LAKE WALLENPAUPACK WATERSHED MANAGEMENT DISTRICT
F. X. BROWNE, INC. PROGRESS REPORT FOR JUNE-JULY 2003
Lake Management Program and Volunteer Monitoring Program –
F. X. Browne, Inc. continued planning for the LWWMD Lake Monitoring Program and Lake Monitoring Workshop. We set a date for the workshop (July 12), arranged for the speakers, and coordinated the workshop logistics. We also contacted the Penn State Cooperative Extension to request their co-sponsorship of the seminar, which they gladly agreed to.
F. X. Browne, Inc. designed a brochure advertising the Lake Monitoring Program and the Lake Monitoring Workshop. The brochure was printed and copies were sent to Karen Mandeville and Peter Wulfhorst of the Penn State Extension. Karen and Peter sent them out to their watershed mailing lists. F. X. Browne, Inc. prepared and launched information on the LWWMD and F. X. Browne, Inc. websites outlining the details of the monitoring program and advertising the workshop. We produced posters and sent them to Karen Mandeville to post around the Lake Wallenpaupack Watershed to advertise the workshop. We also sent out a press release to area media about the workshop.
F. X. Browne, Inc. prepared a questionnaire for workshop participants to assess their knowledge of and attitude toward lake monitoring before and after the workshop and to allow them to provide feedback on the quality of the workshop. We discussed the workshop and the monitoring program both internally and with Karen Mandeville.
F. X. Browne, Inc. completed the Volunteer Lake Monitoring Handbook and a Stream Monitoring Handbook that were distributed as handouts at the Lake Monitoring Workshop.
We prepared a PowerPoint presentation on lake ecology, lake monitoring, and general watershed management. We presented the workshop on Saturday July 12, 2003 at the PPL Learning Center. 11 people attended the workshop. Based on the results of the questionnaires, the workshop was a success.
Streambank Stabilization Handbook – F. X. Browne, Inc. continued work on the Streambank and Shoreline Stabilization Handbook. We worked on obtaining cost estimates for printing the Handbook since PPL has indicated that they will not be able to provide the $4,700 in in-kind printing services that was originally planned.
Project Documentation - F. X. Browne, Inc. prepared the monthly progress report for June-July 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.
PA1012-52 - FY 1999 EPA GRANT
BMP Evaluation – F. X. Browne, Inc. discussed new BMPs with Karen Mandeville and internally, visited project sites with the BMP committee on June 16th, and prepared for and attended the June LWWMD Board meeting to discuss all potential BMPs Additionally, we ranked new BMP sites, conducted a site visit to pre-existing BMP sites including North Colony Cove, Cold Hill Estates, and Lackawac Sanctuary, and we reviewed notes and files from these previous projects. We reevaluated costs on proposed BMPs in preparation for the monthly meeting.
Jim Keating Farm (1A) – F. X. Browne, Inc. researched roof structures, conducted a site visit to evaluate construction activity, spoke with property owner about an additional roof structure, and developed a preliminary cost estimate for the additional work.
I-84 Road Crossing (1B) – We are currently waiting to hear from PennDOT on this project.
Pellet Road (1D) – We are waiting to find out the property owners for this project to determine if this project will proceed.
Main Branch Wallenpaupack Creek (1E) – F. X. Browne, Inc. conducted a site visit to evaluate the current condition of this erosion area. We are currently waiting to see if this project will proceed based on property owner willingness.
Lesniak Farm (1F) – F. X. Browne, Inc. visited the project site with Ken Harvey from NRCS and the property to discuss this project. The proposed improvements and the field locations of these improvements were thoroughly discussed. We held several phone conversations with Ken Harvey and the property owner regarding this project. We reviewed the sketch plan of this project that was provided by Ken Harvey.
Purdy Creek (1G) – F. X. Browne, Inc. visited this site to evaluate possible solutions and to obtain information to determine permitting issues. Based on our field visit, we feel that this site would be a good candidate for a Growing Greener application. We recommend that as part of this EPA grant that we conduct additional field work to obtain sufficient information for developing a detailed sketch plan. Additionally, we should determine what permits would be required for this project based on phone conversations and a field visit with the appropriate regulatory personnel. Once this information has been obtained, we should develop a detailed cost estimate for the design and construction of the streambank stabilization project. With this information, we can then prepare a Growing Greener Grant application for submission to DEP in February 2004. The detailed information regarding our plans for this project should make this project a good candidate for Growing Greener funding.
