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Valley Mill Lake and Watershed Restoration Project
The Valley Mill reservoir in northeast Springfield is part of the drinking water supply for the city of Springfield. The reservoir has become almost entirely silted in, and algae mats are common. The impacts of nonpoint source pollution are evident in the steambank erosion, increased sediment load, algae blooms, and sewage smell. The watershed contains several industrial complexes, a golf course, subdivisions, and the intersection of Hwy 65 and 44. The area is scheduled for increased urbanization.
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
Through this subgrant, The WCO will fund an environment assessment of the Valley Mill sub watershed. After the assessment, the WCO will target the areas of greatest sediment and nutrient contribution, and establish best management practices to reduce NPS pollution. WCO will then monitor the BMPs to determine their effectiveness. The WCO will also work with the city of Springfield to drain Valley Mill Lake, remove the sediments, and reinforce the dam. During the project, the WCO will introduce the education programs started in other sub watersheds. These include, but are not limited to, a kick-off dinner, earthday programs with school children, Show-Me Yards and Neighborhoods, and Business outreach activities sponsored by the Green County Choose Environmental Excellence Program. Finally, the WCO will plan and build a demonstration site for the community. Projects for the site include a trail, dock, wetland area, parking lot, and outdoor classroom. This will benefit the community by increased recreation, education, and watershed cohesiveness.
OBJECTIVES
1. Complete an environmental assessment of the pathways and amounts of nonpoint source pollution into the Valley Mill reservoir.
2. Develop a three stage educational program, targeting school children, businesses and landowners.
3. Restore Valley Mill reservoir and watershed
4. Create a demonstration site for the community, and
5. Create a monitoring program of the performance of restoration practices.
PRODUCTS
1. An environmental assessment of NPS pollution concentrations and pathways through the sub-watershed.
2. Area meeting will be held to disseminate information to watershed landowners, businesses, and public officials.
3. A demonstration site will be created with the construction of a dock, trails, parking facilities and an outdoor classroom.
4. Best management practices will be implemented based on the information and recommendations from the environmental assessment
5. A Quality Assurance Project Plan.
6. A final written report, including all water quality data, will be submitted to the department upon completion of the project.
PROJECT SPONSOR
Watershed Committee of the Ozarks
COOPERATING AGENCIES
EPA/DNR
CONTACT
Watershed Committee of the Ozarks
320 N. Main
Springfield, MO 65806
Loring Bullard, Director
telephone: 417-866-1127
email: loring@watershedcommittee.org
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