Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Middle Kansas
DRAFT
Watershed Restoration
and Protection Strategy
Development Report
June, 2007
1481
Table of Contents
Mission Statement……………………………………………………….4
Introduction……………………………………………………………....4
Middle Kansas WRAPS Stakeholder Leadership Team………….. 5
Description of the Kansas-Lower Republican Basin……………….7
City of Topeka Source Water Protection and Project Scope………8
Description of the Middle Kansas Watershed………………..........11
Kansas River…………………………………………………………….17
Middle Kansas Watershed Conditions………………………………18
Upper Kansas Watershed Conditions……………………………….25
Impaired Waters in the Middle Kansas Watershed………………31
TMDLs in the Middle Kansas Watershed……………………….....32
Watershed Issues in the Middle Kansas Watershed…………….. 34
Watershed Goals and Objectives in the Middle Kansas
Watershed………………………………………………………………..35
Bibliography……………………………………………………………..44
Appendices……………………………………………………………….45
2
Acknowledgements
3
Mission Statement
Introduction
The Middle Kansas WRAPS project began when the Kansas Alliance for
Wetlands and Streams (KAWS) was awarded a grant from the KDHE in
2006. A Coordinator for the Upper & Middle Kansas WRAPS project was
hired in August of 2006 to guide the development of the WRAPS planning
effort in the basin, and to work with stakeholders. Individuals with an
interest in water resources in the Middle Kansas watersheds met and began
the process of identifying water-related issues in the basin in September,
2006. Nine public meetings were held in various locations throughout the
4
watershed in 2006 and 2007 to gather input from local stakeholders. A
variety of other public informational activities were also undertaken to make
the public aware of the WRAPS planning effort, and to gather input.
The Middle Kansas WRAPS Stakeholder Leadership Team (LT) evolved from
a core group of meeting attendees. Watershed stakeholders focused on
partnership invitation and consensus building for several months rather than
initiating a formal structure. During the course of several meetings, the
stakeholders discussed methods for devising a leadership team that would
encompass the broad constituent base of the watershed, given the rural and
urban components. The function of the team, how it is governed, what its
make-up should be and why it was needed were discussed. The LT will serve
as a board to make decisions and provide guidance to the WRAPS
Coordinator. They will also determine priorities and provide direction to the
project. The LT will be comprised of eleven members, including the following
representatives:
Agriculture
One member for livestock agriculture
One member for cropland agriculture
One member for irrigated cropland
Fish/Wildlife/Forestry
One member
5
Local Government (county, city, etc)
One member
Conservation District
One member
Tribal
One member
Watershed District
One member
LT members will live and/or work in the watershed and will meet annually or
semi-annually. The group agreed the LT should not have state or federal
employees serving on the board representing their agency. However, an
“Advisory Group” of people representing those natural resource agencies
would be very helpful to the Management Team and the WRAPS project.
The group also decided to form focus groups that would facilitate flexibility.
The focus groups will operate autonomously in the sense of meeting location,
frequency, activities, etc. Rather than limiting the natural breakouts to
urban and rural, the need for local, geographically-based watershed priority
areas was recognized. This format will accommodate the growth of new focus
groups. To facilitate communication and coordination between the various
focus groups, the watershed stakeholders suggested when possible, LT
members will lead a focus group. the formation of a Middle Kansas WRAPS
Watershed Council. This group will be comprised of a representative from
each of the various focus groups. This group will meet annually or semi-
annually.
6
Description of the Kansas - Lower Republican Basin
Most of the bottom land and about 50 percent of the uplands are cultivated to
crops of corn, soybeans, grain sorghum, wheat and oats. Alfalfa, wild hay,
corn and sorghum silage are the major forage crops. The most important
mineral resources in the basin are oil, natural gas, coal, building stone and
ceramic materials.
