Nine-Element Nonpoint Source Implementation Strategic (NPS-IS) Plan

Transcription

1 Nine-Element Nonpoint Source Implementation Strategic (NPS-IS) Plan Toussaint Creek: Upper Toussaint Creek HUC-12, ( ), Version 1.0, June 2018, Approved: August 21, 2018 Created by: Partners for Clean Streams P.O. Box 203 Perrysburg, OH In consultation with: Hull & Associates, Inc. 219 South Erie Street Toledo, OH 43604

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3 Table of Contents Acknowledgements... v Chapter 1: Introduction Report Background Watershed Profile and History Public Participation and Involvement... 3 Chapter 2: Upper Toussaint Creek HUC-12 Watershed Characterization and Assessment Summary Summary Watershed Characterization for the Upper Toussaint Creek HUC Physical and Natural Features Land Use and Protection Summary of Biological Trends for the Upper Toussaint Creek HUC Summary of NPS Pollution Causes and Associated Sources for the Upper Toussaint Creek HUC Additional Information for Determining Critical Areas and Developing Implementation Strategies for the Upper Toussaint Creek HUC Chapter 3: Conditions and Restoration Strategies for Upper Toussaint Creek HUC-12 Critical Areas Overview of Critical Areas Critical Area 1: Conditions, Goals, and Objectives for the Upper Toussaint Creek HUC Detailed Characterization Detailed Biological Conditions Detailed Causes and Associated Sources Outline Goals and Objectives for the Critical Area Critical Area 2: Conditions, Goals, and Objectives for the Upper Toussaint Creek HUC Detailed Characterization Detailed Biological Conditions Detailed Causes and Associated Sources Outline Goals and Objectives for the Critical Area Chapter 4: Projects and Implementation Strategy Overview Tables and Project Sheets for Critical Areas Critical Area 1: Overview Table and Project Sheet(s) for the Upper Toussaint Creek HUC Critical Area 1: Project and Implementation Strategy Overview Table Critical Area 1: Project Summary Sheet(s) Critical Area 2: Overview Table and Project Sheet(s) for the Upper Toussaint Creek HUC Critical Area 2: Project and Implementation Strategy Overview Table Upper Toussaint Creek HUC-12 ( ) iii

4 4.3.2 Critical Area 2: Project Summary Sheet(s) if necessary Works Cited Appendix A: Acronyms and Abbreviations Appendix B: Index of Tables and Figures Index of Tables Index of Figures Upper Toussaint Creek HUC-12 ( ) iv

5 Acknowledgements Partners for Clean Streams (PCS) extends our appreciation to the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (Ohio EPA) for funding the preparation of this NPS-IS plan with Section 319(h) Nonpoint Source Program grant funds and the many partners who came together to share input and propose projects for this HUC- 12. PCS is grateful to Hull & Associates, Inc. for collaborating on the preparation of this plan, which will help direct projects to expeditiously address nonpoint source impairments in the Upper Toussaint Creek HUC-12. This publication was financed through a grant from Ohio EPA and United States Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA) with Section 319 Nonpoint Source Management Program funds. The contents and views, including any opinions, findings, or conclusions or recommendations, contained in this publication are those of the authors and have not been subject to any Ohio EPA or U.S. EPA peer or administrative review and might not reflect the views of the Ohio EPA or U.S. EPA, and no official endorsement should be inferred. Upper Toussaint Creek HUC-12 ( ) v

6 Chapter 1: Introduction The United States Protection Agency (U.S. EPA) has identified nine critical elements for developing management plans to address impaired waters. These nine elements of the planning process are essential components generally required for watershed projects funded under Section 319 of the Clean Water Act. A dynamic set of government, academic, non-profit, and industry partners is collaborating to develop Nonpoint Source Implementation Strategies (NPS-IS) plans for most 12-digit hydrologic unit code (HUC-12) watersheds within the Maumee Area of Concern (AOC). This NPS-IS plan, developed to address nonpoint source impairments in the Upper Toussaint Creek HUC-12 ( ), is one of three being authored by Partners for Clean Streams (PCS) in conjunction with local partners. 1.1 Report Background The Maumee AOC was established in 1987 to address components of the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement administered by the International Joint Commission (IJC). The Maumee Remedial Action Plan (RAP) Committee (comprised of local government, non-profit, academic, and business partners) came together to chart a path toward fishable and swimmable waters within the Maumee AOC. In 2006, the Maumee RAP outlined the Maumee Area of Concern (AOC) Stage 2 Watershed Restoration Plan to satisfy program requirements of the IJC, U.S. EPA, and State of Ohio. The plan never received full endorsement from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources and Ohio EPA, pending the inclusion of Coastal Nonpoint Source Pollution Management Measures. In the interim, watershed planning and management programs have moved toward the nine-element concept developed by U.S. EPA. The focus is now on developing NPS-IS plans, using data collected for all individual HUC-12 watersheds within the Maumee AOC. This NPS-IS plan, specifically for the Upper Toussaint Creek HUC-12, was developed to address nonpoint source pollution and habitat issues within a portion of the Maumee AOC. Figure 1: The Upper Toussaint Creek HUC-12 is in Wood, Ottawa, and Sandusky Counties in the southeastern part of the Maumee AOC. Upper Toussaint Creek HUC-12 ( ) 1

