johnson creek restoration plan final
TRANSCRIPT
Johnson Creek
Assessment and Restoration Plan
Prepared by:
Stream Masters Environmental Group
Cory Sauvé - Jesse Jones - Lacy Powers - Lewis Sick - Glenn Wolfe
5 December 2014
Johnson Creek Assessment and Restoration PlanDecember 5, 2014
Table of Contents
Executive Summary
The Johnson Creek Assessment and Restoration plan was developed to assess issues
affecting Johnson Creek and its tributaries, and prioritize restoration efforts to mitigate these
impairments. The formation of this comprehensive assessment plan has been conducted by the
Stream Masters Environmental Group. The goal of this plan is to provide initial field
reconnaissance and assessment, develop a sampling plan, and develop restoration strategies.
The Johnson Creek Watershed is located in Bloss and Hamilton Townships in Tioga
County, Pennsylvania. The watershed is located on the Blossburg and Cherry Flats USGS 7.5
minute topographic map quadrangles. The main towns that Johnson Creek flows through include
Arnot and Blossburg.
Although the overall goal is to assess and restore the entire Johnson Creek Watershed, the
assessment and restoration plan will focus on approximately 2 miles of Johnson Creek and the
tributaries located in the 2 mile stream reach. The reach will start at the Rt. 15 overpass east of
the town of Arnot and end at the confluence with the Tioga River.
The goal of this plan is to improve the biological habitat in Johnson Creek to promote
increased fish and macroinvertebrate communities and recreational opportunities. This will be
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Johnson Creek Assessment and Restoration PlanDecember 5, 2014
accomplished through the construction of passive treatment systems to treat abandoned mine
drainage and construct structures to improve stream bank stability. The combination of these
restoration efforts, along with public education, will allow for the aquatic health of Johnson
Creek and its tributaries to improve to a level that will support fish and macroinvertebrate
communities, and increase the recreational opportunities as well. In regards to education,
programs will be established to increase community involvement and support for the project and
in the future. Through interactive presentations from our organization and in conjunction with
Mansfield University, the community will gain an improved understanding of the importance of
the health of Johnson Creek environmentally and in the community.
In the two mile section of Johnson Creek and the subsequent tributaries, 25 areas of
potential pollution were identified and seven of those sites were considered significant to be
included in the sampling plan. However, restoration projects will occur at four priority sites that
were the most severely impacted from abandoned mine drainage and stream bank erosion issues.
Several restoration techniques will be utilized to remediate the abandoned mine drainage
and erosion impacts. In regards to the mine drainage impact, a passive treatment system will be
constructed. Due to the low flow of the discharge, a passive system is the most economical
option for treatment. In combination with the passive treatment system, reclamation of the
exposed areas as a result of the surface mining operations will also be conducted. To address the
stream bank erosion issues, structures will be constructed and riparian zones will be improved at
several sites.
Watershed Vision
The overall vision of this project is to restore the Johnson Creek Watershed through
stream bank stabilization projects and abandoned mine drainage remediation. Specifically, our
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Johnson Creek Assessment and Restoration PlanDecember 5, 2014
project will focus on a portion of Johnson Creek from the Rt. 15 bridge to the mouth at the Tioga
River. From these restoration efforts, the goal of this project is to improve the water quality and
aquatic habitat to improve the health of the fish and macroinvertebrate communities. This
improvement will also increase the recreational opportunities found in the Johnson Creek
Watershed for the community. Additionally, the reclamation of the abandoned, surface mining
area found in the watershed will allow for increased recreational activities that can be utilized in
the watershed. Finally, the project will allow for members of the community to have educational
opportunities and be able to volunteer during the duration of the project. This will be
accomplished through interactive activities that will increase the education of the community on
the importance of the Johnson Creek Watershed and encourage stewardship for generations to
come.
Introduction
Stream reconnaissance for the initial assessment of the Johnson Creek Watershed started
in mid-September and continued until late October of 2014. The initial reconnaissance included a
survey of the study area of Johnson Creek and its tributaries, approximately 2 miles from the Rt.
15 bridge to the mouth at the Tioga River. For each potential assessment point, GPS coordinates
were recorded, field and habitat data were documented, and water samples were taken.
Photographs of a majority of the assessment points were also taken as well and can be found in
the attached, digital documents.
The assessment and restoration project will be organized and executed by the Stream
Masters Environmental Group. The employees of SMEG include Cory Sauvé, Lacy Powers,
Jesse Jones, Louis Sick, and Glenn Wolfe. Additional groups that have invested interest in the
health of the Johnson Creek Watershed that will assist in the project include the Tioga County
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Johnson Creek Assessment and Restoration PlanDecember 5, 2014
Conservation Group and Mansfield University. The efforts of project partners will assist in the
formation and execution of the assessment and restoration plan to improve water quality and
restore healthy fish and macroinvertebrate populations in the watershed.
