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

Transcription

1 Nine-Element Nonpoint Source Implementation Strategic (NPS-IS) Plan Toussaint Creek: Packer Creek HUC-12 ( ), June 2018, Version 1.0, Approved: July 20, 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: Packer Creek HUC-12 Watershed Characterization and Assessment Summary Summary Watershed Characterization for the Packer Creek HUC Physical and Natural Features Land Use and Protection Summary of Biological Trends for the Packer Creek HUC Summary of NPS Pollution Causes and Associated Sources for the Packer Creek HUC Additional Information for Determining Critical Areas and Developing Implementation Strategies for the Packer Creek HUC Chapter 3: Conditions and Restoration Strategies for Packer Creek HUC-12 Critical Areas Overview of Critical Areas Critical Area 1: Conditions, Goals, and Objectives for the Packer 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 Packer 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 Sheets for the Packer 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 Packer Creek HUC Critical Area 2: Project and Implementation Strategy Overview Table Packer 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 Packer 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 Packer 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. Packer 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 Packer 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 Packer Creek HUC-12, was developed to address nonpoint source pollution and habitat issues within a portion of the Maumee AOC (Figure 1). Figure 1: The Packer Creek HUC-12 is in Wood, Ottawa, and Sandusky counties in the southeastern portion of the Maumee Area of Concern. Packer 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 Packer Creek HUC-12 was assessed at seven locations in The four sampling sites in the middle reaches of the creek were in full attainment of ALUs for their designated WWH, while the two upstream and one downstream locations were all in non-attainment. This NPS-IS plan is being developed to identify key projects that could address NPS pollution in the Packer 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 Packer Creek HUC-12 ( ) is a square mile subwatershed located in Wood, Sandusky, and Ottawa counties. Packer Creek stretches approximately 26 river miles and slopes an average of 3.4 feet per mile from its origin to the confluence with the Toussaint River (USGS StreamStats, 2018). Land use within the Packer 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 Packer Creek HUC-12. Great Black Swamp The Great Black Swamp once covered much of the Maumee and Portage River watersheds, including the entire Packer 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 by ash, Packer Creek HUC-12 ( ) 2

8 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 Packer Creek, and into the Maumee River. Oak Openings Region While the Packer 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 Packer 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 Packer 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 Wood, Packer Creek HUC-12 ( ) 3

9 Sandusky and Ottawa counties. The Nature Conservancy is working with the Oak Harbor Conservation Club to develop a restoration project in the watershed. The Nature Conservancy, Ducks Unlimited, and the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service are completing several wetland and upland habitat restoration and management projects just downstream of Packer Creek 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 Packer 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 by PCS via social media outlets. Packer Creek HUC-12 ( ) 4

10 Chapter 2: Packer Creek HUC-12 Watershed Characterization and Assessment Summary 2.1 Summary Watershed Characterization for the Packer 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 #02 hydrologic unit of the Toussaint Creek HUC-10: Packer Creek HUC-12 ( ). The Packer Creek HUC-12 accounts for square miles of the HUC-10 drainage area and stretches from the unincorporated community of Dunbridge in the southwest to the confluence of Packer Creek and the Toussaint River in the northeast. The Packer 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. The landscape is dominated by row crops that require fertilizer and/or manure application and contribute sediments to surface waters during storm events. 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 Packer Creek HUC-12 by wetland destruction and widespread agriculture. Specific landmarks and features within the Packer Creek HUC-12 include: Tanglewood Golf Course Village of Genoa Stoneco Quarry Oak Harbor Conservation Club Camp Sabroske (Youth Camp) Two NPDES-permitted facilities located are within the Packer Creek HUC-12 and permitted for discharge to Packer Creek and the Toussaint River (Table 1). Table 1: NPDES-Permitted Facilities in the Packer Creek HUC-12 Ohio EPA ID Facility Name Receiving Waterbody 2PR00197*CD Camp Sabroske (Youth Camp) Packer Creek 2PY00082*AD Greenwood MHP (Mobile Home Park) Toussaint River Land Use and Protection Land use in the Packer Creek HUC-12 is predominantly cropland (82.7%) and with relatively small areas of development (Table 2; Figure 4; Figure 5). Most of the developed area lies within the Village of Genoa (population 2,284 in 2016), which is centrally located within the watershed. Ohio EPA identified agriculture as a primary source of nutrient and organic enrichment in the watershed. Packer Creek HUC-12 ( ) 5