7
Average annual precipitation over the basin increases from about 28 inches
in the west to about 38 inches in the east. Typically, about 70 percent of this
total falls during the growing season. Flood events, such as in July 1993 and
the drought experienced from 1952-1956, underscore the variability in
precipitation. (Kansas Water Office)
The Safe Drinking Water Act, 1996 Amendments - Sec 1453 directs state
drinking water agencies complete a source water assessment for all public
water supplies that produce drinking water from a raw sources, including
rivers, reservoirs and lakes, and wells. Source water assessments are
designed to delineate the source water assessment area, inventory potential
contaminant sources, conduct a susceptibility analysis, and inform the
public.
Groundwater
Zone A
● 100 feet radius of well
- Kansas Public Water Supply Design Standards recommends
public water supply own or control through easement
Zone B
● 2,000 feet radius of well
- Area eligible for Continuous Conservation Reserve Program
Zone C
● 2 mile radius of well or 10 year time of travel capture zone
Zone B
●16 to 65 miles upstream of intake, ½ mile riparian buffer, and 24 hour
water travel distance
Zone C
● Balance of watershed
8
In order to provide source water protection for the City of Topeka, Zones A
and B need to be included in the project scope of the Middle Kansas WRAPS.
The following map Figure 1 provides a graphic illustration of surface water
source protection of Zones A and B for Topeka. (Don Snethen – KDHE –
Watershed Management Section, Source Water Protection Needs for the Mid
Kansas River WRAPS).
9
Figure 1: Surface Source Water Protection Zones A & B for Topeka
10
Description of the Middle Kansas Watershed
Land Area
The Middle Kansas (HUC 10270102) and the Upper Kansas (HUC 10270101)
watersheds comprise an area of land approximately 2,825 square miles
(1,818,303 acres) in size that drains a portion of northeast Kansas. The
watershed includes parts of ten counties, as shown in Table 1, including
Douglas, Geary, Jackson, Jefferson, Morris, Nemaha, Pottawatomie, Riley,
Shawnee and Wabaunsee Counties. Figures 2 and 3 illustrate the Middle and
Upper Kansas Watersheds. Reference to the term “Middle Kansas
Watershed,” for purposes of this document, includes the Middle
Kansas (HUC 10270102) and the Upper Kansas (HUC 10270101)
watersheds. The only exception is watershed conditions for both
watersheds are provided. Figures 2 and 3 below illustrate the actual
hydrologic units.
Land Cover
Land Cover Acres %
Water 20,983 1.15
Urban/Developed 140,467 7.73
Barren/Transitional 3,291 0.18
Forest/Woodland 172,765 9.50
Shrubland 751 0.04
Grassland/Herbaceous 845,368 46.49
Pasture/Hay 324,361 17.84
Cropland 292,366 16.08
Wetlands 17,951 0.99
Total 1,818,303 100.00
Table 1: Land cover of the Middle Kansas Watershed
11
Figure 2: Middle Kansas Watershed Boundary – HUC 10270102
12
Figure 4: Land Use of Middle Kansas Watershed
13
Agricultural Crops
The most common crops planted in the Middle Kansas watershed include
soybeans, corn, wheat, and grain sorghum. In 2005, 403,200 acres of
soybeans were reported planted in the ten counties in which the watershed is
located. Corn was reported on 296,500 acres, wheat on 141,500 acres and
grain sorghum on 45,266 acres [NASS, Kansas Farm Facts]. In 2005, hayland
use included over 406,200 acres in the ten counties. In 2005, there were
447,000 cattle reported in the ten counties in the watershed [NASS, Kansas
Farm Facts].
Agricultural chemical use is widespread in the ten counties in which the Middle Kansas
watershed is located. According to the 2002 Census of Agriculture, 59% of the total land
area in these counties received commercial fertilizer, lime and soil conditioner
applications in 2002. A small percentage of the cropland in the ten counties, 2%, received
manure applications. Insecticides were used on 6%, and herbicides were used on 41% of
the total land area of the five counties.