Watershed Background
Location
Johnson Creek is located in Bloss and Hamilton Townships in Tioga County,
Pennsylvania. Flowing through the towns of Blossburg and Arnot, Johnson Creek is a third
order stream and a tributary of the Tioga River. The total drainage area of Johnson Creek is 17.4
square miles. The Johnson Creek Watershed can be found on the USGS Blossburg and Cherry
Flats 7.5 minute topographic map quadrangles. The specific reach that our restoration project
focuses on is approximately two miles of stream of Johnson Creek. This distance does not
include the tributaries that flow into Johnson Creek. These tributaries include Bellman Run,
Boone Run, Mills Creek, and several unnamed tributaries. The drainage area of the reach is
approximately 5.6 square miles.
History
Johnson Creek is on the 303d list for impaired waters and is currently impaired for
metals, specifically iron, manganese, and aluminum. These pollutants are a result of a history of
coal mining operations in the watershed. The coal mining operations have been out of operation
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Johnson Creek Assessment and Restoration PlanDecember 5, 2014
since the 1940’s. However, the coal mining has created various abandoned mine discharges
throughout the watershed. The Department of Environmental Protection has conducted benthic
macroinvertebrate and habitat surveys on Johnson Creek to determine the impacts resulting from
the metal impairment and stream bank erosion issues. The surveys showed high levels of
tolerant taxa throughout Johnson Creek, one example being midges (Chironomidae). This low
taxa diversity can be directly associated with the metal impairment and reduced habitat from
sediment deposits in the substrate of the stream. In the habitat assessments, stream bank erosion
and riparian zone width were the most widely seen factors in the habitat degradation.
Geology and Soils
The geology of the Johnson Creek Watershed is glaciated material that is part of the
Appalachian Physiographic Province. Most of the glacial material is unconsolidated glacial
deposits that range from clay to boulders. There are also no dolomite formations in the watershed
that do not contribute alkaline properties in the form of carbonates. From this, the geology and
soils in the area are relatively acidic.
NRCS data shows twenty-six different soil types found in the watershed. Three types of
soil make up 49.5% of the watershed. The main stem of Johnson Creek is Alluvial land (ab).
The seven most common soil types found in the vicinity of Johnson Creek include: Hippewa silt
loam (CIB), 0 to 8 percent slopes and extremely stony, Volusia channery silt loam (VSD), 8 to
25 percent slopes, Lordstown very stony loam (LSD), 3 to 12 percent slopes, Mardin channery
silt loam (MdB), 0 to 8 percent slopes, Chenango gravelly loam (ChB), 2 to 12 percent slopes,
Wyoming gravelly sandy loam (WyC), 12 to 20 percent slopes, and Wyoming gravelly sandy
loam (WyF), 30 to 50 percent slopes.
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Wetlands
A survey using the National Wetlands Inventory Map (NMI) was conducted on the
wetlands in the Johnson Creek Watershed. After reviewing the map, it was determined that there
are a total of seventy-eight wetlands in the entire watershed, fifteen of which are in the area of
our assessment. There are two freshwater ponds and thirteen were freshwater/forested shrub
wetlands. The freshwater ponds take up 12.58 acres and the freshwater/forested shrub wetlands
spread over 13.99 acres of land. The following is a list of the wetlands in the area of the
assessment. This data is significant in determining wetland impacts in the construction of
treatment systems and erosion projects.
Description Type Acres CountFreshwater Wetland PUBHx 0.48 1
PUBhb 12.10 1
Freshwater Ponds 12.58 2
Freshwater/Forested Shrub Wetland PSS1E 1.66 4PSS1Eb 4.70 4PSS1Fb 1.90 3PFO1E 3.57 1PFO1C 2.16 1
Total Acres 39.15
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Johnson Creek Assessment and Restoration PlanDecember 5, 2014
Land Use & Culture
The Johnson Creek watershed is dominated by forested areas. In the drainage area of the
reach that we are focused on, there are no agriculture activities. Although forested land makes up
a majority of the land use of the area, there are still residential and industrial impacts found in the
watershed. These impacts can be found in the areas near the towns of Arnot and Blossburg. The
town of Blossburg is located in the northwest portion of our reach and creates urban issues in the
form of sewage discharges, increased erosion, and stream channelization and bank cementation.
