwater Regulations?

Permit Requirements:

Jurisdictional

Public Education Illicit Discharge Elimination Public Participation

Watershed

Public Education Illicit Discharge Elimination Public Participation Pollution Prevention & Good Housekeeping Construction Storm Water Runoff Control Post Construction Storm Water Management Watershed Plan Storm Water Pollution Prevention Initiative

Genesee County Community Water Quality Consortium www.ClearGeneseeWater.org

How does Phase II affect communities?

•

Public Education Plan (PEP):

Educate the public about reducing storm water pollution •

Illicit Discharge Elimination Plan (IDEP):

Map storm sewer systems, identify and eliminate pollution sources

Genesee County Community Water Quality Consortium www.ClearGeneseeWater.org

•

How does Phase II affect communities?

Watershed Plan:

Compile water quality data across the watershed, determine goals and actions to achieve those goals •

Public Participation Plan:

Involve the public in development of watershed plan •

Storm Water Pollution Prevention Initiative:

Identifies water quality initiatives to be undertaken by each community; based on watershed plan

Genesee County Community Water Quality Consortium www.ClearGeneseeWater.org

Keep It Clear!

Things You Can Do to Protect Water Quality: • Report problems with your stream • Use proper household hazardous waste disposal • Use proper lawn care and landscaping • Practice good car maintenance and procedures for residential car washing • Don’t litter • Clean up after your pets • Practice environmental stewardship

Genesee County Community Water Quality Consortium www.ClearGeneseeWater.org

Public Reporting

Encourage public reporting of illicit discharges or improper disposal of materials into storm sewer

Genesee County Community Water Quality Consortium www.ClearGeneseeWater.org

Illegal dumping / Improper disposal

• Dumping waste into streams and storm drains is ILLEGAL – contaminates drinking water – contaminates recreation areas – contaminates wildlife habitat © HRWC • ALL storm drains discharge directly into your local lake or river. No filters, no treatment

Genesee County Community Water Quality Consortium www.ClearGeneseeWater.org

Illegal dumping / Improper disposal

• Hazardous waste – chemicals from fertilizer, cleaning products • Lawn waste – lawn clippings, leaves • Flammable materials – gas

Genesee County Community Water Quality Consortium

© HRWC

www.ClearGeneseeWater.org

Illegal dumping / Improper disposal Who do I report to?

911 Genesee County Health Department MDEQ Pollution Emergency Alert System 1-800-292-4706 Genesee County Drain Commission Genesee County Road Commission Local township/city

Genesee County Community Water Quality Consortium www.ClearGeneseeWater.org

Disposal and Drop-off Facilities

Education on the availability, location, and requirements of facilities for household hazardous wastes, travel trailer sanitary wastes, chemicals, grass clippings, leaf litter, animal wastes, and motor vehicle fluids

Genesee County Community Water Quality Consortium www.ClearGeneseeWater.org

Disposal and Drop off facilities

• What you shouldn’t dump in ditches, streams, and storm drains – Household Hazardous Waste – Travel trailer sanitary waste – Chemicals – Grass clippings – Leaf litter – Animal Waste – Motor Vehicle Fluids

Genesee County Community Water Quality Consortium www.ClearGeneseeWater.org

Disposal and Drop off facilities

•

Household Hazardous Waste Chemicals

and – products with labels that say “danger” “caution” “warning” or “toxic” – fertilizer, pesticides, batteries • Dispose at the household hazardous waste collection days sponsored by the Genesee County Health Department

Genesee County Community Water Quality Consortium www.ClearGeneseeWater.org

Disposal and Drop off facilities

•

Animal waste

belongs in the garbage or down the toilet!

– has bacteria that make water unsafe for swimming – happens when pet waste left on sidewalks or lawns gets washed into storm drains or ditches that lead

Genesee County Community Water Quality Consortium

© HRWC

www.ClearGeneseeWater.org

Disposal and Drop off facilities

• •

Motor vehicle fluids

are recyclable – collected at household hazardous waste collection days – collected by auto part dealers

Travel trailer sanitary waste

– collected at campground facilities

Genesee County Community Water Quality Consortium www.ClearGeneseeWater.org

Disposal and Drop off facilities

•

Grass Clippings

and

Leaf Litter

use up water’s oxygen needed by fish and other living things to survive.

– mulch leaves by mowing over them – it makes a great fertilizer!

– compost – call local government about curbside pickup – wait until leaf collection day to rake by curb

Genesee County Community Water Quality Consortium www.ClearGeneseeWater.org

Pesticides & Fertilizers

Education regarding acceptable application and disposal of pesticides and fertilizers

Genesee County Community Water Quality Consortium www.ClearGeneseeWater.org

Fertilize sparingly and caringly Remember, you’re not just fertilizing your lawn

What’s the issue?

