Did you know?
Hart Brook (also known as Dill Brook) is a brook located in Lewiston, Maine
that starts north of Webster Street and flows to the Androscoggin River. The
brook is less than 4 miles long but drains a watershed of over 2,000 acres.
Do you live, work, or play in the Hart Brook watershed?
Map of the Hart Brook Watershed Management Area
Larger Version of Map
(428KB PDF File)
 What is a watershed?
A watershed is defined as an area of land that catches rain or snow and
drains to a particular body of water. If you look at the map of the Hart Brook
watershed, the watershed is the area outlined in yellow. This means that
everyone in the watershed contributes to the health of the brook, not just the
people whose property is located near the brook.
Many businesses and residences far from Hart Brook
contribute stormwater to the brook through a subsurface pipe system. The
stormwater in this pipe system can transport non-point source pollution from
many businesses and residences to the brook.
What is non-point source pollution?
Exactly what the name implies – pollution that is not associated with a
point source; it is created by many sources. When it rains or when snow melts,
the portion that does not soak into the ground is called stormwater. Stormwater
is like a giant broom; when it “runs off” parking lots, driveways, sidewalks,
and lawns, it picks up and carries with it all the oil, grease, litter, dirt,
bacteria from pet waste, excess fertilizer, and pesticides – all of which are
considered non-point source pollution.
How does non-point source pollution impact the
health of Hart Brook?
Non-point source pollution is the largest source of water quality problems
within the United States. Hart Brook is classified as an impaired waterbody
which means it does not meet the State’s water quality standards (Hart Brook is
classified as a Class B water). The probable cause of impairment is urban
non-point source pollution. Elevated metal and nutrient concentrations in the
brook are associated with stormwater sources including road and parking lot
runoff, pet waste, and lawn/landscaping runoff.
The effect of non-point source pollution on the brook
is proportional to the amount of impervious cover (surfaces such as roads,
driveways, rooftops, or compacted lawns) in the watershed – the higher
percentage of impervious cover creates a greater amount of non-point source
pollution. The percentage of impervious cover within the Hart Brook watershed is
approximately 30%. Generally, the following four watershed restoration
techniques can be used to reduce the effect of impervious cover and non-point
source pollution:
- general stream restoration,
- disconnection of impervious surfaces from the brook,
- conversion of impervious surfaces to pervious
surfaces, and
- application of pollution prevention and good
housekeeping practices.
What is the City doing?
The City of Lewiston, in conjunction with the Maine DEP, is undertaking a
watershed management planning effort for the Hart Brook watershed. The goal of
the Watershed Management Plan (WMP) is to return the water quality of Hart Brook
to the State’s water quality standards and allow the waterbody to meet water
quality standards and continue to meet the standards as development continues
within the watershed. The WMP will take a close look at the specific sources of
impairment, and by using the four general watershed restoration techniques as a
guideline, the WMP will identify and prioritize those restoration opportunities
that will assist in obtaining the goal.
How can I help?
A stakeholder working group will guide the project, provide technical input
in developing goals and objectives, and provide a detailed review of the
management plan. If you are interested in being part of the stakeholder working
group, please contact Zach Henderson
at
1-800-426-4262 ext 3394 email zhenderson@woodardcurran.com
Even if you cannot become involved in the development
of the Watershed Management Plan, there are some helpful things you can do:
As a business: During parking lot or
landscaping improvements, there may be opportunities to reduce stormwater
runoff and improve the look of your property.
On a day-to-day basis, businesses can incorporate a
few simple practices:
- Sweep parking lots to reduce the build up of
pollutants.
- Clean catch basins on the property at least once
per year.
- Segregate and recycle as much waste as possible.
- Inspect trash disposal areas on a regular basis;
keep them clean and free of debris.
- Install a rain garden to increase infiltration and
enhance the look of your property
As a resident: During landscaping improvements
or everyday activities, there may be opportunities to minimize your
contribution to non-point source pollution.
Consider the following practices:
- Use phosphorus-free fertilizers and detergents.
- Sweep your driveway and dispose of sweepings in
the garbage.
- Place curbside garbage bags in a covered garbage
can.
- Keep your car well-tuned to avoid drips and leaks.
- Install a rain barrel to capture rain water for
future use.
| Up to 70% of the
rain that falls on your property leaves your property taking with it
hitch-hiking pollutants. |
Photographs of Hart Brook, Lewiston,
Maine
For More Information, contact:
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