The point-source impacts from the industrial operations in the Blossburg area also adversely
impact Johnson Creek and its tributaries. There are dozens of point-source discharges along
Johnson Creek that result in higher stream velocity and harmful nutrients and chemicals being
introduced to the aquatic ecosystem. The largest pollution sources in the Johnson Creek
watershed are the abandoned coal mining operations. In our specific reach, a medium sized, strip
mining operation that was poorly reclamated is impacting one of the unnamed tributaries of
Johnson Creek. There are approximately 36 acres of abandoned strip mining areas in the
drainage area.
Currently, there are few recreational opportunities found in the Johnson Creek
Watershed, mainly associated with the poor water quality in the watershed. However, there are
relatively high hunting opportunities found throughout the watershed due to the largely forested
area.
Data Collection
Field Reconnaissance
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Johnson Creek Assessment and Restoration PlanDecember 5, 2014
Field reconnaissance was conducted by all members of the Stream Masters
Environmental Group during the fall of 2014 in the preparation of the assessment.
Approximately two miles of Johnson Creek, as well as the tributaries, were part of the
reconnaissance to determine the current conditions found in the watershed. In the two mile reach
of Johnson Creek and the tributaries, a total of 25 areas of potential pollution were identified, and
seven of those sites were selected for monthly monitoring. Field measurements, which included
pH, conductivity, temperature, and dissolved oxygen were collected at points of interest. GPS
coordinates were also taken and potential discharges were located and flagged. Flow
measurements were also taken at the seven sites that were selected for monthly monitoring.
Historical Data
Historical data was obtained from the PA Department of Environmental Protection. The
data that was received included benthic macroinvertebrate and habitat assessments. The data
shows a high number of tolerant taxa present in Johnson Creek and relatively low diversity. In
the habitat assessments, stream bank erosion and riparian zone width were identified as having
the greatest impact at the assessment points. This data can be found in the appendix under
historical data.
Precipitation During Sampling
Precipitation data was found by accessing climate.psu.edu to give accurate historical data
of precipitation in the Covington area. Since Covington is near Blossburg, this data was found to
be most comparable data to project area. The gauge station that obtained the data is the
Covington 2 WSW station, located at the coordinates N 41.733, W -77.117. There was
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Johnson Creek Assessment and Restoration PlanDecember 5, 2014
unavailable data in several months for snowfall. The gaps in the snowfall data are less
significant than rainfall because it is difficult to quantify the amount of water in snow and how
the amount would impact the water table level as a whole.
Sampling for the assessment occurred through September 1, 2014 to December 1, 2014.
During these three months, an average of 1.75 inches of rain fell and 2.00 inches of snow. For
the year of 2013, the average annual rainfall at this station was 2.50 inches. The annual amount
of snow is 3.28 inches. The daily precipitation in 2013 can be found in Figure 1.
1/2/2
013
1/15/2
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1/28/2
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2/10/2
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2/23/2
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Rainfall Snowfall
Months
Prec
ipita
tion
(in)
Figure 1: 2013 Daily Precipitation in Covington, Pa
This graph shows the amount of precipitation during the calendar of 2013. Snow fell
during the winter months and seceded during the warm weathered periods with the largest
amount deposited in December. Rainfall occurred throughout the year, having lower rates of
rainfall during the months of February, March, and August. The largest amount of rain occurred
during the month of July.
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Johnson Creek Assessment and Restoration PlanDecember 5, 2014
When comparing our sampling period data with the information giving in the year of
2013, it was concluded that our sampling period was slightly drier than the previous year. The
average amount of precipitation for our sample months was 11.26 inches, compared to 11.78
inches of precipitation in 2013.
It was difficult to determine if the amount of precipitation affected the water table or
underground mine pools because during testing the sample streams were at or near baseflow.
Since there were only several days of precipitation that occurred during sampling, this should be
taken into consideration when designing treatment system in the Johnson Creek Watershed. It is
also important to know how the amount of precipitation will affect the chemistry of the
contaminated water and consider the possibilities of change when implementing a treatment site.
The following graphs, Figure 2 and Figure 3, indicate the amount of precipitation the occurred in
the assessment areas. The data is shown on a monthly basis from the year prior to sampling,
September 2, 2013 to November 2, 2014.
9/1/2
013
10/1/2
013
11/1/2
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0140
0.5
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1.5
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4.5
Months
Prec
ipita
tion
(in)
Figure 2: 2014 Rainfall in Covington, PA
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Johnson Creek Assessment and Restoration PlanDecember 5, 2014
9/1/2
013
10/1/2
013
11/1/2
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12/1/2
013
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5
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Months
Prec
ipita
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(in)
Figure 3: 2014 Snowfall in Covington, PA
Sampling Plan
The sites listed in Table 1 are the sites that will be sampled each month, for one year.
