Projects Completed 2002-2007
The rapid pace of urban growth in the geologically sensitive Valley Water Mill sub-watershed led the Watershed Committee to apply for Clean Water Act Section 319 funds to address urban and suburban sources of nonpoint pollution, implement water-friendly practices as demonstrations and to build and design educational facilities where citizens learn about nonpoint source pollution and develop skills to address the problems.
Projects Include
The Springside Learning Station deck surface and foundation were constructed out of 100% recycled plastic material and built with volunteer labor. The platform accommodates about thirty students and is located adjacent to Sander Spring. The WCO and partners dedicated this learning station to former DNR employee Becky Shannon.
The Watershed Center’s largest outdoor class room is an open-sided “green” pavilion with a beautiful view of the lake. The structure features high fly ash concrete construction, runoff absorption areas and low-maintenance steel roof supported by sustainably grown and harvested wood “glulam” beams. Landscaping around the station includes native Buffalo Grass and wildflower plantings. Dedicated to former City Utilities employee Duane Galloway.
Missouri State University, under the direction of Dr. Robert Pavlowsky, completed an assessment of the reservoir and stream channels in the Valley Water Mill sub-watershed. This assessment work indicated that nutrient loading to the reservoir was lower than expected and sediment quality was good.
The wetland enhancement plan developed by Intuition and Logic Engineers included the development of several specific wetland zones with different water depths and slopes, and the planting of over 30 types of native wetland plant species. Prior the wetland was overgrown with non-native Reeds Canary Grass.
Sediment excavation of the Valley Water Mill reservoir accomplished three goals: 1) provided downstream water quality benefits by increasing storage time and settling capacity in the reservoir, 2) maximized the 9-foot depth of the reservoir, which will discourage bottom-rooted aquatic vegetation and improve fishing, and 3) increased the storage capacity fo the water supply.