Restore Rock Creek

1. Restore Rock Creek Caryn Canfield Eileen Straughan http://www.restorerockcreek.org/

2. Organization History • Rock Creek Watershed • Water Quality Challenges • What You Can Do Agenda

3. RestoreRockCreek.org started in 2009 Organization History

4. Rock Creek Watershed

5. Rock Creek Watershed

6. 40% evapotranspiration 38% evapotranspiration 10% runoff 20% runoff 21% shallow infiltration 25% shallow infiltration 21% deep infiltration 25% deep infiltration 10 – 20% Impervious Surface Natural Ground Cover v 30% evapotranspiration 35% evapotranspiration 55% runoff 30% runoff What Happens to Rainwater? 20% shallow infiltration 10% shallow infiltration Run-off Variability with Increased Impervious Surfaces (FISRWG, 1998) 5% deep infiltration 15% deep infiltration 20 – 70% Impervious Surface 70– 100% Impervious Surface

7. Nutrients • Sediment • Bacteria “….While the main causes of degradation in the 1970s were point sources that could be targeted more directly, sources of contamination are now prevalent throughout entire watersheds and are caused in part by patterns of development, population growth, and consumer behavior….” Coming Together for Clean Water EPA’s Strategy to Protect America’s Waters, March 30, 2011 Water Quality Challenges

8. Nutrient Sources • Stormwater Runoff • Rooftops • Driveways • Roadways • Yards • Sewage • Treated and untreated • Septic systems; a 24/7 source • Pumping station overflows; an infrequent source • Soluble Nitrogen • Treatment plant with ENR (3mg/l) • Septic System with Nitrogen Removal 10mg/l • Old Septic System 20-40mg/l NITROGEN IS THE ENEMY Nutrients in Rock Creek

9. Nutrient Sources • Animal waste • Domestic • Wildlife • Air Pollution 40% of the nitrogen inputs to the Bay are from atmospheric deposition Nutrients in Rock Creek

10. Sediment Sources Erosion • Poor vegetative cover • Uncontrolled stormwater • Poorly maintained erosion sediment control devices on construction sites Sediment in Rock Creek

11. Bacteria Sources • Illegal connections • Leaking connections • Failing septic systems • Pet Waste • Wildlife • Raw sewage overflows 24/7 sources vs Weather related incidents Bacteria in Rock Creek

12. 2010 Non-Tidal Sampling • 2010 Rainbarrel Demonstration and Sale • 2011 Stream Clean Up • 2011 Oyster Program • On-going coordination with Anne Arundel County DPW • On-going Research to Prioritize Restore Rock Creek Activities

13. Join Us • Control your stormwater runoff • Check car, boat, motorcycle for leaks • Wash on lawn, not driveway • Recycle used oil • Use fertilizer/pesticides sparingly and according to directions AND soil test results • Plant deep rooted plants • Go native! • Sweep instead of hose • Vegetate bare spots • Replace waterfron lawn with native grasses • Eliminate impervious surfaces • Keep stormwater out of the roadways and stormwater systems – Spread the water out and slow it down! What YOU can do to help

14. Don’t overwater lawn, use drip irrigation • Use nontoxic, biodegradable, recycled and recyclable products • Clean paint brushes in sink, dispose of unwanted paint safely • Disconnect downspouts • Install a rainbarrel • Install a rain garden • PICK UP AFTER PETS • Convert lawn to low maintenance landscaping • Plant a tree! What YOU can do to help

15. Drain spas/pools to sewer where possible • Make sure no chlorine in discharge – Use Oxyclean • Inspect and maintain septic system regularly What YOU can do to help…