watershed protection plan

Transcription

WATERSHED PROTECTION PLAN
Jekyll Island Authority
Glynn County, Georgia
April 2015
PREPARED BY
NUTTER & ASSOCIATES, INC.
360 Hawthorne Lane
Athens, GA 30606-2152
Phone: 706.354.7925
Fax: 706.354.7928
NutterInc.com
WATERSHED PROTECTION PLAN
Prepared for:
Jekyll Island Authority
Glynn County, Georgia
Prepared by:
Nutter & Associates, Inc.
Athens, Georgia
NutterInc.com
April 2015
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1.0
INTRODUCTION .................................................................................................... 1
2.0
LEGAL AUTHORITY ............................................................................................... 2
2.1 Political Jurisdiction ........................................................................................ 2
2.1.1 Responsible Parties ............................................................................... 2
2.1.2 Local Zoning and Development Authorities ............................................. 2
2.1.3 Resources Available for Plan Implementation .......................................... 2
2.2 Code and Regulation Evaluation ...................................................................... 2
2.2.1 Chapter 14: Flood Prevention ................................................................ 2
2.2.2 Chapter 16: Land Development and Use Regulations .............................. 3
2.2.3 Chapter 18: Offenses and Miscellaneous Provisions ................................. 3
3.0
FUNDING SOURCES .............................................................................................. 4
3.1 Cost to Implement.......................................................................................... 4
3.2 Potential Funding Sources ............................................................................... 4
4.0
POLLUNTANT SOURCES AND MANAGEMENT .......................................................... 5
4.1 Baseline Water Quality Conditions and Pollutant Sources .................................. 5
4.2 Future Growth and Development ..................................................................... 6
5.0
Best MANAGEMENT PRACTICES (BMP’S) ................................................................ 9
5.1 Non-structural Best Management Practices (BMP’s) .........................................10
5.1.1 WPP Implementation Manager ..............................................................10
5.1.2 Public Outreach and Education .............................................................10
5.1.3 Golf Course Pond Monitoring Program ...................................................11
5.1.4 Golf Course Dialog ...............................................................................11
5.1.5 Sewer Pipe Leak Inspections ................................................................11
6.0
MANAGEMENT OF 303(d) LISTED SEGMENTS ........................................................12
7.0
SCHEDULE FOR IMPLEMENTING MANAGEMENT MEASURES ...................................13
8.0
LONG TERM MONITORING PLAN ..........................................................................14
8.1 Purpose and Objectives .................................................................................14
8.2 Parties Responsible for Water Quality and Biological Monitoring .......................14
8.2.1 Reduction in Water Quality Monitoring Scope ........................................15
8.3 Long Term Monitoring Station ........................................................................15
8.4 Monitoring Schedule ......................................................................................16
8.5 Monitoring Procedures ...................................................................................16
8.5.1 Water Quality Monitoring......................................................................16
8.5.2 Benthic Macroinvertebrate Monitoring ...................................................17
8.5.3 In-situ Water Quality and Flow .............................................................18
9.0
REPORTING REQUIREMENTS ................................................................................19
10.0 LITERATURE CITED .............................................................................................20
ii
LIST OF TABLES
Table 1. Estimated 2015 and 2016 long-term monitoring schedule.
Table 2. Water quality parameters, test methods, and reporting limits, Jekyll Island
Watershed Assessment.
iii
LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 1.
Jekyll Island vicinity map.
Figure 2.
Six and eight digit USGS hydrologic unit code (HUC) map.
Figure 3.
Locations of biological and water quality monitoring stations.
Figure 4.
Locations of biological and water quality monitoring stations.
Figure 7.
Locations of potential environmental stressors and 2012 305(b)/303(d) listed
segments. Nutter & Associates, Inc.
iv
LIST OF PLATES Plate
Plate
Plate
Plate
Plate
Plate
1. Station UTW01 looking downstream (west) towards Old Plantation Road.
2. Station UTW01 looking upstream (East).
3. Station UTW02 looking downstream (Southwest).
4. Station UTW02 looking upstream (Northeast).
5. TCM01 looking upstream (North) from Shell Road.
6. TCM01 looking upstream (North) at tidal exchange point with golf course pond.
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1.0 INTRODUCTION
This Watershed Protection Plan (WPP) has been developed for the Jekyll Island State Park
Authority (JIA) and the Jekyll Island Water Pollution Control Plant (WPCP), located in Glynn
County, Georgia (Figure 1). The purpose of this WPP is to summarize the existing and
proposed initiatives aimed at managing the watershed within the WPCP service area. This
WPP summarizes a suite of activities including long-term water quality and biological
monitoring, and strategies for pollution identification, prevention, and public education. The
WPP is part of a three part watershed assessment process mandated by the Georgia
Environmental Protection Division (EPD) for the WPCP National Pollution Discharge
Elimination System (NPDES) permit renewal.
The WPCP service area is located on Jekyll Island, a coastal barrier island located
approximately 90 miles south of Savannah, Georgia and 73 miles north of Jacksonville,
Florida. Jekyll Island is designated as a State Park, but is managed independently by the
JIA. The Island stretches roughly 8 miles north to south and 1 mile wide (Figure 1). Jekyll
Island is located on the eastern edge of the Cumberland/St. Simons River sub-basin (HUC
03070203), within the larger St. Marys/Satilla River Basin (HUC 030702) (Figure 2). To the
Island’s east is the Atlantic Ocean and to its west is the Intracoastal Waterway. The service
area, which includes most of Jekyll Island, encompasses nearly 8.5 square miles.
A Watershed Assessment for the WPCP service area was initiated in December 2012, and a
completed Watershed Assessment report was submitted to the EPD in February 2014.
During the Watershed Assessment, water quality and biological sampling and analysis were
conducted at five (5) freshwater/saline stream stations throughout Jekyll Island (Figures 3
and 4). The Watershed Assessment report was approved by the EPD on July 24, 2014. This
WPP utilizes the findings of the water quality and biological monitoring conducted during the
Watershed Assessment to establish initiatives including watershed best management
practices (BMP’s) within the jurisdictional limits of the JIA.
1
2.0 LEGAL AUTHORITY
2.1 Political Jurisdiction
2.1.1 Responsible Parties
Jekyll Island State Park Authority
100 James Road
Jekyll Island, GA 31527
Jekyll Island Water Pollution Control Plant
2 Harbor Road
Jekyll Island Conservation Program
100 James Road
2.1.2 Local Zoning and Development Authorities
Jekyll Island State Park Authority
Glynn County, GA
2.1.3 Resources Available for Plan Implementation
As part of the WPP, the JIA will utilize a variety of resources to implement the proposed
management activities. A WPP implementation manager will be assigned by the JIA
Executive Director to ensure that communication between the WPCP and the JIA is
maintained as it concerns the WPP, and that efforts to implement BMP’s are completed. The
Jekyll Island Conservation Program will work with the WPCP and will be responsible for
implementing long term monitoring efforts.
2.2 Code and Regulation Evaluation
The WPCP service area for Jekyll Island encompasses areas regulated by the Jekyll Island
Code of Ordinances. A review of all applicable ordinances was conducted to evaluate the
effectiveness in which the JIA currently regulates and protects watershed resources within
