LAKE WALLENPAUPACK WATERSHED MANAGEMENT DISTRICT

F. X. BROWNE, INC. PROGRESS REPORT FOR FEBRUARY-MARCH 2003

 

PA1012-46 - FY 1998 EPA GRANT PROJECT

TMDL – F. X. Browne, Inc. evaluated various models to determine which model may be best for routing the pollutant loadings from the watershed through the lake.

Lake Management Program - F. X. Browne, Inc. continued work on the organization of the lake management seminar.

We plan to present this seminar in late April or early May.  The purpose of the seminar is to explain lake ecology, problems, and lake monitoring techniques to representatives of lake and community associations.  Demonstrations of how to use the lake monitoring equipment will be given at Lake Wallenpaupack.  In the future, these “certified” lake monitoring volunteers will use the LWWMD monitoring equipment to perform water quality surveys of their lakes.

Streambank Stabilization Handbook – F. X. Browne, Inc. continued to work on the Homeowner Handbook for streambank and shoreline stabilization methods.

Citizen and Township Questionnaires –F. X. Browne, Inc. completed a draft copy of a questionnaire for Township officials, Township engineers, and the public regarding stormwater management, development, and water quality in local streams and Lake Wallenpaupack.  These surveys will be sent to township supervisors, planning commission members, zoning board members, township engineers, and citizens representative of businesses, agriculture, and other interests.  We prepared draft cover letters to go along with the survey. Draft copies of the three questionnaires along with the draft cover letters are provided in Appendix A.  Please review them for discussion at the March 19th meeting.

Assistance to Communities –F. X. Browne, Inc. prepared for and attended a Strategic Committee meeting; added a login feature to the LWWMD website so that Board members could access progress reports directly from the web site with a user name and password; prepared a 4-page full color brochure about the LWWMD BMP program; and made 100 copies of the brochure for Karen to distribute to townships and stakeholders. The brochure was distributed to Greene Township.

Project Documentation - F. X. Browne, Inc. prepared the monthly progress report for January for this project and provided general project management services.

 

PA1012-52 - FY 1999 EPA GRANT

Water Quality Problem Area Identification – F. X. Browne, Inc. discussed various new potential BMPs with Karen Mandeville including the PPL Conference Center, I-84, the site of the old Pen State gaging station, and the Main Branch Wallenpaupack Creek.

Seminars – F. X. Browne, Inc. began work to organize and schedule the Stormwater  Management and Aquatic Ecosystem Restoration seminars.  Because of the new NPDES Phase II regulations, we are updating the seminars to reflect the NPDES regulations, low impact development, innovative BMPs, and smart growth concepts.  Additionally, we began to review and update material for the homeowner seminars.

Project Management and Documentation – F. X. Browne, Inc. prepared the January progress report for the project and provided overall project management services.

PA1012-55 - LWWMD GROWING GREENER PROJECT

F. X. Browne, Inc. discussed alternative site locations for the Main Branch Wallenpaupack Creek sampling location among our staff and with Karen Mandeville.  We sent information to Karen Mandeville regarding the property location.  We obtained a plot plan of the property and mailed it to Karen Mandeville, and we created a picture file for the site visit.  We contacted PPL to discuss electrical hookup of the 6 monitoring stations.  Peter Vanderwalker of PPL, who worked with us previously on the project, was on vacation until the middle of March.  Justin Hoffmann will be calling him in the next couple of days to discuss the project with him and to let him know that we will be installing the stations as soon as the snow melts. 

PA1012-56  2002 LAKE WALLENPAUPACK WATER QUALITY MONITORING PROJECT

F. X. Browne, Inc. completed the 2002 Update report on the water quality of Lake Wallenpaupack.  The report was reviewed and submitted to the LWWMD Board at their meeting on February 19, 2003.  A copy of the report has been posted on the LWWMD website.  Dr. Browne will discuss the 2002 report at the March 19th meeting.

PA1012-58      BMPs

Krautter Farm- F. X. Browne, Inc. prepared preliminary base mapping of the project site from survey information provided by NRCS.  We incorporated the survey data into AutoCADD to create the site plan.  We located the proposed building and other features on the site plan. We prepared preliminary structural plans of the proposed building, which included design and drafting of posts, supports, braces, etc.  We prepared preliminary plans and made copies for the LWWMD Board meeting.  We prepared a narrative description of labor match and construction responsibilities for the property owner to incorporate into legal documents.

