About the Project
Non-point source of pollution is widespread in the Catoctin Creek watershed. Fecal contamination and sediments are causing poor water quality and stressing habitat and aquatic life conditions.
There is a Plan - Loudoun Soil and Water Conservation District and the Loudoun Environmental Health have a plan to restore water quality by 2015. The plan encourages community involvement and provides economic incentives for voluntary actions. It targets the county's two major sources of fecal contamination, cattle with access to streams and failing septic tank systems. The reduction of these two problems will correct a majority of water quality issues
- Farmers in the watershed are offered cost share funding and tax benefits to install fences and alternative water supplies which will exclude livestock from the streams.
- Homeowners are being asked to take responsibility for maintainance of septic systems and properly maintain working systems.
The Plan Needs Citizen Support - Catoctin Creek is a valuable natural resources, and an aesthetic and economic asset. Water pollution affecting our stream resources is a community-wide problem, and support from concerned citizens is vital for the pollution control plan to work.
Catoctin Watershed Project - The Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) is leading the effort to make a change. It is providing financial support to Loudoun Soil and Water Conservation District (LSWCD) and Loudoun Health Department over 5 years and thus reduce the fecal pollution to meet state water quality standards. The Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy (LWC) and Loudoun Watershed Watch (LWW) also have received grant funds to provide educational programs and monitor progress. These citizen organizations have initiated the Catoctin Watershed Project.
"2007 Outstanding Organization"
Presented to:
Loudoun Watershed Watch
Catoctin Watershed TMDL
Project
Presented by: Virginia Citizens for Water Quality
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Click to enlarge
2005 Grant Summary Report
- Details accomplishments during 2005. Download 1.6 MB Adobe .pdf
file