14
Table 3: Fertilizer, Manure and Pesticide Application in the Middle
Kansas Watershed
County Total Commercial Fertilizer Manure Application Insecticide Application Herbicide Application
Use (acres) (acres) (acres) (acres)
Demographics
The total population of the ten counties in the Middle Kansas watershed has
grown approximately 1% from 1990 to 2000. Jackson County (6.9%), followed
by Jefferson (3.7%) and Douglas (3.0%) Counties have experienced the most
population growth. Geary County experienced a 12 % decline in the same
period. Shawnee County has the greatest density (309 persons/sq. mile) while
Wabaunsee County has the least (8.6 persons/sq. mile).
15
Table 4: Population Statistics for Counties in Middle Kansas
Watershed
Note: USDA definition of a “farm” - a unit that has expected annual sales of
agricultural products of at least $1,000, or of government farm payments of
at least $1,000 (National Agricultural Statistics Service, 2006)
16
The size of farms (in acres) and the number of farms in the watersheds vary
from county to county. According to the National Agricultural Statistics
Service [NASS, 2002 Census of Agriculture], Morris County has the largest
average farm size (averaging 828 acres in size). Douglas County has the
smallest average farm size (averaging 230 acres). The number of farms in
each county is variable as well. Table 4 above illustrates this information.
Kansas River
The most outstanding physical feature of the watershed is the Kansas River.
Beginning at the confluence of the Republican and Smoky Hill rivers, just
east of the aptly-named Junction City (1030 ft), the Kansas flows some 170
miles generally eastward to join the Missouri River at Kaw Point (730 ft) in
Kansas City. The Kansas River valley is 138 miles long; the surplus length of
the river is due to its meandering across the floodplain. This course roughly
follows the maximum extent of the Kansan Glaciation, and the river likely
began as a path of glacial meltwater drain.
Recreation along the Kansas River includes fishing, canoeing and kayaking,
and rowing. There are 18 public access points along the river. The Friends of
the Kaw organizes many float trips down the river each year (as well as
cleanup efforts), and the Lawrence KOA rents canoes for self-guided trips. At
least two rowing teams regularly use the river: The University of Kansas
rowing team uses the pool above the Bowersock dam for their exercises, and
the Kansas City Rowing Club rows in the final stretches of the river, near its
mouth. (Wikipedia).
Kansas has also listed species as threatened or endangered within the Middle
Kansas watershed, including the Blackside Darter, Sturgeon Chub, Silver
Chub, Redbelly Snake, Eastern Spotted Skunk, Eskimo Curlew, and Pallid
Sturgean. The area provides Kansas-listed critical habitat for these species
as well. Blackside darter critical habitat is Mill Creek (Wabaunsee County).
This is the only location in Kansas where this species is found. Sturgeon
17
chub and silver chub critical habitat is the entire mainstem length of the
Kansas River. Redbelly snake critical habitat is heavily wooded areas near
rivers and lakes in Jefferson and Douglas counties.
In addition, a large number of species found in the area are listed as “Species
in Need of Conservation” (SINC) by the Kansas Department of Wildlife &
Parks. SINC species are non-game species in need of conservation measures
in order to keep the species from becoming threatened or endangered. A
complete listing of all T&E species and species designated as SINC by
individual county can be found at
http://www.kdwp.state.ks.us/news/other_services/threatened_and_endangere
d_species/threatened_and_endangered_species/county_lists/(offset)/20
Listing species as threatened, endangered, or as in need of conservation
provides protection for native populations of these species. It also brings into
play recovery plans designed to guide research and management aimed at
enhancing the listed species' population. The ultimate goal is to be able to
remove the species from their threatened or endangered status. Watershed
restoration and protection, while not driven by the goal of restoration of
threatened populations, is one way in which the protection of threatened and
endangered species can be significantly enhanced.
