Wednesday, January 31, 2001
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Wednesday, January 31, 2001 |
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Watershed assessment reveals 'some problems' By DAVE
HAMRICK
A watershed assessment completed in conjunction with a permit application to expand the city's sewer capacity revealed "no surprises," says water manager Larry Turner, but it does show "some problems" for both Fayette County and the city. Water in Line Creek south of the city limits, surveyed in the assessment, shows "water quality impairments" for dissolved oxygen, pH, fecal coliform and zinc, Turner told members of the Fayette County Water Committee last week. Zinc, he added, occurs naturally in this area. The other problem readings are due mainly to polluted storm water runoff and high levels of sediment. In its response to the report, the state Department of Natural Resources notes the contaminants and the low levels of dissolved oxygen, but doesn't recommend any immediate fixes. And the agency has approved the assessment as part of the permitting process. But DNR does request letters from both the city and county with statements "that they acknowledge and understand the assessment findings and implications and that some improvements to their watershed protection programs may be required as part of the ... permit process." DNR also suggests that the city and county monitor test sites in the creek basin every quarter, rather than twice a year as contemplated in the city's watershed assessment. Water Committee member Glen Gosa suggested that such language will become commonplace as state and federal agencies move toward stricter regulation of watershed management and storm water runoff. Counties have been gearing up for more than a year now for the new federal regulations, which are expected to require some level of treatment of storm water, and stricter standards for sediment control. County water manager Tony Parrott agreed. "The next time we apply for a permit they'll probably copy the same thing to us," he said. "I can't think of anything [that may be required in the future] that wouldn't be required by [the new state standards]," said Turner. Water Committee members voted to ask attorneys for the city to compose a letter acknowledging DNR's concerns, to be reviewed by the county attorney and signed by County Manager Chris Cofty.
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