11 Table 2: Land Use Classifications within the Packer Creek HUC-12 (Homer, 2015) Cover Classification Area (acres) Percent of Watershed Area Open Water % Developed, Open Space % Developed, Low Intensity % Developed, Medium Intensity % Developed, High Intensity % Barren Land % Deciduous Forest 1, % Evergreen Forest % Grassland/Herbaceous % Pasture/Hay % Cultivated Crops 18, % Woody Wetlands % Emergent Herbaceous Wetlands % Total 22, % Figure 4: Land use in the Maumee AOC. Packer Creek HUC-12 ( ) 6

12 Figure 5: Cultivated croplands dominate the landscape in the Packer Creek HUC Summary of Biological Trends for the Packer Creek HUC-12 Ohio EPA sampled Packer 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). Packer Creek has been designated as warmwater habitat (WWH) for aquatic life use (Ohio Administrative Code ). Seven Ohio EPA sampling sites are located within the Packer Creek HUC-12 (Figure 6; Table 3). Three 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 of a range of environmental conditions. The Packer Creek HUC-12 is largely drained via agricultural and roadside ditches with low sinuosity, fine sediments, and embedded substrates. Agricultural nonpoint sources of impairment include sedimentation, nutrient/organic enrichment, channelization, and destruction of habitat for crop production. These conditions likely degrade habitat and prevent colonization by sensitive species in the upstream and downstream reaches of Packer Creek. Packer Creek HUC-12 ( ) 7

13 Figure 6: Ohio EPA sampling locations and attainment status in the Packer Creek HUC-12. Table 3: Biological Index Scores for the Packer Creek HUC-12 (Ohio EPA, 2006) RM / Drainage Area (sq. mi.) IBI MIwb a ICI b Status QHEI Score Location Packer Creek HUC-12 WWH 21.2 H / * NA G Non -- Stony Ridge Road 15.6 H / * NA -- Non 29.0 State Route H / NA G Full 27.0 Billman Road 11.3 H / NA G Full 28.0 Martin-Williston Road 4.6 / Full 51.0 Stange Road 3.5 W / Full 42.0 State Route / * 7.4* F Non 26.5 Toussaint North Road * Significant departure from ecoregion biocriterion; poor and very poor results are underlined a The MIwb is not applicable to headwater sites b Narrative evaluation used in lieu of ICI (G = Good; MG = Marginally Good; F = 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 Packer Creek received a rating of poor based on IBI scores at two sampling locations (Ohio EPA, 2005). Tolerant fish species dominated the community (95%-97% of the population); more than 73% of the species were omnivorous and/or pioneering species. Packer Creek HUC-12 ( ) 8

14 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 WWH Attributes Channelized/No Recovery Silt/Muck Substrates No Sinuosity Sparse/No Cover Max Depth <40 cm Hi-Influenced Modified Attributes Recovering Channel Heavy/Moderate Silt Cover Sand Substrate (Boat) Hardpan Substrate Origin Fair/Poor Channel Development Low Sinuosity 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 The fish community in the downstream reach was more indicative of higher quality habitat, with IBI scores in the fair to marginally good range. Insectivorous species were more abundant (68%) than in upstream locations, and tolerant species made up less of the overall fish community. Habitat near the mouth of Packer Creek is affected by Lake Erie and, therefore, the fish community was assessed using lacustuary indexes. The community received a rating of fair to poor, due to an abundance of tolerant species and lack of top carnivorous species. Macroinvertebrates (Invertebrate Community Index [ICI]) During the 2003 Ohio EPA sampling event, all upstream sampling sites achieved the desired biocriterion for WWH in Packer Creek. The sampling location at the mouth of Packer Creek (near the confluence with Toussaint Creek) also met the minimum lacustuary performance criterion and received a narrative rating of good. Natural substrates, woody debris, and submerged/emergent aquatic plants in shallow margin habitat encouraged colonization and community richness and diversity (Ohio EPA, 2005). Habitat (Qualitative Habitat Evaluation Index [QHEI]) Ohio EPA completed qualitative habitat evaluation index (QHEI) assessments at five locations in the Packer Creek HUC-12 in 2003 (Table 4). The QHEI scores ranged from very poor to fair in Packer 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 Packer Creek HUC-12 (Ohio EPA, 2006) Key QHEI WWH Attributes MWH Attributes Components High Influence Moderate Influence Packer Creek HUC-12 ( ) 9

