LAKE WALLENPAUPACK WATERSHED MANAGEMENT DISTRICT
F. X. BROWNE, INC. PROGRESS REPORT FOR JULY-AUGUST 2003
Lake Management Program and Volunteer Monitoring Program – During this reporting period, F. X. Browne, Inc. continued planning for the LWWMD Lake Monitoring Program and Lake Monitoring Workshops.
F. X. Browne, Inc. coordinated the July 12 workshop and the LWWMD Lake Monitoring Program both internally and with Karen Mandeville. We completed and printed copies of the Volunteer Lake Monitoring Handbook that were distributed at the Lake Monitoring Workshops, as well as copies of the questionnaire and a set of field instructions to be kept with the monitoring kits. F. X. Browne, Inc. inspected and evaluated all of the equipment to ensure that the equipment, including bottles and coolers, were in working order and available for monitoring program participants. F. X. Browne, Inc. prepared a PowerPoint presentation for the training workshop. The workshop took place on July 12, 2003 at the PPL Learning Center with 11 people attending. The workshop included a 2-hour PowerPoint presentation followed by hands-on training. Participants learned how to use a Secchi disk, Van Dorn water sampler, and a dissolved oxygen and temperature meter. Additionally, they learned how to complete field data sheets, label sample bottles, and transport samples. The participants were very positive about the workshop and some of them plan to participate in the Lake Monitoring Program.
In addition to the first lake monitoring training workshop, two additional LWWMD Lake Ecology and Lake Monitoring workshops were scheduled for August 12 and 13, 2003. These workshops were geared toward not only people interested in participating in the LWWMD Lake Monitoring Program, but also toward any watershed citizen interested in learning more about lake ecology and lake monitoring. F. X. Browne, Inc. prepared and mailed 500 new brochures advertising the August seminars to watershed citizens and lake associations. We also sent e-mail announcements and put announcements on the LWWMD website, the F. X. Browne, Inc. website, the F. X. Browne, Inc. newsletter, and the DEP Update. In addition, F. X. Browne, Inc. wrote a press release that Karen Mandeville sent to several press contacts in the Lake Wallenpaupack area. Karen was interviewed about the program and several newspapers ran the story as front-page news. F. X. Browne, Inc. also made up new posters advertising the August seminars that Karen Mandeville hung up around the watershed. We developed the presentation materials and made additional copies of the volunteer monitoring training manual for distribution at the seminars.
The August 12, 2003 seminar was held at the Hamlin Elementary School and the August 13, 2002 seminar was held at the PPL Learning Center. The seminar was well received by all participants.
F. X. Browne, Inc. began writing a summary report about the LWWMD Lake Monitoring Program and workshops.
F. X. Browne, Inc. collected samples from an unnamed pond on Stock Pond Road in Lake Ariel and from Murray Pond on Spinner Brook in Paupack. The samples were analyzed for fecal coliform bacteria, nitrate/nitrite nitrogen, total phosphorus, and chlorophyll a. Additionally; Secchi disk transparency and dissolved oxygen and temperature profiles were measured in the field. We entered data, prepared maps of the watersheds, and began working on the reports for both lakes.
Streambank Stabilization Handbook – F. X. Browne, Inc. continued work on the text and graphics for the streambank and shoreline stabilization guide. We drafted text for the planting and seeding sections of the handbook. We also prepared several watercolor drawings for the handbook including a lakeshore cross-section, and schematics of several bioengineering techniques.
Community Assistance – Dr. Browne prepared for and attended a Strategic Planning Committee meeting. Prior to the meeting, Dr. Browne expanded the Strategic Plan Outline into a Draft Strategic Plan. He presented this to the Strategic Planning Committee members. Dr. Browne prepared for and attended a Fundraising Committee meeting. Prior to the meeting, Dr. Browne developed a list of activities the Fundraising Committee should consider in implementing a fundraising program. Dr. Browne discussed several requests for community assistance from people in the watershed. These requests covered water monitoring and urban BMPs.
Project Documentation - F. X. Browne, Inc. prepared the monthly progress report for July- August for this project and provided general project management services, including scheduling of task assignments, review of charges, and preparation of detailed invoice descriptions. In addition, we created a web version of the LWWMD progress report for July-August, changed the log-in page to include new links, created a PDF version of the progress report, uploaded the files to the server, and tested the log-in, links and report pages.
