1
2
Wissahickon Valley Watershed Association (WVWA)
Creek Watch: Program Goals
The Creek Watch Program consists of a group of trained citizen scientists that observes the Wissahickon
Watershed at the direction of the WVWA. Creek Watchers are assigned a section of public land (over 30
creek sections) throughout the watershed and visits their assigned sections once a month. This program is a
larger expansion of
the WVWA’s
Stream Monitoring
and Assessment
Program (Stream
MAP). Stream
MAP monitors 11
sites throughout the
Watershed four
times a year;
previously leaving
much of the
Watershed without
observation.
CrCreek
eek Watch
Digest
Watch Monthly
Monthly Digest
August
October2014
2014
The goal of the
Creek Watch
program is the
development of a
network of trained volunteers that will help improve the habitat and water quality of the Wissahickon Creek
through:
Early detection of environmental concerns: As the ‘eyes and ears of the Wissahickon,’
Creek Watchers are trained to recognize conditions (e.g. erosion) and report to the
WVWA, or in the case of urgent conditions (e.g. fish kills) report them to the
Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection. The presence of citizen scientists
will increase the WVWA’s ability to correct issues throughout the watershed (e.g.
contacting municipalities to unblock man-made structures to reduce flooding).
Collection of field data: Improving the WVWA and public’s understanding of the
challenges, patterns, and changes overtime in the Wissahickon Watershed through
collected data and pictures. This data will help the WVWA determine areas in need of
restoration, new signage, and targeted education and outreach.
Trained eyes: The promotion of more trained eyes throughout the Watershed will have
incalculable positive impacts. Every Creek Watcher’s time will help the Wissahickon,
whether it is picking up a piece of trash, talking with a fellow trail user about erosion in
the creek, or noticing a new animal using the creek.
Education and outreach: Creek Watchers will be
Contact Information
invited to attend an on-going lecture series provided
by the WVWA on the Wissahickon ecology, cultural
Wissahickon Valley Watershed Association
importance, policy, and other topics.
12 Morris Road
Representation as ambassadors: The citizen
Ambler, PA 19002
scientists in this program will become Wissahickon
Creek Ambassadors. They will share the information
Stephanie Figary
that they learn from the WVWA and en
Water Quality Program Manager
[email protected]
(215) 646-8866 (ext. 21)
Page 1
Wissahickon Valley Watershed Association (WVWA)
Creek Watch: Program Goals
The Creek Watch Program consists of a group of trained citizen scientists that observes
the Wissahickon Watershed at the direction of the WVWA. Creek Watchers are assigned
a section of public land (over 30 creek sections) throughout the watershed and visits their
assigned sections once a month. This program is a larger expansion of the WVWA’s
Stream Monitoring and Assessment Program (Stream MAP). Stream MAP monitors 11
sites throughout the Watershed four times a year; previously leaving much of the
Watershed without observation.
The goal of the Creek Watch program is the development of a network of trained
volunteers that will help improve the habitat and water quality of the Wissahickon Creek
through:
Early detection of environmental concerns: As the ‘eyes and ears of the
Wissahickon,’ Creek Watchers are trained to recognize conditions (e.g. erosion)
and report to the WVWA, or in the case of urgent conditions (e.g. fish kills) report
them to the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection. The presence
of citizen scientists will increase the WVWA’s ability to correct issues throughout
the watershed (e.g. contacting municipalities to unblock man-made structures to
reduce flooding).
Collection of field data: Improving the WVWA and public’s understanding of
the challenges, patterns, and changes overtime in the Wissahickon Watershed
through collected data and pictures. This data will help the WVWA determine
areas in need of restoration, new signage, and targeted education and outreach.
Trained eyes: The promotion of more trained eyes throughout the Watershed will
have incalculable positive impacts. Every Creek Watcher’s time will help the
Wissahickon, whether it is picking up a piece of trash, talking with a fellow trail
user about erosion in the creek, or noticing a new animal using the creek.
Education and outreach: Creek Watchers will be invited to attend an on-going
lecture series provided by the WVWA on the Wissahickon ecology, cultural
importance, policies, and other topics.
Representation as ambassadors: The citizen scientists in this program will
become Wissahickon Creek Ambassadors. They will share the information that
they learn from the WVWA and encourage positive behaviors throughout the
Wissahickon, both in the field, in their community, and at home. This group will
be key in promoting the long-term protection and restoration of the Wissahickon
Watershed.
The Creek Watch Program is part of a regional effort to improve Philadelphia area
watersheds (Wissahickon, Pennypack, Tookany, Poquessing, and Cobbs Creek) through
funding provided by the William Penn Foundation. Together, through monitoring,
restoration, education and outreach efforts, we can improve the Wissahickon!
Page 2
Executive Summary
Wissahickon
Tributaries
October was marked with leaves falling, vegetation dying back, cooler days, and of
course- Creek Watching! Here are some things we have learned from October 2014:
• 14 Creek Watch Teams conducted habitat assessments at
their sites in October. The results, shown in the table here,
Section
Habitat&Score
fell in line with what the WVWA has found.