15 2.3 Summary of NPS Pollution Causes and Associated Sources for the Packer 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 Packer Creek HUC-12 are likely caused by siltation and nutrient/organic enrichment in surface waters (Table 5). In the upstream reach of Packer Creek, the sources of excessive siltation are likely agricultural practices and channelization/erosion of Packer Creek and nearby ditches. Runoff from agricultural fields and aging septic systems are potential sources of nutrients and organics. The middle reach of Packer Creek, near the Village of Genoa, is generally in full attainment of ALUs for WWH. Agricultural practices and channelization in the downstream reach of Packer Creek again become the likely sources of siltation and nutrient enrichment near the confluence with the Toussaint River. Table 5: Causes and Sources of Nonpoint Source Impairments at the Packer Creek HUC-12 Sampling Locations (Ohio EPA, 2006) River Mile Drainage Area (sq. mi.) Primary Cause(s) Siltation Nutrient enrichment Siltation Nutrient & organic enrichment Primary Source(s) Packer Creek WWH Agriculture Row Crop Channelization Possible failing septic systems Status Non Location Stony Ridge Road Non State Route Full Billman Road Full Martin-Williston Road Full Stange Road Full State Route Siltation Nutrient enrichment Agriculture NPS run-off Channelization Non Toussaint North Road 2.4 Additional Information for Determining Critical Areas and Developing Implementation Strategies for the Packer Creek HUC-12 The Maumee AOC has a rich history of public involvement and interest in improving water quality and habitat, including in the Packer 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 were used to supplement Ohio EPA sampling data to prepare this NPS-IS plan. Packer Creek HUC-12 ( ) 10

16 Chapter 3: Conditions and Restoration Strategies for Packer Creek HUC-12 Critical Areas 3.1 Overview of Critical Areas Seven Ohio EPA sampling sites are located within the Packer Creek HUC-12. Three of those locations are in non-attainment of ALUs for the designated WWH. Restoration strategies and projects are identified in this plan for two Critical Areas that address NPS issues in these locations (Table 6; Figure 7). Table 6: Packer Creek HUC-12 Critical Areas Sample Site Packer Creek RM 0.2 Packer Creek RM 21.2 and 15.6 Critical Area Description Subwatershed containing Packer Creek from RM 2.5 to the confluence with the Toussaint River Subwatershed containing Packer Creek from Ault Road to Reiman Road Critical Area No. 1 2 Critical Area Status Included in this version Included in this version Figure 7: Critical Areas of the Packer Creek HUC Critical Area 1: Conditions, Goals, and Objectives for the Packer Creek HUC Detailed Characterization The Packer Creek sampling site at Toussaint North Road is located near the confluence with the Toussaint River. 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. During the 2003 Ohio EPA sampling event, the downstream reach of Packer Creek was characterized by gravel and sand Packer Creek HUC-12 ( ) 11

17 substrates with areas of detritus, silt, cobble, and boulder. Embedded substrates were extensive in the stream channel. Packer Creek was straightened between North Lickert-Harder Road and North Benton- Carroll Road, leading to erosion and habitat impairments downstream. The creek was in various stages of recovery and development, with moderate sinuosity noted in some areas. Narrow riparian buffers were found throughout the reach, whether bordered by agricultural fields or residential homes. Channelized ditches also transport water from agricultural fields to Packer Creek in the north. Near the confluence with the Toussaint River, the banks of Packer Creek have been stabilized with rip-rap. The Oak Harbor Conservation Club maintains wetlands on both banks of Packer Creek just downstream of the straightened reach. These wetlands provide habitat for waterfowl, but are impaired by invasive plants and could be connected to the creek to improve access for fish and invertebrates. Based on the need for improved sinuosity and protection of downstream wetland habitat, this NPS-IS plan identifies the downstream portion of the Packer Creek HUC-12 as a Critical Area (Figure 8). The activities that are recommended for this Critical Area are aimed at habitat creation/preservation and nutrient reduction. Critical Area 1 is comprised of cropland (80% of the land area) lining ditches and the main channel of Packer Creek. Critical Area 1 is being defined as the stream/ditch channels (approximately 3 miles) and the abundant cropland (approximately 960 acres) that feeds into those channels. 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 Packer 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 8: Critical Area 1 of the Packer Creek HUC-12. Packer Creek HUC-12 ( ) 12

