BMP Planning to Address Urban Runoff: Plaster Creek Watershed SUSTAIN Pilot

Authors

Plaster Creek Stewards

Document Type

Article

Abstract

The Plaster Creek watershed is tributary to the Grand River in west Michigan. Plaster Creek is one of several impaired streams in this area, located in metropolitan Grand Rapids. There are several listed impairments for the Creek including 1) other indigenous aquatic life and wildlife, 2) warm water fishery, and 3) total and partial body contact recreation. Total maximum daily load (TMDL) studies were completed in 2002 for biota and E. coli to address the listed impairments. In 2008, a watershed management plan (WMP) was developed which outlines an implementation plan for water quality improvement in the watershed. This pilot project focuses on the ability of stormwater management practices to reduce pollutant loads, and therefore bacteria are not evaluated in detail. The WMP prioritizes critical areas and provides a framework for implementing restoration practices. It also presents the following goals for sediment and nutrient load reduction:

• 25 percent reduction in sediment, resulting in an in-stream sediment concentration of 30 mg/L (the TMDL suggests a 40 percent reduction in sediment loads to meet the 30 mg/L in-stream concentration)
• 40 percent reduction in total phosphorus loadings
• 20 percent reduction in total nitrogen loadings

Publication Date

12-31-2012

Recommended Citation

Plaster Creek Stewards, "BMP Planning to Address Urban Runoff: Plaster Creek Watershed SUSTAIN Pilot" (2012). Watershed Reports. 2.
https://digitalcommons.calvin.edu/pcs_reports/2