Designated Uses
This watershed is mostly a drainage basin for the Kansas River, however
several smaller streams and creeks are also abundant. There are 150 public
water supplies within the watershed, many of which draw water from the
Kansas River. According to the Kansas Surface Water Register, the most
common designated use for streams and rivers in this watershed include:
expected aquatic life uses, food procurement and domestic water supply as
shown in Figure 5.
18
Figure 5
TMDL/Contaminate Concerns
Streams and rivers throughout Kansas have been sub-divided into segments.
By dividing the streams and rivers into segments they can be better analyzed
and understood. A reach of river or stream may have segments which vary
greatly in water quality, based on surrounding land uses. The figures below
display the impairments of the streams and rivers based on the number of
segments sampled. Surface waters not meeting their designated uses will
require total maximum daily loads. As shown in Figure 6, 41% of the
stream/river segments sampled are impaired and require TMDLs. The
primary pollutant concerns of this watersheds streams and rivers is fecal
coliform bacteria (FCB). Fecal coliform bacteria is a bacteria present in
human and animal waste. It serves as an indicator of potential disease
causing organisms. Figure 7 shows that approximately 76% of these impaired
stream/river segments are impaired by FCB, 9% by excess nutrients, 3% by
ammonia (NH3), and 1% by sediment. Ammonia is a chemical which is toxic
to fish and aquatic organisms. Sediment loading is a result of erosion as the
bare soil enters the lake and settles to the bottom. Sediment increases the
cloudiness of the lake, creates a displeasing color, and fills the lake bottom.
An excess of nutrients such as phosphorous and nitrogen can cause an
abundance of plants, which use oxygen in the water as they decay,
suffocating fish and aquatic organisms.
19
Figure 6 Figure 7
20
Septic Systems: There are currently thousands of septic systems within the
watershed and this number is increasing. When properly designed, installed,
and maintained, septic systems can act as an effective means of wastewater
treatment. However, poorly maintained or “failing” septic systems can leach
pollutants into nearby surface waters and groundwater. The exact number of
failing septic systems within the watershed is unknown; however the number
may be increasing due to the current trends in suburban development. Local
Environmental Protection Programs and County health departments may
provide excellent sources of information regarding the proper design,
installation, and maintenance for septic systems.
21
Lakes and Wetlands
The Middle Kansas watershed is home to Warren Park Lake, Lake Shawnee,
Wabaunsee County Lake, and several smaller city and county lakes. Many of
these lakes are used for recreational activities such as camping, water skiing,
fishing, and sight seeing.
Designated Uses
According to the Surface Water Register, the majority of the lakes in this
watershed are designated for expected aquatic life use, food procurement,
contact recreation and domestic water supply, as shown in Figure 8.
Figure 8
TMDL/Contaminate Concerns
Surface waters not meeting their designated uses will require total maximum
daily loads. Figure 9 shows that approximately 32% of the lakes in this
watershed require TMDLs. The primary pollutants for this watersheds’ lakes
and wetlands are eutrophication (E), excessive biomass (AP), and insufficient
flow(hydro). As shown if Figure 10, 66% of the impaired lakes/wetland
segments are impaired due to eutrophication. The remaining pollutants,
biomass (Ap) and hydro are present in over 16% of the lakes. Eutrophication
is caused by excess nutrients from a variety of nitrogen and phosphorous
sources including row crop agriculture, feedlots, septic systems, and
22
urban/suburban runoff. Excessive biomass is an abundance of vascular plants
that tend to be a nuisance and interfere with designated water uses. Hydro is
a term used for lack of water flowing into a lake. This can cause the lake to
have a low temperature, low dissolved oxygen, and stagnation.
Figure 9 Figure 10
Potential Pollution Sources
Based on the watershed’s land use percentages, the primary pollutant
sources for nutrients causing eutrophication may be row crop agriculture.
Additionally, feedlots, septic systems, and urban/suburban
runoff may contribute significant amounts of nutrients into the watershed.
