Transition from pilot to full-scale utility led ag based adaptive management watershed program

Session: 39. - Managing Agriculture Water and Nutrients - Science Solutions for Tomorrows BMPs

Jeff Smudde, NEW Water, [email protected]

Abstract

A multi-faceted stakeholder group led by NEW Water, the Green Bay Metropolitan Sewerage District, is moving from pilot to full-scale watershed Adaptive Management (AM) to achieve phosphorus compliance. WPDES Permit Compliance efforts began in 2018 to improve water quality in the Lower Fox River, Green Bay Wisconsin. The pilot project for AM began in Silver Creek, a subwatershed just outside of Green Bay, where a suite of best management practices (BMPs) were implemented to address high levels of nutrient and sediment runoff. AM has proven it could not only be effective at addressing phosphorus pollution, but would also be more cost effective than constructing additional wastewater treatment technology, the alternative for phosphorus compliance. AM will harnesses non-point phosphorus pollution sources while working cooperatively with agricultural landowners and growers in the Ashwaubenon/Dutchman Creek Watersheds in the Lower Fox River Basin. The full-scale project is a ten-fold increase in size over Silver Creek and builds upon the collaboration, BMPs, and GIS successes and lessons learned. Water quality monitoring, biological monitoring, and modeling will be three components to document long-term improvements in the watershed. Watershed inventory and prioritization will be key components to charting a course for the next 20 years at NEW Water.

1. Keyword
watersheds

2. Keyword
water quality

3. Keyword
Green Bay

4. Additional Keyword
Silver Creek

5. Additional Keyword
pilot

6. Additional Keyword
agriculture