Meeting Summary
Conecuh-Sepulga & Blackwater Rivers CWP
February 23, 2012
David’s Catfish House, Andalusia, AL
Chairman, Bruce Branum welcomed everyone to the meeting.
Attendees introduced themselves and gave brief partner updates:
Darren Capps, County Engineer of Covington County and Lynn Ralls, Assistant County
Engineer
Covington County had 2 floods in 2009 causing extreme erosion on dirt roads; FEMA
developed project worksheets for all roads with focus on southern part of county first, then the
northern area. Rock has been placed on 225 miles of dirt roads in the county at a depth of 2 to 3”
inches. 210,000 tons of limestone has been placed to date. Local quarries in Florala and Brooklyn
are being used thus saving transportation costs. Total project cost is $12.4 million dollars. Already
evidence of improvement, grass is growing in ditches and roadbeds are stabilized.
Laura Cook and Barnie White, Environmental Specialists, Poarch Creek Indian Tribe
Currently doing water testing for chemical and bacterial contaminants on monthly basis.
Poarch host Ecycle Days and Chemical Disposal Days each year. Very interested in becoming more
involved in CWP and would like opportunity to host an upcoming partnership meeting and rain barrel
workshop.
Sandi Hall, Environmental Health & Safety Manager, Shaw Industries, Plant #65, Andalusia
Shaw has been supporter of Covington County Groundwater Festivals and financial supporter
of CWP in 2011. This is Sandi’s first meeting and she looks forward to being a part of the
partnership.
Terry Kyzar, Environmental Health Supervisor, AL Department of Public Health, Covington
Butler & Lowndes
Responsible for the regulation of installation of septic tanks (permits & installations) and
visually inspect up to 95% of all new tanks. Also responsible for solid waste enforcement. All homes
in Covington County must have curbside garbage; free for those on fixed social security income.
Illegal dumping will be prosecuted if name found in garbage
Charles Simon, ACES
ACES has been partnering with CWP on Rain Barrel workshops
Mike Older, Manager/Forester, AL Forestry Commission
25% of wildfires started by illegal dumps in past; ADPH doing great job in cleaning up illegal
dumps thus cutting down on fires. Logger/Forestry BMP training is large focus of AFC in cooperation
with ADEM. Since BMP’s are not required by law, it is very important to the environment for loggers
and landowners to understand necessity to implement BMP are to protect water quality. Many
landowners will only sell timber once in their lifetime, important of them to be educated in the process
in order for the landowner to receive top dollar for their timber and to work with reputable
dealer/logger. BMP for Forestry Manual and Selling Timber manual passed out to attendees and Mike
offered more copies for those interested.
Ann Biggs-Williams & Mike Williams, Conecuh/Sepulga Watershed Alliance and landowners in
Escambia, Conecuh, and Baldwin counties
CSWA continues to work on preserving the pristine area around the confluence of the
Conecuh and Sepulga Rivers. Ann and Mike are interested in historical aspect of rivers in the basins,
controlled access to properties and less illegal dumping
Sharon Marsh, landowner, Escambia County
Private Citizen and retired public health worker in Florida and Houston, Texas wants to get
more involved in partnership efforts, experience in grant writing and management
Bridget Cain, Conecuh County Soil and Water Conservation District, Evergreen
Representative of non-regulatory state agency; funding tight, big focus in Conecuh County on
water quality and litter education; farm/ agriculture focus. Conecuh County has high percentage of
absentee landowners, a challenge to work with this situation.
Allison Jenkins, Executive Director, Alabama Clean Water Partnership
Thanks to all who attended the December 7th, 2011 ACWP Watershed Conference - we appreciate
all who "got in the trenches" with us to develop new ideas for the ACWP!
 Basin Sponsors Needed!!! The ACWP has received word from ADEM that the grant funding the
program, including the ten river basin facilitators may be cut by as much as 20% in the next grant
cycle. This equates to about $5,000 per basin. The ACWP is looking for entities that would like
to support the assorted basins across the state. Please contact Allison for additional details.
 Waters to the Sea: Discovering Alabama - The “Demo Version” is complete and available on the
ACWP web site, along with the Teacher Guide. Newest partner - ALFA Foundation ($30,000)
in support of new Animal Agriculture module.
Check it out at: http://cleanwaterpartnership.org/news/?newsID=5&date=06/28/2010
Assorted sponsorship levels are available with great educational value for spreading your
message and PR potential for donors. Major fundraising for completing this project is
underway with great opportunities for great PR and spreading your message - those interested
should contact Allison Jenkins - Approximately $600,000 is needed to complete the project.
Kiosk programs for individual sponsors can also be developed from assorted segments produced
for the program.
