URBAN CONSERVATION

The way land is urbanized and developed can have a tremendous impact on the quality of the streams and creeks in our communities. Construction site designers and plan reviewer are responsible for ensuring that site specific conditions will be addressed to  protect water resources. The Clark SWCD has a working agreement with the Ohio EPA to review development plans, conduct site inspections during construction and provide assistance to developers and contractors to meet Ohio EPA compliance standards. Additionally, the District provides soil and drainage information to those interested in rezoning or dividing land for development.

Stormwater Demonstration Projects

Bio-Retention Project

The Clark SWCD received a $4,800.00 non-point source pollution grant from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources to develop and promote innovative best management practice for improving water quality in urban areas . The grant monies were allocated to construct a demonstrational Bio-retention site at the Emmanuel Christian Academy in the City of Springfield. The method of Bio-retention utilizes natural soil processes through infiltration and evaporation, along with treatment through specialized vegetative plantings . The Bio-retention area was designed and landscaped to receive stormwater runoff from the parking lot and treat it through these natural processes. Typically, parking lots are designed to have water “run off” where it is then collected in a stormwater system and piped to a receiving stream. The Bio-retention site and adjacent parking lots have been designed for the stormwater to “run in” where it will be treated on-site prior to being discharged.

Urban Stormwater Wetland Project

The Lower Mad River Watershed Protection Project has teamed up with the Clark County Engineers, Clark SWCD, German Township Trustees and the Clark County Commissioners to fund and implement a new Best Management Practice for treating and controlling urban storm water runoff. An Urban Storm Water Wetland was constructed, in conjunction with drainage improvements that were made along Upper Valley Pike & State Route 41. The storm water wetland has been designed to trap sediments, slow down and treat the runoff, before being discharged into the Mad River. The wetland will be used as an educational and demonstration site to show the importance of wetlands for a healthier Lower Mad River Watershed.