Groundwater
Designated Uses
There are approximately 2,450 groundwater wells located within the
watershed. Water from these wells isused for domestic use, groundwater
monitoring, irrigation, lawn & garden, and several other uses as shown
in Figure 11.
23
Figure 11
Aquifer Characteristics
Glacial Drift Aquifer: Portions of the Glacial Drift aquifer exist in the
northwest portion of the watershed. Water from this aquifer is often used for
rural domestic water supply. Historically, water from this aquifer is very
hard with nitrates being one of the primary pollutant concerns.
Alluvial Aquifer: Alluvial aquifers of the Kansas River and its tributaries
exist throughout the watershed. Alluvial aquifers provide the primary water
source for many public water supplies located within the watershed. Water
quality in alluvial aquifers is generally good; however nitrates, minerals,
pesticides, and bacteria can be pollutant concerns.
24
Chloride : Chloride is a naturally occurring mineral found in Kansas lakes,
streams, and groundwater. In high concentrations, chloride can cause
deterioration of domestic plumbing, water heaters, and municipal
water works. The primary source of chloride impacted groundwater is
intrusion of salt water from deeper formations, often due to improperly
constructed water wells which allow confined aquifers to come into
contact with each other.\
Designated Uses
This watershed is mostly a drainage basin for the Kansas River, however
several smaller streams and creeks are present. There are 41 public water
25
supplies within the watershed, many of which draw water from the Kansas
River. According to the Kansas Surface Water Register, the most common
designated use for streams and rivers in this watershed include: expected
aquatic life uses, food procurement, and contact recreation as shown in
Figure 12.
Figure 12
TMDL/Contaminate Concerns
Streams and rivers throughout Kansas have been sub-divided into segments.
By dividing the streams and rivers into segments they can be better analyzed
and understood. A reach of river or stream may have segments which vary
greatly in water quality, based on surrounding land uses. The figures below
display the impairments of the streams and rivers based on the number of
segments sampled. Surface waters not meeting their designated uses will
require total maximum daily loads. As shown in Figure 13, 86% stream/river
segments sampled are impaired and require TMDLs. The primary pollutant
concern of this watersheds’ streams and rivers is fecal coliform bacteria
(FCB). Fecal coliform bacteria is a bacteria present in human and animal
waste. It serves as an indicator of potential disease causing organisms.
Figure 14 shows that approximately 57% of these impaired stream/river
segments are impaired by FCB, 14% by chloride (Cl), 14% by dissolved
oxygen (Do), and 14% by sulfate (SO4). Chloride is a naturally occurring
26
mineral found in Kansas lakes, streams, and groundwater. In high
concentrations, chloride can cause deterioration of domestic plumbing, water
heaters, and municipal water works. Low DO levels typically coincide with an
abundance of algae, which may be caused by excess nutrients. An abundance
of algae causes the population of decomposers to increase, which in turn uses
up the oxygen in the stream or river.
Figure 13 Figure 14
27
coliform bacteria and nutrients, depending on the presence and condition of
waste management systems and proximity to water resources.
Septic Systems: There are currently thousands of septic systems within the
watershed and this number is increasing. When properly designed, installed,
and maintained, septic systems can act as an effective means of wastewater
treatment. However, poorly maintained or “failing” septic systems can leach
pollutants into nearby surface waters and groundwater. The exact number of
failing septic systems within the watershed is unknown; however the number
may be increasing due to the current trends in suburban development. Local
Environmental Protection Programs and County health departments may
provide excellent sources of information regarding the proper design,
installation, and maintenance for septic systems.
