FINAL REPORT Task #1 Deliverable #7 Maine DEP …kcswcd.org/Projects/Pleasant Pd stuff/Pleasant Final...FINAL REPORT Task #1 Deliverable #7 Maine DEP 319 program: Pleasant Pond NPS

FINAL REPORT Task #1 Deliverable #7 Maine DEP 319 program: Pleasant Pond NPS Abatement Project Project # 2006R-05 May 2008

Grantee: Kennebec County Soil & Water Conservation District Contact: John Blais, Watershed Project Director KCSWCD, 21 Enterprise Dr. Suite #1 Augusta, ME 04330 Tel: (207) 622-7847 Ext. 3 Project Start Date: May, 2006 Project Completion Date: January, 2008 This project was funded in part by the Maine DEP through a US EPA Nonpoint Source Grant under Section 319 of the federal Clean Water Act

Pleasant Pond NPS Abatement Project Grantee: Kennebec County Soil & Water Conservation District I. Project Overview Pleasant Pond does not meet the State of Maine's GPA standards for lakes and ponds1 The indication of non-attainment is the high concentration of phosphorus and re-occurring algal blooms for the past 20 years (TMDL 2004) and low transparency readings (VLMP 2004 Annual Report)2. Pleasant Pond is also on the Nonpoint Source Priority Watersheds List because of significant threat to water quality, high resource value, likelihood of restoring water quality and degree of local support. The pond covers a relatively small area and has a high flushing rate (approaching that of a free-moving stream), which increases the probability that it will respond relatively quickly to a nutrient abatement program. According to the TMDL report, agriculture accounts for 39% of the total phosphorus load. The second largest source is public and private roads (approx. 15%). As well, a small portion (7%) is allocated to residential sites and septics. NRCS is active in the watershed, addressing agricultural run-off However, the pond cannot be expected to fully recover water quality if the non-agricultural NPS sources are not also addressed. A shoreline survey performed by the Cobbossee Watershed District in 2000 (NPS Program ID# 2000-09) (TMDL 2004) documented 166 sites. Of these roughly 60% were moderate to high impact; for example, mowed lawns down to the water's edge without an adequate buffer and/or steep slopes and bare soil. The Kennebec County SWCD performed a NPS survey in the spring of 2005, focusing on road and ditch problems. Shoreline survey data (TMDL 2004) and road survey data (CWD 1999, KCSWCD 2005) combined indicated that there would be good return on sediment reduction from both shoreline buffer work and road repair for NPS abatement. Because shoreline properties are thought to contribute a relatively small portion of the phosphorus load, the focus of this project was road and culvert work. Agricultural sources are being dealt with through local NRCS programs. For example, NRCS is currently working with a nearby farm that has recently started up a chicken slaughterhouse; the new operation has been included in the new nutrient management plan for the farm. The same farm had made improvements to their cow manure pit in 2004, with funding from NRCS and is interested in animal watering systems to further reduce nutrient loading to the stream. Although the TMDL model reports a 39% contribution from agriculture, the watershed is relatively passive in terms of farming. A number of unmanaged hayfields in the direct watershed would have been included in the TMDL model, despite having little if any contribution to the nutrient load. Maine IF&W manages the pond as a warm-water fishery. The pond is noted as an excellent fishing destination for large-mouth bass and chain pickerel. The growth of invasive variable-leaf milfoil is having an impact on other game species (TMDL 2004). Installing BMPs on 20-25 medium to high priority NPS problem sites was estimated to reduce sediment load by as much as 35 tons/year (KCSWCD, Salmon-McGrath Pollutant Reduction Report). This translates to 30-40 kg/yr of phosphorus. According to the TMDL, to obtain GPA standards Pleasant Pond would have to experience a total reduction in P loading from internal (pond sediment) and external (runoff) sources of 325 kg per year. If public and private roads and residential development together account for approximately 23% of the sediment/nutrient load in the watershed then a realistic NPS

1 GPA Standards: "Great Pond Class A (GPA) waters shall have a stable or decreasing trophic state (based on appropriate measures, e.g., total phosphorus, chlorophyll-a, Secchi disk transparency) subject only to natural fluctuations, and be free of culturally induced algae blooms which impair their potential use and enjoyment." (MRSA 38-4A)

FINAL REPORT: Pleasant Pond NPS Abatement Project (Maine DEP 319 Program, Project #2006R-05)