the service area.
2.2.1 Chapter 14: Flood Prevention
This chapter of the Jekyll Island Code of Ordinances outlines ordinances design to prevent
flooding to properties on Jekyll Island. Section 14-4 (5) of this ordinance protects water
resources establishing provisions that control the alteration of natural floodplains, stream
channels, and natural protective barriers, which are involved in the accommodation of
floodwaters. This provision ensures protection of environmentally sensitive floodplain and
stream channels that are often impacted by development practices.
2
2.2.2 Chapter 16: Land Development and Use Regulations
Article VI of Chapter 16 mandates that all structures containing toilet facilities connect
directly with the sanitary sewer system serviced by the WPCP. This ordinance is protective
of water quality by eliminating septic systems throughout the island. Septic systems are a
primary source of excess nutrients and fecal bacteria in receiving waters. A properly
maintained WPCP can reduce the impact of nutrients and fecal bacteria to receiving streams
through engineered treatment.
2.2.3 Chapter 18: Offenses and Miscellaneous Provisions
Sections 18-3 specifically prohibits the placement of refuse or fill into any water feature that
periodically carries water run-off. This ordinance could be strengthened by prohibiting the
discharge of any chemical constituent into waterways, as this is not specifically addressed in
the ordinance as is.
3
3.0 FUNDING SOURCES
3.1 Cost to Implement
Responsible
Party(s)
Capital Costs
JIA
Existing Staff $0.00
Golf Course Pond Monitoring
JIA Conservation
$??
Public Outreach and Education
JIA Conservation
$0.00
Golf Course Dialog
JIA Conservation
$0.00
JIA WPCP
$0.00
JIA WPCP and JIA
Conservation
$7,200.00
Task
Assign WPP Implementation
Manager
Sewerage Leak Inspections
Long-term water quality
monitoring (2years)
Total Year 2 WPP Implementation Cost
$7,200.00
3.2 Potential Funding Sources
All proposed watershed management activities will either have no direct costs to the JIA or
funding will be generated by the WPCP or the Jekyll Island Foundation. The Jekyll Island
Foundation works in concert with the JIA to generate funding for conservation initiatives
throughout the Island. Funding for BMP activities may be available from conservation funds
generated by the Foundation. Outside grant funding may be pursued should the results of
long-term monitoring and assessment result in needed watershed improvements. Currently,
there are several efforts to improve water quality in ponds on the island that are being
funded by operation Conservation Program funds. Funding sources and ongoing efforts to
improve water quality on Jekyll Island will be incorporated and documented in the WPP.
Water quality awareness campaigns will be incorporated into existing JIA conservation
awareness initiatives. Other aspects of WPP implementation will require JIA personnel and
resources. Long-term water quality monitoring will be funded through the WPCP and will
utilize JIA Conservation Program staff to implement the monitoring plan.
4
4.0 POLLUTANT SOURCES AND MANAGEMENT
4.1 Baseline Water Quality Conditions and Pollutant Sources
The results of baseline water quality and biological monitoring conducted between
December 2012 and September 2013 are detailed in the Watershed Assessment report
(February 2014). During baseline monitoring of freshwater and brackish streams draining
the Island, the only water quality criteria exceedances during the watershed assessment
were for in-situ measures of dissolved oxygen (DO), pH, and temperature. Exceedances for
DO below water quality standards occurred rarely at every monitoring station and overall,
occurred 12 times out of 57 measurements made over the course of the watershed
assessment. Dissolved oxygen concentrations in coastal freshwaters are often below
freshwater standards due to a lack of in-channel mechanical mixing, and periodic
measurements below standards during the watershed assessment on Jekyll Island are
normal, representing background conditions. Temperature standards were exceeded once at
the tidal creek station TCM01 during low tide. The pH standard was exceeded twice at
UTW02, falling just below the 6.0 S.U. standard. Station UTW02 is a swamp stream system
that is characterized by more acidic conditions. None of the chemical water quality
parameter standards were exceeded.
The most significant pollutants identified during the watershed assessment were somewhat
elevated nutrient and bacteria concentrations. Elevated bacteria concentrations in the form
of Enterococci along beaches and tidal creeks have been an ongoing problem for the Island.
However, as detailed in the Watershed Assessment report, based on extensive research
conducted by DNR and the University of Georgia, the source of elevated fecal bacterial
along beaches and in tidal creeks represented by stations TCN01 and TCS01 appears to be
largely of wildlife origin. Elevated bacteria counts were sample from several shallow
freshwater creeks draining golf courses on the Island. These shallow creeks including
stations UTW01 and UTW02 are less tidally influenced than creeks represented by stations
TCM01, TCN01, and TCS01. Considering recent source bacteria research that point to
wildlife sources and that the majority of residential units on the Island are connected to the
WPCP, the source of elevated bacteria counts in all streams draining the Island are likely the
result of the abundant wildlife populations that the Island supports.
Minor elevated nutrient concentrations, and in particular total phosphorus, were measured
at stations UTW01, UTW02, and TCM01 during the Watershed Assessment. All three of
these stations drain golf courses in the middle of the Island (Figures 3 and 4). The source of
these nutrient inputs is likely runoff from fertilizers applied to golf courses and residential
areas within the respective watersheds. There may be other unknown sources contributing
to the higher TP concentrations in Jekyll Island streams. Georgia is currently studying
numeric nutrient criteria to be added to state water quality standards. Continued elevated
nutrient concentrations in Jekyll Island streams may be cause for addressing potential
sources of elevated nutrients in the future.
5
4.2 Future Growth and Development
Future growth and development on Jekyll Island is limited by current laws that restrict
development to no more than 1,675 acres, leaving only 66 acres available for future
development (JIA, 2014). The remaining 66 acres of allowable land for development is
slated for a 12 acre expansion of the campground in the northern portion of the Island,
necessary airport upgrades, and any additional needs the JIA may deem necessary (JAI,
2014). In recent years, Jekyll Island has had a drop in hotel rooms due to the closing of
older hotels due to economic factors including the recession in the mid-2000s. Current hotel
redevelopment will result in 1,410 rooms available by the end of 2013. Redevelopment and
hotel repairs are currently being conducted on existing impervious footprints and no newly
developed lands are scheduled to be used for hotel development. The majority of current
development is towards the middle of the Island surrounding existing golf courses.
Additionally, because DNR currently monitors beaches and tidal creeks near stations TCN01
and TCS01 where development is very limited, the high priority point source and non-point
source pollution management plan areas should be centered on conveyances draining the
golf courses. These watersheds are represented by downstream stations UTW01, UTW02,
and TCM01 (Figures 3 and 4).
The three high priority watersheds indicated above drain areas in the middle of the Island
largely consisting of golf courses and residential areas (Figures 3 and 4). Future growth in
these areas is limited by law, but ongoing landscape management practices contributes to
non-point source pollutants entering these waterways. As a result, the implementation of
long-term water quality monitoring, structural BMP’s, potential riparian and freshwater
wetland improvements, stormwater retrofits that direct flow to freshwater wetlands,
groundwater conservation measures, and assessments of current golf course maintenance
practices will be targeted in these watersheds. Management strategies for addressing the
golf course areas of the Island have been thoroughly outlined in the Jekyll Island
Conservation Plan 2011. Conservation Plan management priorities for the golf course areas
that are consistent with the objectives and intent of this WPP include the following:

Identify opportunities for ecological restoration of disturbed habitats that contribute
to long-term ecological health of the Island;

Identify hydrological alterations, including groundwater impacts and ditching, and
evaluate opportunities for wetland enhancement;

Maintain a natural resource-compatible integrated pest management and
maintenance program for golf course operations;

Evaluate the effectiveness of current stormwater treatment facilities and identify
opportunities to enhance stormwater quality, quantity, and hydroperiods;

Identify opportunities to incorporate natural features into educational programs and
wildlife protection; and

Monitor and conduct ecological research on the use of man-made habitats by
amphibians and alligators.
6
Strategies for the golf course areas that are specifically listed in the Conservation Plan and
are consistent with this WPP include:

Implement ecological restoration through budgeted funding, mitigation
opportunities, or volunteer projects;

Where applicable, convert landscape to native species that complement the
conservation goals of adjacent natural lands;

Establish a monitoring program for discharges from the stormwater system;

Identify and implement improvements to the stormwater system to enhance water
quality, timing, and discharge rates into offsite wetlands;

Evaluate opportunities to reduce irrigation needs and increase use of recaptured and
reclaimed water when irrigation is needed;

Implement irrigation reduction measures and recapture/re-use water approaches;

Continue to seek certification from Audubon International in the categories of
environmental planning, water conservation and wildlife habitat for all golf courses;
and

Maintain and/or improve water quality to increase habitat viability for amphibians.
Additionally, several of the golf courses have received or are in the process of receiving
certification in Environmental Planning from the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program
for Golf Courses (ACSP). This certification encourages golf course to enhance wildlife
habitat, reduce chemical use, conserve water, manage water quality, and develop education
and outreach programs. This WPP will be incorporated with ongoing management strategies
the JIA and the golf courses on Jekyll Island are currently undertaking as outlined in the
Jekyll Island Conservation Plan 2011, and in accordance with Audubon International ACSP
certification.
Currently through operational Conservation Program funds, golf course pond management
and monitoring has been initiated. The primary driver for these initiatives has been the
pursuit of certification through ACSP for Indian Mounds Golf Course and recertification for
Pine Lakes Golf Course. As part of this initiative, golf course ponds are being treated less
frequently with the goal of reducing chemical impacts and preserving natural habitat and
existing wildlife. The ponds are only treated for algal blooms, duckweed, alligator weed, and
other undesirable plants that have the ability to dominate the ponds and affect the overall
biodiversity. Along with the reduction of chemicals used in the ponds, the Conservation
Program has started leaving a 2-3 foot buffer around most of the ponds to catch a portion
of the nutrients flowing off of the course. This buffer is cut intermittently down to 6” in
order to maintain the aesthetics of the course.
The Conservation Program initiated a water quality testing regiment on all of the 14 golf
course ponds on Indian Mound and Pine Lakes Golf Courses in 2014. The ultimate goal is to
have all four Jekyll Island golf courses certified under ACSP and carry over all of the water
quality testing and environmental stewardship efforts island-wide. Testing includes
monitoring for nitrates, phosphates, and DO at multiple levels in the water column.
7
Monitoring is scheduled to be conducted four times per year annually starting in 2015. This
monitoring effort is being coordinated with long-term water quality efforts proposed in this
WPP at priority watershed receiving streams. All of the priority watershed monitoring
stations drain golf course areas. In some cases, monitoring stations have been relocated
upstream, and specifically UTW01 has been moved upstream to better assess water quality
in receiving streams near pond outlets on the island.
8
5.0 BEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICES (BMP’S)
The primary objective of the WPP is to monitor the need for more effective stormwater
management on Jekyll Island. If after continued long-term monitoring, existing conservation
strategies including those outlined in the Conservation Plan prove to be inadequate in
improving water quality and specifically nutrient concentrations in the target watersheds,
more stringent measures should be undertaken to establish stormwater run-off limits,
fertilizer management, and stormwater retrofits. The following management objectives and
strategies should be reviewed and potentially implemented by the WPCP and JIA
conservation staff:

Establish a WPP manager that will work with JIA conservation staff and WPCP staff
to coordinate current conservation strategies outlined in the Conservation Plan that
are consistent with the WPP, and implementation of specific WPP measures pursuant
to WPCP NPDES permit obligations;

Incorporate into the WPP existing and future water quality monitoring programs to
assess nutrient and bacteria concentrations in golf course ponds, streams, and
stormwater conveyances as part of ACSP certification.

