All posts in the topic Water Quality (Short link)
Summary
- There are 3 posts — by 3 authors — in this topic.
- Latest post made by David Rutter at Aug 21 15:09 UTC
Afternoon, all! I came across this article ( http://www.dispatch.com/live/content/local_news/stories/2008/08/07/ALUMDAMS.ART_ART_08-07-08_B4_QLAV7DU.html?sid=101) in today's Dispatch. Is anyone familiar with this project, or other attempts at urban water quality improvement projects? I am interested in how water quality concerns might be resolved the same or differently in urban vs. rural settings. Any thoughts?
Hi Liz and Forum Members,
Although I have been an avid follower of the CORIF postings, I haven't
felt the urge to contribute until today. My name is Mary Ann
Brouillette and I am the Communications Specialist at Franklin Soil and
Water Conservation District. Many Soil and Water districts across the
state are dealing with this very issue. Traditionally, we have worked
with producers (agriculture and forestry) in order to prevent soil
erosion and improve surface water quality. Now, in develped/ing
counties our focus has expanded to include developers, local
governments, watershed groups, businesses, and residential landowners.
I am familiar with the Alum Creek project because Franklin Soil and
Water partners with the USDA, Natural Resource Conservation Service on
projects in Franklin County. Mary Ann Core, NRCS District
Conservationist, has assisted FACT with the Alum Creek project through a
six-year, $66,000 WHIP agreement. The Wildlife Habitat Incentive
Program money will be used for stream bank stabilization when the water
level drops an estimated four feet due to the removal of the two dams.
It will prevent erosion under the nine storm drain outlets into Alum
Creek and provide for invasive honeysuckle removal and the planting of
native shrubs along the stream.
Another great example of urban stream restoration is planned to start in
September at Latham Park in Hilliard. In cooperation with the City of
Hilliard, the River Institute received an Ohio EPA 319 Grant to restore
over 1,800 linear feet of Clover Groff Run within Latham Park. Oxbow
River and Stream Restoration will restore natural stream function to
what has been, since the 19th century, an agricultural drainage ditch.
Soil and Water Districts have been historically grass-roots
organizations led by landowners in rural counties. We sometimes find it
difficult to stay as close to our landowner-customers in such a populous
county so I welcome any input or feedback this forum may provide. Feel
free to call the office at (614) 486-9613.
Mary Ann Brouillette
Franklin soil and Water Conservation District
1328 Dublin Road, Suite 101
Columbus, OH 43214
<email obscured>
www.franklinswcd.org
Liz,
Glad the article has piqued your curriosity about clean water. Another good
source for information and a way to become involved in protecting and improving
our water are all of the watershed groups in central Ohio. The dams being
taken out along Alum Creek are a direct result of the Watershed Action Plan
that was developed by the Friends of Alum Creek (FACT). The full plan is
available on line at their website www.friendsofalumcreek.org. Many other
streams in our area also have action plans developed with a whole list of
actions to take that will improve or protect the water.
Friends of the Lower Olentangy Watershed (FLOW) are another very active group
that is in your neighborhood. If you just google their name you can get to
their website and see the action plan that was developed for the Olentangy
River from the Delaware Dam to its confluence with the Scioto downtown. There
are also plans for Big Walnut Creek that can be accessed on the Friends of Big
Walnut Creek and Tributaries website, and a draft plan for Rocky Fork Creek
that is on the MORPC website. There are also plans for the upper Scioto, Upper
Olentangy, and Upper Big Walnut Creeks. These plans deal mostly with rural
impacts to water issues and would provide a good contrast to what is being done
in urban/suburban watersheds.
If you have any questions please don't hesitate to contact me.
Peace,
David Rutter
Watershed Coordinator
Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission
111 Liberty Street, Suite 100
Columbus, OH 43215
614-233-4186