28
Urban/Suburban Runoff: Many urban landscapes are covered by paved
surfaces including roads, driveways, parking lots, and sidewalks. These
surfaces are impermeable and tend to divert water into storm drains at high
velocities. This increased flow velocity from urban areas can cause severe
streambank erosion in receiving water bodies. Additionally, urban and
suburban runoff may carry other pollutants like petroleum hydrocarbons and
heavy metals. Currently, the watershed is only about 2.6%
urban. Limiting paved surfaces is the key to slowing urban nonpoint source
pollution. The use of grass swales, open spaces, and storm water retention
ponds are recommended to slow runoff in urban areas. The watershed has an
increasing population living in suburban areas. Residential landscapes are
often designed with large turf areas which require high amounts of water and
chemicals to maintain. The use of excessive amounts of fertilizers and lawn
care chemicals in residential areas can contribute a significant
amount of pollution to nearby water resources. Suburban nonpoint source
pollution can be limited by: using less lawn fertilizers and chemicals; control
of construction sites; proper disposal of pet waste; establishing large areas of
native vegetation; and conserving the amount of water use for plant
maintenance.
Designated Uses
According to the Surface Water Register, the Ogden City Lake is designated
for expected aquatic life use and food procurement.
TMDL/Contaminate Concerns
Surface waters not meeting their designated uses will require total maximum
daily loads. Currently, only one lake, the Ogden City Lake requires a TMDL.
This lake’s primary pollutant concern is eutrophication, which is a natural
process which creates conditions favorable for algae blooms and excess plant
growth. This process is often accelerated by excess nutrient loading from the
watershed.
29
Groundwater
Major groundwater aquifers underlying this watershed include portions of
the Glacial Drift and Alluvial aquifers of the Kansas River and it’s
tributaries.
Designated Uses
There are approximately 721 groundwater wells located within the
watershed. Water from these wells is used for domestic use, groundwater
monitoring, irrigation, dewatering, public water supply, lawn and
garden, industrial, feedlots, and oil field supply, as shown in Figure 15.
Figure 15
Aquifer Characteristics
Glacial Drift Aquifer: Portions of the Glacial Drift aquifer exist in the
northeast portion of the watershed. Water from this aquifer is often used for
rural domestic water supply. Historically, water from this aquifer is very
hard with nitrates being one of the primary pollutant concerns.
Alluvial Aquifer: Alluvial aquifers of the Kansas River and its tributaries
exist throughout the watershed. Alluvial aquifers provide the primary water
source for many public water supplies located within the watershed. Water
quality in alluvial aquifers is generally good; however nitrates, minerals,
pesticides, and bacteria can be pollutant concerns.
30
Potential Pollution Types and Sources:
Common groundwater pollutants include: nitrates, chloride, sulfates,
ammonia, iron, manganese and voc’s. Nitrate impaired groundwater is
perhaps the most prevalent groundwater contamination problem in the
State.
31
the quality of water that is necessary to fully support the designated uses of classified
streams, lakes and wetlands throughout the state. Specific designated uses, such as
domestic water supply, primary contact recreation (swimming), secondary contact
recreation (wading, fishing, etc.), and other uses, are assigned to each major body of
water in the state. When water quality standards are NOT met, a water body and its use(s)
are considered impaired. States are required to develop a list of impaired waters,
commonly referred to as a "303(d) list", so named after Section 303(d) of the federal
Clean Water Act of 1972. The state is required to establish a Total Maximum Daily Load
(TMDL) for such impaired water bodies. More information on TMDL’s can be found on
the Kansas Department of Health & Environment website at the following web address:
http://www.kdheks.gov/tmdl/index.htm.
Existing TMDL’s for streams and lakes in the Middle Kansas watershed were developed
in 1999 and 2005. TMDL’s designated “High Priority for Implementation” include
bacteria for Mill Creek, Vermillion Creek, and Shunganunga Creek; dissolved oxygen for
Shunganunga Creek; and biology/sediment for Soldier Creek. Medium to low priority
TMDL’s include bacteria for the Kansas River at Wamego, above and below Topeka;
biology on the Kansas River below Topeka; and the small city lakes of Wamego, Topeka
(Gage, Central, Warren Park) and Meyer’s Pond.
