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Nonpoint Source Grant Program Highlights
Targeted Watershed Grant Projects
The Targeted Watersheds Grant program is a competitive grant program that provides funding to community-driven, environmental results-oriented watershed projects. To date, more than $37 million has been awarded to 46 watershed organizations. Region 5 plays a prominent role having the most Targeted Watershed Grant awards (7 of the 46 watersheds) across the nation.
2005 Projects in Region 5
2003-2004 Previous Years' Projects Awarded
in Region 5
General information about the National Targeted Watersheds Grants Program (U.S. EPA Office of Water)
319 Nonpoint Source Pollution Reduction - Highlights and Success Stories
Fiscal Year 2006
Fact
Sheets for Select Projects for All States Updated Through 2005
(U.S. EPA Office of Water)
Previous Fiscal Years 1994, 1997, 2002 (U.S. EPA Office of Water)
Links to Further Information On State Web sites
The following links are to non-EPA web sites that offer additional information on activities, in the form of fact sheets, annual reports, and success highlights for each state in Region 5. You will leave the EPA.gov domain. Therefore, please be aware that the privacy protection provided on the EPA.gov domain (see Privacy and Security Notice) may not be available at the external link. 
- Illinois Biannual 319 Report
- Indiana Nonpoint Source Annual Report
- Michigan Nonpoint Source Successes and Project Fact Sheets
- Minnesota Nonpoint Source Pollution Management and Watershed Achievements
- Ohio Section 319 Subgrant Success Stories and Program Summary Report
- Wisconsin Runoff Management Publications
2005 Targeted Watershed Grant Projects Selected in Region 5
In 2006, two new projects submitted for funding in 2005 in Region 5 were selected and awarded Targeted Watershed Grant funds:
The Huff Run project in Ohio was provided $711,000 to address the impacts of coal mining. Vertical flow wetlands will be built to remove iron and aluminum from highly acidic waters. Project completion is expected in 2009.
The Vermillion Watershed project in Minnesota was awarded $675,000 to establish a trading framework to promote land use and runoff management practices to prevent in-stream flow and thermal loading. The watershed is both rural and fast-growing suburban and contains a nationally-recognized trout stream. A final report on project results is expected in 2009.
Region 5 Targeted Watershed Grant Projects Underway
The Region 5 Targeted Watershed Grant Projects selected in previous years are in different stages of completion.
2004
Illinois
The Upper Sangamon River 2004 Targeted Watershed Grant of $1.3 million
was awarded for projects that will improve water quality locally,
and in the Gulf of Mexico by reducing nutrient discharges. One project
will use GIS-based software in on-farm trials to optimize nutrient
management; another will demonstrate drainage water management and
subsurface bioreactors to reduce movement of nitrates through drainage
tiles to surface waters. The final report is due in 2007.
Gun Lake Tribe
The Gun Lake Tribe in Michigan was selected to receive $1.1 million
in 2004 Targeted Watershed Grant funds. The Kalamazoo River will
be the focus of a total maximum daily load analysis that will enable
the selection of agricultural best management practice pollutant
controls to control loads of phosphorus to the river. The project
will develop, test, and implement tools and infrastructure necessary
to enable functioning water quality trading markets. The final report
is due in 2010.
2003
Michigan
The Manistee River TWG in Michigan, totals $600,000 and was funded
in 2003. This TWG was provided to reduce sediment loadings to the
high quality Manistee River. Four upgraded road-stream crossing
are completed, as are three streambank stabilization efforts and
two access improvement projects. Extensive monitoring is being done
with all project efforts in this watershed. The final report is
expected in 2007.
More information on the Manistee River TWG is available on The Little River Band of Ottawa Indians Tribal Government Web site:
http://www.lrboi.com/nrd/watershed.html
Minnesota
The Greater Blue Earth project was awarded $800,000 in 2003. Water
quality concerns are suspended sediment, excess nitrates and phosphorous,
pesticides and pathogens. This project includes wetland restoration,
implementation of various best management practices, and nutrient
trials. Work on this grant is nearing completion. The final report
is expected in early 2007.
Ohio
In the Great Miami Watershed in Ohio, significant progress is being
made on various projects funded under this grant. This TWG for $700,000
was provided to the Miami Conservancy District in 2003 to focus
on nutrient and sediment impairments through source evaluation and
implementation of control measures and documentation of results.
