CHATFIELD WATERSHED PLAN: MANAGEMENT MEASURES BY POLLUTANT SOURCE
Agricultural Activities
 2015 (E&O) Provide education on local and state water quality regulations,
policies, and ordinances, including Nutrient Control Regulation #81, Chatfield
Control Regulation #73, local zoning ordinances and regulations, and Manure
Management Policy. Inform the watershed community on requirements, their
relevance to water quality and local water supplies, and how violations can be
reported. (#10)
 2016 (E&O) Create a centralized website resource where watershed community
members can find specific information on agricultural management measures.
Website should present issues and solutions as well as information and additional
links to financial and technical resources. Information should be catered to local
ordinances and specifically refer to local sources such as local conservation
districts. (#17)
 2018 (PP) Conduct a pilot project that examines the benefits of implementing
agricultural practices or streambank improvements in or around agricultural
areas. Such a project would promote the success of developing conservation
plans. (#21)
 On-going (A) Encourage private landowners to implement agricultural BMPs
and/or development of a conservation plan. (#23)
 On-going (E&O) Exercise education and outreach methods that reach landowners
individually. Emphasize the effects agricultural activities have on water quality
and the benefits of BMPs. (#25)
Streambank Stabilization
 2015 (S/I) Conduct a streambank stabilization study to evaluate and quantify
potential water quality benefits from stream improvement projects in key areas
of the watershed (e.g., Massey Draw, West Plum Creek, Plum Creek and Deer
Creek). Study should result in prioritized recommendations (site and proposed
activity) and expected water quality and habitat benefits. (#3)
 2015 (M) Conduct post-installation monitoring at the Massey Draw Watershed
and Ecosystem Improvement Project site to evaluate effectiveness. (#5)
 2016 (P) Implement a stream restoration trading project to incentivize or
encourage stream improvements on private land. (#11)
 2016 (E&O) Coordinate with local jurisdictions to discuss and consider
implementing low impact development (LID) practices to reduce future urban
stormwater flows. (#16)
 2017 (A) Using UDFCD Drainageway Master Plans and local Master Plans as a
basis, identify priority locations to stabilize streambank and harness erosion
through installation of grade control structures and/or implementation of
stabilization measures. (#18)
 2018 (P) Initiate the East Plum Creek Restoration Project in Douglas County open
space (pending grant award and funding). (#20)
 On-going (M) Conduct post-installation monitoring studies at sites of stream
improvement projects. (#27)
 On-going (P) Continue the Town of Castle Rock’s implementation of mitigation
measures identified in the East Plum Creek Watershed Master Plan. (#28)
OWTS
 2015 (S/I) Conduct an investigation(s) to determine where OWTS have the
greatest impact on water quality in the Chatfield Watershed and quantify the
associated load. Select areas can be further examined for OWTS performance
and water quality. The purpose of this investigation would be to determine if
potentially critical areas have water quality issues, and to quantify the
contribution of OWTS pollutant loadings in these areas. (#4)
 2015 (PP) Demonstrate and document effectiveness of innovative OWTS
treatment technologies used in in the Chatfield watershed or neighboring
watersheds; quantify a potential load reduction if implemented on a larger
scale. (#6)
 2015 (R) Consider adoption of renewable permits in local OWTS Regulations, as
allowed in CDPHE Regulation 43. (#7)
 2017 (PP) Conduct a pilot project or research projects implemented in
neighboring watersheds to demonstrate water quality improvements that result
from conversion of OWTS to centralized sewer. (#19)
 On-going (E&O) Provide resources (e.g., mailings, web-based) that provide
education on OWTS maintenance. Emphasize the protection of water quality
and supply. (#26)
Wildfire
 2015 (A) Renew and re-establish relationships with and support the efforts of
Front Range and neighboring watershed organizations (FRWWP, FRFTP, CUSP,
and SPEB). (#8)
 2015 (E&O) Coordinate with agencies (e.g., NRCS, Conservation Districts, CSFS,
USFS, local government) who have fire mitigation staff to reach out and provide
education to private landowners on the watershed and water quality benefits of
wildfire mitigation projects (e.g., fuels treatment, forest thinning). (#9)
 2016 (A) Encourage wildfire management agencies to hold a forum to discuss
post-wildfire actions by reviewing what has been successful and not successful in
the past with key people from various agencies and various involvements of postwildfire activities (e.g., permit application process, long-term restoration
activities). The audience of this forum would be local government personnel
whom are involved with fire mitigation projects and post-fire activities as well as
those who may have valuable resources that can be threatened by fires (e.g.,
water suppliers). (#12)
 2016 (A) In collaboration with other agencies and organizations, help fund FTE to
oversee fuel treatment projects in proximity to waterbodies and environmentally
sensitive areas in the Chatfield Watershed and upstream South Platte basin.