2006 TMDL listing for the Middle Kansas include: biology on the Kansas River above
Topeka, Lower Vermillion Creek, and Halfday Creek; zinc on the Kansas River at
Wamego above and below Topeka; and eutrophication on Lake Shawnee, Lake
Wabaunsee, and Pottawatomie County Fishing Lake #1. It is important to note that the
indicator for bacteria has changed from fecal coliform to E. coli.
Stream TMDLs listed in 2000 as high priority in the Upper Kansas include Clark’s Creek
for fecal coliform and Wildcat Creek for fecal coliform and dissolved oxygen. The Upper
Kansas was listed as medium priority for fecal coliform and low priority for chloride and
sodium. Lake TMDLs listed in the Upper Kansas include Ogden City Lake as low
priority for eutrophication. (Tom Stiles, KDHE – Watershed Planning Section, TMDLs in
the Kansas Subbasin, September, 2006).
32
Figure 16: High Priority Stream TMDLs in the Middle Kansas Watershed
33
Watershed Issues in the Middle Kansas Watershed
The Middle Kansas WRAPS focuses on four major watershed issues that are
of greatest concern in the basin (identifying high priority areas, education
and outreach, implementation of management practices, and policy
recommendations). Specific objectives were developed to address these four
major issues.
It should be noted that the issues identified and discussed in this document
are dealt with as individual issues, yet they are interrelated. Water issues
are seldom separate and discrete from one another. Sedimentation is a result
of erosion that comes about from both natural and man-made sources. It is an
issue critical to water quality because sediment itself is a pollutant that also
has a negative impact on water quantity issues. In addition, sediment acts in
tangent with other pollutants like pesticides, plant nutrients, and bacterial
contaminants as these materials can be attached to sediment particles to
streams and lakes in the watershed. Runoff that transports sediment also
carries other materials in solution that do not adsorb to sediment, but that
cause significant water quality problems themselves. So when sedimentation
is discussed as a serious water quality and water quantity concern, it must
also be discussed in context with pesticide contamination, algae blooms and
eutrophication, public water supply issues, land management practices and
many other factors. The following is a list of initial watershed issues by the
Middle Kansas WRAPS stakeholders.
1. TMDLs
2. Stream degradation on Kansas River and its tributaries
3. Funding for maintenance of terraces, ponds, lagoons; erosion reduction
4. Remove/limit animal activity next to streams; small livestock operations
5. Need additional data to identify problem areas
6. Look at urban development issues; urban sprawl, erosion practices
7. Onsite wastewater
8. Abandoned wells
9. Lack of technical assistance
10. Sedimentation from county road and bridge properties.
11. Failing or no septic systems
12. Sedimentation from streambank erosion
13. Source water protection
14. Flooding
15. Nutrient management
16. Grazing lands
34
Watershed Goals and Objectives in the Middle Kansas Watershed
From the initial list of identified watershed issues, similar issues were
grouped into four main issues including identifying high priority areas,
education and outreach, implementing management practices and policy
recommendations.
35
operations may be a significant source of fecal coliform bacteria and
nutrients to streams and lakes. Whether or not these smaller
operations pose a water quality threat depends on waste
management practices and their proximity to water resources.
36
causing rapid aging of lakes. Cultivation of cropland, poor grazing
practices, construction activity, and removal of trees or other
vegetation along stream banks all increase the amount of sediment
that is sent downstream into lakes and ponds. Once in the lake,
sediment settles to the bottom, reducing the water capacity of the
lake, causing it to become more shallow. In many cases, sediment
has other materials attached to it such as pesticides and
phosphorus that also pollute the water of lakes and ponds.
III. Eutrophication
2. Grazing lands
Approximately 845,368 acres or 46.9% of the Middle Kansas
watershed is classified as “grassland/herbaceous.” Grazing lands in
Kansas are defined as agricultural lands used for the removal or
harvest of perennial and annual vegetation by or for grazing animals.