Continue to encourage Jekyll Island golf courses to pursue ACSP certification in
Chemical Use Reduction and Safety, Water Conservation, Water Quality
Management, and Outreach and Education;

Maintain the hydrological and water quality integrity of freshwater stream channels,
ponds and wetlands by improving and expanding vegetative buffers, re-routing
stormwater to freshwater wetlands and ponds, reducing fertilizer and chemical
applications, and increasing water conservation efforts;

Consider restoration efforts to improve the stream channel and adjacent riparian
wetlands in the stream draining to station UTW01. This stream has been
channelized and ditched to drain areas in the middle of the Island. Restoration
efforts in the stream would improve wetland habitats upstream, reduce nutrient
inputs to salt marshes through wetland retention and improved channel complexity,
and reduce freshwater volumes to downstream saltwater marshes;

Sanitary surveys for sewer leaks should continue to be a priority for identifying
potential or future sources of human source bacteria in area waters;

Encourage the use of water conservation strategies at local hotels, restaurants, and
golf courses similar to efforts currently underway at the convention center; and

Continue to encourage re-development efforts on existing impervious surface
footprints.
9
5.1 Non-structural Best Management Practices (BMP’s)
Five primary non-structural BMP’s are incorporated into the WPP. It should be noted that
most of these efforts are consistent with strategies outlined in the Jekyll Island Conservation
Plan 2011.
1. Establishment of a WPP Implementation Manager that will coordinate WPP efforts
between JIA conservation staff and the WPCP to ensure compliance with the WPP;
2. Public outreach and education on the JIA website and communication with Island
residence, businesses, and visitors about water conservation and water quality
awareness;
3. Incorporate existing monitoring efforts for nutrients and DO in golf course ponds,
streams, and stormwater conveyances into the WPP;
4. Continued communication and dialog with golf course management about efforts to
improve landscape management practices that would benefit water quality in
receiving waters; and
5. Continue sewerage inventory and leak inspections.
5.1.1 WPP Implementation Manager
A WPP Implementation Manager would be chosen from existing staff and assigned the
duties of ensuring WPP compliance. Jekyll Island is unique among Georgia municipalities
that are required to implement watershed assessment and protection efforts in that the JIA
currently commits an abundance of resources to conservation and environmental
improvement efforts. Because the responsibility of the WPP implementation rest on the
Jekyll Island WPCP, and current conservation and improvement efforts are being made by
JIA Conservation Program staff, coordination between these two organizations via the WPP
Implementation Manager would ensure that all efforts towards improving water quality on
Jekyll Island are documented and incorporated into the WPP moving forward.
5.1.2 Public Outreach and Education
The JIA currently participates in extensive environmental awareness and education
programming. Much of the current programming is geared towards wildlife conservation,
and many of these efforts are often beneficial towards raising awareness about water
conservation and water quality. However, increased efforts to raise awareness about water
conservation and quality can be incorporated into ongoing efforts. These efforts will include
Island resident-targeted campaigns about the importance of proper hazardous materials
disposal, lawn irrigation conservation, and proper application of lawn fertilizers. Additionally,
interpretive signs for Island visitors that detail the importance of the cascading effects
human induced water quality changes have on coastal ecosystems will be deployed. Efforts
to incorporate water quality education into existing JIA conservation programming will be
made.
10
5.1.3 Golf Course Pond Monitoring Program
Ongoing efforts to monitor golf course ponds are being conducted by the Jekyll Island
Conservation Program at two island golf courses. These efforts are being funded through
operational Jekyll Island Conservation Program funds. Golf course pond monitoring will be
incorporated with long-term monitoring efforts and the WPP. The goal of these monitoring
efforts is to assess nutrient concentrations in golf course ponds, and to determine ways the
golf courses can improve landscape management practices and stormwater and irrigation
run-off quality. The goal of this WPP and JIA Conservation Program staff is to include all
four island golf courses into the pond monitoring program as part of ACSP certification
program requirements.
5.1.4 Golf Course Dialog
Conversations with golf courses management about their efforts to improve stormwater
quality, conserve water, and manage lawn maintenance chemicals should continue. All golf
courses should be encouraged to seek ACSP certification in Chemical Use Reduction and
Safety, Water Conservation, Water Quality Management, and Outreach and Education.
5.1.5 Sewer Pipe Leak Inspections
The WPCP will continue to conduct routine comprehensive inspections of Island sewer lines
to ensure that no leaks are present.
11
6.0 MANAGEMENT OF 303(d) LISTED SEGMENTS
Details for non-supporting 303(d) listed beach segments in the vicinity of Jekyll Island are
given below. The locations of the 2012 303(d) supporting and non-supporting segments in
the vicinity of Jekyll Island are presented in Figure 5. Two beach segments on the north and
south side of the Island are listed as not supporting for enterococci bacteria. The Georgia
DNR Coastal Resources Division and the Glynn County Health Department currently
monitors these areas and periodically issues beach advisories when bacteria concentrations
are high. Throughout 2014, beach advisories have been issued for The Clam Creek Beach
near station TCN01 and the St. Andrews Beach where these 303(d) listed segments are
located. While the 2012 303(d) List states that the potential cause of elevated enterococci
bacterial levels at these beaches are due to non-point source pollution, human non-point
source pollution is likely not the source of elevated bacteria levels and the specific cause of
the pollution has been determined to be from wildlife sources. No TMDL’s have been issued
for these segments. Continued sanitary surveys in the areas should be conducted to ensure
that elevated bacteria concentrations do not result from human related sources.

