Envirotech Presentation
Pond System
One component of New Castle County; Storm water toxins must stay on site; Breeds plants/algae. May visit epa.gov and look up “storm water” to see requirements.
Goals
1. Maintain appropriate storm water storage capacity
2. Reduce nutrient and sediment discharge
3. Maintain appropriate water quality
4. Create habitat required to sustain viable fish and wildlife
5. Support human recreation
6. Meet regulatory agency policy
7. Provide aesthetic amenity
8. Provide educational outreach
Information Regarding Wynthorpe Ponds
It will be a process to establish the proper balance in the ponds. 12 months ago Envirotech performed one service to fix problems that were noted in an inspection. A proactive pond maintenance contract is needed to avoid the high cost of having to have the ponds redone due to disrepair in the future.
Prerequisites
1. Study storm water management construction plans
2. Conduct site assessment to determine existing conditions
3. Determine duration and frequency of active management
4. Design CPMP and determine environmental management products required
Best Management Practices
1. No Mow Zones – from pond to highest shelf around the pond. Recommend conservation signs around No Mow Zones.
2. Aeration – requires general and mechanical maintenance conducted by Certified Aeration Technicians. A minimum of 2 ˝ feet of water is needed for aeration.
3. Vegetative Enhancement – requires maintenance and management
4. Exotic Invasive and Nuisance Aquatic Vegetation Control – breaking the unwanted plants out (raking, mowing) may spread them and cause them to multiply; Envirotech uses chemicals with licensed, certified employees to rid ponds of these plants. These chemicals are EPA registered products and are environmentally friendly.
5. Ponds Stocked with Eastern Mosquito Fish
6. Waterfowl and Wildlife Control – avoid too many geese, etc. Use non-lethal monofilament to discourage habitation; muskrats will be trapped out in the winter months (when most effective).
7. Educational Outreach – Envirotech is willing to attend a community outreach to teach community about pond maintenance and stewardship.
8. Habitat Enhancement – Envirotech will put in nesting boxes upon request.
9. Composting for Organic Debris Removal, Nutrient Removal, and Aesthetic Enhancement
Miscellaneous Information
Ponds are federally mandated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Envirotech will provide the community with a quarterly report. Envirotech will serve as the liaison between the pond inspectors and WMC.
Questions
1. What about the front pond (looks bad)?
Answer: Envirotech hopes to have front pond restored by the end of the growing season.
2. Will the excess water primrose be removed?
Answer: This is being treated and removed. Envirotech requests that community members rely on them to complete the process and for community members to not do any work in an attempt maintain the ponds themselves.
3. How long will it take to reach pond goals?
Answer: Goals for the ponds should be reached within approximately 48 months with continued maintenance contract.