A big part of the Seneca-Keuka Watershed Nine Element Plan (9E) is controlling stormwater runoff that can carry harmful nutrients into the lakes.
Seneca Lake Watershed Steward Ian Smith suggested toolkit plan
The Seneca Watershed Intermunicipal Organization (SWIO) and Keuka Watershed
Improvement Cooperative are working together on a stormwater management toolkit. Geneva Town Supervisor Mark Venuti is the chair of SWIO. He says the idea of the toolkit came from Seneca Lake Watershed Steward Ian Smith.
How will the toolkit address runoff issues?
The toolkit will provide guidance on how to successfully identify, address,
and execute stormwater management issues.
• Task 1 – Content: Identify all information gaps needed to be addressed by the toolkit. This would
include information on how to identify issues, identifying appropriate BMP(s), means of
financing, data information needs to inform design/engineering, permitting requirements, and
resources to assist with execution. Content should include real-world examples of successfully
completed projects from around the watershed.
• Task 2 – Main Narrative: Develop a document that will be distributed amongst municipalities to
serve as a reference manual for present and future municipal officials.
• Task 3 – Distributable Material: Develop condensed printing content and digital presentations
that can be easily disseminated amongst municipalities.
• Task 4 – Outreach: Attend town/zoning board meetings to make municipalities aware of the
Toolkit. Host one or more outreach events to bring increased awareness to officials on the work
that needs to be done and how to begin identifying opportunities for improvements.
At last count, 27 communities in the Seneca and Keuka watersheds are members of SWIO.
Listen to my full Inside the FLX conversation with Geneva Town Supervisor Mark Venuti below.
Related: Seneca-Keuka Lake Watershed 9E Plan helps focus water quality efforts in Seneca and Keuka Lakes
