From Neglected to Reconnected: Improving Water Quality through Urban Stream Restoration, Education and Outreach.

Water resources in urban areas are often negatively impacted by increased development. Stormwater that was once a watershed resource is concentrated into damaging runoff that erodes streambanks, destroys habitat, and degrades water quality. Furthermore, excess streambank erosion in confined urban areas can threaten local infrastructure such as roads, buildings and utilities. Moores Creek in Chambers County, Alabama is listed in its entirety as an impaired water of Alabama for habitat degradation due to sedimentation triggered by urban development. The Moores Creek Project is a collaborative partnership that formed with the ultimate goal of improving water quality in the Moores Creek Watershed through implementing stormwater and stream best management practices and increasing knowledge of streams, nonpoint source pollution, and watersheds through education and extension.

This case study outlines Phase One of the Moores Creek Project that used ecological engineering practices to stabilize approximately 1100 linear feet of streambank. Upon completion of this 2 year project, stabilization efforts resulted in nonpoint source pollutant load reductions of approximately 4 tons sediment/year, 36 lbs N/year, and 28 lbs P/year. Streambank stabilization also protected local infrastructure and restored approximately 1 acre of habitat and native vegetation. Most importantly, the partnerships from community outreach and education conducted during Phase One of the Moores Creek Project generated enough stakeholder interest to promote future projects. Currently, the Moores Creek Project is working with local government, municipalities, businesses and landowners to develop project phases Two and Three. Partnerships include Alabama Department of Environmental Management, Auburn University, Alabama Cooperative Extension System, City of Lanett, City of Valley, Chambers County Commission, Zink Environmental, Inc., Jennings Environmental, North State Environmental, Inc., Alabama Power, East Alabama Water, Sewer & Fire Protection District, and Alabama Water Watch.