Restore Rock CreekRestore Rock CreekCaryn Canfield

Eileen Straughan

http://www.restorerockcreek.org/

AgendaAgenda1. Organization History2. Rock Creek Watershed3. Water Quality Challenges4. What You Can Do

Organization HistoryOrganization History

RestoreRockCreek.org started in 2009

Rock Creek WatershedRock Creek Watershed

Rock Creek WatershedRock Creek Watershed

What Happens to Rainwater?

Run-off Variability with Increased Impervious Surfaces (FISRWG, 1998)

v

20 – 70% Impervious Surface

70– 100% Impervious Surface

Natural Ground Cover35% evapotranspiration

40% evapotranspiration

10% runoff

25% shallow infiltration

25% deep infiltratio

n

38% evapotranspiration

21% shallow

infiltration 21% deep infiltratio

n10 – 20% Impervious Surface

30% runoff

20% shallow

infiltration15% deep infiltratio

n

55% runoff

10% shallow

infiltration5% deep infiltratio

n

30% evapotranspiration

20% runoff

Water Quality ChallengesWater Quality Challenges

NutrientsSedimentBacteria

“….While the main causes of degradation in the 1970s were pointsources 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

Nutrients in Rock CreekNutrients in Rock Creek

Nutrient Sources Stormwater Runoff

◦Rooftops◦Driveways◦Roadways◦Yards

Sewage ◦Treated and untreatedSeptic systems; a 24/7 sourcePumping station overflows; an infrequent source

Soluble Nitrogen•Treatment plant with ENR (3mg/l)•Septic System with Nitrogen Removal 10mg/l•Old Septic System 20-40mg/l

NITROGEN IS THE ENEMY

Nutrients in Rock CreekNutrients in Rock Creek

Nutrient SourcesAnimal waste

◦Domestic◦Wildlife

Air Pollution 40% of the nitrogen inputs to the Bay are from atmospheric deposition

Sediment in Rock CreekSediment in Rock Creek

Sediment Sources

ErosionPoor vegetative coverUncontrolled stormwaterPoorly maintained erosion sediment control devices on construction sites

Bacteria in Rock CreekBacteria in Rock Creek

Bacteria SourcesIllegal connectionsLeaking connectionsFailing septic systemsPet WasteWildlifeRaw sewage overflows

24/7 sourcesvsWeather relatedincidents

Restore Rock Creek ActivitiesRestore Rock Creek Activities

2010 Non-Tidal Sampling2010 Rainbarrel Demonstration and Sale2011 Stream Clean Up2011 Oyster ProgramOn-going coordination with Anne Arundel

County DPWOn-going Research to Prioritize

What YOU can do to helpWhat YOU can do to help

Join UsControl 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 helpWhat YOU can do to help

Don’t overwater lawn, use drip irrigationUse nontoxic, biodegradable, recycled and

recyclable productsClean paint brushes in sink, dispose of

unwanted paint safelyDisconnect downspoutsInstall a rainbarrelInstall a rain gardenPICK UP AFTER PETSConvert lawn to low maintenance

landscapingPlant a tree!

What YOU can do to help…What YOU can do to help…

Drain spas/pools to sewer where possibleMake sure no chlorine in discharge – Use

OxycleanInspect and maintain septic system

regularly