Stockton University. Tim Larigan Environmental Issues Tait Chirenje Stockton University Spring Watershed Management Plan

Transcription

1 for Tim Larigan Environmental Issues Tait Chirenje Spring

2 ABSTRACT Nutrient pollution is currently one of the largest causes of water quality degradation in the United States. As a result of increased human activity, nutrients, such as nitrates (N) and phosphates (P), are entering our waterways and causing eutrophication, which can cause algal blooms and depletion of dissolved oxygen in streams and lakes, negatively affecting human health and the environment. Stockton University, located in the Great Egg Harbor watershed management area in New Jersey has experienced water quality degradation and in an attempt to restore the campuses water resources, this project aims to develop a comprehensive watershed management plan that addresses the major sources of nitrate and phosphate pollution, based on the EPA s (2003) nine elements of a comprehensive watershed management plan. The major sources of nutrient pollution on s campus are atmospheric deposition of N through the combustion of fossil fuels, release of N and P from pet and wildlife waste, and runoff of N and P from excess fertilizer used on Stockton s lawns. Stockton University s aims to reduce load reductions by 90% by reducing time it takes to park in school parking lots, which reduces use of fossil fuels, reducing erosion at construction sites on or near campus, implementing rules that require pet owners to pick up after their pet, acquire permitting to control populations of wildlife on campus, reduce unnecessary lawn space on campus, and reduce amounts of excess fertilizer used on campus. Technical assistance such from contractors, local government, and volunteer groups are necessary to carry out all management measures and the cost of silt fences, riparian buffers, additional parking lots, and signs to inform student and faculty must be considered. s aims to complete implementation and establish regular monitoring by 2020, which establishes a 5-year strategy with milestones marking the success of education programs, reduction of unnecessary lawns, installation of riparian vegetation, and creation of additional parking lots at varying intervals and halfway through the 5-year period. A set of criteria, including phosphorus loads, incidence of algal blooms, in situ water quality parameters such as ph and dissolved oxygen, and total suspended solids, has been established to determine whether load reductions are being achieved over time, and finally, a monitoring component that implements regular and ongoing monitoring of in situ water parameters, wildlife population trends, and pet waste control to ensure that level of nitrates and phosphates in the Stockton s water bodies are remain at a safe level, ultimately leading to improved water quality. 2

3 for TABLE OF CONTENTS 1.0 INTRODUCTION DISSCUSSION IDENTIFICATION OF SOURCES ESTIMATE OF LOAD REDUCTIONS DESCRIPTION OF NPS MANAGEMENT MEASURES ESTIMATE OF FINANCIAL AND TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE INFORMATION & EDUCATION COMPONENT SCHEDULE FOR IMPLEMENTING MANAGEMENT MEASURES DESCRIPTION OF INTERIM MEASRUABLE MILESTONES A SET OF CRITERIA TO DETERMINE WHETHER LOAD REDUCTIONS ARE BEING ACHIEVED MONITORING COMPONENT CONCLUSION REFERENCES.. 11 FIGURES Figure 1 8 Figure 2 9 Figure

4 1.0 INTRODUCTION Nutrient pollution is currently one of the largest causes of water quality degradation in the United States. Influenced heavily by increased human activity, nutrients, such as nitrates (N) and phosphates (P), are entering streams and lakes through non-point sources, causing eutrophication of water bodies (Howarth, 2002). Eutrophication from excessive N and P inputs can cause algal blooms and depletion of dissolved oxygen in streams and lakes, which can be extremely problematic to both human health and the environment (Hill, 2012). This type of water quality degradation can interfere with water uses such as agriculture, industry, recreation, and drinking (Carpenter, 1998). In order to manage non-point source nutrient pollution, watershed management programs across the country have been developed, under the Clean Water Act of 1972, to isolate and examine specific pollutants, such as nitrates and phosphates, and their sources within a single watershed. Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDLs) are put in place attempt to reduce the amount of pollution entering a watershed, ultimately restoring the quality of water bodies. In order to promote the proper approach to watershed management, the EPA developed the nine elements of a comprehensive watershed management plan in 2003, which are watershed management guidelines that outline the steps necessary to establish and implement proper watershed management practices. EPA s (2003) nine elements are as follows: a. Identification of the causes and sources that will need to be controlled to achieve the load reductions estimated in this watershed-based plan. b. Estimate of the load reductions expected for the non-point source (NPS) management measures. c. A description of the NPS management measure that will need to be implemented to achieve the estimated load reductions and identification of the critical areas in which those measures will be needed to implement this plan d. An estimate og the amounts of financial and technical assistance needed, associated with the costs, and/or the sources and authorities that will be relied upon to implement this plan. e. An information/education component that will be used to enhance public understanding of the project and encourage their early and continued participation in selecting, designating and implementing the NPS management measures that will be implemented. f. A schedule for implementing the NPS management measures identified in this plan that is reasonably expeditious. 4

