LAKE WALLENPAUPACK WATERSHED MANAGEMENT DISTRICT

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

 

 

PA1012-46 - FY 1998 EPA GRANT PROJECT

 

Lake Management Program - F. X. Browne, Inc. continued work on the organization of the lake management seminar. We are currently working with Karen to schedule this seminar on May 17th or May 30th at the PPL Learning Center.  We will be contacting the Pike and Wayne County Extension Services to see if they are interested in co-sponsoring the event.

Volunteer Monitoring Program – F. X. Browne, Inc. wrote a summary report for Whitney Lake in the Lake Wallenpaupack watershed. The report included a discussion of water quality results, a macrophytes map, and recommendations for the future management of Whitney Lake. The final report included graphs and color photographs of the lake and some invasive aquatic plants growing along the shoreline. 

Streambank Stabilization Handbook – F. X. Browne, Inc. continued to work on the Homeowner Handbook for Streambank and Shoreline Stabilization Methods. We corresponded via email with Anna Black of PPL regarding PPL’s involvement in the project and the PPL permits that are required for shoreline stabilization projects.  These permits are currently being revised and will be included in the final version of the Handbook.

Citizen and Township Questionnaires – F. X. Browne, Inc. incorporated all written comments received on the questionnaires and has finalized each of the questionnaires.  In addition, transmittal letters for each questionnaire type were revised. We are currently working with Karen Mandeville to develop a mailing list of Township Supervisors, Planning Commission members, Township Engineers, and citizens so that the questionnaires can be sent out. In addition, we will be working with Karen to ensure that copies of the questionnaires are sent home with school children. We will request that parents complete the questionnaires and have the children return them to school. Karen can then pick them up and we can get questionnaires completed without additional postage. Copies of the final versions of the questionnaires are provided in Appendix A.

Assistance to Communities – F. X. Browne, Inc. added the stormwater model ordinance to the LWWMD website. In order to accomplish this, we scanned each of the 94 pages of the document in OCR and copied the pages into Microsoft Word for editing. Once the file was in the right format, we converted the document to a pdf file and uploaded it to the website.  Links to the pdf file were created on the “Community Assistance” page.  Additionally, three factsheets that were prepared as part of a previous grant were converted to pdf files and uploaded to the website.  Links for these factsheets were also created on the “Community Assistance” page. The 4-page colored brochure that was prepared in the beginning of March, prior to the March meeting was converted to a pdf file and also added to the LWWMD website.

Project Documentation - F. X. Browne, Inc. prepared the monthly progress report for March-April for this project and provided general project management services, including scheduling of task assignments, review of charges, and preparation of detailed invoice descriptions.

PA1012-52 - FY 1999 EPA GRANT

Seminars – F. X. Browne, Inc. continued work to organize and schedule the Low Impact Development-Stormwater Management and Aquatic Ecosystem Restoration seminars. We contacted Karen to assist in scheduling the PPL large conference room for the seminars, checked the DEP website to determine if there were any conflicting seminars, and finalized the seminar dates for June 11th and June 12th.  We prepared the schedule for both seminars and contracted with Lisa Grayson of Resource Dynamics Inc. to assist with developing the final format of the seminar announcement, seminar advertising and planning. We developed a detailed seminar agenda, and we prepared the text for the seminar brochure. The brochure text has been finalized, and Lisa Grayson is currently working on the layout of the brochure. The brochure will be mailed out in approximately 2 weeks. We are also working on enlarging the mailing list for the seminars.

Project Management and Documentation – F. X. Browne, Inc. prepared the March-April 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. contacted PPL to determine power connection requirements, contacted Verizon to discuss phone connection requirements, evaluated both power and phone requirements for each station to determine lengths, number of poles needed, etc., called lumber suppliers to determine materials needed for the station boxes, prepared a material list for boxes, discussed installation and locations internally, visited the stream station location on the Main Branch Wallenpaupack Creek to determine if it is a suitable location, and prepared a summary memo of our findings regarding the potential stream sampling location.

PA1012-58      BMPs

General BMP Work - Justin Hoffmann attended the LWWMD Board meeting to discuss the BMP projects that are currently in progress.  Justin also discussed the PPL eroded shoreline site and the PPL constructed wetland project.  Additionally, Justin met with the BMP committee and conducted field evaluations of possible new project sites including Lesniak Farm, Swingle Farm, Pulaski Farm, and the Purdy Creek streambank erosion area in Paupack Township.  A work description of the field visits was prepared, and all photographs were filed. A BMP ranking sheet was prepared for each of these new sites.

Krautter Farm - F. X. Browne, Inc. continued preparing structural plans for the building, worked on construction details for the slab, footings, and trusses, added general construction notes to the plan, added site construction notes to the plan, added erosion and sedimentation control notes to the plan, spoke with Karen Mandeville about the cost estimate and other details, met with Carroll Krautter at his farm to take field measurements and to obtain elevations for the project, conducted a preliminary stake-out, and revised the plans per field information and site constraints.

WLE Swales - F. X. Browne, Inc. met with John Carney at the site to field-verify all locations and project requirements, prepared a preliminary cost estimate for the project, and revised the plans per the site visit. We removed two swales from the previous plans that have already been completed, recalculated flows and stone size for culverts to verify sizing, and contacted the Wayne County Conservation District and the Township to determine E&S and other permit requirements for the project. An E&S plan will be prepared for the project; however, approval by the Conservation District is not required. No township approvals are required for the work that is planned. We are currently preparing specifications for the project and are making minor revisions to the plans.

