Arizona's nonpoint source annual report

              Arizona's 2004 Nonpoint
Source Annual Report
Nonpoint Source Program
July 1, 2003 - June 30, 2004
Prepared by the
Arizona Department of Environmental Quality
Hydrologic Support & Assessment Section
Arizona’s 2004 Nonpoint
Source Annual Report
Nonpoint Source Program
July 1, 2003 - June 30, 2004
Prepared by the
Arizona Department of Environmental Quality
Hydrologic Support & Assessment Section
Arizona’s FY 04 Nonpoint Source Annual Report
Introduction
Purpose
This report is an overview of the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ)
Nonpoint Source Program’s activities for fiscal year 2004 (July 1, 2003 - June 30, 2004).
A majority of the work preformed by ADEQ’s Nonpoint Source Program is funded by
Clean Water Act Section 319(h) grants, awarded by the U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA). Section 319(h) (11) requires States to report annually on progress in
meeting the schedule of milestones contained in their nonpoint source management
plans, and report reductions in nonpoint source pollutant loadings and improvements in
water quality resulting from program implementation.
Format
The report is divided seven sections to meet all elements of EPA’s annual reporting
requirements.
Section I – Measuring Success
Provides a brief summary of progress in meeting approved milestones and the short-and
long-term goals and objectives identified in Arizona’s 5-Year Nonpoint Source
Management Plan. The information is provided in a matrix format to display the status
of approved milestones for the current fiscal year. The following information is provided
for each milestone:
a. Applicable project or program
b. Scheduled project completion date
c. Percent completed
Satisfies elements #1 & #2 of EPA’s annual reporting requirements.
Section II – Federal Support
A discussion of the extent to which Federal agencies, lands and activities within the
State are supporting the State in meeting approved milestones.
Satisfies element #3 of EPA’s annual reporting requirements.
Section III – Water Quality Improvements & Load Reductions
A summary of the available information on the amount of improvement in water quality
(including aquatic habitat quality) and the extent of reductions in nonpoint source
loadings achieved as a result of nonpoint source program implementation. Where
information is not yet available, surrogate measures of environmental progress (such as
environmental indicators) are used and progress is reported in terms of the degree or
percentage of completion of the project.
Satisfies elements #4, #5, & #6 of EPA’s annual reporting requirements.
Section IV – Future Plans
Provides a listing of further actions necessary to achieve the goals of the Clean Water
Act, including any recommendations for future state or national programs to control
nonpoint source pollution.
Section V – Successful Implementation Projects
Brief case studies of particularly successful nonpoint source control efforts.
Section VI – Public Awareness
Provides information on increases in public awareness of nonpoint source pollution and
public involvement in addressing it.
Section VII – Project Highlights
Information on products produced or deliverables met by Arizona’s Nonpoint Source
Program (e.g., outreach materials or BMP documents). Web site references are
provided.
Sections IV – VII provide supplemental information as a means of assessing progress to
date and improving the program in the future.
Satisfies EPA’s recommendations on supplemental elements #1 - #4.
Program Information
Arizona’s Nonpoint Source Program gathers information, monitors and focuses on the
following land use activities that can negatively impact surface and ground water within
the State:
􀀶􃘠 Agriculture;
􀀶􃘠 Forestry;
􀀶􃘠 Urban runoff;
􀀶􃘠 Hydromodification;
􀀶􃘠 Onsite/septic waste treatment systems;
􀀶􃘠 Mining; and
􀀶􃘠 Recreation.
ADEQ’s Nonpoint Source Program operates under the guidance of Arizona’s 5-Year
Nonpoint Source Management Plan updated and revised during fiscal year 2004. The
new State Management Plan was released in November 2003.
Arizona’s Nonpoint Source State Management Program integrates the state’s Clean
Waters Act and Safe Drinking Water Act programs with voluntary incentives. ADEQ
uses a combination of tools including: surface and ground water monitoring, watershed
inventories, watershed characterizations, Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) studies,
TMDL implementation and source water assessment plans, watershed-based plans,
and water quality improvement projects to protect the state’s water resources from
nonpoint source pollution. Staff works closely with stakeholders to develop community-
led, watershed-based planning efforts. These local planning efforts assist the
department in developing programs and outreach activities appropriate to the specific
area and the issues. Since Arizona has a large amount of publicly owned lands,
partnerships with federal, state and tribal land and resource management agencies are
a key element in the program’s success.
Important Note
In April, after the departure of the Grants and Outreach Unit Supervisor, the Hydrologic
Support and Assessment Section consolidated the Grants and Outreach Unit with the
Watershed Management Unit to better coordinate activities and save resources. The
newly formed Unit is now called the Watershed, Assessment, and Grants Unit which
consists of nine staff members. The new unit handles several Nonpoint Source
Program activities. The new group is responsible for the following programs and
activities:
􀀶􃘠 Water Quality Improvement Grant Program
o Project Management and
o Program Administration;
􀀶􃘠 Education & Outreach;
􀀶􃘠 Data Acquisition & Database Development;
􀀶􃘠 Integrated Report (water quality assessment);
􀀶􃘠 Stormwater Phase II Assistance Program;
􀀶􃘠 208 Regional Planning;
􀀶􃘠 TMDL Implementation Plan Development;
􀀶􃘠 TMDL Stakeholder Involvement;
􀀶􃘠 Watershed-based Plan Development;
􀀶􃘠 Watershed Partnerships;
􀀶􃘠 Nonpoint Education for Municipal Officials (NEMO);
􀀶􃘠 Master Watershed Steward Program; and
􀀶􃘠 Impaired Water Identification Rule (revising in 2004-2005)
ADEQ was successful in meeting the goals identified in Arizona’s 5-Year Nonpoint
Source Management Plan. Throughout this annual report, ADEQ provides a summary
of progress in meeting approved milestones and the short- and long-term goals, extent
to which Federal agencies are supporting the State, water quality improvements and
load reductions, and other supplemental information as a means of assessing progress
to date and improving the program in the future
Arizona’s FY 04 Nonpoint Source Annual Report
Section I – Measuring Success
Arizona’s Nonpoint Source Program is a dynamic and adaptive program intended to
facilitate and promote statewide efforts to manage nonpoint source pollution. As stated
in Arizona’s 5-year Nonpoint Source Management Plan, ADEQ continues to focus
efforts on restoring waters that have been listed as impaired as well as to protect waters
that are currently not impaired, it is critical that ADEQ monitor both: 1) the progress
being made towards achieving and maintaining water quality standards; and 2) the
implementation of programs and projects to assure that they are successful. ADEQ
uses several sets of measures to fully determine the success in implementing the
Nonpoint Source Program. These include measures that indicate progress towards
achieving and maintaining beneficial uses of water; towards other long-term goals of the
Program (i.e. achieving load reductions, or implementing particular watershed projects);
and towards shorter-term goals and objectives that are designed to lead to the
achievement of longer-term goals.
Milestones have been placed on both the long-term goals and short-term objectives
which outline the State’s implementation strategy for the restoration and protection of
beneficial uses impaired due to nonpoint point source pollution. The long-term goals
listed below are desired end points based on a ten to fifteen year time frame. The
short-term objectives or milestones listed below will be implemented and revised as
necessary over the next five years such that beneficial uses of the state’s waters (to the
extent practicable) are fully restored or maintained. Many of the milestones are taken
from ADEQ’s EPA approved workplan. The tasks and deliverables scheduled as part of
the workplan are designed to attain our long-term goal of implementing a dynamic and
effective Nonpoint Source Program designed to achieve and maintain beneficial uses of
water. The status of these priority program elements are as follows:
Goal: Support ground and surface water quality monitoring that provides data for assessments, identification of impaired
waters, TMDLs, and effectiveness of remediation and protection strategies.
Milestone & Progress Summary Project or Program Completion Date %Complete
Perform surface and ground water quality monitoring
throughout the state.
Progress Summary –
Surface water - Completed FY 04 sampling plans on time.
Groundwater basin monitoring - Big Sandy was
completed, Bill Williams is about ½ complete – both will
provide important insights for the Bill Williams TMDL
project.
Surface Water Monitoring &
Standards and Groundwater
Monitoring Units
Yearly 100%
Determine water quality improvements and BMP
effectiveness through project monitoring and
oversight.
Progress Summary –
Staff continues to provide oversight on 319(h) funded
implementation projects and input and track water quality
improvements in GRTS. Please refer to GRTS for
updated information on BMP effectiveness. See
attachment #1 for improvements to water quality. 100%
of ADEQ’s 319 projects are performing effectiveness
monitoring, however, only ~20% are performing water
quality monitoring. ADEQ needs to improve their
understanding of the modeling approaches used to
estimate load reductions to better provide and determine
BMP effectiveness and water quality improvements.
Currently, ADEQ is doing the best they can with available
resources.
Watershed, Assessment, &
Grants
On-going 65%
Develop narrative implementation procedures and
utilize narrative standards, as well as numeric water
quality standards, to assess Arizona’s waters.
Surface Water Monitoring &
Standards
June 2006 60%
Progress Summary –
Three contracts were awarded in January, 2003, to
develop implementation procedures for three narrative
standards: toxics, nutrients and bottom deposits, and the
antidegradation policy. ADEQ has conducted significant
stakeholder outreach on antidegradation and the toxics
implementation procedures. The antidegradation should
be finalized by year end. Toxics fell a bit behind schedule
due to intense stakeholder issues surrounding WET
testing and stormwater. The narrative nutrient
implementation procedure is on track for finalization in
December. The narrative bottom deposits implementation
procedure was not worked on this year due to competing
priorities and staffing issues. It has been moved to FY 05
and is on track for finalization by December, 2004. Initial
lake classification system is also being developed.
Develop, initiate, and support a Volunteer Monitoring
Program.
Progress Summary –
ADEQ along with Gateway Community College conducted
5-6 sampling courses throughout the state. Three were in
conjunction with the Master Watershed Stewardship
Program through the University of Arizona while others
were for volunteer groups seeking skills and support.
ADEQ hopes to expand the Volunteer Monitoring Program
in FY 05.
Hydrologic Support &
Assessment
Program
developed = May
2006
Support = On-going
75%
100%
Goal: Identify and quantify water quality problems in Arizona.
Milestone Project or Program Completion Date %Complete
Support watershed rotation based monitoring
program to provide water quality data on long-term
stations and watershed characterization sites within
the 10 surface watersheds.
Surface Water Monitoring &
Standards
Yearly 100%
Progress Summary –
Monitoring and characterization in 2 watersheds was
completed in FY 04.
Complete Arizona's Integrated 305(b) Water Quality
Assessment and 303(d) Listing Report due April 1,
2004, 2006, and 2008.
Progress Summary –
Comments from the public and EPA resulted in the need
to issue a second draft in late FY 04 which delayed its
submittal to EPA until late August. As a result of both the
2002 and 2004 assessments, staff began stakeholder
effort to explore revisions to the Impaired Water
Identification rule in June, 2004. Key issues include:
possible revision or replacement of binomial approach;
how to assess chronics; bacteria exceedances and
whether the Planning List should be in rule.
