Waterside Living A Guide for Managing Lakes and Ponds in New Jersey Communities

Transcription

1 Waterside Living A Guide for Managing Lakes and Ponds in New Jersey Communities Clinton Township, NJ April 5, 2012

2 1. The Problem Program Overview Why do we need to protect and improve water quality in surface waterbodies? 2. Preventive Strategies How can we better manage the physical characteristics of waterways to protect freshwater systems? 3. Reactive Strategies What are appropriate biological and chemical controls for improving the quality of freshwater systems? 4. Summary

3 The Problem THE NEED FOR IMPROVED WATER QUALITY

4 Protecting Water Resources While NJ is a water-rich state receiving over 40 inches of rainfall each year: New Jersey is also the most densely populated state in the country The average New Jersey resident uses 100 gallons of water per day Residents engaging in outdoor watering & irrigation increase their average water use up to 185 gallons per day in the summer months

5 Rain Fall Distribution in NJ

6 Protecting Water Resources Mining 4% Agricultural 6% Irrigation 0% Industrial 8% Commercial 0% Potable 45% Power 37% Data from New Jersey water withdrawals, transfers, and discharges by watershed management area, , NJ USGS

7 Protecting Water Resources According to EPA, 47% of assessed waters do not meet water quality standards 20,000 individual river segments 400,000 miles of rivers and shorelines 9 million acres of lakes Bacteria, nutrients, sediment are main pollutants 218 million people live within 10 miles of these polluted waters!

8 Do we have Fishable, Swimmable, and Drinkable Waters in NJ? We have only 1 Big Flat Brook Sussex County

9 Lakes and ponds are valuable resources that provide ecological, aesthetic, and recreational services The Resource

10 How do we in NJ enjoy our waters? Photo Courtesy of Somerset County Park Commission Raritan River, Raritan NJ Crestan Photography Photo by Steve Greer

11 Threats to the Resource Lakes and ponds can be stressed by human activities or natural influences shoreline erosion sediment accumulation eutrophication algal blooms invasive species

12 Threats to the Resource

13 Nonpoint Source Pollution Sediment Fecal Bacteria Nutrients Toxic and Hazardous Substances

14 NPS #1 Sediment Loose particles of clay, silt and sand that are found in soil Construction Sites Agricultural Production Streambank Erosion

15 NPS #2 Bacteria of water bodies are impaired because of high levels of bacteria!

16 Septic Tank Septic Tank Failure SOURCES OF BACTERIA HUMANS

17 SOURCES OF BACTERIA DOMESTIC ANIMALS

18 SOURCES OF BACTERIA WILDLIFE AND OTHER NON-DOMESTIC ANIMALS Snow Geese, Brigantine Photo by Gary Lehman

19 NPS #3 Nutrients Nitrogen Phosphorus

20 SOURCES OF NUTRIENTS FERTILIZER

21 SOURCES OF NUTRIENTS ANIMAL WASTE

22 NPS #4 Hazardous 1. Pesticides Insecticides, fungicides, herbicides, etc. From homes, businesses, industries 1 billion pounds used each year in the U.S.! 2. Toxic Chemicals Spilled oil, fuel, solvents, paints, etc. From homes, businesses, industries Cleanup is difficult and expensive

23 Lake & Pond Systems Physical Chemical Biological

24 Physical Characteristics Shape and Size depth surface area volume length of shoreline Hydraulic residence time determines flushing rate usually a slow resupply of water

25 Chemical Quality Chemical water quality: acidity alkalinity hardness color turbidity transparency nutrients ~phosphorus, nitrogen dissolved oxygen toxic substances ~metals, pesticides, petroleum products microorganisms ~bacteria, viruses, protozoa

26 Biological Aquatic Organisms ~ plankton ~ macrophytes ~ invertebrates ~ vertebrates

27 The Health of a Pond or Lake Is a reflection of the health of the landscape surrounding it!

28 Eutrophication Common symptoms reduced clarity large daily oscillations in dissolved oxygen ph shifts algal blooms excessive weed growth fish kills odor, aesthetic, and taste problems Play Yuck! Don t drink the water! Certainly don t swim in it!

29 The Landscape Approach Preventive Strategies PROTECTING FRESHWATER IN THE LANDSCAPE

30 Lake & Pond Systems Physical Chemical Biological

31 Why change the way we manage landscapes and waterways? valuable and heavily used properties nuisance wildlife management aesthetic considerations soil protection minimize routine maintenance reduce long-term maintenance costs water quality protection address watershed impairments

32 Why Dredge? Deepen the waterway Limit nutrient cycling Reduce macrophyte (plant) nuisances Remove toxic sediments Dredging

33 Dredging What should we be concerned with? Release of nutrients Resuspension of contaminants Destruction of benthic fish-food organisms Adequate disposal facility/landfill vs. beneficial reuse (e.g., roadway embankments, beach nourishment, environmental enhancement, agricultural uses, etc.) Cost $$$

34 Dredging Sediment Testing Sampling sediment cores to project depth core composition Physical Analyses water content organic content particle size distribution

