i PLAN FOR WATERSHED PROTECTION, FLOOD PREVENTION, and AGRICULTURAL WATER MANAGEMENT JORDAN CREEK WATERSHED JAN I 3 1975 $ a !E WATER SURVEY DIVISSO UBRARY COPY U. S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE U S DA-SC S'LINCOLN. NEBR. 1B70 E OUR SOIL ★ OUR STRENGTH = University of Illinois Library at Urbana- Champaign Prairie Research institute ADDENDUM to the JORDAN CREEK WATERSHED WORK PLAN Warren County, Indiana Vermilion County, Illinois This addendum is in response to the established Principles and Standards of the Water Resources Council and has been developed in accordance with the USDA Procedures for Planning Water and Related Land Resources. Information included consists of: I. Evaluation of Plan With Current Installation Costs and Discount Rate II. Abbreviated Environmental Quality Plan IIISelected Plan - Display Tables JORDAN CREEK WATERSHED 6 oil, I. EVALUATION OF PLAN WITH CURRENT INSTALLATION COST AND BISCOUNT RATE This addendum shows project cost based on 1974 price base for installation costs amortized for 100 years at 5 7/8 percent interest. Benefits for this addendum are based on current nurmalized prices for agricultural commodities. Annual project benefits, costs and benefits—cost ratio are as follows: Total Benefits Total costs Benefit-cost ratio $508,757 123,620 4.1:1.0 1 JORDAN CREEK WATERSHED II. ABBREVIATED ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY PLAN ENVIRONMENTAL PROBLEMS Areas of natural beautv The watershed has a limited variety of scenery because of land use patterns, topography, lack of lakes, perennial streams, major water courses and other natural features. About 92 per¬ cent of the area is devoted to agricultural uses with 8 percent in wildlife, recreation, and forest land. The lower reaches of Jordan Creek are fairly well entrenched, wooded, and have some rock riffles. This area is small and is included in the previously mentioned 8 percent. Water and land quality Erosion in terms of sediment production is slightly above tolerable limits on 21,700 acres of cropland or 20 percent of the watershed. The average sediment loss on this area is esti¬ mated at 3.9 tons/acre/year. which is above the tolerable limit of 3.5. Sediment yield from the watershed is low: about 0.33 tons/acre/year for Indiana and about 0.21 tons/acre/year for the Illinois portion of the watershed. However, high intensity, short duration storms on fallow field conditions will periodically discharge sediment and associated pollutants into Jordan Creek. Biological resources and selected ecosystems The predominant agricultural monoculture provides a small amount of unvaried wildlife habitat. Clean-tillage practices destroy suitable habitat for wildlife species that favor upland agriculture. The watershed is short of surface water habitat for fish and wildlife. However, Jordan Creek downstream of the Illinois-Indiana state line has suitable habitat for a mature sport fishery. COMPONENT NEEDS 1. Improve water and land quality by controlling erosion, sedimentation and other pollutants. 2. Establish, improve, and manage fish and wildlife habitat. 3. Provide diversity of landscape. 2 Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2019 with funding from University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Alternates https://archive.org/details/jordancreekwaterOOunse JORDAN CREEK WATERSHED PLAN ELEMENTS 1. Install appropriate land tr eatment measure s on about 35,567 acres. Included are contour farming, grassed waterways or outlets, minimum tillage, crop residue use, grade stabilization structures and other measures as needed. Soil conserving mechanical practices and cropping systems would be applied on all croplands. Pasture would be used and managed to protect stand cover and maintain vigor of desired plant species. The estimated cost of installation including technical assistance is $913,690. 2. Implement proper land use within capability . Convert 21,700 acres of cropland presently exceeding tolerable soil loss to pasture or forest land. The estimated installation cost including technical assistance is $1,827,350. 3. Eliminate feedlot discharge into streams and ground water aquifers . Install 55 holding ponds for livestock feedlot runoff at a cost of $189,750. 4. Convert about 5,600 acres of cropland into parcels of forest land . These parcels should be 10 acres or larger and should be scattered throughout the watershed on soils suited for trees involved. The estimated installation cost of this conversion, including technical assistance, is $9,044,000. 5. Establish about 2,600 acres of upland wildlife areas in scattered blocks such as in "off field" areas and a long fence rows and ditchbanks. The vegetation should be a mixture of trees, shrubs and herbaceous plants which have a high value for wildlife food and/or cover. The estimated estab¬ lishment cost, including technical assistance, is $4,129,000. 