5 g. A description of the interim measurable milestones for determining whether NPS management measures or other control actions are being implemented. h. A set of criteria that can be used to determine whether load reductions are being achieved over time and substantial progress is being made toward attaining water quality standards and, if not, the criteria for determining whether this watershedbased plan needs to be revised or, if NPS TMDL had been established, whether the NPS TMDL needs to be revised i. A monitoring component to evaluate the effectiveness of the implementation efforts over time, measured against the criteria established immediately above. If all nine elements are taken into consideration and the appropriate steps are taken to implement all components of the comprehensive watershed management plan, significant progress can be made, solving many problems related to water resource management. is located within the Great Egg Harbor watershed in New Jersey. Like many other watersheds, the Great Egg Harbor watershed suffers from increased concentrations of nitrates and phosphates that cause negative impacts on water quality. In an attempt to reduce non-point source pollution, specifically nutrient pollution, this project aims to develop a comprehensive watershed management plan specifically for that addresses the major sources of nitrate and phosphate pollution and how they will be managed over time. The following sections discuss, in detail, how the aims to improve watershed health and how each of the nine elements of a comprehensive watershed management plan is used to do so. 2.0 DISSCUSSION 2.1 IDENTIFICATION OF SOURCES At, there are several sources of nitrates and phosphates that contribute the degradation of water quality in Lake Fred and other water bodies on campus. Because Stockton s campus is composed of forested area, open grass and lawn areas and large impervious surfaces, mainly parking lots, nitrates and phosphates can be introduced into the waterways a number of different ways. One source of nutrient pollution is the release of N through combustion of fossil fuels. Combustion releases significant quantities of fixed N into the atmosphere, both from the oxidation of organic N stored in the fossil fuels and from the "fixation" of molecular N 2 during hightemperature and high-pressure combustion (Carpenter, 1998). This release of N can enter the watershed through acid deposition, either directly or through stormwater runoff that ultimately reaches the streams or lakes. relies heavily on students 5

6 who commute to class every day. In recent years, Stockton s parking lots have been crowded and in general, parking is very competitive. This results in students having to drive around for longer periods of time in order to find a parking spot, increasing the amount of fossil fuels used on campus. Construction has also been taking place in and around Stockton s campus for the past few years. Although construction sites may occupy a relatively small percentage of the land area, erosion rates for construction sites can be much higher than other areas on campus, increasing the total nonpoint source pollution. Any N deposited into the bare soil is more likely to erode from construction sites and enter the watershed more easily and frequently. To mange this issue, silt fences should be properly installed around all construction sites to prevent sediment erosion. Another source of nutrient pollution is waste from both wildlife and pets on campus. A significant amount of P and N enter the surface water as a result of animal waste left on the ground, only adding to the increased levels of nutrient pollution in Stockton s waters. The use of inorganic fertilizers on lawns located on Stockton s campus is a major source of nitrate and phosphate pollution. When fertilizer is applied to the lawns excess nutrient enter the waterways from by infiltration and transportation by groundwater or via stormwater runoff. P and N fertilizer losses in runoff are generally <5% of that applied (Carpenter, 1998), which adds up, especially when excess amounts of fertilizer are added to lawns. If these sources of nutrient pollution are not successfully managed, the water quality on Stockton s campus will continue to degrade and the possibility of eutrophication is much more likely. 2.2 ESTIMATE OF LOAD REDUCTIONS The Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) is the maximum allowable pollutant quantity in a body of water (Colorado Water Quality control Division, 2000). Based on the identified sources of nutrient pollution on Stockton s campus, it is clear that nitrate and phosphate concentrations must be reduced. In order to meet standards, a 90% reduction in load is necessary. 2.3 DESCRIPTION OF NPS MANAGEMENT MEASURES In order to reduce nitrate and phosphate pollution by 90%, a number of management measures need to be taken into consideration. The atmospheric deposition of N is inevitable because of the fact that students will continue to drive to Stockton s campus every day, but it is possible to manage the amount of fossil fuels used per day by improving parking conditions on campus. If additional parking lots are added to the campus, the time it takes to find a parking spot will significantly decrease. Commuters would no longer have to spend time circling parking lots, releasing more fossil fuels. An alternative management measure would be to encouraging the use of public transportation. This method would reduce the amount of cars on campus, making it easier 6