Consider supporting funding federal FTE for pre- and post-wildfire management
activities to protect water quality. (#13)
 2016 (A) Collaborate with FRFTP Roundtable, local CSFS districts, Conservation
Districts, and USFS to determine what areas need additional focus with regards to
forest management and fuel treatment needs to promote water quality. (#14)
 2016 (A) Encourage implementation of county-wide and local level CWPPs. (#15)
 On-going (A) Prioritize and develop watershed assessments and restoration plans
in the event of a wildfire. (#24)
Other
 2015 (A) Develop a long-term funding strategy. (#22)
 2015 (M) Prepare existing data and collect additional data to support modeling
and calibration efforts. (#2)
 2018 (S/I) Develop a linked watershed-reservoir model for a comprehensive and
quantitative loading assessment and to improve understanding of watershedscale pollutant transport (and subsequent reservoir response). (#1)
CHATFIELD WATERSHED PLAN: MILESTONES
2015


2016



2017 &
Beyond



Discussions, collaborations, and/or actions have initiated with regards to collecting, organizing, and preparing data for use in developing a linked
watershed-reservoir model for the Chatfield Watershed.
Studies or investigations related to optimal management of streambank and/or OWTS improvement management strategies should be
underway. Either a grant is in pursuit or the study is in its early stages.
Pilot projects that examine the benefits (water quality, habitat, etc.) of agricultural BMPs or OWTS with alternative or advanced treatment
components are under consideration. Either partnerships have begun to collaborate or a grant is in pursuit.
Education and outreach efforts related to zoning regulations, agricultural BMPs, and wildfire mitigation should be performed.
A wildfire forum should be held to discuss optimal post-wildfire actions and strategies based on previous experiences in the Upper South Platte
River Basin and elsewhere.
At least 2-3, CWPP components (county or local) have been implemented in the Chatfield Watershed as a result of awareness and
encouragement of CWPP implementation. Pre-wildfire mitigation efforts have initiated on private lands as a result of public outreach and
education.
Development of a webpage centralizing resources for various watershed issues is underway. The webpage is targeted for the entire watershed
community including private residents, commercial businesses, and land use planning agencies.
Implementation of low impact development (LID) practices to reduce future urban stormwater flows is under consideration and/or has been
discussed amongst local jurisdictions
A monitoring report or technical memo is developed as a result of the implementation of a management measure.
Several conservation plans have been or are under development for several private lands as a result of education and outreach efforts.
Development of a linked watershed-reservoir model is under consideration.
E &O
Streambank
Stabilization
Wildfire
Management
Management Measures
OWTS
Line
Item
Agricultural
Activities
CHATFIELD WATERSHED PLAN: IMPLEMENTATION SCHEDULE
2015
1
2
3
4
5
(A) Develop a long-term funding strategy.
(M) Prepare existing data and collect additional data to support modeling and calibration efforts.
●
●
(S/I) Conduct a streambank stabilization study to evaluate and quantify potential water quality benefits from stream
improvement projects in key areas of the watershed (e.g., Massey Draw, West Plum Creek, Plum Creek and Deer Creek).
Study should result in prioritized recommendations (site and proposed activity) and expected water quality and habitat
benefits.
(S/I) Conduct an investigation(s) to determine where OWTS have the greatest impact on water quality in the Chatfield
Watershed and quantify the associated load. Select areas can be further examined for OWTS performance and water
quality. The purpose of this investigation would be to determine if potentially critical areas have water quality issues, and
to quantify the contribution of OWTS pollutant loadings in these areas.
(M) Conduct post-installation monitoring at the Massey Draw Watershed and Ecosystem Improvement Project site to
evaluate effectiveness.
●
●
●
●
7
(R) Consider adoption of renewable permits in local OWTS Regulations, as allowed in CDPHE Regulation 43.
●
8
(A) Renew and re-establish relationships with and support the efforts of Front Range and neighboring watershed
organizations (FRFTP, CUSP, and SPEB).
10
●
●
(PP) Demonstrate and document effectiveness of innovative OWTS treatment technologies used in in the Chatfield
watershed or neighboring watersheds; quantify a potential load reduction if implemented on a larger scale.