6. Convert about 2,500 acres of cropland to wetland . A large, single block of wetland is more desirable than scattered wetland areas. The estimated cost of conversion, including technical assistance, is $2,802,125. 7. Restrict land use for a distance of 50 feet from each edge of the stream or ditch banks . The acreage involved could be considered as part of the 2,600 acres of the upland wildlife area previously mentioned. The estimated installation cost, including technical assistance, is $158,563. 3 JORDAN CREEK WATERSHED PLAN ELEMENTS CONT'D 8. Install stream improvements for fish and wildlife habitat downstream of the Illlnols-Indlana state line on Jordan Creek (approximately 7 miles) . Appropriate measures would be: livestock exclusion, bank stabilization, fish cover provisions such as overhangs and clean-up of litter. The estimated installation cost, including technical assistance, is $139,000. INSTITUTIONAL ARRANGEMENT Institutional arrangements available and needed for the im¬ plementation of the Environmental Quality Plan . Legal entities of government are in existence for the implementation of the EQ Plan. They include township and county government, joint powers of county government and soil and water conserva¬ tion districts. Township and county governments have the power of eminent domain and taxation by law. State and federal programs are available providing financial assistance both for land acquisition and for establishment of measures to implement the EQ Plan, namely: State Programs Indiana Department of Natural Resources and Illinois Department of Conservation a. Forestation Program - Provide tree planting stocks and technical assistance. b. Private Land Wildlife Habitat Improvement Program - Provide technical assistance to create wildlife habitat on private lands. c. Natural Resource Funds - Provide financial assistance for developing fish and wildlife habitat. Federal Programs 1. U.S. Department of Agriculture a. Resource Conservation and Development - Financial and technical assistance involving human and natural resources 4 * JORDAN CREEK WATERSHED INSTITUTIONAL ARRANGEMENT CONT'D b. Rural Environmental Conservation Program - Provides cost sharing assistance to individual landowners for application of conservation practices. c. Loans and Advances - Provide loans and advances to sponsoring organizations. 2. U.S. Department of Interior a. Pitman-Robertson Funds - Provides for wildlife research and financial and technical assistance in developing wildlife habitat areas. Administered by the state. b. Dingell-Johnson Funds - Provides for fishery research and financial and technical assistance in developing fishery habitat areas. Administered bv the state. Technical assistance including educational and on-site assistance is available from: 1. Warren, Indiana and Vermilion, Illinois Soil and Water Conservation Districts 2. Cooperative Extension Service 3. Indiana Department of Natural Resources 4. USDA including Soil Conservation Service and Forest Service 5. USDI, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 6. Illinois Department of Conservation EFFECTS Water and land quality The installation of the land treatment measures will reduce the average annual soil loss on 21,700 acres of cropland from 3.9 tons/acre/year to the tolerable limit of 3.5 tons/acre/vear. The measures will reduce erosion and sedimentation by 25 percent and decrease the watershed's contribution of sediment to Jordan Creek from 12,000 tons/year to 9,000 tons/vear. This reduction will reduce agricultural pollutants that are borne by sediment. 5 JORDAN CREEK WATERSHED EFFECTS CONT'D Implementation of land use compatible with the soils capability can reduce erosion and sedimentation in the same manner as land treatment. Therefore, the effects on water and land quality would be similar. Biological resources and selected ecosystems The installation of the forest land, upland wildlife habitat, wetlands, the 50-foot strip each side of the stream, and the 1.5 miles of stream improvement will increase desirable habitat for fish and wildlife considerably over the existing conditions. The nature of the habitat (upland, wetland, forest land) will be compatible with many species of plants and animals that are now scarce or nonexistent in the watershed. The amount of land required for land use conversion, for improved environmental stability, and for wildlife habitat purposes is approximately 10,700 acres or about 14 percent of the watershed area. The population of bobwhite quail and other game species such as cottontail rabbit, ringneck pheasant, and squirrel would be improved by an estimated 400 percent. Non-game wildlife species such as songbirds and small mammals would be increased by an estimated 500 percent. 