18 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 to indicate potential impairment in streams. The Toussaint North Road sampling location is not achieving the criteria for the fish community to meet attainment standards for WWH (Table 7). The habitat quality at the Toussaint North Road sampling location (RM 0.2) is Very 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 Toussaint North Road sampling location (RM 0.2) is meeting the desired WWH threshold (narrative rating of Fair; Table 8). A total of 37 taxa were identified at the Toussaint North Road site, including seven 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 a L Packer Creek (WWH; Non-attainment) 0.2 L Fair to Poor The MIwb is not applicable to headwater sites Site is affected by Lake Erie; Evaluated using Lacustuary IBI and MIwb Table 8: Macroinvertebrate Community Data for Critical Area 1 (Ohio EPA, 2006) RM D.A. (sq. mi.) ICI Score a (Narrative) 0.2 L 34.0 NA (Fair) Notes Predominant Species Packer Creek (WWH; Non-Attainment) Woody debris and aquatic Peltodytes beetles, Berosus plants encouraged colonization beetles, Polycentropids, Midges a Narrative evaluation used in lieu of ICI (G = Good; MG = Marginally Good; F = Fair; L=Low Fair; P = Poor; VP=Very Poor) L Site is affected by Lake Erie Tolerance categories: VT = Very Tolerant, T = Tolerant, MT = Moderately Tolerant, F = Facultative, MI = Moderately Intolerant, I = Intolerant Detailed Causes and Associated Sources The Toussaint North Road sampling location is in non-attainment of ALUs for its designated WWH. The causes of this non-attainment are siltation and nutrient/organic enrichment. The sources of these NPS pollutants likely include agriculture and channelization of Packer Creek and the nearby drainage ditches. Water quality samples collected throughout the watershed indicate elevated levels of nitrogen (ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate) and total phosphorus. Projects that address channelization and sediment and nutrient loading to Packer 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 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. The Packer Creek HUC-12 is in non-attainment of the Packer Creek HUC-12 ( ) 13

19 ALUs as a designated WWH. Index scores for biological communities (fish and macroinvertebrates) and habitat quality have not reached their targeted values in Packer 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 Toussaint North Road (RM 0.2) sampling location on Packer Creek. NOT ACHIEVED: Site currently has a score of 23. Goal 2: Achieve ICI score (or narrative rating) of 34 (or good) at the Toussaint North Road (RM 0.2) sampling location on Packer Creek. NOT ACHIEVED: Site currently has a rating of fair. Goal 3: Achieve QHEI score of 60 at the Toussaint North Road (RM 0.2) sampling location on Packer Creek. NOT ACHIEVED: Site currently has a score of Goal 4: Reduce phosphorus load to Packer Creek by 40%. NOT ACHIEVED: Critical Area 1 is currently contributing approximately 1,335 pounds of phosphorus per year to the Lake Erie watershed. To meet the 40% reduction goal for Critical Area 1, 534 pounds of phosphorus should be removed annually. Objectives To achieve the goals of restoring full attainment to the Packer Creek HUC-12, the following objectives should be achieved in Critical Area 1: Objective 1: Restore/protect riparian buffers along Packer 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 10 acres of forested riparian buffers (at least 100 feet wide) along approximately 3,200 feet of stream/ditch to reduce phosphorus loading by approximately 7 pounds each year. This stream length represents 20% of the three miles of major streams in Critical Area 1, and could be accomplished by foresting both sides of streams/ditches. Objective 2: Restore wetlands that act as sinks for sediment, nutrients, and organic pollutants. Restore 50 acres of wetlands in Critical Area 1 (5% of the acreage in Critical Area 1) to create habitat and reduce phosphorus loading by approximately 16 pounds per year. Objective 3: Restore natural channel morphology to Packer Creek. Apply natural channel design techniques to approximately 10% (530 feet) of the channelized length of Packer Creek between RM 1 and RM 2 in Critical Area 1. 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. Install controlled drainage for at least 250 acres of row crops (approximately 25% of cultivated cropland) resulting in approximately 110 pounds of phosphorus removal annually. Retire 10 acres of agricultural land from crop production. Packer Creek HUC-12 ( ) 14