7 to find parking and reducing the amount of fossil fuels released at the same time. These are both challenging tasks, but if they were achieved, it would likely reduce nutrient pollution by 25%. Reducing pet waste, to minimize N and P entering the waterways, can easily be managed through enforcing residents to pick up after their pet. This simple management measure would most likely reduce nutrient pollution by 15%. Reducing waste of wildlife on campus cannot be managed in the same way as pet waste, because it is illogical to attempt to pick up after all of the wildlife on campus. Instead, it is possible to manage wildlife waste by monitoring the populations of wildlife on campus. If any one population becomes too much, it is possible to obtain permits that will reduce the populations of wildlife by hunting. This management measure would reduce nutrient pollution by another 10%. There are many lawn areas on campus that are generally not being used. In order to reduce nutrient pollution from fertilizer, it is possible to consider converting the lawns to other type that serve a more appropriate function. Reducing the amount of lawn space on campus would reduce the amount concentrations of N and P that are entering the watershed and help improve water quality. For the lawn areas that do serve a proper function, it would be necessary to make sure that the minimum amount of fertilizer necessary to maintain the lawns are being used. Excess fertilizer is wasteful and contributes to the problem. Another management measure that could prevent nutrient from fertilizers from entering the watershed is to plant riparian buffers to the water bodies on campus to reduce the amount of runoff in the lakes and streams (Carpenter, 1998). All management measure related to lawn fertilizer would reduce nutrient pollution by 40%. The successful implementation of all management practices, if properly implemented would reduce nutrient pollution by 90%, which is the target load reduction in the Stockton university management plan. 2.4 ESTIMATE OF FINANCIAL AND TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE In order to carry out these management measures, it is important to consider the technical assistance and financials component. The following table lists some other things that would be necessary in order to implement all management measure. 7

8 Management Measure Cost Technical Assistance Additional Parking Lots $/acre Contractors/Engineers Reduce Pet Waste $/sign Reduce Wildlife Waste $/permit Local government for permitting Silt Fences $/yrd Riparian Vegetation $/plant Volunteer groups to plant Fig 1. The above table shows the approximate cost and necessary technical assistance for NPS management measure included in s 2.5 INFORMATION & EDUCATION COMPONENT In order to promote proper practices to reduce nitrate and phosphate pollution into the water bodies on s campus, it is necessary to inform and educate the students, staff, and faculty on ways to reduce their impact. In order to do so, it is necessary to post signs surrounding the Lake Fred that tell the general public why it is important to pick up after their pets. Similarly, signs can be posted in the parking lots that inform students, staff, and faculty of the impact of idling in the parking lots and how it can directly impact the campus. Adds in Stockton s local newspaper, The Argo, and advertisements on the University s radio station, television station and website can aid in informing people on the issues related to Stockton s water quality. Clubs on campus such as S.A.V.E, S.U.S.T, or WaterWatch, that generally involve themselves in environmental issues can encourage students to volunteer their time to raise awareness of the issue and even help with hands-on projects planting riparian buffers, etc. Information and education is a essential component, necessary to make effective change. 2.6 SCHEDULE FOR IMPLEMENTING NPS MANAGEMENT MEASURES Carrying out all of the management measures suggested in previous sections is a difficult task and cannot be done in a short amount of time. There is a significant amount of preparation and planning that is required in order to successfully make changes that will positively impact Stockton s water quality. Overall, significant improvements would like to be seen over by 2020, which gives the watershed management plan 5 years to carry out this strategy. The table below shows a basic schedule that outlines when each of the non-point source management measures would occur. 8

