Water and Our Changing Landscape
Perspectives from the Wild and Scenic White Clay Watershed
April 14, 2005
Clayton Hall, University of Delaware
Conference Lunch Table Theme Discussion Summaries
The following summaries are not intended to be detailed notes of the discussions at each table, but merely to provide some record of what was discussed and of concern to conference participants. The statements do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the facilitators or the White Clay Watershed Management Committee. The title recorder designates the person(s) providing notes which were subsequently summarized by the River Administrator; the notation transcribed by is used when the notetaker summarized their own notes.
AGRICULTURAL ISSUES
Facilitator: Dan Grieg Recorders: Laura Boyer & Brandon Lafferty
Discussion focus initially was on spent mushroom compost and issues involving inter-state transfer. The quality of the compost (level of pre-processing) varies among the states. Chester County mushroom farms use chicken manure from Sussex County.
Pennsylvania’s conservation funding was described.
Delaware has an agri-cycle plant that creates pelletized fertilizer. This is mainly sent out west. Recycling manure has some marketing challenges.
Nutrient management regulations require testing for fertilizer application. Concern is mainly centered on phosphorus. Advantages of till v. no-till were discussed and it was pointed out that a chisel plow helps water infiltration.
The Ag community is involved in the Chesapeake Bay – Blue Ribbon Commission.
There is a need for more information regarding the Red and White Clay Creeks for mushroom operations in northern New Castle County.
Honey Brook Golf Course used to be a Dairy Farm.
Four noxious weeds in Delaware are Canadian thistle, Johnson grass, Burnt cucumber, and Japanese hops.
Discussion of stream restoration projects on agriculture lands focused on current research, value of riparian buffers, Trout Unlimited involvement, runoff problems and funding opportunities.
EDUCATION TABLE DISCUSSION SESSION
Facilitator: Kristen Travers Transcribed by Rick Mickowski
Cindy Kranz reviewed the current status of the farm project. She stated that the State Parks is paying $20,000 for an engineer to assess the structural integrity of the barn. They need this information for liability purposes. They can then sign off on the barn and pasture that they are safe and ready to use. They are looking for partners for farm education part of the program. Attendees suggested contacting the FFA, the Farm Bureau, and the Department of Agriculture.
Discussion then turned to ideas and suggestions for the education committee to consider. All felt that changing the mindset about the watershed was very important. It is very hard to get teachers to commit to more training and participation when their plates are full. We need to continue to teach the kids and focus on changing long-term habits. We need to look at incentives for urban conservation practices much like with agricultural practices. What can we offer to entice the homeowner to try something new? How can we reach developers and have them change what they do? It was discussed how we need to get the economic factors and figures in front of people to see how much it costs to provide clean water or to buy bottled water in comparison to what we spend on gasoline or other items.
The education committee is working on a watershed welcome packet that can be distributed through realtors and homeowner associations. It was suggested that we focus on outreach to the civic and maintenance associations for communities in the watershed and particularly the landowners adjacent to the White Clay Creek or its tributaries.
FLOODING
Facilitator: John Talley Recorder: unknown
Various sizes of floods were discussed and it was concluded that it is not economically feasible to design storm water measures for a worse case scenario. The planning guidelines and regulations that are currently in effect in New Castle County appear to be working. They include restrictions related to 100-yr events and provide a buffer zone beyond the 100-year flood plain. The need for more up-to-date floodplain mapping was discussed as the 100-year discharges have changed over the past several years. It is entirely possible that the size of 100-year floodplains may become smaller.
Conversation shifted to the Governor's Surface Water Management Task Force. Its recently completed work recommended that the stormwater utilities should be formed at the county or local level as a funding vehicle for the purpose of providing a simplified and comprehensive approach to drainage and flooding problems throughout each county.
A discussion of the role of dredging and dam removal noted several problems. Dredging may cause downstream impacts, often results in Not-In-My-Backyard adversaries, may cause bank erosion problems, and risks releasing stored contaminants like zinc, DDT, and DDE. Dam removal may release historic sediments with some of the same problems as noted above.