TS40
118
o The tributaries had a slightly better habitat on average
TS602Private&lower100
than the main stem of the Wissahickon.
TS70
145
o The best habitat feature of the Wissahickon Watershed
TS75
110
is that the creek is not channelized.
TS90
120
o The lowest scoring feature is the frequency of riffles.
WS70
114
This is common in systems that encounter a lot of
WS90
103
erosion and disturbance as the system becomes more
WS110
119
uniform.
WS120
114
o Overall, the habitat of the Wissahickon and its
WS130
110
tributaries are considered ‘sub-optimal’ or ‘marginal.’
WS150
106
WS160
97
o Habitat assessments will be conducted again next year
WS170
118
over the summer (training session in July). Hopefully
WS190
118
next year the scores will improve with the Creek Watch
effort, riparian plants, and homeowner’s improved
stormwater management!
• The WVWA team did not make it out for site visits to the dams at section WS80,
the silt fences, or dams on Prophecy Creek. The team plans to make these visits on
25Nov2014. Email Steph if something else should be added to this list.
• From the leaf fall, most sites experienced increased sunlight and increased leaves in
the stream. These leaves are important as a food source for aquatic life.
• The WVWA is establishing a contact at PennDOT for removing the log dam at the
Lafayette Bridge.
• The WVWA is looking into a guideline for determining when stream bank trees
should be removed to reduce stream bank erosion.
• Algae presence increased at several sites. This is common in the fall due to
decreased leaves and increased sunlight.
• The oily sheen at WS130 is still a concern, but has not been seen during WVWA
field visits. This will continue to be monitored.
• The construction project at WS140 continues and is being monitored.
• Fewer animals were seen this month- however many beautiful shots were taken of
several birds!
• The headwaters and tributaries had more water flowing through them this month.
• The silt fences near the Prophecy Creek continue to be monitored.
• A Creek Watcher noticed construction along the sewer line at TS30 and contacted
their local officials to make sure the necessary permits were in place. The permits
were and the contractors added silt fences after the Creek Watcher contact them. A
huge Thank You goes out to Bob Smith for this work!!
Page 3
Section Table: Listing of all monitoring sections, summary groupings, descriptions, and notes
Wissahickon: Upper Section Summary
Data Summary
Section
Description
Wissahickon Creek
“Big Woods” in Montgomeryville, Knapp Road
Wissahickon Park in Lansdale, Norway Drive
Wissahickon:
Hancock Rd Park
Upper Section
‘Merck Bridge’ to North Wales Rd
North Wales Rd to Evans-Mumbower Mill
Evans-Mumbower Mill to Route 202
Wissahickon:
Route 202 to Plymouth Rd
Middle Green
Penllyn Woods: Plymouth Rd to Penllyn Pike
Ribbon Trail
Mather's stepping stones to Butler Pike
Four Mill’s Reserve: Butler Pike to Morris Rd
Wissahickon:
Germantown Academy: Morris Rd to Lafayette Ave
Lower Green
Lafayette Ave to Skippack Pike
Ribbon Trail
Skippack Pike to West Valley Green Rd
West Valley Green Rd to Stenton Ave
Morris Arboretum
Wissahickon:
Morris and
Fairmount Park: Northwestern Ave to Valley Green Inn
Fairmount Park
Fairmount Park: Valley Green Inn to Rittenhouse Town
Fairmount Park: Rittenhouse Town to Schuylkill River
Tributaries
Tannery Run Tannery Run
TS10
Haines Run
Upper Tributaries
TS20
Trewellyn Creek: Treweryn Farm Trails
Section
TS60
Prophecy Creek: Prophecy Park
TS60-Private Prophecy Creek: Private
TS30
Willow Run: Forest Hill
TS40
Rose Valley Creek: Robbins Park
Middle Tributaries
Section
TS50
Rose Valley Creek: Ambler Borough Park
TS70
Sandy Run: Piszek Preserve
TS75
Bell's Mills: Fairmount Park
TS80
Gorges Run: Fairmount Park
Philadelphia
TS85
Wise's Mill: Fairmount Park
Tributaries Section
TS90
Cresheim Valley Creek: Fairmount Park
TS100
Monoshony Creek: Fairmount Park
WS10
WS20
WS30
WS50
WS60
WS70
WS80
WS90
WS100
WS110
WS120
WS130
WS140
WS150
WS160
WS170
WS180
WS190
Page 4
Notes (WVWA water quality
site, wading team, etc.)
WVWA: 800
WVWA: 750
WVWA: 600
WVWA: 550
WVWA: 500
WVWA: 400
WVWA: 250
WVWA: 150
October 2014
WS10, WS20, WS30, WS50, and WS60
November 17, 2014
Rachel Rosenfeld
INTRODUCTION
Page 5
Sections WS10, WS20, WS30, WS50, and WS60 cover the uppermost reaches of the
Wissahickon Creek, from its small beginnings in a stormwater basin at the Montgomery
Mall. These sections flow through mostly commercial areas, with pockets of residential
areas. A range of issues may exist in these headwaters due to their proximity to major
commercial development.