6 JORDAN CREEK WATERSHED SYSTEM OF ACCOUNTS DISPLAY The following tables illustrate a display of beneficial and adverse effects of the selected plan for Jordan Creek Watershed in the National Economic Development, Regional Development, Social Well-Being and Environmental Quality Accounts. 7 o d 0 rd P d •H 0 0 3 0 d o ■5 ui -p o 0 rH ft 0 d 0 i—i ■8 P 9 •H O o ft 0 0 a rH rH £ co CO p o 0 ft ft W ft O 0 0 a 0 0 5§ w p d 0 d o PM S o o ra p o a> ft ft H ft O CO 0 0 0 CO p d d o PM a o o ra p o 0 ft ft PM 0 0 8 +5 ra 0 o • U § O rH 0 ft 0 d 0 ft d O O ft 0 dd rH 0 0 d U 0 a s ft 0 d o p O O O o PA pa eg -dvo 1A VO «rs rH 'LA VO CA ON i—I i—I CM rH «> ■LA AJ PA [>- rH VO •v #v -d iH lA-d- i—I i—I ft d o • o 0 •H 0 0 P p O d d •H 0 ft > > p d 0 d 0 d o 0 ft d d d 0 3 9 o o cH > 8-3 2 2° e.S 8) S XA CTN AJ OO I —I AJ i—I 0 3 0 >> O o d «H p 0 0 d 0 p •S p d 0 p d 0 CO ft E-f O CO a \ t*- S 1A p 0 d 0 N •H t O AJ M 8 November 1971+ JORDAN CREEK WATERSHED co *£ o •H to 0 U 0 d -P •H co 0 CO n5 0 Pi o s •H CO -P O Pi Pi o o go 3 Eh O EH -d t OV Pi 0 a 0 > O ts; a co -p o 0 w O co 0 § go 0 o "LA CT\ I I rH CM rH CM XA CM fA t~- rH VO 9 k tk XAdl i—I i—I O XA CA CM i—I CM I =&3= Cr— XA C— rk co xa -P i P« P> Pg pJ 2 O go -p PH (D a > 0 P$ y -p o Eh O PL o d a p5 o a 2 o HH H CO p« M co -p o .© tp 0 •rH O 0 *H a PH O 0 O Pi A& 0 -H co m H CM A 9 Amortized at 5 7/8 percent interest for 100 years. JORDAN CREEK WATERSHED III. SELECTED PLAN - COMPONENTS B. Employment C. Regional Economic Base & Stability r>, REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT ACCOUNT MEASURES OE EFFECTS REST OF NATION 1. During the period of construc¬ tion approximately thirty-nine man-years of labor will be re¬ quired for the installation. 2. During the life of the project, about eight man-years will be required annually for the op¬ erations and maintenance for structural and associated land treatment measures. The average net income increase will be approximately $3»280 annually. 10 JORDAN CREEK WATERSHED III. SELECTED PLAN - SOCIAL WELL-BEING ACCOUNT: The following table reflects effects on society. COMPONENTS: A. Income distribution 1. It is estimated the income distribution of the beneficiaries of the project is 3l$ less than $5,000, l$f> $£>000 to $10,000 and $1% over $10,000. Regional cost of $53>875 will be shared in about the same proportion as the benefits accrued. 11 JORDAN CREEK WATERSHED III. SELECTED PLAlt - ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACCOUNT: The following table reflects effects on the natural physical-biological system. COMPONENTS Beneficial and Adverse Effects: A. Areas of natural beauty 1. Destroy 23 acres of woody wildlife habitat during construction. 2. Plant 27 acres of trees and shrubs. 3. Protect existing woody material within the permanent easement. 4. Establish a maintenance program for channels and stream banks. 5. Management of 20 acres of forest land. B. Quality considerations of water, land and air resources 1. Increase noise, air and water pollution for a short term during construction. 2. Reduce erosion on 21,700 acres of cropland, grassland and forest land. i C. Biological resources and selected ecosystems 1. 2 . 3. h- 5. D. Irreversible and Irretrievable 1. Sixty-nine acres of cropland converted to wildlife habitat. Land usage within the project permanent easement area before and after project follows: . 1 ) • # .; 1 ■ . j . Destroy 23 acres of woody wildlife habitat during construction. Plant 27 aores of trees and shrubs. Protect existing woody material within the permanent , I ■ nli, easement. Plant 50 acres of stream bank to grass. Management of 20 acres of forest land. 1 12 i/IK. ' JORDAN CREEK WATERSHED D. Irreversible and Irretrievable - cont’d Land Use Present Future Cropland 69 Forest Land 1+8 52 Grassland w 43 73 Other LancF^ 3 I+ 69 These conversions are considered to be committed for the project life. l/ Other land includes channel bottom and side slopes and areas providing wildlife habitat adjacent to the channel. t 13 ' DRAFT WATERSHED WORK PLAN JORDAN CREEK WATERSHED Warren County, Indiana and Vermilion County, Illinois Prepared Under the Authority of the Watershed Protection and Flood Prevention Act (Public Law £ 66 , 83 d Congress, 68 Stat. 666), as Amended Prepared by: Warren County Soil and Water Conservation District Jordan Creek Conservancy District State of Indiana and the Vermilion County Soil and Water Conservation District Pleasant Hill Drainage District State of Illinois Technical Assistance By: U. S. Department of Agriculture, Soil Conservation Service U. S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service U. S. Department of Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service Indiana Department of Natural Resources December 197U TABLE OF CONTENTS WATERSHED WORK PLAN - Pa & e WATERSHED WORK PLAN AGREEMENT SUMMARY OF PLAN. 1 WATERSHED RESOURCES - ENVTRONMENTA SETTING Physical data . Economic data . Plant and animal. Recreational resources . Archaeological, historical and unique scenic resources . . . Soil, water and plant management status. WATER AND RELATED RESOURCE PROBLEMS Land and water management.15 Floodwater damages . 