Sedgwick County 
Conservation District
2625 S. Tyler

Riverside Neighborhood Association
Stormwater Runoff Project

The Riverside Neighborhood Association Stormwater Runoff Project is located in the Riverside Neighborhood of Wichita across the street from the Riverside Castle.

1. Synopsis
   The purpose of this project is to determine the quality of stormwater runoff in a typical established residential neighborhood.  Once the quality of the runoff is determined through monitoring a stormwater runoff separator/filter will be selected and installed on the storm sewer outfall as the runoff enters the Arkansas River.  The runoff will then be tested again to determine the effectiveness of the installed filter.  If funds permit several different filters will be tested in this manner.  An additional portion of the project is the intent to utilize the Kansas Home*A*Syst environmental risk assessment manual to gather data concerning landowner practices within the project area and the effect those practices have on the quality of storm water.  This will also provide an opportunity to educate the neighborhood association on "best management practices" designed to improve the quality of runoff. 
    
2. Justification
   The Kansas Department of Health and Environment, pursuant to directives and orders of the Environmental Protection Agency, recently established Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDL's) in the Lower Arkansas Drainage Basin.  A TMDL is water quality measurement that indicates the highest level of a specific contaminant allowed in a specific stream or water body.  The Arkansas River is the receiving water body of the stormwater runoff from the Riverside Neighborhood.  TMDL's established for the Arkansas River include 1. Fecal Coliform Bacteria (FCB). 2. Siltation and 3. Nutrient Loading.   FCB is normally associated with animal or human waste, while siltation results from erosion and nutrient loading is tied to fertilizer and other chemical treatment of lawns and farm fields. 
    
3. Goals
   The goal of this project is to evaluate the effectiveness of filters as a method of treating stormwater runoff prior to it entering the receiving water body.  Data collected will also be used to determine the economic feasibility of using filters to treat stormwater runoff.  Equally important is the public education aspect of the project.
    

4. Partners
   This project has a number of partners and cooperators that include the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, Sedgwick County, City of Wichita Stormwater Management, Riverside Citizens Association and the Sedgwick County Conservation District
    

5. Location
   This project is located in the Riverside Neighborhood of Wichita across the street from the Riverside Castle.  The outfall is located on the north side of the 11th Street Bridge and the Little Arkansas River is the receiving water body of the stormwater runoff.

 

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Current Site Data

Click on the test site locations on the image map below, or use the site links at the bottom of the page to display test results.

The data depicted in red lettering on test results signifies levels that are above the EPA recommended values.

SITE 1 | SITE 2 | SITE 3