This section is also the beginning of a lot of WVWA activity. At WS50 the Green Ribbon
Trail and the WVWA’s water quality sampling both begin.
CHANGES/THINGS TO NOTE
Algae levels remained constant from September to October for all sections. Leaf packs
were recorded in higher abundance than in September for WS30 and WS60, likely a
result of the autumn season and slow flow rate of the creek. Erosion levels and stream
flow have not changed. There were no reports of a low water level as was noted in
September. Sections WS10, WS20 and WS60 had a few fallen trees entering the stream
in different locations (Images 1 and 2). These trees were not obstructing the flow of the
creek. As in September, at least two sections, WS50 and WS60 were reporting some
aquatic vegetation. This is interesting, given that temperatures are dropping and daylight
hours are reduced. Nitrate levels were slightly high at WS10 and WS60, a possible
indicator of nutrient runoff.
OVERALL IMPRESSIONS
All sections in this summary are less than 80% shaded, likely because of the development
in the area and the time of year when the trees lose their foliage. Sections WS50 and
WS60 had some aquatic vegetation including rooted submerged, emergent and floating, a
rare occurrence in the Wissahickon Creek. Algae cover was generally moderate, except
for WS60, where it has remained abundant. Continued bank erosion is present for all
sections, but it is most visible at WS20 and could be a concern after a large rain event.
Chemical data did not show any signs for concern. While alkalinity was higher in all
sections, overall, the chemical levels reported were generally suitable for aquatic life.
NEEDS ATTENTION
Keep an eye on algae levels at WS10 and WS60, where nitrate and phosphate levels were
higher. This could be the result of nutrient runoff from residential development.
Undercutting and exposed tree roots at WS20, near a channelized portion of the site, are
issues to look into (Image 1). Continue to monitor obstructions to stream flow caused by
fallen trees and foliage (Image 1 and 2). Although all sections have been sampled, some
data was not available for WS20 and WS60.
Wissahickon: Upper Section Table 1 – October 2014 Findings
Page 6
Section
Name
Algae Cover Leaf Packs
Aquatic
Vegetation
Riparian
Vegetation
Shade
Cover
WS10
Rare
Small packs
(5-20 leaves)
None
Fallen trees
50-80%
WS20
Moderate
Individual
leaves
None
Decreased
abundance
30-50%
WS30
Moderate
Large clumps
(>20 leaves)
None
No change
50-80%
WS50
WS60
Erosion
No
change/Cont.
bank erosion
No
change/Cont.
bank erosion
No
change/Cont.
bank erosion
Rooted
No
Moderate
submerged; Changes in
None
>80/<30% change/Cont.
/Rare
rooted
types
bank erosion
emergent
No
Small packs
Rooted
Abundant
No change
<30%
change/Cont.
(5- 20 leaves)
floating
bank erosion
Wissahickon: Upper Section Table 2 - October 2014 Wading Team Findings
Note: Some data was not available for WS20 and WS60
Section Name
pH
Nitrate (ppm)
Phosphorus
(ppm)
Temperature
(Co)
Alkalinity (ppm)
WS10
6.2
1
0
9
40
WS20
-
-
-
-
80
WS30
7.2
0
0
14
40
WS50
6.8
0
0.1/0.2
8/14
80/120
WS60
-
1
4
17
-
Image 1 – Fallen tree and Continued bank erosion at WS20
Page 7
Image 2- Fallen tree at WS60
Wissahickon: Middle Green Ribbon Trail Section Summary
Page 8
October 2014
WS70, WS80, WS90 and WS100
November 9th 2014
Anna Bower
INTRODUCTION
Page 9
Sections WS70, WS80, WS90, and WS100 are covered in this summary. These sections
pass through mostly residential areas and the Cedarbrook Country Club between sections
WS90 and WS100. The Gwynedd Valley train station is also near WS80 and the train
tracks run over a small length of the stream here. The riparian buffer in this section has
been preserved along the Wissahickon Creek with the Green Ribbon Trail. Several of the
sections in this summary are worth noting. The Upper Gwynedd Sewage Treatment Plant
discharges its effluent into the Wissahickon Creek in WS70. WS80 is the second WVWA
water quality sampling site (WISS750) along the Wissahickon Creek at the EvansMumbower Mill. Lastly, several tributaries enter into the Wissahickon in these sections,
including Willow Run and Trewellyn Creek in WS90.
CHANGES/THINGS TO NOTE
Percent shade cover decreased this month due to autumn leaf drop. Because of the
increased leaf fall, small leaf packs were noted in all four sections. Although WIS80 and
WIS90 reported no aquatic vegetation, both had photos including water lilies and algae
on the water surface in their photos; similar to the September findings. Riparian
vegetation appears to have no change but is seasonally dying back. Japanese stilt grass
appears yellow and less abundant (until next year).
