Stream stewards orientation

Stream Stewards Volunteer Program gOrientation

Montgomery County Department of Environmental Protection Watershed Management Division

T d ’ A dToday’s Agenda Stream Stewards Orientation 

What are watersheds?  How do we affect them?  How are we affected by them?  How are we affected by them?  What is the County doing to protect them? As a volunteer, what do you need to know? 

Stream Stewards Volunteer program 

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Sources of Water

About 97% is salt water About 2% is frozen Only 1% is available for drinking water 

95% from groundwater across the Country 32% from groundwater  68% from surface water in Maryland 32% from groundwater, 68% from surface water in Maryland

Potential for greater impacts from runoff in Maryland 

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Montgomery County, MD 500 sq. miles500 sq. miles 1,004,709 people

184 languages spoken About 12% impervious surface overall

About the size of Washington DC Over 1,500 miles of streamsOver 1,500 miles of streams Two major river basins: 

Potomac Patuxent

District of Columbia

I i N t ll i t t

Patuxent Eight local watersheds

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Impervious: Not allowing water to soak through the ground.

What is a Watershed? A watershed is an area from which the water above and below ground above and below ground drains to the same place.

Different scales of Different scales of watersheds: Chesapeake Bay Eight local watersheds Neighborhood (to a storm drain)d a )

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Development and watersheds

L   ti Evaporation  Infiltration into ground water

 i   i h  ff

Less evaporation Less infiltration into ground water

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Less issues with runoffg

MORE runoff! 

h ff?What is Runoff?Water that does not soak into the ground becomes surface runoff. This runoff flows over hard surfaces like rooftops, driveways and parking lots collecting potential contaminants and flows:

• Directly into streams• Into storm drain pipes, eventually leading to

streams• Into stormwater management facilities, then

streams

Two Major Issues:Vol me/Timing of R noffVolume/Timing of Runoff

Water Quality

Your NeighborhoodYour Neighborhood

I t i l b id ti l ft t f 30 40% f th t t l i i !

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In typical urban residential areas, rooftops account for 30‐40% of the total impervious area!

What’s the big deal? 

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8585% % of trash found in the Anacostia River of trash found in the Anacostia River is plastic bags and soda bottlesis plastic bags and soda bottles

All of us can help prevent this!All of us can help prevent this!

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Damascus

Germantown

OlneyPoolesville

Gaithersburg

Wheaton -Glenmont

Rockville

PotomacSilver Spring

Bethesda

Potomac

15To learn more about local stream conditions visit: http://www6.montgomerycountymd.gov/dectmpl.asp?url=/Content/dep/maps/introwqm.asp

What is the County doing toprotect our Streams? Must meet regulatory requirements

Federal Clean Water Act permit program MS4 = MMunicipal SSeparate  SStorm SSewer SSystem MS4 = MMunicipal SSeparate  SStorm SSewer SSystem

Applies to all large and medium Maryland jurisdictions County programs

Restore our streams and watersheds Add runoff management

Meet water quality protection goals Reduce pollutants getting into our streams

Educate and engage all stakeholders Individual actions make a difference

Focus on watersheds showing greatest impacts

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MS4 permit what is it?MS4 permit, what is it?  Montgomery County is responsible for:

Wh t   i t     t  d i   i  • What goes into our storm drain pipes • What comes out of them• What flows into the streams 

Requires additional stormwater management for 20 percent of impervious surfaces (4,300 acres = 6.7 square miles).  That’s about three times the size of Takoma Park.

That’s equivalent to 3,307 football fields!

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What is the WQPC?at s t e Q C? It is a part of property tax bills.  It has been around since 2002   It has been around since 2002.  The WQPC raises funds to counteract the negative effects of gpollution (stormwater) and improve the quality of our local waters. 

• The WQPC is calculated based on the potential fora property to contribute to stormwater pollution.

The More Developed the Property, the Bigger the e o e e e oped t e ope ty, t e gge t eCharge

The WQPC Credit Program    %  d i  i   di  ( i   hi     ) Up to 50% reduction in credit (easiest thing to say)

Multi‐family and non‐residential can get up to 60% if their entire site is treated by environmental site design.

The applications are very different for residential and non‐residential 

Must be owned and maintained to DEP’s standards Next deadline is 9/30 for the reduction to the 2013‐14 tax 

   /  f  th    t  year.  10/31 for the 2014‐15 tax year. Apply online:  www.montgomerycountymd.gov/wqpc

The WQPC Credit ProgramRain Gardenw/ Conservation Landscaping

Rain Barrels

Permeable Pavement

Green Roof

Stormwater Ponds

How Has the WQPC Improved the County?County? Restored streams (Booze Creek in Bethesda) and protected sanitary sewer pipesprotected sanitary sewer pipes

Maintained >6,000 stormwater facilities

• Cleaned storm drains

• Installed >500 RainScapes• Installed >500 RainScapes

• Planted >35,000 plants

• Expanded stream monitoring, litter control and educational litter control and educational programs

Credits Brochure –

Fact Sheet – Info on the Charge,

Info on the Credit Program, types of Credits and how toCredits, Phase-In, Stormwater, etc

For handing out to the public.

and how to apply.For handing out to the public.

