summer 2005 voice of the mill creek newsletter, mill creek watershed council

8/9/2019 Summer 2005 Voice of the Mill Creek Newsletter, Mill Creek Watershed Council

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Summer 2005 TENTH YEAR

Published by:Mill Creek

Watershed Councilof Communities

Serving:

Amberley Village

Arlington Heights

Blue Ash

Butler County

Cincinnati

Colerain Township

Elmwood Place

Evendale

Fairfield

Fairfield Township

Forest Park

Glendale

Golf Manor

Green Township

Greenhills

Hamilton

Hamilton County

Hamilton CountyStorm Water

District

Liberty Township

Lincoln Heights

Lockland

Montgomery

Mount Healthy

Millcreek ValleyConservancy District

North College Hill

Norwood

Reading

St. Bernard

Sharonville

Springdale

Springfield Township

Sycamore Township

West ChesterTownship

Woodlawn

Wyoming

Voice of the Mill Creek

Dissolution planning underway at

conservancy districtFacing declining cash reserves, dwin-dling options for funding the localshare of the Mill Creek flood damagereduction project, and a lengthy landdivestment process, the Millcreek Val-ley Conservancy District (MVCD) Boardof Directors, at its June meeting, di-rected the MVCD staff to develop a

dissolution plan.

In an update on the flood project tothe Mill Creek Watershed Council ofCommunities at its July 28th meeting,Mr. Tom Kirkwood, MVCD legal coun-sel, stated that while dissolution wasnot a done deal, he expected theDistrict to go out of business. Mr.Kirkwood provided additional detailsregarding this decision. In particular,MVCD Board member Mr. Jim Wuenker

asked District staff whether the $144

million in local share was available toallow the Army Corps design and im-plementation phase of the Mill Creekflood project to move forward. Theresponse was that to date no one hadcome forward with the needed localmatch. Based on that, the Board de-cided to begin planning for its dissolu-

tion.Three alternatives are being investi-gated by the District:

Put MVCD on artificial life sup-port and retain the existing ArmyCorps agreements. This plan wouldneed approval by the Corps andcompleted sections would still re-quire maintenance.

Convey the MVCD real estate, in

(Continued on page 2)

Capture the Creek 2005 tickets on sale now! (See page 3)

Public-Private Partnership Aids Mill Creek Project

This floodplain property along Mill Creek atRialto Road is the proposed site of a stream-side wetland. OKI photo

The public and private sectors arejoining forces on a $970,000 projectto protect and restore Mill Creek wa-terways in West Chester Township.

Local officials say the project demon-strates how public agencies and pri-vate developers can work together towin a major grant for better localstreams and water quality. Nearly$500,000 in federal monies will beprovided.

The Village at the Streets of WestChester has pledged $250,000 worth


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PAGE 2M I L L C R E E K W A T E R S H E D C O U N C I LS U M M E R 2 0 0 5


large chunks, to the jurisdictions they are lo-cated in. For example, property in Cincinnaticity limits could go to a city agency. This al-ternative has possibilities and the Army Corpshas indicated this may be feasible but wouldrequire someone in place to maintain the con-structed portions.

Find a single regional entity to take over allproperties. There is precedence in Ohio forconservancy districts being added to other en-tities. This would be a substantial commit-ment for the new organization.

To complete the dissolution planning process be-

fore MVCD funds run out, the following timelinehas been established:

(Continued from page 1) In mid-September the developed plan will bepresented to the MVCD Board of Directors.

Shortly thereafter, the plan will be presented

to the Mill Creek Watershed Council of Com-munities and the local communities to attemptto gain consensus support.

In November or December the District wouldmove to officially dissolve. The dissolutionplan would be then presented to the Conser-vancy Court and those who have interest in theplan.

The approved plan would be implemented andthe property conveyed by April 2006.

Call Mr. Robert Jansen (513.721.8173) for moreinformation about MVCD plans.

The announcement by the Millcreek Valley Conser-vancy District that dissolution was a strong possi-bility caught many by surprise. This past winterand spring, the District had been working with theMill Creek Watershed Council of Communities(MCWCC), local communities and other key stake-

holders to gain support for the project and toidentify potential mechanisms for funding the lo-cal match to the proposed Army Corps of Engi-neers flood damage reduction project.

After learning of the proposed dissolution, localfocus turned to finding the means to retain MVCDagreements with the Corps that authorize the cur-rent flood project and provide for 100% federal

Local reaction to conservancy

district announcement

funding for construction of the final project.Some of these options were discussed at the July28th MCWCC meeting.

One idea that emerged is the creation of askeleton district, consisting of board membersonly, that would meet state requirements for op-eration of conservancy districts and Army Corpsrequirements for retaining existing agreements.

Should this approach prove viable, sources offunding for liability insurance and ongoing opera-tion and maintenance for the completed portionsof the project would need to be secured.

In recognition of the possibility that the Districtwill dissolve, MCWCC will start working with com-munities impacted by flooding to identify alterna-tive means to reduce flood damage.

