Delaware and Pickaway Counties 9-Element Plans

The 9-Element Nonpoint Source Implementation Strategy, or 9-Element Plan, is a watershed planning approach developed by the EPA to encourage detailed and focused strategies for the implementation of nonpoint source management actions. Each 9-Element Plan is developed at the HUC-12 watershed scale and provides a summary of watershed characteristics and the causes and sources of nonpoint source impairment. Additionally, the plan defines critical areas within the watershed, creates goals and objectives to address impairments, and identifies potential projects to meet the goals and objectives. To be eligible for Ohio EPA Section 319 Grant Funding, a project must be identified in a 9-Element Plan.

Coldwater worked with the Pickaway County Park District to develop the 9-Element Plan for the Lick Run – Scioto River subwatershed. Coldwater also assisted both Preservation Parks of Delaware County and the City of Westerville with the development and update of the 9-Element Plan for the Westerville Reservoir – Alum Creek subwatershed. Coldwater helped to identify critical areas within the watersheds that are causes or threats of impairment, and/or are sources of nonpoint source pollutants. Causes of impairment identified in both watersheds include habitat alteration, hydromodification, elevated nutrients, and excessive sediment/silt contribution. The identification of critical areas helps to target projects in the worst areas to achieve the greatest long-term benefit to the water resource.

In consultation with potential project sponsors, Coldwater identified potential projects in the identified critical areas, and developed detailed project summaries for these management measures. Each project summary includes the nine required elements that will allow project sponsors to propose and implement these projects using funding through the Section 319 Grant Program.