PA1012-52 - FY 1999 EPA GRANT
BMP Evaluation – F. X. Browne, Inc. discussed all potential BMP sites to determine a plan of action for getting projects completed. We develop a list of action items for each of the potential BMPs. We discussed all projects with Karen Mandeville, visited project sites, and prepared for and attended the July LWWMD Board meeting to discuss all potential BMP.
Jim Keating Farm (1A) – F. X. Browne, Inc. visited the Jim Keating Farm to discuss the additional work that will be conducted at his farm, and we began developing a contract for his project. We contacted the landowner requesting a documented expense and time sheet of all work done on this project to date.
I-84 Road Crossing (1B) - F. X. Browne, Inc. contacted PADOT to determine the status of their action regarding this project. Richard Cochrane stated that the project is currently under design by PADOT. They plan to install a rock-line channel to capture the excess stormwater that is currently flooding the township road. They also plan to investigate the underdrain system at the bridge footing and repair/upgrade the system if required. Currently, PADOT is preparing a preliminary plan. FXBI requested that upon completion of the preliminary design, PADOT forward it so coordination between PADOT and the township could occur. No requests were made of FXBI by PADOT. We will follow up with PADOT in the following weeks.
Pellet Road (1D) – We conducted a site visit to the Pellet Road project site to obtain detailed information to prepare a site plan.
Lesniak Farm (1F) – F.X. Browne, Inc. contacted the NRCS to request a detailed cost estimate for the farm BMP project.
Pawloski Farm (1H) - F. X. Browne, Inc. prepared all necessary information for a contract between the LWWMD and Pawloski including a sketch plan, brief project description, list of in-kind services, and landowner agreement requirements. We sent the contract to the BMP committee for their review and comment. We made changes to the contract, as necessary, and sent final version of the contract to the BMP committee for their approval. We made additional changes to the contract, as requested by the farmer and Karen Mandeville, and we sent the final version of the contract to Karen Mandeville. The contract was signed by the farmer and this project was converted to a design project (PA1012-58-006).
Swingle Farm (1I) - F. X. Browne, Inc. prepared all necessary information for a contract between the LWWMD and Swingle including a sketch plan, brief project description, list of in-kind services, and landowner agreement requirements. We sent the contract to the BMP committee for their review and comment. We made several revisions to the contract exhibits, as necessary, and sent final version of the contract to the BMP committee for their approval. We made additional revisions to the contract based on comments from the farmer. The contract was signed by the farmer and this project was converted to a design project (PA1012-58-005).
Ariel Creek (1J) - We feel that this site would be a good location for a volunteer planting project. We would like to get a group of volunteers together and plant willow twigs at this site. Additionally, we would like to see the LWWMD hire a backhoe operator for a day to do some minor grading. This graded area would then be stabilized with willow twig plantings. We recommend doing this project in the Fall of this year. We do not plan to touch the existing tree that is being undercut by the stream.
PPL Shoreline (1K) – Justin Hoffmann met with some of the BMP committee and some contractors at the project site on July 9, 2003 to determine the feasibility of cutting the bank and selling the material. An additional meeting was held on August 1st with contractors, a PPL representative, Karen Mandeville, Justin Hoffmann, and BMP committee members. Based on the August 1st meeting, it was determined that the District should have the site surveyed to determine the volume of material that would need to be excavated. Subsequently, however, it has been determined that the District should not pursue this project at this time.
PPL Learning Center (1L) – F. X. Browne, Inc. visited the project site and prepared a letter to PPL that provided information on the specific retrofit plans that we have for the basin, including photographs of how the basin would look and what some of the vegetation would be.
Bill Wehrmann Farm (1M) – F. X. Browne, Inc. conducted a site visit to obtain detailed information to develop a site plan and cost estimate. We prepared a site plan and faxed it to the farmer for his review and comment. We then made minor revisions to the site plan and developed a detailed construction cost estimate. We prepared a contract and sent it to Karen Mandeville. The contract was signed by the farmer and this project is now a design project (PA1012-58-009).
Phil Pruss Farm (1N) – F. X. Browne, Inc. conducted a site visit to obtain detailed information to develop a site plan and cost estimate. We prepared a site plan and developed a detailed construction cost estimate. We prepared a contract and sent it to Karen Mandeville. We conducted a detailed survey of the site to obtain elevation data and to locate existing structures on the site. The farmer decided not to sign the contract; therefore, this project will be dropped.