Watershed, Assessment, &
Grants
April 1, 2004
April 1, 2006
April 1, 2008
100%
5%
0%
Complete 205(j) Report in 2005 and 2007.
Progress Summary –
Not applicable for FY 2004.
Watershed, Assessment, &
Grants
April 1, 2005
April 1, 2007
10%
0%
Complete watershed characterizations for at least
three watersheds in Arizona (Bill Williams, Upper Gila,
and Verde) by January 2004.
Progress Summary –
Watershed characterizations have been completed and
are online for the Bill Williams, Upper Gila, and Verde
River Watersheds. The characterization reports have
been presented to the watershed groups in each of the
three priority watersheds, and input from the groups have
resulted in improvements in the scope of the text. In
addition, numerical modeling of watershed response to
land use change has been included within Watershed
Assessment Reports for each of the three watersheds.
Subwatershed areas have been ranked based on
Watershed, Assessment, &
Grants
October 2004 100%
susceptibility to nonpoint source pollutant contribution to
water quality degradation, and stakeholders have been
identified for these priority subwatersheds.
View on-line at www.srnr.arizona.edu/nemo/index.php?
page=characterization.
Goal: Develop TMDLs for 303(d) listed waterbodies.
Milestone & Progress Summary Project or Program Completion Date %Complete
Develop TMDLs.
Progress Summary –
Received approval of 2 TMDL projects (Boulder Creek
(one segment for 3 metals) and Tonto Creek (2 segments
for E coli)). Completed 3 delist reports (Granite Basin
(low DO, high pH), Sonoita Creek (DO) and Paria River
(Se)). Three TMDLs are nearing completion (Lakeside
Lake (phase II as aeration system is not achieving
performance necessary), Turkey Creek, and French
Gulch) – anticipate completion before December 04.
TMDL Yearly 100%
Hold public meetings to involve local and affected
stakeholders.
Progress Summary –
Stakeholder meetings were held throughout the year for
Pinto Creek, Stoneman Lake, Turkey Creek, French
Gulch, Tonto-Christopher Creeks, and Lakeside Lake. All
meetings were a great success with large public turnout
and positive feedback.
Watershed, Assessment, &
Grants and TMDL
Yearly 100%
Receive and evaluate comments.
Progress Summary –
Received and evaluated comments for Boulder Creek and
Tonto Creek TMDLs.
TMDL Yearly 100%
Goal: Develop and Implement Water Quality Improvement Plans
Milestone & Progress Summary Project or Program Completion Date %Complete
Write TMDL implementation plans.
Progress Summary
Draft implementation plans were developed for Boulder
Creek (view online at www.azdeq.gov/environ/water/
assessment/status.html) and Stoneman Lake. Boulder
Creek will be finalized in FY05. ADEQ is working with
Stoneman Lake stakeholders to determine the best
courses of action. After a conclusive decision among
stakeholders is made, ADEQ will resume drafting and
finalizing the implementation plan. ADEQ is developing
an initial lake classification system which will establish
endpoints for lakes, including Stoneman. Due to resource
restraints, ADEQ is slightly behind on finalizing a couple
of TMDL implementation plans.
Watershed, Assessment, &
Grants
Yearly 75%
Write and develop watershed-based plans for all ten
Arizona watersheds.
Progress Summary –
Through NEMO, 3 watershed-based plans will be
developed in FY05. ADEQ is working with watershed
partnerships around the state to develop watershed-based
plans for their watershed or add additional
information to their current plans in order to meet the 9-
element requirement.
Watershed, Assessment, &
Grants
On-going 30%
Hold public meetings with stakeholders.
Progress Summary –
During each TMDL public meeting, implementation plans
are discussed and various implementation workgroups
are being formed. These public meetings are proving to
be highly successful and beneficial.
Watershed, Assessment, &
Grants
Yearly 100%
Receive and evaluate comments. Watershed, Assessment, & On-going N/A
Progress Summary –
Boulder Creek was sent out for public review and
comment in September 2004. In FY 04, no formal
comments were received or evaluated, however, ADEQ
met with stakeholder groups and welcomed any
comments or suggestions provided for the development of
an implementation plan.
Grants
Goal: Focus Section 319 incremental grant funds and non-federal matching resources on priority watersheds with
impaired waters.
Milestone Project or Program Completion Date %Complete
Coordinate and conduct annual meetings to set
internal goals for priority funding.
Progress Summary –
Due to the change in supervisory roles, it was imperative
that the unit meet continuously throughout the year to
coordinate and set internal goals. It was determined that
the following types of projects will score higher (i.e. priority
funding): projects which include activities identified in a
watershed-based plan or TMDL implementation plan;
projects proposed to improve impaired or not attaining
waters; or projects proposed with estimated load
reductions (projected quantitative measures of success).
This new priority focus will be incorporated into the 2004-
2007 Water Quality Improvement Grant Manual and will
be implemented beginning in FY05.
The unit has also been in close contact with the EPA
Project Officer to obtain feedback and recommendations
on goals for the upcoming year.
Watershed, Assessment, &
Grants
Yearly 100%
Conduct statewide grant workshops annually.
Progress Summary –
Watershed, Assessment, &
Grants
Yearly 100%
Nine grant workshops were held around the state.
Approximately 55 people attended.
Award Section 319(h) grant money each year to
implement water quality improvement projects on
impaired waterbodies.
Progress Summary –
ADEQ received 23 grant applications and awarded 15
projects in January, 2004; a 15% increase in grant
applications received and a 50% increase in grant
projects awarded compared to the previous fiscal year.
Attachment #2 lists the projects awarded in FY 04.
Watershed, Assessment, &
Grants
Yearly 100%
Goal: Effectively and efficiently use financial resources and leverage funds with other programs to target nonpoint source
pollution priority issues and areas.
Milestone Project or Program Completion Date %Complete
Use the Grants Reporting Tracking System (GRTS) to
track grant funding and effectiveness.
Progress Summary –
All projects awarded in FY 04 were added to the GRTS
tracking system in order to track funding. ADEQ
continues to learn more about entering data for project
effectiveness and will increase their efforts in FY 05.
Watershed, Assessment, &
Grants
On-going 80%
Coordinate with other funding programs (i.e. Arizona
Water Protection Fund, Water Infrastructure Finance
Authority, Environmental Quality Incentives Program)
to leverage money to target nonpoint source pollution
management in priority areas.
Progress Summary –
Throughout the year discussion have been held regarding
leveraging money to target nonpoint source pollution
management in priority areas. Ten projects (67%) were
funded in partnership with other funding (or kind services)
Watershed, Assessment, &
Grants
On-going 50%
sources (i.e. U.S. Forest Service, National Fish and
Wildlife Foundation NRCS EQIP funds, Arizona Water
Protection Fund, Heritage Fund, Water Infrastructure
Finance Authority of Arizona, Arizona Department of
Transportation, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Partners Grant,
State Parks, State Land Trust, County, and other local
groups.)
Discussions with NRCS, Southwest Strategy, and EPA
continue as we are trying to create a pilot watershed
project and target multiple funding sources toward
managing nonpoint source pollution in an Arizona
watershed.
Goal: Work with and provide technical support to Arizona watershed partnerships.
Milestone Project or Program Completion Date %Complete
Actively involve the community, including watershed
partnerships, with the development of watershed-based
plans and TMDL implementation plans.
Progress Summary –
Throughout FY 04, we’ve adopted the philosophy that
water quality improvement plans, whether watershed-based
plans or TMDL implementation plans, must involve
the community to be successful. Therefore, ADEQ looks
to these different interested parties to develop plans with
the end goal of having these same people apply for grant
funding and implement water quality improvement
projects.
Watershed, Assessment, &
Grants
On-going 100%
Provide support to community watershed
partnerships.
Progress Summary –
Whenever a partnership needs ADEQ’s technical
assistance or support, we make it a top priority to meet
Watershed, Assessment, &
Grants
On-going 100%
their needs. During the year we attended numerous
meetings to discuss watershed-based plans, impaired
waters, TMDL studies, implementation plans, and the
grant program. With the help of our strong partner, the
University of Arizona through the Master Watershed
Steward and NEMO programs, we’ve been able to assist
many more watershed groups. The coordinators for both
of these programs have been a huge help to us and the
watershed partnerships statewide. They’ve provided
education, maps, technical assistance, review and
comment, etc. For example, NEMO generated GIS maps
based on land ownership and plant species, resulting in a
numerical estimation of salt cedar by land ownership to
help the Gila Watershed Partnership with a riparian
vegetation and salt cedar invasion project. Their
advocacy has benefited ADEQ tremendously.
Assist with the development and implementation of
the Master Watershed Stewardship Program.
Progress Summary –
The Master Watershed Stewardship Program is up and
running. See Section VI - Public Awareness, for more
detailed information on the program.
Watershed, Assessment, &
Grants
On-going 100%
Goal: Provide statewide nonpoint source pollution education and outreach.
Milestone Project or Program Completion Date %Complete
Plan, develop and implement a strategy to conduct
education/outreach efforts to increase public
awareness of nonpoint source pollution impacts to
surface and groundwater resources.
Progress Summary –
In September 2003, ADEQ developed a Nonpoint Source
Education & Outreach Program Plan. This plan is being
implemented statewide. Several times throughout the
Watershed, Assessment, &
Grants
Plan Completion
= September
2003
Strategy
Implemented =
On-going
100%
100% for FY 04
year, the Watershed, Assessment, & Grants Unit has
conducted education/outreach efforts to increase the
public's awareness of nonpoint source pollution impacts to
surface and groundwater resources. Examples include,
Envirothon, Verde River Days, and Tres Rios to name a
few of the big events. Staff has also visited a couple of
schools throughout the year and presented about water
quality and nonpoint source pollution impacts. Many
presentations have been developed on fire devastation,
basic hydrology, and nonpoint source pollution. See
Section VI - Public Awareness, for more information.
Update web site information to reflect current
activities.
Progress Summary –
All web site information is up to date and reflects the
current activities for the Hydrologic Support &
Assessment. Please visit ADEQ’s Water Quality
Division’s homepage at
www.azdeq.gov/environ/water/index.html for information
on watershed management, monitoring, and assessment
(click topic on left hand panel). Web site information will
be continuously updated.
Hydrologic Support &
Assessment
July 2004 100%
Goal: Develop, implement, and evaluate nonpoint source pollution management measures and other pollution prevention
strategies to minimize degradation and protect surface water and groundwater quality.
Milestone Project or Program Completion Date %Complete
Develop BMP guidance documents for nonpoint
source pollution categories, including sediment,
mining, and nutrients.
Progress Summary –
Through our partnership with NEMO, we will develop BMP
guidance documents for managing sediment, metals, and
nutrients. These BMP guidance documents are currently
Watershed, Assessment, &
Grants
October 2008 35%
being drafted (see Section VII - Project Highlights, for
more detail). Check the NEMO web site at
www.srnr.arizona.edu/nemo index.php?page=bmpmanual
for updates.
