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Pond Clinic
The Soil and Water Conservation Districts of Hamilton and Butler
Counties are sponsoring a Pond Clinic, Wednesday, April 6, 2005,
along with the Fairfield Parks and Recreation Department. It will
be held from 6:30 to 9:00 p.m. at the Fairfield Golf Course at
2200 John Gray Road, Fairfield, Ohio. There is no charge for the
Pond Clinic. Experts will be on hand to answer all questions about
pond construction, fish stocking, aquatic weed control, mosquito
control and West Nile Virus and geese management.
Special guests will be Jim Reynolds of Jones Fish
Hatchery and George Cummings of the Natural Resources Conservation
Service.
There is a 2nd Pond Clinic on Wednesday, June 1,
2005, same time—same place.
For additional information or directions, call the
Hamilton County SWCD office at 513-772-7645 or the Butler County
SWCD office at 513-887-3720. Hope to see you there!!
Managing Storm Water Quantity for Water Quality
The Hamilton, Butler, Clermont and Warren SWCD’s are planning a
seminar that will be offered in two-day topical segment.
Day 1: Designing Storm Water Detention Basins
for Water Quality. Thursday-April 28, 2005. 8:30 a.m. to
5:00 p.m. at Indiana Wesleyan University, 9286 Schulze Drive at
Union Center Boulevard in West Chester, Ohio.
Day 2: Essential Hydrology for Storm Water
Management. Friday-April 29, 2005, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
at Indiana Wesleyan University.
Early registration is $120/day by 4/15/05 or
$150/day after that date. Please call the District office at
513-772-7645 for a brochure and registration.
Spring Means Gardening!!!
 As
you peruse the gardening catalogs and plan your vegetable and
flower beds, remember, the best way to ensure gardening success is
to provide good soil quality for your plants. Our SWCD will be
offering soil fertility testing through Michigan State University.
The test results will provide you with a soil amendment recipe to
ensure you get the most out of your plant investment.
Soil testing boxes and instructions can be obtained
from our office for $10.00/box or $12.00 if we mail it to you. You
can stop by the office any weekday from 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. or
call the office at 772-7645. This is a small investment when you
consider the cost of plants and fertilizer. You will also be doing
you part in reducing the use of unnecessary chemicals.
Non Point Source Pollution & You
by Holly Utrata-Halcomb, District
Administrator
 Did you know that
every single person contributes to water quality impairment? Now,
do not despair or get defensive. This simple truth is due to our
being alive; which beats the alternative! Let me explain.
The products and conveniences we use have
consequences. Your automobile, for instance requires lubricants,
oil and fluids to operate properly. If these fluids leak on hard,
impermeable surfaces, eventually they will end up in our waterways
via storm water or melting snow.
As spring approaches we can hardly wait to see the
grass turn green. To prevent weeds and promote a healthy lawn most
of us will apply fertilizer and pesticides on our lawns throughout
the spring, summer and fall. Yesterday I got a flyer from a lawn
company suggesting 8 applications over the growing season. Did you
know that the average homeowner applies 7 times more chemicals to
their lawn than a farmer does per acre? Again, if a product is
applied at too high of a rate the excess will end up in our
waterways. This same scenario goes for household chemicals, pet
waste, yard waste and any other product that could end up on the
ground.
The good news is that as human beings we have
choices. We can follow directions when using chemicals and dispose
of their containers properly. We can recycle automotive fluids and
other household items and containers; we can pick up after our
pets and send the waste to the landfill. We can also keep our
septic tanks and automobiles in good repair.
Does all this sound too simple? Consider that
Hamilton County has a population of 823,471. Consider if every
person did just one of the above items, how that would influence
the quality of our storm water run- off.
The Hamilton County Storm Water District was
established in March 2003 in answer to the Phase II Clean Water
Act. This is in response to studies that show over half of the
water pollution comes from disperse sources (Non Point Sources)
and are washed into our waterways via storm water or melting snow.
