Envirothon 2012 Current Issue

1. Envirothon 2012 Current Issue Low Impact Development And Nonpoint Source Pollution

2. Some background…

3. Chautauqua Watershed Conservancy…who are we? • A county-wide organization dedicated to preserving and enhancing the water quality, scenic beauty and ecological health of the lakes, streams and watersheds of the Chautauqua region. Chadkoin River Chautauqua Lake Outlet Preserve

4. I. Low Impact Development - LID A. Definition 1: LID is a set of site design approaches and stormwater management practices designed to reduce development impacts to land, water and air. Definition 2: LID is an approach to land development that uses various land planning and design practices and technologies that conserve and protect natural resources and reduce infrastructure costs. For this Envirothon topic, we will concentrate on development’s impacts to water, both surface lakes and streams and underground water. Assume understanding of the water cycle and the functioning of a watershed

5. Condensation The Water Cycle Courtesy of Sandusky River Watershed Coalition

6. Goals of LID • Preserve open space and minimize land disturbance • Protect natural systems and processes such as drainage ways, vegetation, soils and wetlands, including the water cycle • Reexamine the use and sizing of traditional infrastructure such as parking lots, streets, curbs, gutters and sidewalks; customize the site design • Incorporate natural site elements (wetlands, stream corridors, mature forests) as design elements • Decentralize and micromanage stormwater at its source

7. One example This… …NOT this.

8. B. Best Management Practices BMPs 1) Types a. Structural 1. Constructed devices that detain, retain, filter or infiltrate runoff. 2. Examples: bioretention basins, rain gardens, tree box filters, porous pavements and green roofs b. Non-structural 1. Strategies and methods of planning and site design to minimize the impacts of stormwater runoff. 2. Concepts are integrated into land use regulations and zoning ordinances.

9. 3. Examples of Non-structural LID BMPs: • maximum impervious cover limits • waterbody setback requirements • smaller lot sizes • preserving existing pervious space to reduce runoff • preserving critical areas such as wetlands, riparian buffers and floodplains. Were non-structural LID BMPs used here?

10. Courtesy of K & B and The City Example of a Cluster Design

11. Courtesy of K & B and The City What structural BMPs might you add to improve this development?

12. Porous pavers Permeable pavement Green roof…really it is!! Courtesy of ZinCo USA Inc.

13. 2) Pros of LID BMP use • Lowers costs • Higher property values • Preserving land for open space • Protects wildlife habitats • Reduction in runoff volumes • Reduction in nutrients • Reduces streambank erosion • Maintains a groundwater supply • Preserves water qualityby filtering stormwater • Improved aesthetics • Increased recreational opportunities due to proximity to open space

14. Cons of LID BMP Use • Costs more to retrofit than to install (some say not true) • Depends on soil, permeability, slope and water table • Better planning can be made easier with town or municipal ordinances which can be difficult to adopt • May need a mindset change…not always easy.

15. Benefits for everyone From LID News Fall 2006 SW MI Planning

16. C. Impacts on storm water 1. Decentralize and micromanage storm water at its source Slows it down, spreads it out, soaks it in. Cuts off the flow of water where it begins. How: by using LID practices, techniques, strategies Reduce impermeable surfaces, disconnect downspouts

17. 2. Reduced storm water runoff volume More water is returned to the ground on site. by: reducing impermeable surfaces, using permeable pavers, green roofs, bioretention areas, grass swales 3. Delayed storm water runoff volume During large rain events, spreading out the water slows it down allowing it to better soak in. by: bioretention areas, rain gardens, grassed swales

18. Fletcher Music Hall Chautauqua Institution Grassy swale Permeable pavement

19. Fletcher Music Hall Chautauqua Institution Bioretention area Courtesy of building architect, Michael Conroe, and landscape architect, Dean Gowan Photos by James Cavanaugh

20. 4. Enhanced groundwater recharge Spreading it out and slowing it down, allows it to better soak in. Increased the potential fresh drinking water supply! 5. Storm water pollution reductions Ground filtration removes metals and nutrients from storm water. Pollutants are often more concentrated in the first flush, the first ½ inch of rainfall. Critical to allow the water to slowly soak into the ground. by: bioretention areas, grassy swales, rain gardens, natural, well-vegetated open space, trees!! One 12” diameter maple holds 100 gallons of water and 3 lb of P; Double to 24” it holds 580 gallons and 19 lb.

21. 6. Reduced sewer overflow events Storm water is not supposed to be in the sewer system. Large rain events can infiltrate damaged sewer pipes, causing sewer water to emerge. Special note to steep slopes: Leave them untouched. Storm water runoff can cause significant erosion with sediments being added to the runoff.