7 By working toward attainment of designated aquatic life uses (ALUs), local stakeholders are improving subwatershed conditions within the Maumee AOC that can lead to the removal of beneficial use impairments (BUIs) within subwatersheds, and eventually, the entire Maumee AOC. The Upper Toussaint Creek HUC-12 was assessed at ten locations in Four sampling sites were in nonattainment of ALUs for their designated WWH, one site was in partial attainment, and five were in full attainment. This NPS-IS plan is being developed to identify key projects that could address NPS pollution in the Upper Toussaint Creek HUC-12. This plan supports BUI delisting criteria for wildlife and habitat and meets 319 criteria for nine-element plans. 1.2 Watershed Profile and History Upstream of the confluence with Packer Creek, the Toussaint is known as Toussaint Creek; downstream the channel widens and becomes the Toussaint River. The mainstem of the Toussaint River (Creek) is 37 miles long with a drainage basin of square miles in Wood, Sandusky, and Ottawa counties (Figure 2). The Upper Toussaint Creek HUC-12 ( ) is a 74-square mile subwatershed located in Wood, Sandusky, and Ottawa counties. The creek slopes an average of 3.2 feet per mile from its origin to the downstream end of the HUC-12 just east of Graytown (USGS StreamStats, 2018). Land use within the Upper Toussaint Creek HUC-12 is primarily agricultural with small areas of urban development in the central portion of the watershed. Figure 2: River Mile mapping for the Upper Toussaint Creek HUC-12. Great Black Swamp The Great Black Swamp once covered much of the Maumee and Portage River watersheds, including the entire Upper Toussaint Creek HUC-12 (Figure 3). The Great Black Swamp was a heterogeneous landscape characterized by diverse areas of open marshland, wet prairies, and swamp forest dominated Upper Toussaint Creek HUC-12 ( ) 2

8 by ash, elm, sycamore, and cottonwood. Beginning in the late 19 th century, the wet forests were cleared and drained for use in agriculture. Ditches and subsurface tile systems were installed to keep the silt and clay soils drained enough for row crops. Today, drainage water flows from those agricultural fields into miles of channelized ditches, into Toussaint Creek, and into Lake Erie. Oak Openings Region While the Upper Toussaint Creek HUC-12 lies southeast of the historic extent of the Oak Openings region, much of the AOC is within this roughly 130-square mile area of northwest Ohio and southeast Michigan, so it is shared in this document to serve as a point of reference (Figure 3). The Oak Openings region is home to globally rare and unique plant communities that support a diverse assemblage of wildlife. As water levels in ancestral Lake Erie dropped, beaches were left behind and are now characterized by sandy soils with oak savannah and wet prairie habitats. Because of agriculture and urban development, less than 30% of the original Oak Openings habitat remains today. Figure 3: The Upper Toussaint Creek HUC-12 lies within the historic extent of the Great Black Swamp. 1.3 Public Participation and Involvement Watershed planning and restoration plans should include involvement from a diverse group of stakeholders, including representatives from government agencies; counties, municipalities and townships; businesses; academia; non-profit groups; neighborhood organizations; and interested citizens. Because of the mostly-rural nature of the Upper Toussaint Creek HUC-12, most direct activities to restore ecological attributes and water quality in this watershed have been completed by employees and partners with the County Engineer s and the Soil & Water Conservation District (SWCD) offices in Upper Toussaint Creek HUC-12 ( ) 3

9 Wood, Sandusky and Ottawa counties. The Nature Conservancy, Ducks Unlimited, and the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service are completing several wetland and upland habitat restoration and management projects in the lower reach of the Toussaint River. This NPS-IS plan reflects significant input gained from these agency and organization officials. Partners for Clean Streams (PCS) is the principal author of this NPS-IS for the Upper Toussaint Creek HUC-12. PCS is a non-profit organization that works directly with citizens, businesses, government agencies, and other non-profit organizations who take local ownership in their rivers, streams and lakes. PCS strives for clean, clear and safe waters by connecting organizational and individual partners through educational opportunities, conservation programs, stream clean-ups, and outreach programs for the benefit of local and regional water in Northwest Ohio. PCS also works as the facilitating organization for the Maumee Area of Concern (AOC) Advisory Committee (MAAC). Through the MAAC, a diverse group of interested citizens, government agencies, businesses, and other nonprofit organizations collaborate and plan for activities and projects to meet the broader goals set for AOCs by under the International Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement. The AOC Program in Ohio operates under direction of the Ohio EPA with guidance from U.S. EPA. Chapters 1, 2 and 3 were primarily authored by PCS and its consultant using the Biological and Water Quality Study of the Toussaint River and Rusha Creek Basins (Ohio EPA Technical Report EAS/ ) (Ohio EPA, 2005) and the Total Maximum Daily Loads for the Toussaint River Watershed (Ohio EPA, 2006). Project information for Chapter 4 was compiled from the on-line Maumee AOC Data Management and Delisting System (DMDS; PCS, 2018), by information gained during collaborative meetings with stakeholders and community partners, and through public input solicited and received by PCS and county SWCDs via social media outlets. Upper Toussaint Creek HUC-12 ( ) 4

10 Chapter 2: Upper Toussaint Creek HUC-12 Watershed Characterization and Assessment Summary 2.1 Summary Watershed Characterization for the Upper Toussaint Creek HUC Physical and Natural Features The Toussaint Creek HUC-10 encompasses square miles and three HUC-12 watersheds: Upper Toussaint Creek, Packer Creek, and Lower Toussaint Creek. This NPS-IS plan is intended for the #01 hydrologic unit of the Toussaint Creek HUC-10 Upper Toussaint Creek HUC-12 ( ). The Upper Toussaint Creek HUC-12 accounts for 74 square miles of the HUC-10 drainage area and stretches from Bowling Green in the southwest to near Graytown in the northeast. The Upper Toussaint Creek HUC-12 is located in the Maumee Lake Plains ecoregion of the Huron/Erie Lake Plains (HELP). Historically, the region was poorly-drained and contained clayey lake deposits, glacial tills, and fertile soils. More recently, the region has been largely drained and converted into productive cropland (Figure 4). Low gradient streams and rivers carry high loads of fine sediments that impact downstream water quality and habitat (Woods, et al., 1998). Habitat has been degraded in the Upper Toussaint Creek HUC-12 by wetland destruction and widespread agriculture. The landscape is dominated by row crops that require fertilizer and/or manure application and contribute sediments to surface waters during storm events. Specific landmarks and features within the Upper Toussaint Creek HUC-12 include: City of Bowling Green Carter Historic Farm Wood County Park District Facility Village of Luckey Eastwood High School Serenity Farms Troy Energy facility Home Depot distribution center Martin Marietta Lime and Stone quarry Graymont Dolime quarry Hidden Hills Golf Club Toussaint Airpark Village of Graytown Figure 4: Typical agricultural drainage in the Upper Toussaint HUC-12. Upper Toussaint Creek HUC-12 ( ) 5