Hurricane Henri was classified as a 500-year precipitation event in portions of the Piedmont of northern Delaware as well as a 500-year streamflow event on Red Clay Creek. Henri was classified as somewhat greater than a 100-year event on White Clay Creek. Overall there was limited impact to private property other than those properties which were designated for government buyouts.
Stream restoration then became the center of discussion. Rip rap along banks provides a temporary erosion control measure at best and does not allow for natural stream channel changes. Planting vegetation secures the banks over time and eliminates future maintenance costs that are incurred with rip rap. Plastic/petroleum based materials are impervious and don’t biodegrade, so they should be avoided.
GARDENING FOR HEALTHY WATERSHEDS #1
Facilitator: Harriet Wentz Transcribed by Heather Rose
Among those at the table were gardeners, enviro consultants, state park trail construction staff, and concerned residents. The topics discussed ranged from prolific raspberry bushes to stormwater basins...
Third generation raspberries can produce a bountiful harvest.
A subdivision meadow was discussed in which three neighboring residences joined together and created a meadow with a portion of each of their back properties. They created the native wildflower meadow via plowing and overseeding with regional native plants in late November.
Stormwater basins in our various townships were discussed and there was interest in seeing more planted with vegetation. London Grove's ordinances pertaining to basins, Riparian Forested Buffers restoration, etcs were described. They require builders to vegetate their basins.
One person mentioned having natural landscaping demonstations for the public.
A gentleman mentioned the Brandywine Creek State Park's managed wildflower meadow and invited people to come out and see it.
The Delaware State trails staff person described his trail work. Their trails are designed to allow stormwater to flow off and away from their trails, not down them, and that they fit the landscape. Sustainability is key. Rainwater barrels were also mentioned.
GARDENING FOR HEALTHY WATERSHEDS #2
Facilitator: John Harrod Recorder: Jen Gilbert
Discussion shifted quickly and included the following varied topics.
Deer browsing in gardens is a problem for many gardeners. Spicebush was suggested as a plant not preferred by deer. It likes wet shaded areas however, so it may be difficult to cultivate in lawn areas.
It is important to assess health of trees and prune where needed rather than just cutting down large trees.
Creating wetlands, bog gardens, or rain gardens are great treatments for wet problem areas. Plants like pitcher plants and venus fly trap are interesting bog plants. Education is needed to relieve people’s fears about mosquitoes. Calling these projects ‘rain gardens’ is preferable to ‘wetlands’ to avoid negative images and responses. A large rain garden demonstration project is being created on campus by a University of Delaware Longwood graduate student who is working with Jerry Kauffman, Water Resources Agency. Attendees wanted to know where it was located and where to learn more. [Elaine Grehl is the graduate student and it is located in front of the Agency’s building on Academy St. Look for more information about this project in the future on Water Resources Agency website.]
You can find listings of wet area plants on the Delaware Nature Society website and in the Planting Guide available from White Clay Wild and Scenic Program.) A sump pump outlet is a good source of water for creating a wet garden.
Ticks do not jump, only crawl, so keep clearly defined paths where plants do not brush against cloths in wooded areas. [Also see http://www.wwhd.org/TLD_CD/ticks.htm & http://ag.udel.edu/extension/information/hyg/hyg-13.htm]
Roof gardens are another environmentally healthy way to reduce stormwater runoff.
Sources for native plants include: Delaware Nature Society’s, UD Botanical Garden’s, Brandaywine Conservancy’s, and Stroud Water Research Center’s Native Plant Sales, Gateway Garden Center in Hockessin, J Franklin Styer Nursery in Concordville, Wayside mail order.
Rick Darke’s The American Woodland Garden is a great resource for types of native plants that could be used in a garden setting and ideas for planning a natural landscape. Another resource is the Delaware Nature Society’s Backyard Habitat Program .[additional resources for ideas: Mt. Cuba Center, www.mtcubacenter.org , www.enature.com, and the Planting Guideline noted above]
Finally, a key concept to keep in mind when planning a natural landscape: START SMALL and increase the natural area slowly to increase your chance of success and decrease potential negative responses from neighbors.
LONDON TRACT HISTORIC DISTRICT PROJECT
Facilitator: Martin Wells Transcribed by David Hawk
There were six people at the lunch table to discuss the London Tract Historic District project.