Yes, you can make a difference. To find out more
call our District Office at 772-7645. To report storm water
quality problems call the Storm Water District’s hotline
@946-7000.
OHIOANS CONCERNED ABOUT OBESITY & WATER QUALITY
Rising obesity rates among Americans and pollution of rivers and
streams top the list of Ohioans' food, farm and environmental
concerns, according to the second biennial Ohio Survey of Food,
Agriculture and Environmental issues. These results are from a
mail survey, conducted during late summer of 2004.
Responding to a list of nine issues related to
food, agriculture and the environment, 69 percent of survey
participants said they were "very concerned" about "rising obesity
among Americans." In addition, 65 percent were very concerned
about "pollution of Ohio's rivers, streams and groundwater." Other
concerns included loss of family farm; loss of farmland as a
result of urban growth, genetic modification of animals, mad cow
disease, genetic modification of plants, global warming or the
greenhouse effect, and development of large-scale poultry and
livestock production facilities in Ohio. The project was funded by
Ohio State's Department of Human and Community Resource
Development, OSU Extension, OARDC, and the College of Food,
Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences.
Here’s the Dirt on Earthworks!
Dangers of Uncontrolled Fill on Hillsides
by Mohammad M. Islam PE – Hamilton County
Dept. of Public Works
If your house is on a hillside without any useable backyard or you
are building an in-ground pool and have excess soil to dispose of,
be careful of what you do. Dumping soil on hillsides to create a
level yard or stockpiling excess soil on an adjacent vacant lot
seems like a good idea, but sooner or later these fills can become
a nightmare and financially devastating for the property owners.
The photos indicate recent events where the property owners dumped
uncontrolled fills on hillside. The landslides on these properties
caused immense damage to the houses and adjacent properties. If
you are the property owner and the landslide occurs on your
property, and/or is due to your actions, the property owner is
liable for damages to adjacent public and private properties
affected by the landslide.
The hillsides of Hamilton County contain Eden soils
and are prone to landslide. Any additional surcharge or weight on
these soils will make them unstable, especially during winter
months and rain events when the soils are wet and saturated. Any
cut or fill on or near a hillside should be properly designed by a
professional engineer. Before placing any fill on a hillside the
area should be cleared of vegetation and the fill should be
properly benched and compacted to prevent any movement of the
fills. If you want a level backyard or want to get rid of excess
soils call Hamilton County Soil and Water Conservation District -
772-7645 or Hamilton County Public Works - 946-4750 for
information relating to the stability of the hillside and your
proposed project.
Don’t let the window of opportunity pass you by!
by Dan Taphorn, Urban Conservationist
Now is the time to get a jump start on the next growing season for
construction sites where all of the stabilization practices (i.e.
Seeding and Mulching) were not completed last fall due to lack of
planning or wet site conditions. Stabilizing your sites now will
reduce costly maintenance of sediment controls and save you time
and money, not to mention possible fines due to non-compliance. We
realize we have had an exceptionally wet fall and winter, that is
all the more reason not to miss any opportunity to stabilize idle
areas. It is far less expensive to implement permanent and
temporary stabilization practices than to maintain sediment
controls. All areas that will not be re-disturbed by construction
activities should be permanently stabilized. Permanent
stabilization now will have a dramatic long lasting effect in
reducing erosion, promoting infiltration, and reducing the amount
of runoff. Temporary stabilization practices should be applied to
areas that are to remain idle for 21 days or longer but less than
one year. Temporary stabilization will significantly reduce
maintenance to sediment controls such as silt fence, mulch berms
and street sweeping. Temporary stabilization can reduce erosion by
80% or more, thus greatly reducing the amount of sediment entering
basins and traps. We all know how difficult and expensive it is to
clean basins and traps. By spending a little time and money now a
developer can save themselves a lot on money and headaches later.