Table 1: Monthly Sampling Plan
Monitoring Point Latitude LongitudeBell 1: Bellman Run N 41.66052 W -77.08670UNT 1: Unnamed Trib of Johnson Creek N 41.653749 W -77.06935John 1: Johnson Creek UPS Bellman Run N 41.66094 W -77..08666John 2: Johnson Creek UPS UNT N 41.66460 W -77.08120John 3: Johnson Creek DWS UNT N 41.66774 W -77.07816John 4: Johnson Creek at Tabor Street N 41.67220 W -77.06990John 5: Johnson Creek UPS of Tioga River N 41.67786 W -77.06857
Individual Site Descriptions:
Bell 1: Bellman Run
Located 100 meters upstream of bridge at South Williamson Road.
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Johnson Creek Assessment and Restoration PlanDecember 5, 2014
UNT 1: Unnamed Tributary of Johnson Creek
Located 1 mile upstream of confluence with Johnson Creek.
John 1: Johnson Cree UPS of Bellman Run
Located 100 meters upstream of confluence with Bellman Run.
John 2: Johnson Creek UPS UNT
Located 50 meters upstream of confluence with the unnamed tributary.
John 3: Johnson Creek DWS UNT
Located 300 meters downstream of confluence with the unnamed tributary.
John 4: Johnson Creek at Tabor Street
Located 50 meters upstream of bridge at Taber Street.
John 5: Johnson Creek UPS Tioga River
Located 100 meters upstream of confluence with the Tioga River.
Sampling Methodology
Stream Masters Environmental Group trains all employees and volunteers who
participate in the collection of water samples and flow measurements. Each member is also
trained on how to properly calibrate and use meters, as well as Hach field kits.
The sampling methods that SMEG uses requires all water samples to be taken at the
where the highest flow concentration, ideally in the center of the stream channel, to ensure an
accurate representation of the water chemistry properties, and to avoid backwater and slow
moving areas in the sample site. Samplers were also instructed to take samples as close to the site
or source as possible.
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Johnson Creek Assessment and Restoration PlanDecember 5, 2014
Each member that participated in sampling was instructed on how to properly rinse and
fill bottles. Samplers were taught to minimize contact with the air by quickly submerging the
sample bottle vertically into the stream, turning it at six-tenths (6/10) depth facing upstream, fill
the bottle to the shoulder, cap immediately, put the sample on ice immediately, and take them to
the lab as soon as possible to maintain standard holding times. Members were also instructed on
how to properly label bottles and fill out the required paperwork to maintain a chain of custody.
Water Quality and Flow Measurements
Water samples were analyzed in the field and in the lab to test for specific water quality
parameters. The pH, temperature, dissolved oxygen, conductivity, and flow rate was measured in
the field. The measurements, with the exception of the flow rate, were taken using a Hanna water
meter. Flow measurements were taken using a hand-held flow meter. In the Mansfield University
lab, the parameters that were tested for included iron, manganese, and alkalinity.
Data Analysis
Site Descriptions
The sampling data for each of the seven sites can be found in the following section. This
data was a result from field and lab measurements and results of the water samples collected at
the seven sites during the field reconnaissance.
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Johnson Creek Assessment and Restoration PlanDecember 5, 2014
Bell 1: Bellman Run
The Bell 1 sampling site is located approximately 100 meters upstream of the bridge at
South Williamson Road. The canopy cover over the stream channel is mostly shaded and the
land use is around 90% forested. There is a strong, forested riparian buffer on both banks of the
stream. However, there is some stream bank erosion in the form of undercut banks. Regarding
the substrate, the majority is gravel with some cobble and boulder. Very little silt is present in the
substrate. There was also a healthy macroinvertebrate community visible in the stream reach.
Temp(oC)
pH(SU)
DO(mg/L)
Cond. (umhos/cm)
Iron (mg/L)
Mn (mg/L)
Flow (gpm)
13.70 7.30 7.26 157 0.00 0.00 31.50
UNT 1: Unnamed Tributary of Johnson Creek
The UNT 1 sample site at the unnamed tributary of Johnson Creek and is located around
one mile upstream of the confluence with Johnson Creek. There is a significant amount of
abandoned mine land in the area, with the remainder of the land use being forested. The site is
completely shaded and has a large, completely forested riparian buffer zone. The substrate is
composed of mainly cobble with no silt present. There is also large woody debris in the stream as
well. Visible iron and aluminum precipitate were present. No aquatic macroinvertebrates were
present in the stream.