11 Nine NPDES-permitted facilities located are within the Upper Toussaint Creek HUC-12 and permitted for discharge to the Portage River, Toussaint Creek, and tributaries to Toussaint Creek (Table 1). Table 1: NPDES-Permitted Facilities in the Upper Toussaint Creek HUC-12 Ohio EPA ID Facility Name Receiving Waterbody 2IB00018*CD Troy Energy LLC Unnamed tributary of Toussaint Creek 2PA00080*ID Luckey WWTP Toussaint Creek 2PB00012*KD Pemberville WWTP Main branch Portage River 2PS00005*GD Otterbein Portage Valley Floyd Run Ditch and then to Toussaint Creek 2IJ00063*GD Graymont Dolime OH Inc Unnamed tributary to Toussaint Creek 2PB00008*HD Genoa WWTP Toussaint Creek 2PR00153*BD Ernestos Restaurant Toussaint Creek 2PW00019*CD Blue Moon Apts Toussaint Creek 2IJ00040*KD Martin Marietta Magnesia Specialties LLC Gust Sandwich Ditch and Toussaint Creek Land Use and Protection Land use in the Upper Toussaint Creek HUC-12 is predominantly cropland (79.0%) with relatively small areas of development (Table 2; Figure 5; Figure 6). Most of the developed area lies within the City of Bowling Green, which is located at the headwaters of Toussaint Creek. Ohio EPA has identified agriculture as a primary source of nutrient and organic enrichment in the watershed. Table 2: Land Use Classifications within the Upper Toussaint Creek HUC-12 (Homer, 2015) Cover Classification Area (acres) Percent of Watershed Area Open Water % Developed, Open Space 2, % Developed, Low Intensity 1, % Developed, Medium Intensity % Developed, High Intensity % Barren Land % Deciduous Forest 2, % Evergreen Forest % Shrub/Scrub % Grassland/Herbaceous % Pasture/Hay % Cultivated Crops 37, % Woody Wetlands % Emergent Herbaceous Wetlands % Total 47, % Upper Toussaint Creek HUC-12 ( ) 6

12 Figure 5: Land use in the Maumee AOC. Figure 6: Cultivated croplands dominate the landscape in the Upper Toussaint Creek HUC-12. Upper Toussaint Creek HUC-12 ( ) 7

13 2.2 Summary of Biological Trends for the Upper Toussaint Creek HUC-12 Ohio EPA sampled Toussaint Creek in 2003 during a study of several streams and rivers in northwest Ohio; sampling results were presented in the Biological and Water Quality Study of the Toussaint River and Rusha Creek Basins (Ohio EPA, 2005). This report supported the development of the Total Maximum Daily Loads for the Toussaint River Watershed (Ohio EPA, 2006). Toussaint Creek has been designated as warmwater habitat (WWH) for aquatic life use (Ohio Administrative Code ). Ten Ohio EPA sampling sites are located within the Upper Toussaint Creek HUC-12 (Figure 7; Table 3). Four of those locations are in non-attainment of ALUs for the designated WWH. Aquatic communities in the non-attainment areas were dominated by species tolerant toward a range of environmental conditions. The Upper Toussaint Creek HUC-12 is largely drained via agricultural and roadside ditches with low sinuosity, fine sediments, and embedded substrates. Nonpoint sources of impairment include sedimentation, nutrient/organic enrichment, channelization, removal of riparian vegetation, aging home sewage treatment systems (HSTS), and destruction of habitat for crop production. These conditions likely degrade habitat and prevent colonization by sensitive species in the impaired reaches of Toussaint Creek. Figure 7: Ohio EPA sampling locations and attainment status in the Upper Toussaint Creek HUC-12. Upper Toussaint Creek HUC-12 ( ) 8

14 Table 3: Biological Index Scores for the Upper Toussaint Creek HUC-12 (Ohio EPA, 2006) RM / Drainage Area (sq. mi.) IBI MIwb a ICI b Status QHEI Score Location Upper Toussaint Creek HUC-12 WWH 36.5 H / * NA F* Non 25.5 Simonds Road 33.5 H / NA 38 Full 42.5 Webster Road 29.4 W / ns ns Full 59.0 Luckey Road 28.6 W / * 8.0 VG Non 49.5 Lemoyne Road 20.2 W / ns 42 Full 57.5 Camper Road 19.7 W / Full 71.5 Access Road off Fulkert 18.4 W / ns 6.4* 38/32 ns Partial 42.0 Fulkert Road 13.9 W / * 5.9* 24* Non 50.5 Graytown Road 12.5 W / 77 28* 5.7* 32 ns Non 34.0 Downstream of Stange Road 10.5 W / Full 51.5 Harder/Rocky Ridge Road * Significant departure from ecoregion biocriterion; poor and very poor results are underlined ns Nonsignificant departure from biocriterion a The MIwb is not applicable to headwater sites b Narrative evaluation used in lieu of ICI (G = Good; MG = Marginally Good; Fair; L = Low Fair; P = Poor; VP = Very Poor) W Wading Site H Headwater Site, MIwb not applicable Fish (Modified Index of Well-Being [MIwb] & Index of Biotic Integrity [IBI]) During the 2003 Ohio EPA sampling event, the upper reach of Toussaint Creek received a rating of Poor based on the IBI score at Simonds Road (Ohio EPA, 2005). Only 51 fish representing seven species were collected near the Simonds Road site (RM 36.5). The poor condition of the fish community reflected the highly modified conditions in the stream. As the habitat improved in some downstream areas, the fish community seemingly responded with greater diversity and IBI scores. The fish communities in the lower reaches ranged from Marginally good to Poor, with particularly low scores at the sampling sites near Graytown Road (RM 13.9) and Stange Road (RM 12.5). Again, the low fish community scores were mirrored by drops in QHEI scores. Recent dredging activity and clearing of riparian vegetation likely made those portions of the stream less hospitable for sensitive fish species. Macroinvertebrates (Invertebrate Community Index [ICI]) During the 2003 Ohio EPA sampling event, tolerant macroinvertebrates dominated the community at the Simonds Road sampling location (RM 36.5). The macroinvertebrate community was typical of nutrient-enriched streams limited by periodic low-oxygen conditions. There were small numbers of tolerant and EPT taxa (four each) at the Simonds Road location. In the middle reach of Toussaint Creek, macroinvertebrate assemblages were good and very good. Like fish, however, the macroinvertebrate community responded to habitat conditions further downstream as well. Near Graytown Road (RM 13.9), the macroinvertebrate assemblage was rated fair and again dominated by tolerant taxa. Habitat (Qualitative Habitat Evaluation Index [QHEI]) Ohio EPA completed qualitative habitat evaluation index (QHEI) assessments at five locations in the Upper Toussaint Creek HUC-12 in 2003 (Table 4). The QHEI scores ranged from very poor to good in Upper Toussaint Creek HUC-12 ( ) 9