As you will see in the article, “Top Reasons Why Companies are
Fined Under NPDES Phase II Regulations” timely and effective
permanent and temporary stabilization of your site will address
many of the reasons fines are levied. For recommendations on
seeding specifications refer to the Rainwater & Land Development
Manual or check with your seeding contractor. Remember, both your
Earthwork Permit and your Ohio EPA NPDES Permit require timely
stabilization of idle areas and areas up to final grade.
EROSION & SEDIMENT CONTROL EXPO
The Soil & Water Conservation Districts of Southwest Ohio are
sponsoring a one day Erosion and Sediment Control Expo on June 7,
2005, at the Warren County Career Center from 7:30 a.m. to 1:00
p.m. The field day will include speakers from the Ohio EPA, The
Natural Resources Conservation Service, The US Army Corps of
Engineers and a representative from the development community to
discuss and answer questions regarding the passage of House Bill
411 and its impacts on the construction industry, The Ohio EPA and
US Army Corps of Engineers permitting process for construction
along streams and a case study of a developers efforts regarding
compliance in Warren County. Participants will also be able to
interface with vendors of current erosion and sediment control
products involving onsite product demonstrations. For additional
information or if you are interested in participating or
showcasing your company’s current product during the field day,
contact the Hamilton County SWCD at 513-772-7645. Hope you can
join us!!
Inspection & Documentation
by Dan Taphorn, Urban Conservationist
Some developers are still not performing their weekly inspections
and documentations as required under the Ohio EPA NPDES Permit or
they are not providing adequate documentation. Any project that
disturbs one acre or more of ground is required to file for an
NPDES Permit. Part of the developer’s requirements under the NPDES
Permit is to perform weekly inspections and inspections after any
rain event greater than ˝ inch within a twenty-four duration.
These inspections should document the status and conditions of the
erosion and sediment controls. Some developers are either
providing little documentation or none at all. The intent of
requiring inspections and documentation is to ensure that not only
are the controls being properly installed in a timely manner but
also that they are maintained and functioning as intended
throughout their expected usage. The District has developed a
self-inspection form and documentation log. This will be mailed
out with approval letters and will be available on the District’s
website. We expect to see developers start implementing these
forms or your own inspection system. This documentation needs to
be made available upon request from District Staff.
Top Reasons Why Companies are Fined Under NPDES
Phase II Regulations
The International Erosion Control Association (IECA) conducted an
informal survey with a members only list serve asking, “What are
the top reasons companies are fined under National Pollutant
Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Phase II?” The results
follow:
Improper or lack of best management practice (BMP)
maintenance
Incomplete or no NPDES permit or Storm Water
Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP)
Incomplete or no inspections
Not implementing the SWPPP as described in the plan
or altering the plan
Incomplete or no BMPs
Improper installation of BMPs
Public complaints
Continued discharges after warnings and citations
Lack of response during/after a release
Failure to submit a Notice of Intent prior to
construction and other subsequent paperwork
A contractor not being signed on the Notice of
Intent but performing work affecting erosion
Starting work prior to obtaining a permit
Failure to maintain monitoring logs or
falsification of logs
Discharge into a fish bearing stream
Information from Erosion Control Magazine,
January/February 2005 edition.
Educational Activities……..
Workshops, Contests and fun events……..
by Gwen Roth, Education Specialist
Odegard/Diebel Memorial Scholarship
The Hamilton County Soil and Water Conservation District is
currently accepting applications for the Julius A. Odegard/H.
David Diebel memorial scholarship. Each scholarship is worth
$250.00 and is available to any teacher in Hamilton County who
will use the funds to educate themselves or their students on
conservation issues. Some possible projects include Land Lab
development, teacher workshop costs, training on conservation
issues, classroom projects promoting conservation. Please be
creative! Applications must be received in the District office by
Friday, September 30, 2005.
Guidelines:
Proposals will be reviewed on a competitive basis
by the Soil and Water Conservation District.
Project funds must be spent within one year.