22. D. Hydrologic impacts • LID practices connect people to ecological systems. LID helps people not screw up the water cycle! BF Environmental Consultants

23. Development changed the use of the land which Increased runoff Decreased evapo Decreased infiltration Sarasota Bay Estuary Program

24. The effectiveness of a practice is evaluated by four criteria: • Runoff curve number (CN): runoff potential of a site • Time of concentration: time to the watershed outlet • Retention: ability to hold water • Detention: ability to hold water for shorter time

25. USEPA LID Literature Review

26. GOALS of LID: Restore natural process Reduce runoff Increase retention time Increase infiltration

27. E. Water Quality impacts • Intended to remove pollutants from runoff • Pollutants include grease and oil, nutrients (phosphorus and nitrogen), sediments and heavy metals • First flush of runoff (caused by first ½ inch of rain), contains the highest pollutant loadings • LID practices often control the first 2 inches of rainfall, thus treating much of the annual runoff • Bioretention areas remove 64-98% of lead, copper & zinc and 0-92% of phosphorus and nitrogen

28. USEPA LID Literature Review

29. II. Nonpoint Source Pollution A. Definition: Water pollution from diffuse sources caused by rainfall or snowmelt moving over and through the ground picking up natural and man-made pollutants. Adopted from USEPA

30. B. Impacts on natural resources 1) Surface water • a. Flooding and property damage • b. Streambank and streambed erosion • c. Siltation and sedimentation • d. Increased water temperature • e. Harm to aquatic life • f. Harm to coastal shellfish • g. Harm to sport fishing • h. Human illnesses • i. Threats to drinking water supplies • j. Aesthetic lossses 2) Ground water

31. C. Sources or Causes of NPS 1. Increased volume and velocity of water: The Impervious Cover Factor (Urban sprawl) a. Types of impervious cover b. Impervious thresholds c. Increased volume of runoff d. Storm events e. Decreased natural purification functions

32. 2. Increased discharge of pollutants a. Main categories 1) Metals 2) Organic chemicals-pesticides, oil, grease 3) Pathogens-bacteria 4) Nutrients-nitrogen, phosphorus 5) Biochemical oxygen demand-grass, leaves, animal & human waste 6) Sediment 7) Salts 8) Pharmaceuticals 9) Litter b. Sources a. Vehicles b. Roads and parking lots c. Landscaping and ground maintenance d. Construction sites e. Septic systems f. Illicit connections to storm sewers g. Uncovered materials stored outside h. Street, sidewalk and airport deicing i. Landfills j. Domestic and wild animals (agriculture) k. Pesticide/ herbicide use l. Pharmaceutical use m.

33. D. Laws • The 1987 amendments to the Clean Water Act (CWA) established the Section 319 Nonpoint Source Management Program. Section 319 addresses the need for greater federal leadership to help focus state and local nonpoint source efforts. Under Section 319, states, territories and tribes receive grant money that supports a wide variety of activities including technical assistance, financial assistance, education, training, technology transfer, demonstration projects and monitoring to assess the success of specific nonpoint source implementation projects. US EPA

34. The Clean Water Act (CWA)is the cornerstone of surface water quality protection in the United States. (The Act does not deal directly with groundwater nor with water quantity issues.) The statute employs a variety of regulatory and non-regulatory tools to reduce direct pollutant discharges into waterways, finance municipal wastewater treatment facilities, and manage polluted runoff. These tools are employed to achieve the broader goal of restoring and maintaining the chemical, physical, and biological integrity of the nation's waters so that they can support "the protection and propagation of fish, shellfish, and wildlife and recreation in and on the water." • The Coastal Zone Act Reauthorization Amendments Section 6217 addresses nonpoint pollution problems in coastal waters. Section 6217 requires states and territories with approved Coastal Zone Management Programs to develop Coastal Nonpoint Pollution Control Programs. Done jointly with NOAA, as of 2010, 34 states and territories participate in this program.  • The Endangered Species Act (ESA) provides a program for the conservation of threatened and endangered plants and animals and the habitats in which they are found. The lead federal agencies for implementing ESA are the US Fish and Wildlife and NOAA.  • The Marine Protection, Research and Sanctuaries Act (MPRSA - also known as the Ocean Dumping Act) prohibits the dumping of material into the ocean that would unreasonably degrade or endanger human health or the marine environment. Virtually all material ocean dumped today is dredged material (sediments) removed from the bottom of waterbodies in order to maintain navigation channels and berthing areas. Other materials that are currently ocean disposed include fish wastes, human remains, and vessels. • The Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) is the main federal law that ensures the quality of Americans' drinking water. Under SDWA, EPA sets standards for drinking water quality and oversees the states, localities, and water suppliers who implement those standards.  USEPA

35. E. Permitting 1. Federal law (CWA) is implemented by NYSDEC. 2. Three State Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (SPDES) general permits required for activities associated stormwater discharges. a. The Multi-sector General Permit for Stormwater Discharges Associated with Industrial Activities (MSGP) addresses stormwater runoff from certain industrial activities. b. A federal regulation, commonly known as Stormwater Phase II, requires permits for stormwater discharges from Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Systems (MS4s) in urbanized areas. c. Construction activities disturbing one or more acres of soil must be authorized under the General Permit for Stormwater Discharge from Construction Activities. Permittees are required to develop a SWPPP to prevent discharges of construction-related pollutants to surface waters.