15 River Mile QHEI Score Gradient (ft/mi) Not Channelized or Recovered Boulder/Cobble/Gravel Substances Silt Free Substrates Good/Excellent Development Moderate/High Sinuosity Extensive/Moderate Cover Fast Current/Eddies Low/Normal Embeddedness Max Depth > 40 cm WWH Attributes Channelized/No Recovery Silt/Muck Substrates Low Sinuosity Sparse/No Cover Max Depth <40 cm Hi-Influenced Modified Attributes Channelized, but recovering channel Sand substrate Hardpan Substrate Origin Fair/Poor Channel Development Only 1 or 2 Cover Types Intermediate/Poor Pools No Fast Current High/Moderate Substrate Embeddedness High/Moderate Riffle Embeddedness No Riffle M.I. MWM Attributes Toussaint Creek. The very poor locations were generally channelized and lacked sinuosity that is critical for development of diverse habitats. Table 4: QHEI Matrix with WWH and MWH Attribute Totals for the Upper Toussaint Creek HUC-12 (Ohio EPA, 2006) Key QHEI WWH Attributes MWH Attributes Components High Influence Moderate Influence Summary of NPS Pollution Causes and Associated Sources for the Upper Toussaint Creek HUC-12 As determined by Ohio EPA in the Total Maximum Daily Loads for the Toussaint River Watershed (Ohio EPA, 2006), biological impairments in the Upper Toussaint Creek HUC-12 are likely caused by habitat and flow alterations, sedimentation, phosphorus, and pathogens (Table 5). The major nonpoint sources (NPS) of impairment include agriculture, HSTS, stormwater, and hydromodification. Cultivating crops makes land particularly susceptible to wind and water erosion, which is especially concerning when nutrients and pesticides are applied to improve production. Aging and unmaintained HSTS contribute loads of pathogens, organic matter, and nutrients to surface waters, including Toussaint Creek. Hydromodification in the Upper Toussaint Creek HUC-12 includes channelization and removal of riparian vegetation, both common practices in this agricultural landscape. Upper Toussaint Creek HUC-12 ( ) 10

16 Table 5: Causes and Sources of Nonpoint Source Impairments at the Upper Toussaint Creek HUC-12 Sampling Locations (Ohio EPA, 2006) River Mile Drainage Area (sq. mi.) Primary Cause(s) Primary Source(s) Status Location 36.5 H 6.9 Habitat alterations, Nutrient and organic enrichment Siltation Riparian removal/channelization Agriculture Failing Septic Systems Non Simonds Road 33.5 H Full Webster Road 29.4 W Full Luckey Road 28.6 W 34.0 Siltation Nutrient and organic enrichment 20.2 W Luckey WWTP inputs raw sewage Agriculture Row crop Luckey WWTP 19.7 W Full 18.4 W 64.0 Siltation 13.9 W W 77 Habitat alterations (channelization) Possible historical fish kill? Siltation Habitat alteration Agriculture Row crop Genoa Quarry Channelization Unknown source Recent woody removal and dredging Septic systems Non Full Partial 10.5 W Full W Wading Site H Headwater Site Non Non Lemoyne Road Camper Road Access Road off Fulkert Fulkert Road Graytown Road Downstream of Stange Road Harder/Rocky Ridge Road 2.4 Additional Information for Determining Critical Areas and Developing Implementation Strategies for the Upper Toussaint Creek HUC-12 The Maumee AOC has a rich history of public involvement and interest in improving water quality and habitat, including in the Upper Toussaint Creek HUC-12. Documents previously created through collaborations between Partners for Clean Streams, the Toledo Metropolitan Area Council of Governments, the Maumee Area of Concern Advisory Committee, Ohio EPA, and others have been used to supplement Ohio EPA sampling data to prepare this NPS-IS plan. Upper Toussaint Creek HUC-12 ( ) 11

17 Chapter 3: Conditions and Restoration Strategies for Upper Toussaint Creek HUC-12 Critical Areas 3.1 Overview of Critical Areas Ten Ohio EPA sampling sites are located within the Upper Toussaint Creek HUC-12. Four of those locations are in non-attainment of ALUs for the designated WWH; one location is in partial attainment. Restoration strategies and projects have been identified for two Critical Areas that address NPS issues in these locations (Table 6; Figure 8). Table 6: Upper Toussaint Creek HUC-12 Critical Areas Sample site(s) Lemoyne Road (RM 28.6) Fulkert Road (RM 18.4), Graytown Road (RM 13.9), and Stange Road (RM 12.5) Critical Area Description Subwatershed upstream of Lemoyne Road northeast of the City of Bowling Green Subwatershed of Toussaint Creek downstream of RM 20 Critical Area No. 1 2 Critical Area Status Included in this version Included in this version Figure 8: Critical Areas of the Upper Toussaint Creek HUC-12. Upper Toussaint Creek HUC-12 ( ) 12

