Incentives for Certification in Erosion Prevention: Audit of Ordinances and One-the-ground Study of Practices

From the beginning, the Saluda-Reedy Watershed Consortium has focused on identifying and measuring the impacts of changing land use on the quality and abundance of water in the Saluda-Reedy basin. Some Consortium-sponsored projects have measured these impacts by sampling the nutrients and sediments found in the watershed's rivers and others have sampled the waters of Lake Greenwood itself. While some of the sediment in our rivers and streams can be attributed to legacy effects of historic land-use practices, a primary source of sediment input today comes from development activities. An ongoing Consortium-sponsored project in the final stages of data analysis involves examination of local and state laws and programs for stormwater management and erosion and sediment control on development sites.

Partners from North Wind, Inc. (formerly Pinnacle Consulting Group) are leading a project that examines opportunities for reducing erosion impacts and managing stormwater more effectively for improved water quality in our watershed. In addition to review of local ordinances, North Wind partners are examining site plans for new construction and conducting a series of site visits to evaluate the effectiveness of erosion prevention and sediment management plans and activities throughout Greenville city and county. The project is also looking at stormwater measures to determine whether the most effective means for stormwater management for water quality treatment are being employed.

This and other watershed research and advocacy projects from 2005-2006 are wrapping up this summer and results will be posted on the project website under the Research section's Indepth Reports page -- so stay tuned!