• Fertilizer can be washed off your yard, down the storm drain and into the stream or lake.

• Fertilizer is bad for our water. • Fertilizer causes algae to grow. It can form large algae blooms and use up oxygen that fish need to survive.

Genesee County Community Water Quality Consortium www.ClearGeneseeWater.org

Fertilizing

Remember, a few simple changes can make a big difference in the quality of our water. These changes can also save you time and mine too!

Go slow

. Select an organic or slow-release fertilizer.

Buy low

. Select a fertilizer with low or no phosphorus.

Mow high

. Make your lawn cheaper and easier to maintain by mowing high – three inches is the rule!

Genesee County Community Water Quality Consortium www.ClearGeneseeWater.org

Fertilizing

Sweep it!

Sweep fertilizer that falls on driveways and sidewalks back onto the lawn.

Don’t Guess…Soil Test.

A soil test will tell you what, if any, fertilizer is needed in your yard. Contact your county Michigan State University Extension office for more information.

Make fertilizer-free zones

. Keep fertilizer applications at least 20 feet away from the edge of lakes, streams, or storm drains.

Hire smart

. Select a lawn service that uses organic fertilizers or offers a slow-release nitrogen, low phosphorus option.

Genesee County Community Water Quality Consortium www.ClearGeneseeWater.org

Reduce pesticide use

•

What’s the issue?

Pesticides, herbicides, and fungicides are used to kill pests and control the growth of weeds and fungus. These chemicals can enter and contaminate water through direct application, runoff, wind transport, and atmospheric deposition. They can kill fish and wildlife, poison food sources, and destroy the habitat that animals use for protective cover.

Genesee County Community Water Quality Consortium www.ClearGeneseeWater.org

Simple Steps to Keep Our Water Clear:

Pesticides

• •

Don’t overdo it!

non-toxic

, Follow directions for the use of pesticides, herbicides and fertilizers on your lawns and gardens. Using more is not necessarily better and increases nutrient and chemical loading. Try to buy products labeled

biodegradable

or

water soluble.

Use IPM.

Integrated pest management is the practice of managing pests with the least possible impact on people, property, and the environment. Check out this website at MSU extention for more information: http://www.ipm.msu.edu/

Genesee County Community Water Quality Consortium www.ClearGeneseeWater.org

Landscaping

Keep your rainwater where it belongs, on your property.

Use porous surfaces.

Minimize use of concrete or asphalt by substituting gravel, paving stones, turf stones or porous pavement.

Utilize gutter water.

Direct water from roof drains and gutters to vegetated areas on your property.

Get a rain barrel.

Install a rain barrel to collect roof runoff. Use it to slowly soak your landscape.

Plant a tree.

Use trees, shrubs and other deep rooted plants to hold and use water properly.

Mow less.

Reduce the amount of lawn by adding berms, and flower, herb, native plant, decorative grass, vegetable and rain gardens.

Genesee County Community Water Quality Consortium www.ClearGeneseeWater.org

Choose earth friendly landscaping

•

What’s the issue?

When landscaping your yard you can protect your kids, pets, and the environment from harm. By choosing plants that are native to Michigan and by practicing good lawn-care practices, you can help prevent pollution of our lakes and streams.

Genesee County Community Water Quality Consortium www.ClearGeneseeWater.org

Landscaping

Remember: A few simple changes can make a big difference!

Mow high.

Make your lawn cheaper and easier to maintain by mowing high (three inches is recommended).

Use mulch.

Place a thick layer of mulch (e.g., four inches) around trees and plants.

Go native.

Select plants native to Michigan.

Variety is the spice of life.

Using a wide variety of plants helps control pests and minimizes the need for pesticides.

Genesee County Community Water Quality Consortium www.ClearGeneseeWater.org

Landscaping

Water wisely.

Generally, your lawn needs about an inch of water a week.

Use less for pests.

So, use pesticides and herbicides sparingly.

Rake it or leave it.

Never rake leaves into or near storm drains, ditches, or streams. Better yet, mow leaves into your lawn.

Genesee County Community Water Quality Consortium www.ClearGeneseeWater.org

Landscaping

Pick up after your pets.

Walk your dog in areas of vegetation and bury or flush pet wastes.

Give your lawn some air.

increase water absorption.

Aerating your lawn to

Keep your dirt.

Stop soil erosion by planting vegetation on all bare areas.