Temp(oC)
pH(SU)
DO(mg/L)
Cond. (umhos/cm)
Iron (mg/L)
Mn (mg/L) Alkalinity Flow
(gpm)12.00 3.48 6.74 504 1.50 1.2 0.00 5.00
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John 1: Johnson Creek UPS Bellman Run
The John 1 sampling site is located 100 meters upstream of the confluence with Bellman
Run. The stream was mostly shaded and had a good riparian buffer on both banks. Some stream
bank erosion was present. The substrate consisted of mostly gravel with little cobble. Some silt
and sand were present as well. A small macroinvertebrate community was observed mainly
consisting of caddis flies and midges.
Temp(oC)
pH(SU)
DO(mg/L)
Cond. (umhos/cm)
Iron (mg/L)
Mn (mg/L)
Flow (gpm)
12.90 7.07 7.46 141 0.00 0.00 36.60
John 2: Johnson Creek UPS UNT
The John 2 sampling site is located 100 meters upstream of the confluence with the
unnamed tributary. The stream is partly shaded with a 50 percent mix of residential and forested
land use. There is little to no riparian buffer on the south bank due to residential structures along
the stream bank. Severe erosion is present on the south bank and failed erosion control structures
are present as well. The substrate in the sampling location consists of mainly silt and sand, with
some gravel and boulder. Macroinvertebrate communities were present in the sampling location.
Temp(oC)
pH(SU)
DO(mg/L)
Cond. (umhos/cm)
Iron (mg/L)
Mn (mg/L)
Flow (gpm)
12.80 6.65 7.22 202 0.00 0.00 27.80
John 3: Johnson Creek DWS UNT
The John 3 sampling site is located 300 meters downstream of the confluence with
Johnson Creek and the unnamed tributary. The stream is partly shaded and the land use is mainly
residential and forested land. There is a relatively large riparian buffer along the stream bank.
However, severe stream bank erosion exists along both banks in the sample location. The
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Johnson Creek Assessment and Restoration PlanDecember 5, 2014
substrate consists mainly silt, sand, and gravel. Some cobble and boulder were present.
Macroinvertebrate communities were present in the sampling location.
Temp(oC)
pH(SU)
DO(mg/L)
Cond. (umhos/cm)
Iron (mg/L)
Mn (mg/L)
Flow (gpm)
12.70 6.72 7.12 196 0.00 0.00 24.90
John 4: Johnson Creek at Tabor Street
The John 4 sampling site is located 50 meters upstream of the Tabor Street bridge. There
is no canopy cover over the stream and there are marginal riparian zones present on both banks.
The land use in the area is mostly industrial and residential. There are multiple industrial and
storm water discharges in the area as well. Severe stream bank erosion exists downstream of the
Tabor Street bridge. The substrate consists mainly of silt and sand, with small amounts of gravel
and boulder present. Limited macroinvertebrate communities were present in the location.
Temp(oC)
pH(SU)
DO(mg/L)
Cond. (umhos/cm)
Iron (mg/L)
Mn (mg/L)
Flow (gpm)
13.50 6.82 6.76 219 0.00 0.00 31.50
John 5: Johnson Creek UPS of Tioga River
The John 5 sampling site is 100 meters upstream of the mouth at the Tioga River. The
steam is partially shaded and has marginal riparian zones on both banks. Part of the steam bank
has been cemented as well. Several discharges are present in the area. The substrate consists of
mostly silt and sand, with small amounts of gravel, cobble, and boulder. Limited
macroinvertebrate communities were present in the location. Visible aluminum precipitate was
present at the confluence with the Tioga River.
Temp(oC)
pH(SU)
DO(mg/L)
Cond. (umhos/cm)
Iron (mg/L)
Mn (mg/L)
Flow (gpm)
13.10 6.68 7.12 236 0.05 0.00 39.20Restoration and Treatment
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Johnson Creek Assessment and Restoration PlanDecember 5, 2014
The following sections include the proposed restoration projects for the four priority
sites. All designs of each project can be located in the attached, digital documents.
Priority Site 1: UNT 1 - Unnamed Tributary of Johnson Creek
Site Description:
The abandoned mine drainage is a fluctuating discharge that varies with surface runoff
from storm events. The pH is acidic with relatively low levels of iron and manganese. This
discharge has visible iron and aluminum, aluminum being the main contributor to the acidity.
The water chemistry data can be found in the following table.