Receipts must be submitted to the District office for the total
grant amount before the District will reimburse the participant.
Grant money must be used to accomplish the goals of
the approved application.
Strong consideration will be given to groups that
apply other monies to achieve their goals (i.e. donations, other
grants, PTA involvement, school funds).
You will be contacted concerning the status of your
request or to provide additional details, as appropriate.
Please submit only one proposal per school.
Teachers are eligible to receive one grant every five years.
Teachers must teach in a Hamilton County school.
Please call the office (513-772-7645) for a copy of
the 1-page grant application, which can be faxed or mailed to you.
NEW Splash “Connections” Workshops
Greenacres Foundation, Hamilton County Soil and Water Conservation
District (HSWCD), and the University of Cincinnati (UC) Economics
Center for Education and Research will be offering a series of 3
workshops that focus specifically on water-related activities that
meet Ohio’s Academic Content Standards. One for grade level 4-6
will be offered on Wednesday, August 2nd and another for grade
level 7-9 on will be offered on Thursday, August 3rd. Both
workshops will use activities from Project Wet, Project Wild,
Project Wild Aquatic, Healthy Water Healthy People, WOW The
Wonders of Wetlands and other sources. A special workshop will be
held on August 4th for 6 -12 grade teachers that shows you how to
monitor a local stream.
Teachers will be introduced to hands on activities, in addition to
mny field trip and community service project ideas. Teachers will
receive a notebook with activities used and other resources
materials. Each workshop is also available for one hour of reduced
price graduate credit through the University of Cincinnati Center
for Economic Education for $175 per credit hour. The cost of each
one-day workshop is $35 per day and includes resource materials,
snacks and workshop supplies. Participants will need to pack a
lunch.
For more information contact Gwen Roth, Hamilton
County SWCD at 513-772-7645 x14 or
gwen.roth@hamilton-co.org.
To register contact Anne Lyon, Greenacres Foundation at
513-891-4227 x225 or
alyon@green-acres.org.
Forestry Camp Scholarship
 Have
you ever wondered what types of trees are in Ohio’s forests? Or
what kinds of relationships organisms have with the forest? If so,
Ohio Forestry Camp is the place to be! Camp is held at FFA Camp
Muskingum, which is situated on Leesville Lade in the beautiful
rolling hills of Carroll County. Any student who has completed 8th
grade and is at least fifteen (15) years of age is welcome to
participate. Tentatively, camp is scheduled for June 12-17, 2005.
Be prepared to obtain valuable forestry information, make many new
friends and HAVE FUN!!!
The District would like to sponsor an interested student to attend
Ohio Forestry Camp. The student will be responsible for a $30.00
non-refundable deposit. The District will pay the remaining
$150.00 cost of attending the camp. If you are interested , please
write a letter explaining why the District should send you to
camp. All letters must be received by May 1, 2005. The scholarship
winner will be notified by May 13, 2005. The winner will also be
asked to come to our Annual Meeting (September/October) and give a
brief summary of their time at camp.
For more information on Ohio Forestry Camp, go to
http://www.ohioforest.org click on Services and then
click on Forestry Camp.
Poster Contest
 The
Hamilton County Soil and Water Conservation District will once
again be sponsoring a Poster Contest. The theme is Conservation
Counts. Each child should also be encouraged to creatively express
his/her ideas on, “Why conserving natural resources is important
and/or how conservation improves our environment.” Here are the
rules:
· Posters must measure between 8 ˝”X11” and 22”X28”
· Crayons, watercolors, markers or other methods of writing,
printing or drawing may be used to create a flat or 2 dimensional
effect. Prints or pictures of commercial origin are not permitted.
· Posters must have the title Conservation Counts incorporated
somewhere into the artwork.
· Posters must be delivered to the Soil and Water Conservation
District office by May 1, 2005.
· Please write student’s name, age, grade level, home address and
phone number on the back of each poster. Also include school name,
address and phone number and teacher’s name.
