Specialists in Environmental Remediation, Ecology and Information Management
A detailed assessment of the 25,000 acre Scrubgrass Creek watershed
relating to environmental, recreational, cultural, and economic activities and issues was completed in 2003. Historical data were collected from available sources and new data were developed from extensive interpretation and mapping of natural resources and land uses from low altitude aerial photography. New data layers were developed and analyzed using geographic information system software. The initial assessment directed the development of a second study designed to collect new data from a comprehensive physical, hydrological, and biological assessment of the watershed. This new data was used to characterize physical and biological conditions in the watershed, identify pollution sources and quantify their environmental impact, assess cumulative impacts, and provide the necessary information to develop and implement a watershed restoration plan.
Watershed data was developed over an eighteen-month period across a monitoring network of thirty water quality stations and twenty-two corresponding locations where fisheries and habitat data were collected. Stream habitat was assessed following the Qualitative Habitat Evaluation Index (QHEI) protocol developed by Ohio EPA and compared where appropriate. Fish were collected following EPA methods for electro-fishing in wadeable streams and rivers. Field surveys were conducted to ground truth known pollution sources and identify and plot new locations with global positioning systems technology. Approximately 60 well locations and 2 major AMD seeps were confirmed and mapped. On-site inspections and water quality/quantity evaluations were used to design treatment options, provide basic data for engineering planning and cost estimates, and allow the research team to prioritize and group pollution sources for subsequent restoration. Plans were presented to local stakeholders, community leaders, and partners to facilitate restoration efforts. Well plugging and other reclamation efforts have been completed to improve water quality and habitat quality throughout the watershed.
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