12/15/2010 Env Bd Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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ENVIRONMENTAL BOARD MEETING OCTOBER 27, 2010 None 6. DISCUSSION ITEMS 1. SHEP Summary for 2010 — Gary Averbeck Mr. Gary Averbeck presented as PowerPoint presentation on the 2009 Rice Creek Watershed Stream Health Evaluation Program. He presented the following background information: Aquatic organisms express a range of tolerances to environmental conditions. These organisms mirror environmental conditions which have occurred over a period of time ranging from months to years. Biological monitoring provides a more complete picture of the ecological health of our waters. Clearwater Creek: Listed as impaired for aquatic life, due to coliform bacteria and low dissolved oxygen. Results: Moderately stressed by incoming pollutants. Overall it appears moderately stable. Hardwood Creek: Listed as impaired biota (fish). Low dissolved oxygen. Results: FBI score corresponds to a "Poor" rating. Overall, hardwood appears to be stable. Mr. Averbeck handed out the 2009 Executive Summary on the Rice Creek Watershed Stream Health Evaluation Program (SHEP) to board members. Ms. Bor questioned if the new test site was lower than the original site. He stated yes. Ms. Bor questioned the vegetation change. He stated there has been a little bit of change. The long grass to the south of the stream has been grazed by horses. He stated they found a huge number of freshwater sponges, which are filter feeders. Possibly this is an indicator of water quality. The mats exist only for a single season. He has not seen them before this season. Ms. Bor stated the group's accuracy is higher than 96% accuracy. Ms. O'Dea questioned if the group will monitor again next year. Mr. Averbeck stated as long as the grant comes in again, yes. The group looks at findings over a long period of time. It is not simply math stated Averbeck. It is more of looking at a trend of improvement over the years. DRAFT MINUTES 2