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2 2004 VLMP Annual Report reports for Pleasant Pond an average Secchi distance of 3.5 (range 1.6 to 4.8 over 6 months)

management goal would be to meet 23% of the sediment reduction goal by working on roads and shorefront. That goal would be 23% of 325 kg or 75 kg/yr P reduction. The project proposal of 20-25 sites to be repaired (30-40 kg P) gets us to half of that goal. A second phase could be expected to have as much effect and thus meet the reduction goal for non-agricultural sources. PURPOSE: This project was intended to help restore the water quality of Pleasant Pond, which does not attain Maine water quality standards because of algal blooms. The proposed project compliments existing NRCS work in agricultural practices with treatment of non-agricultural NPS sources, mainly public and private roads. The estimated phosphorus reduction from this project was between 30 and 40 kg/year, which is half of the reduction goal for non-agricultural development in the watershed. PROJECT DURATION: The entire project was expected to take 20 months. Preparatory work began in May 2006 (upon contract approval) and construction work the following summer. The project was completed in December 2007. GENERAL PROJECT PLAN: A Steering Committee was organized by the Four Towns Watershed Association. Committee members were invited from the FTWA membership, Cobbossee Watershed District (CWD), NRCS, Androscoggin Valley and Kennebec SWCDs, the towns of Litchfield, Richmond, Bowdoin and Bowdoinham, as well as grant and technical staff of DEP and other State agencies as appropriate. The Steering Committee was used to share information on potential work sites, work with towns on road repair and NPS issues, and develop programs for the public workshops. An updated NPS site survey was conducted in the spring of 2005. These sites were ranked for priority and additional sites were identified from public inquiries after the project announcement. KCSWCD responded to inquiries from private landowners fielded by Friends of the Cobbossee Watershed (the "Friends") or other Steering Committee members and made contact with the towns in order to set up cost-share agreements for BMP work. The District followed standard procedures for processing cost-share agreements, i.e., met with the landowner and assessed the site, approved a contractor's plan, inspected the BMPs upon completion, certified completion and processed payment, and produced NPS Site Reports with before and after photographic documentation. The Friends organized a youth conservation corps to implement those BMPs that did not require a road contractor (e.g., buffer plantings). Shoreline sites were identified and ranked along with new sites. Friends also performed most of the outreach work for this project, including mailing to watershed residents, press releases, and organizing public workshops. KCSWCD provided the technical expertise at these workshops. The Friends were a contractual partner in this project. Towns were offered technical assistance for town road maintenance from the KCSWCD and the Local Roads Center. The District worked with the Local Roads Center where appropriate in order to include NPS assessment and recommendations into the road maintenance plans. Sediment and nutrient load reduction could not be accurately estimated without knowing all the parameters of the sites and their BMPs; however, based on similar projects in the region; it was estimated that BMPs at 25 sites can reduce the sediment load by as much as 42 tons. Water quality was monitored by the Cobbossee Watershed District (CWD) monthly for the duration of the project. The CWD is updating their Quality Assurance Plan (QAP) and will write a Sampling & Analysis Plan (SAP) for the Pleasant Pond project in particular. The CWD was a contractual partner in this project. This project was intended to be a first phase of a multi-year effort to fully recover the water quality in Pleasant Pond. In future phases KCSWCD plans to repair at least 20 additional problem sites per phase.


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II. Task Summary The following tasks were the responsibility of the KCSWCD: Task 1, Project Management Work plan: Sign contract with DEP, LOA with Friends of the Cobbossee Watershed and the Cobbossee Watershed District, semi-annual progress reports and final project report to DEP. Completed: All of the above. Detailed in deliverables list below. Remarks: Agreements are fulfilled. KCSWCD was active in keeping MDEP up to date on issues within the project task. $2,000 was transferred from the construction budget to cover extra staff time to complete project tasks. Task 2: Organize Steering Committee Meetings Workplan: Four Towns Watershed Association (FTWA) will assemble stakeholders in the watershed, including town government representatives, the Four-Town Association, Friends of the Cobbossee Watershed, the Cobbossee Watershed District, local residents, and technical staff (e.g., Kennebec NRCS, DEP). FTWA will host and report on at least four steering committee meetings during the project. Prioritization of sites, identification of match, and assistance in developing outreach materials and events will be key functions of the group. KCSWCD will actively participate in the Steering Committee. Completed: All of the above; 5 Steering Committee Meetings held. The member list is included below.