Will Keating Farm (1P) - F. X. Browne, Inc. visited the project site to collect detailed information for the development of a final sketch plan. Based on the detailed sketch plan, we developed a construction cost estimate for the required work. We then prepared all necessary information for a contract between the LWWMD and Will Keating including a sketch plan, brief project description, list of in-kind services, and landowner agreement requirements. We sent the contract to the BMP committee for their review and comment. We made changes to the contract, as necessary, and sent final version of the contract to the BMP committee for their approval. We made changes to the contract that were requested by the farmer. The farmer then signed the contract and this project is now a construction project (PA1012-58-008).
Homeowner Seminars – F. X. Browne, Inc. finalized all seminar presentation and handout materials. The seminars were held on July 8, 2003 at the PPL Environmental Learning Center with 43 attendees, on July 9, 2003 at the Hamlin Elementary School with 40 attendees, and July 10, 2003 at the Sterling Township Building with 15 attendees. Questionnaires were prepared and handed out at each seminar. Based on the results of the questionnaires, the seminars were a success and participants indicated that the seminar was beneficial.
Two people that attended the seminars approached us regarding LWWMD assistance with potential projects.
Cayetana Santos - Shandor Szalay spoke with Cayetana Santos immediately following the Hamlin seminar. She recently bought a house in the watershed and is very interested in creating a low-impact landscape that provides wildlife habitat, ecological value, and stormwater management.
June Gable - June Gable contacted our office by phone following Hamlin seminar. She is planning to build a house on a property that formerly contained a pond. She wants to restore the former pond area to a pond/wetland complex that would provide a variety of ecological benefits. She requested design and planning assistance with the project.
We sent an email to Karen Mandeville informing here of these requests. These potential projects are exactly what the scope of work for community assistance includes. We recommend that the District consider providing assistance to these individuals.
Project Management and Documentation – F. X. Browne, Inc. prepared the July-August progress report for the project and provided overall project management services, including scheduling of task work, review of charges, and preparation of detailed invoice descriptions.
PA1012-55 - LWWMD GROWING GREENER PROJECT – F. X. Browne, Inc. continued working on the coordination and installation of stream stations. We installed the final three stream stations at the Main Branch Wallenpaupack Creek, the West Branch Wallenpauapck Creek, and Mill Brook. This work included digging holes for the footings (posts), transporting the box and sampler to the station location, installing the boxes in the holes, digging a trench from the stream to the sampling box, installing a staff gage, installing the level sensor in the stream and connecting all cables require for proper operation, and installing the equipment in the box. We conducted a site visit to all stations to check on the status of the telephone connections. All stations are currently connected to phone service except for one. This station should be connected within the next week. Additionally, we completed the QA/QC Plan for the sampling and laboratory work for this project and submitted copies to the DEP for their review and approval. We are now ready to begin collecting stream flow data so that rating curves can be prepared for each station.
Billing Group 003 – WLE Swales – F. X. Browne, Inc. assisted Karen Mandeville by preparing a Notice of Intent to Award a contract. This letter requested that the contract provide 5 signed copies of all of the required bonds. We then prepared a Notice to Proceed letter for Karen to send to Leeward Construction. This letter indicated that construction at the WLE project site should begin by August 18th and be completed by September 18th, as required in the contract.
Billing Group 005 – Swingle Farm - F. X. Browne, Inc. conducted a field survey of the project site to obtain elevation data and to locate existing structures.
Project Documentation - F. X. Browne, Inc. prepared the monthly progress report for July-August for this project and provided general project management services, including scheduling of task assignments, review of charges, and preparation of detailed invoice descriptions. In addition, we created a web version of the LWWMD progress report for June-July, changed the log-in page to include new links, created a PDF version of the progress report, uploaded the files to the server, and tested the log-in, links and report pages.
F. X. Browne, Inc. prepared for and attended the July 2003 LWWMD Board meeting. Dr. Browne, also attended an executive committee meeting to discuss various topics including BMP cost sharing. 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 July 2003 sampling events for Lake Wallenpaupack. On July 1, 2003 we collected surface, middle, and bottom water samples for chemical and biological analysis at Station #3. On July 15, 2003, we collected surface, middle and bottom water samples for chemical and biological analysis at Stations #1, #3, and #5. We also collected temperature and dissolved oxygen profile data at all stations during both sampling events. We transported the samples to our laboratory in Marshalls Creek and analyzed them 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), pH, and chlorophyll a.. A summary of water quality data for July 2003 is provided in Appendix A.
On August 11, 2003, collected surface, middle and bottom water samples for chemical and biological analysis at Station #3 during wet weather conditions to determine the impact of the significant rain events during the beginning of August on the lake water quality.
Appendix A
Water Quality Data