Water Quality in Urban EnvironmentsPlan of Work

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Hardin County CES

Title:
Water Quality in Urban Environments
MAP:
Best Management Practices for Safe Food, Farms & Families
Agents Involved:
Shepherd, Adams, Aldenderfer
MAJOR PROGRAM 1:
Urban Environments (water issues)
MAJOR PROGRAM 2:
Ag Water Quality Program
MAJOR PROGRAM 3:
Sustainable Agriculture
MAJOR PROGRAM 4:
Chemical Crop Management Tools
Situation:

The population of Kentucky continues to migrate to urban areas thus increasing the impervious surface and subsequent runoff and impairments to water quality. According to SNARL data, Hardin County's population will experience a 10.5% increase from 2010 numbers by 2020, a 19.3% increase by 2030 and a 30.4% increase by 2050. EPA has imposed regulations 104 Municipal Separate Storm Sewer (MS4) permitted communities with populations of 10,000 or more to educate and involve the public in their permit plans. Elizabethtown, Radcliff and Vine Grove all are impacted by these regulations. These stormwater regulated communities need assistance from the County Extension Office to meet water quality educational programming required by their stormwater permit.

According to various sources Agriculture is a leading contributor to water pollution in Kentucky. Hardin County is situated in a region of Kentucky impacted by its Karst topography. Developing and implementing Agricultural Water Quality plans and Nutrient Management Plans can help farmers stay compliant with state laws, protect water quality, improve farm operations, and maximize profits. Educational programs for agricultural producers include county producer meetings, Master Cattlemen, Master Stocker and Master Grazer programs, field days, and farm visits. Collaborations with conservation districts and USDA Service Centers will strengthen county programs and maximize opportunities for farmers.

Long-Term Outcomes:

Reduction of lawn, landscape and garden additives.

Reduce level of pollutants in stormwater.

Improve level of water quality in stream segments within and adjacent to communities.

Reduce environmental impact to water, soil, or air.

Protect and improve water quality.

Improve efficiency of manure handling.

Maximize profits for ag producers.

Reduce environmental impacts of winter feeding areas.

Intermediate Outcomes:

Develop or update water quality plans.

Adopt best practices for water quality, nutrient and/or soil management.

Evaluate weather and physical conditions when making management decisions.

Residents implement BMP's on their property or in their community.

Make informed decisions on use of lawn, landscape, farm, and garden additives.

Soil test and apply plant nutrients accordingly.

Direct downspouts to pervious surfaces.

Adopt appropriate fallen livestock disposal practices.

Initial Outcomes:

Participants will be able to define watershed, stormwater, and impervious surfaces.

Observe or participate in BMP implementation.

Learn how to take a soil test.

Understand the benefits of native plants and non-aggressive perennials in the landscape.

Recognize the water quality issues/needs on their property, at their school, and/or in the community.

Understand the importance of clean water.

Increase knowledge of BMP's for protecting and improving water quality.

Recognize best management practices for soil conservation.

Identify best management practices for nutrient management.

Evaluation:

Initial Outcome: Learn how to take soil test.

Indicator: Publication distribution and requests.

Method: Increase in first time participants.

Timeline: Fall 2016, Spring 2017


Intermediate Outcome: Develop or update water quality plans.

Indicator: Requests received at County SWCD.

Method: Counts

Timeline: Winter and Spring 2018-19


Long-term Outcome: Improve level of water quality in stream segments within and adjacent to county MS4 communities.

Indicator: Water quality test results.

Method: Water surveys.

Timeline: Summer 2020

Learning Opportunities:

Audience: County Residents

Project or Activity: Master Gardener Certification

Content or Curriculum: Water Quality Curriculum

Inputs: Extension Agents, Specialists, training materials, fees

Date: 2018-19


Audience: Farm owners, managers, operators

Project or Activity: Master Cattlemen Program

Content or Curriculum: Environmental Stewardship

Inputs: UK Extension Specialists, agents, NRCS, publications, Ag Water Quality Plans.

Date:


Audience: Farm operators, owners, managers

Project or Activity: Water Quality and Nutrient Management Plans, Family Education Day with Hardin Water District #1

Content or Curriculum: Private Pesticide Training and Certification, UK Publications, DOW Research Data

Inputs: UK Extension Specialist, Agents, NRCS, SWCD, publications, Hardin Water District #1 Personnel

Date: Summer 2018 or Spring 2019

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