By looking at the photos, the log dams in WIS80 appear to be getting larger due to debris
backup. As a result, the creek has rerouted its course around and is continuing to erode
the bank. A sinkhole was found close to the stream edge. There was also more algae
cover present then last month in this section.
WIS90 continues to have braided channels and sediment islands- from low water volume
and cutbanks, causing uprooted trees along the banks. There is still trash in this section
that was not removed from last month (two chairs, trash bags, and old fence posts).
There were several abnormal wading team readings: WIS70 had nitrate levels of 1ppm
(unsual because it is downstream of the wastewater treatment plant) and WIS100 had
nitrate levels of 7ppm. Sites in between had nitrate levels around 15ppm.
OVERALL IMPRESSIONS
Percent shade cover decreased this month due to autumn leaf drop- it wasn’t noted as
drastically in the visual observations, but can be noted by comparing the September
photos with the October photos. Erosion continues to be a problem in all four sections as
well as log dams.
NEEDS ATTENTION
Downed trees in WIS80 and WIS90 should be addressed before the log dams create
further issues and blockages. There are logs piled against the Plymouth Rd. bridge and
piled on fallen logs in the creek. Trash needs to be removed in WIS80 and WIS90.
Abnormal nitrate and phosphate levels in WIS70 and WIS80 should be tested again.
Page 10
Wissahickon: Middle of Green Ribbon Trail Table 1 – October 2014 Findings
Section Name Algae Cover
Aquatic
Vegetation
Leaf Packs
WS70
Abundant
Small packs
(5-20 leaves)
WS80
Abundant
None
Moderate
Small packs
/large clumps
WS90
WS100
Abundant
Small (5-20
leaves)
Riparian
Vegetation
Shade
Cover
None
No change
<30%
None
No change
50-80%
None
Decreased
abundance/No
change
None
No change
Erosion
No
change/contin
ued bank
erosion
No
change/contin
ued bank
erosion
No
30-50% change/contin
(50-80%)
ued bank
erosion
30-50%
No
change/contin
ued bank
erosion
Wissahickon: Middle of Green Ribbon Trail Table 2 - October 2014 Wading Team
Findings
Section Name
pH
Nitrate (ppm)
1
Phosphorus
(ppm)
0.4
Temperature
(Co)
14
Alkalinity
(ppm)
160
WS70
7.8
WS80
8.4
15
0.8
15
120
WS90
7.0
15
0.8
12
80
WS100
7.2
7
0.6
16
80
Page 11
Image 1 – WIS80 Debris against Plymouth Rd. bridge abutments
Image 2- WIS 90 Undercut bank facing wading site from upstream
Image 3- WIS90 Fallen trees due to eroded banks
Page 12
Wissahickon: Lower Green Ribbon Trail Section Summary
Page 13
October 2014
WS110, WS120, WS130, and WS140
November 10, 2014
Edmond R. Shinn, Esq.
INTRODUCTION
Page 14
Sections WS110, WS120, WS130, and WS140 trace the Wissahickon Creek further down
along Morris Road, under the Pennsylvania Turnpike and into Fort Washington State
Park. This area is residential, with some developed commercial area as well as preserved
open space. The Ambler Wastewater Treatment Plan releases effluent into the
Wissahickon Creek in section WS110. The Sandy Run, the largest tributary in the
Wissahickon Watershed, enters into the Wissahickon Creek at WS130. This tributary is
particularly prone to flooding. The WVWA monitors water quality at several sites in this
section, including WS110 (WISS600), WS130 (WISS550), and WS140 (WISS500). The
Green Ribbon Trail follows the Wissahickon Creek in these sections, resulting in a
protected riparian buffer along with Wissahickon Creek.
CHANGES/THINGS TO NOTE
The weather is cooling off at night and observers in Sections WS110 – 140 noticed a
moderate increase in algae in certain sections, a slight increase in water flow associated
with increased rainfall and a noticeable increase in the size and prevalence of leaf packs.
Percentage of cover decreased slightly from September with observers reporting 30-50%
coverage in WS110, 120, 130 and 140. Continued erosion from fallen trees is the most
commonly reported problem.
OVERALL IMPRESSIONS
Data indicated there was on average moderate to abundant algae present in WS110 and
120, with moderate algae in WS130 (See Image 1 - WS130- 20Oct2014-Mirandaalgea.jpg). Stream flow was reported to be slow to moderate and the water was clear.
WS130 continues to have an oily sheen on the surface that did not appear to be natural.
This oily sheen has been reported since August and therefore warrants additional followup investigation. Moderate canopy cover (30-50%) was reported throughout these
sections. (See Image 2 - WS130- 20Oct2014-Miranda.jpg).