9 Year Activities Schedule Objectives and Key Planning Considerations Identify Sources Identify potential load reductions Develop education/information component Implementation Implement pet waste management measure Reduce lawn areas/reduce fertilizer use Acquire permits to control wildlife Monitoring Monitor pet waste and wildlife populations Monitor in situ water quality parameters Maintenance Identify parties responsible for maintaining managing measures Short Term Short Term/Medium Ongoing Longterm Fig 2. The table above shows a schedule for implementing the NPS management measures, based on the NC Division of Water Resources (2014) schedule, for management measures included in Stockton University s. 2.7 DESCRIPTION OF INTERIM MEASRUABLE MILESTONES In order to track our progress over the 5-year period, a number of interim measurable milestones will be put in place to make sure that all management measures are being properly implemented. Primarily, the success of all education efforts will be evaluated to see whether people are aware of all of the efforts being made to reduce nutrient pollution on Stockton s campus. How successful the education and information component is will ultimately influence the initial measure being implemented. Our goal is to educate the public and see improvements how people deal pets waste, and parking with in the first year. The next milestone would incorporate the reduction of fertilizer used by Stockton and aim to reduce the amount of unnecessary lawn space on campus half way through the 5-year period. In the upcoming years, has plans to add additional building to the campus, which would increase the amount of construction on campus. By 4 years into the management plan, we aim to better manage construction sites to reduce the amount of erosion into water bodies on Stockton s campus. With the new construction, it is also possible to create more efficient parking lots that will better accommodate commuters. This will ultimately reduce the amount of time it takes to find parking. After 5 years, it is our goal to have all management measure implemented properly and begin to see improvements that will effectively reduce the amount of nutrient pollution occurring at. 9

10 2.8 A SET OF CRITERIA TO DETERMINE WHETHER LOAD REDUCTIONS ARE BEING ACHIEVED Pollutant Issue Algae Eutrophication Sedimentation Target Criteria/Indicators Phosphorus load Incidence of algal blooms In situ water quality parameter: ph, Dissolved Oxygen Total Suspended Solids Fig 3. The table above shows the set of criteria included in s Watershed Management Plan to determine whether load reductions are being achieved, based on the NC Division of Water Resources (2014) example of criteria/indicators used to determine if reductions are being achieved. 2.9 MONITORING COMPONENT In order to track progress in meeting load reduction goals, it is essential that watershed management plans have a monitoring component (NC Division of Water Resources, 2014). To track progress on Stockton s campus, in situ water quality parameters such as dissolved oxygen, ph, total suspended solids will be monitored on a regular basis. Any unusual trends will a cause for concern leading to further investigation of the issue. Populations of wildlife on campus will be monitored to the best of their ability and seasonal reports will be made to show trends in population. Additionally, staff member will be monitoring the campus to make sure that pet waste is being picked up and all rules are being properly enforced. With this monitoring component, added to the watershed management plan, significant load reductions can be accomplished. 3.0 CONCLUSION Nutrient pollution in water can cause a number of negative impacts on water quality, resulting in the eutrophication of water bodies. Because non-point source pollution is difficult to manage, watershed management plans are necessary to isolate and examine pollutants and their sources. s not only identifies the sources of nitrate and phosphate pollution on campus, but also offers a number of non-point source management measures, a schedule to implement them and a monitoring program for all measures implemented. Together, the successful execution of all of these components will ensure that the water bodies located on Stockton s campus meet the TMDL standards and help to improve water quality throughout the entire watershed. 10

11 4.0 REFERENCES (2003). The nine elements of a comprehensive watershed plan per FY03 EPA Guidance. Retrieved November 24, 2014, from e.fl.us/water/nonpo int/docs/31 9h/9-elements-of-watershed-plan.pdf Caraco, N. F., Carpenter, S. R., Correll D. L., Howarth R. W., Sharpley A. N., & Smith V. H. (1998). Nonpoint Pollution of Surface Waters with Phosphorus and Nitrogen. Ecological Applications, 8(3), Colorado Water Quality Control Division (2000). Total Maximum Daily Load Assessment: Mainstem of un-named tributary to Willow Creek from the Willow Creek Reservoir Road to the confluence with Willow Creek. Retrieved February 26, 2015, from xamples_nutrients_co_willowcreek.pdf Hill, Marquita K (2010). Water Pollution. Understanding Environmental Pollution, 9, Howarth, Robert W., Sharpley, Andrew, & Walker, Dan (2002). Sources of Nutrient Pollution to Coastal Waters in the United States: Implications for Achieving Coastal Water Quality Goals. Estuaries, 25 (4), NC Division of Water Resources and Triangle J Council of Governments (2014). A Simplified Guide to Writing Watershed Restoration Plans In North Carolina. 11