Water Quality
Northeast Indiana is water rich with 100s of lakes created by the last great glaciation and 100s of miles of flowing water. Ensuring high water quality within our water resources will increase our community’s livability, vitality, and boost economic growth of our region as well as increase access to available outdoor recreation including boating, paddle sports, and fishing. NIRCC strives to maintain and improve our water resources by providing our expert services to our member communities, Municipal Utility Departments, Soil and Water Conservation Districts, and not-for-profit watershed groups. We write grant applications for Federal and State funding to develop Watershed Management Plans, implement green infrastructure and backyard conservation projects, and develop and implement environmental educational programs for students, adults, decision makers, and developers.
Current Projects
US EPA: Great Lakes Restoration Initiative Grant (Sept. 2017 – Aug. 2020)
NIRCC wrote the grant application and was awarded to implement the Maumee River Basin: Urban Pollution Management and Education Program. The $529,123 project consists of facilitating the implementation of large scale public green infrastructure projects, providing education, outreach and workshops regarding urban water quality issues and solutions, offering experiential learning opportunities to the public and developing a Green Metro Conservation Corps to provide sustainable maintenance to green infrastructure projects. The expected outcomes of the project include greater than 1 million gallons of stormwater captured prior to running off into open water, sediment reduction so 391 tons/year, total phosphorus reduction of 408 lbs/year, and nitrogen reduction of 391 lbs/year. Additionally, there will be increased public understanding of urban pollution and stormwater management. The Large-scale public green infrastructure projects include:
NIRCC wrote the grant application and was awarded to implement the Maumee River Basin: Urban Pollution Management and Education Program. The $529,123 project consists of facilitating the implementation of large scale public green infrastructure projects, providing education, outreach and workshops regarding urban water quality issues and solutions, offering experiential learning opportunities to the public and developing a Green Metro Conservation Corps to provide sustainable maintenance to green infrastructure projects. The expected outcomes of the project include greater than 1 million gallons of stormwater captured prior to running off into open water, sediment reduction so 391 tons/year, total phosphorus reduction of 408 lbs/year, and nitrogen reduction of 391 lbs/year. Additionally, there will be increased public understanding of urban pollution and stormwater management. The Large-scale public green infrastructure projects include:
- Little Creek bioswale in Promenade Park in Fort Wayne
- Porous pavers at trailhead on Ludwig Rd
- Stream channel restoration and aquatic habitat creation in Spy Run Creek in Franke Park
- Streambank stabilization of St. Marys River at Bloomingdale Park
- Installation of four bioretention practices along Fort Wayne’s extensive trail system
Indiana Department of Environmental Management Grant (April 2019 – May 2021)
Lower St. Joseph/ Bear Creek Watershed Management Plan Implementation
NIRCC was contracted by the St. Joseph River Watershed Initiative (SJRWI) (link to SJRWI.org) to write a grant application to implement the Lower St. Joseph/Bear Creek Watershed Management Plan that was approved by IDEM in 2008. In April 2019, IDEM awarded the SJRWI with $274,500 to go toward the project valued at close to $1 million. NIRCC was then contracted to implement the project which involves working with property owners to install best management practices to limit their impact on our water resources and implement a water quality education program including rain barrel and rain garden workshops, promotion of the educational tool Where my River Runs, workshops from developers, and more. Specific projects that are to be funded by this grant include:
Lower St. Joseph/ Bear Creek Watershed Management Plan Implementation
NIRCC was contracted by the St. Joseph River Watershed Initiative (SJRWI) (link to SJRWI.org) to write a grant application to implement the Lower St. Joseph/Bear Creek Watershed Management Plan that was approved by IDEM in 2008. In April 2019, IDEM awarded the SJRWI with $274,500 to go toward the project valued at close to $1 million. NIRCC was then contracted to implement the project which involves working with property owners to install best management practices to limit their impact on our water resources and implement a water quality education program including rain barrel and rain garden workshops, promotion of the educational tool Where my River Runs, workshops from developers, and more. Specific projects that are to be funded by this grant include:
- Rock lined/vegetated swale at Salomon Farms Park
- Dog pots/pet waste receptacles in public parks
- Bioswales and tree plantings on Coldwater Rd and Hobson Rd
- Goose Deterrent/pond bank naturalization and rain garden at Riverside Gardens
- Covered Hitching Post and horse manure management in Grabill
- Backyard Conservation efforts such as rain barrels and rain gardens on residential property
To learn more about our water resources and water quality in NEI Indiana, view the short documentary video - A Watershed Mentality.