20 Install grass buffers (at least 35 feet wide) along 15,000 feet of stream/ditch (equivalent to 12 acres of buffer) in Critical Area 1 to reduce phosphorus loading by approximately 10 pounds each year. Educate farmers about the benefits of planting cover crops on fields. To keep up with the ever-changing landscape, project-specific and routine watershed monitoring should be conducted in the Packer 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 Packer Creek HUC Detailed Characterization The Packer Creek sampling sites at Stony Ridge Road and State Route 163 are located in a predominantly agricultural area of the Packer Creek HUC-12. Both samples sites are in non-attainment of the ALUs for the designated WWH, likely due to siltation, excessive nutrients, and organic enrichment from agricultural sources. During the 2003 sampling event, the upstream reach of Packer Creek had a mixture of silt, gravel, and sand substrates with some areas of muck and detritus (Ohio EPA, 2005). Moderate to heavy siltation was observed, and substrates were extensively embedded. Instream cover transitioned from logs, undercut banks, and overhanging vegetation to nearly no cover at State Route 163. Due to a history of channelization, the stream channel was poorly developed with only minor sinuosity. Agricultural fields extended up to the stream bank in several locations; the widest buffers were noted as less than five meters. In the Total Maximum Daily Loads for the Toussaint River Watershed (Ohio EPA, 2006), the area from Stony Ridge Road to Billman Road was identified as an area where focused efforts to improve habitat scores could make a sizeable impact on sediment and nutrient reduction. This NPS-IS plan expands that recommendation to include the area from Ault Road in the west to Reiman Road in the east, encompassing both non-attainment sampling locations (Figure 9). The activities that are recommended for this critical area are aimed at habitat creation/preservation and nutrient reduction. Critical Area 2 is being delineated as the stream/ditch channels and the abundant cropland that feeds into those channels. Critical Area 2 is comprised of cropland (approximately 85% of the land area) lining ditches and the main channel of Packer Creek. Critical Area 2 is being defined as the stream/ditch channels (approximately 10 miles) and the abundant cropland (approximately 6,800 acres) that feeds into those channels. Packer Creek HUC-12 ( ) 15

21 Figure 9: Critical Area 2 of the Packer 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 to indicate potential impairment in streams. The MIwb is not applicable in this sampling location because of its designation as a headwater. The upstream sampling locations are not achieving the criteria for the fish community to meet attainment standards for WWH (Table 9). The habitat quality at the Stony Ridge Road (RM 21.2) and State Route 163 (RM 15.6) sampling locations is Very 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 State Route 163 (RM 15.6) sampling location is meeting the expected criteria for WWH macroinvertebrates (narrative rating of Good; Table 10). An ICI score was not calculated for the Stony Ridge Road (RM 21.2) location, although the site was given a Good narrative rating (Ohio EPA, 2005). Table 9: Fish Community and Habitat Data for Critical Area 2 (Ohio EPA, 2006) RM Drainage Area (sq. mi.) QHEI MIwb a IBI Narrative Evaluation a H Packer Creek (WWH; Non-attainment) 15.6 H NA 18 Poor 21.2 H NA 21 Poor The MIwb is not applicable to headwater sites Headwater Site, MIwb not applicable Packer Creek HUC-12 ( ) 16