35 Dredging Chemical analyses for upland disposal: total phenols oil & grease reactivity nitrogen/phosphorus minerals (Ca, Mg, K) base neutral priority pollutant organics heavy metals petroleum hydrocarbons (PAH) PCB s, DDT, and metabolites ph sulfur chlorides chlordane

36 Dredging Standards to compare the results: If testing of dredge sediments is required, it is compared to the soil cleanup criteria for site remediation (e.g., residential or nonresidential)

37 Dredging Permit Requirements County: Soil Conservation District S&E Permit, may also need approvals to transport over county roads State Permits NJDEP Freshwater Wetlands General Permit #1 Maintenance of existing structure General Permit #13 Lake and pond dredging

38 Dredging State permits (continued) NJDEP Flood Hazard Permit NJDEP Bureau of Solid Waste Water Quality Certificate NJDEP Lake Lowering, NJDEP Fish & Wildlife Fish Stocking Permit, NJDEP Fish & Wildlife NJPDES may be required as part of a hydraulic dredging project

39 Dredging Dredging Process Mechanical best for small projects & shorelines grab buckets clam shell excavation dragline

40 Dredging Hydraulic pumps as a slurry best for large scale projects softer sediments produces a high water content to be disposed

41 Dredging Disposal Site preparation engineering clearing dikes and berms drainage access security

42 Dredging Disposal Environmental Protection liners monitoring wells chemical testing Site Closure time for dewatering grading & seeding landscaping

43 Landscape Management Strategies Predominant shoreline issue is erosion Causes of erosion runoff wave action ice access / use

44 Landscape Management Strategies Reduce amount of turfgrass in areas adjacent to waterways Reduce mowing frequency (let grass grow up to 8 ) Reduce/eliminate fertilizer use

45 Landscape Management Strategies Landscaping alternatives meadow management no mow zones naturalized plantings shoreline modification

46 Landscaping Alternatives Meadow Management Reduce mowing frequency in shoreline and streambank areas to a single monthly mowing at a height of 6-8 during the months of May through September

47 Meadow Management MEADOW AREA MANICURED EDGE

48 Landscaping Alternatives No Mow Zones In shoreline areas, eliminating regular mowing of the shoreline edge for a minimum of 5-10 and allowing vegetation to grow to a height of is recommended for several reasons

49 Landscaping Alternatives Naturalized Plantings Install native plantings adapted to flood plain and wetland conditions and eliminate regular mowing. This approach requires project planning to design, purchase and install plantings. This approach requires a commitment to maintain new plantings during the establishment period. These plantings can often be done in conjunction with renovations or repairs. This approach is the preferred design option in NJDEP s Stormwater BMP manual as it improves and protects water quality.

50 Naturalized Plantings

51 Naturalized Plantings

52 Landscaping Alternatives Shoreline Modification grading live cuttings erosion blanket biologs seeding

53 Shoreline Modification Coir fiber logs and erosion control mats

54 Shoreline Modification Provide access points

55 Shoreline Modification Original condition

56 Shoreline Modification Restoration in progress

57 Shoreline Modification Restored shoreline

58 Healthy Landscapes = Healthy Waters South Branch, Raritan River Play Photo by M. Tobias

59 Reactive Strategies Chemical and Biological IMPROVING WATER QUALITY IN OUR FRESHWATER SYSTEMS

60 Lake & Pond Systems Physical Chemical Biological

61 Chemical and Biological Management Algae Control Biomanipulation

62 Algae Control Algal blooms are a sign of a nutrient enriched/eutrophic system

63 Algae Control 1 st defense: source control of nutrients limit fertilizer use landscaping to limit lawn area native plant buffer to intercept nutrients in runoff (biofilters) maintenance of onsite wastewater treatment systems (septic systems) restrict boat traffic to prevent resuspension of phosphorus in sediments

64 Algae Control Other control techniques precipitate phosphorus with chemical addition (buffered alum) dyes aeration barley straw aquascaping algaecides physical removal (nets/booms) Play

65 Algae Control Is it algae or a rooted plant? identify the algae establish a nutrient control plan select an appropriate algaecide

66 Algae Filamentous stringy grows on bottom breaks off and accumulates on surface

67 Algae Planktonic exist throughout water column can form surface scums includes blue-green algae

68 Algae Stalked Chara and Nitella can look like plants no roots usually beneficial for habitat can be a nuisance in shallow ponds

69 Buffered Alum How does this work? binds with inorganic phosphorus phosphorus precipitates out of the water and settles to the bottom a thin film is formed over the sediments which decreased phosphorus release and recycling from bottom sediments most useful for deep lakes most useful for lakes that flush infrequently

70 Dyes How does this work? blocks sunlight reduces algal growth works best in shallow lakes with severe benthic or filamentous algae problems best in lakes or ponds that have limited outlets and a long detention time lasts for six (6) to eight (8) weeks

71 Aeration How does this work? artificial circulation brings oxygen-poor water to the surface (surface spray, paddlewheel, air diffusers)

72 Aeration Aerators create turbulence oxygen circulation nutrient consumption temperature control Selecting an aerator pumps in excess of 300 gallons per minute recommend 1 to 3 hp aerating units per surface acre align to prevent shoreline erosion cost $500 to $7,000 plus power

