Brach Lake Watershed Improvement Project- Phase I

In the Spring of 2007, the District began administration of a 319 Non-Point Source Pollution Grant from the Department of Environmental Protection for watershed improvement projects in the Branch Lake watershed.  This project includes giving Road Associations technical and financial assistance to help reduce erosion along roadways by installing proper sized culverts, creating or enhancing ditching, and creating proper inlet and outlet areas around culverts.  In 2007, road work was accomplished on Phillips Way, Wilson Way, Cove Way, and Sargent Drive.  From the road work accomplished so far, we estimate that there has been a reduction of 25 tons of sediment, 21 pounds of phosphorus, and 42 pounds of nitrogen from entering Branch Lake per year.  The mitigation projects on these roads will continue through next fall and will also include work on Reed Way and at the Branch Lake public boat launch. 

This grant will also include helping property owners in the northern section of the Branch Lake Watershed fix nonpoint source pollution issues on their properties by providing free technical assistance and money (50% cash match up to $300) to help install Best Management Practices (BMPs) to help eliminate erosion issues.

The HCSWCD is now accepting residential site applications until April 1st, 2008.  There is no commitment to have work done by filling out an application.  Applications will be reviewed by the Branch Lake Steering Committee to determine what projects will be selected.  Site visits by the Hancock County Soil and Water Conservation District are required.  No information in the application or property issues seen during the site visit will be used against the landowner– the goal of this project is to help property owners fix NPS issues on their property, not for finding and reporting violations.

Some examples of residential NPS issues include:

· Driveway or boat launch erosion

· No vegetation along the shoreline

· Any area where exposed soil is, or can be, washed into the lake

For more information or to receive an application, please call the HCSWCD office at 664-7496 or email: megan.facciolo@me.nacdnet.net 

The Branch Lake Watershed Improvement Project 319 Grant is funded in part by Maine DEP through a US EPA Nonpoint Source Grant under section 319 of the Federal Clean Water Act.