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
© Copyright 2024