WLE Swales - F. X. Browne, Inc. reviewed previous information about the  project; incorporated information from the base mapping onto plan sheets for the LWWMD meeting, including site plan information, E&S plan information, and all applicable project notes; and produced preliminary plans for the LWWMD Board meeting. 

PA1012-59      2003 GENERAL ENGINEERING

F. X. Browne, Inc. prepared for and attended the February 2003 LWWMD Board meeting.  Additionally, Dr. Browne spoke with Karen Mandeville and MaryAnn Hubbard on several occasions regarding general LWWMD topics.

PA1012-60  2003 LAKE WALLENPAUPACK WATER QUALITY MONITORING PROJECT

F. X. Browne, Inc. coordinated the February 2003 sampling event for Lake Wallenpaupack. We collected surface, middle, and bottom water samples for chemical analysis at Station #3 on February 19, 2003. Sampling was conducted through 8 inches of ice on the lake. In addition, we collected samples for chlorophyll a analysis phytoplankton and zooplankton analysis. We collected temperature and dissolved oxygen profile data at Station  #3. We transported the samples to our laboratory in Marshalls Creek and analyzed the samples for total phosphorus, dissolved reactive phosphorus, total Kjeldahl nitrogen, nitrate/nitrite nitrogen, ammonia nitrogen, total suspended solids, fecal coliform bacteria, fecal streptococci bacteria, alkalinity (surface samples only), and pH. Attachment A contains a copy of the February 2003 water quality monitoring results.

The February lake data indicate that an algal bloom occurred under the ice.  The bloom is indicated by the very high chlorophyll a concentration, high total phosphorus and organic nitrogen levels, very high dissolved oxygen, and low water transparency.

 

 

Appendix A

 

Draft Letters of Transmittal

And Questionnaires

 

 

 

TOWNSHIP OFFICIALS LETTER

 

Date

 

Name

Address

Address

 

RE:       Lake Wallenpaupack Watershed Questionnaire

 

Dear ______

 

The Lake Wallenpaupack Watershed Management District (LWWMD) received an EPA grant to assist in their goal of protecting Lake Wallenpaupack and its watershed. One task that is being funded as part of this project is the evaluation of stormwater management practices and policies that are being implemented within the watershed. Enclosed is a questionnaire that we would like you to complete to help with this task. This questionnaire is being sent to all Township officials within the Lake Wallenpaupack watershed. Additionally, we have sent a questionnaire to your engineer. We encourage you to ask your engineer to complete the survey and send it back to us.  The questionnaire that we have sent to your engineer is slightly more technical and will provide us with data on how development plans are being evaluated for stormwater management in each of the townships in the watershed.

 

In 1989, the Lake Wallenpaupack Watershed Management District completed an Act 167 Stormwater Management Plan for the Wallenpaupack Creek watershed. This Plan included a model stormwater ordinance that called for the control of stormwater quality as well as stormwater quantity. It is our understanding that all municipalities within the watershed adopted the model stormwater ordinance or incorporated the requirements of this ordinance into their existing ordinances. The purpose of this questionnaire is to determine if your Township has adopted and is implementing the model Stormwater Ordinance and to determine if your Township has any need that the LWWMD can assist with in regards to stormwater management.

 

We really value your opinion as a member of the governing body of your Township. Your ideas will help us to update the Watershed Management Plan for Lake Wallenpaupack and to develop new ordinances that will be beneficial to all Townships in the watershed. Please return the questionnaire in the enclosed self-addressed stamped envelope by April 25, 2002.

 

Thank you for your time and assistance.

 

                                                                                    Sincerely,

 

                                                                                    Karen Mandeville

                                                                                    District Administrator

 

Wallenpaupack Creek Watershed

Survey for Township Supervisors/Officials

 

Please complete the following survey regarding stormwater management in your township.  Feel free to attach a supplemental sheet if you feel it is necessary to answer the questions completely. 

