Transcript Condition of the Lynnhaven

Oyster Restoration in the
Lynnhaven River
Watershed
• A watershed is an area of land that drains
to a common point.
• It is the area land that catches the rain
and snow and drains or seeps into a
marsh, stream, river, lake or groundwater.
Point and Non-Point Sources
• Point Source Pollution:
Pollution originating from a discrete source (a pipe,
factory, farm, ditch, etc.)
• Non-Point Source Pollution:
Pollution discharged over a wide land area, not
from one specific location, occurs when
rainwater or irrigation drains off of plowed fields,
city streets and parking lots, or suburban
backyards. More than 50% of all water pollution
in the US.
Common Classes of Pollutants
• Sediments
• Nutrients
• Toxins (heavy metals, petroleum products,
pesticides, road salt, etc.)
• Bacteria
Green Filter or Gray Funnel
Lynnhaven River Watershed
The Lynnhaven
Watershed
• Covers 21% of the city’s land area--64 square miles
• Is home to 47% of the city’s
population---200,000 people
• Includes Broad Bay, Linkhorn Bay,
Crystal Lake, and the Eastern and
Western Branches
Largely Residential
Virginia Beach Population Growth
• 1905 -- 11,000
• 1940 -- 19,000
• 1950 – 42,000
• 1960 -- 84,000
• 1970 – 172,000
• 1980 – 262,000
• 1990 – 393,000
• 2000 – 425,000
• 2006 – 445,000
Virginia Department of Health
Areas Closed to Oyster Harvest
December 11, 2003
January 21, 2005
Condition of the Lynnhaven
• Water Quality Problems:
• Bacteria (mainly fecal coliform)
• Excess Nutrients
• Sediment
• Toxins
• Habitat Loss:
• Oyster Reefs
• Wetland & Buffer Habitats
• Underwater Grasses
Fecal Coliform Origins in Lynnhaven River
(according to DEQ’s TMDL study 2003)
wildlife
17%
bird
28%
pets/livestock
30%
human
25%
Water Quality Fact
 “ A single overboard discharge of human waste
can be detected in up to a one square mile area of
shallow enclosed water. Contaminants known from
human waste include hepatitis, streptococci, fecal
coliform and other bacteria.”

Florida Department of Environmental Protection
What can you
do?
Six Areas of Focus
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Preservation and Restoration of Wetlands
Teaching Water-Friendly Landscaping
Restoration of Oyster Reefs
Working with the City to Improve Storm Water
and Remove Septics
Reduce Fecal Coliform Bacteria from Animal
Waste
Promote Clean Boating Practices—Establish
Lynnhaven as a No Discharge Zone
Reduce Sediment Inputs
• Appropriate sediment controls on
construction projects
• Maintain vegetation
• Preserve or restore natural shorelines
Reduce Toxin Inputs
• Dispose of household toxins appropriately
• Use less toxic chemicals
• Don’t dump into sewers
What else can you do?
What can you do to reduce
Nutrient and Fecal Coliform
Input?
Reduce Pet Waste:
Scoop the Poop
Don’t feed the ducks….or
raccoons, or geese, or …
Make Clean Boating a Habit
• PUMP, DON’T DUMP –Raw Sewage isn’t nice, treated or
untreated. Pump out your boat appropriately and dump portable
toilets where they belong.
• STOWE IT, DON’T THROW IT – Trash isn’t good
for
the water…you brought it here, take it back with you!
• FILL, DON’T SPILL – Only fill your boat to about 90%
...stop the pump before the tank is full! Fuel spills are illegal.
• USE THE RIGHT STUFF– Only use cleaners and fluids
that are certified safe for marine use!!!
Lynnhaven River 2007 Clean
Boating Initiatives:
LR 2007 supports “No Discharge Zone”
legislation.
• LR 2007 helps marinas become a
“Certified Green Marina”
• Teach Clean Boating Practices
Practice Water Friendly
Landscaping
• Install a Backyard Buffer
• Use native plants in your landscaping
• Test your soil and fertilize appropriately
• Build a Rain Garden
• Plant Trees
Install a Backyard Buffer
Grow Oysters
Community Oyster Contributions
Oysters Transplanted
250000
Student Raised Oysters
200000
Citizen Raised Oysters
150000
100000
50000
0
1998
1999
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
First
Landing
State Park
Elevated Spat Settlement