Representatives from the Mill Creek WatershedCouncil of Communities and the Upper Mill Creek(UMC) basin met with Ohio EPA and Ohio DNR inDayton, Ohio on September 2nd to agree on finalrevisions to the UMC watershed action plan.

A state review team had generated a short list ofcomments after examining the revised plan sub-mitted this spring. Most of these comments re-

Headwaters action plan movingtowards endorsement

lated to fine tuning plan goals, estimating resultsfrom proposed actions, or measuring the effec-

tiveness of these actions once implemented.Once the revisions have been incorporated, theplan will receive endorsement by the state. Thisendorsement increases the likelihood of receivingstate funds for water quality projects.

Copies of the endorsed plan will be availablethrough the Council office. For additional infor-mation call Nancy Ellwood at 513.563.8800.


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Its time for the third biannual Capture the Creek event to benefit the

Mill Creek Watershed Council of Communities.

Silent Auction

Including an original Mill Creek painting by artist Paul Zentgraf, sportingevent tickets, dinner at local restaurants, and much more...

Enjoy an Old-Fashioned Barbeque DinnerYour choice of meats, sides and dessert

and beverages - including beer and wine

Learn about the Mill Creek: Past, Present & FutureDr. Stan Hedeen, Xavier University Professor and Mill Creek Author, will give

a fascinating presentation on the history of the Mill Creek.

Fun Games and Contests

Test your luck and skills

The 2005 Planning Committee invite you to join us forour annual fundraiser

Capture the Creek 2005Saturday, October 8, 20056:00-9:00 pm

Forest Park Senior Center

(Corner of Winton & Kemper Roads)

For more event information or to donate items, visit www.capturethecreek.com

Yes, I would like to attend the October 8, 2005, Capture the Creek Fundraiser

State/Zip Code

Name

Address

City

Phone

Email

Please complete this form & return it with your check (payable to the Mill Creek Watershed Council) to:

Mill Creek Watershed Council, One North Commerce Park Drive Suite 124, Cincinnati OH 45215

Tickets will be mailed if check receivedby September 26th. After the 26thtickets will be at the event will call.For more event information call513.563.8800.

Number of adult tickets ($15)

Number of child tickets ($10)

Total enclosed $

Tickets ($15 for adults and $10 for children) include the cost of dinner.This year we are limited to 175 guests so register early.

To order your tickets, please complete and detach the ticket reservation form below.Tickets will be mailed to you if check received by September 26th. After the 26th tickets will be held for you at the

event will call. For more event information call 513.563.8800.


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of land to the project and Schumacher Dugan Con-struction, Inc., has promised $150,000 worth.

Both development firms plan to donate floodplainproperty through conservation easements to WestChester Parks & Recreation, the creator of a con-servation corridor where canals once existed andstreams still do.

As a creator of federally mandated plans for theproject area, the Mill Creek Watershed Council ofCommunities deserves some credit for winning thisgrant. And when the project gets into full swing,the Council of Communities will play a significantrole in public education and outreach. Anotherimportant project partner is West Chester Town-ship, which is one of the Councils supporting po-litical jurisdictions.

This grant has a tremendous impact on WestChesters part of the Upper Mill Creek Conserva-tion Corridor and our ability to balance great eco-nomic growth with positive environmental andrecreational improvements, said West ChesterParks & Recreation Director Bill Zerkle. Thisfunding will allow for stream improvementsthrough improving water conditions and creating amore scenic space for passive recreation in the

community.

Work can begin soon after the Ohio EnvironmentalProtection Agency makes administrative arrange-ments with the Ohio-Kentucky-Indiana RegionalCouncil of Governments (OKI), which is sponsoringthe project in collaboration with eight projectpartners.

This project is a good example of how govern-ment and business can team up together, saidOKI Executive Director Mark Policinski. This is a

win for economic development and a win for theenvironment.

More private firms will become involved in theproject when OKI contracts them to stabilize4,000 or more feet of eroding streambank, im-prove 2,000 or more feet of stream corridor habi-tat, and create five or more acres of floodplainwetland.

(319 Grant, continued from page 1)

Much of the stream protection work will be donealong East Fork Mill Creek near The Rave Theater

and the Mill Creeks main channel near the WestChester Service Center. Conservation easementsand stream restoration account for about 75 per-cent of the projects value.

Other project functions and partners include:

Public education, which is assigned to ButlerSoil & Water Conservation District and the MillCreek Watershed Council of Communities,

Water quality monitoring, which is assigned toButler County Department of Environmental Ser-

vices, Greenacres Foundation and the Universityof Cincinnati, and

Administration and coordination, which is be-ing performed by OKI.

Project planners are focusing on the Upper MillCreek Conservation Corridor, an area created byWest Chester Parks & Recreation in partnershipwith a dozen agencies, governmental bodies,property owners and developers. They have setaside more than 500 acres of floodplain propertyalong the Mill Creek, East Fork Mill Creek and for-mer Miami-Erie Canal path to create a buffer todevelopment.