18 3.2 Critical Area 1: Conditions, Goals, and Objectives for the Upper Toussaint Creek HUC Detailed Characterization The Toussaint Creek sampling site at Simonds Road is located northeast of Bowling Green and east of Interstate 75. The sampling site is in non-attainment of the ALUs for the designated WWH, likely due to siltation and nutrient enrichment from agricultural inputs and channelization (Figure 9). The upper reach of Toussaint Creek was characterized by silt, gravel, and sand substrates with areas of cobble. Embedded substrates were extensive in the stream channel. During the 2003 Ohio EPA sampling event, it was noted that the headwaters of the Upper Toussaint Creek HUC-12 had been largely channelized and were lacking riparian vegetation. Because of these modifications, streams and their associated floodplains were unable to perform their natural functions of nutrient/sediment filtration and stormwater retention. Critical Area 1 in the Upper Toussaint Creek HUC-12 encompasses approximately 3,800 acres of farmland, streams, and ditches between RM 36 and RM 40 of Toussaint Creek, representing 90% of the land in that area. The cropland is likely a significant contributor of nutrients and sediment to Toussaint Creek, which has led to downstream degradation of habitat. Among several recommendations in The Handbook for Developing Watershed Plans to Restore and Protect Our Waters (U.S. EPA, 2008), the statement most relevant to addressing challenges in this Upper Toussaint Creek HUC-12 is: In general, management practices are implemented immediately adjacent to the waterbody or upland to address the sources of pollutant loads. Additional Critical Areas may be identified in future revisions to this NPS-IS plan. Figure 9: Critical Area 1 of the Upper Toussaint Creek HUC-12. Upper Toussaint Creek HUC-12 ( ) 13

19 3.2.2 Detailed Biological Conditions Composition of the fish community (i.e., diversity, abundance, occurrence of sensitive species), coupled with the QHEI evaluation, is used by to indicate potential impairment in streams. The Simonds Road sampling location (RM 36.5) is not achieving the criteria for the fish community to meet attainment standards for WWH (Table 7). The habitat quality at the Simonds Road sampling location (RM 36.5) is Poor, likely from siltation and erosion due to channelization. Like fish, aquatic macroinvertebrates (i.e., diversity, abundance, presence of sensitive species) are used as indicators of potential impairment in stream habitat. The Simonds Road sampling location (RM 36.5) is meeting the desired WWH threshold for macroinvertebrates (narrative rating of Fair; Table 8). A total of 37 taxa were identified at the Simonds Road site, including four EPT taxa. Table 7: Fish Community and Habitat Data for Critical Area 1 (Ohio EPA, 2006) RM D.A. (sq. mi.) QHEI MIwb a IBI Narrative Evaluation H a Upper Toussaint Creek (WWH; Non-attainment) 36.5 H NA 20 Poor Headwater site The MIwb is not applicable to headwater sites Table 8: Macroinvertebrate Community Data for Critical Area 1 (Ohio EPA, 2006) RM D.A. (sq. mi.) ICI Score a Notes Predominant Species (Narrative) Upper Toussaint Creek (WWH; Non-Attainment) 36.5 H 6.9 NA (Fair) Vegetation cleared from banks Fingernail clams, Midges a Narrative evaluation used in lieu of ICI (G = Good; MG = Marginally Good; F = Fair; L = Low Fair; P = Poor; VP = Very Poor) H Headwater site Tolerance categories: VT = Very Tolerant, T = Tolerant, MT = Moderately Tolerant, F = Facultative, MI = Moderately Intolerant, I = Intolerant Detailed Causes and Associated Sources The Simonds Road (RM 36.5) sampling location is in non-attainment of ALUs for its designated WWH. The causes of this non-attainment are habitat alterations, nutrient/organic enrichment, and siltation. The sources of these NPS pollutants likely include agriculture, aging HSTS, and channelization of Toussaint Creek and the nearby drainage ditches. Water quality samples collected throughout the watershed indicate elevated levels of phosphorus and low dissolved oxygen. Projects that address channelization and sediment and nutrient loading to Toussaint Creek will positively influence the ALUs in Critical Area Outline Goals and Objectives for the Critical Area Critical Area 1 is impaired by impacts of agriculture and channelization, specifically, nutrient/organic enrichment and siltation. Restoration efforts in this Critical Area should focus on creating buffers between crop fields and streams, improving sediment and nutrient retention, and improving stream and riparian habitat. Goals The goal of NPS-IS planning is to improve habitat quality scores (QHEI, IBI, MIwb, and ICI) and achieve full attainment status for warmwater habitat ALU. Parts of the Upper Toussaint Creek HUC-12 are in Upper Toussaint Creek HUC-12 ( ) 14

20 non-attainment of the ALUs as a designated WWH. Index scores for biological communities (fish and macroinvertebrates) and habitat quality have not reached their targeted values in some reaches of Toussaint Creek. To achieve full attainment status and confront emerging threats to habitat and water quality, the goals for Critical Area 1 are: Goal 1: Achieve IBI score of 28 at the Simonds Road (RM 36.5) sampling location on Toussaint Creek. NOT ACHIEVED: Site currently has a score of 20. Goal 2: Achieve ICI score (or narrative rating) of 34 (or Good) at the Simonds Road (RM 0.2) sampling location on Toussaint Creek. NOT ACHIEVED: Site currently has a rating of Fair. Goal 3: Achieve QHEI score of 60 at the Simonds Road (RM 36.5) sampling location on Toussaint Creek. NOT ACHIEVED: Site currently has a score of Goal 4: Reduce phosphorus loading to the watershed by 40%. The total load of phosphorus in Critical Area 1 is estimated at 1.1 pounds per acre for a total of 4,675 pounds. To meet the 40% goal, phosphorus loading should be reduced by 1,870 pounds annually. Objectives To achieve the goals of restoring full attainment to the Upper Toussaint Creek HUC-12, the following objectives should be achieved in Critical Area 1: Objective 1: Restore/protect riparian buffers along Toussaint Creek and its tributaries in Critical Area 1 to control erosion and reduce sediment, nutrient, and organic loading to streams and ditches. Install at least 32 acres of forested riparian buffers (at least 100 feet wide) along approximately 14,000 feet of stream/ditch to reduce phosphorus loading by approximately 23 pounds each year. This stream length represents approximately 65% of the 4 miles of major streams in the Critical Area, and could be accomplished by foresting both banks of streams and ditches. Objective 2: Restore wetlands that act as sinks for sediment, nutrients, and organic pollutants. Restore 213 acres of wetlands (5% of 4,250 acres) in Critical Area 1 to create habitat and reduce phosphorus loading in the watershed by approximately 166 pounds per year. Objective 3: Restore natural channel morphology to Toussaint Creek between RM 38 and RM 40. Apply natural channel design techniques to approximately 10% (1,060 feet) of the channelized length of Toussaint Creek between RM 38 and RM 40. Use the opportunity to create vegetated riparian buffers along both sides of the naturally-aligned channel to meet other objectives listed here. Objective 4: Reduce agricultural nutrient and sediment loading. Upper Toussaint Creek HUC-12 ( ) 15

