spring 2007 hamilton county soil and water conservation district

8/8/2019 Spring 2007 Hamilton County Soil and Water Conservation District

http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/spring-2007-hamilton-county-soil-and-water-conservation-district 1/6

Spring2007

Hamilton County Soil & Water Conservation District29 Triangle Park Drive, Suite 2901, Cincinnati, Ohio 45246-3411

Phone: 513-772-7645 Editor: Holly Utrata-HalcombFax: 513-772-7656 Layout: Barbara Connole

Website: www.hcswcd.org

Butts, Butts Everywhere & Not AnAshtray In Site

By: Holly Utrata-Halcomb, District Administrator

Now that the prohibition on cigarette smoking is in fullswing, interpretations abound. Whether you are rejoicingover the ban or shocked and ready to revolt, I believe we canall agree on one thing – bring back some of the ashtrays !!

I have noticed a proliferation of cigarette butts wherever Igo. The law requires that ash receptacles be placed at least 25feet from the entrance; however, in my office park and most

businesses I frequent, they have removed all of the ash trays, period. This has resulted in piles of butts outside cars and acollection of butts where the ashtrays used to be. Seems thesmokers either haven’t noticed that the containers have beenremoved and they are creatures of habit, or this is their

passive aggressive protest to the ban on smoking.

Where will all these butts go? They will most likely end upin our waterways. It takes a minimum of 10 years for acigarette filter to decompose. This does not bode well for our streams or their inhabitants. One research report states that18 percent of all litter dropped to the ground is washed intostreams, rivers, lakes and the ocean by storm water runoff. The Ocean Conservancy's annual InternationalCoastal Cleanup (ICC) addresses the most littered items by

publishing a "Top 10 List." Cigarette litter was at the top of the list after the 2003 cleanup, outstripping the next item onthe list by three to one.

Cigarette butts are little and lightweight —they are easilycarried by runoff into our waterways. Birds may use them for nesting and even think it's food? One major concern I have isthe potential for fire during the dry summer months. Allmulch is flammable, however, pine needle mulch is

becoming very popular as a mulch – we know how fast a dryChristmas tree burns.Here are some suggestions Keep America Beautiful has for this growing problem.

Are you a smoker? Please use ashtrays, pocket ashtraysand ash receptacles when you are outside. Before you beginto smoke outside, look for the receptacle you'll use when youfinish smoking. Do NOT throw butts in storm drains. Whileyou may think it keeps them from causing a fire, cigarettelitter will pollute our waterways! If you use your car's ash-tray for coins and keys or if your car doesn’t have an ashtray,

please use a portable ashtray that fits in your car’s cup holder anddo NOT throw butts out car windows. This creates litter on thestreets; recent wildfires in our country have been directly attrib-uted to littered cigarette butts. Keep Cincinnati Beautiful will

provide you with a free pocket ash tray. Give them a call at513-352-4380 or go to their web site atwww.keepcincinnatibeautiful.org to request one today.

Do you own or manage abusiness? Please provide employ-ees and visitors with ash recepta-

cles at transition points. These points are the places smokers needto discard their cigarettes beforeentering your business. Onceinstalled, these ash receptaclesneed to be monitored andmaintained regularly.

Are you a city manager/mayor, director of public works or abuilding manager for a city or county-managed facility? Please consider increasing the number of ash receptacles aroundthe community. Look at the transition points for residents whosmoke like bus stops, parking lots, and business or municipal

buildings. Photo above from www.kab.org

Woodland Management Seminar a Success

A Woodland Management Seminar for landowners was held atSharon Woods Centre on March 3, 2007. Over 50 participantsattended this seminar sponsored by Hamilton, Butler, ClermontSoil & Water Conservation Districts, the Natural ResourcesConservation Service, Ohio Department of Natural ResourcesDivisions of Forestry and Wildlife and Hamilton County Park District.

If you were unable to attend this session and would likeinformation on:*Woodland Owner Liability Statues in Ohio* Ohio Forest Property Tax Laws*A directory of local agencies available to provide assistance

to woodland owners*The Emerald Ash Borer

Contact our office at 772-7645. We can mail you any of thesehandouts from the seminar.



2

2007 Free Hazardous Waste Collection Program Opens March 17 th Submitted by Michelle Balz, Program Specialist, Hamilton County Solid Waste Management District

The typical home has between 60 and 100 pounds of hazardous products stored in the basement, garage, or under thesink. These products can be dangerous to throw away in the regular trash and can pollute waterways when dumpeddown the drain. The Hamilton County Solid Waste Management District has a free program to help residents properlydispose of hazardous waste. The free Household Hazardous Waste Collection Program begins March 17 and runsthrough October 27 at two locations.