1.9 miles of Jekyll Island - Clam Creek Beach from Clam Creek to Old North Picnic
Area, on the north side of the island is 303(d) listed as not supporting the intended
use of swimming due to Enterococci (GA EPD, 2012). Non-point source pollution is
listed as the potential cause of the elevated Enterococci concentrations (GA EPD,
2012).

0.8 miles of Jekyll Island - St. Andrews Beach from Macy Lane to St. Andrews Picnic
Area, on the southwest corner of the Island, is 303(d) listed as not supporting the
intended use of swimming due to Enterococci (GA EPD, 2012). Non-point source
pollution is listed as the potential cause of the elevated Enterococci concentrations
(GA EPD, 2012).
12
7.0 SCHEDULE FOR IMPLEMENTING
MANAGEMENT MEASURES
An estimated schedule for the implementation of the management measures proposed as
part of the WPP is included below. Due to financial restraints, resource availability, and fiscal
cycles, the anticipated completion/implementation schedule may vary during WPP
implementation. Updates for all watershed management activity schedules will be provided
in the annual monitoring reports.
Watershed Management Activity and Milestones
Anticipated Date of
Completion/Implementation
Golf Course Pond Monitoring
Ongoing
Audubon Certification
Ongoing
Public Outreach and Education
Ongoing
Sewerage Leak Surveys
Ongoing
Long Term Monitoring
Water Quality
Annually
Biological
Biannually
Reporting
Annually
13
8.0 LONG TERM MONITORING PLAN
8.1 Purpose and Objectives
The long-term monitoring plan will be utilized to:

Further document and monitor water quality during normal flow conditions in the
priority watersheds represented by downstream stations UTW01, UTW02, and
TCM01;

Document stream and water quality improvements and provide information on the
effectiveness of BMP’s toward meeting water quality standards and the management
objectives of this WPP; and