Steering Committee Membership: Dan and Betty Bailey, Litchfield Seth Berry, Bowdoinham Wendy Dennis, CWD, Winthrop Cindy Deschenes, Litchfield Kristin Fiendel, MDEP Don and Mary Furth, Litchfield Steve Hanley, Gardiner KCSWCD

Bill Monagle, CWD, Winthrop Bob Moore, FoCW, Augusta John O’Dea, FTWA Pat Sirois, FTWA David and Carol Smith, Litchfield Leonard and Norma Smith, Richmond Elaine and John Stinson, Litchfield Joyce Wurtz, Richmond

Task 3: Publicity, Education, Outreach Work plan: Friends will announce the project to the public with a watershed mailing and press release and refer site visit and cost-share inquiries to KCSWCD (except for those sites identified for Conservation Corps work). Friends will organize and host two public meetings or outdoor workshops. Program for these events will be developed by the Steering Committee. Friends will write at least two news articles during the project; articles to be published in the Friends newsletter as well as submitted to area newspapers for publication. Completed: All of the above; 1 gravel road maintenance workshop was held, 1 watershed community meeting was held, 2 articles were published in local media publications. Task 4: Technical Assistance & Implementation of BMPs Workplan: Technical assistance will be available to individual landowners and towns. The KCSWCD will implement BMPs at a minimum of 20 high- and medium-priority sites in the watershed. The proposed cost-share rates for this project and procedures for cost-share agreements are specified in the cost-share guidelines developed by and available from the KCSWCD. In addition, the Friends will use a youth conservation corps to implement BMPs at an additional 10 sites. These BMPs will likely be buffer FINAL REPORT: Pleasant Pond NPS Abatement Project (Maine DEP 319 Program, Project #2006R-05)

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plantings, rain gardens and shoreline stabilization but may also include simple road repairs that do not require heavy equipment, e.g., install water bars and armor culverts and ditches. Friends will submit standard NPS site report forms to the KCSWCD. KCSWCD is responsible for reporting all site work to DEP via standard NPS Site Reports and their supporting photographic documentation. Completed: 31 sites were remediated. KCSWCD completed 22 sites and the Friends YCC completed 9 sites. See Table 1 below. Table 1: Site work completed under Pleasant Pond 319 grant. Landowner/

Name Location Type of Work #

Sites Shoreline Restored

(feet)

Tons of sediment

Pounds Phosphorus;

Nitrogen 30 Military Lane

Military Lane, Litchfield Riprapped shoreline, spread ECM, enhanced buffer

1 180 * *

48 Military Lane

Military Lane, Litchfield Riprapped shoreline. Spread ECM

1 118 * *

Adams Glenn Adams Road, Augusta

Installed ditches, turnout and resurfaced & crowned road

1 N/A .07 .07; .15

Beale Beale Farm, Plains Road, Litchfield

Road resurfaced, installed plunge pool, new culvert, stabilized ditches

5 N/A .38 .38; .76

Furth Furth Road, off Plains Road, Litchfield

Replaced culvert, installed plunge pool, resurfaced road, stabilized

3 N/A 5 5; 10

Johnson Sunset Cove Road, Richmond

Stabilized disturbed area with geotextile, riprap and ECM

1 100 23.8 23.8; 47.6

KOA Rt. 201, Richmond Stabilized 100’ of shoreline with riprap and ECM

3 140 * *

Loon Lane Loon Lane, West Gardiner Vegetated buffer installation

1 20 * *

Mallard Drive Mallard Drive, Richmond Enhanced riprap armoring

1 150 * *

Mallard Lane Mallard Lane, Richmond Installed water bar and mulch/vegetation buffer

1 N/A .1 .1; .2

Norris Computer Lane, Litchfield 100’ of shoreline stabilization w/riprap, rebuilt 400’ of road and installed ditches

2 100 2.32 2.32; 4.65

Uhl Pleasant Pond Causeway, Richmond

Armored shoreline with riprap, stabilized eroded areas with mulch

3 100 1.6 1.6; 3.2

MDOT Site Pleasant Pond Causeway Added culvert ditch & Plunge pool

3 14 14, 28.1

Warren Lane Warren Lane, Litchfield Shoreline stabilized with geotextile and riprap, ECM berm installed

