Rocky Run Targeted Watershed Assessment, Pierce County
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Purpose

Western District staff have partnered with UWRF to collect suspended sediment and total phosphorus load information from Rocky Run Creek in Pierce County. Rocky Run Creek is a tributary to the Kinnickinnic River which is part of the Lake St. Croix TMDL and is a 319 eligible watershed. As part of the TMDL implementation Plan, a farmer lead council has prioritized the Rocky Run Watershed for NPS BMP implementation. WD has agreed to collect pre-implementation TP and sediment load data to establish a baseline for the project. A minimum of two years of load data will be needed to document annual variability. If practices are implemented to reduce TP and sediment, followup load monitoring can be completed to determine if water quality improved.

Objective

This project will help estimate the annual TP and sediment load from Rocky Run Creek to the Kinnickinnic River. Follow up load monitoring will be completed after significant BMP implementation is completed. This project is designed to conduct prior and post BMP monitoring set points.

Outcome

Establishment of a stage discharge relationship based on stream flow measurements. Two years of TP loading data will be provided for the TMDL.

Study Design

WD will install a water level sensor and collect streamflow measurements to establish and stage discharge relationship. Biweekly sampling for TP and suspended solids will be completed by UWRFs. Monitoring will begin in April 2015 and continue through 2017. A minimum of two years of load data are needed to establish annual variability but a third year may be needed depending on climatic conditions.

Related Reports

Run Project Summary Report
View Umbrella-Projects
View Related-Projects

Targeted Watershed Approach
Effectiveness (BMP, Other)
West_TWA_2_2016
2015
Complete
 
Activities & Recommendations
Monitor Targeted Watershed Area (TWA)
Load monitoring in 319 Watershed
Monitor or Propose 303(d) Listing
Suspended sediment and total phosphorus load information from Rocky Run Creek in Pierce County. Rocky Run Creek is a tributary to the Kinnickinnic River which is part of the Lake St. Croix TMDL and is a 319 eligible watershed.
Monitor to Evaluate Projects
WD has agreed to collect pre-implementation TP and sediment load data to establish a baseline for the project
Monitor to Evaluate Stream Baseflow
If practices are implemented to reduce TP and sediment, followup load monitoring can be completed to determine if water quality improved.