Temp(oC)
pH(SU)
DO(mg/L)
Cond. (umhos/cm)
Iron (mg/L)
Mn (mg/L) Alkalinity Flow
(gpm)12.00 3.48 6.74 504 1.50 1.2 0.00 8.00
Recommendations:
The design of the passive system of 50 gpm with a pH of 3.48, iron of 1.50 mg/L,
aluminum of 9.00 mg/L, manganese of 1.20 mg/L, alkalinity of 0.00 mg/L, and an acidity of
71.54 mg/L. The treatment train will consist of a vertical flow wetland approximately 162 ft by
93 ft at the top of the freeboard. The vertical flow wetland will consist of 3 feet of limestone, 2
feet of organic material, 3 feet of water on top, and a piping system at the bottom to remove
aluminum by flushing the system. This will be followed by a settling basin, a limestone bed, and
finally a polishing aerobic wetland approximately 131 ft by 68 ft at the top of the freeboard.
The estimated cost of constructing the treatment train is $101,000 and the cost of
permitting and conceptual design at $35,000. The overall design and construction cost of this
treatment site would be $136,000.
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Priority Site 2: John 2 - Johnson Creek UPS UNT
Site Description:
Reduced stream bank stability of the south bank due to limited riparian buffer zones has
resulted in bank erosion. The most severe area of erosion is approximately 250 feet long and is a
due to residential areas being close to the eroding bank.
Temp(oC)
pH(SU)
DO(mg/L)
Cond. (umhos/cm)
Iron (mg/L)
Mn (mg/L)
Flow (gpm)
12.80 6.65 7.22 202 0.00 0.00 27.80
Recommendations:
The design and construction of a brush mattress bank stabilization technique to protect
the eroding bank is recommended. The brush mattress will also help to capture sediment, restore
the marginal riparian vegetation, and allow for the colonization of the bank by native plants.
First, the 250 ft section will be graded and an 8 to 12 inch deep trench will be constructed
below the water line to the plane of the slope face. Brush will be then put in the trench
perpendicular to the baseline. The brush will be 6 to 9 ft cuttings that will be 4 inches thick when
compressed. This will then be anchored by placing riprap rock on top of the brush. For the bank,
stakes will be placed 3 feet apart on the bank and will be tied together with 16 gauge wire. The
stakes will be no more than 4 inches above the surface and approximately 3 feet in length.
Branches and soil will be used to fill the spaces between the stakes. A live fascine bundle will be
placed after the first live stake. The overall area of this project is 4,000 square feet with an
estimated project cost of $9,275.
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Priority Site 3: John 3 - Johnson Creek DWS UNT
Site Description:
The stream banks of this section of Johnson Creek are eroding due to limited riparian
zones and concentrated flows on sections of the bank. The bank erosion is approximately 200
feet long and the north bank of the stream is experiencing the erosion.
Temp(oC)
pH(SU)
DO(mg/L)
Cond. (umhos/cm)
Iron (mg/L)
Mn (mg/L)
Flow (gpm)
12.70 6.72 7.12 196 0.00 0.00 24.90
Recommendations:
To remediate this erosion, a combination of a soil terrace and biologs will be used to
reduce the erosion and stabilize the stream banks. First, trees and vegetation will be removed to
allow for the stream to be graded to a favorable slope. 60 feet of biologs will be installed along
the first 60 feet of the graded bank to prevent erosion along the channel bottom. A riparian cover
will be planted using native plants to increase the stability of the banks in combination with the
biologs. For the soil terrace, the project will encompass 150 feet of the eroding bank directly
after the biologs. First, a layer of riprap stone will be placed in the bottom layer to protect the toe
of the slope. Soil terraces will then be compacted and covered by a heavy jute blanket. A 2”X12”
board will be used to from the face of the terraces. To establish vegetation, layers of brush will
be placed between the soil layers to increase stability. The soil will then be fastened by wood
stakes. The cost of the biologs will be $1,200 and the soil terrace will be $4,500. The total cost of
the bank stabilization project will be $5,700.
Priority Site 4: John 4 - Johnson Creek at Tabor Street
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Johnson Creek Assessment and Restoration PlanDecember 5, 2014
Site Description:
The eroding stream banks of this section of Johnson Creek south of the Tabor Street
bridge is a result of marginal riparian vegetation from industrial activities in the vicinity of the
site. The most severe erosion is approximately 475 feet in length on the eastern bank of the
stream.