How Was My Charge Calculated? –Info on how the charge was calculated forcalculated for each type of property. Will be laminated for

freference.Not a take-away.

Common Questions I think my charge is wrong. How do I contest it?

File an appeal. Information about appeals can be found at montgomerycountymd.gov/wqpcappeals The appeal must be submitted no later than September 30 of the year that payment of the charge is due.

How was my charge calculated? The charge depends on the type of property and the amount of impervious space on the property. 

Ask them what type of property they own and show them the laminated reference for that property type.  

How was my impervious area determined? How was my impervious area determined? Impervious area was determined by satellite imagery through geographic information systems (GIS) 

available from Montgomery County and the Maryland‐National Capital Park and Planning Commission.  Ask them what type of property they own and show them the laminated reference for that property type.  

I work for a church. Do we have to pay? Every property has to pay the WQPC.  501(c)3 organizations have a special charge structure.

I heard about the Rain Tax  but what is the Water Quality Protection Charge? I heard about the Rain Tax, but what is the Water Quality Protection Charge? The only charge in Montgomery County related to pollution is the Water Quality Protection Charge 

and it has been found on residential property tax bills since 2002.  

I have financial issues and don’t think I can afford to pay. Property owners whose household income does not exceed 170% of the Federal poverty level or is 

approved under the Maryland Energy Assistance Program for the current billing year are eligible for a Hardship Exemption.  Apply online at montgomerycountymd.gov/wqpcexemption

Watershed ManagementWatershed Management Division Stormwater Permit Coordination

Reporting, Monitoring, and Watershed Outreachl Stormwater Management Facilities 

Inspections and Maintenance W t h d R t ti Watershed Restoration

Stormwater Retrofits and Stream RestorationStream Restoration

RainScapes Construction Managementg

Oversees project construction Administers contracts and procurement  25

• Evaluates biological Monitoring

• Evaluates biological resource/stream habitat conditions 

Rate streams as  Rate streams as excellent, good, fair, poor 

Help set priority  Help set priority watersheds for Capital Improvement Program to address Program to address stream degradation 

Project effectiveness in Special Protection 

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in Special Protection Areas

S F iliStormwater Facility MaintenanceMaintenance Over 7,000 structures currently Inspect all stormwater structures once every three years

Perform maintenance on County  Perform maintenance on County Owned facilities through contractors

Provide for stormwater facility Provide for stormwater facility transfer to the County’s Maintenance program

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S R iStream Restoration

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Before – sediment and poorly defined stream channel After CompletionTurkey Branch

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/ESD/LID Retrofits

Dennis Ave Health Center Bioretention Cell

29White oak Library Tree Boxes

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ESD/LID: Roadside swales 

Upper PaintPaint

Branch

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ESD/LID: Green Streets

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ESD/LID: RainScapes RainScapes Rewards Rebates 

Rain Gardens Conservation Landscaping

ESD/LID: RainScapes Conservation Landscaping Urban Tree Canopy Permeable Pavers Pavement Removal Green Roofs Water Harvesting

o Cisterns o Rain Barrels 

Dry Wells

RainScapes Neighborhoods Community based Percent =Contractor‐installed projects Measurable goal and monitoring

RainScapes for Schools (MCPS)

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RainScapes for Landscape Professionals

RainScapes Partnerships with Watershed Groups

ESD/LID: RainScapes Rewards Receive up to $1,200 per Household!  Business and churches, etc are included with rebates up to $5,000! t ebates up to $5,000!

Anyone interested in the RainScapes program can visit our website: www.montgomerycounty.gov/rainscapesg y y g / p

• e‐mail: rainscapes@montgomerycountymd.gov

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Pre approval not e app o a otrequired. Save receipts and contact RainScapes team for rebate. Minimum of 200 gallonsMinimum of 200 gallons of water must be captured.

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B C ti !Be Creative!

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Private home ‐ Before and After RainScapes Rewards

Stormwater runoff is captured and filtered in small landscaped areas that allow water to soak into the ground while plants and soils filter pollutants.

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Please Note: Projects needs to be pre-approved by the RainScapes program in order to qualify for rebate.

Homeowners Association (HOA) – Before and after RainScapes Rewards

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Please Note: Project needs to be pre-approved by the RainScapes program in order to qualify for rebate.

What are some things you can do to prevent these issues? 

