Watkins Creek is on the Missouri 2010 list of impaired waters for bacteria and chlorides caused by pollution from stormwater runoff. The watershed includes the communities of Black Jack, Glasgow Village, Spanish Lake and Bellefontaine Neighbors. Watkins Creek is a modified tributary to the Mississippi River emerging some 5.7 miles west of its confluence and located in a suburban area. Due to rapid growth in the Watkins Creek Watershed, the stream is severely degraded and instable. The creek continues to adjust to accommodate the increased stormwater delivered to it.
The watershed management plan will help protect and improve water quality in the Watkins Creek sub-watershed by identifying pollutant sources, recommending conservation practices, setting goals and a timeline, and establishing a monitoring program. The Greenway Network will work with local partners to assist and coordinate planning efforts to develop the watershed management plan. The grant will help fund public planning meetings, personnel expenses and watershed assessments activities.
The Greenway Network will provide a match contribution of $13,650 over the life of the project bringing the total cost to $32,825. The project is expected to be completed by June 30, 2012.
Partners in this collaborative effort include The Confluence Project, Missouri American Water Company, Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District and East-West Gateway Coordinating Council.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency - Region 7 has provided partial funding for this project under Section 319 of the Clean Water Act. The Department of Natural Resources’ Water Protection Program will administer the grant funds. The department is committed to working closely with communities and businesses to assist with funding efforts that improve water quality in Missouri. For more information, contact the Water Protection Program at P.O. Box 176, Jefferson City, MO 65102 or call 800-361-4827 or 573-751-1300.
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