Water Resource Management and Green Infrastructure in New Jersey 1/12/17

Transcription

1 Water Resource Management and Green Infrastructure in New Jersey 1/12/17 Michele Bakacs County Environmental Agent (Middlesex/UnionCounties) Rutgers Cooperative Extension (732) , Staying Updated Green Knight Newsletter Like Us on Facebook: 1

2 Outline What is a watershed? What is stormwater runoff? What is non point source pollution? Best Practices/Green Infrastructure- What can you do? Manalapan Brook Watershed Implementation Project Impervious Cover reduction plans for municipalities in the Raritan Perception Vs. Reality Water conservation is not important in New Jersey because we have so much rain. Watersheds are mostly found out west in places like Colorado. The actions I take at home have no impact on our water resources. The reason our waters are polluted is because of pollution from factories. Storm drains are connected to waste water treatment plants. It is okay to rake my leaves and grass clippings into the street because the street sweeper will clean it up. 2

3 The Hydrologic Cycle Once on land, what happens to the rain? Depends on many factors: Rate of rainfall Topography of the land Soil conditions Clay/sand Soil moisture Density of vegetation Amount of urbanization 3

4 What is a watershed? Are we in a watershed now? Jim Cantore Video WATERSHEDs are nested systems 4

5 Source: USGS RESOURCE EPA Surf Your Watershed Lawrence Brook Watershed TOUR 5

6 Stream Channel Cross-section Baseflow- flow from groundwater. Bankfull stage- flow at which water starts to leave it s banks (Newbury and Gaboury 1993) Rivers Are Dynamic Systems Rivers and streams are not only conduits of water, but also of sediment. 6

7 Surface/Ground Water Interactions Riparian Corridor 7

8 What is stormwater or runoff? Stormwater is the water from rain or melting snow that can become runoff, flowing over the ground surface and returning to lakes and streams. Stormwater= Rainwater Runoff Hydrologic Implications of Land Use Urban land uses lead to impervious surfaces Commercial Industrial Residential Other Low Density Medium density High density Agriculture leads to land alteration that might lead to erosion 8

9 What is impervious cover? roads, rooftops, parking lots, and other hard surfaces that do not allow stormwater to soak into the ground Even disturbed/constructed open spaces (such as parks) have become impervious due to compaction predominant American vegetation Linking Land Use to Waterway Condition More Imperviousness = More Stormwater Runoff 9

10 Changing Landscape Impacts Local Waterways Hydrologic Effects Disruption of natural water balance Increased stormwater runoff Increase flood peaks More frequent flooding Increased bankfull flows Lower dry weather flows Impervious Cover & Stream Quality At 10% impervious cover, stream degradation (e.g., changes in the aquatic biological community) is detectable. At 25-40% impervious cover, streams no longer support biological/human uses. 10

11 CONNECTION Types of Stormwater Management Traditional engineering of the landscape Dams, dikes and levees Hydraulic alterations (widening, channelize, piped, etc.) Combined sewer systems Curb/gutter Next generation Separate storm sewer systems (MS4s) Detention systems (minimize peak flows and volumes) Concrete flow-flow channel Fill and release slowly over time Low Impact Development and Green Infrastructure Connected Impervious Surfaces (MS4) No chance for GW recharge for stream base flow No chance for infiltration/plant uptake for improved water quality Peak flow rates and volumes can be too high for stream carrying capacity 11

12 Detention Basins and Ponds NOTE: 90% of all storm events produce less than 1 inch of rain. Therefore, the key to reducing pollutant loads is to treat the runoff associated with the first 1 inch of rain (Clayton & Schueler, 1996). Goals of Low Impact Development (LID) Mimic natural conditions and water balance Decentralization/ disconnection Uniform distribution of small-scale controls 12

13 Point vs. Nonpoint Point Source Pollution vs. Nonpoint Source Pollution What s the difference? Point Source Pollution comes from a specific source, like a pipe factories, industry, municipal treatment plants Clean Water Act of can be monitored and controlled by a permit system 13

14 Nonpoint Source Pollution? Nonpoint Source (NPS) Pollution is pollution associated with stormwater runoff Stormwater runoff is the number one reason our waterways are polluted. NPS pollution cannot be traced to a direct discharge point such as a wastewater treatment facility Examples of Non-point source pollution People Pollution Oil & grease from cars, Fertilizers, Animal waste, Grass clippings, Septic systems, Sewage leaks, Household cleaning products, Litter, Agriculture 14

15 Impact of Nonpoint Source Pollution fish and wildlife recreational water activities commercial fishing tourism drinking water quality Pollutants Found in Runoff Sediment Soil particles transported from their source Oxygen depleting material Leaves Organic material Toxics Pesticides Herbicides Fungicides Insecticides Metals (naturally occurring in soil, automotive emissions/ tires) Lead Zinc Mercury Petroleum Hydrocarbons (automotive exhaust and fuel/oil) Debris Litter and illegal dumping Nutrients Various types of materials that become dissolved and suspended in water (commonly found in fertilizer and plant material): Nitrogen (N) Phosphorus (P) Bacteria/ Pathogens Originating from: Pets Waterfowl Failing septic systems Thermal Stress Heated runoff, removal of streamside vegetation 15