 Show me Your Mussel: Strategic Habitat Project – The ACWP is assisting the Mobile River Basin
Coalition, US Fish & Wildlife Service, Geological Survey of Alabama, AL Department of Conservation,
AL Aquatic Biodiversity Center and US Geological Survey in outreach efforts designed to educate the
public in designated headwater watersheds where habitat protection efforts including species
delisting and/or reintroduction of species is anticipated. The North River Watershed of the Black
Warrior River Basin is the current focus of the project. A recent success of this partnership,
which included AL Power, is the recent down listing of the Tulotoma Snail from Endangered to
Threatened (Coosa and Alabama River Basins).
 Monofilament Fishing Line Recycling Project – The ACWP continues to work with Berkley
International, the AL Department of Conservation, State Lands Division and MS AL Sea Grant
Clean Marina Program to place MRUs at “fishing holes” on water bodies across the state. 300+
units have been installed to date on Alabama's inland waterways!
 AL Rain Barrel Project – This popular “make and take” workshop is spreading across the state.
Project partners include: AL Clean Water Partnership, AL Cooperative Extension System (Master
Gardeners), Coca-Cola Refreshments, Inc., and the World Wildlife Fund. The ACWP recently
coordinated with Aflac (Columbus, GA - Chattahoochee Basin) to produce a "How to Make a Rain
Barrel" video to be aired on the Mother Nature Network (will be on our website when complete).
ACWP 2012 Board of Directors Meetings: March 14 (Home Builders Assn. of AL, Montgomery), July 11
(Toray Carbon Fiber America, Decatur), September 5 (in conjunction with AL Water Resource
Conference, Orange Beach), December 5 (in conjunction with ACWP 2012 Watershed Conference)
Allison Jenkins' Contact Info: (205) 266-6285; coordinator@cleanwaterpartnership.org
Funding: Estimated cuts to grant will be 12 to 20 percent for next contract for facilitator
funding; this will go into effect July 28, 2012 for Conecuh-Sepulga CWP
ADEM update(given by Jenkins)
303(d) 2012 list now on ADEM website, public comments accepted until March 13
www.adem.state.al.us
Complaints for illegal dumps, tire dumps, etc, can now be made online at ADEM website
Janet Wofford, Facilitator, Conecuh-Sepulga & Blackwater CWP
“Make & Take” Rain Barrel Workshops, 14 workshops held to date across watershed,
Possibly will have another workshop in Andalusia in conjunction with Covington County Master
Gardeners Plant sale this spring; Workshop with Choc-Pea & Yellow, ACES, & Wiregrass RC&D in
Ozark on April 18
“Art goes Green” rain barrels painted by AHS art students on display at Andalusia Public
Library; more information on www.cityofandalusia.com
Working with Covington County Sheriff’s office, Covington County Children’s Policy Council
and Darby’s Pharmacy to plan a “Drug take back Day” this spring.
Assisting with Crenshaw County Groundwater Festival, Friday, April 20
Electronics Recycling Day, Friday, March 9 in Andalusia and Friday, April 27 in Greenville
Wofford is currently setting up a Face book page for Conecuh-Sepulga & Blackwater Rivers
CWP
Wofford and Lisa Harris (Choc-Pea & Yellow) working on plans for a “BMP Academy” with
emphasis on Forestry, construction, and urban storm water issues. Tentatively planning for late 2012
or early 2013
25th Annual Alabama Coastal Cleanup will be Saturday, September 15—already working on
contacts for teams; hope to recruit more Girl Scouts this year. Last year had 4 troops participate for
first time in our zone.
Can check out recent and ongoing projects @ www.cleanwaterpartnership.org
Questionnaire:
Results of survey questionnaire discussed items included:
Any dumps known or suspected should be reported to ADEM for follow-up and cleanup.
ADEM Scrap tire program has funding for cleanup.
Education is top priority for all ages
Litter and illegal dumps is major concern
Adding fence on roadside at bridges and stream crossing might discourage illegal dumping of
deer carcasses
Ecovery, LLC, the company used for Ecycle Day in Andalusia recycles all electronics on site in
Loxley.
“Fracking” concerns regarding locations in Alabama where it is being done. Janet will contact
GSA for more information
Watershed Protection Plan update:
Included in everyone’s packet was a synopsis of goals set out in the WPP in 2005 along with
accomplishments. See after fundraising.
Fundraising:
Bruce reminded everyone of the need to generate dollars for level funding for this coming
contract. Allison mentioned fundraising possibilities such as golf tournaments, fun run, sponsor
breakfast, etc. Janet mentioned accepting donations for logo rain barrels for businesses for
sponsorship. Sharon Marsh volunteered to assist with grants.
