Andy Rogowski
ODA-Livestock Environmental Permitting Program
Hydromodification, which typically includes removal of trees, straightening, and deepening of streams, is the leading cause of water quality impairment in both Ohio and the U.S. Powderlick Run is roughly a 4 square mile watershed located in north western Union County, Ohio. Some sections of this stream have been modified including a 3,600 foot reach on Daylay Egg Farm property just south of York Center. The stream drains to Bokes Creek then to the Scioto River which is the source of drinking water for Columbus. Powderlick did not meet Ohio’s water quality standards for chemical water quality or bio criteria (fish and macro invertebrates). Stream restoration typically focuses on three primary methods of improving nutrient processing: travel time, denitrification potential of the substrate, and the addition of carbon to the system. Travel time was increased in this project by building a meandering stream with riffles and pools. The meanders were created within a 50-60 foot belt width and utilized existing filter strips to create a flood plain. The constructed riffles were built to help oxygenate and denitrify the water column. Carbon was not added to the system but will begin to naturally accumulate as the riparian area which is comprised of trees, shrubs, and grasses begins to deposit organic matter. As a result of the restoration project, fish and macro invertebrate populations have increased. A significant improvement has also been made in the nitrogen assimilation capacity of the stream from 0.29 mg/l/hr over 12 miles to 11.9 mg/l/hr over ˝ mile. Chemical and sediment loading has also been reduced: nitrogen by 1,530 lbs/yr, phosphorus by 766 lbs/yr and sediment by 760 tons/yr. Continued water quality improvements are expected from growth of trees and shrubs planted along the stream which will provide shade for cooling and carbon to tie up nutrients.
While a floodplain of 6-10 times the channel width is usually recommended for stream restoration, results of the Powder Lick Run, in which the floodplain is 5-6 times the channel width, indicate that significant improvements can be achieved by slowing water movement, increasing substrate for aquatic habitat, and developing a vegetated floodplain. Oxbow River and Stream Restoration’s President, Steve Phillips, said it would be hard to add too much carbon to the system during construction and research is underway to quantify how much is needed to help jump start various projects. Additional benefits of stream restoration include the elimination of maintenance for dredging and clearing and decreased flooding. For this project, 60 percent of the funding was provided by an Ohio EPA 319 Water Quality Implementation Grant. The remaining 40 percent of the project cost was provided by the following project partners: Daylay Egg Farm, Oxbow River & Stream Restoration, Inc., City of Columbus, Scioto River Valley Federation, and the Union Soil and Water Conservation District.
Discussion:
Harold Keener (OSU) asked how a farmer who would have to pay the costs of stream restoration, including taking acres out of production, might view a restoration project. Rogowski noted that the farm operators at Daylay Egg Farm, which has 3 non-discharging CAFOs in the watershed, were not initially supportive of the project, but as education at the site has increased awareness of the benefits, there is increasing acceptance among the local residents. The Daylay farm operators do not have a problem with the project because their drainage has been improved. It should also be noted that the stream restoration project was completed within the original footprint of the ditch and filter strips. The ODA also recognizes the problems resulting from hydromodification and the benefits of restoration. It is also important to know that while the goal of TMDLs (total maximum daily loads) is to decrease phosphorus, nitrogen and sediment loads, the reality is that the “fish and bug” population carries much more weight in determining the health of the stream. These populations will increase as loading decreases even if chemical water quality standards have not been achieved.
Keener questioned the expected adoption by smaller operations for which the costs may be prohibitive. Rogowski suggested that larger farms are the starting point as they can better bear the financial burden and are under regulatory and neighbor pressure. However, smaller farms can make improvements but will need help with funding, including community support. Note: 319 funds require a match from the community.
Brian Gwin (Wayne Economic Development Council) asked if the water quality improvement from the Powder Lick Run restoration provided any benefits to the City of Columbus. Yes, the Scioto River is used for drinking water and the City purchased an easement on the project to protect it for future generations. This is also similar to what New York City has done by providing money for upstream BMP’s instead of spending it on equipment to treat the water. They have found that upstream BMP’s are more cost effective.
Gwin questioned whether various components of restoration could be implemented with some expected improvement. This approach could be more cost effective. Rogowski noted that the cost of restoration for a smaller headwater watershed is approximately $70/linear foot. Oxbow River and Stream Restoration, Inc. has developed a chart of restoration options, with characteristics, objectives, risks, stability, sustainability and costs for each, is available at http://www.oardc.ohio-state.edu/ocamm/ditch_to_stream_ref.jpg.*
*Note: If it is too small to read, go to the menu bar and select “view” then “text size” then “large.” An icon should appear on the screen. Click on it to enlarge the chart.
Notes by Mary Wicks
The OCAMM (Ohio Composting and Manure Management) Program is funded by OARDC/OSU.