Temp(oC)
pH(SU)
DO(mg/L)
Cond. (umhos/cm)
Iron (mg/L)
Mn (mg/L)
Flow (gpm)
13.50 6.82 6.76 219 0.00 0.00 31.50
Recommendations:
To restore the stability of the impacted stream bank, soil terracing will be constructed on
the 475 ft section impacted by the erosion. First, vegetation will be removed and the bank will be
graded to an ideal slope. Then, a layer of riprap stone will be placed in the bottom layer to
protect the toe of the slope. Soil terraces will then be compacted and covered by a heavy jute
blanket. A 2”X12” board will be used to from the face of the terraces. To establish vegetation,
layers of brush will be placed between the soil layers to increase stability. The soil will then be
fastened by wood stakes. Native plants will then be planted to further stabilize the bank and
increase the riparian zone width and habitat. The overall design and construction cost of this
project will be $14,250.
Project Summary
Priority Site Name Solution Cost
1 UNT 1 Passive Treatment System $136,000.00
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Johnson Creek Assessment and Restoration PlanDecember 5, 2014
2 John 2 Brush Mattress $9,275.003 John 3 Biologs/Soil Terrace $5,700.004 John 4 Soil Terrace $14,250.00
Total Cost $165,225.00
Appendix
Historical Data
The following includes the benthic macroinvertebrate data conducted on Johnson Creek
by the PA Department of Environmental Protection.
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Johnson Creek Assessment and Restoration PlanDecember 5, 2014
Stream Station ID Taxa Name Abundance Code Latitude Longitude
19990810-0930-JLR Hydropsychidae P 41.6605012 -77.08671619990810-0930-JLR Tipulidae R 41.6605012 -77.08671619990810-0930-JLR Chironomidae(other) P 41.6605012 -77.08671619990810-0930-JLR Philopotamidae P 41.6605012 -77.08671619990810-0930-JLR Glossosomatidae P 41.6605012 -77.08671619990810-0930-JLR Nigronia R 41.6605012 -77.08671619990810-0930-JLR Perlidae P 41.6605012 -77.08671619990810-0930-JLR Chloroperlidae R 41.6605012 -77.08671619990810-0930-JLR Isonychiidae P 41.6605012 -77.08671619990810-0930-JLR Baetidae P 41.6605012 -77.08671619990810-0930-JLR Cambaridae R 41.6605012 -77.08671619990810-0930-JLR Pteronarcyidae P 41.6605012 -77.08671619990810-0930-JLR Athericidae R 41.6605012 -77.086716
Stream Station ID Taxa Name Abundance Code Latitude Longitude
20000619-1000-JLR Leuctridae C 41.6628069 -77.116400920000619-1000-JLR Chironomidae(other) P 41.6628069 -77.116400920000619-1000-JLR Polycentropodidae R 41.6628069 -77.116400920000619-1000-JLR Hydropsychidae R 41.6628069 -77.116400920000619-1000-JLR Nemouridae P 41.6628069 -77.116400920000619-1000-JLR Heptageniidae R 41.6628069 -77.116400920000619-1000-JLR Sialidae R 41.6628069 -77.1164009
Stream Station ID Taxa Name Abundance Code Latitude Longitude
20000619-1045-JLR Sialidae R 41.6621537 -77.121846220000619-1045-JLR Annelida R 41.6621537 -77.121846220000619-1045-JLR Rhyacophilidae P 41.6621537 -77.1218462
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Johnson Creek Assessment and Restoration PlanDecember 5, 2014
20000619-1045-JLR Chironomidae(other) C 41.6621537 -77.121846220000619-1045-JLR Polycentropodidae P 41.6621537 -77.121846220000619-1045-JLR Lepidostomatidae R 41.6621537 -77.121846220000619-1045-JLR Nemouridae C 41.6621537 -77.121846220000619-1045-JLR Leuctridae A 41.6621537 -77.121846220000619-1045-JLR Heptageniidae R 41.6621537 -77.121846220000619-1045-JLR Cambaridae P 41.6621537 -77.121846220000619-1045-JLR Dytiscidae R 41.6621537 -77.121846220000619-1045-JLR Ephemerellidae R 41.6621537 -77.1218462
23
Stream Station ID Taxa Name Abundance Code Latitude Longitude
20000619-1410-JLR Sialidae R 41.6643165 -77.080103620000619-1410-JLR Chironomidae (red) R 41.6643165 -77.080103620000619-1410-JLR Chironomidae(other) P 41.6643165 -77.0801036
