A Plan for Clean Water in Smith Creek Nesha Mizel VA Dept. of Conservation and Recreation

Developing the Plan  Background on Total Maximum Daily Loads oStudy of E. coli and sediment in 2004 oCan serve as a guide in developing the plan  A comprehensive plan  Should serve as a tool rather than a constraint

A Community-Based Plan  Implementation Plan will be done locally  Stakeholders will have the opportunity to participate in development oPublic meetings oWorking groups oSteering committee

What will go into the plan?  Existing plans or improvement projects  Actions to improve water quality  Project timeline oImplementation goals oImplementation milestones  Roles and responsibilities  Funding opportunities

What else?  Support for local government oIntegrated with local comprehensive plans  Land use planning recommendations  Land conservation strategies  Fisheries management plans

Best Management Practices to Address Bacteria  Riparian buffers  Exclusion of livestock from streams  Rotational grazing  Waste storage facilities Agricultural Photo: Jeff Vanuga, NRCS (2002) Riparian buffer adjacent to pasture

 Septic tank pumpout  Septic system repair/replacement  Alternative on-site septic systems  Pet waste programs Residential Best Management Practices to Address Bacteria Alternative waste treatment system Photo:Julie Jenkins, Shenandoah Valley SWCD

 Cover crops  Streambank stabilization  Grass filter strips  Riparian buffers Agricultural Best Management Practices to Address Sediment No-till planting of corn into a cover crop of barley Photo by Jeff Vanuga, NRCS (2002)

Best Management Practices to Address Sediment  Rain gardens  Bioretention filters  Erosion and sediment control  Riparian buffers/no- mow zones  Rain barrels Residential and Urban Rain garden at private residence in Lexington VA

Potential Funding Sources  USDA Programs - CREP/EQIP  State Cost-Share Program  State Tax Credits  State Revolving Loan Funds  National Fish and Wildlife Foundation oSmall Watershed Grants oTargeted Watershed Grants  Water Quality Improvement Fund

Roles and Responsibilities Resource Team: oVA Dept. of Environmental Quality oVA Dept. of Conservation and Recreation oVirginia Highlands Action Program oVirginia Tech Biological Systems Engineering oVirginia Institute for Environmental Negotiations