36. Total maximum daily loads (TMDL) • CWA section 303(d)(1)(C) requires states to identify waterbodies that do not meet water quality standards after application of the technology-based standards for point source pollution. States must then establish a TMDL for those water bodies to bring them into compliance with water quality standards. The standards are submitted to the EPA for approval. As TMDLs are looking at the total amount of loading, this by definition includes nonpoint sources, so if nonpoint sources are impairing a body of water, the TMDL would have to address a way to reduce those nonpoint sources. • Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations • Depending on the number of animals at a particular site, Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFOs) may generate significant amounts of manure. One method to remove the manure is to apply it to land for fertilization. However, in an effort to dispose of manure at a reduced costs, some CAFOs have applied excess amounts of manure to land areas. The excess amounts of manure may then be washed away by rain into surface waters. The CWA specifically exempts agricultural storm water runoff from being considered a point source, but, the EPA may treat land applications of excessive amounts of manure as a point source. So while in general agricultural storm water runoff from CAFOs is a nonpoint source, CAFOs may end up requiring a National Pollution Discharge Elimination System permit under the CWA. USEPA

37. III. Community Development A. Impacts on the watershed 1) Impervious surface -1 inch of rain on 1 acre of meadow produces 218 cubic feet (1630 gal) of runoff; 1 inch of rain on 1 acre of paved parking lot produces 3,450 cubic feet (25, 807 gal) of runoff -10% developed land caused a nearby river to discharge at 4 cubic feet per second; 70-80% developed land causes discharge at 700-800 cubic feet per second 2) Storm water hydrology -increased volumes and velocity of water -less infiltration thus poorer quality

38. Sarasota Bay Estuary Program

39. B. Community Practices 1) Big Box stores -More than 50,000 square feet, typically 90,00 to 200,00 sq ft -Profits from large sales, not price mark ups -Standardized designs from corporate standards -Often have large, flat roofs -Large, impervious parking lots to accommodate cars Stand Alone centers -more flexible arrangement of buildings and parking Power Centers -grouping of several stores Infill development -sometimes in high rises, built between buildings with a parking garage Refrofit -built on an existing site

40. a. Advantages of LID designs 1. Reduce visual impact of large storm water management facilities 2. Have additional development area without end-of-pipe pond; possibly nicer public space 3. Utilize the landscape for storm water 4. Reduce development costs 5. Reduced runoff volume and rate which will reduce storm water utility fees 6. Can usually meet water quality requirements by keeping hydrologic function 7. Curb appeal, public education and green is in.

41. b. Concerns about LID designs 1. Adherence to building and zoning codes 2. Construction regulations 3. Communities may have specific runoff volumes and rates not based on LID 4. Suitability of LID practices for the conditions: slope, soil type, groundwater table, available open space, location of existing utilities, annual rainfall 5. Community buy in

42. 2) Around your home Permeable pavers Curb retention Bioretention area Rain barrels Rain garden Gutter extensions

43. And if your home is on a waterbody…BUFFER STRIPS Vegetated areas at the water’s edge planted ONLY with NATIVE species

44. C. Regulations on development 1. Buildings and structures: In New York State, all development is regulated by the New York State Fire Prevention and Building Code. These regulations are enforced by local towns and villages who administer building permits. Local towns and villages adopt their own building and zoning codes that can exceed the state regulations. Elephant House Buffalo Zoo Chautauqua Institution Photos by J. Cavanaugh

45. 2. Special protections involving water a. Classifications of water bodies AA through D: drinking water source to non-contact b. NYS Freshwater Wetlands Permit Required for any physical disturbance, within the boundary or within the 100 foot adjacent area, of a state protected freshwater wetland. c. NYS Protection of Waters Permit Required for: - the disturbance of the bed or banks of a protected stream, which includes water bodies in the course of a stream of 10 acres or more, with a water classification and standard of C(T) or higher (A and B classifications). - for the excavation or placing of fill in navigable waters of the state, below the mean high water level, including adjacent and contiguous marshes and wetlands, with a water classification and standard of C or D (or higher).

46. Permit needed? Which type? LID? Who is responsible? What regulations apply here? What permits may be needed?

47. Review of LID Practices Structural BMPsNon-Structural BMPs Green roof Cluster design Tree box filter Impervious cover limits Bioretention area Water setback regs Buffer strips, grassy swales Smaller lot size Rain gardens Preserve natural space, trees! Permeable pavements Site design to reduce runoff Rain barrels, cisterns Site design to manage Gutter disconnects stormwater Native plants Site design to preserve land, water and air

48. Can you identify these? 1 2 3 4 5 6

49. Whew!!! • conroejane68@gmail.com • Questions