newsletter Volume 7, Issue 1 February 2016 News of Environmental and Resource Management Issues and Events from throughout New Jersey

Transcription

1 newsletter Volume 7, Issue 1 February 2016 News of Environmental and Resource Management Issues and Events from throughout New Jersey Rutgers Cooperative Extension Addresses Community Flooding Chris Obropta, Rutgers Cooperative Extension Water Resources Program Rutgers Cooperative Extension Environmental and Resource Management Agents Inside this issue: Rutgers Cooperative Extension Addresses Community Flooding Disconnection at St. Gregory s with Porous Asphalt and Rain Gardens NJDEP Snow Removal and Disposal Policy News and Upcoming Events The Rutgers Cooperative Extension (RCE) Water Resources Program s mission is to identify and address community water resources issues using sustainable and practical science-based solutions. Join us and our partners at the Middlesex County Fire Department on February 26th at our day-long conference about managing stormwater to reduce flooding. This conference will bring together municipal leaders, leading professionals in planning and engineering, watershed associations, advocacy groups, environmental commissions, and state and federal agencies to learn from the Rutgers Cooperative Extension (RCE) Water Resources Program and its partners. New Jersey has several water resources problems. Many communities experience flooding even during small rainfall events. New Jersey streams are polluted and are not fishable or swimmable. Stream banks are eroding and stream channels are downcutting, damaging the state's infrastructure such as roads, bridges, and buildings. As we continue to develop (Continued on page 2) For the latest news and events visit the Green knight Blog or subscribe to RSS Page 1

2 Rutgers Cooperative Extension addresses community flooding continued (Continued from page 1) and redevelop New Jersey's landscape, these problems get worse. Additionally, the changing climate will cause more intense storm events, which adds to the state's water resources problems. The primary cause of these problems is simple; we have too many impervious surfaces that drain directly to local waterways. Impervious surfaces are defined as any surface that has been covered with a layer of material so that it is highly resistant to infiltration by water. Examples include but are not limited to paved roadways, paved parking areas, building roofs and greenhouses. Green infrastructure technology has proven to be a cost effective means to reduce stormwater impacts from impervious surfaces such as roadways, parking lots, rooftops, and other hardened surfaces. This conference will provide information on how we can work together to fix flooding problems in your community. Over the last several years, many groups have been installing green infrastructure practices that help reduce flooding, improve water quality, and provide a wide variety of environmental benefits. At this conference, there will be an opportunity to hear how your community can identify opportunities for implementing green infrastructure; moreover, how these opportunities can be woven into a comprehensive action plan that will enable your community to tackle flooding issues in your town. Case studies will be presented on community-based green infrastructure initiatives that make sense and address water resources issues by engaging local leaders and residents. Presentations will identify how to modify local ordinances and master plans to encourage building green infrastructure. This conference will provide attendees with an opportunity to meet potential partners that can help them address flooding and water quality problems as well as secure funding to help them begin moving forward. To register and learn more about the conference, please visit our website: water.rutgers.edu/greeninfrastructureconference.html Fixing Flooding: One Community at a Time conference is cosponsored by New Jersey Water Resources Research Institute, Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy, Sustainable Raritan Collaborative, Lower Raritan Watershed Partnership, Middlesex County Office of Planning, New Jersey Future, Jersey Water Works, NY/NJ Baykeeper, Stony Brook-Millstone Watershed Association, Jacques Cousteau National Estuarine Research Reserve, New Jersey Water Supply Authority, and Raritan Headwaters Association. Page 2