· Please only submit 5 posters per sponsoring teacher.
· Posters will be judged in the following categories: K-2, 3-5,
6-8, 9-12, based on the conservation message (50%), visual
effectiveness (30%), Originality (10%) and Universal Appeal (10%).
· The winning artist in each grade level category will receive
$25.00, the supporting teacher will also receive a $25.00 gift
certificate to Half Price Books.
Any questions, please contact Gwen at
gwen.roth@hamilton-co.org
or 772-7645. Get those art supplies ready to go and show how
conservation counts!
Photo Contest
The Hamilton County Soil and Water Conservation District will be
holding a 2005 Amateur Photo Contest. The theme is “Oh Beautiful
Hamilton County”. There is a 1st and 2nd place Junior category
(ages 14-19 years old) and a Senior category (ages 19 and older).
Call the District office at 772-7645 for rules and guidelines.
Deadline for entries is August 29, 2005. 1st prize in both
categories is $100.00 and 2nd prize in both categories is $50.00.
Thanks to The Brinkman Group, LTD for sponsoring this contest!
Celebrate Soil and Water Stewardship Week
Soil and Water Stewardship Week is one of the world's largest
conservation-related observances. Since 1955, the National
Association of Conservation Districts (NACD) has sponsored the
national Soil and Water Stewardship Week program. The concept of
stewardship involves personal and social responsibility. We have a
duty to learn about and improve natural resources as we use them
wisely. By doing this we can leave a rich legacy for future
generations.
Get involved in Stewardship Week: Learn what you can do to
conserve our natural resources. Call the District office or go to
http://nacdnet.org/outreach/
Celebrate Arbor Day!
Arbor Day is Friday, April 29! What can you do to celebrate?
Plant a tree.
Care for a tree.
Get involved with your community tree committee.
Get your friends to help you plant and care for
trees.
Offer to water a newly planted tree at your school
or home over the summer months.
Fish Sale!
 All
fish provided by
Jones Fish Hatcheries, Inc.
513-561-2615
1-800-662-FISH
DATE: Saturday, May 14, 2005
TIME & LOCATION: All orders can be picked up from 10:00 a.m. to
12:00 noon at: Hamilton County SWCD, 29 Triangle Park Drive, Suite
2901, Cincinnati, Ohio 45246-3411 (directions)
HOW TO ORDER: Please contact Kim at 513-561-2615 or email:
Kim@jonesfish.com to
place an order. To get a FREE full-color catalog with fish pricing
and types of fish and pond accessories available call the toll
free number above. There is no minimum order requirements. All
fish will be double bagged to be easily transported to your pond
location.
Information is also available at:
www.jonesfish.com
IMPORTANT: Please mention you are ordering thru the Hamilton SWCD.
Dates to remember……..
April 6, 2005 Pond Clinic - Sponsored by the Hamilton & Butler
SWCD’s & Fairfield Parks & Recreation Department. 6:30 - 9:00 p.m.
No charge.
April 16, 2005 Earth Day at Sawyer Point - Look for our booth.
April 28, 2005 Earth Jam at Cincinnati State & Technical College.
11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Look for our booth.
April 28 & 29, 2005 Managing Storm Water Quantity for Water
Quality. A two day workshop at the Indiana Wesleyan University in
West Chester, Ohio. Call
772-7645 for more information and/or a brochure.
May 14, 2005 Fish Sale. Pick up day at the District office for
fish. Deadline to order fish is May 11, 2005.
June 7, 2005 Erosion & Sediment Control Expo. 7:30 a.m. to 1:00
p.m. Warren County Career Center. For additional information call
the office 513-772-7645.
June 16, 2005 - Little Miami River Partnership Water Quality 2005
Symposium.
Mason Municipal Building. 9 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Call Stephanie Hines
at
732-7070 for more information.
June 18, 2005 - Ohio River Sweep. 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Call
Jeanne Ison at
1-800-359-3977 for information.
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