NEEDS ATTENTION
Continued bank erosion is reported across all sections and may cause lead to additional
trees falling into the creek and further degradation of man made improvements. (See
Image 3 - WS110-19Oct2014-DevonEd-erosion2.jpg). A fallen tree in Section WS120 is
blocking an outflow culvert and should be removed. (See Image 4 – blocked outflow
ws120 10-20-14culvert.jpg). The major blockage of trees and large branches that has
accumulated on the bridge abutment at Lafayette Ave continues to grow in size. (See
Image 5 – Lafayette bridge.jpg). This blockage is also notable because it is upstream of
the oily sheen has been reported since August, which therefore warrants additional
follow-up investigation. This blockage is also causing additional resultant erosion
downstream, which will persist unless removal of this debris is undertaken. (See Image 6
- ws120 erosion near lafayette bridge.JPG). Finally, there is a large-scale bridge project in
progress in WS140 that should be monitored to ensure proper sediment controls. (See
Image 7 - WS140-21Oct2014-JonWest-Condition1_photo1.JPG).
Page 15
Wissahickon: Lower Green Ribbon Trail Table 1 - October 2014 Findings
Section Name Algae Cover
WS110
WS120
WS130
WS140
Leaf Packs
Aquatic
Vegetation
Small (5-20)
Rooted
Leaf Packs emergent
Large (>20)
Abundant
None
Leaf Packs
Large (>20)
Rooted
Moderate
Leaf Packs submerged
Abundant
Rare
Individual
None
Riparian
Vegetation
Shade Cover
No Change
30-50%
Decreased
abundance
30-50%
Fallen trees
30-50%
No Change
30-50%
Erosion
Continued
bank erosion
Continued
bank erosion
Increased
Erosion
Continued
bank erosion
Wissahickon: Lower Green Ribbon Trail Table 2 - October 2014 Wading Team Findings
Section Name
pH
Nitrate (ppm)
Phosphorus
(ppm)
Temperature
(Co)
Alkalinity (ppm)
WS110
>8.4
1.5
.1
12
120
WS120
7.8 – 8.4
9
12
120
WS130
8.4
6
.2
12
120
WS140
8
10
1
11
180
Page 16
Image 1 - WS130- 20Oct2014-Miranda- algea.jpg
Image 2 - WS130- 20Oct2014-Miranda.jpg
Page 17
Image 3 - WS110-19Oct2014-DevonEd-erosion2.jpg
Image 4 - WS140-19Sep2014-JonWest-Condition1_photo5.JPG
Page 18
Image 5 – Lafayette bridge.jpg
Image 6 - ws120 erosion near lafayette bridge.JPG
WS140-21Oct2014-JonWest-Condition1_photo1.JPG
Page 19
Wissahickon: Morris and Fairmount Park Section Summary
Page 20
October 2014
WS150, WS160, WS170, WS180 and WS190
November 11, 2014
Eric A Dahlberg
INTRODUCTION
Page 21
Sections WS150, WS160, WS170, WS180, and WS190 covers the last leg of the
Wissahickon Creek before its confluence with the Schuylkill River. These sections flow
through Morris Arboretum and into Fairmount Park. This last stretch of stream is almost
completely within the confines of preserved open spaces and parkland. The WVWA
monitors water quality at WS160 (WISS400), WS170 (WISS250), and WS190
(WISS150). Numerous tributaries enter into the Wissahickon, particularly in Fairmount
Park.
CHANGES/THINGS TO NOTE
With the crispness of the air and growing experience of our watchers with their cameras,
the Wissahickon’s beauty shines out from the group’s photos this month. See example
views 1-3. General consensus of increased clarity of the water as well as higher water
levels (see overtopping at final dam). Leaves are certainly accumulating on the surface at
slow flowing spots. Birds seen this month included Downy Woodpecker (WS 160 and
190), Blue Heron, Osprey (160), and insects -water striders. WS160 noted an area of
significant bank erosion where there is no riparian vegetation. See view 4.
OVERALL IMPRESSIONS
This section of the creek shows the change of season dramatically, both in the chilly air
and water and in the greater openness of the sky with bare trees. The shadow of the valley
grows more as well, with parts of the area, 190, still in shade 4 ½ hours after sunrise. The
group is concerned about continued erosion of banks and depositation of sediment and
rock in the creek with some areas seeming to have worsened with the rains the previous
weeks (image 9).
