Clean-Waters, a national not regional problem

Riding on storm waters, mud, ‘house’ trash and urban/suburban fertilizers saturate central Virginia’s wetlands. For, during a time when you would think Chesapeake Bay regulation and consumer educational activities should be more effective, pollution abounds. So, how did this outcome occur?

affect of run-off fertilizers

 

Perhaps, we have become too comfortable with statistics that indicate ‘clean water’ progression. Or, we failed to continue consumer educational activities, media public relations and/or other eco educational opportunities. Or, the Industry itself is too complacent in its self-regulation. On the other hand, Virginians for example do have benefit of numerous programs and guidelines provided by its state colleges, VA Tech and VA State as well as other regional programs.

In my area – Henrico County Virginia, the community has benefit of a free lawn care seminar as well as a ‘SMART’ lawn program. There is also an active ‘creek restoration’ program, link to an article published by the Times Dispatch, http://www.richmond.com/news/local/henrico/article_d1f9f33b-0040-57f4-8ef3-562f244b6d37.html. Impacting a creek that feeds into my wet-land, the outcome is questionable.

 

Prior to restoration, the County estimated approximately 100 tons (10 dumps trucks) of sediment eroded from the stream banks and bottom of the stream every year. Having occurred during the timeframe of November 2015 to May 2016, one of the heaviest rainfall seasons on record, recipient wetlands received not cloudy but an ongoing flow of mucky waters which appears to be equivalent to 2 or 3 prior year annual erosions. So, as stated in the published article such projects should be viewed as phase I, not stand-alone.

 

And, specific to state of Virginia conservation and recreation programs, while there are TIPS for keeping your lawn green and Virginia’s water clean, I question why pollution continues to saturate my property’s wetland!

So, the first question is ‘is this outcome unique to the Greater Richmond area, regional or nation-wide?’ Then, depending on the answer, those who are affected need to take a hard look at their eco programs and activities, identify short-comings, and plan a different result. For examples, use cover crops to provide nitrogen for a next season’s garden space, a soil test to determine nutrient additives per gardening installation, and planting strategies that avoid disturbing soil nearby feeder-creeks, lakes/ponds and rivers. Use compost to selectively enrich soil, and edge planting areas to avoid nutrient run-off. In other words, landscape garden using a 6 Ps strategy: place – determine outdoor use in terms of its exposure, plant – identify plant materials that support the identified use, planting strategies – install plants during their optimal installation season, purchase – acquire buy-local plants identified to work-well in your area, become people who make eco-sustainable commitments and create prosperity, an eco-legacy of healthy green.

As gardeners, we not only have the opportunity to make a difference through personal choices but can influence others through our use of green space, both rural and urban. For additional tips and strategies, visit www.TheWrightScoop.com.