1.  Please indicate your township.

     Barrett Township
     Blooming Grove Township
     Coolbaugh Township
     Dreher Township    
     Greene Township
     Hawley Borough
     Jefferson Township
     Lake Township 
     Lehigh Township
     Madison Township
      Palmyra Township
     Paupack Township
     Salem Township
     Sterling Township
     Other ____________

                       

2.  Has your township adopted the Stormwater Management Model Ordinance that controls peak flow and water quality?  If no, please explain why and then skip to question 4.

                     Yes                                      No                                                Not sure

                 Integrated model ordinance elements into the township subdivision or zoning ordinance

_________________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________

 

3.  Do you or your engineer have any problems or concerns with implementing the ordinance elements?  If so, please explain.

                                □             Yes                                      No

_________________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________

 

4.  Do you believe that development is being conducted in your township in a manner that minimizes surface water runoff and pollution to Lake Wallenpaupack?  Please explain.

                                     Yes                                       No

_________________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________

5.  Which of the following types of stormwater management practices are used in your township?  Please check all that apply.

     Dry detention basins  

     Infiltration devices

     Oil & grease trap devices

     Porous pavement

     Streambank stabilization

     Sediment and runoff control during construction

     Sand filters

     Rain gardens

     Vegetative practices

     Grassed swales  

     Streambed checkdams

     Waterfowl management

     Filter strips

     Bioretention

     Constructed wetlands

     Natural or restored wetlands

     Wet retention ponds

     Other  _______________

6.  Are the culverts and other stormwater management facilities in your township inspected, cleaned (of sediment and debris), and repaired on a periodic basis? 

                     Yes                              No                                Not sure

7.  Have you noticed any of the following problems with the stormwater management facilities within your township?  Please check all that apply.

     Accumulation of silt, trash, and debris within subsurface structures (e.g., catch basins, storm drains)

     Poorly functioning storm drains, catch basins, outflow structures

    Deteriorated, damaged, or settled stormwater management structures

    Bank erosion or undercutting of inlet structures       

     Inlet or outlet obstructions   

                 Excessive erosion within ponds and swales                              

                Significant vegetative overgrowth in and around stormwater management facilities

                Siltation of ponds and swales resulting in decreased storage capacity, channeling, ponding, etc.             

                Areas of excessive runoff and frequent flooding

                Accelerated erosion   

                 Other ___________________________________________

8.  Do you feel that current stormwater management practices within your township are sufficient and that the existing stormwater controls are properly protecting water quality within the Lake Wallenpaupack watershed?  If no, please explain.

                     Yes                              No                                Not sure

_________________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________

9.  Do you believe that development within your township is having negative impacts on local streams and Lake Wallenpaupack?

                     Yes                              No                                Not sure

 

10.  Would you be open to supporting a new stormwater management ordinance that will further protect local streams and Lake Wallenpaupack?         

                     Yes                              No

11.  How would you rate the water quality of your local streams and Lake Wallenpaupack?

 

Streams                                                                  Lake Wallenpaupack

     Excellent                                                                       Excellent

     Good                                                                           Good

            □     Fair                                                                              Fair      

            □     Poor                                                                            Poor

            □     Not sure                                                                   Not sure

12.  How would you rank the following sources of pollution to your local streams and Lake Wallenpaupack, with ‘1’ being the greatest?

_     Runoff from paved areas                                    _     Septic tanks

_     Runoff from construction activities                      _     Leaking sewers

            _     Litter and/or illegal dumping                              _     Agricultural runoff

_      Sediment from eroding streambanks                 _     Poor maintenance of stormwater structures

 

13.  Have you noticed changes within the watershed since you have been living in the Lake Wallenpaupack area?  If yes, please describe.

                     Yes                              No

_________________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________

 

14.  How would you rank the importance of continued stormwater management in your township?

       Very important                                   Somewhat important                          Not very important

 

15.  Are you aware that funding is available to you from the Lake Wallenpaupack Watershed Management District for designing and implementing storm water management and erosion control measures within your township?

                     Yes                             No

 

16. Would you like someone from LWWMD to contact you about funding a project in your township?

                     Yes                              No

 

17. Would you be interested in attending a low-impact development and stormwater management workshop?

                     Yes                              No

 

18.   Would you be interested in attending a streambank stabilization and restoration workshop?

                     Yes                              No            

 

19.   If yes to 16 or 17, would you prefer a one day, ½ day, or evening workshop?  Is there anything you would like to see covered in a workshop?  Please describe.