Research and identify ways to quantify load
reductions as required in EPA’s 2003 Nonpoint
Source Program Guidance.
Progress Summary –
ADEQ continues to research and identify ways to quantify
load reductions. One staff member attended training on
modeling load reductions and staff have spent numerous
hours meeting with EPA and Tetra Tech to identify ways
to estimate load reductions. Tetra Tech provided ADEQ
with an Implementation Appendix that is helpful in
determining whether a certain management measure will
result in a low, medium, or high load reduction and the
estimated time for the load reduction to occur (immediate,
months up to 2 years, or >2 years). The Implementation
Appendix is a manual of conservation practices to reduce
pollution loads generated from nonpoint sources.
In addition, for the upcoming FY 05 grant cycle, ADEQ is
requesting that applicants provide an estimated load
reduction for reporting in GRTS. Priority will be given to
projects in which a load reduction estimate (quantitative
measure of success) is provided.
Watershed, Assessment, &
Grants Unit
June 2006 30%
Document BMP effectiveness from water quality
improvement projects in GRTS and guidance
documents.
Progress Summary –
Staff continues to provide oversight on 319(h) funded
implementation projects and input and track water quality
improvements and BMP effectiveness in GRTS. Please
refer to GRTS for updated information on BMP
Watershed, Assessment, &
Grants Unit
On-going 75%
effectiveness. See attachment #1 for improvements to
water quality
Goal: Maintain and expand partnerships and cooperative opportunities with stakeholders, other agencies, organizations,
and citizens.
Milestone Project or Program Completion Date %Complete
Coordinate with federal land management agencies
on water quality and watershed improvements as
needed.
Progress Summary –
Staff continues to work with various federal land
managers to address nonpoint source pollutant impacts to
water quality. Coordination with state and federal land
managers was up-held through a variety of organizations
and annual meetings: various watershed partnerships,
Southwest Strategy, and annual meetings with the Forest
Service. See Section II - Federal Support, for more
information on coordination, meeting highlights, etc.
Hydrologic Support and
Assessment Section
On-going 90%
Oversee, and update as needed, all Memorandum of
Understandings (MOUs) so that state, federal, tribes,
and local resource management agencies have
identified responsibilities in carrying out portions of
Arizona’s Nonpoint Source State Management Plan.
Progress Summary –
MOUs are updated as needed. The current MOUs are
working well in carrying out portions of Arizona’s Nonpoint
Source Management Plan. Interagency coordination is a
continual struggle but NEMO, attending watershed
partnership meetings, and holding public meetings
improves our ability to coordinate and plan.
Hydrologic Support &
Assessment Section
When needed 100%
Coordinate meetings and updates with other state,
federal, tribal, and local partners in the state (i.e.
Arizona Department of Water Resources, Arizona
Hydrologic Support &
Assessment Section
Yearly 90%
Game and Fish Department, Bureau of Reclamation).
Progress Summary –
Staff continues to work with various watershed
partnerships and state and federal land managers to
address nonpoint source pollutant impacts to water
quality. Coordination with state and federal land
managers was up-held through a variety of organizations
and annual meetings: various watershed partnerships,
Southwest Strategy, an annual meeting with the U.S.
Forest Service, and various other meetings (i.e. TMDL
meetings) with federal, state, and local partners. Always
room for improving coordination.
Provide leadership, technical assistance, expertise
and support to outside planning and governmental
entities to support watershed planning and 208
regional water quality management planning.
Progress Summary –
Great job this year providing leadership, technical
assistance, expertise and support to planning and
governmental entities in support of watershed planning.
ADEQ has been working with the designated planning
agencies for ways to restructure 208 through development
of a revised Continuing Planning Process (CPP). The
designated planning agencies and ADEQ are sharing
responsibility for writing sections of the plan. ADEQ is
moving forward with the hiring of an intern to begin
creation of a statewide GIS cover of CWA 208 service and
planning areas.
Watershed, Assessment, &
Grants
Yearly 100%
Goal: Complete Nonpoint Source Annual Report
Milestone Project or Program Completion Date %Complete
Write and develop a Nonpoint Source Annual Report
summarizing the goals and accomplishments yearly.
Watershed, Assessment, &
Grants
September 30
each year
100%
Progress Summary –
A Nonpoint Source Annual Report was developed to
summarize the goals and accomplishments of the
Nonpoint Source Program from July 1, 2003 – June 30,
2004 (FY 04).
Use annual reports to gauge progress on five year
Plan.
Progress Summary –
The Nonpoint Source Annual Report provides the status
of accomplishing both the short-term and long-term
milestones identified in the Nonpoint Source Management
Plan.
The tasks and deliverables scheduled as part of the
workplan are designed to attain our long-term goal of
implementing a dynamic and effective Nonpoint Source
Program designed to achieve and maintain beneficial
uses of water.
Hydrologic Support &
Assessment Section
Yearly 100%
Goal: Review and assess the goals and objectives of the Nonpoint Source Management Plan and revise the Plan as appropriate
Milestone Project or Program Completion Date %Complete
Amend Nonpoint Source Management Plan as
necessary.
Progress Summary –
The Nonpoint Source Management Plan will be amended
as necessary. The Unit has been in constant contact with
the EPA Project Officer to obtain feedback and
recommendations on goals for the upcoming year. No
changes to the plan are needed at this time.
Hydrologic Support &
Assessment Section
On-going 100%
Arizona’s FY 04 Nonpoint Source Annual Report
Section II – Federal Support
ADEQ continues working with state and federal land managers to address nonpoint
source pollution impacts on water quality. Many activities throughout the year
demonstrate ADEQ’s commitment to working with federal land managers to improve
water quality in the State.
Arizona achieves federal support through partnerships and stakeholder efforts
implemented through a variety of formal and informal agreements, cooperative projects,
sharing and combining of funds, and meetings to share information and ideas. Through
these partnerships, Arizona is able to work with federal agencies to incorporate other
appropriate water quality controls and further the goals of the Nonpoint Source
Program. Another way ADEQ works and partners with Federal agencies is through
community-led watershed groups. Attachment #3 provides a list of Arizona Watershed
Partnerships. Within the group structure of these watershed partnerships, ADEQ and
its federal partners are able to more easily identify, assess, and help implement
voluntary efforts to control nonpoint source pollution.
Pilot Watershed Project
Throughout the year, discussions have been held regarding leveraging money to target
nonpoint source pollution management in priority watersheds. The Natural Resource
Conservation Service (NRCS), Southwest Strategy, EPA, and ADEQ have been
discussing the possibility of creating a pilot watershed project to target multiple funding
sources toward managing nonpoint source pollution in an Arizona watershed. A final
decision has not been made as to the exact location for the pilot project but the most
likely candidate watersheds currently include the San Pedro and the Santa Cruz
watersheds. Discussions will continue throughout FY 05 in hopes that project
implementation will begin in FY 05.
319 Project Support
Three projects awarded during the last grant cycle were leveraged with federal money
and/or federal support. The Cottonwood Creek project administered by the Coronado
Resource Conservation and Development (RC&D) is partnering with the U.S.
Department of Agriculture Forest Service (Forest Service) and is utilizing NRCS
Environmental Quality Incentive Program funds to implement their project. A project
awarded to the Gila Watershed Partnership, Point of Pines, is leveraged with Forest
Service funding and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Partners grant funds. Lastly, federal money
from the Forest Service and National Fish and Wildlife Foundation is being used to
implement M Diamond Management L.L.C.’s West Clear Creek Tributary Watersheds
project.
Significant Meetings
The Forest Service’s Arizona On-Scene Coordinator (Haz Mat) met with the Hydrologic
Support and Assessment Section staff to discuss Forest Service remedial activities
currently underway and those planned for Arizona. The discussion focused on remedial
activities planned for areas near listed waterbodies. We discussed ways to stay in
better communication and ways to support each other’s projects.
In addition, the On-Scence Coordinator and other Forest Service staff coordinated with
numerous divisions within ADEQ to support TMDL-related remedial activities on the
Hassayampa River (McCleur Tailings Piles), Alum Gulch (World’s Fair Mine), and
Turkey Creek (Golden Belt and Golden Turkey mines). Forest Service staff from the
various National Forests have provided background information, site access, maps,
assistance with site selection, water quality data, comments on draft reports, etc. for
numerous TMDL projects, including Oak Creek (Slide Rock), Tonto and Christopher
Creeks, Pinto Creek, the Lake Mary TMDLs, and Nutrioso Creek.
TMDLs & TMDL Implementation
Hassayampa River
EPA and Forest Service conducted a Joint Time-Critical Removal Action in
January/February 2004 at the McClerur tailings site which is situated on Forest Service
property. In the TMDLs for Cadmium, Copper, and Zinc in the Hassayampa River
(approved by EPA in November 2002), the McClerur tailing site was identified as one of
a number of pollution sources in the Maple Gulch drainage. Tailings and waste rock
were excavated from the banks of the stream in effort to return the channel to its original
form. The tailings and waste rock were treated with amended biosolids to reduce the
toxicity, mobility, and overall bioavailability of heavy metals. The site was revegetated
with native plants and grasses (U.S. EPA Region 9, “Draft Workplan for Joint Time-
Critical Removal Action – McCleur Talings Site”, September, 29, 2003).
Alum Gulch
In November 2003, the Forest Service invited ADEQ to attend a site tour of the Alum
Gulch watershed, hosted by the USGS, and open discussion regarding remediation
efforts within the Alum Gulch watershed. Possible remediation alternatives for the
World’s Fair Mine, which is situated on Forest Service property, and the project’s
timeline were discussed.
Boulder Creek
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has $500,000 set aside from the Department
of Interior’s Central Hazardous Materials fund to cleanup the upper tailings pile at the
Hillside Mine. BLM’s commitment to clean up their portion of Hillside Mine site is a key
component to an integrated cleanup effort for improving water quality in Boulder Creek.
ADEQ is working with the Arizona State Land Department and a private entity (KFX,
Inc.) to cleanup the other two tailings piles on site.
Turkey Creek
The Forest Service has been very helpful with the Turkey Creek TMDL and
implementation. By participating, presenting, and initiating interest in the TMDL study,
the Forest Service has been an active partner. In addition, the Forest Service has
developed an Environmental Engineering Cost Analysis (EECA) related to restoring the
three mine sites at Turkey Creek. The EECA will be extremely helpful as the TMDL
implementation plan is developed by ADEQ and the Turkey Creek implementation
workgroup. The Forest Service is committed to restoring their sites and improving water
quality in Turkey Creek. Shared airel coverage and implementation design (engineered
drawings). ADEQ Turkey Creek contractor evaluated the effectiveness of the proposed
implementation design as one of the TMDL modeled sceneriso.
