Scantic River Watershed
The Scantic River Watershed runs through the towns of Somers, Ellington, Enfield, East Windsor, and South Windsor. The NCCD has has been involved with many projects to both provide information regarding and to repair "terrace escarpment" slopes fronting portions of the river. These slopes are highly erodible, potentially hazardous, and very costly to remediate.
In 2008, the North Central Conservation District conducted an in-stream assessment, municipal regulation review, public outreach events for Broad Brook, a tributary of the Scantic River. Using this information, the USDA NRCS recently completed a Watershed Report for Broad Brook. The PDF of the report is available for download here.
Hockanum River Watershed
The Hockanum River Watershed incorporates portions of East Hartford, Manchester, Vernon, South Windsor, Ellington, Tolland, and Stafford. For years, the District has worked closely with towns, the Hockanum River Watershed Association, and the DEP to improve Hockanum water quality and access.
The District worked with the Hockanum River Watershed Association, local commissioners, and community groups to conduct clean-ups of two stretches of the river, in coordination with Connecticut river Watershed Council's Source to Sea Cleanup.
Recent projects completed by the District within the Hockanum River Watershed:
Manchester Hockanum River Stormwater Project
The District completed a trackdown survey of stormwater outfalls within the Manchester section of the Hockanum River Watershed that were at least 24” in diameter and within 100 feet of a watercourse. The District photographed, inventoried, recorded coordinates, assessed, and created a map and database for all of the 49 outfalls. Potential retrofits were identified and prioritized, and discussed with the Town of Manchester as well as DEP.
Stormwater outfall identified during trackdown as High Priority due to severe undercutting and erosion.
Currently awaiting 319 funding to retrofit these two outfalls and associated stormwater pond, identified during trackdown.
These findings were included as part of a Watershed-Based Plan, a component of the same 319 project. Potential pollutant load reductions from the recommended retrofits were calculated, and the watershed was assessed in terms of land use and land cover. The District is currently working with the Town of Manchester and the DEP to fund and implement prioritized retrofits.
Olcott Street Retrofit
The Olcott Retrofit was identified by the District during a previous 319 stormwater trackdown project within a subbasin of the Hockanum River in Manchester. The District sought an additional 319 grant to rebuild the outfall and install a hydro-dynamic separator and grass-lined swale between the outfall and Hop Brook, a main tributary of the Hockanum River. The retrofit project is now complete and functioning properly.
Before Construction During Construction Project Complete
Vernon Hockanum Stormwater Project
The District completed a stream trackdown survey of stormwater outfalls located adjacent to the main stem of the Hockanum River within Vernon. The District photographed, inventoried, recorded coordinates, assessed, and created a map and database for over 50 outfalls. Potential retrofits were identified and prioritized, and future funding will be sought for implementation.
Outfalls identified during the Hockanum River Trackdown Survey in Vernon, CT
Park River Watershed
The Park River Watershed runs through Hartford, West Hartford, Newington, Farmington and Bloomfield. Because of its proximity to densely populated areas, it is one of the most heavily engineered rivers in the country. Nevertheless, its towns and city are exploring the potential benefits of having a clean protected river, with green banks and trails available to their residents.