The Intricacies of a Watershed Plan – Modeling, Planning & Restoration

Abstract

Columbus, Ohio approved a moratorium that prohibited development requiring extension of City-owned sewer and water into the Big Darby Creek watershed. A 208 Plan was issued by Ohio EPA restricting sewer extension without watershed planning. The actions were in response to concerns that changing the face of the land within the watershed would cause a degradation that begins with excessive pollutant loading to stream channels.A study of the watershed was launched to assess current environmental conditions, and model future land use change impacts. An environmental sensitivity analysis was performed to identify portions of the watershed that should be preserved. Modeling used to predict future impacts was based on precipitation, stream flow and pollutants conveyed in the system. A stormwater management analysis considered reduction of future stormwater impacts. The final product was a recommendation for the use of each acre of the planning area to minimize pollutants impacting main waterways.