22 Table 10: Macroinvertebrate Community Data for Critical Area 2 (Ohio EPA, 2006) RM D.A. (sq. mi.) ICI Score a (Narrative) 15.6 H 14.0 NA (Good) 21.2 H 7.6 NA (Good) Notes Predominant Species Packer Creek (WWH; Non-Attainment) All upstream locations met WWH biocriterion -- All upstream locations met Midges, Fingernail clams, WWH biocriterion Damselflies, Flathead mayflies 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 Stony Ridge Road and State Route 163 sampling locations are in non-attainment of ALUs for the designation as WWH. The causes of this non-attainment are siltation and nutrient/organic enrichment. The sources of these NPS pollutants could include agriculture, channelization of Packer Creek and drainage ditches, and inadequately maintained or aging HSTS. Water quality samples collected throughout the watershed indicate elevated levels of nitrogen (ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate) and total phosphorus. Projects that address channelization and sediment and nutrient loading to Packer 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 channelization, specifically, nutrient/organic enrichment 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. The Packer Creek HUC-12 is 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 Packer Creek. To achieve full attainment status and confront emerging threats to habitat and water quality, the goals for Critical Area 2 are: Goal 1: Achieve IBI score of 28 at the State Route 163 (RM 15.6) and Stony Ridge Road (RM 21.2) sampling locations on Packer Creek. NOT ACHIEVED: Sites currently have scores of 18 and 21, respectively. Goal 2: Maintain or improve ICI score (or narrative rating) at or above 34 (or good) at the State Route 163 (RM 15.6) and Stony Ridge Road (RM 21.2) sampling location on Packer Creek. ACHIEVED: Sites currently have narrative ratings of good. Goal 3: Achieve QHEI score of 60 at the State Route 163 (RM 15.6) and Stony Ridge Road (RM 21.2) sampling location on Packer Creek. NOT ACHIEVED: The State Route 163 (RM 15.6) location currently has a score of 29. Goal 4: Reduce phosphorus load to Packer Creek by 40%. NOT ACHIEVED: Critical Area 2 is currently contributing approximately 8,900 pounds of phosphorus per year to the Lake Erie watershed. To meet the 40% reduction Packer Creek HUC-12 ( ) 17

23 goal, approximately 3,560 pounds of phosphorus must be removed from the watershed annually. Objectives To achieve the goals of restoring full attainment to the Packer Creek HUC-12, the following objectives should be achieved in Critical Area 2: Objective 1: Restore/protect riparian buffers along Packer 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 80 acres of forested riparian buffers (at least 100 feet wide) along approximately 35,000 feet of stream/ditch to reduce phosphorus loading by approximately 56 pounds each year. This stream length represents 65% of the 10 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 400 acres of wetlands (5% of 8,000 acres) in Critical Area 2 to create habitat and reduce phosphorus loading in the watershed by approximately 315 pounds per year. Objective 3: Restore natural channel morphology to Packer Creek between RM 14 and RM 16. Apply natural channel design techniques to approximately 10% (1,060 feet) of the channelized length of Packer 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. Install controlled drainage for at least 1,700 acres of row crops (approximately 25% of cultivated cropland) reducing phosphorus load by approximately 1,065 pounds. Retire 70 acres (approximately 1% of the cultivated cropland) of agricultural land from crop production, saving over 100 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 on the benefits of cover crops. To keep up with the ever-changing landscape, project-specific and routine watershed monitoring should be conducted in the Packer 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. Packer Creek HUC-12 ( ) 18

24 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 Packer 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 Packer 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 Packer 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 Packer 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 Sheets for the Packer 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 Packer Creek HUC-12 is based on non-attainment of ALUs for the designated WWH at the Toussaint North Road sampling location (RM 0.2). 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. Packer Creek HUC-12 ( ) 19

25 Goal Objective Project Number Project Overview Table for the Packer Creek HUC-12 ( ) Critical Area 1 Project Title (Criteria g) Urban Sediment and Nutrient Reduction Strategies Lead Organization (Criteria d) Time Frame (Criteria f) Estimated Cost (Criteria d) Potential/Actual Funding Source (Criteria d) Altered Stream and Habitat Restoration Strategies Oak Harbor Conservation Club 1, 2, Riparian and Wetland Restoration The Nature Conservancy 1-3 years $150,000 Ohio EPA 319, GLRI, WRRSP, Local Stakeholders Agricultural Nonpoint Sources Reduction Strategies Oak Harbor Conservation Club 1, 2, Riparian and Wetland Restoration The Nature Conservancy 1-3 years $150,000 Ohio EPA 319, GLRI, WRRSP, Local Stakeholders High Quality Waters Protection Strategies Other NPS Causes and Associated Sources of Impairment Packer Creek HUC-12 ( ) 19