21 Install controlled drainage for at least 950 acres of row crops (approximately 25% of cultivated cropland) resulting in approximately 600 pounds of phosphorus removal annually. Retire 38 acres (approximately 1% of the cultivated cropland) of agricultural land from crop production, saving over 60 pounds of phosphorus per year. Install grass buffers (at least 35 feet wide) along 50,000 feet of stream/ditch (equivalent to 40 acres of buffers) in Critical Area 1 to reduce phosphorus loading by approximately 30 pounds each year. Educate farmers about the benefits of planting cover crops. To keep up with the ever-changing landscape, project-specific and routine watershed monitoring should be conducted in the Upper Toussaint Creek HUC-12. An adaptive management process will be put in place to evaluate the objectives outlined above and modify management strategies as necessary. This NPS-IS plan is intended to serve as a guide and should be amended as emerging needs and concerns arise. The Ohio EPA Nonpoint Source Management Plan Update (Ohio EPA, 2013) will serve as a guide for NPS management strategies that include: Urban sediment and nutrient reduction strategies; Altered stream and habitat restoration strategies; Nonpoint source reduction strategies; and High quality waters protection strategies. 3.3 Critical Area 2: Conditions, Goals, and Objectives for the Upper Toussaint Creek HUC Detailed Characterization The Toussaint Creek sampling sites at Fulker Road (RM 18.4), Graytown Road (RM 13.9), and Stange Road (RM 12.5) are all located downstream of the Genoa wastewater treatment plant discharge (Figure 10). The sampling sites are in partial attainment and non-attainment of the ALUs for the designated WWH, likely due to siltation and nutrient/organic enrichment from agricultural inputs and hydromodification. In general, the downstream reach of Toussaint Creek was characterized by intensive agriculture and a history of channelization. The Fulkert Road sampling site was characterized by low habitat diversity and rocky substrates. At Graytown Road, channelization of the stream resulted in low habitat diversity and slow runs with clay bottoms. At Stange Road, large rocky substrates and woody debris provided habitat for macroinvertebrates. Critical Area 2 in the Upper Toussaint Creek HUC-12 encompasses approximately 4,300 acres of cropland and more than 7.5 miles of streams between RM 12.5 and RM 20 of Toussaint Creek. A history of stream channelization and agriculture have contributed nutrients and sediment to Toussaint Creek, resulting in downstream degradation of habitat. Among several recommendations in The Handbook for Developing Watershed Plans to Restore and Protect Our Waters (U.S. EPA, 2008), the statement most relevant to addressing challenges in this Upper Toussaint Creek HUC-12 is: In general, management practices are implemented immediately adjacent to the waterbody or upland to address the sources of pollutant loads. Additional Critical Areas may be identified in future revisions to this NPS-IS plan. Upper Toussaint Creek HUC-12 ( ) 16

22 Figure 10: Critical Area 2 of the Upper Toussaint Creek HUC Detailed Biological Conditions Composition of the fish community (i.e., diversity, abundance, occurrence of sensitive species), coupled with the QHEI evaluation, is used by to indicate potential impairment in streams. Nonpoint source pollutants are impacting habitat quality and fish communities in the downstream reach of the Upper Toussaint Creek HUC-12 (Table 9). At Fulkert Road (RM 18.4), habitat quality and the fish community are rated as Poor. Although the habitat is rated as Fair at Graytown Road (RM 13.9), the fish community is Poor due to lack of substrate diversity and overhanging vegetation. Stange Road (RM 12.5) has similarly Poor habitat development that is reflected in the fish community. Like fish, aquatic macroinvertebrates (i.e., diversity, abundance, presence of sensitive species) are used as indicators of potential impairment in stream habitat. The macroinvertebrate communities in Critical Area 2 ranged from Fair to Marginally Good (Table 10). At Fulkert Road (RM 18.4), 13 sensitive taxa were observed during the 2003 sampling event. At Graytown Road (RM 13.9), the quality of the macroinvertebrate assemblage declined with only four EPT taxa identified. Even further downstream at Stange Road (RM 12.6), the macroinvertebrate community rebounded with an increase in the percentage of sensitive taxa. Overall, the macroinvertebrate community responded positively to diversity of substrates and shading from riparian vegetation. Upper Toussaint Creek HUC-12 ( ) 17

