Virginia Coastal Program: 1999 Coastal Grant Project Description and Final Summary
Project Task:
FY1999 Task 95
Grantee:
Virginia Department
Conservation and Recreation/Virginia Tech/
Virginia Commonwealth University
Project Title:
Coastal Nonpoint Source Pollution Program: Plasticulture, Hydromodification
Project Description as Proposed:
The objective of the first component of this project was to develop a best management practice (BMP) handbook for plasticulture in Virginia. Objectives for the second component were to: 1) develop a process for the quantitative evaluation of potential habitat degradation associated with channelization and other hydromodifications, and 2) present recommendations on how to identify problems and potential opportunities for improvement of habitat.
Federal Funding:
$62,706
Project Contact:
Mary Leigh Wolfe (Virginia Tech - BMP project), 540.231.6092; Dr. Greg Garman (VCU - Hydromodification project), 804.828.1574
Project Status:
Grant in Closeout
Final Product Received:
BMP COMPONENT:"Protecting Water Quality: Best Management Practices for Crops Grown on Plastic Mulch in Virginia". Handbook chapters include the following: (1) Introduction; (2) Water Pollutants and Pollution Control Measures; (3) Practice Effectiveness and Implementation; (4) Guidelines for Developing Water Quality Protection Plans for Crops Grown on Plastic Mulch in Virginia; and (5) Example Water Quality Protection Plans. Appendices include the following: (1) Financial Programs; (2) Websites; and (3) Contact Information. HYDROMODIFICATION COMPONENT: Identification and Analysis of Habitat Impairment Associated with Hydromodifcation and Nonpoint Source Pollution Phase II - Channelization
Project Summary Provided by Grantee:
BMP
COMPONENT: Best management practice (BMP) handbook for plasticulture
in Virginia: A plasticulture production system includes plant rows,
often bedded, covered with impervious plastic mulch alternated with
uncovered, inter-row spaces. Usually, drip irrigation tubing is
placed under the plastic mulch to provide water and nutrients to
the crop. In some cases, overhead sprinkler irrigation is used.
In a few instances, no irrigation is employed. Because of the differences
between crop production with plastic mulch and conventional crop
production, requirements and conditions for water quality protection
differ. Best management practice (BMP) is the term used to describe
a practice, or system of practices, designed to control nonpoint
source (NPS) pollution and thus protect water quality. We examined
44 sites and measured stream habitat characteristics of a statistically
valid number of tributaries in Coastal Resources Management Area,
Virginia. The statistical approach of our study was designed 1)
to identify degradation of habitat due to hydromodification, and
2) to compare variables with like systems under reference conditions.
Results of the statistical analyses are mixed. Ordination of the
data by Canonical Correspondence Analysis does not show a clear
separation of experimental and reference sites across the first
two canonical axes for either channelized or dredging operations.
However, more direct paired tests indicate some variables are statistically
different between experimental and reference conditions.
The handbook was written by personnel from Virginia Tech and Virginia
Cooperative Extension. Two advisory committees were formed to provide
input during the development process. The technical advisory committee
included personnel from industry, Virginia Department of Conservation
and Recreation, Soil and Water Conservation Districts, USDA-Natural
Resources Conservation Service, Virginia Association of Potato and
Vegetable Growers, Virginia Agricultural Experiment Station, and
Virginia Cooperative Extension. The growers advisory committee included
interested growers from the Eastern Shore and Northern Neck areas,
as well as representatives from SWCDs.
The basic development process was for the project team to develop
and disseminate a draft of the handbook; meet with the advisory
committee(s) to discuss the draft; revise the handbook; and review
the revised handbook with the committees. Several iterations of
this process occurred during the course of the project.
It is anticipated that the final document will be used as a reference
by producers and water quality specialists in selecting and implementing
water quality protection practices for crop fields with plastic
mulch. Hard copies of the final handbook will be provided to the
advisory committee members, as well as to additional interested
growers. Additional copies will be available through DCR. The handbook
will also be available via the internet.
HYROMODIFICATION COMPONENT: We examined 44 sites and measured stream
habitat characteristics of a statistically valid number of tributaries
in Coastal Resources Management Area, Virginia. The statistical
approach of our study was designed 1) to identify degradation of
habitat due to hydromodification, and 2) to compare variables with
like systems under reference conditions. Results of the statistical
analyses are mixed. Ordination of the data by Canonical Correspondence
Analysis does not show a clear separation of experimental and reference
sites across the first two canonical axes for either channelized
or dredging operations. However, more direct paired tests indicate
some variables are statistically different between experimental
and reference conditions.
Channelized streams and small dredged streams of the Coastal Resources
Management Area do exhibit degraded conditions when compared to
reference conditions. These differences are reflected in the overall
habitat evaluation scores (Higher scores in reference conditions),
but individually in few parameters. Final Report submitted January
2002 entitled Identification and Analysis of Habitat Impairment
Associated with Hydromodifcation and Nonpoint Source Pollution Phase
II - Channelization.
This study presents opportunities for restoration of instream habitats
and riparian habitats. Replacement of riparian vegetation in many
cases will aid in restoring the buffer as well as some instream
cover in the form of woody debris. Other large instream structure
removed through hydromodification could be replaced aiding epifaunal
substrate and overall habitat heterogeneity.
Form C Cont-d
Form C end
Disclaimer: This project summary provides the federal dollars initially awarded to the grantee. Due to underexpenditure or reprogramming of grant funds, this figure may change. For more information on the allocation of coastal grant funds, please contact Laura McKay, Virginia Coastal Program Manager, at 804.698.4323 or email: Laura.McKay@deq.virginia.gov
A more detailed Scope of Work for this project is available. Please direct your request for a copy to Virginia.Witmer@deq.virginia.gov