15 Erosion damages.16 Sediment damages.17 Joint problems.17 Recreational problems . 19 Plant and animal problems. 19 Economic and social problems . 20 Water quality problems.20 PROJECTS OF OTHER AGENCIES.21 PROJECT FORMULATION Introduction. Objectives . Environmental considerations . Alternatives . WORKS OF IMPROVEMENT TO BE INSTALLED Land treatment measures.28 Structural measures.29 EXPLANATION OF INSTALLATION COSTS. 3 i+ EFFECTS OF WORKS OF IMPROVEMENT Conservation land treatment. 37 Structural measures. 38 Economic and social.I 4 O PROJECT BENEFITS.1+1 bZ . 22 • 21 + • 25 • 25 3 9 10 12 12 13 COMPARISON OF BENEFITS AND COSTS TABLE OE CONTENTS CONT'D Page PROJECT INSTALLATION Land treatment measures.43 Structural measures.43 FINANCING PROJECT INSTALLATION Land treatment measures.46 Structural measures.46 PROVTDIONS FOR OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE Land treatment measures . 48 Structural measures.48 TABLES Table 1 Table 1A Table 2 Table 2A Table 3 Table 3A Table 4 Table 5 Table 6 Estimated Project Installation Cost Status of Watershed Works of Improvement Estimated Structural Cost Distribution Cost Allocation and Cost Sharing Summary- Structure Data - Main Channels Inventory of Channel Work Annual Cost Estimated Average Annual Flood Damage Reduction Benefits Comparison of Benefits and Costs for Structural Measures INVESTIGATIONS AND ANALYSES 51 LAND BSE AND TREATMENT.£l FISH AND WILDLIFE .$1 HYDRAULICS AND HYDROLOGY Resource material . . . Land use and treatment considerations Time of concentration . Frequency analysis . Hydraulic studies . Flood routing . Hydrologic effects. ENGINEERING Design of structural measures . 55 Land rights for structural measures . . Cost estimates for structural measures . GEOLOGY Erosion and sedimentation Channels. . 52 . 52 . 52 . 53 • 53 • 53 . 54 57 57 TABLE OF CONTENTS CONT'D Page ECONOMICS Floodwater damage . Crop and pasture.. Non-agricultural . ••••• Indirect... Joint flood prevention and drainage benefits Secondary benefits • . Prices and interest rates. Cost allocation . jrs *3 WATERSHED WORK PLAN AGREEMENT between the Warren County Soil and Water Conservation District and the Jordan Creek Conservancy District of the State of Indiana the Vermilion County Soil and Water Conservation District and the Pleasant Hill Drainage District of the State of Illinois (hereinafter referred to as the Sponsoring Local Organization) and the Soil Conservation Service United States Department of Agriculture (hereinafter referred to as the Service) Whereas, application has heretofore been made to the Secretary of Agriculture by the Sponsoring Local Organization for assistance in preparing a plan for works of improvement for the Jordan Creek Watershed, states of Indiana and Illinois, under the authority of the Watershed Protection and Plood Prevention Act (Public Law 566, 83 d Congress; 68 Stat. 666), as amended; and Whereas, the responsibility for administration of the Watershed Protection and Flood Prevention Act, as amended, has been assigned by the Secretary of Agriculture to the Service; and Whereas, there has been developed through the cooperative efforts of the Sponsoring Local Organization and the Service a mutually satisfactory plan for works of improvement for the Jordan - 2 - Creek Watershed, states of Indiana and Illinois, hereinafter referred to as the watershed work plan, which plan is annexed to and made a part of this agreement; Now, therefore, in view of the foregoing consideration, the Sponsoring Local Organization and the Secretary of Agriculture, through the Service hereby agree on the watershed work plan, and further agree that the works of improvement as set forth in said plan can be installed in about eight (8) years. It is mutually agreed that in installing and operating and maintaining the works of improvement substantially in accordance with the terms, conditions, and stipulations provided for in the watershed work plan: 1. The Sponsoring Local Organization will acquire, with other than PL-£66 funds, such land rights as will be needed in connection with the works of improvement. (Estimated Cost $283,280). The percentages of this cost to be borne by the Sponsoring Local Organization and the Service are as follows: Works of Improvement All Structural Measures in Indiana Jordan Creek Conservancy District (percent) Pleasant Hill Drainage District Service (percent) (percent) Estimated Land Rights Cost (dollars) 100.0 0 0 267,000 All