For example, the storm sewer collection system in Dayton is complete
in an effort to control pollutants at a maintenance facility, and
post-implementation data is being collected. Two-stage ditches,
intended to control nutrients and sediments, have also been completed.
A final report is expected in 2008.
2006 Nonpoint Source Program Highlights and Success Stories
Illinois
Lake Pittsfield National Monitoring Project
The Lake Pittsfield National Monitoring Program began in 1992 as
a partnership of 6 agencies at the federal, state and local level.
Lake Pittsfield was constructed in 1961 to serve as a flood control
structure and public water supply. By 1993 the lake had lost 24.5%
of its storage capacity due to sedimentation. The goal was to monitor
and evaluate effectiveness of installed best management practices
and changes in cultivation practices before, during and after installation.
Twenty-nine water and sediment control basins were constructed along
with landowner conservation practices, riffle and pool structures,
dredging, and shoreland protection on the lake. A 90% reduction
in sediment loading to the lake was achieved. In the 2002 listed
impairments were siltation and low DO. The 2006 Illinois Water Quality
Report does not list these impairments, but has discovered others
likely due to re-suspension of bottom sediments.
North Fork Embarrass River
In 1991 a land use and erosion inventory was conducted and a resources
plan was approved by the North Fork Conservancy District. The North
Fork Embarrass River watershed (353 sq. mi.) was listed in 1994
as threatened by nutrients and siltation coming from agriculture,
as cropland made up over 75% of the watershed. Installation of 191
BMPs began in 1997, using over 88 acres of water ways, 83 water
and sediment control basins, 23 grade stabilization structures,
2,983 feet of streambank stabilization, 5.6 acres of critical area
seeding and 2,025 feet of terraces. Calculated load reductions are
4,788 tons of sediment, 2,138 pounds of phosphorus, and 4,232 pounds
of nitrogen per year. This project featured a significant outreach
and education component with monthly news articles in local papers,
quarterly newsletters to all 2,000 households, watershed tours to
sites with best management practices, and outdoor labs with 220
high school students participating. This project also benefited
from well managed cross programming and project funding through
National Resource Conservation Service and the Soil and Water Conservation
Districts. The 2006 Illinois Water Quality Report no longer lists
the North Fork as impaired.
Governor Bond Lake
Work on Governor Bond Lake watershed has focused on implementing
a total maximum daily load implementation plan that was developed
for the lake. Rural stormwater wetlands totaling 26 acres were constructed
on tributaries to improve water quality, remove suspended and soluble
nonpoint source pollutants, enhance habitat and aesthetics and improve
water retention and other beneficial hydrologic functions. The structure
on Dry Creek provides access near a paved road to facilitate visits
by the public and was constructed and operates in a manner consistent
with the development of a public outreach program. The shoreline
has been stabilized along 3,920 linear feet to arrest erosion and
control nonpoint source contributions. These projects reduced sediment
by 5.65 tons/yr, phosphorus by 1,200 pounds/yr and nitrogen by 1,280
pounds/yr.
Lake Vermillion
This lake is 317 acres and is tributary to the Ohio River. The watershed
plan for this lake in Vermillion County identified sedimentation
as a major cause of impairment in 1998. Volume loss of 39.7% from
1924 capacity was documented, with sediments being high in organic
composition and nutrient-rich. Resuspended sediment due to loose
substrate and turbidity were also identified. The 2002 shoreline
survey documented 25,429 linear feet of severe erosion. The goal
of the plan was to restore a healthy ecosystem, and improve water
quality and aesthetics. A project installed shoreline stabilization
(riprap, geotextile fabric, vegetation) on 9,414 linear feet of
eroded shoreline reducing sediment by 2,039 tons/yr, phosphorus
by 1,755 pounds/yr, and nitrogen by 3,511 pounds/yr.