NEEDS ATTENTION
Page 22
Wissahickon: Morris and Fairmount Park Table 1 – October 2014 Findings
Section Name Algae Cover
Leaf Packs
Aquatic
Vegetation
Riparian
Vegetation
Shade
Cover%
30-50
WS150
Rare
Small packs
None
No change
WS160
Abundant
Small packs
None
No change
30-50
WS170
Moderate
Small packs
None
Decreased
abundance
30-50
WS180
Abundant
Individual
leaves
None
No change
<30
WS190
Rare
Individual
leaves
None
No change
30-50
Erosion
No
change/conti
nued erosion
No
change/conti
nued erosion
Decreased
sediment
depositation/
islands
No
change/conti
nued erosion
Increased
sediment &
depositation
Wissahickon: Morris and Fairmount Park Table 2 – October 2014 Wading Team
Findings
Section Name
pH
Nitrate (ppm)
Phosphorus
(ppm)
Temperature
(Co)
Alkalinity (ppm)
WS150
7.8
4.4
1.5
18.1
low
WS160
8.4
4
0.6/0.6
11
180
WS170
7.4
1.5
0.7
10.5
140
120
WS180
WS190
Page 23
7.8
1/0.5
0.7/0.6
10
85/120
Image 1 WS150-
Image 2 WS190
Page 24
Image 3 WS160
Image 4 WS160, Erosion
Page 25
Image 5 Downy Woodpecker, hidden
Image 6 Water just over-topping final dam on the creek
Page 26
Image 7 WS190 still in shadow at 11:30 am EDT
Image 8 Water skimmers, WS190
Page 27
, still,
Image 9 Sand covered bank and deposition in creek at WS190 just upstream of
monitoring point
Page 28
Upper Tributaries Section Summary
October 2014
TS60, TS60 Private, Tannery, TS10 and TS20
12 November 2014
Lindsay Blanton
Page 29
INTRODUCTION
Sections TS60, TS60 Private, Tannery, TS10, and TS20, cover a number of tributaries to
the Wissahickon Creek, including Prophecy Creek, Tannery Run, Haines Run, and
Trewellyn Creek. These tributaries pass through many diverse land use areas, including
(mostly) residential areas, parklands, and a small airport adjacent to TS60 Private.
Prophecy Creek is known to have the best water quality in the Wissahickon Watershed.
The WVWA monitors the water quality on both Prophecy and Trewellyn Creek.
CHANGES/THINGS TO NOTE
In October, the stream flow at TS10 has increased significantly since August, from an
almost-dry stream to a few inches of depth. Algae also seems to have increased slightly.
At TS60, erosion seems to have worsened slightly. Some areas of scouring under tree
roots seem more vertical than in earlier months, when the slope seemed more gradual.
There’s ongoing construction at the township building nearby, and silt fencing seems
intact. There also is a new fallen tree across the stream.
At TS60 Private Upper and Lower, there was less algae cover than last month.
OVERALL IMPRESSIONS
These upper tributaries seem to have fairly low flow at this time, but are not exempt from
the damaging effects of erosion during rain events. Bank scouring at TS60 has become
more severe and steep, which signals high volume, fast-moving peak flows due to runoff.
Additionally, high algae levels in these upper tributary areas may suggest increased
nutrient content in nearby runoff.
NEEDS ATTENTION
Erosion and scouring at TS60 (picture 1) has worsened in the last month, possibly with
some of the heavier rains we received. This site should be closely monitored and possibly
considered for a restoration project if bank stability continues to deteriorate.
Construction at TS60 (picture 2) should be monitored going forward to ensure silt fences
and other stormwater management safeguards are upheld.
Page 30
Upper Tributaries Table 1 – October 2014 Findings
Section Name Algae Cover
TS60
Rare
Leaf Packs
Aquatic
Vegetation
Riparian
Vegetation
Shade
Cover
Erosion
Small packs
(5-20 leaves)
Rooted
submerged
No change
30-50%
No change
/continued bank
erosion
No change
<30%
No change
/continued bank
erosion
No change
50-80%
No change
/continued bank
erosion
Floating,
rooted
submerged,
rooted
floating
Floating,
rooted
submerged,
rooted
floating
TS60 Private upper
Abundant
Small packs
(5-20 leaves)
TS60 Private lower
Moderate
Small packs
(5-20 leaves)
Tannery
Rare
Small packs
(5-20 leaves)
None
Decreased
abundance
50-80%
TS 10
Moderate
Small packs
(5-20 leaves)
None
No change
50-80%
TS 20
Moderate
Small packs
(5-20 leaves)
None
Decreased
abundance
30-50%
No change
/continued bank
erosion
No change
/continued bank
erosion
No change
/continued bank
erosion
Upper Tributaries Table 2 - October 2014 Wading Team Findings
Section Name
pH
Nitrate (ppm)
Temperature
(Co)
-
Alkalinity (ppm)
-
Phosphorus
(ppm)
-
TS60
-
TS60 Private upper
TS60 Private lower
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Tannery
-
-
-
-
-
TS 10
7.8
0
0.2
9
120
TS 20
-
-
-
-
-
Page 31
-
Image 1 – Erosion at TS60
Image 2 – Construction near TS60
Page 32
Middle Tributaries Section Summary
October 2014
TS30, TS40, TS50 and TS70
November 8 2014
Stan Barnett
Page 33
INTRODUCTION
Sections TS30, TS40, TS50, and TS70 cover a number of tributaries to the Wissahickon
Creek, including Willow Run East, Rose Valley Creek, and Sandy Run. These small
headwaters are mostly shaded, small streams with slow flow and clear waters. The
tributaries pass through mostly residential areas, parklands, and a golf course next to
TS70. Stormwater runoff issues may pose a problem throughout these suburban areas, as
erosion and sedimentation are present at each site. TS70 includes the Sandy Run, the
Wissahickon Watershed largest sub-watershed, which has frequent flooding issues.
