1319-008 Silver Creek Watershed Final Report

(2017) 1319-008 Silver Creek Watershed Final Report. Agriculture and Land Stewardship

Preview

PDF 1319-008 Silver Creek Watershed FINAL Report.pdf File Size:1MB

Abstract

The Silver Creek Watershed is a complex and diversified watershed consisting of urban and rural. Land cover is both cultivated and natural with abundant livestock production throughout the watershed. Open lot and confinement livestock production produces manure runoff and nutrient application issues. The urban development has produced habitat alteration and a drastic increase in the rate and volume of stormwater discharge. The Silver Creek Watershed is on the Iowa Department of Natural Resources 303(d) impaired water bodies list due to bacteria levels at five and a half times the state criterion and therefore can no longer support primary contact recreation. The Silver Creek Water Quality Project has received funding as part of the FY2014 319/WSPF grant application cycle to begin implementation of an EPA approved Watershed Management Plan. Goal 1: Reduce the bacteria levels by 40% within Silver Creek. The implementation of best management practices (BMPs) that address sources of bacteria are expected to result in attainment of this goal over the course of implementation. Goal 2: Reduce sediment delivery to Silver Creek by 4500 t/yr. Goal 3: Reduce nitrate loading from the Silver Creek to the Upper Iowa River by 45% with better management of stormwater runoff, nutrient management, septic system education, handling and application of manure will help us reach these goals. The District believes an additional source of funding in response to the high interest in this watershed project is needed. The additional funding from the Watershed Improvement Review Board, leveraged with funding from 319/WSPF, will help meet the high demand for ag waste practices and make significant improvements to the water quality of Silver Creek.