Rock River Turbidity and Fecal Coliform Reduction
The Rock River is classified as impaired for bacteria and turbidity by the EPA. Local citizens and farmers assisted in writing an Implementation plan that lists stream bank stabilization and city storm water management as priority implementation strategies to address these impairments of the Rock River.The Clean Water Fund grant provides $46,598 for these projects but also leverage over $19,000 of US Fish and Wildlife dollars along with over $13,000 of local match from the landowners. Two stream bank projects will eliminate eroding stream bank erosion from 5' to 15' of vertical stream banks along 1600' of the Rock River. Rock j-hooks will be installed to divert the energy of the stream back to the center and then the banks will be back sloped and hydro seeded to stabilize the banks. Three rain gardens will be installed to filter out bacteria and sediment from parking lots and roofs along with other pollutants while retaining storm water on the landscape. This slowing in the delivery of storm water to the Rock River will reduce stream bank erosion by reducing stream loading during storm events. These rain gardens are built by excavating 2-3 feet of soil and replacing it with a sand/compost mix that creates a sponge to soak up and slowly release storm water. The gardens also become a visually pleasing planting that attract butterflies and birds. One of the rain gardens is a unique project in the fact that it was initiated by a high school student for his church courtyard and was part of his Eagle Scout Project. The rain garden site is not accessible by earth moving equipment and will be totally excavated and back filled by this student and his friends. The project location will be excellent for promotion and education of the positive effects of rain gardens.
Nicole Clapp
(c) $3,000,000 the first year and $3,000,000 the second year are for nonpoint source pollution reduction and restoration grants to watershed districts, watershed management organizations, counties, and soil and water conservation districts for grants in addition to grants available under paragraphs (a) and (b) to keep water on the land and to protect, enhance, and restore water quality in lakes, rivers, and streams, and to protect groundwater and drinking water. The projects must be of long-lasting public benefit, include a local match, and be consistent with TMDL implementation plans or local water management plans. Up to five percent may be used for administering the grants (2011 - Clean Water Assistance)
Two stream bank projects will eliminate eroding stream bank erosion from 5 to 15 of vertical stream banks along 1600 of the Rock River. Rock j -hooks will be installed to divert the energy of the stream back to the center and then the banks will be back sloped and hydro seeded to stabilize the banks. Three rain gardens will be installed to filter out bacteria and sediment from parking lots and roofs along with other pollutants while retaining storm water on the landscape.
This project resulted in 3 stream bank stabilization projects for approx. 1,389 feet of shoreline being restored resulting in an estimated 2,612 pounds of phosphorus and 2,612 tons of sediment from entering the Rock River each year.