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Urban
Streams
According to the USDA, Natural Resources Conservation Service, soil erosion is the number one water pollutant by volume in Hamilton County. The District took on the administration of the Hamilton County Earthwork Regulations in 1993 to assist in reducing this pollutant. The Earthwork Regulations govern all development in the unincorporated areas of Hamilton County. For a copy of the regulations, please call the District office at 772-7645.
The Hamilton County Soil Survey provides a wealth of information identifying all 99 different types of soil in Hamilton County.
For example, depth of water table is a useful fact that can be gleaned from this publication. To order a free copy call the District office.
Other useful tools concerning water location that can be viewed in the District office include:
- FEMA Flood Plain Maps
- Groundwater Resource Maps - Also,
Now Available Online
To view or download a map, visit
http://www.ohiodnr.com/water/gwrmaps/ Hard copies of the maps
may be ordered from the Division of Water at a cost of $8.00
per county map, plus shipping and handling costs. For more
information contact Jim Raab at jim.raab@dnr.state.oh.us or
614-265-6747.
- Water Service Area Maps
Activities to Help Protect Water Quality include:
Storm Drain Labeling - The District will assist in supplying the materials and training volunteers in affixing a medallion type label alerting residents to "Dump no Waste - Drains to River". This is an ideal project for schools, scout troops, 4-H clubs, youth organizations, church groups or any community service project.
Backyard Watershed Meetings - Have you lived on your property for years and noticed changes, perhaps in the slope or drainage patterns? Do you live near a stream and
have noticed a drastic change in flow over the years? The District staff is available to help you coordinate a backyard
meeting for any of your neighbors and friends interested in land and stream changes. This is a fun and interesting way to
learn about your immediate environment and how you impact it. And,
an added bonus is to meet all your neighbors!
Sometimes water quality and quantity problems boil down to a neighbor dispute or adjoining landowners being unaware of how their actions are affecting their neighbors property. The problem could be drainage, septic tanks run-off, streambank erosion, dumping in streams, improper yard waste disposal, etc.....
Watershed meetings can also be an affective way for landowners to get together and discuss mutual problems to find solutions. The staff is available to lead these meetings and bring in appropriate experts to educate and mediate a solution. For more information, contact
Brian Bohl, Stream Specialist or Holly Utrata-Halcomb, District Administrator.
Stream Walks - By participating in a stream walk survey, groups will become familiar with stream dynamics and aware of the plants and animals that live nearby. you will understand how people use local waterways and how land use practices affect water quality, habitat and streambank stability. You will locate and I.D. problems such as bank erosion and heavy debris collection. Reporting these situations will enable responsible parties to address them.
Adopt-A-Waterway - The District in partnership with the ODNR Division of Watercraft, will assist your
organization in planning a twice a year clean up. A minimum two
year commitment on your chosen two-mile section of river or stream
is required. Trash and litter can be harmful to animals that view it as food or habitat. From the human perspective, litter destroys the safety and aesthetic quality of waterways for
swimming, fishing and boating. Much of the trash that ends up in our streams and banks takes 100s of years to degrade.
Pond Clinic and Pond Information - Each year the District holds two pond clinics jointly with Butler County SWCD.
Watch for the May and June dates in the District Newsletter.
The District has many fact sheets and information on developing and stocking ponds as well as weed and pest controls. Soils information and guidance on siting a pond are also available. Call the District office for information.
Learn About Rain Gardens
Rain Garden Manuals and Garden
Designs:
Mill Creek Watershed Council
http://www.millcreekwatershed.org/rain_garden.html
Wisconsin Extension
http://clean-water.uwex.edu/pubs/home.htm
Rain Gardens of West Michigan
http://www.raingardens.org/Index.php
Kansas City’s 10,000 Rain
Gardens
http://www.rainkc.com/home/index.asp
Maplewood, Minnesota
http://www.ci.maplewood.mn.us
Click
here for current articles relating to stream management.
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