26 4.2.2 Critical Area 1: Project Summary Sheet(s) These Project Summary Sheets were developed with the aim of bringing the Toussaint North Road (RM 0.2) sampling site to full attainment for the designated WWH aquatic life use. These are priority/shortterm 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. Critical Area 1: Project 1 Nine Element Information needed Criteria n/a criteria d criteria c criteria c n/a Title Project Lead Organization & Partners HUC-12 & Critical Area Location of Project Which strategy is being addressed by this project? Explanation Oak Harbor Conservation Club Riparian and Wetland Restoration Oak Harbor Conservation Club criteria f Time Frame Short (1-3 Years) Packer Creek (HUC# ) Critical Area 1 Oak Harbor Conservation Club Property (41 34'49.93"N, 83 10'3.06"W) Altered Stream and Habitat Restoration Strategy Urban Nonpoint Source Reduction Strategy criteria g Short Description Re-establish hydrologic connections between former wet prairie lands and proximal tributaries for habitat restoration and water quality improvement through load reduction and volume reduction. criteria g Project Narrative Oak Harbor Conservation Club owns a parcel containing wetland along Packer Creek that is currently hydraulically isolated from Packer Creek. Breaching the existing berm and installing a water control structure would reconnect the wetland to the floodplain and reduce nutrient and sediment runoff into the Toussaint River, located just downstream. Further, reconnecting the wetland would open additional spawning habitat from Lake Erie, located approximately five miles downstream. Hydrology and habitat will be restored to approximately 18 acres of wetlands currently isolated from Packer Creek. criteria d Estimated Total cost $150,000 criteria d Possible Funding Source Ohio EPA 319, GLRI, WRRSP, Oak Harbor Conservation Club, Local Stakeholders criteria a Identified Causes and Cause: Sedimentation/Siltation, Nutrient Enrichment criteria b & h Sources Part 1: How much improvement is needed to remove the NPS Source: Agriculture- NPS runoff, Channelization The overall goal is to reduce phosphorus loading by 40% to the watershed. To meet the goal for Critical Area 1, 534 pounds of phosphorus should be removed annually. Packer Creek HUC-12 ( ) 20

27 criteria i criteria e impairment associated with this Critical Area? Part 2: How much of the needed improvement for the whole Critical Area is estimated to be accomplished by this project? Part 3: Load reduced? How will the effectiveness of this project in addressing the NPS impairment be measured? Information and Education Objective 2: Restore wetlands that act as sinks for sediment, nutrients, and organic pollutants. Restore 18 acres of wetlands of the 50-acre goal (36%) in Critical Area 1. Goals: There is recognition that there is lag time associated with nonpoint source-related projects and measured stream response. With respect to the goals in Critical Area 1, the main driver is QHEI. Current data shows that the stream in Critical Area 1 is at It is expected that this project will cause an incremental increase the QHEI scoring by 2-5 points at the RM 0.2 sampling location. One reasonable objective includes the restoration of floodplain areas and improvement of infiltration and filtration areas to improve water quality, habitat and downstream sedimentation. Estimated: 0.5 tons sediment/year, 14 #P/year, 115 #N/year Staff from the OEPA-DSW Ecological Assessment Unit will perform both pre- and post- project monitoring. The Toussaint North Road sampling site will be monitored (as part of the State s ongoing surface water monitoring program cycle) to determine progress (through IBI, ICI, and QHEI) from partial attainment to full attainment. This project will be promoted with press releases, project signage and newsletter articles. In addition, the project sites will be used as demonstration sites for tours of wet prairie restoration. 4.3 Critical Area 2: Overview Table and Project Sheet(s) for the Packer Creek HUC Critical Area 2: Project and Implementation Strategy Overview Table Critical Area 2 in the Packer Creek HUC-12 is based on non-attainment of ALUs for the designated WWH at the Stony Ridge Road (RM 21.2) and State Route 163 (RM 15.6) sampling locations. The following Critical Area 2 Overview Table summarizes 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. Packer Creek HUC-12 ( ) 21