9
●
●
●
6
(E&O) Coordinate with agencies (e.g., NRCS, Conservation Districts, CSFS, USFS, local government) who have fire
mitigation staff to reach out and provide education to private landowners on the watershed and water quality benefits of
wildfire mitigation projects (e.g., fuels treatment, forest thinning).
(E&O) Provide education on local and state water quality regulations, policies, and ordinances, including Nutrient Control
Regulation #81, Chatfield Control Regulation #73, local zoning ordinances and regulations, and Manure Management
Policy. Inform the watershed community on requirements, their relevance to water quality and local water supplies, and
how violations can be reported.
●
●
●
●
●
●
●
2016
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
(P) Implement a stream restoration trading project to incentivize or encourage stream improvements on private land.
(A) Encourage wildfire management agencies to hold a forum to discuss post-wildfire actions by reviewing what has been
successful and not successful in the past with key people from various agencies and various involvements of post-wildfire
activities (e.g., permit application process, long-term restoration activities). The audience of this forum would be local
government personnel whom are involved with fire mitigation projects and post-fire activities as well as those who may
have valuable resources that can be threatened by fires (e.g., water suppliers).
(A) In collaboration with other agencies and organizations, help fund FTE to oversee fuel treatment projects in proximity
to waterbodies and environmentally sensitive areas in the Chatfield Watershed and upstream South Platte basin.
Consider supporting funding federal FTE for pre- and post-wildfire management activities to protect water quality.
(A) Collaborate with FRFTP Roundtable, local CSFS districts, Conservation Districts, and USFS to determine what areas
need additional focus with regards to forest management and fuel treatment needs to promote water quality.
(A) Encourage implementation of county-wide and local level CWPPs.
(E&O) Coordinate with local jurisdictions to discuss and consider implementing low impact development (LID) practices to
reduce future urban stormwater flows.
(E&O) Create a centralized website resource where watershed community members can find specific information on
agricultural management measures. Website should present issues and solutions as well as information and additional
links to financial and technical resources. Information should be catered to local ordinances and specifically refer to local
sources such as local conservation districts.
●
●
●
●
●
●
●
◐
◐
◐
●
2017 and Beyond
18
19
20
21
22
(A) Using UDFCD Drainageway Master Plans and local Master Plans as a basis, identify priority locations to stabilize
streambank and harness erosion through installation of grade control structures and/or implementation of stabilization
measures.
(PP) Conduct a pilot project or research projects implemented in neighboring watersheds to demonstrate water quality
improvements that result from conversion of OWTS to centralized sewer.
(P) Initiate the East Plum Creek Restoration Project in Douglas County open space (pending grant award and funding).
(PP) Conduct a pilot project that examines the benefits of implementing agricultural practices or streambank
improvements in or around agricultural areas. Such a project would promote the success of developing conservation
plans.
(S/I) Develop a linked watershed-reservoir model for a comprehensive and quantitative loading assessment and to improve
understanding of watershed-scale pollutant transport (and subsequent reservoir response).
On-going
23
(A) Encourage private landowners to implement agricultural BMPs and/or development of a conservation plan.
24
(A) Prioritize and develop watershed assessments and restoration plans in the event of a wildfire.
(E&O) Exercise education and outreach methods that reach landowners individually. Emphasize the effects agricultural
activities have on water quality and the benefits of BMPs.
25
●
●
●
◐
●
●
●
●
●
●
●
●
●
26
(E&O) Provide resources (e.g., mailings, web-based) that provide education on OWTS maintenance. Emphasize the
protection of water quality and supply.
27
(M) Conduct post-installation monitoring studies at sites of stream improvement projects.
●
28
(P) Continue the Town of Castle Rock’s implementation of mitigation measures identified in the East Plum Creek
Watershed Master Plan.
●
●
●
Note:
The following annotations are used in this table: Pilot Projects (PP), Projects (P), Regulatory (R), Action (A), Education and Outreach (E&O), Study/Investigation (S/I), and
Monitoring (M), Community Watershed Protection Plans (CWPPs), Urban Drainage and Flood Control District (UDFCD), Front Range Fuels Treatment Partnership (FRFTP),
Onsite Wastewater Treatment System (OWTS), Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDHPE), Coalition for the Upper South Platte (CUSP), South Platte
Enhancement Board (SBEP), Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS)
(●) Primary NPS pollutant source, (◐) Secondary NPS pollutant source