23 Table 9: Fish Community and Habitat Data for Critical Area 2 (Ohio EPA, 2006) RM D.A. (sq. mi.) QHEI MIwb a IBI Narrative Evaluation W a Upper Toussaint Creek (WWH; Non-attainment) 18.4 W Nonsignificant departure 13.9 W Poor 12.5 W Nonsignificant departure Wading site The MIwb is not applicable to headwater sites Table 10: Macroinvertebrate Community Data for Critical Area 2 (Ohio EPA, 2006) RM D.A. (sq. mi.) 18.4 W / W W ICI Score Notes (Narrative) Upper Toussaint Creek (WWH; Non-Attainment) Fresh dead Wabash Pigtoe mussel; Intolerant Elimia river snails Insufficient flow and lack of habitat diversity Good habitat diversity; Moth genus Petrophila and Elimia river snails Predominant Species Flathead mayflies, Scuds, Midges, Hydropsychid caddisflies Flathead mayflies, Midges, Crayfish Flathead mayflies, Scuds, Midges, Hydropsychid caddisflies W Wading site Tolerance categories: VT=Very Tolerant, T=Tolerant, MT=Moderately Tolerant, F=Facultative, MI=Moderately Intolerant, I=Intolerant Detailed Causes and Associated Sources The downstream sampling locations in the Upper Toussaint Creek HUC-12 are in partial attainment or non-attainment of ALUs for the stream s designated WWH. The causes of this non-attainment include siltation, habitat alterations, and nutrient/organic enrichment. The sources of these NPS pollutants likely include agriculture, inputs from wastewater treatment plans, aging HSTS, removal of riparian vegetation, and channelization of Toussaint Creek and the nearby drainage Projects that address channelization and sediment and nutrient loading to Upper Toussaint Creek will positively influence the ALUs in Critical Area Outline Goals and Objectives for the Critical Area Critical Area 2 is impaired by impacts of agriculture and hydromodification, specifically, nutrient/organic enrichment, habitat alterations, and sedimentation. Restoration efforts in this Critical Area should focus on creating buffers between crop fields and streams, improving sediment and nutrient retention, and improving stream habitat. Goals The goal of NPS-IS planning is to improve habitat quality scores (QHEI, IBI, MIwb, and ICI) and achieve full attainment status for warmwater habitat ALU. Portions of the Upper Toussaint Creek HUC-12 are in non-attainment of the ALUs as a designated WWH. Index scores for biological communities (fish and macroinvertebrates) and habitat quality have not reached their targeted values in some reaches of Toussaint Creek. To achieve full attainment status and confront emerging threats to habitat and water quality, the goals for Critical Area 2 are: Upper Toussaint Creek HUC-12 ( ) 18

24 Goal 1: Achieve IBI score of 28 at the Graytown Road (RM 13.9) sampling location on Toussaint Creek. Maintain IBI scores at or above 28 at the Fulkert Road (RM 18.4) and Stange Road (RM 12.5) sampling locations. PARTIALLY ACHIEVED: Graytown Road currently has a score of 27. Goal 2: Maintain or achieve ICI scores (or narrative ratings) of 34 (or Good) at the Fulkert Road (RM 18.4), Graytown Road (RM 13.9), and Stange Road (RM 12.5) sampling locations on Toussaint Creek. NOT ACHIEVED: Sites currently score at or below 32. Goal 3: Achieve QHEI score of 60 at the Fulkert Road (RM 18.4), Graytown Road (RM 13.9), and Stange Road (RM 12.5) sampling locations on Toussaint Creek. NOT ACHIEVED: Fulkert Road (RM 18.4), Graytown Road (RM 13.9), and Stange Road (RM 12.5) currently have QHEI scores of 42.0, 50.5, and 34.0, respectively. Goal 4: Reduce phosphorus loading to the watershed by 40%. The total load of phosphorus in Critical Area 2 is estimated at 1.1 pounds per acre for a total of 5,940 pounds. To meet the 40% goal, phosphorus loading should be reduced by 2,375 pounds annually. Objectives To achieve the goals of restoring full attainment to the Upper Toussaint Creek HUC-12, the following objectives should be achieved in Critical Area 2: Objective 1: Restore/protect riparian buffers along Toussaint Creek and its tributaries in Critical Area 2 to control erosion and reduce sediment, nutrient, and organic loading to streams and ditches. Install at least 60 acres of forested riparian buffers (at least 100 feet wide) along approximately 25,000 feet of stream/ditch to reduce phosphorus loading by approximately 42 pounds each year. This stream length represents 65% of the 7.5 miles of major streams in the Critical Area, and could be accomplished by foresting both banks of streams and ditches. Objective 2: Restore wetlands that act as sinks for sediment, nutrients, and organic pollutants. Restore 270 acres of wetlands (5% of 5,400 acres) in Critical Area 2 to create habitat and reduce phosphorus loading in the watershed by approximately 211 pounds per year. Objective 3: Restore natural channel morphology to Toussaint Creek between RM 14 and RM 16. Apply natural channel design techniques to approximately 10% (1,060 feet) of the channelized length of Toussaint Creek between RM 14 and RM 16. Use the opportunity to create vegetated riparian buffers along both sides of the naturally-aligned channel to meet other objectives listed here. Objective 4: Reduce agricultural nutrient and sediment loading. Upper Toussaint Creek HUC-12 ( ) 19

25 Install controlled drainage for at least 1,075 acres of row crops (approximately 25% of cultivated cropland) resulting in approximately 670 pounds of phosphorus removal annually. Retire 43 acres (approximately 1% of the cultivated cropland) of agricultural land from crop production, saving over 65 pounds of phosphorus per year. Install grass buffers (at least 35 feet wide) along 50,000 feet of stream/ditch (equivalent to 40 acres of buffers) in Critical Area 2 to reduce phosphorus loading by approximately 30 pounds each year. Host one workshop annually to present the benefits of planting cover crops. To keep up with the ever-changing landscape, project-specific and routine watershed monitoring should be conducted in the Upper Toussaint Creek HUC-12. An adaptive management process will be put in place to evaluate the objectives outlined above and modify management strategies as necessary. This NPS-IS plan is intended to serve as a guide and should be amended as emerging needs and concerns arise. The Ohio EPA Nonpoint Source Management Plan Update (Ohio EPA, 2013) will serve as a guide for NPS management strategies that include: Urban sediment and nutrient reduction strategies; Altered stream and habitat restoration strategies; Nonpoint source reduction strategies; and High quality waters protection strategies. Upper Toussaint Creek HUC-12 ( ) 20