The first draft of the National Historic Register nomination had just been submitted to the Pennsylvania Historic and Museum Commission (PHMC) the previous day by Wise Preservation, the consultants hired to do this project. Seth Hinshaw, of Wise Preservation, was present to discuss what has been done. He had a copy of the nomination paperwork and this was passed around the table for examination. He also had a pile of the photographs submitted as part of the documentation and these were also passed around. Seth pointed out that it would be unusual for a first draft to be accepted as-is by PHMC, and that due to being understaffed, it might be several months before they might even get around to looking at it. The attendees were pleased with the submission and were impressed with its thoroughness.
There was also some discussion of the next project for the Historical Committee being the study of Landenberg as another potential National Historic District. The first phase of such a project would be preparing the paperwork for an Eligibility Determination.
MUNICIPAL ORDINANCES
Facilitator: Judy Shuler Recorder: Sally Cheyne
The group discussed ways to overcome resistance to implementing new ordinances and how to get people to come out to meetings.
RECREATION
Facilitator : Ed O’Donnell
Discussions centered around fishing in the White Clay Creek with conversations on insect life in the streams, children’s fishing programs, fishing programs in other state parks, the number of people who fish in WCC, and the parking problems.
STREAM/RIPARIAN RESTORATION
Facilitators: James Chaconas, Jessie Benjamin, Ad hoc
Recorders: Pete Saenger, Thomas Zawislak
Three tables formed around this topic. The following notes are a compilation of discussion from each.
Stream restoration projects do not necessarily improve water quality. For example, riparian buffers alone are not a guarantee of better water quality although they may eventually provide improvement. Restoration projects are sometimes opportunity driven and sometimes science driven. Individual landowners are not always aware of water quality issues, so citizen education of water quality issues is key.
Hydrographs plot stream flow over time and provide a quick picture of the frequency of flooding.
Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDLs) are being developed and implemented in the greater Christina Basin to improve water quality. There was discussion regarding whether they have enough “teeth” to make a difference. Being able to monitor water quality with a defined value so improvement can be measured is critical to evaluating effectiveness.
Stream restoration techniques include: instream improvements such as rock vanes (used in meanders to take eroding force off the bank) and stream bank improvements like rock toes and log toes. Aesthetics are key to encouraging citizen to want to adopt. Pike Creek restoration project is a great example. Hardwood trees are being used along the banks and wetlands are being restored and protected. The golf course management has agreed to maintain wetlands. The project will also help protect Pike Creek Road, so that has sparked general citizen interest.
Restoration management to controlling invasive species is also critical to long-term project success. Mowing can contribute to invasive species spread. The management plan needs to be considered in the design phase. Invasive vines are a particular problem along with multiflora rose. Transition periods before new growth is established is an especially vulnerable time. Use of biodegradable erosion control fabric like coconut mats available with seeds, is helpful. Avoid netted mats which are a hazard to amphibians and reptiles. Habitats are also an important consideration in the design. For example bog turtle habitat was a consideration in the Pike Creek project. Getting the necessary permits sometimes is time consuming and difficult.
Beavers sometimes are of concern, but only when they are causing serious damage. They can be captured and relocated. It is not as much of a problem in White Clay because it is a wider stream but more of an issue in a narrower, deeper stream like the Christina.
Many agencies are involved in restoration projects and are sources of assistance and funding.
The past few years of these mega-storms have caused considerable damage. Discussion centered on the practicality of planning for such events.
The MBNA/Newark sewer line is experiencing erosion problems along the mainstem above Newark. Emergency work by the City of Newark left some problem areas that need addressing. Possible techniques to alleviate the problem might include rock vanes.
The University of Delaware College of Agriculture is planning a wetland and riparian restoration project on Cool Run, a tributary on Ag lands. There currently are no funds available for monitoring which would be an important component to measure effectiveness.
WATER QUALITY
Facilitator: Dr. Bernard Sweeney Transcribed by Martha Corrozi
This table had seven conference attendees; organizations in both Pennsylvania and Delaware were represented at the table. Dr. Bernard Sweeney from the Stroud Water Research Center led the discussion. The discussion was an unstructured conversation on several topics related to water quality.