West Chester Township plans to enhance the cor-ridor with walking trails, boardwalks and educa-tional signage on environmental and historical fea-tures. The corridor has received more than $3million from the Clean Ohio Fund, which forwardsstate bond monies to local restoration and preser-vation projects. Mr. Zerkle described the corridoras an incredible opportunity for West Chester topreserve greenspace, protect the environment

and balance growth throughout the Union Centrebusiness district with very little financial contribu-tion.

Conservation corridors are consistent with OKIsregional plans, said Mr. Policinski, adding, Theyare a priceless resource for a growing communitylike West Chester.

Submitted by Bruce Koehler, OKI Regional Council of Govts


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The Land Water Connection



Perhaps only a Conservationistwould find this puddle fascinat-

ing, but its presence reveals anastonishing fact about the con-nection between impervious sur-faces and non-point source wa-ter pollution.

This picture was taken outsidemy office on July 28, 2005 - 46hours after a spotty rainfall. Ourrain gauge registered less than1/8. Note that the soil insidethe curb is dry and the grass isnice and green. Upon closer in-

spection, I noticed silt, smallgravel and oily substances col-lecting at the bottom of the pic-ture. The storm drain is locatedin the top right corner of thepicture.

This low spot in the driveway ofour office park frequently col-lects water after a rain. It is vis-

ited by birds, geese and an oc-casional chipmunk and squirrel.

Eventually, it will dry up, butthe collected grease and oilscling to the silt particles. Whenthe next rain comes, it willprobably be washed into thestorm drain. The rainfall thatfell on the non-paved area fil-tered through the soil, nourishedthe surrounding vegetation andmay eventually recharge thegroundwater table.

So, whats the big deal? There isa direct correlation between im-pervious surface and water pol-lution. The Center for Water-shed Protection states that anywatershed (a lake, river orstream to which an area of landdrains) that is more than 10%impervious has compromised wa-ter quality. The more perviousarea that can be incorporatedinto a developed area, the bet-

ter.

Development and redevelop-ment can create lasting benefitsto the community, to those whoown, live or work at the site,and to the environment. Tech-niques such as Green Buildings,New Urbanism, and GreenStormwater Management have

been successfully applied at lo-cations all over the country.

For more information, contactme at the Hamilton CountySWCD at 513-772-7645 or Cata-lina Landivar, Hamilton CountyRegional Planning at 513-946-4455.

S ub mi tt ed b y Ho ll y U tr at a-Halcomb, Hamilton County Soil &Water Conservation District

The Hamilton County RegionalPlanning Commission is hosting asession on October 31, 2005 onthe topic "Managing Flooding inYour Community: Using Zoning

Codes to Address Storm Water"where findings and tips will bepresented.

RSVP by visiting the PlanningP ar tn er sh ip w eb si te a t:www.planningpartnership.org,calling Carol Kammer at 513-946-4479 or sending an email [email protected].

Members of the Boards of thethree Mill Creek organizationswill attend a facilitated workingsession on September 30th.Board members from the MillCreek Watershed Council ofCommunities, Millcreek Valley

Meeting of the MillCreek Boards

Conservancy District and the Mill

Creek Restoration Project willwork together to define theroles and goals of each as theyrelate to Mill Creek watershedissues.

The Executive Directors of eachof the Mill Creek groups willhave been interviewed prior to

the board meeting to ensure

their perspectives are incorpo-rated into the process.

This meeting, sponsored by theCouncil of Communities, is thefirst in what will hopefully be anannual event. Proceedings willbe available through the Counciloffice later this year.


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To:

For more information, contact:

Nancy Ellwood, Executive Director

Mill Creek Watershed Councilof Communities

One North Commerce Park DriveSuite 124

Cincinnati, Ohio 45215

Phone: 513.563.8800Fax: 513.563.8810

E-mail address:[email protected].

Websites:www.millcreekwatershed.org

www.projectsigns.info

Mill Creek Watershed Council of CommunitiesOne North Commerce Park Drive, Suite 124Cincinnati OH 45215

Fall 2005 Council MeetingThursday, October 27th, 2005 2:00 p.m.

800 Oak Avenue, Wyoming, Ohio

Annual Watershed UpdateStatus of the Millcreek Valley Conservancy District

Findings of the MSD Water Quality Monitoring and Modeling ProjectThru the Valley I-75 Corridor Plan Alternatives

New Mill Creek Headwaters 319 Project

This meeting is open to the public.

Mill Creek Watershed Council of Communities

Metropolitan Sewer Districtof Greater Cincinnati

CDM

Butler County, Ohio

2005 Platinum Members

City of SharonvilleFMSM Engineers, Inc.

General MillsRumpke, Inc.

2005 Silver Members

2005 Gold Members

City of SpringdaleVillage of Evendale

XCG Consultants

Oct. 8th Captur

e theCreek

Tickets on sa

le now!See

page 3

summer 2005 voice of the mill creek newsletter, mill creek watershed council

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