opportunities and future prospects
Past and current watershed management policy has centered on flood control for the Papillion Creek system. Underlying historical usage of the streams in the urban area has tacitly furthered the concept that the Papio was a receiving stream for runoff or anything else that needed to be dumped. With these philosophies in place, it is difficult to re-direct local thinking towards a more environmental approach to these streams and adjoining watershed sub-basins. Emphasis by agencies and city government lies largely with water quantity, specifically, the funding and focusing of priorities on flood control through modifications to the Papillion Creek system, enhancing flood-control levees, and the building of reservoirs—present and future.
The NPDES MS4 Stormwater Permit places requirements for the City of Omaha and surrounding metropolitan cities to develop water quality plans for stormwater. This is an opportunity for the cities, NRD, and other partners to re-conceptualize the Papillion Creek system’s status and structure. Although flood control will continue to be a major concern and must be addressed, there now needs to be equal focus on water quality and ecosystem restoration. The development of the Papillion Creek Watershed Partnership an organization that unifies the metropolitan effort in meeting the needs of the Stormwater Permit, can be a platform for the furtherance of water quality. As they strive to meet the public education and information requirements of the Permit, the Partnership can provide information to businesses, commercial and residential owners on the value of retrofitting parking lots with pervious paving, plantings and infiltration systems. Additionally, swales and rain gardens are valuable additions to slowing down and retaining stormwater, as well as attractive elements to the grounds. Other organizations, such as Keep Omaha Beautiful, are interested in improving the Omaha environment, and their partnering with the Papillion Creek Watershed Partnership can be beneficial in reinforcing these efforts.
The potential for great strides in reducing stormwater pollution in the watershed is possible. It is imperative that the need for pollution control, stormwater management by businesses and individual homeowners alike, and a biological approach to the improving of water quality in the Papillion Creek system be accepted by the policy-makers.
Native Plants, Natural Landscapes promotes environmentally sound
landscaping practices to preserve biodiversity through the preservation,
restoration and establishment of native plant communities.