Dr. Sweeney asked the representatives from Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT) whether DelDOT has been proactive in managing stormwater and decreasing the degradation to the water quality in local streams throughout Delaware. The representatives discussed the stormwater management demonstration projects that are being tested and monitored at the I-95 Service Plaza in Newark, Delaware. DelDOT is testing a variety of stormwater practices in this location because there are a variety of contaminants and runoff impacts on this site due to the high volume of traffic in this Service Plaza. Leatherman stream runs through this area and monitoring is occurring in the stream in order to test the effectiveness of the stormwater BMPs. The findings from this work will be presented at the annual Stormwater Conference.
Discussion turned to the importance of pristine watersheds and the ability to use these watersheds as a benchmark for other watersheds throughout the world. Dr. Sweeney discussed his research trips in the Patagonia watershed and the importance of the Patagonia watershed as a benchmark watershed. This watershed is in one of the cleanest airsheds and contains a vast diversity of macroinvertebrates, which serve as indicators of the excellent health of this watershed and airshed.
Dr. Sweeney discussed the importance of dissolved organic matter in streams. Research has found that dissolved organic matter represents over 50% of the food available in the stream. The organic matter originates in the watershed and makes its way to the stream, whether it is through leaf litter, runoff or a variety of other transport routes. Dr. Sweeney explained the effect that certain types of landuse have on the amount of organic matter found in the stream and the negative impacts of denuding a watershed.
This led into a discussion about the soils in the White Clay Creek. Research has shown that the top ½ meter of soil is good quality. The quality top soil in the White Clay Creek was washed off in the 1800s. The group discussed the difficulty in getting plants to grow in the White Clay Creek watershed since the productive soils have been stripped. One participant noted that their yard is mostly clay.
The conversation turned to a discussion regarding the importance of trees and tree canopy in a watershed. The group discussed the negative impacts that the deer have on trees throughout the watershed. Dr. Sweeney mentioned a research experiment that is testing the effectiveness of using protective sheds to protect young trees from deer grazing. The research has found that 99% of the trees that were not protected by the sheds failed to thrive. Ninety percent of the trees that were protected by sheds survived. This research demonstrates that deer grazing has a significant negative effect on reforestation. The tree canopy is essential for certain species in the stream. Dr. Sweeney noted that some species in the stream are adapted to conditions that are a result of canopy (i.e. light, shade, temperature). Some aquatic insects can not complete their life cycle without a certain tree on the bank. Grasses along a stream bank are often a result of deforestation. These grasses grow roots into the water and narrow the stream channel. Unlike grasses, 99% of deciduous trees will not grow into the streams and narrow the channel. The grasses that have rooted into the stream channel narrow the channel while the same volume of water must be conveyed though the channel, increasing the stream velocity two to three times. Deforestation has many negative impacts on the ecology of the stream.
WATER SUPPLY/AQUIFER CAPACITY
Facilitator: Gerald Kauffman Recorder: Tom Gardner
Conversations at this table included subjects such water supply issues in the proposed Newark Country Club land swap with Maryland, relation between ground water and stream flows, regulations on aquifer draw down, and the effect of new development water use on existing wells.
WATER QUALITY/WATER SUPPLY CAPACITY
Facilitator and Recorder: Jake Michael
Delaware, as the downstream entity, receives the effluent from Chester and Cecil Counties.
Most wells in Piedmont are connected to stream flow, so Maryland wells will effect Delaware streams.
In Maryland high pumping wells are lowering water table 700 feet and lowering levels of adjacent wells; basements that normally flooded went dry.
Water supply capacity measurements can be affected by drill test proximity to a stream.
In Maryland stormwater management is done on county basis.
Pros and cons of Maryland county cluster ordinances were discussed.
Water quality is highly related to water quantity.
Newark built a $2 million plant to treat ground water problems.
Maryland rules to determine water quality and capacity prohibit drawing down 80% of the aquifer or impacting stream flow. The 72 hour test is often used but some view checking a stream guage in base flow (no rain within 3 days) as a preferred alternative.
On the coastal plain, deep wells are from colder “fossil” water.