French Gulch
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) made an informative presentation at the
French Gulch public meeting regarding the different levels of mining allowed on BLM
lands. They also reviewed all permitted activities in the French Gulch watershed for the
French Gulch TMDL investigation.
Stoneman Lake
Discussions with the Forest Service continue for the implementation decisions which
must be made to improve water quality and quantity in Stoneman Lake. The Forest
Service has been helpful in providing information and access to the site. ADEQ is
working closely the Forest Service to address many of the issues at Stoneman Lake.
EPA Hardrock Mining Contractor Support
In cooperation with ADEQ, the Forest Serivce’s Southwest Regional Office submitted
three Hardrock Mining Contractor Support grant applications to EPA Region 9 in effort
to obtain a one-time grant of $60,000 for remedial activities. Each of the applications
were for waterbodies on or near listed segments. Proposals were submitted in support
of Alum Gulch, Turkey Creek, and Tonto-Christopher Creeks. ADEQ also submitted
two proposals, one for Three-R Canyon, adjacent to Alum Gulch and Harshaw Creek,
and one for Boulder Creek. Despite our efforts and collaboration, Arizona did not
receive the grant.
Water Quality Monitoring
For a number of years, ADEQ has entered a joint funding agreement with the U.S.
Geological Survey to operate the Cooperative Fixed Station Network monitoring
program (USGS co-op program). The USGS conducts water quality monitoring at
sixteen USGS co-op program sites located on Arizona’s larger rivers. USGS maintains
gage stations on these rivers which are of a size and annual flow that precludes ADEQ
staff from the ability to monitor. The USGS collects water quality data quarterly at sites
located on the Colorado River, Salt River, Gila River, Bill Williams River, and the Verde
River. USGS has assisted greatly with the Alamo Lake TMDL by collecting data and
refurbishing gage stations for more accurate data collection. In addition, the
Groundwater Monitoring Unit occasionally conducts groundwater basin studies in
collaboration with USGS. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Forest Service
also monitor and collect water quality data in streams and lakes throughout Arizona.
Memorandums of Understanding
ADEQ has entered into several Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) with federal
partners in the State to respond to mutual water quality objectives. MOUs help identify
responsibilities and activities to be performed by each agency and foster a collaborative
effort in meeting natural resource and public health goals to sustain healthy conditions
in Arizona’s watersheds.
Wildfire Devastation
ADEQ is working towards better collaborative solutions with the Forest Service, BLM
and other agencies to address forest management activities that can prevent wildfire
devastation. The Forest Service has had to adjust some of their forest management
priorities to dedicate time to wildfire prevention and management.
Arizona’s FY 04 Nonpoint Source Annual Report
Section III - Water Quality Improvement & Load Reductions
As Arizona continues to focus efforts on restoring and protecting waters, it is critical that
ADEQ monitor both: 1) the progress being made towards achieving and maintaining
water quality standards; and 2) the implementation of programs and projects to assure
that they are successful. ADEQ uses several sets of measures to fully determine the
success in implementing the Nonpoint Source Program. These include measures that
indicate progress towards achieving and maintaining beneficial uses of water; towards
other long-term goals of the Program (i.e. achieving load reductions, or implementing
particular watershed projects); and towards shorter-term goals and objectives that are
designed to lead to the achievement of longer-term goals.
ADEQ uses several approaches, such as ambient water quality monitoring, biological
and physical assessment, implementation monitoring, model projections, and
photographic evidence to measure ADEQ’s effectiveness in restoring and protecting
water quality. These environmental indicators help ADEQ to address the public’s
concerns about water quality in Arizona and what progress ADEQ is making toward its
water quality goals.
Water quality monitoring is also an essential tool to enable ADEQ to identify nonpoint
source pollution problems, develop effective watershed-based plans, evaluate the
effectiveness of actions taken, and meet Section 319 reporting requirements.
Monitoring strategies are designed to focus on whether loading reductions are being
achieved over time and substantial process is being made towards attaining or
maintaining water quality standards. Arizona’s surface water quality standards establish
the benchmarks for ambient water quality to be achieved for Arizona’s streams and
lakes.
Water Quality Improvement
Ambient water quality and biological and physical assessment data are compiled in
Arizona’s Integrated 305(b) Assessment and 303(d) Listing Report to measure the
status of water quality in Arizona. ADEQ uses the Integrated Report for overall program
status and trends and to compare the quality of Arizona’s surface waters to water
quality standards. This report assesses all surface waters where monitoring has been
conducted, reports on the quality of ground water, and lists any impaired surface
waters. This water quality assessment report is another means by which ADEQ can
determine the effectiveness of management measures implemented to control nonpoint
source pollution. Please refer to Attachment #1, Draft 2002 and 2004 State Clean
Water Progress Reporting Matrix, for a glimpse into the improvement in water quality
over the last two years.
Note that there are many factors that might affect results. For example, completion of a
TMDL on a waterbody usually allows ADEQ to remove that waterbody from the 303(d)
List to the Category 4 “not attaining” list. However, further monitoring during the course
of the TMDL may reveal impairment based on additional parameters. The waterbody
must then remain on the 303(d) for the new parameters, giving the appearance that no
progress has been made, when in fact, some water quality problems have been
addressed. These types of variables often skew the results of effectiveness measures
and make it difficult to measure water quality improvement by comparing assessments
from one year to the next.
TMDLs
The Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) Program is designed to help an impaired
stream or lake meet its water quality standards and support its designated uses, such
as protection of aquatic life, drinking water, and fish consumption. Section 303(d) of the
Clean Water Act established authority for the TMDL Program and guides states on how
to develop these plans for waters that do not meet water quality standards.
ADEQ received approval of two TMDL projects (Boulder Creek (one segment for three
metals) and Tonto Creek (two segments for E. coli)) and completed three delist reports
(Granite Basin (low DO, high pH), Sonoita Creek (DO) and Paria River (Se)). Three
TMDLs are nearing completion (Lakeside Lake (phase II as aeration system is not
achieving performance necessary), Turkey Creek, and French Gulch). ADEQ
anticipates completion before December 2004.
Watershed-based Plans & TMDL Implementation Plans
Water quality improvement plans are vital components to ensure Arizona’s lakes, rivers,
and streams achieve applicable water quality standards. ADEQ is available to provide
technical assistance to watershed partnerships and other stakeholder groups in the
development of watershed-based plans or other water resource management
documents. For each TMDL, the department is required to establish a TMDL
implementation plan that explains how the allocations and any reductions in existing
pollutant loadings will be achieved (Arizona Revised Statute '49-234G).
Watershed-based plans are holistic documents that are designed to protect and restore
a watershed. These plans provide a careful analysis of the sources of water quality
problems, their relative contributions to the problems, and alternatives to solve those
problems. Furthermore, watershed-based plans will deliver proactive measures to
protect waterbodies. . In watersheds where a TMDL has been developed and approved
or is in process of being developed, watershed-based plans must be designed to
achieve the load reductions called for in the TMDL. Several watershed partnerships in
Arizona have watershed plans. Throughout FY 05, ADEQ will work with these groups to
develop watershed-based plans with EPA’s 9 required elements. Many of the current
plans out there have some or all of these elements already included; ADEQ needs to
inventory and help these groups supplement their plans in order to receive priority
funding for 319 funds. Three large scale watershed-based plans are being developed
through Arizona’s NEMO project (Verde, Bill Williams, and Upper Gila) and ADEQ.
Developing implementation plans is an integral piece of the TMDL process. The
achievement of water quality standards in most surface waters will occur due to
voluntary efforts such as voluntary cleanup actions, voluntary implementation of best
management practices, volunteer monitoring, and education. Stakeholders are
encouraged to participate throughout the process and identify actions that they will take
to ensure that this plan is implemented. Draft implementation plans were developed for
Boulder Creek (view online at www.azdeq.gov/environ/water/assessment/status.html)
and Stoneman Lake. Boulder Creek will be finalized in FY 05. ADEQ is working with
Stoneman Lake stakeholders to determine the best courses of action. After a
conclusive decision among stakeholders is made, ADEQ will resume drafting and
finalizing the implementation plan. ADEQ has developed an initial new lake
classification system which will establish endpoints for lakes, including Stoneman.
Watershed Partnerships and Other Active Stakeholder Groups
Watershed partnerships and other active stakeholder groups contribute to the progress
of the Nonpoint Source Program. Attachment #3 provides a list of Arizona Watershed
Partnerships. Other active stakeholder groups include Boulder Creek stakeholders
(BLM, Arizona State Land Department, and KFX, Inc.), Turkey Creek workgroup (USFS
and local community members), French Gulch workgroup (Zonia Mine and local
community members), Lakeside Lake workgroup (Pima County and local community
members), Stoneman Lake stakeholders (USFS, Arizona Department of Water
Resources, residents, Salt River Project), and Southwest Strategy (Forest Service,
NRCS, EPA, Bureau of Indian Affairs, BLM, USGS, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service).
Water Quality Improvement Projects
Grant funds available through Section 319 of the Water Quality Act are a critical
element to improving and protecting water quality in watersheds throughout the state.
During the last grant cycle, thirteen of the fifteen projects (86%) awarded were for
implementation in watersheds with impaired waters. ADEQ’s Water Quality
Improvement Grant Program allocates money to interested parties throughout Arizona.
ADEQ uses these federal funds to implement on-the-ground water quality improvement
projects to control nonpoint source pollution. Most of the projects funded are being
implemented to manage sediment and improve water quality downstream.
319 Project Monitoring
Each project funded by the Water Quality Improvement Grant Program to implement an
on-the-ground water quality improvement project must describe how the monitoring
component will be used to evaluate the effectiveness of the implementation efforts over
time. Monitoring can include photographic points and/or actual water quality monitoring.
Information on reductions in nonpoint source pollutant loads are tracked and reported in
EPA’s Grants Reporting and Tracking System (GRTS). Please refer to the GRTS
database for more detailed information. See Section V - Successful Implementation
Projects, for examples of actual load reductions due to project implementation. ADEQ
will be updating the GRTS database to include load reduction numbers as information
becomes available. More detailed information will then be provided through the Grants
Reporting and Tracking System.
Implementation & Effectiveness Monitoring
Implementation monitoring is used to determine whether water quality improvement
activities are carried out as planned and how effective the activities have been. ADEQ’s
TMDL Unit performed effectiveness monitoring on two creeks, Oak Creek and Nutrioso
Creek, in FY 04. ADEQ’s FY 05 Nonpoint Source Annual Report will provide results on
the effectiveness monitoring at both sites Monitoring can also be used to help project
managers determine whether BMPs are implemented as specified in a watershed plan,
environmental assessment, or contract, and how successful the BMPs were for a given
set of project goals.
For example, several projects have been implemented to improve water quality in
Nutrioso Creek, a waterbody impaired for turbidity. ADEQ has provided over $500,000
to Mr. James W. Crosswhite, owner and manager of the EC Bar Ranch in Nutrioso,
Arizona to carry out several recommendations presented in the Nutrioso Creek TMDL
implementation plan. After three years of successful implementation, ADEQ has
dedicated resources to evaluate the effectiveness of the projects and has conducted
monitoring throughout FY 04. ADEQ is hopeful that monitoring results will conclude that
the projects implemented on Nutrioso Creek have been successful and the waterbody is
meeting water quality standards.
