Existing Programs and Resources for Community Involvement and Education

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1 Existing Programs and Resources for Community Involvement and Education Kimberly Counts; Water Resources Extension Agent Clemson University Carolina Clear Program Ashley Cooper Stormwater Education Consortium K. Counts

2 Common Pond Problems and Their Causes Existing Resources for Non-Structural BMP s Existing Resources for Structural BMP s

3 Special Thanks to: Rain Garden and Rainwater Harvesting Slides adapted from: Dr. Dan Hitchcock Baruch Institute of Coastal Ecology and Forest Science Creator of new stormwater pond management website! Ben Powell Natural Resources Extension Agent, Clemson Extension

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5 Common Problems and Their Causes M. Morganello

6 Muddy Ponds Potential Causes: Unstable pond banks scoured by wave energy Exposed soils in the community and along pond edges Biological factors such as fish, turtles, and waterfowl Potential Solutions: Stabilize banks with vegetation Establish grass and vegetation in yards to prevent erosion If remains muddy, filtration system or additive may be needed

7 Surface Films and Sheens Potential Causes: Pollen and atmospheric dust Blue-green algae Hydrocarbons and oils Insoluble compounds in the soil K. Counts Potential Solutions Biological Sources (pollen or algae) typically biodegrades in a few weeks time Identify and eliminate source of oil Eliminate source of muddy water by stabilizing banks K. Counts

8 Foam Potential Causes: Illicit discharges of soap and detergents Naturally, typically associated with algal blooms Potential Solutions Identify and reduce source of soap and detergents

9 Shoreline Erosion Potential Causes: Pond banks with grass mowed to the edge Fountains Nuisance wildlife K. Counts Potential Solutions Stabilize shoreline with emergent wetland plants or artificial material Move fountains to center of pond or consider replacing fountain with other type of circulation system Stop feeding ducks and geese Note: Establishing wetland plants is the preferred method for stabilizing pond banks, due to the many benefits beyond erosion prevention

10 Polluted water Potential Causes: Fertilizing lawns Pet waste Washing cars Automotive maintenance Pesticides Feeding wildlife Potential Solutions: Sources of pollution are best minimized by educating the community about the effects of stormwater pollution D. Joyner

11 All Storm Drains Lead to SC Waterways

12 K. Counts K. Counts K. Counts

13 What Every Resident Should Know About Stormwater Ponds Stormwater Ponds provide critical services: SW Ponds prevent flooding by suppressing surges of stormwater runoff from houses, driveways, cars, etc M. Morganello SW Ponds protect water quality by holding water long enough to allow gravity and other processes to remove sediment and pollutants from the water before it is discharged to nearby waterways or beaches.

14 Making the Connection M. Morganello K. Counts K. Counts K. Counts

15 Existing Programs and Resources

16 Non-Structural Best Management Practices Combatting Common Threats to Water Quality K. Counts K. Counts K. Counts D. Joyner

17 Ripple Effect and Facebook

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20 The Carolina YardStick Workbook provides information on how to create an attractive and healthy yard by working with South Carolina's environment, rather than against it. This workbook provides an evaluation of yard and yard care practices. Each action taken earns "inches" or credits on the Carolina YardStick. A yard that measures up to at least 36 inches is a Carolina Yard! The payoff? A yard that meets the residents needs, enhances the neighborhood and helps protect South Carolina s beauty and natural resources. K. Counts For more information visit Clemson Extension s Home and Garden Information Center

21 New Residential Program! Carolina Yards and Neighborhoods Event Series at Trident Tech April 3: Lowcountry Lawns: The Fundamentals of a Healthy Lawn April 10: Home Vegetable Gardening 101: Emphasis on Integrated Pest Management April 17:Watersmart Landscaping

22 Storm Drain Marking Programs Angela Crouch Clemson Extension Agent K. Counts K. Counts

23 General Awareness Campaign

24 Structural Best Management Practices Rain barrels/cisterns Rain gardens Pervious materials Vegetative buffers Backyard wetlands Use of Native Plants Slide by: Dr. Daniel Hitchcock

