Non-point source pollution is pollution that can’t
be attributed to a particular sources; for example, the end of a pipe.
The key component of non-point source pollution is stormwater runoff.
All the things that end up on the ground eventually end up in a stream,
river, or lake. This type of pollution is extremely difficult to
address because it is so widespread. The State Conservation Commission,
through the Sedgwick County Conservation District, attacks this problem
through its NPS Cost-Share Programs. These programs are designed to
encourage landowners to implement best management practices by providing
the incentive of financial assistance.
The cost-share programs of the Sedgwick County
Conservation District are currently 65% - 35% cost-share split based on
the county’s average cost. In essence, the District, using State or
County funds, will reimburse landowners 65% of the county’s average cost
for each particular type of work. There are maximum ceiling established
for each practice.
In addition, certain areas of the county have been
designated as high priority areas. This means the watercourses in that
particular area have been identified as being impaired by
contamination. The most common contaminates in Sedgwick County are high
nutrient loading and fecal coliform bacteria. Most of our funds must be
spent in these areas and address the identified contaminate.
Eligible practices can be broken down into two
types: structural and management practices. A structural practice
means something is placed on the land that assists in alleviating
contamination and a management practices provides a payment to people to
do something differently than they have been doing. Currently, the
District has 6 NPS Practices for which we can provide cost-share
assistance, and also an Information and Education Program.
ON-SITE WATER SYSTEMS
This project is a 65/35 cost-share program in which
the District will provide up to a maximum of $1,500 for repairs of
failing septic systems. Funds will be targeted to landowners living
within 1/8 mile of TMDL identified streams, rivers, and lakes.
Landowners who receive cost-share assistance will be r3quired to attend
a maintenance workshop.
ABANDONED WATER WELL PLUGGING
This 65/35 cost-share program provides financial
assistance up to a maximum of $800 to landowners who plug abandoned
water wells. Plugging 50 abandoned water wells annually is the goal set
by the District. The Water Quality Coordinator will provide technical
assistance to landowners opting to do the work themselves. Two well
plugging demonstrations will be performed during the fiscal year.
LIVESTOCK WASTE SYSTEM
This is a 65/35 cost-share program in which the
District will provide up to a maximum of $10,500 for construction,
repair and/or relocation of animal holding areas. The District goal is
to fund 2 Livestock Waste Facilities/Animal Holding Area Projects per
year. Funds will be targeted to areas within 1/8 mile of a fecal
coliform impaired designated stream or river.
RIPARIAN AREA PROTECTION
Wetland and Riparian Area protection has been
identified at the local level (Technical Advisory Group) as a high
priority issue in Sedgwick County. Three riparian sites have been
identified that are severely degraded by erosion. Practices available
under this project will be 65/35 cost-share split. The District has
developed a Potential Wetland Inventory for Sedgwick County using GIS
technology.
CRITICAL AREA PLANTING
This practice is a 65/35 cost-share program in
which the District will provide financial and technical assistance in
plantings designed to stabilize areas subject to highly erosive action.
Practices under this program will be used in stream bank stabilization
projects.
NUTRIENT MANAGEMENT
(under development)
The District will reimburse 100% of the cost of
soil testing provided the recipient tests routine fertility (Ph, P, K),
profile nitrogen, organic matter. In addition, rural/agriculture
recipients will establish a realistic goal and follow recommended
fertilizer application instructions. In addition, the District is
examining the relationship between nutrient uptake and acidic soils. It
is the District’s contention that liming of acidic soils may be a best
management practice applicable in the Lake Afton Watershed.
INFORMATION AND EDUCATION
The Water Quality Coordinator is available to
address groups and provide information on District Programs and many
other general conservation issues. The District is developing a library
of PowerPoint presentations on topics such as watersheds, soil erosion,
well plugging and more. In addition, the District has several models
that are ideal for classroom presentation. Call 660-7288 for more
information or to schedule presentations.
©, Copyright, 2004 Sedgwick County Conservation District
last update:
01/15/04
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