Chicago Botanic Garden
In April 1997 the Northeastern Illinois Planning Commission (NIPC)
Chicago Botanic Garden (CBG) began an intensive diagnostic/feasibility
study of the CBGs approximately 60 acre lagoon/lake system. A 15-month
data collection period initiated the planning process for the watershed
and set the basis for a well-conceived lake management plan which
restores and protects the lake’s beneficial uses. For the
CBG lagoon/lake system, these uses include environmental quality
conditions such as plant, fish, and wildlife habitat and water quality
- as well as cultural uses such a aesthetics, wildlife observation,
and public education opportunities. A series of lake quality and
cultural use objectives were also identified. This project installed
best management practices along 5,620 linear feet of the shoreline
to arrest erosion and reduce nonpoint source pollution. The project
description and the education/outreach components can be found on
their web site http://www.chicagobotanic.org/research/aquatics .
Lake Paradise
This lake is a 166 acre impoundment behind a constructed dam across
the Little Wabash River in Coles County. The watershed plan for
this lake goes back to 1987. Implementation measures were not completed
until 2000 and the diagnostic/feasibility study was completed in
2004. To implement the recommendations of the study 12 acres of
wetlands were restored adjacent to the lake to reduce erosion, decrease
nonpoint source contributions and improve water quality. Environmentally
sensitive practices were installed to protect and enhance aquatic
habitat and aesthetic qualities.
Otter Lake
Otter Lake is on the impaired waters 303d list but not yet scheduled
for development of a total maximum daily load analysis. A watershed
plan has been developed which identifies the pollutants causing
water quality impairments and describes the best management practices
to be used to control nonpoint source contributions. A low water
sedimentation control structure constructed at the north end of
the lake will provide a control for sediment as the primary impairment,
as well as the associated pollutants entering from the West Fork
of Otter Creek which will decrease overall contributions to the
lake.
Patriots Park Lake
The Kingsbury Park District in Bond County is implementing the recommendations
of the Phase 1 Diagnostic/Feasibility study completed through the
Clean Lakes Program. Implementation includes conservation programs
(conservation reserve initiative, conservation cover initiative,
easement, and restoration), dredging the lake forebay, rehabilitation
of the forebay dam, construction of stormwater wetland basins and
dredging two existing basins, along with the stabilization of 1,840
feet of shoreline.
Indiana
Turtle Creek Watershed
Turtle Creek is located in Sullivan County, Indiana. In 1998, a
decline in water clarity and water quality of the reservoir caused
by erosion and sedimentation were identified. A report in 2000,
showed a gradual and consistent decline in the aerial extent of
aquatic macrophytes in the reservoir from 1993 to 1996. Turtle Creek
Reservoir was listed as impaired in 2002 for temperature and dissolved
oxygen. The largemouth bass catch during July seining had declined
considerably since 1995. A plan was developed for the Turtle Creek
and Little Turtle Creek watersheds by a local partnership, and included
three main goals: stabilize and protect the shoreline of the reservoir,
reduce erosion and sedimentation in the watershed and provide educational
opportunities to the citizens of the watershed and Sullivan County.
Demonstration sites were set up showing various bioengineering techniques
for shoreline erosion. Approximately 4,700 feet of shoreline has
been stabilized and protected. Filter strips, water and sediment
control basins, exclusion fencing and establishing an alternate
livestock water source, and nutrient and pest management plan development
were implemented in the watershed with Section 319 funds and NRCS
Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) funds. Though these
efforts, it was estimated that there was a 2,300 tons per year reduction
in sediment loading from the landscape to Turtle Creek waterways
and ultimately the Wabash River. The Partnership also implemented
a comprehensive public education and outreach campaign.
Turtle Creek Reservoir was de-listed for dissolved oxygen in 2004. In November 2004, the Hoosier Chapter of the Soil and Water Conservation Society presented the Partnership with an award for Outstanding Conservation Accomplishment in Indiana. In February 2005, the Sullivan County Soil and Water Conservation District awarded the Partnership the Conservation Farmer of the Year Award. In April 2005, the Partnership was awarded the Excellence in Conservation award from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), and Natural Resource Conservation Service.
Michigan
Kearsarge and Scales Creeks
Run-off from Copper mining and years of water and wind erosion deposited
tons of mine tailings called stamp sands into these creeks, which
are impaired due to excessive copper concentrations and poor biota.