25 Rainwater Harvesting Barrels and Gardens ROOFTOP RUNOFF!! Slide by: Dr. Daniel Hitchcock

26 Why plant a Rain Garden? Appealing landscape ideas for homeowners and HOAs Allows collection of stormwater and infiltration Plants and microbes do the work of pollutant removal Can be attractor for wildlife such as birds and butterflies A natural way to irrigate

27 How do rain gardens work? Vegetation on Surface Runoff EARTH FILL - Primarily Sand Underdrain System (optional and technical!) Source: Dr. Bill Hunt, NCSU

28 Location Considerations? > 10 ft. from building foundation > 25 ft. from septic system drainfield Avoid shallow water tables < 18 in. deep Away from utility lines Perk Test In full to partial sun, if possible

29 What size should our rain garden be? Determine the area of impervious runoff source (rooftops + sidewalks + driveway areas) Rule of thumb: estimate the size of your rain garden based on soil types: Sandy soil (well-drained) = 20% of impervious area Loamy soil (poorly-drained) = 20-60% of impervious area

30 Rooftop Rooftop Drainage Area = 25 ft. x 25 ft. 625 sq. ft. Required Rain Garden 20% = 125 sq. ft. 25 ft. May be limited by the space but smaller is easier!! The excavated area should be 6-8 deep 50 ft. 8 ft. X X X O X O X X O X X O X X X X X X O X X O X X X X X X O X X O X X O X O X X X X X O X O X O X O X X O X X X O X X O X O X O X X X O X Downspout Corrugated pipe (buried, if needed) The area should be typically 8-10 ft. wide in the direction of runoff flow 17 ft. Try using a kidney bean or half moon-shaped layout with the inner curve of the area facing the runoff source!! Rain Garden Sizing

31 Landscaping with Native Plants Includes Benefits: Sense of Place Combat Invasive Plant Species Promotes Wildlife in your own backyard Less Maintenance (Fertilizers, Water, etc) Good for the Environment Photos courtesy B. McCord

32 Part Sun/ Shade Purple Mist Flower Eupatorium coelestinum Sweetgrass Muhlenbergii capillaris Coral Bean Erythrina herbacea Dwarf Palmetto Sabal minor American Beautyberry Callicarpa americana

33 Sun Blazing Star Liatris spicata Narrowleaf Sunflower Helianthus angustifolius Purple Coneflower Echinacea purpurea Seaside Goldenrod Solidago sempervirens Blanket Flower Gallardia pulchella

34 Why install a Rain Barrel? Saves you $$ by lowering your water bills Reduces demand on the water supply Makes efficient use of a free valuable resource Reduces flooding, erosion, and stormwater flows and pollution

35 What do you need? Gutters and a downspout with diverters Storage tank from small (55 gal) to large (1000s of gallons) or multiples in series Debris screen and lid filters leaves and pine needles, and provides safety and mosquito protection Photo: Mark Messersmith Distribution device spigot and hose, or even a pump Homeowners can make their own! Photo: the News and Observer: Feb. 22, Raleigh, NC newsobserver.com

36 How much rainwater can you harvest? Supply = (gallons) Rainfall (inches) x Roof Area (sq. ft.) x Example: In Charleston Annual Potential of Rainwater Harvested 50 inches of rainfall x 1000 sq. ft. roof area x = > 30,000 gallons!!!

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38 Rain Barrel Maintenance and Safety Rainwater collected is not safe to drink or bathe without treatment Frequently clean debris screen to prevent clogging Storage barrel cleaning Ensure lid is tightly fit to prevent mosquitoes If you make your own, be sure the old barrel of toxins and food residue

39 Check out the Carolina Clear website to download these resources for Free!

40 Low Impact Development Atlas Find a location near you! The SC LID Atlas shares information on projects that utilize practices to address stormwater issues. Learn by seeing!

41 Resources Check out Clemson Ext. new Stomrwater Pond Management: Find out about upcoming ACSEC Events: Download the Rain Garden and RWH manuals Learn More About Carolina Yards and Neighborhoods Programs! SCNPS information on gardening with natives: Join us on Facebook! Ashley Cooper Stormwater Education Consortium

42 Thank You! Kimberly Counts Clemson Ext. Agent Ext 128 Bird Dog