Structural 0 Measures in Illinois 100.0 0 16,280 2. The Sponsoring Local Organization assures that comparable replacement dwellings will be available for individuals and persons displaced from dwellings, and will provide relocation assistance advisory services and relocation assistance, make the relocation payments to displaced persons, and otherwise comply with the real property acquisition policies contained in the Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act of 1970 (Public Law 91-61+6, 8^ Stat. I89I+) ef¬ fective as of January 2, 1971, and the Regulations issued by the Secretary of Agriculture pursuant thereto. The costs of relocation payments will be shared by the Sponsoring Local Organization and the Service as follows: 1 -3- Jordan Creek Conservancy District (percent) Pleasant Hill Drainage District (percent) Estimated Relocation Service Payment Costs (percent) (dollars )2J Relocation 1+9*0 7*0 1+1+*0 0 Payments _ 1 J Investigation has disclosed that under present conditions the project measures will not result in the displacement of any person, business, or farm operation. However, if relocations become necessary, re¬ location payments will be cost-shared in accordance with the per¬ centages shown. 3. The Sponsoring Local Organization will acquire or provide assurance that landowners or water users have acquired such water rights pursuant to state law as may be needed in the installation and operation of the works of improvement. I 4 .. The percentages of construction costs of structural measures to be paid by the Sponsoring Local Organization and the Service are as follows: Works of Improvement Jordan Creek Conservancy District (percent) Pleasant Hill Estimated Drainage Construction District Service Cost (percent)(percent) (dollars) Multiple Purpose Channels, Surface Drains, and Water¬ ways in Indiana 25.0 Single Purpose Tile Installa¬ tion in Indiana 50*0 Multiple Purpose Channels, Surface Drains, and Water¬ ways in Illinois 75*0 992,100 50.0 109,700 25*0 75.0 51,000 5. The percentages of the engineering costs to be borne by ■fche Sponsoring Local Organization and the Service are as follows: Works of Improvement Sponsoring Local Organization Service Estimated Engineering Costs (percent) (percent) (dollars) All Measures in Indiana 0 100.0 110 , 1+80 All Measures in Illinois 0 100.0 5,100 6 . The Sponsoring Local Organization and the Service will each bear the costs of project administration which it incurs. The estimated costs follow: Improvement Jordan Creek Conservancy District Pleasant Hill Drainage District Service All Measures in Indiana 33,050 - 220,360 All Measures in Illinois 1,530 10,200 7. Th,e Warren County and Vermilion County Soil and Water Conservation Districts will obtain agreements from owners of not less than £0 percent of the land above each structural measure that they will carry out conservation plans on their land. 8 . The Warren County and Vermilion County Soil and Water Con¬ servation Districts will provide assistance to landowners and operators to assure the installation of the land treatment measures shown in the watershed work plan. 9. The Sponsoring Local Organization will encourage landowners and operators to operate and maintain the land treatment measures for the protection and improvement of the watershed. 10. The Jordan Creek Conservancy District and the Pleasant Hill Drainage District will be responsible for the operation and maintenance of the structural works of improvement by actually performing the work or arranging for such work in accordance with agreements to be entered into prior to issuing invitations to bid for construction work. - 5 - 11. The costs shown in this agreement represent preliminary- estimates. In finally determining the costs to be borne by the parties hereto, the actual costs incurred in the installation of works of improvement will be used. 12. This agreement is not a fund obligating document. Financial and other assistance to be furnished by the Service in carrying out the watershed work plan is contingent on the availability of appropriations for this purpose. A separate agreement will be entered into between the Service and the Jordan Creek Conservancy District or the Pleasant Hill Drainage District before either party initiates work involving funds of the other party. •Such agreement will set forth in detail the financial and working arrangements and other conditions that are applicable to the specific works of improvement. 