Oyster Restoration in the Lynnhaven River

Watershed A watershed is an area of land that drains to a common point. A watershed is an area of land that drains to a common point. It is the area land that catches the rain and snow and drains or seeps into a marsh, stream, river, lake or groundwater. It is the area land that catches the rain and snow and drains or seeps into a marsh, stream, river, lake or groundwater.

Point and Non-Point Sources Point Source Pollution: Point Source Pollution: Pollution originating from a discrete source (a pipe, factory, farm, ditch, etc.) Non-Point Source Pollution: Non-Point Source Pollution: Pollution discharged over a wide land area, not from one specific location, occurs when rainwater or irrigation drains off of plowed fields, city streets and parking lots, or suburban backyards. More than 50% of all water pollution in the US.

Common Classes of Pollutants Sediments Sediments Nutrients Nutrients Toxins (heavy metals, petroleum products, pesticides, road salt, etc.) Toxins (heavy metals, petroleum products, pesticides, road salt, etc.) Bacteria Bacteria

Green Filter or Gray Funnel

Lynnhaven River Watershed

The Lynnhaven Watershed Covers 21% of the city’s land area square miles Covers 21% of the city’s land area square miles Is home to 47% of the city’s population---200,000 people Is home to 47% of the city’s population---200,000 people Includes Broad Bay, Linkhorn Bay, Crystal Lake, and the Eastern and Western Branches Includes Broad Bay, Linkhorn Bay, Crystal Lake, and the Eastern and Western Branches

Largely Residential

Virginia Beach Population Growth , , , , – 42, – 42, , , – 172, – 172, – 262, – 262, – 393, – 393, – 425, – 425, – 445, – 445,000

December 11, 2003January 21, 2005 Virginia Department of Health Areas Closed to Oyster Harvest

Condition of the Lynnhaven Water Quality Problems: Water Quality Problems: Bacteria (mainly fecal coliform) Bacteria (mainly fecal coliform) Excess Nutrients Excess Nutrients Sediment Sediment Toxins Toxins Habitat Loss: Habitat Loss: Oyster Reefs Oyster Reefs Wetland & Buffer Habitats Wetland & Buffer Habitats Underwater Grasses Underwater Grasses

Fecal Coliform Origins in Lynnhaven River (according to DEQ’s TMDL study 2003)

 “ A single overboard discharge of human waste can be detected in up to a one square mile area of shallow enclosed water. Contaminants known from human waste include hepatitis, streptococci, fecal coliform and other bacteria.”  Florida Department of Environmental Protection Water Quality Fact

What can you do?

Six Areas of Focus 1. Preservation and Restoration of Wetlands 2. Teaching Water-Friendly Landscaping 3. Restoration of Oyster Reefs 4. Working with the City to Improve Storm Water and Remove Septics 5. Reduce Fecal Coliform Bacteria from Animal Waste 6. Promote Clean Boating Practices—Establish Lynnhaven as a No Discharge Zone

Reduce Sediment Inputs Appropriate sediment controls on construction projects Appropriate sediment controls on construction projects Maintain vegetation Maintain vegetation Preserve or restore natural shorelines Preserve or restore natural shorelines

Reduce Toxin Inputs Dispose of household toxins appropriately Dispose of household toxins appropriately Use less toxic chemicals Use less toxic chemicals Don’t dump into sewers Don’t dump into sewers

What else can you do? What can you do to reduce Nutrient and Fecal Coliform Input?

Reduce Pet Waste: Scoop the Poop

Don’t feed the ducks….or raccoons, or geese, or …

Make Clean Boating a Habit PUMP, DON’T DUMP – Raw Sewage isn’t nice, treated or untreated. Pump out your boat appropriately and dump portable toilets where they belong. PUMP, DON’T DUMP – Raw Sewage isn’t nice, treated or untreated. Pump out your boat appropriately and dump portable toilets where they belong. STOWE IT, DON’T THROW IT – Trash isn’t good for the water…you brought it here, take it back with you! STOWE IT, DON’T THROW IT – Trash isn’t good for the water…you brought it here, take it back with you! FILL, DON’T SPILL – Only fill your boat to about 90%...stop the pump before the tank is full! Fuel spills are illegal. FILL, DON’T SPILL – Only fill your boat to about 90%...stop the pump before the tank is full! Fuel spills are illegal. USE THE RIGHT STUFF– Only use cleaners and fluids that are certified safe for marine use!!! USE THE RIGHT STUFF– Only use cleaners and fluids that are certified safe for marine use!!!

Lynnhaven River 2007 Clean Boating Initiatives: LR 2007 supports “No Discharge Zone” legislation. LR 2007 helps marinas become a “Certified Green Marina” LR 2007 helps marinas become a “Certified Green Marina” Teach Clean Boating Practices Teach Clean Boating Practices

Practice Water Friendly Landscaping Install a Backyard Buffer Use native plants in your landscaping Test your soil and fertilize appropriately Build a Rain Garden Plant Trees

Install a Backyard Buffer

Grow Oysters

Community Oyster Contributions

First Landing State Park Elevated Spat Settlement