Identify water quality impairments and streams requiring further attention.
8.2 Parties Responsible for Water Quality and Biological Monitoring
The JIA Conservation Program will conduct all annual water quality monitoring requirements
at the priority monitoring stations as well as biannual biological monitoring for
macroinvertebrates at UTW01 and UTW02. Station TCM01 is a tidally influenced salt water
creek with conductivities greater than 50,000 µmhos/cm. This small stretch of tidal creek is
connected to a golf course pond upstream, and flows in and out of the pond during high
and low tides. Even at low tide, salinities are fairly high at TCM01 and therefore, as with the
Watershed Assessment monitoring, macroinvertebrate monitoring is being excluded from
long-term monitoring at TCM01. Water Quality will be monitored at TCM01 as part of the
WPP long-term monitoring efforts. Stations TCN01 and TCS01 were monitored for in-situ
water quality and bacteria concentrations during the Watershed Assessment. Due to the
ongoing monitoring for bacteria concentrations in the beaches and tidal creeks near these
stations by the DNR Coastal Resources Division and the Glynn County Department of
Health, further long-term monitoring at these stations will not be a necessary component of
this WPP. Station UTW01 is proposed to be relocated from its current location further
upstream and closer to golf course pond outlets to better assess ongoing golf course pond
nutrient monitoring currently being conducted by the Jekyll Island Conservation Program.
Monitoring
Station ID
UTW01
UTW02
TCM01
Latitude
Station Type
Macroinvertebrate, and Water Quality
(analytical and in-situ)
Macroinvertebrate, and Water Quality
(analytical and in-situ)
Water Quality (analytical and in-situ)
Longitude
Degree, Minutes, Seconds
81° 24' 55.01" W
31° 4' 53.91" N
81° 25' 29.34" W
31° 4' 12.56" N
81° 24' 45.23" W
31° 1' 21.05" N
14
8.2.1 Reductions in Water Quality Monitoring Scope
The Jekyll Island Conservation Program and the WPCP have determined that several of the
water quality constituents surveyed during the Watershed Assessment are redundant
measures or they do not serve the goals of the Conservation Program in improving water
quality on the island and increasing environmental awareness. The JIA proposes to omit
several long-term water quality constituents as follow:
 Bacteriological sampling will be omitted from future long term monitoring due to the
extensive bacteriological monitoring that the Glynn County Health Department and
GA DNR currently conducts on the island. The JIA Conservation Program and the
WPCP will coordinate with these identities to assess bacteriological issues that arise.
 Chemical oxygen demand (COD) is proposed for omission from long-term monitoring
as this constituent is redundant with biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) and requires
the use of toxic chemicals during laboratory analysis.
 Turbidity is proposed for removal from long-term monitoring constituents as this
measurement is redundant with TSS and unreliable with digital meters. Additionally,
the Jekyll Island streams are low energy, low flow streams that even during heavy
rain events do not rise to any substantial degree or become turbid as evidenced by
low turbidity measurements during wet weather events detailed in the Watershed
Assessment report. The cost associated with purchasing a turbidimeter is not justified
by the limited information turbidity measurements would provide and funds used to
purchase a turbidimeter could be put to better use.
8.3 Long Term Monitoring Stations
Unnamed Tributary West (UTW01) to St. Simons Sound
UTW01 is located in the western portion of the service area and drains to an expansive salt
marsh adjacent to the St. Simons Sound (Figures 3 and 4) (Plates 1 and 2). This tributary
appears to have been constructed to drain wetlands and the golf course areas in the center
of the Island. The channel has been channelized and dredged throughout its entire length.
An exact drainage area could not be determined due to the limited topography on the
island. Although water was always present in the channel during Watershed Assessment
sampling, very little flow was observed. Water quality including both in-situ and analytical,
biological (macroinvertebrates only) parameters will be sampled at UTW01 as part of longterm monitoring.
Unnamed Tributary West (UTW02) to Jekyll Creek
UTW02 is located in the western portion of the service area south of UTW01, and drains to
Jekyll Creek west of the Island (Figures 3 and 4) (Plates 3 and 4). The tributary drains from
a golf course in the center of the Island. An exact drainage area could not be determined
due to the limited topography on the island. This tributary was more natural in appearance
than UTW01, and has retained attributes of a tidal/swamp stream system connected to
expansive wetlands in the middle of the island. Water quality including analytical and in-situ,
and biological (macroinvertebrates only) parameters will be sampled at UTW02 as part of
long-term monitoring.
15
Tidal Creek Middle (TCM01) at Shell Road
TCM01 is a salt water tidal creek that drains to large salt marshes adjacent to Jekyll Creek
(Figures 3 and 4) (Plates 5 and 6). The Creek has been altered so that it fills a golf course
pond to the north of the monitoring station during high tides. The bed of the creek is
covered with oyster beds and the banks are inhabited by salt tolerant vegetation such as
Spartina arterniflora, Spartina patens, and Borrichia frustescens, which also extend along
the banks of the golf course ponds. This station will be sampled for analytical and in-situ
water quality parameters.
8.4 Monitoring Schedule
Georgia EPD has established criteria for the number of monitoring events required for longterm monitoring. The GA EPD has also established criteria for scheduling water quality,
bacteriological, and biological monitoring events. An estimated schedule for water quality
monitoring is detailed in Table 1. This schedule may be adjusted throughout the monitoring
period to coincide with existing golf course pond water quality monitoring the Jekyll Island
Conservation Program is currently conducting.
8.5 Monitoring Procedures
8.5.1 Water Quality Monitoring
Three annual dry weather monitoring event samples will be collected as grab samples. At
least one dry weather water quality event will be conducted annually between October and
February. Dry weather monitoring will be conducted immediately prior to benthic
macroinvertebrate sampling semi-annually. The remaining two dry weather events will be
conducted annually between May and October.
One wet weather monitoring event will occur annually. Wet weather monitoring events are
timed to collect composite samples over the course of the complete hydrograph for a storm
event of at least 0.2 inches (0.5 cm) of rainfall and at least 72 hours since the last storm
event. During wet weather events, a rain gage will be used to estimate precipitation during
the monitoring event; precipitation data from the closest climatic data station will be
obtained and used in interpreting monitoring results.
Samples will be collected at mid-channel one meter below the water surface or at locations
where total water depth is less than 2 meters; samples will be collected at mid-depth.
Metal samples will be collected using "clean techniques" (EPA Method 1669). Samples for
dissolved metals will be field-filtered using a 0.45 micron capsule filter; other samples will
be collected as unfiltered samples. Field parameters (temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen,
salinity, and specific conductance) will be measured in-stream with a multi-parameter
sonde; turbidity samples will be collected for field analysis. Field measurements and
observations will be recorded on a watershed monitoring field data sheet, or equivalent data
will be recorded in a field notebook. To minimize potential disturbance of stream
sediments, all samples that will be submitted to a laboratory for analysis will be collected
prior to performing field parameter measurements.
16
All samples collected for laboratory analysis will be field preserved in accordance with the
requirements of the analytical methods presented in Table 2. Metals samples will be
individually double-bagged. Sample containers will be placed in an ice chest with ice to
maintain samples at a temperature of 4° C or less until they are received by the analytical
laboratory.
A chain of custody form noting sample identification, date, time, number of containers,
sample matrix, sample parameters, preservatives, laboratory, sampling personnel and
project manager will be completed and will accompany the samples to the laboratory. The
chain of custody will be signed by the field sampler and the date and time noted, then the
chain of custody will be sealed in a Zip-loc bag and taped inside of the lid of the ice chest.
Samples will be transmitted by overnight courier to the analytical laboratory and will be
analyzed within the holding times specified for the analytical methods listed in Table 2.
8.5.2 Benthic Macroinvertebrate Monitoring
Biological monitoring will be conducted semi-annually during WPP monitoring. One water
quality sample event will be conducted during the benthic macroinvertebrate monitoring.
A physical habitat assessment will be conducted at each site where biological monitoring is
to occur, and will utilize the habitat assessment protocol provided in the Georgia EPD
Macroinvertebrate Biological Assessment of Wadeable Streams in Georgia (GAEPD, 2007)
SOP. The parameters that will be included in this assessment are: epifaunal substrate and
instream cover, embeddedness, velocity/depth combinations, pool/substrate variability,
channel alteration, sediment deposition, channel flow status, channel sinuosity, riparian
vegetation, bank stability, and bank vegetative protection.
Benthic macroinvertebrate sampling will occur between the months of October and February
and will utilize the low-gradient Georgia Macroinvertebrate Assessment SOP (GAEPD, 2007).
One dry weather water quality monitoring event will be conducted synoptically with the
macroinvertebrate sample event. In addition to the water quality parameters listed in Table
2, alkalinity will also be measured during macroinvertebrate sampling. Sampling will be
conducted using a D-frame dip net in the following habitats when present: 8 net sweeps of
woody debris, 3 net sweeps of sand or bottom substrate, 6 net sweeps of undercut banks or
root mats, 3 leaf pack collections, and 3 net sweeps in macrophyte beds.
Samples will be processed and subsamples taken in a Caton-type subsampler to attain 200
(± 20%) individuals. Most taxa will be identified to either the genus or species level, but
some taxa, including Oligiochaeta, Polychaeta, Nemata, Hirundina, Cladocera, Ostrocoda,
Neoloricata, and Planaria, may remain at a higher taxonomic level. Chain of custody
records, basic sorting and subsampling techniques, identification methods, and level of
effort will be documented (GAEPD, 2007). Other quality control/assurance measures,
including duplicate subsampling, making voucher collections, estimates of precision,
calculating sorting efficiency, and long term specimen storage are not required by Georgia
EPD.
Several metrics will be calculated from the community data for the Tidal 75j subecoregion of
the larger Southern Coastal Plain Ecoregion and compared with ecoregion specific reference
data supplied by Georgia EPD to assess stream ecological condition (GAEPD, 2007).
17
8.5.3 In-situ Water Quality and Flow
Water quality monitoring parameters, test methods, detection limits and water quality
standards are summarized in Table 2. Temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen, salinity, and
specific conductance will be measured in the field using a multi-parameter sonde that has
been calibrated in advance of monitoring. Due to a general lack of flow in Jekyll Island
streams, flow will be estimated and stage measurements will be recorded from established
benchmarks.
18
9.0 REPORTING REQUIREMENTS
Once the Watershed Protection Plan is approved, each June 30th the following will be
submitted to EPD:

Annual certification of WPP implementation;

Long-term water quality monitoring data will submitted in electronic format utilizing
the EPD Excel data template. Biological monitoring data, as wells as all field data
sheets, laboratory taxa lists, and macroinvertebrate multi-metric spreadsheets will
also be submitted in electronic format;

Documentation of water quality improvements;

Outline of specific watershed protection actions that have been implemented
throughout the year; and

Summary of any changes and/or revisions to the Watershed Protection Plan, if
necessary.
19
10.0 LITERATURE CITED
Georgia Department of Natural Resources (GADNR). 2005a. Sampling Protocols and SOP.
Part
I: Standard Operating Procedures for Conducting Biomonitoring on Fish Communities in
Wadeable Streams in Georgia. Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Wildlife
Resources Division, Fisheries Management Section. June 1, 2005.
Georgia Department of Natural Resources (GADNR). 2005b. Sampling Protocols and SOP.
Part
II: Scoring criteria for the index of biotic integrity and the index of well-being to monitor fish
communities in wadeable streams in the Piedmont Ecoregion of Georgia. Georgia
Department of Natural Resources, Wildlife Resources Division, Fisheries Management
Section. June 1, 2005.
Georgia Environmental Protection Division (GAEPD). 2002. Turkey Branch Dissolved Oxygen
TMDL. Alapaha River Basin (HUC 03110202) in the Suwanne River Basin.
Georgia Environmental Protection Division (GAEPD). 2007. Macroinvertebrate Biological
Assessment of Wadeable Streams in Georgia - Standard Operating Procedures
(SOP). Georgia
Department of Natural Resources, Environmental Protection Division, Water Protection
Branch. May, 2007.
Jekyll Island Conservation Plan 2011. Web access July, 2014.
http://issuu.com/jekyllisland/docs/925conservation_plan_combined
20
Table 1. Estimated 2015 and 2016 long-term monitoring schedule.
2015
2016
2017
Sampling Task
Sept Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun
Water Quality
In-situ
W
D
D
D
D
W
D
D
Analytical
W
D
D
D
D
W
D
D
Bacteria (Enterococci)
X
X
X
X
Biological
Benthic Macroinvertebrate
X
Annual Status Report
Due June 30 Annually
X
X
Notes: D = dry weather monitoring, W = wet weather monitoring, X = general sample event or report submittal
Table 2. Water quality parameters, test methods, and reporting limits, Jekyll Island
Watershed Assessment.
Method
Detection Reporting
Method
Limit
Limit
Water Quality Standard
mg/L except as noted
Parameter
Temperature, Air (oC)
Depth of sample
32.2EC (equivalent to
90EF)
Within the range 6.0 - 8.5
A daily average of 5.0
mg/L; no less than 4.0
mg/l at all times
Temperature, Water (oC)
pH (S.U.)
Dissolved Oxygen
Specific Conductance (µS/cm)
Salinity( ppt)
Biochemical oxygen demand, 5day
Total suspended solids
Total Phosphorus
Phosphorus: ortho
Total Kjeldahl Nitrogen
Ammonia nitrogen
Nitrate-Nitrite nitrogen
405.1
2
2
160.2
365.4
365.1
351.2
350.1
353.2
3.2
0.03
0.015
0.13
0.024
0.018
5
0.1
0.05
0.5
0.05
0.05
0.13
0.5
1.1
5
0.5
1.5
8.4
20
0.05
0.5
0.25
1
1
Cd - Total and dissolved (µg/L)
Cu - Total and dissolved1 (µg/L)
Pb - Total and dissolved1 (µg/L)
6020A
Zn - Total and dissolved1 (µg/L)
Total Hardness, Ca, Mg
Total Organic Carbon
SM 2340B
SM 5310C
10 (MCL)
Freshwater .25 (2.0);
Coastal 8.8 (40)
Freshwater 9.0 (13.0);
Coastal 3.1 (4.8)
Freshwater 2.5 (65);
Coastal 8.1 (210)
Freshwater 120 (120);
Coastal 81 (90)
1 Standards for metals are expressed as chronic or acute for freshwater and for coastal and marine estuarine
waters. Acute criteria are in parentheses, chronic criteria without parentheses. Acute criteria will not be
exceeded under 1Q10 or higher flow; chronic criteria will not be exceeded under 7Q10 minimum flow. The
in-stream criterion for metals is expressed in terms of the dissolved fraction in the water column. Conversion
factors used to calculate dissolved criteria are found in the EPA document National Recommended Water
Quality Criteria: 2002, EPA 822-R-02-047, November2012.
Glynn County,
Georgia
Long
Surrency
Flemington
Gumbranch
Hinesville
Midway
Allenhurst
Walthourville Liberty
Riceboro
Ludowici
Odum
Jesup
McIntosh
Screven
Wayne
Offerman
Patterson
Darien
Pierce
Blackshear
Glynn
Brantley Nahunta
Hoboken
Brunswick
Camden
Woodbine
Charlton
Homeland
Folkston
Kingsland
St. Marys
Clubbs
Clubbs Creek
Creek
£
¤
St.
St. Simons
Simons
Terry
Terry Creek
Creek
25
South
South Brunswick