Grazing lands include rangeland, pastureland, woodland, and
cropland. Trees and shrubs are natural invaders on grazing lands in
Kansas. While woody plants have value along streams and ravines in
portions of the state, excessive amounts of woody growth on grazing
lands will reduce livestock carrying capacity by shading out more
desirable herbaceous vegetation. Proper grazing will slow down woody
37
plant invasion, but prescribed burning, herbicide, and mechanical
treatments are necessary to control woody invasion on grasslands.
Additional management practices can also provide better grazing
distribution, which enhances water quality protection.
3. Water Quantity
Wide extremes in precipitation are characteristic in the Kansas –
Lower Republican basin. Average annual precipitation over the basin
increases from about 28 inches in the west to about 38 inches in the
east. Typically, 70 percent of this total falls during the growing season.
Flood events, such as in July, 1993 and the drought experienced from
1952-1956, underscore the variability in precipitation.
38
Kansas River flows have been regulated by tributary reservoirs.
Sediment loads are largely deposited in these reservoirs. The result is
the release of relatively clear water from the reservoirs with a large
material carrying capacity and increased downcutting (degradation) of
the streambed. (Kansas Water Plan Concept Paper, Channel
Degradation in the Kansas River, Proposed for Consideration by the
Kansas Water Authority, January 2005)
6. Abandoned wells
Contamination of wells is often the result of citing wells in close
proximity to pollution sources such as livestock lots, septic drain fields,
or other pollutant sources. Pollutants present in streams, ponds and
rivers can also enter shallow groundwater that is closely connected to
surface water in alluvial aquifers. Groundwater contamination can
also occur when contaminated runoff has direct access to an aquifer.
This happens when runoff enters drill holes around poorly constructed
wells or runs into well pits and abandoned wells. For this reason,
proper well location, construction and plugging of pits and abandoned
wells are important to the protection of groundwater in the region.
11. Flooding
The primary approach to flood management in the Kansas – Lower
Republican basin focuses on floodplain management through
39
community participation in the National Flood Insurance Program and
reduction of rural flood damages through construction of watershed
dams in organized watershed districts. The basin has 26 communities
(cities and counties) participating in the National Flood Insurance
Program. Four communities have been suspended from the program
and 11communities with identified flood hazard areas do not
participate. The communities shown in Table 3 have been identified by
the Kansas Department of Agriculture, Division of Water Resources as
priority communities in the basin for future floodplain mapping.
Priority watersheds for rural flood damage priorities were identified for
the basin in 1986 by the USDA Natural Resources Conservation
Service and are shown in Figure 17. Fourteen watershed districts have
been organized in the basin. (Kansas Water Plan, Kansas – Lower
Republican Basin Section, August, 2006)
Figure 17
40
12. Livestock management
A portion of farm income in the Middle Kansas watershed comes from
the livestock industry. Some of these animals are contained within
confined animal feeding operations (CAFO’s). Registered CAFO’s are
closely monitored by KDHE and because of this monitoring CAFO’s are
not considered a significant threat to water resources.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has requested that all states
develop plans to establish water quality criteria for nutrients in surface
waters. Kansas has focused on nutrient reduction rather than nutrient
criteria as proposed in the Kansas Surface Water Nutrient Reduction
Plan.
41
contribution of point and non-point sources in the KLR basin for total
phosphorus and total nitrogen leaving the state.
Table 6
The remaining watershed goals and objectives listed below will be developed
during the assessment and planning phase of the Middle Kansas WRAPS.
42
II. Education and Outreach
1. Educate at producer level, don’t use technical terms
2. Educate public on proper use practices (BMP’s)
3. Develop demonstration projects
4. Conduct Workshops
5. Develop Educational materials
6. Facilitate a method for self-sampling and monitoring for bacteria.
43
Bibliography
Stiles, Tom - KDHE – Watershed Planning Section, TMDLs in the Kansas Subbasin,
September, 2006.
44
Appendices
45
46
47
48