Whiskey Creek Water Quality Improvement/Sediment Reduction Project
The Whiskey Creek project involves a coordinated and comprehensive approach to watershed management. This project consists of installing conservation practices that reduce sediment loading to Whiskey Creek while also providing flood reduction benefits to downstream landowners.
The project will install side inlets in-conjunction with water control structures in county ditches that drain to Whiskey Creek. Side inlets are used to convey water safely from the top of the ditch bank down to water level. The steep drop in elevation in these locations can result in the formation of gullies capable of introducing large quantities of sediment to downstream water bodies. Together these two practices reduce sediment delivery and store water on the landscape until water flows in ditches and creek are reduced. These measures are being installed on the entire drainage systems.
In 2010, 14 miles of water control structures and 56 side inlets were installed on planned 28 miles of drainage ditches in the project area. The remaining water control structures and side inlets will be completed in 2011. Together these practices will reduce sediment delivery to the creek by 300 tons per year.
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 (2010 - Clean Water Assistance)
This project resulted in a total of 28 miles of water control structures and 112 side inlet structures installed in the project area. In addition, 35 acres of buffer strips were installed along the 28 miles of drainage ditches. Together these practices will reduce sediment delivery to Whiskey Creek by 688 tons per year.