Central Drop Off Northern Drop Off 4650 Spring Grove Ave 10163 Cincinnati-Dayton Rd.Tuesdays 2:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. Wednesdays 2:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.Thursdays 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.Saturdays 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

The District will accept the following items: paint, pesticides, fertilizers, solvents/thinners, lawn or pool chemicals, clean-ers, batteries, prescription drugs, fire extinguishers, propane tanks, mercury, florescent bulbs, driveway sealer, gasoline,antifreeze, motor oil and thermostats.

There are a few items that will not be accepted by the program. Those items include: radioactive materials, medicalwaste, explosives/ammunition, gun powder, heating oil tanks, tires, yardwaste, smoke alarms, garbage, roofing materi-

als, appliances, computers/electronics and fuel tanks. Federal law does prohibit the District from accepting hazardouswaste from businesses, churches, schools and non-profit organizations.

This program is for Hamilton County residents only! Be prepared to show proof of residency, such as a driver’s license or utility bill when you drop-off your materials. Upon arrival at the collection site, please remain in your car at all times. If you have any questions, please call the Household Hazardous Waste Hotline at 946-7700 or visitwww.hamiltoncountyrecycles.org.

Cincinnati Flower Show!

Stop by the Hamilton County Storm WaterDistrict’s co-sponsored Cincinnati Flower Show RainGarden Display in the Grand Marqué at Coney IslandApril 20-29, 2007, and then attend additional workshopsMay 9 and May 10, 2007.

Rain Garden Workshop & TrainingMill Race Banquet Center at Winton Woods1515 West Sharon Road; Cincinnati, Ohio

and then attend

Introduction to Rain Gardens: $25.00Residential, Municipal and Commercial ApplicationsWednesday, May 9th 8:30 am-12:00 pm

An introductory workshop about Rain Gardens and their ability to address storm water quantity and quality issues – and to beautify our neighborhoods. Who Should Attend:Everyone who would like to learn more about rain gardens.

Rain Garden Site Tour: $10.00Wednesday, May 9th 1:30 pm-5:00 pmThe site visits will demonstrate principles of planning,design, construction, plant selection and maintenance.Transportation provided (dress for the great outdoors!).Board bus 1:15 p.m.

Advanced Design for Infiltration Practices:$200.00Thursday, May 10th 8:30 am-4:30 pmFor more information call : (513)563-8800 - or email:[email protected]

Deadline to register; April 27, 2007——————————————————————————

Congratulations to Denny!

The board of supervisors and staff welcome Denny Benson to our District asthe newly elected supervisor. He joined us1/1/07.Denny is a site development contractor for Broshear Contractors. Congratulations andwelcome Denny!

Baby News for the District!

District Technician, Chey Alberto and his wife Lora have a newaddition to their family. A baby girl, Francesca was born 1/19/07Congratulations! They now have three girls.



3

Urban News by Dan Taphorn, Urban Conservationist & Chey Alberto, Technician

Pond ClinicsThe Hamilton and Butler County Soil and Water Conservation Districts in cooperation with the Hamilton County ParkDistrict and the Hamilton Chapter of the Izaak Walton League are sponsoring two Pond Clinics this year. The first clinicwill be on Wednesday, April 4, 2007, at the Izaak Walton League Facility on 450 Beissinger Road in Hamilton, Ohio

45013. The second clinic will be on Wednesday, June 6, 2007, at Winton Centre on 10245

Winton Road, Cincinnati, Ohio 45231. Both clinics will be held from 6:30 to 9:00 p.m. Experts willbe on hand to discuss and answer questions about pond construction, fish stocking, aquatic weedcontrol, pond aeration and dry hydrants. People with pond, fish and weed problems that need helpin identifying the weeds are encouraged to come early and bring samples.

If you come early to the Pond Clinic June 6th at Winton Woods, rental boat rides and fishing areavailable on designated areas on Winton Woods Lake. A valid State of Ohio fishing license is

required. Also at Winton Woods you need a parking sticker to park - $2.00/day or $5.00/yr. Door prizes will be given outas well as informational handouts that will be available for the attendees to take home. Both clinics are open to the publicand are free of charge.

For additional information or directions to both events, call the Hamilton County SWCD office at (513) 772-7645 or theButler County SWCD office at (513) 887-3720. Hope to see you there!