Load Reductions
ADEQ understands the importance of quantifying load reductions on a watershed,
waterbody, and project level; however quantifiable proof of nonpoint source load
reduction estimates are difficult to obtain. Per Arizona Statute, ADEQ will review the
status of each navigable water where a TMDL study has been performed, at least once
every five years to determine if compliance with applicable surface water quality
standards has been achieved. Therefore, ADEQ is required to revisit each waterbody
where a TMDL study has been conducted to perform further monitoring and determine
whether or not the waterbody has improved. Currently, ADEQ is doing their first couple
of effectiveness monitoring projects. To date, the load reductions achieved on a
watershed or waterbody scale have not been calculated. As stated in the above
paragraph, ADEQ’s FY 05 Nonpoint Source Annual Report will provide results on the
effectiveness monitoring and reductions in pollutant loading from nonpoint source in
impaired waters and priority watersheds.
At a project level, ADEQ is required to enter estimated load reductions for all 319
funded projects in EPA’s Grant Reporting and Tracking System (GRTS) database.
There are many challenges to this requirement as nonpoint source load reductions are
difficult to quantify, recognizing the natural variability and the difficulty in precisely
predicting the performance of management measures over time. For the casual user or
someone who does not work on nonpoint source load reduction models or GRTS full
time, it is difficult to determine which model program to use. There are so many
different modeling programs and it is necessary to know what model will provide the
correct end result. Another problem is the level of technical expertise (i.e. hydrology,
pollutant loading processes, limitations of environmental data) needed to run a model
whether we ask that the grantee or an ADEQ project manager to provide estimates on
load reduction. Nonetheless, information and load reduction data is uploaded as it is
received either from grantees or project managers.
There are very few projects with load reduction information. In Section V - Successful
Implementation Projects, there are actual load reductions documented. Obtaining more
load reduction data will be one of the main focuses of FY 05 and ADEQ has a plan in
place (see Section IV - Future Plans). Refer to the information in GRTS for more
detailed information on load reductions.
Model Projections
Model projections are used for measuring load reductions in both TMDL studies and
water quality improvement grant projects. One staff member attended two trainings this
year to familiarize the group with modeling approaches to estimate load reductions.
Even with the training, using nonpoint source load reduction models is a continous
struggle.
Arizona’s FY 04 Nonpoint Source Annual Report
Section IV – Future Plans
Web site Update
ADEQ will update and revise their Watershed Management web site link
(www.azdeq.gov/environ/water/watershed/index.html) to include a link on Water Quality
Improvement Plans. This newly developed link will provide information on both
watershed-based plans and TMDL implementation plans (similar to the information
provided in Section III - Water Quality Improvement & Load Reductions), an inventory
on which plans are complete and links to the plans. The elements necessary to have
an acceptable watershed-based plan per EPA’s guidance will be included. Lastly, an
explanation on the importance of the plans in relation to priority grant funding will be
incorporated. Watershed-based plans, TMDLs, and TMDL implementation plans
provide project ideas. Projects which include activities identified in a watershed-based
plan or TMDL implementation plan will be given priority for ADEQ’s Water Quality
Improvement Grant Program.
Grant Manual
ADEQ’s Water Quality Improvement Grant Manual (2002-2004) expired in FY 04,
therefore ADEQ will update the grant manual in FY 05 to facilitate compliance with
newly established state and federal requirements. As a state agency authorized to
provide federal funds, we are required to meet certain federal requirements and assure
that our grantees (subawardees) also comply with all federal requirements. In addition,
ADEQ will work with the Attorney’s General’s Office to receive approval on the Grant
Agreement (contract). Interactive electronic application forms will be developed to
make applying easier and more efficient. Questions on the application will reflect
information needed by ADEQ and EPA for entry into GRTS, including estimated load
reductions. Ways to receive priority through the program will expand to include projects
implemented to improve impaired (and not attaining) surface waters and projects that
provide estimated pollutant load reductions. ADEQ’s new manual will be used from
September 2004 until 2007.
Grant Agreement
During the last grant cycle, the Forest Service submitted a grant proposal which was
awarded funding. Unfortunately, the Forest Service has informed ADEQ that they are
unable to enter into an agreement with ADEQ based on their new legal counsel’s
advice. In an effort to make sure the issues were resolved, ADEQ worked closely with
the Arizona Attorney General’s Office and the Forest Service’s legal counsel as ADEQ
began drafting the new Water Quality Improvement Grant Manual 2004-2007. A lot of
time was spent as the ADEQ and the Forest Service deliberated on terms that would
allow the Forest Service to enter into an agreement with ADEQ. Despite efforts made,
no concurrence was reached. ADEQ and the Forest Service will continue to work on
the terms and conditions of the Grant Agreement in hopes that the Forest Service will
be able to enter into an agreement with ADEQ to manage nonpoint source pollution and
improve water quality in Arizona. With approximately 75% of the land in Arizona
managed by the Forest Service, ADEQ is committed to developing a Grant Agreement
which will work for the Forest Service.
Calculating Load reductions
For FY 05, ADEQ will request that grant applicants provide estimates of load reductions.
ADEQ will be more pro-active in securing this information from our grantees. In
addition, ADEQ will add a provision in which projects proposed with estimated load
reductions will rank higher than projects that do have projected quantitative measures of
success. If estimated load reductions are unknown, ADEQ will encourage monitoring
either by the grantee or ADEQ so that we can obtain data and quantify success for
GRTS reporting. Learning about the tools and models available to calculate load
reductions will be one of the main focuses of FY 05. Evaluating and assessing BMP
effectiveness and obtaining more load reduction data will remain top priorities.
Advanced Planning & Collaboration
ADEQ has and will continue to recommend to their federal partners in the state to
include measures of effectiveness in their workplans. ADEQ feels that it would be more
effective if all workplans or implementation plans included a section on how the project’s
effectivness will be measured. This could include photo monitoring, field surveys, water
quality sampling, and/or laboratory analysis. It would be extremely helpful to ADEQ for
planning and implementation purposes if they included these effectiveness measures in
their workplans.
Volunteer Monitoring
During FY 05, ADEQ plans to expand the Volunteer Monitoring Program and increase
the number of volunteer groups that are trained on water quality sampling concepts and
techniques. Training will be done in accordance with curriculum developed by ADEQ
and GateWay Community College or other similar training courses. The goal of the
ADEQ Volunteer Monitoring Program is to train and encourage the volunteer groups to
collect water quality data that is credible and defensible and can be used by ADEQ for
research, screening or assessment purposes. In order to use the data for these
purposes, ADEQ must also ensure that the volunteer groups can produce Quality
Assurance Project Plans (QAPP) and Sampling and Analysis Plans (SAP) for their
sampling projects. Having the Volunteer Monitoring Program up and running will also
provide grantees with the technical expertise to develop QAPPs and SAPs and collect
credible and scientifically defensible data. ADEQ must also focus on keeping the
QAPPs and SAPs current to reflect any changes in the group’s monitoring objectives.
NEMO
Currently, a number of watershed groups outside the priority study areas are requesting
NEMO’s technical support, including the Northwest Arizona Watershed Council who is
currently seeking funds to support mapping and numerical modeling of sediment
transport in the Detrital Watershed to determine management measures to reduce
erosion and sediment load. ADEQ may consider, based on the outcome of the NEMO
project (currently funded through June, 2005), funding the NEMO project to complete
watershed-based plans for the other seven Arizona watersheds.
Arizona’s FY 04 Nonpoint Source Annual Report
Section V - Successful Implementation Projects
Ramsey Canyon (March 14, 2002 - February 28, 2004)
Objectives
This project proposed to reduce sedimentation and surface erosion to Ramsey Creek by
diverting and collecting runoff. To accomplish this, the following practices were
implemented:
o A downspout was removed from the Visitor’s Center and water from that part of
the roof was routed to additional downspouts in the vicinity.
o Rainwater runoff collection barrels were installed below active downspouts to
capture and store roof runoff to disperse the water in a controlled fashion.
Discharged water is used on vegetation surrounding the Visitor Center.
o The Visitor Center parking lot was re-graveled with a higher-density, coarser
material to assist in retention of parking lot gravel.
Results
In October 2003, a measurement of silt was taken from the creek silt fence at 34.25
cubic feet. This measurement was taken prior to the construction of the facility parking
lot. The parking lot was re-graded and an additional 4.0 cubic feet of silt was removed
from the silt fence. Water bars and paving were installed and water harvesting barrels
were put into place at the Visitors Center.
Precipitation was measured throughout the grant project. Rain barrel adjustments were
made to maximize water flow into the barrels and prevent gravel migration in the
parking lot. In November 2003, the silt fence was removed after the final 2.76 cubic feet
of silt were removed.
Deposition of sediments against the silt fence will continue to be monitored regularly
following precipitation events that generate runoff; the approximate volume and
thickness of sediment will be noted.
An interpretive display was placed at the entrance of the Visitors Center in December
2003. It illustrates and describes the rooftop water harvesting system and ties water
harvesting to water conservation, reduction of flood flows, and reduction of erosion in
developed areas. An estimated 20,000 visitors will see the interpretive display and
learn about natural water collection/harvesting, filtration, and water conversation
techniques.
Palo Alto – (February 14, 2002 to February 28, 2004)
Objectives
This project proposed to reduce sediment loading from gully erosion and headcutting on
the floodplain of the Altar Wash on 1,370 acres of the Palo Alto Ranch. Benefits of the
project include reduced erosion, sedimentation and flooding downstream of the Altar
Valley. This project will enhance wildlife habitat, increase forage production for wildlife
and livestock, and improve recreation and aesthetic values.
BMPs implemented in this project consisted of:
o 39,400 feet of fencing installed to facilitate rotational grazing
o 14,700 feet of water spreader dikes installed or repaired in critical areas
o Brush management
o 47 acres mulched and seeded to native grass
o 1 gabion (sediment reduction structure) installed
o 2 cattle guards installed
o Water bars installed on 7 miles of road
Results
This project is an example of what government and private landowners can do together
to mitigate nonpoint source pollution. Since this project was implemented, other
landowners in Santa Cruz Watershed have come forward with potential projects that
could help mitigate nonpoint source pollution. Sediment retained on the watershed per
year using average rainfall was calculated at 27,900 tons.
Outreach and education completed for this project include:
o Photo displays of work completed presented to the Arizona Association of
Conservation District meeting;
o PowerPoint presentation for the Society for Range Management meetings;
o Fact sheet development and distribution;
o Project status reported in the Coronado Resource Conservation and
Development (RC&D) Newsletter; and
o Public tour of the ranch.
Monitoring was done under the direction of NRCS and consisted of monitoring
vegetative growth and rainfall across the project area. Long term monitoring is planned
for the project area.
