| |
|
| |
The good news is that there are positive steps we can take to reverse the trend toward further decline. Everyone can take measures on their own property to control the primary sources of pollution. These pollution control measures are commonly referred to as Best Management Practices, or BMPs.
At Lake Tahoe, we define BMPs as "structural and nonstructural practices proven effective in soil erosion control and management of surface runoff in the Lake Tahoe Region." Eroding soils and surface water runoff transport pollutants, particularly plant nutrients and sediments, to the region's rivers and streams and to Lake Tahoe. These pollutants can flow from just about anywhere in the Lake Tahoe Basin and so are described as nonpoint source pollutants. The increase in the algae population of Lake Tahoe and the corresponding decline in water clarity are directly attributable to the flow of nonpoint source pollutants into the Region's water bodies. The only way we can control this source of pollution from developed areas is to implement Best Management Practices on a wide scale.
See BMP Examples. BMPs do not have to be complicated to be effective. In fact, the most effective BMPs are those which mimic natural conditions. A site which was disturbed for development, and then revegetated properly with native plants, can be nearly as effective at protecting water quality as the original undisturbed condition. A relatively simple revegation project can enhance the natural beauty of your property AND have a significant positive environmental impact! Other examples of BMPs include retaining structures, such as a timber walls; rock-lined infiltration trenches along drip lines and other impervious surfaces; and paved driveways.
BMPs are so important at Lake Tahoe that TRPA requires they be implemented on all new projects in the Basin. Whether the project is a new home or new hotel, the owner is required to implement temporary BMPs while construction is underway and permanent BMPs once the project is finished. By linking BMP implementation to projects which require TRPA permits, however, we were reaching only some of the properties which need BMPs. New projects may never be built on many parcels which could have continued to be sources of sediment and stormwater runoff. In order to achieve the region's water quality goals, we are now turning our attention to those properties, as well.
With help from your local Resource Conservation Districts, and our other partners, TRPA is implementing a BMP Retrofit Program which will result in the use of BMPs on thousands of additional properties by the year 1999.
The Retrofit Program will be phased in over the next five years. The first phase involves all property owners in Priority One watersheds. Priority One watersheds require immediate attention because they tend to have steeper terrain, a higher ratio of development to undisturbed land, and more highly erosive soils. In other words, they tend to produce more sediment and nutrient flow than other areas of the Basin.
Property owners in Priority One watersheds are being asked to implement BMPs on their property by October 15, 1995. Subsequent target dates are October 15, 1997 in Priority Two watersheds and October 15, 1999 in Priority Three watersheds.
All property owners are strongly encouraged to call the Resource Conservation Districts (RCDs) to request a site assessment. Staff from the RCDs and TRPA are standing by to help you design an appropriate BMP plan for your property.
Call 916-541-5654 to schedule a site assessment.
The RCDs and TRPA will also be holding a series of neighborhood workshops to talk about BMPs and how they are used. You will receive notification of the workshops through the mail.
Some homeowners may find they have to do little or nothing because soil erosion and surface water runoff are already controlled through landscaping and other improvements. If the property is already adequately vegetated, all slopes are stabilized, the driveway is paved, and all runoff is effectively infiltrated, then the property may already be in compliance with the BMP Retrofit Program. The whole purpose of the BMP Retrofit Program is to prevent the problem, not to require all homeowners to take identical measures, which may or may not be appropriate. Application of BMPs requires a flexible approach which takes into account site-specific considerations.
Residential property owners are not the only ones who are required to implement BMPs.
Here's what others are doing:
TRPA and our partners are relying heavily on voluntary compliance with the BMP Retrofit Program. We will provide homeowners with as much information as we can through the mail, at our neighborhood workshops, and by visiting your property at your invitation. With that information, we hope most homeowners will complete their own site assessments and implement whatever BMPs are needed to correct erosion and runoff problems. Once homeowners have had a reasonable amount of time in which to comply, TRPA will begin taking note of properties which discharge noticeable amounts of sediment and storm water to the street and storm drainage system. We will notify those property owners that there is a significant problem on their property and will work with them to correct it. In the long run, TRPA may have to take corrective action on a larger scale. The BMP Retrofit Program is a critical component of the Lake Tahoe Basin water quality improvement plan. If we don't achieve success with the existing water quality improvement plan, TRPA will be required to adopt additional water quality control measures which could have regional impacts on future opportunities for orderly growth and development at Lake Tahoe.