The project involved isolating two stamp-sand deposits from the
creeks by stabilizing the stream banks and capping and revegetating
the upland areas resulting in the stabilization of 2.5 acres along
with 1,200 linear feet of stream bank. As a result of dramatically
lower aqueous copper concentrations (declined by a factor of 10)
and improved instream habitat and benthic communities have been
documented in Kearsarge Creek, which should be removed from the
303(d) list by 2008. In Scales Creek, total macroinvertebrate taxa
have increased by 40% and sensitive macroinvertebrate taxa have
doubled.
Whetstone Brook
This formerly 303(d)-listed water was impaired for sediment and
oil slicks. Storm water runoff was the source of these problems.
The project implementation included 600 linear feet of streambank
stabilization, 500 feet of a diversion outlet, 5,000 square feet
of critical area stabilization, 6 acres of filter strip restoration
and a detention basin. Biological monitoring confirmed the effectiveness
of these practices: instream habitat improvements and the total
number of macroinvertebrate taxa and the number of sensitive macroinvertebrate
taxa increased by 60%. Whetstone Brook was delisted in 2002.
Bark River
In 1990, Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) biologists,
and USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service personnel identified
substantial sedimentation problems at a farm along the Bark River
in the Upper Peninsula. A Clean Water Act Section 319(h)-funded
planning grant for the Bark River Watershed prompted Delta County
Conservation District staff to work with the farmer to install an
electrical fence to keep livestock from entering the river. In addition
to the livestock at this farm, livestock were eventually excluded
from two other locations in the Bark River watershed. Field inspections
by MDEQ biologists in 2005 verified the recovery of the stream.
Section 319 funds were used for the planning not the implementation.
Minnesota
Lake Shetek
Lake Shetek is located in south western Minnesota. Much of the Lake
Shetek watershed consists of agricultural land. A hardwood fringe
covers much of the gentle-to-moderately steep slopes that surround
the lake. An important ecosystem feature is the extensive woodland
within Lake Shetek State Park which lies adjacent to the lake. While
the lake is listed for e. coli, another unifying goal was excess
nutrients from surface run-off. Project implementation started in
1997, to reverse the steady degradation of water quality within
watershed’s lakes, streams, and wetlands due to excess nutrients.
Riparian buffer strips were installed totaling 19 acres; 12 loans
totaling $147,967 were made for agricultural best management practices;
58 septic systems were upgraded; and 48 property owners received
technical assistance for stabilizing shoreline using site-appropriate
procedures. Almost 3,000 feet of shoreline was stabilized over a
three-year project at one of the resorts. Phosphorus levels have
declined by 20 percent based on sampling, and decreases are expected
to continue.
Yellow Medicine River
Yellow Medicine River is a major tributary of the Minnesota River
in western Minnesota. It was first identified in 1997 as having
significant levels of phosphorus and nitrates. It was placed on
the 303(d) list in 2002. Using a cost/benefit model, a Clean Water
Partnership technical committee chose the following conservation
measures: 1) Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) grassland cover;
2) buffer strips; 3) residue cover; 4) updating septic systems;
and, 5) manure management. In addition to significant education
and technical assistance provided to local farmers on manure management,
31 detention basins and nine filter strips were installed. One hundred
and five septic systems were installed. The project found that nitrates
can be minimized if proper BMPs are followed, but big reductions
are not likely if the corn/soybean agriculture continues at current
levels. Nitrate losses in a given year are greatly dependent on
the weather, an uncontrollable variable. Phosphorus reductions can
be expected over time by just using the basic tools and BMPs for
phosphorus management. However, other factors such as erosion reduction
are expected to have a greater impact on reduction of phosphorus
loads over time.
Sauk Lake Restoration
Sauk Lake is located in upper Mississippi River Basin, Stearns County
Minnesota. Ashley Creek, part of the headwaters for Sauk Lake was
listed as impaired in 1998 for low DO and Sauk Lake was listed as
impaired in 2004 for excessive nutrients. While a TMDL is scheduled
to be complete in 2008, the project partners and local residents
recognized the changes occurring in the Sauk Lake and made a commitment
to begin to improve this important water resource. Local citizens
and resource professionals were instrumental in the implementation
of this restoration project and its overall accomplishments. The
Sauk Lake Restoration project had a three-year implementation schedule
designed to address pollutant loadings in Sauk Lake and its tributaries.
Priority was given to feedlots and cropland located adjacent to
the Sauk River and Ashley, Silver and Hoboken Creeks. Ten landowners
completed feedlot abatement projects. Vegetative buffer strips were
installed on 12 acres adjacent to a drainage ditch and Ashley Creek.