_________________________________________

5 th SW Ohio Erosion and Sediment Control Field DayThe 5 th Annual Southwest Ohio Erosion and Sediment Control Field Day will be held at the Warren County Career Center on Tuesday, June 12, 2007, from 7:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. The Field Day is developed by employees of Butler,Hamilton and Warren County Soil and Water Conservation Districts in partnership with the Warren County Career Center and various sponsors as a means to educate the construction community, local government officials and other NPDESPhase II stakeholders about compliance with construction site non-point sourcepollution regulations. The Career Center is located at 3525 N. State Route 48 inLebanon, Ohio.

This year’s Field Day, is titled “Bringing Erosion Controls Down to the Lot Level”

and will focus on the homebuilders’ erosion and sediment control responsibilities.In addition to field expert speakers and product demonstrations, a “mock” subdi-vision of approximately 5-6 lots undergoing active earthmoving will be displayedto illustrate how individual lot erosion and sediment controls should be imple-mented in the field. The Home Builders Association of Greater Cincinnati and theOhio Valley Development Council are strongly encouraging their members toattend this event.

The cost for the 5 th Annual Field Day is $40/attendee and covers lunch and educational materials. Several levels of sponsorships are available for those wishing to donate or exhibit to the event. Inquiries regarding registration, donations,event schedule, etc. can be made to Marsha at Warren County SWCD (513-695-1861). Questions can also be directedto Chey Alberto or Nate Sturm at Hamilton County SWCD (513-772-7645)

New Edition of the Rainwater & Land Development Manual!

The 2006 Edition of the Rainwater and Land Development Manual is available for download from the OhioDepartment of Natural Resources web site- http://www.dnr.state.oh.us/soilandwater/Rainwater.htm

The District is requesting that all design engineers download this manual and update their standards andspecifications to reflect these changes. All erosion prevention and sediment controls plan submittals shallreflect the new specifications.



4

Education Corner by Gwen Roth, Education Specialist

Celebrate Arbor Day!Arbor Day is Friday, April 27! What can you do to celebrate?

Plant a tree.Care for a tree.Get involved with your community tree committee.Get your friends to help you plant and care for trees.Offer to water a newly planted tree at your school over the summer months.Contact the SWCD office for more great ideas.

This year the District will celebrate Arbor Day at Dater Montessori School by providing a program andplanting a tree. The Jeffrey Allen Landscape Company is donating a tree and helping plant the tree asthey have done in past years. If you would like to learn more about this program call Gwen Roth.

Poster Contest

The Hamilton County Soil and Water Conservation District will onceagain be sponsoring a Poster Contest. The theme is Conservation’sPower . Topics include solar, wind, alternative fuel sources; renew-able and non-renewable resources and conservation at home. For more information about the topic, go tohttp://nacdnet.org/outreach/awards/poster.htm Here are the rules:

Posters must measure between 8 ½”X11” and 22”X28”Crayons, watercolors, markers or other methods of writing, printing or

drawing may be used to create a flat or 2 dimensional effect. Printsor pictures of commercial origin are not permitted.

Posters must have the title Conservation’s Power incorporated somewhere into the artwork.Posters must be delivered to the Soil and Water Conservation District office by May 1, 2007(4:00 p.m.).Please write student’s name, age, grade level, home address and phone number on the back of

each poster. Also include school name, address and phone number and teacher’s name.Please only submit 5 posters per sponsoring teacher.Posters will be judged in the following categories: K-2, 3-5, 6-8, 9-12, based on the conservation

message (50%), visual effectiveness (30%), originality (10%) and universal appeal (10%).The winning artist in each grade level category will receive $25.00, the supporting teacher will

also receive a $25.00 gift certificate to Half Price Books.All county 1 st and 2 nd place posters will be entered into the area competition with the 1 st and 2 nd

place winners going to the state competition.All posters will become the property of the Hamilton County Soil and Water Conservation District

and cannot be returned.Any questions, please contact Gwen at [email protected] or 772-7645. Get those artsupplies ready to go and show conservation’s power !



5

An Exciting New Curriculum…

The Soil and Water Conservation District has developed a curriculum designed specificallyfor Hamilton County focusing on storm water issues – it includes activities illustrating pointand non point sources of pollution and local water quality issues. The curriculum is dividedinto 6 sections and each section is divided among four grade levels (K-2, 3-5, 6-8, 9-12).All activities have been correlated to the new state science standards and have been re-viewed and tested by local teachers.

Be the first to get a copy of this new curriculum!! If you are interested in attending or hosting a 2½ hour workshop to receive this curriculum, please contact Gwen at772-7645 x14 or [email protected] .