                 1 day                                       ½-day                                              Evening

_________________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________

 

 

Name ___________________________­­______________

Phone No. _____________________________________E-mail__________________________________________

     Township Supervisor                   Planning Commission Member                   Zoning/Hearing Board Member

 

_______________________________________________________________________

Thank you for taking the time to complete this survey!

For more information, check out the following website – www.lwwmd.org

Please return this questionnaire in the stamped, addressed envelope attached to this questionnaire to Karen Mandeville, LWWMD, P.O. Box 143, Hawley, PA 18428-0143.

 

 

TOWNSHIP ENGINEERS LETTER

 

 

 

Date

 

Name

Address

Address

 

RE:       Lake Wallenpaupack Watershed Questionnaire

 

Dear ______

 

The Lake Wallenpaupack Watershed Management District (LWWMD) received an EPA grant to assist in their goal of protecting Lake Wallenpaupack and its watershed. One task that is being funded as part of this project is the evaluation of stormwater management practices and policies that are being implemented within the watershed. Enclosed is a questionnaire that we would like you to complete for ______ Township to help with this task. This questionnaire is being sent to all Township Engineers within the Lake Wallenpaupack watershed. We have sent a similar, less technical questionnaire to the Township Supervisors, Planning Commission members, and Zoning Hearing Board members.

 

In 1989, the Lake Wallenpaupack Watershed Management District completed an Act 167 Stormwater Management Plan for the Wallenpaupack Creek watershed. This Plan included a model stormwater ordinance that called for the control of stormwater quality as well as stormwater quantity. It is our understanding that all municipalities within the watershed adopted the model stormwater ordinance or incorporated the requirements of this ordinance into their existing ordinances. The purpose of this questionnaire is to determine if the Township that you work for has adopted and is implementing the model Stormwater Ordinance.

 

As Township Engineer for ____ Township, we value your opinion and technical expertise. Your ideas will help us to update the Watershed Management Plan for Lake Wallenpaupack and to develop new ordinances that will be beneficial to all Townships in the watershed. Please return the questionnaire in the enclosed self-addressed stamped envelope by April 25, 2002.

 

Thank you for your time and assistance.

 

                                                                                    Sincerely,

 

 

                                                                                    Karen Mandeville

                                                                                    District Administrator

 


Wallenpaupack Creek Watershed

Survey for Township Supervisors/Officials

 

Please complete the following survey regarding stormwater management in your township.  Feel free to attach a supplemental sheet if you feel it is necessary to answer the questions completely. 

 

1.  Please indicate your township.

     Barrett Township                              Hawley Borough                       Palmyra Township

     Blooming Grove Township                Jefferson Township                   Paupack Township

     Coolbaugh Township                        Lake Township                         Salem Township

             □     Dreher Township                              Lehigh Township                      Sterling Township

                 Greene Township                              Madison Township                   Other ____________

 

2.  Has your township adopted the Stormwater Management Model Ordinance that controls peak flow and water quality?  If no, please explain why and then skip to question 4.

                     Yes                                      No                                                Not sure

                 Integrated model ordinance elements into the township subdivision or zoning ordinance

3.  Do you or your engineer have any problems or concerns with implementing the ordinance elements?  If so, please explain.

                      Yes                                  No

4.  Do you believe that development is being conducted in your township in a manner that minimizes surface water runoff and pollution to Lake Wallenpaupack?  Please explain.

                       Yes                             □     No

5.  Which of the following types of stormwater management practices are used in your township?  Please check all that apply.

     Dry detention basins                        Sand filters                              Filter strips           

     Infiltration devices                            Rain gardens                           Bioretention

     Oil & grease trap devices                 Vegetative practices                Constructed wetlands

                    Porous pavement                             Grassed swales                       Natural or restored wetlands

                 Streambank stabilization                   Streambed checkdams            Wet retention ponds

                 Sediment and runoff control during construction                                Waterfowl management

                 Other  _________________________ 

 

6.  Are the culverts and other stormwater management facilities in your township inspected, cleaned (of sediment and debris), and repaired on a periodic basis? 

                             Yes                              No                                Not sure

7.  Have you noticed any of the following problems with the stormwater management facilities within your township?  Please check all that apply.