CHANGES/THINGS TO NOTE
This is the second month that water quality data was collected by the Wading Team from
Rose Valley Creek (TS40). Data was not available from the other sites.
TS30 (Willow Run)
• A short term maintenance/construction project on a sewer line was observed.
There were sand bags blocking the creek (see Image-1 below). The Watchers
were concerned about the impact on the creek and they contacted the
contractors and township. It was determined that all the permits were in order.
The contractor did add silt fences.
TS40 (Rose Valley Creek)
• Lots of leaves were observed in the stream
• The oil sheen observed last month had dissipated.
• A large amount of wildlife was observed. This included squirrels, rabbit,
numerous sunfish, and water spiders. A large infestation of aphids was
observed (see Image-2) below.
• A large amount of algae was observed again this month on Creepy Pond.
• A blocked culvert was observed (see Image-3).
TS50 (Rose Valley Creek)
• Large clumps of leaves were observed (see image).
• Bank erosion continued to be observed resulting in two small tree falls.
• Live fish and birds were observed
• A significant improvement in the amount of trash observed was reported. A
possible connection between the cooler weather and human impact was
mentioned. The trail was reported to have been recently cut and cleared.
TS70 (Sandy Run)
• Small leaf packs were observed.
• Live fish, birds and insects were observed.
OVERALL PICTURE
Overall, this group of tributaries seems to have clear waters and lots of diverse wildlife.
Live fish were observed at TS40, TS50 and TS70. Generally the algae cover is low, but
algae was observed on ponds. There seems to be widespread erosion
Page 34
issues throughout these tributaries and some increase in sedimentation was observed.
Large amounts of trash and debris had been observed last month at were noted at TS50
and TS70 suggesting the potential for high impact on the streams due to human
encroachment. A significant improvement was noted at TS50. Some increase in the
observation of leaf packs was observed at TS40 and Ts70. Large leaf deposits were
observed at TS50.
NEEDS ATTENTION
A blocked culvert was observed (see image).
A construction/ maintenance crew was observed (TS30) working on a sewer line and
activities did not seem to be best practice. The creek was blocked with sand bags (see
image), equipment was in the creek and a silt fence was not in place. The silt fence was
added subsequently. The Watchers made inquiries with the construction crew and the
township and determined that the proper permits were in place. It may be worth
following up on this to determine if training is current and best practices are being
followed for those crews that do routine maintenance on the creek following sewer lines.
Bank erosion continues to be noted and small tree falls were noted at TS70.
Middle Tributaries Table 1 – October 2014 Findings
Section Name Algae Cover
Leaf Packs
Aquatic
Vegetation
Riparian
Vegetation
Shade Cover
Erosion
-----
Small Packs
(5-20 leaves)
Small Packs
(5-20 leaves
None
No Change
30-50%
None/
Floating
-------
50-80%
Rare
Large Clumps
None
2 sm. tree falls
50-80%
Rare
Small Packs
(5-20 leaves)
None
No Change
50-80%
TS 30
Rare
TS40
Moderate
TS50
TS70
Continued
bank erosion
Continued
bank erosion
Continued
bank erosio
Middle Tributaries Table 2 – October 2014 Wading Team Findings
Section Name
pH
Nitrate (ppm)
Phosphorus
(ppm)
Temperature
(Co)
Alkalinity (ppm)
TS 30
------
-------
-------
-------
-------
TS40
6.8
0.2/0.3
0/0
14
80
TS50
------
------
-------
-------
------
TS70
------
-------
------
-------
-------
Page 35
Image 1 –TS30- Sand bags blocking the creek placed by a construction/maintenance crew
working on a sewer line.
Page 36
Image2 – TS40- Infestation of White Beech Aphids.
Page 37
Image 3 –TS40- Culvert blocked by debris.
Page 38
Image 4-TS50- Large clumps of leaves.
Image5 –TS70- Bank erosion.
Page 39
Philadelphia Tributaries Section Summary
October 2014
TS75, TS80, TS85, TS90 and TS100
18 November 2014
Joe Durrance
Page 40
INTRODUCTION
Sections TS75, TS80, TS85, TS90, and TS100 covers the monitored tributaries in
Fairmount Park, including Bell’s Mills, Gorgas Run, Wise’s Mill Run, Cresheim Valley
Creek, and Monoshony Creek. These tributaries pass through mostly residential areas and
preserved open space and parks. The small tributaries in this section feed into the
Wissahickon close to its confluence with the Schuylkill River.
