Oyster Restoration in the Lynnhaven River

WatershedA watershed is an area of land that drains to a common point.

It is the area land that catches the rain and snow and drains or seeps into a marsh, stream, river, lake or groundwater.

Point and Non-Point SourcesPoint Source Pollution:Pollution originating from a discrete source (a pipe, factory, farm, ditch, etc.)

Non-Point Source Pollution:Pollution discharged over a wide land area, not from one specific location, occurs when rainwater or irrigation drains off of plowed fields, city streets and parking lots, or suburban backyards. More than 50% of all water pollution in the US.

Common Classes of PollutantsSediments

Nutrients

Toxins (heavy metals, petroleum products, pesticides, road salt, etc.)

Bacteria

Green Filter or Gray Funnel

Lynnhaven River Watershed

The Lynnhaven WatershedCovers 21% of the citys land area--- 64 square miles

Is home to 47% of the citys population---200,000 people

Includes Broad Bay, Linkhorn Bay, Crystal Lake, and the Eastern and Western Branches

Largely Residential

Virginia Beach Population Growth1905 -- 11,0001940 -- 19,0001950 42,0001960 -- 84,0001970 172,0001980 262,0001990 393,0002000 425,0002006 445,000

Virginia Department of HealthAreas Closed to Oyster HarvestDecember 11, 2003January 21, 2005

Condition of the LynnhavenWater Quality Problems:Bacteria (mainly fecal coliform)Excess NutrientsSedimentToxins

Habitat Loss:Oyster ReefsWetland & Buffer HabitatsUnderwater Grasses

Fecal Coliform Origins in Lynnhaven River (according to DEQs TMDL study 2003)

Chart1

28

25

30

17

Sheet1

bird28

human25

pets/livestock30

wildlife17

Sheet2

Sheet3

A single overboard discharge of human waste can be detected in up to a one square mile area of shallow enclosed water. Contaminants known from human waste include hepatitis, streptococci, fecal coliform and other bacteria.

Florida Department of Environmental ProtectionWater Quality Fact

What can you do?

Six Areas of FocusPreservation and Restoration of WetlandsTeaching Water-Friendly Landscaping Restoration of Oyster ReefsWorking with the City to Improve Storm Water and Remove SepticsReduce Fecal Coliform Bacteria from Animal WastePromote Clean Boating PracticesEstablish Lynnhaven as a No Discharge Zone

Reduce Sediment InputsAppropriate sediment controls on construction projects

Maintain vegetation

Preserve or restore natural shorelines

Reduce Toxin InputsDispose of household toxins appropriately

Use less toxic chemicals

Dont dump into sewers

What else can you do?What can you do to reduce Nutrient and Fecal Coliform Input?

Reduce Pet Waste:Scoop the Poop

Dont feed the ducks.or raccoons, or geese, or

Make Clean Boating a HabitPUMP, DONT DUMP Raw Sewage isnt nice, treated or untreated. Pump out your boat appropriately and dump portable toilets where they belong.

STOWE IT, DONT THROW IT Trash isnt good for the wateryou brought it here, take it back with you!

FILL, DONT SPILL Only fill your boat to about 90% ...stop the pump before the tank is full! Fuel spills are illegal.

USE THE RIGHT STUFF Only use cleaners and fluids that are certified safe for marine use!!!

Lynnhaven River 2007 Clean Boating Initiatives:LR 2007 supports No Discharge Zone legislation.

LR 2007 helps marinas become a Certified Green Marina

Teach Clean Boating Practices

Practice Water Friendly Landscaping

Install a Backyard BufferUse native plants in your landscapingTest your soil and fertilize appropriatelyBuild a Rain GardenPlant Trees

Install a Backyard Buffer

Grow Oysters

Community Oyster Contributions

Oysters by Year

4000050000

3700050000

500090000

3500074000

65000134000

5000075000

30000118000

40000144000

Citizen Raised Oysters

Student Raised Oysters

Oysters Transplanted

Sheet1

Lynnhaven River Oyster Transplanting

YEARCitizen's OystersStudent's OystersCBF Oyster FarmTOTAL

19984000050000090000

19993700050000087000

2000500090000095000

200135000740000109000

20026500013400022000221000

20035000075000425000550000

200430000118000148000

200540000144000497000681000

302000735000

Sheet2

Sheet3