16 Why do we care about stormwater? Stormwater Regulations New Jersey Stormwater Permitting Regulations (NJAC 7:14A) New Jersey Stormwater Management Regulations (NJAC 7:8) Major developments: defined as a project disturbing more than 1 acre or increasing impervious surfaces by ¼ acre or more Developers must maintain groundwater recharge on site, reduce nutrient and sediment runoff from the site, and reduce stormwater runoff from the site Protect / Restore Environment Point sources used to control instream water quality. With advances in wastewater treatment, nonpoint sources often dominate the health of the waterbody. Based upon the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection s (NJDEP) latest evaluation (2010), statewide, 355 miles of rivers and streams, and 1,465 acres of lakes (only three percent) fully support all designated uses (except for fish consumption). Water Supply, Shellfish Harvest, Recreation, Fish Consumption Aquatic Life What is the largest water use sector in New Jersey? 1.Agriculture 2.Commercial and Industrial 3.Potable 4.I don t know 20% 20% 20% 20% 20%

17 Consumptive Loss Nearly 800 MGD is Consumptively Lost Water used and then lost due to evapotranspiration Much of that 800 MGD is lost through excessive lawn watering Wasted irrigation water becomes a STORMWATER problem What can you do? Sustainability Action: Water Conservation Reducing Stormwater Runoff 17

18 Water Resource Principle Know and respect your watershed Seeming water abundance does not give license for wasteful water use Lawn and landscape irrigation are nonessential uses of water: Limit irrigation to Lawn establishment Athletic turf maintenance (exceptional need) 18

19 Build your soil with compost and mulch to hold water and reduce evaporation Raise your lawn mower blade to at least 3 inches. Taller grass - Promotes deeper roots - Shades the root system - Holds soil moisture better than a closely cropped lawn. Best Practices: Lawn Care Reduce thatch to increase water infiltration ets/water_quality_lawn_care.pdf Best Practices: Watering The best time to water a yard is early morning- winds are calm, temperatures are cool. Frequent watering promotes shallow root growth inches /week on heavy (clayey) soils or to.75 inches twice a week on light (sandy) soils - MINUS PRECIPITATION Keep track of rainfall Rain gauge Tuna can Online. 19

20 Best Practices: Fertilizer Nutrients: nitrogen and phosphorous Nitrogen and phosphorus are two plant nutrients that are essential for plant growth and health They occur naturally in soil, but the addition of fertilizers is often necessary for production agriculture or for highquality ornamental plants in a landscape Photo: Salvatore Mangiafico, Rutgers Cooperative Extension Either may be considered pollutants in water in high quantities 2011 New Jersey Fertilizer Law, A2290 Leaching and runoff from lawn and turf areas may be significant contributors of nitrogen and phosphorus to lakes, estuaries, and other waterways New Jersey enacted legislation in 2011 to regulate the application of fertilizers to lawns and other turf areas Photo: Salvatore Mangiafico, Rutgers Cooperative Extension 20

21 2011 New Jersey Fertilizer Law, A2290 Establishes statewide fertilizer standards Pre-empts local municipal ordinances Requires professional applicators to undergo training and pass a test for certification Limits when fertilizer can be applied only March 1 st November 15 th Bans fertilizer containing phosphorus except: - soil test or during initial establishment Restricts the nitrogen used per application and the total for the year 2011 New Jersey Fertilizer Law, A2290 Restricts fertilizer content burden on manufacturers Establishes buffers 10 or 25 feet away from waterbody Prohibits fertilizer application: Just before or during a heavy rainfall Onto an impervious surface (driveway, street) Onto frozen ground Can you be fined? That depends /fertilizerlawfaq.html 21

22 Green Infrastructure An approach to wet weather management that uses soil and plants to infiltrate and treat polluted runoff. Essex County Environmental Center and Middlesex County EARTH Center Reduce Stormwater Runoff 22

23 Downspout Disconnection/ Redirection Best Practices: Rainwater Harvesting Potential uses Toilet flushing Clothes laundering Car washing Irrigation Drinking water* *Not allowed in NJ per the Safe Drinking Water Act Cistern 23

24 Best Practices: Rainwater Harvesting Gutter Leaf Eater Overflow Pipe Roof washer Cistern Hose and Pump Parts of a Rain Barrel Inflow Overflow Overflow hose Faucet 24

25 Rain Barrel Train the Trainer Program Picture Credit: Jeff Sentinel Bioinfiltration (Rain Gardens) 25

26 Shallow landscaped depression that treats stormwater runoff. Designed to merge two important goals: aesthetics and water quality Can be blended into the landscape and made to look natural. Water is directed into them by pipes, swales, or curb openings. The rain garden should be at least 10 feet from the house so infiltrating water doesn t seep into the foundation. Do not place the rain garden directly over a septic system. Do not put rain garden in places where the water already ponds. Place in full or partial sunlight. Select a flat part of the yard for easier digging. Call hotline before you dig to get mark out of utilities:

27 Tree Boxes Use Permeable Pavements 27

28 Porous Asphalt Municipal Parking Lot 1200 ft 2 parking lot, 650 ft 2 of permeable asphalt 10,000 gallons of water captured for potential infiltration in a 1.25 rainfall. Porous Asphalt Municipal Parking Lot 28

29 Reduce Nonpoint Source Pollution and Stormwater Runoff From Your Property Protect the stormdrains! Never dump litter, motor oil, animal waste, or leaves into the stormdrain Pick up after your pet and don t feed the geese. Apply fertilizer and pesticides based on the manufacturer s instructions Reduce stormwater runoff from your property Use rain barrels, install a rain garden Reduce paved surfaces on your property Consider gravel mulch, or porous pavement for walkways and driveways Rutgers Green Infrastructure Resources/ Fact Sheets: All at An Introduction to Green Infrastructure FS1197 Rain Barrels Part I: How to Build a Rain Barrel Bulletin E329 Rain Barrel Part II: Installation and Use FS118 Rain Barrel Part III: Testing and Applying Harvested Water FS1218 An Introduction To Permeable Pavement FS1177 Rooftop Rainwater Harvesting For Plant Irrigation I: Design Concepts and Water Quantity FS1162 Green Infrastructure: Converting Dry Detention Basins to Natural Ecosystems FS 1195 Green Infrastructure: Tree Boxes FS1209 Rain Gardens- NJDEP Resources: NJ i-map NJ Resources 29

30 Manalapan Brook Video square mile watershed -10 munis, 2 counties -Confluence with Matchaponix and flows into the South River 30

31 Problem and History Manalapan lake is highly turbid, has high density of aquatic plants, and is impaired for pathogens Causes problems for lake recreation and ecology Target two pollutants: Sediment Phosphorus Photo credit: Princeton Hydro Manalapan Lake in Thompson Park 31

32 Manalapan Brook Watershed Plan Implementation We have this great plan! What now? Plan Implementation (h) grant Focus on installing priority projects identified in the plan: Floating wetland island- completed Spring, 2014 Basin retrofits and naturalization- Spring, 2016 Lake shoreline stabilization 32

33 Watershed Plan Implementation Watershed Restoration Plan developed with 319 (h) funding (Clean Water Act) Grantee: Freehold Soil Conservation District Consultant: Princeton Hydro Partners: local munis, county, soil conservation district, non-profits, Rutgers Cooperative Extension Watershed Plan goal: target potential sites for implementation projects to achieve the targeted watershed-wide sediment load reductions and desired water quality goals. 33

34 Floating Wetland Islands Slide credit: Princeton Hydro 34

35 Shoreline and streambank stabilization 35

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38 Basin retrofits and naturalization 3 basin retrofits 2 in Manalapan, 1 in Monroe removing concrete low flow channels creating a forebay and stone filter berms elongating and re-designing the stormwater flow path to enhance infiltration and pollutant uptake planting of native vegetation will be required. Station 80- Michael Lane, off of Sweetsman Ln (Rte 527) Basin retrofits and naturalization 3 basin retrofits 2 in Manalapan, 1 in Monroe removing concrete low flow channels creating a forebay and stone filter berms elongating and re-designing the stormwater flow path to enhance infiltration and pollutant uptake planting of native vegetation will be required. Station 84- Thompson Grove Rd. 38

39 Impervious Cover Assessment (ICA) Reduction Action Plans (RAPs)- Under development, need input Analysis completed by watershed and by municipality Use 2007 Land Use data to determine impervious cover Calculate runoff volumes for water quality, 2, 10 and 100 year design storm and annual rainfall Contain three concept designs WE LOOK HERE FIRST: Schools Churches Libraries Municipal Building Public Works Firehouses Post Offices Elks or Moose Lodge Parks/ Recreational Fields 20 to 40 sites are evaluated Site visits are conducted Three sites are selected for concept plans for the ICA 39

40 Manalapan Township Impervious Cover Assessment Manalapan High School, 20 Church Lane PROJECT LOCATION: A B SITE PLAN: D 1 2 C 2 C 1 POROUS PAVEMENT: Porous pavement could be installed in several locations to optimize groundwater recharge, reduce flooding conditions, and reduce the amount of pollutants reaching catch basins. D 2 CURB CUTS: Curb cuts could be installed along the northern edges of the western parking lot to reduce the flow of runoff to the northern corner. This measure would reduce flooding in the parking lot. 1 B 1 A 1 EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITY: The RCE Water Resources Program s Stormwater Management in Your Schoolyard can be delivered at Manalapan High School to educate the students about stormwater management. POROUS PAVEMENT 2 CURB CUTS EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM TEACHING EVALUATIONS And Post Survey 40

41 Portion of presentation developed by: Stormwater Management in Your Backyard for Master Gardeners and Environmental Stewards Stormwater 101 developed by: Amy Boyajian Program Associate, Water Resources Program Rutgers Cooperative Extension New Jersey Sea Grant Extension Program presented by: Michele Bakacs County Environmental and Resource Management Agent (Union/Middlesex Counties) Rutgers Cooperative Extension 41