2007 Splash “Connections” Teacher Training Workshops

Looking for fun, creative, hands-on science activities that are already correlated to Ohio’s Academic Content Standards.Greenacres Foundation, Hamilton County Soil and Water Conservation District, the Hamilton County Storm Water District and the University of Cincinnati Center for Economic Education are offering separate day-long workshops:

Tues 6/17/07: Water, Weather, Wildlife, & Food chains (gr. 3-5)Wed 6/18/07: Diversity, Weather, Earth Systems & Change (gr. 6-8)Thurs 6/19.07: Human Impacts, Data Interpretation, Maps & Technology (gr. 9-12)Fri 6/20/07: Monitoring Streams, Ponds, Lakes & Wetlands (gr. 3-12)

All workshops will be held at Greenacres Old Church from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Each one-day workshop is free toHamilton County Teachers and cost $10 for all others. Registration includesresource materials, activity supplies and snacks. Reduced price UC Graduate Credit is available for $185 per hour.Contact Anne Lyon at (513) 891-4227 or [email protected] or Gwen Roth at (513) 772-7645 or [email protected] for more information.

Free Classroom programs!!Spaces are still available for this school year!!! The Hamilton County Soil and Water Conservation District offers FREEclassroom programs on many conservation topics, including watersheds, groundwater, water cycle, soil formation,erosion and worms. For more information about our programs, go to http://www.hcswcd.org/services/educate/default.asp . To schedule a program, please contact Gwen Roth at 772-7645 or [email protected] .

Richard Louv is Returning!

Many of you purchased tickets to hear RichardLouv, Author of Last Child in the Woods:Saving Our Children from Nature Deficit

Disorder , speak on February 6, 2007. Well,Mother Nature had different plans. As youknow, the lecture and resource fair had to bepostponed due to a snow storm. Richard hasagreed to return to Cincinnati as soon aspossible and we are currently working with himto find a date that will work. Please go towww.LNCIgc.org for more information.

It’s Time To Spring Into Action For Water Quality

by Kari Klug, Water Quality Coordinator

Would you like to do your part and help prevent pollutionfrom endangering our waterways? Storm drain labelingevents are part of public education efforts to address theissue of non-point source pollution, which occurs frompeople’s everyday activities on the land. These sourcesinclude fertilizers, pesticides, animal wastes, motor oiland soil erosion. The labels remind people thatpollutants flush down the storm drains and flow directlyinto a nearby waterway. If you are a concerned scout,student, or would like to gather citizens from your owncommunity, contact Kari Klug at (513) 772-7645. Theevents start in the spring and last into the fall season.



6

Board of SupervisorsSteve Sandfort, ChairmanDave Dyke, Vice-ChairmanJoe Allen, SecretaryThomas W. Reininger, Treasurer Denny Benson, Program Chairman

District Staff Holly Utrata-Halcomb, Administrator

Barbara Connole, Adm. AssistantDan Taphorn, Urban ConservationistChey Alberto, Urban Technician

Nate Sturm, Urban TechnicianGwen Roth, Education SpecialistBrian Bohl, Stream SpecialistKari Klug, Water Quality Coordinator Mohammad Islam, Geotechnical Eng.Willie Potter, Design Technician

NRCSJohn Williams, D.C.Jeff Barnes, Soil Conservationist

Mission Statement:A public organization committed to assisting the citizens of Hamilton Co. through education, technical assistance and leadership to be stewards of our soil and water resources.

All District programs are offered on a nondiscriminatory basis without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, marital status or handicap. _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

N o n - P r o f i t O r g a n i z a t i o n U . S . P o s t a g e P A I D

P e r m i t N o . 3 5 5 6 C i n c i n n a t i , O H

H a m i l t o n C o u n t y S o i l a n d W a t e r C o n s e r v a t i o n D i s t r i c t 2 9 T r i a n g l e P a r k D r i v e , S u i t e 2 9 0 1

C i n c i n n a t i , O h i o 4 5 2 4 6 - 3 4 1 1

Upcoming Events………

April 4, 2007 - Pond Clinic, Hamilton Chapter of the Izaak Walton League. 6:30 to9:00 p.m. Call Butler SWCD for more information 513-887-3720. See article.

April 21, 2007 - Earth Day, Sawyer Point. For more information call Pati Schultz513-569-7966.

April 27, 2007 - Arbor Day. More information will follow on the District’scelebration.

April 21 thru 29, 2007 - Flower Show at Coney Island. Contact Gwen Roth at theDistrict for more information 513-772-7645. COME SEE OUR RAIN GARDENin the Grand Marque!

May 1, 2007 - Envirothon. Green SWCD. Call Gwen for more information.

June 12, 2007 - Pond Clinic. Winton Woods. 6:30 to 9:00 p.m. Call HamiltonSWCD for more information 513-772-7645. See article.

spring 2007 hamilton county soil and water conservation district

Documents