Pawloski Farm (1H) - 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 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.
Swingle Farm (1I) - 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 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 changes to the contract, as necessary, and sent final version of the contract to the BMP committee for their approval.
Ariel Creek (1J) – F. X. Browne, Inc. visited the project site and determined that stabilization of this site at this time would not be prudent. However, we do 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 backhow 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.
PPL Learning Center (1L) – F. X. Browne, Inc. visited the project site to obtain specific information on the constructed detention basin. We also prepared a letter to PPL that provided information on the specific retrofit plans that we have for the basin.
Bill Wehrmann Farm (1M) – F. X. Browne, Inc. conducted a site visit with the BMP committee to evaluate the Bill Wehrmann Farm. We prepared a BMP ranking sheet for this project.
Phil Pruss Farm (1N) – F. X. Browne, Inc. reviewed the preliminary cost estimate for this project and researched fabric roof structures.
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.
Seminars
Stormwater Management and Low Impact Development and Aquatic Ecosystem Restoration Seminars
The Stormwater Management and Low Impact Development seminar was held on Wednesday, June 11, 2003 at the PPL Learning Center and 30 people attended. Comments received from seminar participants were very positive. On Wednesday evening 15 people attended a two-hour presentation on Stormwater Management and Low Impact Development that we presented that was geared mainly towards township officials and the public.
On Thursday June 12, 2003, F. X. Browne, Inc. presented the Aquatic Ecosystem Restoration seminar at the PPL Learning Center. Twenty people attended this seminar. A two-hour version of the Aquatic Ecosystem Restoration seminar was held on Thursday evening and four people attended.
Both day and evening seminars were well received. The participants came from New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Virginia to attend the seminars.
Homeowner Seminars
F. X. Browne, Inc. contacted area newspapers concerning advertising the homeowner seminars. We obtained and reviewed advertising rate schedules for each newspaper, and we prepared, formatted, and submitted print-ready advertisement to the Wayne County Independent, the Hawley News Eagle, and the Pike County Dispatch. F. X. Browne, Inc. obtained quotes for printing and mailing a flyer to advertise the homeowner seminars. The seminars were also advertised in the F. X. Browne, Inc. newsletter. Additionally, F. X. Browne, Inc. worked with Karen Mandeville to obtain mailing lists for Lake Wallenpaupack lakefront landowners and residents of the Sterling and Hamlin areas. We mailed 6,307 copies of the flyer to watershed residents. We assisted Karen Mandeville with notifying community associations in the watershed about the seminars. We also handled email and phone registrations for the seminars. 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.
Project Management and Documentation – F. X. Browne, Inc. prepared the June-July 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 stream station at Diamond Run and Mill Brook. This work included digging holes for the footings (posts), transporting the boxes and samplers to the station location, installing the boxes in the holes, digging a trench from the stream to the sampling boxes, installing staff gages, installing the level sensors in the stream and connecting all cables require for proper operation, and installing the equipment in the boxes. 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.
Billing Group 003 – WLE Swales – F. X. Browne, Inc. prepared final bid packages for this BMP project and delivered them to Karen Mandeville for distribution to contractors, attended a pre-bid meeting on June 6, 2003, received and reviewed bids for four contractors, and prepared and submitted a letter to LWWMD recommending Leeward Construction, Inc. for the construction of this project.
Project Documentation - F. X. Browne, Inc. prepared the monthly progress report for June-July 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 June 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 June 2003 sampling events for Lake Wallenpaupack. On June 3, 2003 we collected surface, middle, and bottom water samples for chemical and biological analysis at Station #3. On June 17, 2003, we collected surface, middle and bottom water samples for chemical and biological analysis at Stations #1, #3, and #5. On July 1, 2003, we collected surface, middle and bottom water samples for chemical and biological analysis at Station #3. In addition, we collected samples for chlorophyll a, phytoplankton, and zooplankton analyses. We also collected temperature and dissolved oxygen profile data at Station #3. We then 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), and pH. A summary of water quality data for June and July 2003 is provided in Appendix A.
Appendix A
Water Quality Data