1 90 * *

Totals

34

998

47.27

47.27; 94.64


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Task 5: Estimating Pollutant Load Reduction Workplan: KCSWCD will estimate NPS pollutant load reductions and resources protected. Pollutant load reduction estimates will be developed and reported as follows: During design or installation of BMPs at NPS sites, appropriate field measurements will be recorded to prepare written estimates of pollutant load reductions. Estimates will be prepared for all NPS sites, unless there is not an applicable estimation method for a given site. Methods to be used are the EPA Region 5 Load Estimation Model (see website http://it.tetratech-ffx.com/stepl/) and/or the federal WEPP Road Model (http://forest.moscowfsl.wsu.edu/fswepp/) . Estimates will be checked for proper application of the method(s) and the results will be summarized on a standard form provided by DEP titled “Pollutants Controlled Report" (PCR). The PCR will be submitted to the DEP Agreement Administrator, by December 31 of each year, until project completion. Documentation of the estimation procedures used for each NPS site will be kept in the Grantee project file and will be available for DEP/EPA review. As required by DEP, pollutant load reductions will be calculated for each site using a recognized model. Completed: Year-end Pollutants Controlled Reports (PCRs) were submitted for 2006 and 2007. Total estimated load reduction: 33.27 tons of sediment, 33.27 pounds of phosphorus, 66.54 pounds of nitrogen. Approximately 998 feet of pond shoreline was restored. Remarks: Estimation methods used, where appropriate: Region 5 Spreadsheet Model/Streambank/Gulley Stabilization/Agricultural Fields/Filter Strips/Feedlot; WEPP/Roads. Task 6: Water Quality Monitoring Workplan: The Cobbossee Watershed District (CWD) will update their Quality Assurance Plan (QAP) and will write a Sampling & Analysis Plan (SAP) for the Pleasant Pond project in particular. The SAP to be reviewed and approved by DEP before data collection begins. CWD is to be contracted by KCSWCD to monitor water quality in Pleasant Pond. The program would cover two open-water seasons (2006 & 2007) of monthly monitoring for the following: temperature and dissolved oxygen profiles, Secchi disk transparency, total phosphorus profiles, pH, alkalinity, and chlorophyll-a cores. CWD to provide water quality report to KCSWCD twice yearly (spring levels, summer/fall levels). Completed: CWD wrote and delivered an approved Sampling and Analysis Plan for Pleasant Pond to DEP. Two seasons of water quality monitoring was completed and analysis reports were provided to KCSWCD for 2006 and 2007.


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http://it.tetratech-ffx.com/stepl/

http://forest.moscowfsl.wsu.edu/fswepp/

III. Deliverables Summary Table 2: Summary of deliverables from the Pleasant Pond NPS Abatement Project Deliverable

Date Submitted Value- High/Med/Low

1. Signed grant agreement & sub-agreements.

DEP signed 3/13/06 LOA w/CWD Signed 7/13/06 LOA w/FoCW Signed 6/21/06

High. Necessary items.

2. Stakeholder group distribution list.

February 2008 Medium. Needed for Str. Comm.

3. Record of attendance at public events and copies of key outreach materials.

Workshop results July 06 Project announcement Nov. 06 3 Articles Dec. 07 Septic Social Dec. 07

Medium. Provides record of activities, but have little value on their own after the project.

4. NPS Site Reports November 2006: KOA Loon Ln. Mallard Ln. Warren Ln. November 2007: Adams Beale Furth Johnson December 2007: Norris Uhl May 2008 MDOT

High. Provides record of site work. Makes ongoing site work reporting more manageable.

5. NPS Pollutant Load Reduction Reports

December 2006 December 2007

Medium. Necessary, but redundant.

6. Semi-Annual Reports (SARs) Final Project Report

SAR 4-06 SAR 11-06 SAR 5-07 SAR 11-07 Final Report 2-08

Medium. Some of the reporting seems redundant. (SAR) High- Thorough overview of entire project. (final)

IV. Project Outcomes Major Outcomes

• Community outreach and education was fairly strong in this project. All of the publicity and outreach activities that were set out in the work plan were accomplished. Connections were made with State and Federal regulators and the town representatives who are seeking permits within the watershed. The options for site mitigation, stream restoration, road maintenance will be further continued by towns within the watershed.

• We exceeded our goal for number of sites with BMP installations. (31completed of 30 planned).

Environmental Results


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As a result of best management practices (BMPs) implemented at 31 sites, the total pollutant load reduction was: 47.27 tons of sediment, 47.27 pounds of phosphorus, 94.64 pounds of nitrogen. Approximately 998 feet of pond shoreline was restored. Water Body Improvement Two seasons of baseline water quality monitoring was completed and analysis reports were provided to KCSWCD for 2006 and 2007. Lessons Learned There is always a need to provide technical assistance to small towns with limited funds. This program was an important link to implement proper road maintenance, permitting requirements and BMP installations over the last two years in the Pleasant Pond Watershed. V. Summary of Total Expenditures Total Costs, Federal & Non-Federal Sources:

NPS Grant Non-Federal Match Grant Agreement Amount $70,100.00 $ 50,700.00 Funds Expensed $70,100.00 62,553.21 Funds Balance $ 0 11,853.21 VI. Non-Federal Match Documentation/Certification Match was calculated as follows: Actual cash payments from landowners to their contractors/suppliers for cost-share site work was verified by receipt of an itemized bill from the contractors/suppliers. The grant contribution was subtracted from the total cost of construction and this amount was recorded as cash match by landowner last name. (See attached table.) The notation 'CSA' means cost-share agreement. Volunteer time was assigned the following values: $10/hr for hand labor (e.g., planting, placing stone, etc.). Professional time was assigned one low estimate of $20/hr. Professional time includes attendance at meetings. These two rates were chosen as low-end averages for the many types of manual and professional work descriptions listed by the Maine Commission for Community Service. Using these rates ensures that our match reporting is conservative. The match log is attached below.