Bruce commended Janet on her basin plan update and continued efforts for the partnership.
He thanked everyone for their continued interest and attendance. Meeting adjourned at 11:45.
The goal of the Conecuh-Sepulga and Blackwater Rivers Watershed Protection Plan is to preserve, protect, and
enhance water quality, biodiversity, and habitat of the Conecuh-Sepulga and Blackwater Rivers watershed to meet
the goals of the Clean Water Act through basin wide public/private partnerships.
OBJECTIVES
The following objectives will be implemented to meet the above goal. The order of the objectives has been
determined through public input, stakeholder surveys and stakeholder meeting discussions.
1. Increase citizen awareness of watershed protection.
Promote, develop or expand environmental awareness in public and private schools.
Ground water festivals, litter presentations/workshops, scout, club and community involvement in AL
Coastal Cleanup and Electronics Recycling Days, Envirothon training,
Promote watershed protection activities through the news media to increase citizen awareness.
Average 12 newspaper articles per year across the watershed;
Develop and maintain a website for the CSBRW
Statewide website; CSB has specific pages; kept up to date; Wofford in process of developing a facebook
page for CSB
Design and print brochures and other materials describing the scope, extent, goals, and objectives of the
CSBRWPP.
2 brochures, 1 newspaper insert (statewide);
Develop presentations to present to educators, civic organizations, businesses, homebuilders associations,
county and city personnel, etc., to promote the project.
Numerous presentations given to Master Gardeners, Rotary, Kiwanis Civitan, city and county
government in various towns across watershed
Place “Conecuh-Sepulga-Blackwater Rivers Watershed” signs on major roads entering and leaving the Basin.
There is still a need for this project
2. Inventory and monitor the physical, chemical and biological parameters for
and ground water.
surface
Develop support and interest in the Alabama Water Watch citizen’s volunteer water quality monitoring
program.
Wofford has attended AWW training, disseminate AWW information to contact list.
Identify and prioritize environmental data and information needed to improve watershed plan
implementation effectiveness. See GSA findings below
Partner with Troy University, Lurleen B. Wallace Community Collage, and Jefferson Davis Community
Collage to collect and analyze water quality data. Input broad-based watershed and subwatershed-specific
data into water quality databases.
Basin wide water monitoring and assessment project;
Completed August, 2008
Marlon Cook, GSA; Conecuh River Watershed Assessment Summary Findings
“The Conecuh River watershed covers much of south Alabama, but relatively little waterquality data is available to determine the current status of water quality conditions, affects of land use,
and a course of action to protect these waters for the future. The Geological Survey of Alabama in
cooperation with the Conecuh-Sepulga Clean Water Partnership completed a comprehensive
assessment of 9 streams in the Conecuh River watershed.
The primary constituents that affect water quality in streams in Alabama have nonpoint
sources and consist of sediment, nutrients, bacteria, and metals. Evaluations of these constituents
provide a good indication of overall water quality and stream health. When all primary constituents
were considered, Buck Creek (Covington County), Robertson Branch (Pike County), and an unnamed
tributary to Pigeon Creek in the city of Greenville, had the highest magnitude of impacted water
quality and Big Escambia Creek (Escambia County), Little Patsaliga Creek (Crenshaw County), and
Sepulga River (Conecuh County) had the lowest magnitude of impacted water quality. Streams with
specific problems include excessive lead concentrations in Blackwater River, excessive nitrate and
sediment loads in Buck Creek, highest bacteria counts in Robertson Branch, and excessive
phosphorus and chloride in Rocky Creek (Butler County).”
3. Reduce pollution from construction and other land disturbance activities.
Facilitate education and outreach programs for the construction industry.
Disseminate information on programs and training for storm water runoff
Identify and rank dirt roads that contribute most to stream sediment loads.
Participated in meetings held by RC&D /USFWS on stream crossing inventory;
Participated in Covington County Dirt Road Committee meetings
Provide sediment and erosion control training for public works employees and others involved in building
and maintaining roads.
Share all information regarding workshops/educational programs
4. Reduce pollutions from domestic onsite sewage disposal systems.
Identify areas with significant impacts from inadequately treated sewage and wastewater.
Advise reporters of these sites to confer with ADPH
Promote the use of alternative onsite sewage treatment systems.
Share all information on pertinent workshops with contact list
5. Reduce pollutions from illegal waste dumping sites, littering, and disposal of animal
carcasses.
Illegal dumping of waste in rural watersheds is a prevalent source of water quality impairment. Illegal
dumping includes animal carcasses, household garbage,
Address litter and illegal dumping problems in all presentations, including rain barrel workshops
Promote lake clean-up days to include the tributaries and mainstem of the entire Conecuh River.