None of the Palo Alto Ranch was grazed in 2001 or 2002 (the first year of the project)
and when grazing did resume, it was under a joint plan developed by the rancher, Pima
NRCD, the NRCS, and Arizona State Land Department.
River front Residence Green Roof Installation - August 24, 2001 to December 31,
2003
Objectives
This project proposed to minimize the impacts of urban runoff to the Rillito River
watershed by reducing runoff by 50 to 90% from a traditional roof top by transforming it
to a green roof. The soil and landscaping also act as a filter strip to minimize pollution
in the water that drains from the roof and prevent it from reaching the river.
Results
The green roof has been monitored since the project was completed in January 2003 to
identify optimal irrigation techniques that enable desert plants and other vegetation to
grow. Currently, the owners of the residence have taken over maintenance and
monitoring.
The only runoff that occurred took place during the most severe storm events when the
roof had recently been irrigated. This outcome supports the project’s initial prediction
that a green roof in a desert environment will retain a higher percentage of stormwater,
primarily because storms tend to be of shorter duration and less frequent than in wetter
climates. The shorter storm duration allows the soil on the roof to absorb moisture
between storm events.
Due to the significant reduction in stormwater runoff, there is a reduction in the amount
of pollutants that enter the watershed. These pollutants may be found in the rainwater or
in particulate form from the roofing membrane itself. Research has also demonstrated
that runoff moving into the watershed is less likely to carry pollutants in the water
because the landscaping and soil act as a filter.
The reduction in stormwater runoff reduced the roof’s contribution to sediment transport
downstream and serves as a demonstration roof for other companies and the public
interested in this technique.
Outreach and education consisted of an overview of the green roof in the 2003 issue of
Tucson Home magazine. Articles about the roof are also scheduled with the Arizona
Daily in the spring when the roof is Ablooming@ and other magazines in 2004.
Arizona’s FY 04 Nonpoint Source Annual Report
Section VI – Public Awareness
Several times throughout the year, the Watershed, Assessment, and Grants Unit has
conducted education/outreach efforts to increase the public's awareness of nonpoint
source pollution impacts to surface and groundwater resources. Below are descriptions
of the events and ADEQ’s role in increasing public awareness of nonpoint source
pollution and public involvement in addressing it.
Water Quality Improvement Grant Workshops – June – July 2003
Nine grant workshops were held across the state. Approximately 55 people attended.
During the workshops, staff covered many aspects of nonpoint source pollution,
including: causes and sources of pollution, TMDL studies, watershed-based plan
guidance, and recommended management measures to manage nonpoint source
pollution.
Project WET (Water Education for Teachers) Water Festival – September 26, 2003
The Water Festival is an opportunity for 4th graders to learn about Arizona's water
resources by participating in fun, interactive activities. Interactive activities are
developed to enhance critical thinking and build an understanding and awareness of
local water resources; the concept of a watershed; groundwater/aquifers; the water
cycle; and the importance of water in our lives. The Water Festival is correlated to the
Arizona Academic Standards. The Water Festival was held in two locations in Arizona,
a rural location and an urban location. The event reached over 1,500 students.
Verde River Days - September 27, 2003
A consortium of organizations including ADEQ, U.S. Forest Service, and U.S. Fish and
Wildlife Service presented and distributed literature on environmental topics. ADEQ
presented an interactive “wheel of fortune” where the public received prizes for correctly
answered environmental questions.
Horizon Community Learning Center (Chandler School) - January 21, 2004
ADEQ presented the groundwater flow model and watershed model (also know as the
enviroscape nonpoint source model) to approximately thirty 4th graders at a Chandler
charter school.
28th Annual Spring in the Mountains Event - March 6, 2004
The Phoenix Mountain Preserve Council requested that ADEQ present environmental
topics at the South Mountain Environmental Education Center. We presented the
watershed model and played an interactive game where the public spins a wheel and
answers various water quality questions to win prizes.
Tres Rios Nature Festival - March 13, 2004
This festival was a family event with educational booths and activities related to
groundwater hydrology and pollution sources, watershed dynamics, wildlife, river
ecology, water resources, and the history of the Gila River and the Southwest Valley.
Luke Air Force Base: Luke Earth Day - April 15, 2004
ADEQ presented the groundwater flow model to approximately 850 third-graders. The
goal was to educate children on causes and sources of groundwater pollution and how
to determine depth to groundwater.
Governor at Safford Chamber of Commerce - May 27, 2004
Arizona Governor Janet Napolitano spoke to the residents of Graham County and then
presented and signed checks for three Water Quality Improvement Grant Projects to the
Gila Watershed Partnership. Visit the Arizona Office of the Governor’s web site and
view the photo gallery at www.governor.state.az.us/global/pg_may04.htm.
University of Arizona - Master Watershed Steward & NEMO Programs -
With the help of our strong partner, the University of Arizona through the Master
Watershed Steward and NEMO programs, we’ve been able to provide technical
assistance on water resource management and assist many more watershed groups.
The coordinators for both of these programs have been a huge help to us and the
watershed partnerships statewide. They’ve provided education, maps, technical
assistance, review and comment, etc. Their advocacy has benefited ADEQ
tremendously. (See the attached brochures on Master Watershed Steward and
NEMO.)
Master Watershed Steward (cals.arizona.edu/watershedsteward/)
Thus far, over fifty-five Watershed Stewards have been trained in Northern and Central
Arizona, along with another twenty-five trained in Southeastern Arizona. The Master
Watershed Steward Program coordinators have attended the meetings of at least nine
different watershed partnership meetings, presenting educational materials and
assisting with a variety of partnership issues. Classes are being planned for Phoenix,
Tucson, Flagstaff, Safford and Prescott. Master Watershed Stewards have conducted
the following activities as part of their volunteer service commitment:
􀂙􉤠 Conducting trash clean up on Lake Powell, Arizona.
􀂙􉤠 Bike path reconstruction with permeable surfaces and water harvesting
landscaping in Sierra Vista, Arizona.
􀂙􉤠 Fish-survey work at Lee’s Ferry, Arizona.
􀂙􉤠 Well-water testing in the Prescott and Prescott Valley areas.
􀂙􉤠 Wildcat dump removal in Prescott Valley and along upper Verde River.
􀂙􉤠 Public presentations to groups of citizens throughout Arizona.
NEMO (www.srnr.arizona.edu/nemo/)
In the past ten months of NEMO public outreach activities, NEMO has completed
twenty-five outreach presentations (PowerPoint lectures fifteen to forty-five minutes in
length) to eight watershed groups across the state, including each of the three priority
watersheds. Working with ADEQ, NEMO provided technical outreach and support to
six small municipal separate storm sewer system (small MS4s) entities by identifing
urban runoff BMPs. There have been three professional conferences in which NEMO
has presented and provided outreach and education to hundreds of people. NEMO has
also published an article in the nationally distributed Water and Wastewater magazine,
and Arizona NEMO’s presentation on Ordinance Development as a BMP to address
urban runoff has been posted to the National NEMO Network homepage.
Watershed partnerships across the state have requested NEMO support through the
Univ. of Arizona Coorporative extension, resulting in requests for NEMO presentations
in regions beyond the priority watersheds, including Cochise County, Maricopa County,
and Pima County. NEMO has also been invited to partner with the USGS, BLM, the
ARS and the NRCD, and Kartchner Caverns to form a Technical Advisory Committee to
support watershed management activities in the Middle San Pedro, with a focus on land
use decision support and nonpoint source pollution reduction.
Future outreach and education will be focused in the subwatershed areas which have
been ranked as a high priority based susceptibility to nonpoint source pollutant
contribution to water quality degradation in an effort to initiate water quality improvement
projects.
Arizona’s FY 04 Nonpoint Source Annual Report
Section VII – Project Highlights
Arizona’s 5-Year Nonpoint Source Management Plan
A huge success was the formal completion and adoption of Arizona’s 5-Year Nonpoint
Source Management Plan which fulfills Section 319 Clean Water Act requirements. The
new State Management Plan covers EPA’s nine elements and will guide and direct
ADEQ's activities for the next five years (2003 - 2008). This document comprehensively
describes a framework for agency coordination and cooperation and serves to
implement a strategy for employing effective management measures and programs to
control nonpoint source pollution statewide. Nonpoint source pollution can be better
managed and controlled at both statewide and community levels through improved
coordination, collaboration and combined agency and local stakeholders efforts working
to implement measures outlined in the plan.
For more information visit ADEQ’s web site at
www.azdeq.gov/environ/water/watershed/nonpoint.html.
Arizona’s Integrated 305(b) Assessment and 303(d) Listing Report
In November of 2003, ADEQ released the draft Integrated Report. Based on comments
received during the public review period, ADEQ re-assessed chronic water quality
standards using a new assessment method. The final draft was released for public
review and comment in February 2004. The final report was submitted to EPA for
approval in August 2004.
This report provides Arizona's 2004 integrated surface water quality assessment and list
of impaired waters to fulfill requirements of the Clean Water Act sections 305(b)
(assessments) and 303(d) (listing impaired waters). The status of surface and ground
water resources in Arizona in relation to state water quality standards is described in
this report.
View the final report on-line at www.azdeq.gov/environ/water/assessment/2004.html.
Teamwork
Also a huge success in FY 04 was the improved collaboration between the Watershed
Management Unit and the TMDL Unit. The Watershed Management Unit handles the
public participation aspects of each TMDL project, by getting involved in the early
stages of a TMDL study to organize public meetings and establish contact with
watershed groups and other interested parties. Public participation is an extremely
important aspect throughout the TMDL study and continues through implementation
plan development and implementation. The team effort between the two units has been
very successful. The TMDL group is benefited in that they are able to focus their efforts
on field work, data collection, science, and development of appropriate load reductions
to achieve improved water quality. With the Watershed Management Unit focusing their
efforts on public participation, the public is more knowledgeable and able to provide
ADEQ with valuable information to help with the study. This new role benefits the
Watershed Management Unit, as they are able to learn the ins and outs of the TMDL
project, build relationships with the stakeholders, and create workgroups to help
accomplish their end goal of developing a TMDL Implementation Plan for each TMDL
study. Several meetings in the spring have been a big success with large public turnout
and positive feedback.
Surface Water Data Submittal Guidance Document
To assess the quality of surface and ground water in Arizona, ADEQ must assemble
and evaluate all existing and readily available water quality related data and information.
Much of the data used in the assessment is collected by other monitoring entities. To
facilitate a timely and accurate assessment of the data, ADEQ needs all data being
considered for the assessment to be submitted electronically and entered into ADEQ’s
Surface Water Quality Database for future assessments.