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What You Can Do to protect ourWhat You Can Do to protect our streams? Start today! Dispose of pet waste properly Dispose of pet waste properly Eliminate unnecessary lawn fertilizers   Reduce trash Recycle Be kind, don’t litter

Pl t   T Plant a Tree Report issues to DEP via 3‐1‐1

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Reporting Issues to DEP Illegal dumping Illicit discharge‐something mysterious coming out of a 

ipipe Construction dischargeOil &   i   Oil & grease in water

Stream erosion Fi h kill   Fish kills  Montgomery County Customer Service Center at 3‐1‐1

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Step it Up!  Compost and grasscycle Disconnect your downspout Encourage your property manager or Home Owners Association to Encourage your property manager or Home Owners Association to use green practices

Learn about the RainsScapes Rebate program Participate in a RainScapes workshopParticipate in a RainScapes workshop

RainScapes Rain Barrel Workshop Friday, April 12, 2013 or Saturday April 13, 2013 

Conservation Landscape Workshop Friday, May 31, 2013 or  Saturday, June 1, 2013

B h  k h    h ld   B k id   d  i  Wh  MD f      Both workshops are held at Brookside gardens in Wheaton, MD from 10am to 1pm

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Step it Up! (continued) At home, plant native trees and native plants Consider installing a RainScapes practice and submit an application to the RainScapes Rebate submit an application to the RainScapes Rebate program

Install a RainScapes practicep p Encourage people to use RainScapes techniques

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V l t & B L dVolunteer & Become a Leader Local watershed groups Groups that protect the environment Plant native trees and stream buffers Install storm drain markers Participate in clean‐ups Local governments

Montgomery Parks Montgomery Parks DEP DOT City of Rockville City of Rockville City of Gaithersburg WSSC

Create your own group  if one  Create your own group, if one doesn’t exist in your community  

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Watershed Groups  Eyes of Paint Branch

www.eopb.org Muddy Branch Alliance 

www.muddybranch.org

Friends of Cabin John Creek Watershed

bi j h /f j

Neighbors of Northwest Branchwww.neighborsnwb.org

www.cabinjohn.org/focjcw

Friends of Sligo Creek  Rock Creek Conservancy 

www.rockcreekconservancy.orgwww.fosc.org

Little Falls Watershed Alliance, Inc.

y g

www.lfwa.org

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St D i M k !Storm Drain Markers! 

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Share with others! Share information with your family, friends, and coworkers.

Next family, friend, work gathering  Via Facebook  post a tidbit or talk about your volunteer efforts Via Facebook, post a tidbit or talk about your volunteer efforts Via Twitter  Via InstagramBl   b     i  ( l bl       Blog about your experience (personal blog or at www.mygreenmontgomery.org or other community blog site)

Show off your RainScapes practice!  Brown bag lunch at work/club/congregation

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Make it Fun, Set Goals.  Challenge yourself/friends/family

Volunteer “x” hours with DEP or a local group, double it next year!  Plant “x” number of native trees and native plants at home or with a  Plant  x  number of native trees and native plants at home or with a group, next year increase your number. 

Pick up “x” pounds of trash in your community per year!  Pl    bl k/ i hb h d  t Did k Plan a block/neighborhood party Organize an event in your community Make it a competition or a game

Did you know: Studies have shown that

people who volunteer have lower mortality rates, greater f ti l bilit d l

p g … what else can you think of? 

functional ability, and lower rates of depression later in life

than those who do not volunteer.

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- Corporation for National Community Service

Stream Stewards Volunteer ProgramProgram Volunteers will help with 

Educating the community Outreach eventsFi di   h  i i   Finding outreach opportunities 

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Volunteer Opportunities Watershed Ambassadors Watershed Speakers Watershed Keepers Stream Monitoring Volunteer Internships

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Volunteer Benefits Meet people with similar interests Recognition Professional growth Personal satisfaction Earn Student Service Learning Hours (SSL) As a volunteer, you are eligible to use Montgomery C t  E l  F d l C dit U i  County Employee Federal Credit Union 

Most important:  Have Fun!

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Volunteer Responsibilities Be punctual Dress appropriately, keep an eye out for: 

Ripped clothing Clothing with offensive language or displays of alcohol/tobacco alcohol/tobacco 

Exposed midriff/tops  Sweat or stretch pants S eat o st etc pa ts Excessively short, tight or revealing clothing 

Let us know if you are no longer interested in being a y g gvolunteer and return supplies provided by DEP.

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Age Requirements We accept volunteers of all ages!  Anyone younger than 13 years old needs to be 

i d b         diaccompanied by a parent or guardian. Parent or guardian can be a volunteer or stand by and watch   watch.  

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Student Service Learning Hours The Stream Stewards Program is an SSL approved program.S d  h     i i   d  i Students have to sign‐in and sign‐out.

We will have copies of SSL forms at events. S d   ill h     l    f   d l     Students will have to complete 2 forms and leave one behind for our records.

If not  we will mail a copy of the form to student’s  If not, we will mail a copy of the form to student s home. 

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Volunteer timesheets Everyone signs‐in and signs‐outTh   i h     d  The timesheets are used to track volunteer hours

Recognition Recognition

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RResourcesFor information such as: o o at o suc as: Local watershed groups

www6.montgomerycountymd.gov/dectmpl.asp?url=/Cong y y g p ptent/dep/water/localgroups.asp

Regional  and national groups General information

www.montgomerycountymd.gov/DEP Living a Green Life:  My Green Montgomery  Living a Green Life:  My Green Montgomery http://montgomerycountymd.mygreenmontgomery.org/ 

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Questions?Questions?Save our Streams!

Ana ArriazaWatershed Volunteer Coordinator

ana.arriaza@montgomerycountymd.gov240-777-7778