73 Aeration Surface Spray best vertical circulation for lakes less than 15 feet deep creates convection currents breaks up algal mats

74 Aeration Paddlewheel best for shallow lakes low above surface spraying creates a strong current

75 Aeration Air diffusion best mixing for deep lakes diffuser is placed on the lake bottom supplied by an air compressor

76 Barley Straw How does this work? decomposition of the barley straw produces compounds that inhibit and/or reduce algal growth bales are broken apart and placed in mesh sacks and staked to the bottom best to deploy in the spring approximately 225 pounds of straw should be applied per acre

77 Aquascaping Water Gardening the use of aquatic plants to create a desirable plant community plants compete with algae for nutrients serve as habitat for zooplankton to compete with algae for nutrients deters geese stabilizes shoreline improves aesthetics and habitat

78 Algae Removal Removal with nets and booms Best for filamentous algae Often left with a large amount of biomass to dispose Physical removal of the algae does not control the source of the problem

79 Algaecides Active ingredients copper copper sulfate endothol percarbonate

80 Algaecides Application must be applied by a licensed applicator in New Jersey USEPA registered algaecides apply according to label water temperature requirements typically apply once start growing, but not so late in the summer that decaying biomass is a problem

81 Other Chemical Controls Herbicides 300+ herbicides registered in the US approximately are currently in use for aquatic systems contact herbicides systemic compounds slow acting, affect metabolic pathways submersed compounds concentrated liquids, granules, pellets

82 Permits Aquatic Pesticide Permit needed for most applications of pesticides to any waters of the State or on aquatic sites The purchase and application of a restricted use pesticide requires certification and licensing as a pesticide applicator. An application of ANY pesticide to an aquatic site requires an Aquatic Pesticide Permit. Contact NJDEP Pesticide Control Program

83 Restrictions New Jersey requires all applicators (both private and commercial) using restricted use or general use pesticides to become both certified and licensed. Many, if not most, of the pesticides used in aquatic weed control programs have restrictions on the use of the treated water for potable purposes and/or other uses such as swimming, irrigation, crop spraying or stock watering.

84 Lake & Pond Management Algae Control Biomanipulation

85 Biomanipulation Manage aquatic plants introduce grass carp Manage algal blooms add predatory fish to eat the small minnows that feed on the zooplankton that feed on the algae

86 Biomanipulation Aquatic Plant Control The grass carp, also known as the white amur, is a vegetarian fish native to the Amur River in Asia. Because this fish feeds on aquatic plants, it can be used as a biological tool to control nuisance aquatic plant growth. palatable aquatic plants: milfoil, naiad, Elodea, coontail, curly leaf pondweed, duckweed, bladderwort, musk grass, water star grass, Cabomba Permits needed for stocking; stock 8 fish in the spring; stocking density 5-15/acre New Jersey restrictions: 1) can only use in ponds less than 10 acres, 2) must be certified triploid strain (sterile), 3)only use if more than 40% coverage of palatable plants, 4) restrict fish from downstream outlet

87 Biomanipulation Algal Bloom Control limit the population of fish that graze on zooplankton (e.g., gizzard shad) by introducing other predator fish (e.g., hybrid striped bass) bottom line is to increase zooplankton population top down effect Play

88 Program Summary 1. Why do we need to protect and improve water quality in surface waterbodies? Ensure plentiful clean water Minimize impacts of human activities on freshwater resources Reduce nonpoint source pollution Maintain the balance of physical, chemical, and biological systems in waterways Slow the eutrophication process

89 Program Summary 2. How can we better manage the physical characteristics of waterways and landscapes to protect freshwater systems? Remove excessive sediments from lakes and ponds Reduce mowing and fertilizer use in the landscapes surrounding lakes and ponds Establish meadows and no-mow zones Restore native plant communities Modify and stabilize shorelines

90 Program Summary 3. What are appropriate biological and chemical controls for improving the quality of freshwater systems? Control sources of nutrients contributing to excessive algae and plant growth in lakes and ponds Reduce available light for algae and plant growth Increase available oxygen through aeration Introduce barley straw or algaecides (through licensed applicator) to control algae growth Use grass carp to control plant growth Use predator fish to balance food chain

91 Rutgers Fact Sheets: Resources Pond and Lake Management Part I: Dealing with Aquatic Plants & Algal Blooms, FS1076 Pond and Lake Management Part II: Preventing Shoreline Erosion & Removing Sediments, FS1077 Pond and Lake Management Part III: Controlling Geese and Other Pests, FS1078 Pond and Lake Management Part IV: Aquatic Invasive Species: Water Chestnut (Trapa natans) Prevention and Management, FS1119 Pond and Lake Management Part V: Making Your Water Chestnut Hand Pulling Event a Success, FS1138 Pond and Lake Management Part VI: Using Barley Straw to Control Algae, FS1171 What's Polluting our Rivers, Lakes, and Estuaries I: Phosphorus, FS1170 AVAILABLE AT:

92 For More Information Visit