I-84 Crossing - F. X. Browne, Inc. reviewed notes and pictures from previous visits and prepared a discussion and poster for the March District meeting.
PA1012-59      2003 GENERAL ENGINEERING

  F. X. Browne, Inc. prepared for and attended the March 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 March 2003 sampling event for Lake Wallenpaupack. We collected surface, middle, and bottom water samples for chemical analysis at Station #3 on March 12, 2003. In addition, we collected samples for chlorophyll a analysis and 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 C contains a copy of the March 2003 water quality monitoring results.



Appendix A

 

Final 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, 2003.

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                             Jefferson Township                          Palmyra Township (Pike)

     Blooming Grove Township          □     Lake Township                                Paupack Township

     Coolbaugh Township                       Lehigh Township                             Salem Township

     Dreher Township                             Madison Township                          Sterling Township

                 Greene Township                             Palmyra Township (Wayne)     

 


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 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 the 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.  Please rank the following sources of pollution to your local streams and Lake Wallenpaupack from 1 to 10, with ‘1’ being the greatest.

__   Runoff from paved areas                                    __   Leaking sewers

__   Runoff from construction activities                  __   Agricultural runoff

__   Litter and/or illegal dumping                              __   Poor maintenance of stormwater structures

__   Sediment from eroding streambanks                 __   Industrial activities

__   Septic tanks                                                          __   Quarry activities


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

                        Increased development and/or population

                     Changes effecting water quality               

                     Increase in property/school taxes

                     Increased need for stormwater management

                     Other


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 watershed?

                     Yes                         □   No


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

                     Yes                              No


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

                     Yes                              No            


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

                 1 day                                       ˝-day                                              Evening

 

   

Name _______________________________

Phone No. ___________________________

     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.


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, 2003.

 

Thank you for your time and assistance.

 

                                                                                                                Sincerely,

 

 

                                                                                                                Karen Mandeville

                                                                                                                District Administrator

 



Wallenpaupack Creek Watershed

Survey for Township Engineers

 

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.  For which township are you an engineer?

     Barrett Township                            Jefferson Township                            Palmyra Township (Pike)

     Blooming Grove Township             Lake Township                                  Paupack Township

     Coolbaugh Township                      Lehigh Township                                Salem Township

                 Dreher Township                            Madison Township                             Sterling Township

     Greene Township                            Palmyra Township (Wayne)     


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                                  

                 Integrated model ordinance elements into the township subdivision or zoning ordinance


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

                 Yes                              No


 4.  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  _________________________      


5.  Do you feel that current stormwater management practices are sufficient in reducing water quality problems from surface water runoff and erosion?  Please explain.

                     Yes                              No                          


6.  Are any of the new developments in your township implementing infiltration best management practices (BMPs)?

               □     Yes                                  No          


7.  Does your township ordinance include provisions for identifying and protecting wetlands?  If yes, please describe.

                     Yes                              No                          


8.  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


9.  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 ___________________________________________


10.  Do you believe that development within your township is having negative impacts on water quality within the Lake Wallenpaupack watershed?

                Yes                       No


11.  How would you rate the water quality of Lake Wallenpaupack?

     Excellent

     Good

     Fair

            □     Poor


12.  Please rank the following sources of pollution to your local streams and Lake Wallenpaupack from 1 to 10, with ‘1’ being the greatest.

__   Runoff from paved areas                                    __   Leaking sewers

__   Runoff from construction activities                      __   Agricultural runoff

__   Litter and/or illegal dumping                               __   Poor maintenance of stormwater structures

__   Sediment from eroding streambanks                  __   Industrial activities

__   Septic tanks                                                      __   Quarry activities


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

                     Increased development and/or population

                     Changes effecting water quality               

                     Increase in property/school taxes

                     Increased need for stormwater management

                     Other


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 from the Lake Wallenpaupack Watershed Management District for implementing storm water management and erosion control measures within your watershed?

                    Yes                      No


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

                     Yes                              No


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

                     Yes                              No


18.   If yes to 16 or 17, which would you prefer, a one-day, ˝ day, or evening workshop?  Also, if there are any particular areas of stormwater and watershed management practices you are interested in, please indicate below.

                 1 day                                       ˝-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.



                        CITIZENS LETTER

 

 

 

 

Date

 

Name

Address

Address

 

RE:          Lake Wallenpaupack Watershed (Survey)

 

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.  In addition, LWWMD will work with municipalities to develop new ordinance provisions that will help protect the water quality of the lake. Please return the questionnaire in the enclosed self-addressed stamped envelope by April 25, 2003.

Thank you for your time and assistance.

 

Sincerely,

 

 

 

Karen Mandeville

District Administrator

 


Wallenpaupack Creek Watershed

Citizen Survey

               

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

 


1.  Which township do you reside in?

     Barrett Township                              Jefferson Township                          Palmyra Township (Pike)

     Blooming Grove Township               Lake Township                                Paupack Township

     Coolbaugh Township                       Lehigh Township                              Salem Township

                 Dreher Township                             Madison Township                          Sterling Township

                 Greene Township                             Palmyra Township (Wayne)

 


2.  How would you best categorize yourself?  Please check all that apply.

    Owner – primary                      House                      □     Member of Township Zoning Board

        residence or business              Apartment                □     Member of Township Planning Commission

    Owner – second home        &