Applied for and received education grant From Wiregrass RC&D Council(2010-2011) for litter education
presentations for schools/civic groups---13 presentations given under this project.
Wofford has served as Zone Captain of the Alabama Coastal Clean up for 8 years.
Numerous presentations have been delivered across the watershed regarding litter
Problems; litter problems are also included in all presentations on CWP
CWP has partnered with City of Andalusia, Ecovery, and AHS Key to host a second
Electronics recycling day, scheduled for March 9 at Andalusia Fire Department. 2011 event collected over
11,000 pounds of e-waste. Wofford working with other
Partners to plan E-cycle Day in Greenville, Troy, and Brewton.
6. Reduce pollution from agriculture activities.
Identify and prioritize impaired watersheds.
Involve the agricultural sector in management planning processes and activities throughout the CSBRW.
Partnered with Pike County SWCD and ADEM on the Poultry Litter project to reduce amount of litter applied to
fields thus reducing amount of phosphorous runoff into Conecuh River. SWCD and NRCS from across the
watershed are included in contact list and invited to all meetings, programs, etc.
Identify needs and install agricultural production practices
Direct these landowners to NRCS, SWCD, AFC, etc
Provide education and outreach.
Share all workshops, events, information through CSBCWP contact list
Promote agricultural pesticide collection and disposal days.
Promote safe and legal disposal
7. Reduce pollution from forestry activities.
Provide education and outreach to assist forest landowners in making informed forestry management
decisions.
See workshop info below; assist with distribution of AFC BMP and Selling Timber handbooks
Promote education and outreach to teachers and students.
Assist with Envirothon training and give presentations all levels of students; share educational
materials with teachers.
Utilize the TREASURE Forest and Tree Farm programs to promote forest land stewardship.
In partnership with Alabama Forestry Commission, held Forestry Workshop in Andalusia in November, 2010;
assisted with 2010 and 2011 ACWP Annual Watershed Conference which assisted with CEU’s for forestry
professionals. In 2010, participated in Annual Treasure Forest Landowners Statewide meeting and also held
Rain Barrel Workshop with Pike County Treasure Forest Association. Plans for a BMP Academy will
incorporate Forestry BMP’s
8. Reduce nonpoint source pollution from urban sources.
Assist with and promote implementation of urban management practices to protect water quality.
Since July 2010, 14 “Make and Take” Rain Barrel Workshops have been held constructing a total of
over 200 rain barrels; barrels conserve water as well as help to control storm water runoff
Coordinate urban management practice demonstration projects.
Partnered with ACES to host 2 Rain Garden Workshops
Develop and distribute pollution prevention information packet to homeowners
Provide information at all PowerPoint presentations, and at the Covington County fair display each
year.
Provide environmental protection presentations to home owners/boat owners and other lake.
As requested
Promote Pesticide Collection Days to collect and properly dispose of hazardous pesticides and household
chemicals. Potential project with ACES
Provide education and outreach to landscape, nursery, and sod farm industries.
Potential project with ACES
Promote the use of storm water drain stenciling. Included in Rain Barrel workshop presentation
9. Protect groundwater resources through conservation and pollution prevention.
Encourage public-water supply systems to become Ground Water Guardian Affiliates.
Most of Groundwater Festival Committees across the watershed are GWGA
Provide ground water education and outreach.
Groundwater education is included in most presentations in particular at GW Festivals
Protect groundwater from polluted runoff.
This is stressed in presentations and educational displays
10. Promote protection of wetlands, faunal habitats, and other critical areas.
Participated in USFWS stream bank and habitat assessment training in 2011. Assisted with distribution of this
information and recruitment of volunteers
Encourage the protection of sensitive and critical areas and habitats through local development of a
watershed specific plan.
Identify and map sensitive habitats, and develop a habitat protection and remediation prioritization ranking
system.
Identify subwatersheds with significant habitat restoration needs and rank valuable parcels for acquisition or
other forms of protection.
Identify sources of cost-share and other incentives to landowners for habitat restoration and protection.
Provide information to watershed residents on tax incentives and other benefits that can be achieved through
the use of conservation easements and other land protection programs.
Review COE permit applications for bulkhead, wetland filling and dredging permits in the CSBRW.
Participate and provide input into the Federal Energy Regulatory Commissions (FERC) relicensing and
permitting process for AEC’s Gantt and Point A hydroelectric facilities as well as any other industrial
licensing process.
11. Assess the effectiveness of the CSBRW protection plan.
Review protection plan at least annually and update as necessary.
Coordinate development of subwatershed protection plans throughout the CSBRW.
Develop Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDLs) and implement effective and efficient PROTECTION
measures.