Dutchess County Soil & Water Conservation District

Serving Dutchess County, NY For Over 60 Years

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(845) 677-8011 ext 3

Fax

(845) 677-8354

Address

2715 Rt 44, Suite 3

Millbrook, NY 12545

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Dutchess County communities AND YOU… improving and protecting water quality for New York City’s water supply.

Phosphorus and sediment in the East of Hudson watershed

New York City relies on the East of Hudson watershed for a portion of its Photo of Croton Reservoir used by courtesy of New York City at nyc.gov drinking water. The watershed extends up to Dutchess County near the Towns of East Fishkill, Pawling, and Beekman. Due to problems associated with excessive amounts of sediment and algal growth, the city must provide filtration before serving the water to its residents.

Phosphorus is the main concern in the East of Hudson watershed because algae thrive when there is enough phosphorus in the water, abundant light and warmer temperatures.

Once an algal bloom starts, it is hard to control. The algal bloom inevitably dies and becomes a large mat of decaying algae which may become home to insects, protozoans and bacteria. This nuisance becomes a health issue if the amount of bacteria or other health vectors becomes concentrated enough to warrant filtration before being delivered as drinking water.

While phosphorus is a naturally occurring element that would normally flow to waterbodies as a result of weathering, some human activities accelerate erosion and phosphorus mobililty. The state has identified sources of phosphorus in the East of Hudson watershed (DEC’s Croton Watershed Phase II Phosphorus TMDL Implementation Plan, 2009):

1) Faulty septic systems. There are approximately 2000 septic systems in the Croton Watershed within Dutchess County. Although many of the systems are functioning properly, the ground is continuously accepting additional phosphorus from the septic system. The phosphorus (originating from human urine and cleaning products containing phosphorus) builds up in ground water. Also, some septic systems may be poorly maintained and their drainfields may flood and runoff into streams.

2) Erosion. Construction activities, agricultural activities, and flood events are examples of activities that bring additional fine sediments into streams and lakes. Phosphorus binds to the fine sediments and accumulates in the downstream

3) Wastewater Treatment Plants. These facilities will continue to assess their ability to remove phosphorus from wastewater.

sediments5

Other sources of phosphorus may come from smaller but frequent, routine practices at homes throughout the Hudson Valley like washing one’s car, piling up cleared plant material or lawn clippings, or fertilizing a lawn.

For more information on steps that homeowners can take to reduce phosphorus runoff from their homes, please see our homeowner page.

What is my community doing to help clean up NYC’s drinking water?

Four communities have been targeted for additional regulations under the NYS municipal stormwater program due to their location within the East of Hudson watershed. The communities include the Town of Pawling, Village of Pawling, Town of Beekman and Town of East Fishkill. These towns work closely with Dutchess County Department of Public Works and Dutchess County Soil and Water Conservation District to improve water quality.

Septic systems

The communities have recently adopted laws that require residents to have their septic systems pumped or inspected at least every five years. Some residents may need more frequent pumpouts to keep their septic systems running properly. Residents will be required to return an inspection form to their local municipal office to show that an inspection was conducted and that the system is working properly. For more information on septic system maintenance, please see our Septic page .

Storm sewer system mapping and maintenance

Communities in the East of Hudson watershed are required to map their storm sewer systems by 2013. In Dutchess County, this work will be performed in coordination with DCSWCD and assisted by a grant from DEC. Municipal facilities that handle stormwater flows such as catch basins and outfalls are now more rigorously inspected for functionality and illicit discharges.

Construction sites

Even small construction projects in the East of Hudson watershed will need a construction permit. Any project disturbing more than 5000 square feet in the communities of Town of Pawling, Village of Pawling, Town of Beekman or Town of East Fishkill will need a permit. If a project is within the town/village jurisdiction but is outside of the East of Hudson watershed, it may still be regulated so it is best to check with the municipality to understand their specific requirements. Also, any project within these communities and within the East of Hudson watershed will be inspected during construction. For more information on construction site requirements, please see our stormwater construction page.

Post-construction stormwater management

After a construction project has been completed, the disturbed surfaces will have been built or landscaped. These communities now require designs to conform to the state’s Enhanced Phosphorus Removal Design Standards. Also, the communities have identified sites within their jurisdictions which need to be fixed (retrofitted) to accommodate for stormwater flows or improve stormwater detention. The communities have also provided training to contractors on the use of better site design principles (also known as green infrastructure and low-impact development).

Routine municipal maintenance

The communities in the East of Hudson watershed are paying close attention to the phosphorus content of soils before deciding to apply fertilizer. Lawn clippings and other yard wastes are sent to a municipal compost pile. Wildflowers and other native vegetation are being used to reduce erosion, reduce the amount of mowing and to reduce the amount of chemicals used to control vegetation. Municipalities have also started to landscape in a way that treats stormwater on-site and have encouraged contractors to apply these “green infrastructure” designs into their work.