The Surface Water Data Submittal Guidance Document (May 2004) was written to
facilitate electronic submission of these data. The goals of developing this guidance
were to institute procedures that:
􀂃􈌠 Will be minimally burdensome to facilities submitting data, recognizing that this
submission generally is voluntary in nature, unless required under a permit or
compliance order;
􀂃􈌠 Will create minimal burden on ADEQ staff to load the monitoring site and
associated water quality data;
􀂃􈌠 Will allow ADEQ to efficiently manage and use the data for required water quality
assessments and modeling; and
􀂃􈌠 Will provide clear submittal methods to ensure consistency in data entry.
Although this guidance document focuses on water chemistry data, ADEQ will accept a
wide variety of data, including:
􀂃􈌠 Water chemistry and physical characteristics of surface and ground water,
􀂃􈌠 Algae,
􀂃􈌠 Aquatic life tissue (e.g. fish tissue samples),
􀂃􈌠 Bioassessment and habitat, and
􀂃􈌠 Geomorphology (physical integrity)
Data submitted will be managed in ADEQ’s Surface Water Quality Database and
become public record. As public records, these data will be available to all interested
parties in both electronic and print media.
For more information visit ADEQ’s web site at
www.azdeq.gov/environ/water/assessment/submissions.html.
BMP Guidance Documents
Through our partnership with NEMO, a library of BMP guidance documents have been
collected and are in the process of summary and review for applicability to the
conditions of the arid southwest. BMP summaries have been incorporated into the
Watershed Assessment and Management sections of the watershed-based plans for
the Bill Williams, Upper Gila, and Verde River Watersheds. The final plans and
applicable BMP guidance documents will be posted to the web site in mid-October,
2004. BMP guidance documents are being redrafted into consistent formats for
publication on the NEMO web site and distribution. In addition, NEMO is partnering with
Southern Arizona MS4 entities, the Pima Association of Governments (PAG), and the
Southern Arizona Contractors Association to review existing sediment and erosion
BMPs and compile Arizona-appropriate management measures for publication and
distribution through PAG and NEMO.
Nonpoint source BMP categories include: livestock grazing and agriculture; abandoned
mine sites; sediment / erosion due to hydromodification and construction; urban runoff;
forestry practices; recreational land use; and, septic systems.
Attachment #1
Draft 2002 and 2004 State Clean Water Progress Reporting Matrix
Measurement 2002 2004
Total river/stream miles in State (305b data): 90,375 Same as 2002
Total lake acres in State (305b data): 168,600 Same as 2002
Total river/stream miles assessed (305b data): 2,547 Same as 2002
Total lake acres assessed (305b data): 84,643 Same as 2002
Total river/stream miles impaired (303d data): 340 281
Total lake acres impaired (303d data): 1594 3632
Total river/stream miles attaining all uses (305b data)
Total lake acres attaining all uses (305b data)
Total estuarine square miles attaining all uses (305b data)
Total ocean shoreline miles attaining all uses (305b data)
Total Great Lakes shoreline attaining all uses (305b data)
1254
20275
N/A
N/A
N/A
Number of 2002 unimpaired river/stream miles on which volunteer monitoring, watershed, or similar groups are
actively promoting water quality improvement (305b data):
53 stream miles
84
Number of 2002 unimpaired lake acres on which volunteer monitoring, watershed, or similar groups are actively
promoting water quality improvement (305b data):
160 acres 160
Total number of NPS impairments* for which TMDLs were required in 2002 report: 272 stream mi
3519 lake acres
175 stream mi
3512 lake acres
Number of NPS impairments* from 2002 report that are no longer impaired. 0 125 stream mi
227 lake acres
Total number of point source impairments for which TMDLs were required in 2002 report: 43 stream miles
0 lake acres
15 stream mi
0 lake acres
Total number of mixed-source impairments** for which TMDLs were required in 2002: 119 stream mi
0 lake acres
91 stream mi
0 lake acres
Total number of mixed-source impairments** for which TMDLs required in 2002 have been approved or for
which delisting has occurred by other approved methods: ----- 28 stream mi
0 lake acres
* NPS impairments are defined as caused by nutrients; sediments; fecal coliform/e.coli; and other pollutants on specific
waterbodies as determined in best professional judgment of State.
**Caused by a combination of point and nonpoint sources.
Attachment #2
List of Water Quality Improvement Grant Projects Awarded in FY 04
Apache
6-004 EC Bar Ranch EC Bar Ranch Turbidity Reduction Project - $182,250.00
Phase VI
Project will preserve, protect and enhance water quality by minimizing impacts of turbidity pollution discharged to surface
and groundwater from nonpoint sources. Project area will include a 7 mile section of Nutrioso Creek including property
owned by 2 private landowners and USFS. Practices are recommended in the "Nutrioso Creek TMDL - For Turbidity".
6-015 Ecosphere Juan Curley Project, Navajo Nation $44,515.00
Environmental Services
The proposed project is to develop and implement a grazing management plan for a 270 acre Navajo allotment. Also
proposed are streambank and gully erosion corrective actions and community outreach.
Cochise
6-001 Coronado RC&D Area, Cottonwood Creek Restoration Through $102,900.00
Inc. Sediment Control
This project will control erosion on the bank and immediately adjacent to Cottonwood Creed in the Whitewater Draw
Watershed. Best management practices to be implemented are: gabions for grade stabilization, fencing for livestock
exclusion and water system for vegetative management.
Coconino
6-023 Oak Creek Canyon Task Oak Creek Canyon Task Force Water Quality $131,904.00
Force Grant Program
Management, LLC
Design and construct toilets and a wastewater treatment and disposal system at Indian Gardens Visitor Center; Design
and construct sediment control structures throughout Oak Creek Canyon; develop a task force WebPage; expand the
"keep Oak Creek Canon Beautiful" program.
Gila
6-013 Boy Scouts of America - Boy Scout Camp Geronimo On-Site Sewer $230,310.00
Grand Canyon Council Improvements
Modifications to existing on-site septic tank treatment systems to alleviate potential ground water and surface water
contamination of adjacent streams. Modifications to include septic tank replacement, addition of secondary treatment
facilities, addition of subsurface disposal facilities and conversion of individual campsite pit toilets to sealed vault and
haul
units. Project is a continuation of improvements outlined in 2001 Grant award.
Graham
6-010 Gila Watershed Peterson Wash Stabilization $115,950.00
Partnership
Rehabilitation of the Peterson Wash area on the Gila River to reduce erosion and sediment transport and protect the only
route to the Safford and Graham County Landfill.
6-011 Gila Watershed San Simon Soil Restoration Project $23,300.00
Partnership
The restoration of an area of eroded and unproductive land to decrease erosion and reduce animal impact in the riparian
area.
Greenlee
6-012 Gila Watershed Point of Pines Crossing Rehabilitation Project $22,300.00
Partnership
To rehabilitate the Point of Pines gate and surrounding fence area to reduce stream bank erosion and sediment load
caused by domestic livestock, wildlife and vehicles.
Navajo
6-008 Overgaard Townsite Overgaard Townsite Water Protection Project $123,543.00
Water District - Phase II
Install "Fast" System
Santa Cruz
6-007 Coronado RC&D, Inc. Santa Cruz River Sediment Control $89,100.00
Install 800 feet of Kellner Jacks along south river road bank of the Santa Cruz River to protect it from erosion that
deposits sediment in the river. The river bank will be revegetated with native species to provide additional protection.
Yavapai
6-002 Henry Dahlberg Ash Creek Watershed Project $21,670.00
Foundation
Remove sedimentation caused by road and steep side drainages. Mitigate erosive effects of planned forest thinning and
prescribed burns.
6-003 Arizona Game and Fish Upper Verde River Wildlife Area Turbidity $52,000.00
Department Reduction Project
This project will institute 4 restoration measures with post-project monitoring to enhance water quality for the citizens of
Arizona by reducing nonpoint pollution sources in the Verde River. These measures include; 1) fencing to exclude
livestock from the riparian area, 2) road obliteration and barriers to control vehicle and OHV travel;3) stream bank slope
adjustment, and 4) revegetation of native plants and overgrazed floodplain terraces, exposed and barren stream banks
and areas closed to vehicular traffic.
6-017 Arizona State Parks - Red Rock State Park Constructed Wetland $27,500.00
Redrock State Park and Restoration 2003-2004
The project is the conversion of a failing evapotranspiration bed (nonpoint source pollution), to a constructed wetland.
The wetland will receive wastewater and other runoff and provide filtering, settling, volatilization, and evapotranspiration.
The wetland will provide beneficial habitat for wildlife as well as an interpretive opportunity for the 70,000+ people who
visit the park. Will also address a sloped area void of vegetation by establishing native vegetation.
6-019 M Diamond West Clear Creek Tributary Watersheds $224,177.00
Management LLC
Collaborative project to reduce nonpoint source pollution and restore watershed by improving hydrologic function and
ephemeral stream channels.
6-021 Upper Agua Fria Wildcat Dumpsite Clean-up - Phase II $10,000.00
Watershed Partnership
To clean dumpsites on the Big Bug Creek, tributary to the Agua Fria River, between Cordes Lakes and Mayor in central
Yavapai County.
Attachment #3
Arizona Watershed Partnerships
Name of Partnership
Watershed Area
Primary Objectives
When and Where
Meeting
Contact
Bill Williams Watershed
Upper Bill Williams
The Upper Bill Williams watershed
area is approximately defined by the
Kirkland Creek watershed, a 405
square mile drainage, which is
tributary to the Santa Maria River.
Mission is to manage and protect the water resource, water
quality, and water rights. Advocates local control over our
water resources and land use. Objectives are:
1. Ensure that surface and ground water resources are
maintained at the current balance, to support irrigation,
ranching, and domestic uses, as well as maintain excellent
waterfowl and wildlife habitat.
2. Disseminate information so that citizens are will informed of
events and legislative activity that may impact them.
3. Cooperate with other rural watershed groups to influence
favorable water legislation for rural areas.
3rd Thursday of the
month
Skull Valley
Community Center
Sondra Wilkening, secretary, (928)
925-6434
westwindsinc@yahoo.com
Troy Suter (928) 442-3885
Colorado - Grand Canyon Watershed and
Colorado - Lower Gila Watershed
Northwest Arizona Watershed Council
(also in Colorado - Lower Gila Watershed)
The area is defined by three
groundwater basins: Hualapai Valley
Basin and Sacramento Valley Basin
in the Colorado - Grand Canyon, and
the Big Sandy Basin in the Colorado -
Lower Gila Watershed
Protection and preservation of water and education of the
public. The council recognizes the need for more information
to adequately model supply and demand equations and relate
these to general plans for development. Identify and cleanup
of illegal dumping and other nonpoint source pollution.
Mohave County Public
Library, 3269 N.
Burbank, Kingman, Az.
4 pm 3rd Wednesday of
the month
Elno Roundy (928) 757-2818
Earl Engelhardt (928) 692-1068
imspirit@kingmanaz.net
Little Colorado - San Juan Watershed
Little Colorado River Multi Objective
Management Group (LCR MOM)
This immense watershed covers
nearly 27,000 square miles in
northeast Arizona and northwest New
Mexico.
