Post by smead on Jun 15, 2010 2:41:56 GMT -5
Federal study finds streams easily hurt by development
Monday, June 14, 2010 02:52 AM
By Spencer Hunt
THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH
New houses and businesses that spring up along the edges of cities always have posed a pollution threat to wildlife in nearby streams.
But a new study by the U.S. Geological Survey that examined more than 250 streams that flow near nine major cities found that aquatic life declines almost as soon as new roads and buildings go up.
Experts had thought that the decline began much later, after pavement and buildings filled at least 10 percent of open land near streams.
Even at that 10 percent level, as much as 36 percent of the aquatic insects that form the base of streams' food chains already were destroyed by stormwater and dirt from eroded stream banks, the study found.
Why? Instead of sinking into the ground, rain falls on roofs, roads and pavement and quickly flows into storm drains and streams. When storms hit, the fast-moving water erodes stream banks and carries with it lawn fertilizers, pesticides and pollutants cars leave on pavement.
"This (new information) means you can't kid yourself that things are going to stay the same," said Gerard McMahon, who directed the decadelong study. "You start getting declines right away.
"There is no safe zone."
Local environmental advocates said the study raises questions about protections put in place for the Big Darby Creek and the Olentangy River.
The Darby, a state and national scenic river, is home to 37 rare and endangered species of mussels and fish. A 22-mile scenic stretch of the Olentangy between the cities of Delaware and Worthington is home to the threatened bluebreast darter.
The Big Darby Accord, a 2006 multigovernment agreement intended to protect the creek, limits development in an area of western Franklin County to 10 percent. About 6 percent of the land has been developed.
"This research confirms that at a 10 percent build-out, the (ecological) targets won't be reached," said John Tetzloff, president of the Darby Creek Association.
In 2008, the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency imposed restrictions on developers that said new homes and businesses cannot be built within
30 feet of the Olentangy's smallest tributary streams.
Amy Dutt, science committee member for the Friends of the Lower Olen-
tangy Watershed, said she never thought the 30-foot buffers would protect the river.
The USGS study, she said, shows the need for "more thoughtful development" that would better filter and channel storm water to protect the Olentangy.
McMahon said the study shows that urban planners and developers need to require more comprehensive stormwater protections at the earliest stages of development.
Government officials said safeguards for both streams must be given a chance to work. That would mean several years of monitoring and testing streams.
David Efland, community development and planning director for the city of Delaware, said a lot of construction plans were squelched by the recession. As a result, only six plans for small commercial buildings were approved in the protected area since the rules were imposed.
Darby-area developers also must design storm-drainage systems that slow runoff, said Mike Gallaway, an Ohio EPA surface water manager.
"Of most of the places the (USGS) studied, very few, if any, had these kinds of protections in place," Gallaway said.
Tetzloff said tougher protections could be adopted for the Darby if tests show the stream continues to decline.
"It's a calculated risk with a fall-back provision," Tetzloff said of the Darby Accord. "We're going to hope that it works."
Monday, June 14, 2010 02:52 AM
By Spencer Hunt
THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH
New houses and businesses that spring up along the edges of cities always have posed a pollution threat to wildlife in nearby streams.
But a new study by the U.S. Geological Survey that examined more than 250 streams that flow near nine major cities found that aquatic life declines almost as soon as new roads and buildings go up.
Experts had thought that the decline began much later, after pavement and buildings filled at least 10 percent of open land near streams.
Even at that 10 percent level, as much as 36 percent of the aquatic insects that form the base of streams' food chains already were destroyed by stormwater and dirt from eroded stream banks, the study found.
Why? Instead of sinking into the ground, rain falls on roofs, roads and pavement and quickly flows into storm drains and streams. When storms hit, the fast-moving water erodes stream banks and carries with it lawn fertilizers, pesticides and pollutants cars leave on pavement.
"This (new information) means you can't kid yourself that things are going to stay the same," said Gerard McMahon, who directed the decadelong study. "You start getting declines right away.
"There is no safe zone."
Local environmental advocates said the study raises questions about protections put in place for the Big Darby Creek and the Olentangy River.
The Darby, a state and national scenic river, is home to 37 rare and endangered species of mussels and fish. A 22-mile scenic stretch of the Olentangy between the cities of Delaware and Worthington is home to the threatened bluebreast darter.
The Big Darby Accord, a 2006 multigovernment agreement intended to protect the creek, limits development in an area of western Franklin County to 10 percent. About 6 percent of the land has been developed.
"This research confirms that at a 10 percent build-out, the (ecological) targets won't be reached," said John Tetzloff, president of the Darby Creek Association.
In 2008, the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency imposed restrictions on developers that said new homes and businesses cannot be built within
30 feet of the Olentangy's smallest tributary streams.
Amy Dutt, science committee member for the Friends of the Lower Olen-
tangy Watershed, said she never thought the 30-foot buffers would protect the river.
The USGS study, she said, shows the need for "more thoughtful development" that would better filter and channel storm water to protect the Olentangy.
McMahon said the study shows that urban planners and developers need to require more comprehensive stormwater protections at the earliest stages of development.
Government officials said safeguards for both streams must be given a chance to work. That would mean several years of monitoring and testing streams.
David Efland, community development and planning director for the city of Delaware, said a lot of construction plans were squelched by the recession. As a result, only six plans for small commercial buildings were approved in the protected area since the rules were imposed.
Darby-area developers also must design storm-drainage systems that slow runoff, said Mike Gallaway, an Ohio EPA surface water manager.
"Of most of the places the (USGS) studied, very few, if any, had these kinds of protections in place," Gallaway said.
Tetzloff said tougher protections could be adopted for the Darby if tests show the stream continues to decline.
"It's a calculated risk with a fall-back provision," Tetzloff said of the Darby Accord. "We're going to hope that it works."
www.dispatch.com/live/content/local_news/stories/2010/06/14/federal-study-finds-streams-easily-hurt.html