CHANGES/THINGS TO NOTE
• At the time of monitoring, rainfall was more recent for all of the Creek Watcher sites
(Bells, Gorgas, Wises, Cresheim Valley and the Wissahickon sites) than it was in
September. The rainfall did not appear to affect the flow rate considerably at all of the
sites. Bells Mills Watchers reported “swift” conditions in both September and
October, Gorgas Watchers reported “moderate” in both months, Wises Run was
“moderate” in both months and Cresheim Valley Watchers consistently reported
“combination” for flow for both months and higher water levels for October.
• Most of the Creek Watchers noted seasonal changes. In the case of Bell’s Mills and
Gorgas Run, increased leaf packs were reported. Gorgas reported a decreased
percentage shade, moving from greater than 80% to 30-50%, which could be
attributed to seasonal leaf loss. Similarly Wises Run reported 50-80% shade in
September and 30-50% shade in October.
• Seasonal change could also have affected the type and abundance of stream side
vegetation, for example, the Creek Watchers at Bells Mill reported a change in
species composition, noting that “while vegetation abundance has only decreased
slightly, species composition has changed with only one species of plant observed”
• Bells Mills Watchers have been keeping their eye on a foam patch, observed
upstream from a cascade in September, and observed downstream of the cascade in
October. There were no abnormal odors associated the stretch that they were
monitoring in either September or October. There has not been a major storm event
that would contribute to major storm related erosion at the sites observed, but there
are signs of past erosion.
• The Creek Watchers at Cresheim Creek reported continued bank erosion in August,
new bank erosion in September and no change/continued bank erosion in October.
They clarify this by adding the presence of “increased sediment deposition/islands.”
Their report goes on to detail how bike use and rainfall has continued to contribute to
the cycle of destructive erosion at this location
• Bells Mills Watchers described methods used to fight erosion, including gabions.
They report that, “The majority of banks are being stabilized with gabions in various
levels of vegetation, mainly grass”
• Another ongoing complaint at Bell’s Mills is trash from nearby parking areas. There
was noticeable decrease in trash at Gorgas. This could be from the Watcher’s efforts
to carry out as much as they are able with each visit. Cresheim Valley Creek
Watchers noted that trash was relatively under control, although they did note that
garbage was overflowing from a neglected trash can near Devil’s Pool.
• The types of animals noted by Creek Watchers include water birds such as Wood
Duck, Mallards. Other water birds noted by the Cresheim Valley Watchers included a
Page 41
heron and kingfisher. There was a possible osprey sighting at Wises.
OVERALL IMPRESSIONS/ NEEDS ATTENTION
• Higher flows observed at Cresheim Creek (photo 1).
• Seasonal changes in aquatic and riparian plants observed (photo 2 and 3).
• Erosion along Cresheim Creek, possibly from bike use and increased rainfall in
October (photo 4)
• Widespread use of gabion as erosion prevention is rendered inefficient in some
locations due to lack of vegetation and loss of gabion-soil contact at stream level edge
(photo 5).
• Wises Mill shows some signs of major bank scouring, but for the most part rip-rap
installed as part stormwater control programs seems to be working (photo 6).
• Partially eaten mouse found, possibly dropped by a raptor in the area (photo 7).
Page 42
Philadelphia Tributaries Table 1 – October 2014 Findings
Leaf Packs
Aquatic
Vegetation
Rare
Small Packs
5-20 Leaves
Rooted
Emergent
No Change
30-50%
TS80
Rare
Large
Clumps
>20 leaves
None
Fallen trees
upstream
30-50%
TS85
Rare
Small Packs
5-20 Leaves
None
No Change
30-50%
Rare
Large
Clumps
>20 Leaves
None
No Change
50-80%
Rare
Small Packs
Rooted
5-20 Leaves submerged
No change/
first
observation
>30%
Section Name Algae Cover
TS75
TS90
TS100
Riparian
Vegetation
Shade Cover
Erosion
No
change/Conti
nued bank
erosion
No
change/Conti
nued bank
erosion
No
change/Conti
nued bank
erosion
No change/
increased
sediment
deposition
and islands
No change/
first
observation
Philadelphia Tributaries Table 2 – October 2014 Wading Team Findings
Phosphorus
Temperature
Alkalinity
Section Name
pH
Nitrate (ppm)
(ppm)
(Co)
(ppm)
TS75
N/A
5
0.2
N/A
N/A
TS80
7
6
0.2
12
60
TS85
6.8
3
0
11.5
40
TS90
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
TS100
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
Page 43
Photo 1: Slightly Higher Water Levels On Cresheim Valley Creek
Photos 2 and 3 Rooted Emergent Plants Bells Mills
Page 44
Photo 4: erosion along Cresheim Creek
Page 45
Photo 5: Lack of vegetation and loss of gabion-soil contact at stream level edge.
Photo 6: Limited Erosion at Wises Mill
Page 46
Photo 7: partially eaten mouse at Gorgas Run, possible dropped by a raptor.
Page 47