     Accumulation of silt, trash, and debris within subsurface structures (e.g., catch basins, storm drains)

     Poorly functioning storm drains, catch basins, outflow structures

    Deteriorated, damaged, or settled stormwater management structures

    Bank erosion or undercutting of inlet structures       

     Inlet or outlet obstructions        

        Excessive erosion within ponds and swales          

                Significant vegetative overgrowth in and around stormwater management facilities

                Siltation of ponds and swales resulting in decreased storage capacity, channeling, ponding, etc.             

                Areas of excessive runoff and frequent flooding

                Accelerated erosion   

                Other ___________________________________________

 

8.  Do you feel that current stormwater management practices within your township are sufficient and that the existing stormwater controls are properly protecting water quality within the Lake Wallenpaupack watershed?  If no, please explain.

                     Yes                              No                                Not sure

 

9.  Do you believe that development within your township is having negative impacts on local streams and Lake Wallenpaupack?

                     Yes                              No                                Not sure

10.  Would you be open to supporting a new stormwater management ordinance that will further protect local streams and Lake Wallenpaupack?         

                     Yes                              No

11.  How would you rate the water quality of your local streams and Lake Wallenpaupack?

Streams     

     Excellent

     Good  

     Fair

     Poor

     Not sure 

Lake Wallenpaupack

          Excellent

          Good  

          Fair

          Poor

          Not sure


12.  How would you rank the following sources of pollution to your local streams and Lake Wallenpaupack, with ‘1’ being the greatest?

_     Runoff from paved areas                                    _     Septic tanks

_     Runoff from construction activities                      _     Leaking sewers

_     Litter and/or illegal dumping                              _     Agricultural runoff

_      Sediment from eroding streambanks                 _     Poor maintenance of stormwater structure

 

13.  How would you rank the following sources of pollution to your local streams and Lake Wallenpaupack, with ‘1’ being the greatest?

_     Runoff from paved areas                                    _     Septic tanks

_     Runoff from construction activities                      _     Leaking sewers

_     Litter and/or illegal dumping                                _     Agricultural runoff

            _    Sediment from eroding streambanks                     _      Poor maintenance of stormwater structures

 

14.  Have you noticed changes within the watershed since you have been working for this township?  If yes, please describe.

                     Yes                              No

_________________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________

15.  How would you rank the importance of continued stormwater management in your township?

                       Very important                           Somewhat important                             Not very important

 

16.  Are you aware that funding is available from the Lake Wallenpaupack Watershed Management District for implementing storm water management and erosion control measures within the township?

                     Yes                              No

 

17.  Would you be interested in attending a low-impact development and stormwater management workshop?

                     Yes                              No

 

18.  Would you be interested in attending a streambank stabilization and restoration workshop?

                     Yes                              No

 

19.   If yes to 17 or 18, would you prefer a one day, ½ day or evening workshop?  Also, please indicate below any particular areas of stormwater and watershed management you are interested in.

                 1 day                                       ½-day                                              Evening

_________________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________

 


 

 

Name _________________________________________________

Phone No. ___________________________                             E-mail________________________________

 

_______________________________________________________________________

Thank you for taking the time to complete this survey!

For more information, check out the following website – www.lwwmd.org

 

Please return this questionnaire in the stamped, addressed envelope attached to this questionnaire to Karen Mandeville, LWWMD, P.O. Box 143, Hawley, PA 18428-0143.

 


CITIZENS  LETTER

 

 

Date

 

Name

Address

Address

 

RE:       Lake Wallenpaupack Watershed Questionnaire

 

Dear ______

 

The Lake Wallenpaupack Watershed Management District (LWWMD) is conducting a survey to obtain the opinions of residents in the watershed on stormwater runoff, increased development, and the water quality of Lake Wallenpaupack.  Enclosed is a questionnaire that we would like you to complete. This questionnaire is being sent to a representative group of homeowners, businesses, and farmers within the Lake Wallenpaupack watershed. 

 

We really value your opinion as a resident of the Lake Wallenpaupack Watershed. Your thoughts and ideas will help us to update the Watershed Management Plan for Lake Wallenpaupack and to develop new ordinances that will help protect the water quality of the lake. Please return the questionnaire in the enclosed self-addressed stamped envelope by April 25, 2002.

 

Thank you for your time and assistance.

 

                                                                                    Sincerely,

 

 

 

                                                                &nbs