The LCR MOM vision is to maintain and enhance the quality of
life in this watershed through science and tradition based
management of natural resources, in a way that ensures
equity among shared interests, respects diverse cultural
values, preserves environmental health of our land, while
promoting appropriate economic growth and financial security
of present and future generations.
The focus issues include:
A. Cultural resource preservation,
B. Economic development and recreation,
C. Education outreach,
D. Erosion and sediment control,
E. Flood loss reduction,
F. Water quality and quantity improvement,
G. Watershed management enhancement.
Every other 3rd
Wednesday, for 2 days
Holbrook or Winslow
Jim Boles (928) 289-2422
Pete Shumway (928) 536-4060
pdsl@aplour.com
Show Low Creek
Show Low Creek drainage from
Pinetop Springs and Thompson
Springs to Fools Hollow Lake.
This grass roots group works to effect changes that will benefit
the water quality and quantity. They are a member of the LCR
MOM.
Meet on an as needed
basis.
Tom Thomas (928) 368-8885
tthomas@ci.pinetop-lakeside.
az.us
Silver Creek Advisory Commission
The Silver Creek drainage area
They are a member of the LCR MOM.
2nd Monday of the
month
Holbrook
Ron Solamon (928) 536-7366
Kerry Ballard (928) 536-2539
kballard@usa.net
Upper Little Colorado River Watershed
The Little Colorado River drainage
They are a member of the LCR MOM.
3rd Thursday of the
Bill Greenwood (928) 333-4128 (x-
Name of Partnership
Watershed Area
Primary Objectives
When and Where
Meeting
Contact
Partnership
above Lyman Lake month.
Springerville
226) bgreenwood@eagar.com
Middle Gila Watershed
Tres Rios River Management Group
Federally sponsored by the US Army Corp
of Engineers and locally sponsored by the
City of Phoenix.
Watershed is the Salt River and Gila
River drainage delineated by
approximately Southern Ave (north)
Baseline Ave (south), 83rd Ave (east),
and Agua Fria River (west).
The issues identified by this group include:
A. Stressors identified (inorganic and organic chemicals,
pesticides, PBCs, and low dissolved oxygen;
B. Flood flows;
C. Agricultural storm water runoff;
D. Agricultural irrigation drainage and dewatering;
E. Concentrated animal feeding operation discharges;
F. Wastewater treatment plant discharges;
G. Landfill leachate;
H. Ground water inflow;
I. Sand and gravel area releases; and
J. Degradation of wildlife habitat.
Steering committee
meets on the third
Wednesday of the
month.
Alice Brawley-Chesworth (City of
Phoenix) (602) 262-1828
alice.brawleychesworth@phoenix.
gov
Upper Agua Fria Watershed Partnership
Aqua Fria River drainage area,
excluding the Prescott AMA and the
Phoenix AMA.
Water quality and water quantity issues identified by this group
include:
fast growth and development in the Prescott AMA;
ranching/grazing issues;
leaking underground storage tanks;
illegal dumping along streams and in the National Monument;
and water legal rights.
2nd Tuesday of the
month, meeting usually
at Arcosanti
Mary Hoadley (928) 623-7135
earthhous@aol.com
Salt Watershed
Friends of Pinto Creek
Pinto Creek drainage, which is a
tributary to the Salt River, that flows
into Roosevelt Lake.
Dedicated to the preservation of Pinto Creek, Powers Gulch,
and Haunted Canyon.
Meet as needed
Tom Sonandres 623 583-6764
pintocreek@asu.edu
Northern Gila County Water Planning
Alliance
(a.k.a. Mogollon Highlands)
Watershed is bounded by the
Mogollon Rim to the north, Roosevelt
Lake to the south, Sierra Ancha
Mountains to the east, and Mazatzal
Mountains to the west.
The Northern Gila County Water Plan Alliance formed to
develop water strategies for the area around Payson, Pine and
Strawberry along the Mogollon Rim. The area also is known as
the Tonto Creek basin.
1st Thursday of the
month
Star Valley
Ron Christensen, Chair (928) 474-
2029
Lionel Martinez, Rim Trail Water
Improvement District (928) 474-
2029
Howard Matthews, Pine-
Strawberry WID (928) 476-2142
Robert Mawson, Program
Coordinator, (928) 473-2233
rmawson@cableone.net
San Pedro - Willcox Playa - Rio Yaqui
Campomocho-Sacaton Watershed Group
Watershed is a 42,000 acre sub-watershed
of the Willcox Playa
including: Gillman Canyon, apache
Canyon, Reservoir Canyon, Sacaton
Wash, an unnamed drainage
(referred to as Big Draw) and
Campomocho Draw. This area falls
almost entirely within the ranch
boundaries of Hook Open A Ranch
and Redtail Ranch.
The group=s primary objective is to implement conservation
practices that will improve watershed health, improve water
quality, and reduce downstream flood damages.
Practices are specifically aimed at reducing soil erosion and
water runoff, increasing ground cover, and improving wildlife
habitat to reduce negative economic impacts.
Quarterly meetings at
Willcox
Donna Matthews (520) 384-2229,
ext 122
donna.matthews@az.usda.gov
Dan Skinner at
dskinner@goldtechind.com
Upper San Pedro Partnership
1,875 square mile basin from the
Mexico border north to “the Narrows.”
The Huachuca, Mustang, Whetstone,
and Rincon Mountains form the
Purpose of the partnership is to coordinate and cooperate in
the identification, prioritization and implementation of
comprehensive policies and projects to assist in meeting water
needs in the Sierra Vista Sub-watershed of the Upper San
2nd Wednesday of the
month
Sierra Vista
George Michael, Coordinating
manager (520) 378-4046
gmichael2@mindspring.com
Bob Strain, Chairman Advisory
Name of Partnership
Watershed Area
Primary Objectives
When and Where
Meeting
Contact
basin’s western boundary and the
Mule, Dragoon, Little Dragoon, and
Winchester Mountains form the
eastern boundary.
boundaries of Hook Open A Ranch
and Redtail Ranch.
Pedro River Basin.
Council 520 459-4763
Middle - Lower San Pedro Partnership
San Pedro River drainage area,
between the Narrows near
Charleston, Arizona, and its
confluence with the Gila River at
Winkleman, Arizona.
This grass roots group works to effect changes that will benefit
the water quantity and quality.
Meetings as needed
Resource Conservation and
Development Agency:
Sharon Reid (520) 586-3347
spvnrcd@theriver.com
Santa Cruz - Rio Magdalena - Rio Sonoyta Watershed
Friends of the Santa Cruz River
Watershed includes the entire Santa
Cruz River; however, the group
generally focuses on the stretch from
the international border to the Santa
Cruz County - Pima County boundary.
Major issues of concern being addressed by this group
include:
A. Maintaining existing flow, ground water pumping, and
population growth demands;
B. Flood control and land uses;
D. Impacts on water quality of land uses, off road vehicles,
public access, illegal dumping;
E. Monitoring water quality;
F. Understanding economics and resource management;
G. Maintaining wilderness experience, cultural and historic
uses, river oasis, habitat improvements, control of exotic
species, and protection of endangered species; and
H. Weaknesses in international planning and cooperation.
3rd Thursday of the
month
Tubac
Ben Lomeli, President (520) 281-
4904
Pima Association of Governments
Watershed Planning Subcommittee
Santa Cruz River watershed, focusing
on the portion within Pima County.
The subcommittee provides a forum for exchanging
information among stakeholders, conducting technical review
of proposals and plans, and advising decision makers on
matters affecting the Santa Cruz River watershed. The
subcommittee coordinates with PAG=s Stormwater
Management Working Group and reports to PAG=s broader
Environmental Planning Advisory Committee.
Quarterly meetings - 3rd
Thursday of first month
of quarter
177 N. Church, Tucson
Web site:
http://www.pagnet.org/WQ/particip
ation.htm
e-mail: wq@pagnet.org
Upper Gila Watershed
Gila Watershed Partnership
Gila River Watershed is about 6,000
square miles, extending from the New
Mexico border to the Coolidge Dam
(San Carlos Reservoir).
Objectives:
A. Conservation of natural resources and enhancement of the
environment, while maintaining or improving the economy.
B. Increase water quality and improve water quantity.
C. Increase recreational opportunities
D. Collaboration among partners and neighbors in New
Mexico and the San Carlos Apache Tribe within the
watershed.
2nd Tuesday of the
month in Graham
County General
Services building in
Safford.
Jan Holder (928) 348-4577
watershedholder@yahoo.com
Eagle Creek
Eagle Creek is a sub-watershed
within the Upper Gila Watershed.
As needed on
Saturdays
Chase Caldwell, (480) 635-1245
Verde Watershed
North Central Arizona Regional Watershed
Consortium (NCARWC)
Verde River Watershed, largely
defined by Yavapai County
boundaries.
Formed to accomplish cooperative regional water
management, rather than continue contesting each other=s
water rights. Believe that a unified and knowledgeable voter
base in rural Arizona may be able to effect the needed
changes in Arizona water laws and statues.
Meeting times and
places vary. Contact
president (currently
Barbara Litrell).
Barbara Litrell, President (928)
649-0135 blitrell@aol.com
Bill Goss bill@billgoss.net
Anita Rochelle
anitar772002@yahoo.com
Name of Partnership
Watershed Area
Primary Objectives
When and Where
Meeting
Contact
Northern Gila County Water Plan Alliance
(See the Salt Watershed)
Oak Creek Canyon Task Force
Oak Creek is a sub-watershed of the
Verde River.
Task Force goals:
A. Conserve natural resources and enhance the environment
for wildlife and human uses,
B. Sustain and improve recreational opportunities,
C. Improve water quantity and quality,
D. Reduce damage due to storms, floods, human activities, or
natural disasters,
E. Engage public and governmental involvement through
outreach and education.
2nd Thursday of the
month
Sedona
Barry Allen (623) 551-8804
nelsenallan@msn.com
Morgan Stine
morgan@direcway.com
Stoneman Lake Property Owners
Association
This closed basin (no outflow from the
lake) is a 900 acre lake drainage
area, located 40 miles south of
Flagstaff.
Mission is to preserve the pristine environment that is
Stoneman lake and to foster harmony and cooperation among
neighbors to maintain the peace and tranquility so highly
valued in our community.
Meeting times and
places may vary.
Chris Estes, President (480) 585-
5772 cklestes@msn.com
Bill McPeters, V. Pres (602) 431-
1513
wedigit@juno.com
Verde Watershed Association
Verde Watershed
Goals:
A. Conserve natural resources and enhance the environment
B. Sustain, improve, and diversify recreational opportunities,
C. Improve water quality and quantity,
D. Sustain, enhance, and improve the environment for wildlife,
E. Reduce damage from storms, floods, and human-made
activities and/or natural disasters.
F. Engage public and governmental involvement through
public outreach and education.
3rd Tuesday of the
month
Prescott, Cottonwood,
Camp Verde (varies)
Robert Hardy (928) 634-5526