The Spruce Creek Watershed Improvement Project (Phase 1)

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PROJECT OVERVIEW

Purpose
The Spruce Creek Watershed Improvement Project (Phase 1) (SCWIP-1) will address polluted runoff problems to reduce bacteria loading and the export of sediment and nutrients into Spruce Creek to improve water quality and help re-open shellfish harvest areas. The secondary purpose is to continue to raise community awareness in this watershed, with the long-term goal of improving and protecting the water quality of Spruce Creek and the Piscataqua River Estuary.

Please let us know if you'd like to participate in the project in any way.

Project Duration
Project start date: April 2008
Project completion date: March 2010

Estimated Total Cost, Federal & Non-Federal Sources
Federal Grant (319): $69,670
Non-Federal Match: $106,326
Total: $175,996

Project Outcome

1. At least twenty-two NPS sites treated with BMPs.

2. At least 500 watershed citizens and visitors directly educated

Environmental Results

1. Pollutants controlled: Reductions of sediment (tons/year), nitrogen (lbs/yr) and phosphorus (lbs/year) will be estimated for NPS sites treated with BMPs. Estimated tons of sediment kept out of Spruce Creek by addressing high and medium impact sites.

2. Water Quality Improvement: Improvement in river water quality is a long-term measure of environmental results of NPS abatement in the watershed. The final project report will include a summary of the current status of water quality as reported by the quality-assured efforts of the volunteer Spruce Creek Association. The summary will describe progress reopening the shellfish harvest area.

Pledge to Help Protect Spruce Creek!

What you do in and around your home impacts your watershed. Even the smallest home and yard changes can make a big difference along your waterfront and possibly save you money. Take the Protect Kittery Waters watershed pledge to commit to protect Kittery’s water resources.

The Problem
The rain-water that flows off our streets and yards can carry a nasty mix of heavy metals, oil, fertilizers, pesticides, yard waste, detergents, and animal feces! City storm drains deliver these substances directly to our streams and lakes, making life tough for the animals that live there. It’s tough for people too — water pollution often prevents us from enjoying our own waterways.

The Solution
We are all citizens of a watershed. The problem of water pollution must be solved just as it was created; by the combined actions of all citizens who live and work in the watershed. If each of us "Takes the Pledge" to change a few of our daily habits, we can each protect the waters of Kittery and Eliot.

 

Interagency Coordination, Roles & Responsibilities

  • Grantee: The Town of Kittery
  • The Maine Department of Environmental Protection will administer project funding, serve as the project advisor, participate on the steering committee and assist with local education/outreach efforts.
  • The US Environmental Protection Agency will provide project funding and guidance.
  • The Town of Kittery will serve as the project sponsor and be responsible for the coordination and implementation of all project activities.
  • The Spruce Creek Association will provide in-kind match and serve on the steering committee, update and expand the current list of watershed residents, recruit volunteer assistance for NPS mitigation sites, coordinate the community participation, and assist in designing the outreach materials
  • The Maine Department of Marine Resources will contribute water quality monitoring and shoreline survey data and will assist with managing and reopening clam flats.
  • The Wells National Estuarine Research Reserve will participate on the project steering committee and provide input on project tasks.
  • The York County Soil and Water Conservation District will provide project support, paid technical assistance, engineering assistance, serve on the steering committee and will assist with all project tasks.
  • Representatives from the Town of Eliot will serve on the steering committee and provide project updates to Town’s Select Board, Planning Board and Conservation Commission.
  • The University of New Hampshire Stormwater Center will provide technical assistance on effective stormwater BMPs for treatment and removal of bacteria, heavy metals, and nutrients.

 

 

Save Kittery Waters - The Spruce Creek Watershed Improvement Project (Phase 1)
Funded by the Maine Department of Environmental Project through the 319 Grant Program
Please contact us for more information on this project.

© 2008 Town of Kittery. All rights reserved.