26 Chapter 4: Projects and Implementation Strategy 4.1 Overview Tables and Project Sheets for Critical Areas Projects and assessment needs have been developed for the Upper Toussaint Creek HUC-12 based on the causes and sources of impairment identified during the preparation of this NPS-IS plan. It is expected that the Critical Areas identified herein will be reevaluated regularly to determine progress toward habitat and water quality goals. It should be noted that impairments other than nonpoint source pollution might arise and would need to be addressed outside the limitations of this plan. At this time, there are two Project and Implementation Strategy Overview Tables for the Upper Toussaint Creek HUC-12. Future amendments to this NPS-IS plan might include new tables that outline new Critical Areas and/or projects. The projects described below were prioritized based on a three-step process: Priority 1 Priority 2 Priority 3 Projects that address one or more objectives listed for a Critical Area. Projects with landowners willing to address cause(s) and source(s) of impairment, or where projects are expected to improve water quality in the Upper Toussaint Creek HUC-12. A public engagement and education campaign to generate interest by local stakeholders and encourage participation in Priority 1 and 2 projects. Project Summary Sheets for each Critical Area are included in this NPS-IS plan for the Upper Toussaint Creek HUC-12. As projects are implemented, Project Summary Sheets will be updated. Future project concepts will be submitted in the form of Project Summary Sheets to the State of Ohio for verification of completeness and compliance with the nine-element format. Upon approval, those projects will be added to this document; amended documents will be noted as updated versions on the report cover, table of contents, project summary sheets, and elsewhere in this report as appropriate. 4.2 Critical Area 1: Overview Table and Project Sheet(s) for the Upper Toussaint Creek HUC-12 Project Summary Sheets for short-term projects (or others seeking upcoming funding) have been included in this NPS-IS plan. Only projects with complete Project Summary Sheets within this or another NPS-IS plan will be eligible for future state and federal NPS program funding Critical Area 1: Project and Implementation Strategy Overview Table Critical Area 1 in the Upper Toussaint Creek HUC-12 is based on non-attainment of ALUs for the designated WWH at the Simonds Road sampling location (RM 36.5). The following Critical Area 1 Overview Table summarizes the goals, objectives, projects at any level of development, and causes/sources addressed by each project. This table could grow as priorities change or new project concepts become available. Upper Toussaint Creek HUC-12 ( ) 21

27 Goal Objective Project Overview Table for the Upper Toussaint Creek HUC-12 ( ) Critical Area 1 Project Number Project Title ( g) Urban Sediment and Nutrient Reduction Strategies Lead Organization ( d) Time Frame ( f) Estimated Cost ( d) Potential/Actual Funding Source ( d) Altered Stream and Habitat Restoration Strategies Stream, Riparian and Wetland 1, 2, 3 1, 2, 3 1 Restoration Site 6 (Eastern Inventory) 1, 2, 3 1, 2, 4 1 Carter Farms Restoration Partners for Clean Streams Wood County Park District, Black Swamp Conservancy 1-3 years $320, years $175,000 Ohio EPA 319, GLRI, WRRSP, Local Stakeholders Ohio EPA 319, GLRI, WRRSP, Local Stakeholders Agricultural Nonpoint Sources Reduction Strategies Stream, Riparian and Wetland 1, 2, 3 1, 2, 3 1 Restoration Site 6 (Eastern Inventory) 1, 2, 3 1, 2, 4 1 Carter Farms Restoration Partners for Clean Streams Wood County Park District, Black Swamp Conservancy 1-3 years $320, years $175,000 Ohio EPA 319, GLRI, WRRSP, Local Stakeholders Ohio EPA 319, GLRI, WRRSP, Local Stakeholders High Quality Waters Protection Strategies Other NPS Causes and Associated Sources of Impairment Upper Toussaint Creek HUC-12 ( ) 22

28 4.2.2 Critical Area 1: Project Summary Sheet(s) These Project Summary Sheets were developed with the aim of bringing the Simonds Road sampling site (RM 36.5) to full attainment for the aquatic life use designation. These are priority/short-term projects and are ready for implementation. Medium- and long-term projects might not be included (or their associated Project Summary Sheets might be incomplete) because these projects are either not ready for implementation or need more detailed analysis and planning. Nine Element Information Needed Critical Area 1: Project 1 Explanation n/a Title Stream, Riparian and Wetland Restoration Site 6 (Eastern Inventory) Project Lead Organization d and Partners Partners for Clean Streams c HUC-12 and Critical Areas Upper Toussaint Creek ( ) Critical Area 1 c n/a f g g d d a b & h Location of Project Which strategy is being addressed? Time Frame Short Description Project Narrative Estimated Total Cost Possible Funding Source Identified Causes and Sources Part 1: How much improvement is needed to remove the NPS impairment Upper Toussaint Stream, Riparian and Wetland Restoration (41 24'11.2"N 83 38'12.8"W) Altered Stream and Habitat Restoration Strategy Agricultural Nonpoint Sources Reduction Strategies Short (1-3 Years) Create/restore palustrine wetland, riparian buffer, and emergent wetland Site 6 provides both wetland and stream restoration and enhancement opportunities. The restoration portion of this site could create approximately 20.8 acres of emergent wetland. Grading would be necessary before planting to create deeper pools (up to one foot deep) for deep-water, emergent areas. The project would also install two Hydraulic Cover Stones (HCSs). Adding HCSs to the stream would increase the habitat value, which could increase the diversity of fish and macroinvertebrate species. Also adding a vegetated buffer along the east bank and planting trees on both banks would provide shading on the stream and provide habitat. $320,000 Ohio EPA 319, GLRI, WRRSP, Local Stakeholders Causes: Habitat alterations, Nutrient and organic enrichment, Siltation Sources: Riparian removal/channelization-ag., Failing Septic Systems The overall goal is to reduce phosphorus loading by 40% to the watershed. To meet the goal for this Critical Area, phosphorus loading should be reduced by 1,870 pounds annually. Upper Toussaint Creek HUC-12 ( ) 23