3 Volume 7 Issue 1 February 2016 Disconnection at St. Gregory s with Porous Asphalt and Rain Gardens Pat Rector, Environmental and Resource Management Agent, Rutgers Cooperative Extension The Troy Brook Watershed is a 16 square mile tributary to the Whippany River within the Passaic River Basin. A 2008 phosphorus TMDL for the Non-tidal Passaic River requires a 60% nonpoint source load reduction from urban areas to achieve water quality targets at critical locations within the Passaic River Watershed. Rutgers University completed a Regional Stormwater Management Plan for the Troy Brook Watershed. This plan identified opportunities for the implementation of stormwater best management practices (BMPs). The initial phase of implementation of the plan included the installation of several BMPs, including pervious pavers, interlocking pavers, rain gardens, a bioswale and a cistern. With these projects 2,859,000 gallons of stormwater runoff was captured, treated and infiltrated. There is great Rain Barrel workshop sign at St. Gregory s Church. Photo credit Pat Rector. momentum and cooperation happening within the watershed boundaries to create positive changes in water quality, and this proposal seeks to continue that effort to achieve measureable water quality improvements. Phase II of the Troy Brook Implementation Project had three main objectives. The first objective was to to focus intense efforts of disconnection and nonpoint source control in the Parsippany Public Works Yard that is adjacent to the main stem Troy Brook. The second objective of this project was to disconnect identified impervious area and recharge excess runoff as identified in the Troy Brook Regional Stormwater Management Plan. The third objective is to launch a targeted residential source reduction program. St. Gregory s disconnection projects One of the disconnection projects was installed at St. Gregory s Church in Parsippany troy-hills. St. Gregory s Church is located on S. Beverwyck Road. We had previously conducted a rain barrel workshop at the church and the church was eager to do more to reduce stormwater runoff and to be a good example of an environmental citizen. The church sits on top of a hill with the driveway on its left. St. Gregory s Driveway forms a steep slope down to the parking area. Behind the driveway is a community garden and less than ¼ mile behind that is the Troy Brook. (Continued on page 4) Page 3

4 Disconnection at St. Gregory s continued (Continued from page 3) The stormwater runoff previously flooded the parking area during storm events, picking up pollutants from the cars and the parking lot, carrying them to the Troy Brook, which is located approximately ¼ mile behind the church. Despite several attempts that the church had undertaken at flood control the parking area and the area behind leading to the Troy Brook, including the Community Garden, continued to flood. A 530 square foot rain garden was installed to the left of the driveway that disconnects 2,150 square feet of both driveway and roadway. The stormwater runoff is captured in a drain in the driveway and flows to the rain gardens. The rain garden is a series of two rain gardens; if the first garden fills it will cascade over the rock outlet and into the next garden. If there is greater overflow it will simply overflow the drain and continue down the driveway. The rain gardens can capture 1,384 gallons of water during the water quality storm (1.25 inches in two hours) or 3,254 gallons during the two-year storm. The second rain garden is located two-thirds of the way down the driveway and captures the stormwater runoff that was not captured by the first garden plus and addition runoff from the small parking lot and the sidewalk of the church. Again the water is captured by a drain in the driveway and flows to the rain garden. This rain garden is larger (760 square feet) and captures, treats and infiltrates 2,175 square feet of drainage area. This rain garden captures 1,533 gallons of stormwater during the water quality storm and 3,755 gallons during the two-year storm. The end of the parking lot adjacent to the community garden and wooded area had 3,160 square feet of porous asphalt installed to replace the traditional asphalt. The drainage area that is disconnected by the porous asphalt is 13,250 square feet. During the water quality storm 8,542 gallons of stormwater are captured and in the two-year storm 25,335 gallons of stormwater are captured. Water pouring into the porous asphalt can be seen on the following link: Page 4

5 Volume 7 Issue 1 February 2016 NJDEP Snow Removal and Disposal Policy Pat Rector, Environmental Resource and Management Agent, Rutgers Cooperative Extension Considering the past week-end it may be helpful to know that the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) provides policy on the proper removal and disposal of snow (November 19, 2015) for all government agencies, entities that provide essential services, and private businesses. The policy provides guidelines regarding site selection, site preparation and maintenance and emergency snow disposal. Why do we need this? Finding a place to dispose of snow in many municipalities or businesses can become problematic, even without the more than two-feet of snow that fell on parts of New Jersey on Saturday, January 23rd. The snow that typically is disposed of, regretfully, is not pure as the driven snow. It often contains road salt, sediment, and other pollutants that can contaminate water supplies and are toxic to aquatic life at certain levels. Where should we put this snow? Upland locations that are adjacent to or on pervious surfaces and away from water resources and wells. Avoid any water body, including rivers, reservoirs, ponds or wetlands or the ocean. Avoid areas adjacent to a public water supply well or reservoir, sanitary landfills or storm drain catch basins or stormwater drainage swales or ditches. Snow blankets Morris County January 23, Photo credit Peter J. Nitzsche. How do we prepare and maintain these sites? A silt fence or equivalent barrier on the down gradient side of the snow disposal site should be placed securely and a 50-foot vegetative buffer should be maintained between the disposal and any adjacent waterbodies to help filter pollutants out of the snow melt water. Debris should be cleared from the site and properly disposed of prior to using the site and at the end of the snow season (no later than May 1). Of course all discharges resulting from snow melting operations must comply with the lawful requirements of federal agencies, municipalities, counties, and other local agencies regarding any discharges to storm drain systems, conveyances, or other water courses under their jurisdiction. Emergency snow disposal is only available to public agencies and entities that provide essential services. Under no circumstances are private facilities authorized to dispose of snow directly into a wa- Page 5