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Table 4: Match Log

Line Total Match to

Date Source Explanation Date Amount J. O'Dea. FTWA Project kick off 6/12/2006 $40.00 $40.00B. Moore, Friends Project announcement 6/19/2006 $60.00 $100.00A. Paul, Friends Project briefing 6/6/2006 $40.00 $140.00Workshop participants 9 persons X3hrs X 20/hr 6/16/2006 $540.00 $680.00Furth CSA 9/27/2006 $1,450.00 $2,130.00Landowner, Mallard Ln. Const. materials 9/29/2006 $221.29 $2,351.29Landowner, Warren Ln. Const. materials 9/29/2006 $742.50 $3,093.79Landowner, Loon Ln. Const. materials 9/29/2006 $360.00 $3,453.79FTWA Board members Board Meeting 10/24/2006 $1,200.00 $4,653.79KOA Campground CSA $362.94 $5,016.73FTWA Board Members Board Meeting 12/20/2006 $1,200.00 $6,216.73FTWA Board Members Board Meeting 1/10/2007 $1,200.00 $7,416.73Landowner, KOA Const. materials 7/6/2007 $904.48 $8,321.21Johnson CSA 7/6/2007 $1,200.00 $9,521.21Norris CSA 7/30/2007 $2,431.00 $11,952.21Furth CSA 8/1/2007 $1,175.00 $13,127.21Adams CSA 6/13/2007 $656.00 $13,783.21Beale/FTWA 22 persons X4hrs X 20/hr 7/17/2007 $1,760.00 $15,543.21Septic Social/FTWA 30 persons X3hrs X20/hr 8/4/2007 $1,800.00 $17,343.21Daniel Uhl site 10/9/2007 $500.00 $17,843.21Uhl CSA 10/30/2007 $4,000.00 $21,843.21Beale CSA 10/30/2007 $7,100.00 $28,943.21Friends In-kind match 12/12/2006 $4,831.00 $33,774.21Friends In-kind match 11/28/2007 $3,365.00 $37,139.21KCSWCD Match 3/1/2008 $5,900.00 $43,039.21CWD Match 2006-2007 9,014.00 $52,053.21Maine DOT CSA (in-kind) 5/18/2008 $10,500.00 $62,553.21


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____________________________________________________________________________ Match Certification Pleasant Pond NPS Abatement Project (Maine DEP Project #2006R-05) GRANTEE INFORMATION: Name: Kennebec County Soil & Water Conservation District Address: 21 Enterprise Drive, Suite #1 Augusta, ME 04330 Telephone: (207) 622-7847 X3 Contact: Dale Finseth John Blais Executive Director Watershed Project Director PROJECT INFORMATION: Project ID: Pleasant Pond NPS Abatement (Maine DEP 319 Program, Project #2006R-05) Match amount planned under the Grant Agreement: $50,700.00 Match amount claimed: $62,153.21 CERTIFICATION STATEMENT: I certify that the non-federal match detailed in the attached information were expended in the course of completing work described in the Grant Agreement for the Project referenced above, and that detailed documentation of the match information is on file and available for review at the Grantee address shown above. s/Dale Finseth 6/1/08 ___________________________________________________________________ Dale Finseth, Executive Director Date


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Pleasant Pond NPS Abatement Project (Maine DEP #2006R-05) Photo Log: Selected BMP Sites BEFORE AFTER

Severe shoreline erosion at Johnson site.

Shoreline stabilized with geotextile fabric, riprap and erosion control mulch

Severe shoreline erosion at Norris site (spring high water condition).

Shoreline stabilized with geotextile fabric and riprap.


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Hillside erosion adjacent to shoreline at KOA site.

Eroding slope stabilized by erosion control mulch and planting.

Channelized runoff erosion adjacent to road at Beale site.

Channel defined and stabilized with geotextile fabric and riprap.


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Documents

FINAL REPORT Task #1 Deliverable #7 Maine DEP …kcswcd.org/Projects/Pleasant Pd stuff/Pleasant Final...FINAL REPORT Task #1 Deliverable #7 Maine DEP 319 program: Pleasant Pond NPS