Stream Station ID Taxa Name Abundance Code Latitude Longitude
20000619-1440-JLR Chironomidae (red) R 41.6691377 -77.076521820000619-1440-JLR Rhyacophilidae P 41.6691377 -77.076521820000619-1440-JLR Chironomidae(other) C 41.6691377 -77.076521820000619-1440-JLR Tipulidae R 41.6691377 -77.076521820000619-1440-JLR Perlidae P 41.6691377 -77.076521820000619-1440-JLR Nemouridae C 41.6691377 -77.076521820000619-1440-JLR Leuctridae P 41.6691377 -77.076521820000619-1440-JLR Heptageniidae P 41.6691377 -77.076521820000619-1440-JLR Simuliidae R 41.6691377 -77.076521820000619-1440-JLR Leptoceridae R 41.6691377 -77.0765218
Stream Station ID Taxa Name Abundance Code Latitude Longitude
20000619-1245-JLR Glossosomatidae P 41.6410046 -77.098335620000619-1245-JLR Hydropsychidae P 41.6410046 -77.098335620000619-1245-JLR Leptoceridae R 41.6410046 -77.098335620000619-1245-JLR Limnephilidae R 41.6410046 -77.098335620000619-1245-JLR Philopotamidae P 41.6410046 -77.098335620000619-1245-JLR Polycentropodidae R 41.6410046 -77.098335620000619-1245-JLR Elmidae R 41.6410046 -77.098335620000619-1245-JLR Tipulidae R 41.6410046 -77.098335620000619-1245-JLR Chironomidae(other) P 41.6410046 -77.098335620000619-1245-JLR Rhyacophilidae P 41.6410046 -77.098335620000619-1245-JLR Ephemerellidae C 41.6410046 -77.098335620000619-1245-JLR Pteronarcyidae C 41.6410046 -77.098335620000619-1245-JLR Baetidae P 41.6410046 -77.098335620000619-1245-JLR Heptageniidae C 41.6410046 -77.098335620000619-1245-JLR Leptophlebiidae A 41.6410046 -77.098335620000619-1245-JLR Gomphidae P 41.6410046 -77.098335620000619-1245-JLR Chloroperlidae C 41.6410046 -77.098335620000619-1245-JLR Leuctridae C 41.6410046 -77.098335620000619-1245-JLR Peltoperlidae R 41.6410046 -77.098335620000619-1245-JLR Perlidae C 41.6410046 -77.098335620000619-1245-JLR Ameletidae P 41.6410046 -77.0983356
Stream Station ID Taxa Name Abundance Code Latitude Longitude
20000619-1130-JLR Nigronia R 41.6597134 -77.09392420000619-1130-JLR Hydropsychidae P 41.6597134 -77.09392420000619-1130-JLR Elmidae R 41.6597134 -77.09392420000619-1130-JLR Aeshnidae R 41.6597134 -77.09392420000619-1130-JLR Cambaridae R 41.6597134 -77.09392420000619-1130-JLR Leuctridae R 41.6597134 -77.093924
Stream Station ID Taxa Name Abundance Code Latitude Longitude
20080509-1230-jryder Acerpenna 5 41.66025 -77.087820080509-1230-jryder Baetis 30 41.66025 -77.087820080509-1230-jryder Epeorus 24 41.66025 -77.087820080509-1230-jryder Leucrocuta 1 41.66025 -77.087820080509-1230-jryder Stenacron 1 41.66025 -77.087820080509-1230-jryder Cinygmula 11 41.66025 -77.087820080509-1230-jryder Habrophlebiodes 1 41.66025 -77.087820080509-1230-jryder Paraleptophlebia 14 41.66025 -77.087820080509-1230-jryder Pteronarcys 5 41.66025 -77.087820080509-1230-jryder Amphinemura 13 41.66025 -77.087820080509-1230-jryder Leuctra 9 41.66025 -77.087820080509-1230-jryder Acroneuria 5 41.66025 -77.087820080509-1230-jryder Isoperla 1 41.66025 -77.087820080509-1230-jryder Sweltsa 14 41.66025 -77.087820080509-1230-jryder Wormaldia 1 41.66025 -77.087820080509-1230-jryder Neureclipsis 1 41.66025 -77.087820080509-1230-jryder Polycentropus 1 41.66025 -77.087820080509-1230-jryder Diplectrona 4 41.66025 -77.087820080509-1230-jryder Ceratopsyche 3 41.66025 -77.087820080509-1230-jryder Neophylax 1 41.66025 -77.087820080509-1230-jryder Oulimnius 18 41.66025 -77.087820080509-1230-jryder Chelifera 1 41.66025 -77.087820080509-1230-jryder Dicranota 1 41.66025 -77.087820080509-1230-jryder Hexatoma 1 41.66025 -77.087820080509-1230-jryder Prosimulium 1 41.66025 -77.087820080509-1230-jryder Chironomidae 63 41.66025 -77.0878
Johnson Creek Assessment and Restoration PlanDecember 5, 2014
24