6 NJDEP Snow Removal continued (Continued from page 5) ter way. Under extraordinary conditions, after all land-based snow disposal options are exhausted, disposal of snow from public roadways and essential facilities (i.e. hospitals, fire departments, police departments) that is not obviously contaminated with road salt, sand, and other pollutants may be allowed into certain water bodies under certain conditions. In these cases, municipalities, counties, and other public agencies are required to obtain NJDEP authorization to dispose of snow directly into a waterway. In no event does authorization extend to private entities or other entities operating at a public facility or their lease holders. Snow in parking lot in parking lot at Hackettstown Regional Medical Center, Warren County, N.J. Photo credit Pat Rector. Emergency authorization will only be issued when the following criteria are met: All land-based snow disposal options are exhausted. Snow to be disposed is not obviously contaminated with road salt, sand and other pollutants. The proposed snow disposal location has and is expected to have open water with adequate flow and mixing to prevent ice dams from forming. Snow will not be disposed in wetlands, shellfish beds, small streams, or drinking water reservoirs/d&r canal. Snow will not be disposed where trucks may cause shoreline damage or erosion. Snow will not be disposed above or at drinking water system intakes which may block or reduce flow into the treatment facility. Page 6

7 Follow the Raindrop: Education and Outreach Projects in Urban and Rural Communities, February 4, 2016, Bridgeton, NJ Cohansey Area Watershed Association TIME: 10:00 am, Thursday, February 4 PLACE: David Sheppard House Institute of Marine & Coastal Sciences 31 West Commerce Street, Bridgeton Follow the Raindrop: Education and Outreach Projects in Urban and Rural Communities Meredith Brown, Conservation Coordinator, American Littoral Society, will provide an overview of a new multi-year environmental education and stewardship program. Funded by a grant from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, the project will involve students from schools in Bridgeton and Upper Deerfield. To educate residents about the effects of stormwater runoff, the students will create several beautiful rain gardens. Follow-up education in 2017 will bring students together at the Littoral Society s outdoor education classroom in Hopewell Township. Download the flyer: ******** NEWS AND UPCOMING EVENTS ******** Page 7

8 ******** NEWS AND UPCOMING EVENTS ******** Introduction to Honey Bees and Beekeeping, February 6, 2016, Westampton, NJ Get the Buzz on Bees An Introduction to Honey Bees and Beekeeping February 6, 2016 Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Burlington County 2 Academy Drive, Westampton, NJ :30 am noon Presented by Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Camden County Pre-registration Required To register and for information, see the flyer: Photo: John Severns, Apis mellifera, Creative Commons license, File:European_honey_bee_extracts_nectar.jpg Page 8

9 ******** NEWS AND UPCOMING EVENTS ******** 2016 Cumberland County Winter Eagle Festival, February 6, 2016, Mauricetown, NJ Live raptors Speakers and presentations Staffed viewing sites with scopes and birdwatching experts Non-profit and commercial exhibitors Local fare refreshments and lunch available Hands-on art activities For details, see the flyer: Page 9

10 ******** NEWS AND UPCOMING EVENTS ******** 20th Annual New Jersey Land Conservation Rally, March 18, 2016, Trenton, NJ Future of Land Conservation: the next 20 years A one-day educational conference about open space and farmland preservation in New Jersey Friday, March 18, 2016 Wyndham Garden Hotel 1 W. Lafayette St. Trenton, NJ To register, see the flyer: or Page 10

11 Green Knight newsletter Editors: Pat Rector Sal Mangiafico (Rutgers Cooperative Extension Environmental and Resource Management Agents) P.O. Box 900, Morristown, NJ ext Cooperating Agencies: Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and County Boards of Chosen Freeholders. Rutgers Cooperative Extension, a unit of the Rutgers New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station, is an equal opportunity provider and employer. Rutgers Cooperative Extension educational programs are offered to all without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, disability, atypical hereditary cellular or blood trait, marital status, civil union status, domestic partnership status, military service, veteran status, and any other category protected by law. Page 11