Brunswick River
River
St
St Simons
Simons Sound
Sound
Parsons Creek
Creek
Brunswick Parsons
East
East Brunswick
Brunswick River
River
Plantation
Plantation Creek
Creek
Long
Long Creek
Creek
17
£
¤
Du
Du Bignons
Bignons Creek
Creek
Brunswick
Brunswick River
River
Cedar
Cedar Creek
Creek
Jekyll
Jekyll Creek
Creek
Jointer
Jointer River
River
Cobb
Cobb Creek
Creek
Maiden
Maiden Creek
Creek
Atlantic
Atlantic Ocean
Ocean
V
U
520
Latham
Latham River
River
Kirby
Kirby Creek
Creek
Honey
Honey Creek
Creek
Jekyll
Jekyll River
River
Little
Little Satilla
Satilla River
River
Jekyell
Jekyell Sound
Sound
Umbrella
Umbrella Creek
Creek
Jekyll Island Service Area
Data Source: GA GIS Clearinghouse
St
St Andrew
Andrew Sound
Sound
Dover
Dover Creek
Creek
0
1.25
Figure 1. Jekyll Island vicinity map.
2.5
5 Miles
¹
F:\projects\11_040_Jekyll_Island\Figures\Vicinity_Map.mxd
Pe
nd
le
Jekyll
Island Service Area
ee
k
030602
k
ee
Cr
Savannah
030602
k
il
at
a
Cr
k
Little Satilla
h
ee
a
rric
Hu
wa y Cr e e
k
Cr
ee
k
Li t
So u
th
tl e
b
nch
nR
iver
Ri ver
Le
r
g
030702
Cumberland-St. Simons
030702 Satilla
Gum
S
w
Jekyll Island
ys
ve
Br a
rie
al l
W
Ri
r
ve
Satil la R i
la
ah a
til
Sa
A la
Da
Du p
li
n
nR
iver
030702
e
olo
Pe
n
Cr
k
ee
a t il
la
ive
030602
030701
l
gS
r
Goshen Swamp
ee
tle
S
Ri
ve
Ogechee Coastal
Altamaha
L it
Bi
oc
he
e R iv e r
na
h
r
er
e Riv
Suwanee
no
rd
he
eR
an
c
pe
St. Marys - Satilla
River
Canoochee
r
sC
oo
Altam ah a
Oh
Altamaha
Be
a
Ca
Ohoopee
Ogeechee
Sa v
HUC6030701
Watershed
Lower Savannah
ee
Og
tl e
Li t
er
R iv
hee
Oge e c
Cr
HUC8 Watershed Boundary
ky
030601
Lower Ogechee
ton
R oc
am
p
Upper Suwannee
oy
Fl
d
Cr
031102
ee
k
Saint M
ary
s
Ri v
d Rive
r
er
ry s R
le Sa i n t M a
iver
L it
t
030702
St Marys
e
Crook
Data Source: GA GIS Clearinghouse
0
5
10
20 Miles
¹
Figure 2. Six and eight digit USGS hydrologic unit code (HUC)
map.
F:\projects\11_040_Jekyll_Island\Figures\HUC_watersheds.mxd
WPP-UTW01
@
A
WPP-UTW02
@
A
WPP-TCM01
*
&
Water Quality Stations
*
&
Water Quality Only
@
A
Biological & Water Quality
Data Source: USGS Topographic Quadrangle
0
0.5
1
2 Miles
Figure 3. Locations of biological and water quality monitoring
stations.
¹
F:\projects\11_040_Jekyll_Island\Figures\WQ_Stations_Topo.mxd
WPP-UTW01
@
A
WPP-UTW02
@
A
WPP-TCM01
*
&
*
&
Water Quality Only
@
A
Data Source: USDA 2013 Aerial
0
0.5
1
2 Miles
Figure 4. Locations of biological and water quality monitoring
stations.
¹
F:\projects\11_040_Jekyll_Island\Figures\WQ_Stations_Aerial.mxd
St. Simons Island - 5th Steet
Crossover Beach: Supporting
St. Simons Island - South Beach at Lighthouse
Supporting
Brunswick River
Not Supporting: Selenium
Jekyll Island - Clam Creek Beach
Not Supporting: Enterococci
St. Simons Sound
Supporting
Jekyll Island - North Beach
at Dexter Lane: Supporting
Cedar Creek
Assessment Pending For
*
!"
@
A
WPP-UTW02
*
&
Water Quality Only
@
A
Listing Database
Cobb Creek
Supporting
!
WPP-TCM01
.
*
&
Jekyll Island
Water Pollution Control Plant
Brownfield-ACRES
Jointer Creek
Assesment Pending For
R
S
.
. -
U
T
V
Jekyll Island - Middle Beach
at Convention Center: Supporting
ICIS
*
R
S
Jekyll Island - Captain Wylly Road
Crossover Beach: Supporting
@ A
.
Potential Environmental Stressors
!
WPP-UTW01
!"
Landfill
.
Leaking Underground Storage Tanks
U
T
V
PCS-NPDES
Little Satilla River
Supporting
Jekyll Island - South Dunes
Picnic Area Beach: Supporting
Streams
2012 305(b)/303(d) Evaluation
Jekyll Island - South Beach
at 4-H Camp: Supporting
Assessment Pending For
Not Supporting
Jekyll Island - St. Andrews Beach
Not Supporting: Enterococci
Supporting
St. Andrews Sound
Supporting
Jekyll Island Service Area
2012 305(b)/303(d) Harbor Evaluation
Areas with > 50% Impervious Surface
Data Source: GADNR, ESRI
0
1.25
2.5
Figure 5. Locations of potential environmental stressors and
2012 305(b)/303(d) listed segments.
5 Miles
¹
F:\projects\11_040_Jekyll_Island\Figures\Env_Stressors.mxd
Plate 1. Station UTW01 looking downstream (west) towards Old Plantation Road.
Plate 2. Station UTW01 looking upstream (East).
Nutter & Associates, Inc. Plate 3. Station UTW02 looking downstream (Southwest).
Plate 4. Station UTW02 looking upstream (Northeast).
Nutter & Associates, Inc. Plate 5. TCM01 looking upstream (North) from Shell Road.
Plate 6. TCM01 looking upstream (North) at tidal exchange point with golf course pond.

watershed protection plan

Transcription

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