Two adjacent landowners worked together to restore 17 acres of wetland
in the upper reaches of the Ashley Creek watershed. Pasture management
plans were developed for two livestock sites and are being implemented.
Two major shore land restoration projects and several smaller projects
were implemented. The Sauk River Watershed District (SRWD) assisted
area Boy Scouts in stenciling city storm drains to inform the general
public that the city’s storm water system drains to Sauk Lake
or the Sauk River. The SRWD also helped the city acquire a vacuum
street sweeper designed to collect and recycle street sediment and
remove debris from storm drains. A total of 232 stream samples and
139 lakes samples were collected. Latest modeling results show total
phosphorus has decreased by 52% in Ashley Creek, 17% in Hoboken
Creek, and 49 to 63% in Sauk Lake. While it has not been removed
from the 303(d) list yet significant progress has been made before
the finalization of a TMDL.
Ohio
Middle Cuyahoga
This project implemented TMDL recommendations to address impairments
associated with stagnant water flow, eutrophication, hydromodification,
and fish migration. A portion of a 12-foot high historic dam was
removed which restored the natural stream flow. Nearly 3 miles of
streambank was restored along with the stabilization of several
tributaries. Within 6 weeks of the dam removal, fish diversity increased
and physical habitat improved dramatically, from non-attaining Warm
Water Habitat ( WWH) standards to full attainment within 6 months.
It is also anticipated that projected wastewater treatment upgrades
costing $5-7 million will no longer be necessary due to the success
of this project. This waterbody is expected to be removed from the
303(d) list in FY08.
Bokes Creek -Powderlick Run
Severe hydromodification, nutrient enrichment, high Atrazine and
nitrate levels and fish kills associated with manure management
caused impairments to the stream. The project included using natural
stream channel design techniques, this project restored 3,900 feet
of previously maintained agricultural ditch to meandering two-stage
channel morphology. The project was completed consistent with TMDL
recommendations and included 2.7 acres of riparian area planted
with 10,200 tree seedlings, and permanent protection of the 26-acre
site. As a result, Powderlick Run is very close to attaining WWH
aquatic life uses. Nitrogen loading has been reduced by almost 8,000
lbs/year, phosphorous by 2,600 lbs/year, and sediment by
1,300 tons/year.
Wisconsin
Narrows-Baraboo River Sauk County
The project has reached and exceeded project goals. This project
had 2 main goals to reduce phosphorus and sediment runoff to streams
and groundwater. The main emphasis by the Sauk Co. Land Conservation
Department has been to target barnyard runoff in the high priority
subwatersheds and streambank erosion. Even though streambank erosion
wasn’t targeted by subwatershed, the staff worked primarily
within the high priority subwatersheds, as defined for barnyard
runoff. The project has met its aggressive plan goals of a 64% reduction
in phosphorus overall. The project has exceeded this goal by 13%
with a total reduction of 66.3%.
The project has also concentrated on sediment, most dramatically on streambank erosion because streambank erosion has a direct influence on the stream. As the banks erode, sediment is directly deposited in the channel damaging fisheries, filling in lakes and filling in critical wetland habitats. The project exceeded streambank erosion goals by 602% for a total of 6,307 tons/yr saved.
Total sediment reduction has also exceeded the plan goal. . The total reduction in sediment load was 14,017 tons/yr exceeding the goal of 7,474 tons/yr by 87%. Reduction in gully erosion exceeded goals by over 200%. Trampled streambank goals exceeded by 767% while the upland erosion reduction accomplished 83% of the goal.
WDNR fisheries staff is enthused by all of the work done in Narrows Creek and is intending to stock the creek with smallmouth bass to rebuild a fishery depleted by years of poor water quality and lack of habitat. The stocking program will replace the sustainable population which no longer exist in many stretches.
The project has seen many new developments that relate to the water quality improvements, new parks were developed along the stream, new boat and canoe landings have been built, dams have been removed to allow fish passage and people are once again fishing this resource. The cooperative effort between the landowners, county and WDNR staff, local governments, private groups, and other state and federal agencies have once again made this a community asset. The Narrows Creek and the Baraboo River are returning to the valuable water resource people remember.