Buffer

. Create buffers of plants between waterways and hard surface areas to help filter out pollutants .

Genesee County Community Water Quality Consortium www.ClearGeneseeWater.org

Landscaping

Keep your rainwater where it belongs, on your property.

Use porous surfaces.

asphalt by substituting gravel, paving stones, turf stones or porous pavement.

Minimize use of concrete or

Utilize gutter water.

Direct water from roof drains and gutters to vegetated areas on your property.

Get a rain barrel.

Install a rain barrel to collect roof runoff. Use it to slowly soak your landscape.

Plant a tree.

Use trees, shrubs and other deep rooted plants to hold and use water properly.

Mow less.

Reduce the amount of lawn by adding berms, and flower, herb, native plant, decorative grass, vegetable and rain gardens.

Genesee County Community Water Quality Consortium www.ClearGeneseeWater.org

© HRWC

Car Washing

Education concerning preferred cleaning materials and procedures for residential car washing

Genesee County Community Water Quality Consortium www.ClearGeneseeWater.org

Practice Good Car Care Remember, you’re not just washing your car

What’s the issue?

Storm drains found in our streets and roadside ditches lead to our lakes and streams. So, if dirty water from washing our cars or motor fluids are dumped or washed into the storm drain, it pollutes our local waterways.

Genesee County Community Water Quality Consortium www.ClearGeneseeWater.org

Car Care and Washing

Make a date.

wash.

So, make a date to take your car to a car

Wash it —on the grass.

If you wash your car at home, consider washing it on the lawn.

Minimize it.

Reduce the amount of soap you use or wash your car with plain water.

Maintain it.

Keep your vehicle properly tuned and use the owner's manual to guide decisions about how often it is necessary to change fluids such as oil and antifreeze.

Genesee County Community Water Quality Consortium www.ClearGeneseeWater.org

Car Care and Washing

Take advantage of business expertise.

Consider taking your vehicle to the shop to have the oil and other fluids changed.

Recycle.

Never dump used oil, antifreeze, or other fluids on the ground or down the storm drain.

Soak it up.

spilled vehicle fluids. Then sweep it into a bag and throw it in the trash. Use kitty litter promptly to absorb small amounts of

Do it under cover.

maintenance in a well-ventilated, but covered location (e.g., garage). Whenever possible, perform vehicle

Genesee County Community Water Quality Consortium www.ClearGeneseeWater.org

Riparian Land Management

Education concerning managing riparian land to protect water quality

Genesee County Community Water Quality Consortium www.ClearGeneseeWater.org

Riparian Stewardship

Riparian = “Next to Stream”

Genesee County Community Water Quality Consortium

Living on the Land, 2001

www.ClearGeneseeWater.org

Why are Riparian areas important?

• Recharge ground water • Reduce downstream flooding • Increase stream flows in dry weather • Trap sediment and pollutants • Cycle nutrients • Provide shade to keep water cool • Increase stream and bank stability • Provide habitat for fish and other wildlife

Genesee County Community Water Quality Consortium www.ClearGeneseeWater.org

How can we better protect riparian corridors?

• Adopt river friendly lawn care • Install riparian buffers • Stabilize stream banks • Manage woody debris • Adopt better river/drain maintenance policies

Genesee County Community Water Quality Consortium www.ClearGeneseeWater.org

River friendly lawn care

• Identify problem (not necessarily nutrients) – Test first (county extension 810-244-8547 ) – Soil Compaction?

– Thatch?

– Native species

Genesee County Community Water Quality Consortium www.ClearGeneseeWater.org

Maintain riparian buffer

• Undisturbed land directly adjacent to stream •Filters sediment •Absorbs chemicals •Provides critical habitat linkages •Protects against flooding and erosion •Others

Genesee County Community Water Quality Consortium www.ClearGeneseeWater.org

Maintain riparian buffer

• Voluntary approach (USDA, DEQ, etc.) • Statutory approach – Natural feature setback ordinance – Usually determined by local jurisdiction or county

Genesee County Community Water Quality Consortium www.ClearGeneseeWater.org

Stabilize Stream Banks

• Prevention • New techniques – Live Fascines – Live Stakes – Brush Mattresses

Genesee County Community Water Quality Consortium

NRCS, USDA

www.ClearGeneseeWater.org

Manage Woody Debris

• Remove only those necessary • Partially remove and replace woody debris

Genesee County Community Water Quality Consortium www.ClearGeneseeWater.org

Conclusion

If you have any questions please contact XXXXXXXX

Genesee County Community Water Quality Consortium www.ClearGeneseeWater.org