Oak Creek E. coli impairment study begins

SEDONA, AZ (December 2, 2009) - The Oak Creek Watershed Council (formerly the Oak Creek Canyon Task Force) was awarded a $311,603 grant to reduce the level of E. coli bacteria in the Oak Creek Watershed by the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ), and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), under the federal Clean Water Act.

“Oak Creek is classified by ADEQ as an outstanding state resource water or “unique water,” said Rex Bergamini, Project Manager, “unfortunately, it is persistently impaired by fecal contamination. In the first year we will develop a comprehensive watershed improvement plan, and in the second year, several low-cost mitigation projects will be implemented.”

“We can’t do it by ourselves, though.” added Barry Allan, Grant Administrator. “This is a community-driven project, and while our group is providing the expertise to manage the administrative and technical aspects of the grant, we will be relying on a coalition of stakeholders in the watershed to provide us with advice, feedback and decision-making. An outreach program will also be instituted to educate and collaborate with all watershed residents,” explained Allan.

“We’ve invited over 120 individuals and members of community groups including educators; environmental organizations; home owner associations; city, county, state and federal agencies; local businesses and organizations; utility companies; watershed groups; advocacy organizations; agricultural businesses and landowners; fire and school districts,” said Allan, “and we anticipate around 40 participants will constitute the coalition, then decisions affecting the development of the Plan will be made by an Advisory Council of around 20 coalition members.”

Morgan Stine, long-time resident of Oak Creek Canyon, and Technical Consultant on the project said “rarely does a project come along that can unite a community in a common cause. Not only will there be a host of different community groups and professionals cooperating and working together in this one, but the foundation on which this Plan will be built is the field work performed by a force of volunteers.”

“We invite residents of Coconino and Yavapai counties who live in our watershed, and have some spare time to donate to our boots-on-the-ground volunteer force, to contact us as soon as possible,” said Stine, “this is an environmental issue in which we can make a difference by working together.”

To join the Oak Creek Watershed Improvement Plan volunteer force, please contact Barry Allan at (928) 554-5460 or email barry@oakcreekwatershed.org. For further information on the Oak Creek Watershed Council visit www.oakcreekwatershed.org