13* The watershed work plan may be amended or revised, and this agreement may be modified or terminated only by mutual agreement of the parties hereto except for cause. The Service may terminate financial and other assistance in whole, or in part, at any time whenever it is determined that the Sponsoring Local Organization has failed to comply with the conditions of this agreement. The Service shall promptly notify the Sponsoring Local Organization in writing of the determination and the reasons of the termination, together with the effective date. Payments made to the Sponsoring Local Organization or recoveries by the Service under projects terminated for cause shall be in accord with the legal rights and liabilities of the parties. ll|. No member of or delegate to congress, or resident commissioner, shall be admitted to any share or part of this agreement, or to any benefit that may arise therefrom; but this provision shall not be construed to extend to this agreement if made with a corporation for its general benefit. 15. The program conducted will be in compliance with all re¬ quirements respecting nondiscrimination as contained in the Civil Rights Act of 1961+, as amended, and the re¬ gulations of the Secretary of Agriculture (7 C.P.R. l£.1-15.12), which provide that no person in the United States shall, on the ground of race, color, or national origin, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be otherwise subjected to discrimination under any activity receiving federal financial assistance. * - 6 - 16. This agreement will not become effective until the Service has issued a notification of approval and authorizes assistance. WARREN COUNTY SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION DISTRICT By_ Title Address. Date Zip Code The signing of this agreement was authorized by a resolution of the governing body of the Warren County Soil and Water Conservation District, adopted at a meeting held on_ (Secretary, Warren County Soil and Water Conservation District) Date JORDAN CREEK CONSERVANCY DISTRICT By_ Title Address Date Zip Code The signing of this agreement was authorized by a resolution of the governing body of the Jordan Creek Conservancy District, adopted at a meeting held on_ (Secretary, Jordan Creek Conservancy District) Date - 7 - VERMILION COUNTY SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION DISTRICT By_ Title Address_ Date Zip Code The signing of this agreement was authorized by a resolution of the governing body of the Vermilion County Soil and Water Conservation District, adopted at a meeting held on_ (Secretary, Vermilion County Soil and Water Conservation District) Date PLEASANT HILL DRAINAGE DISTRICT By_ Title Address Date Zip Code The signing of this agreement was authorized by a resolution of the governing body of the Pleasant Hill Drainage District, adopted at a meeting held on_ (Secretary, Pleasant Hill Drainage District) Date - 8 - Appropriate vironmental vironmental and careful consideration has been given to the en- statement prepared for this project and to the en- aspects thereof. Soil Conservation Service United States Department of Agriculture Approved by: State Conservationist Date SUMMARY OR PLAN The Jordan Creek Watershed includes approximately 119.3 square miles ( 76,352 acres ) in Warren County, Indiana and Vermilion County, Illinois. Approximately 46 percent or 54.88 square miles lies in Indiana and 54 percent or 64.42 square miles of this drainage area lies in Illinois. The drainage originates in Warren County, and flows generally west and southwest into Vermilion County. Jordan Creek joins the North Fork of the Vermilion River about five miles south of Rossville, Illinois. The project is sponsored by the Warren and Vermilion County Soil and Water Conservation Districts (SWCD's) the Jordan Creek Conservancy District (J ,C ,C ,D ) in Indiana; and the Pleasant Hill Drainage District (PHDD) in Illinois. Major watershed problems described in the plan are: inadequate land and water management, floodwater damage, erosion and inadequate drainage. Land treatment measures will be installed by individual land- owners and operators. Technical assistance will be provided by the Soil Conservation Service (SCS) and the Indiana Department of Natural Resources (IDNR), Division of Forestry of the Illinois Department of Conservation Division of Forestry in cooperation with the U.S. Forestry Service. Land treatment practices considered appropriate for installation in the watershed are: conservation cropping system, contour farming, terraces, diversions, grassed waterways or outlet minimum tillage, crop residue use, grade stabilization structures, subsurface drains, drainage mains or laterals, pasture and hayland planting and management, ponds, tree planting, and forestland management. These measures include the needed conservation practices required for watershed protection. The proposed land treatment measures will bring an additional 35,567 acres under adequate treatment. The annual soil loss from 21^700 acres of cropland with an erosion problem will be reduced from 3.9 tons per acre to 2.5 tons per acre. The amount of sediment leaving the watershed will be reduced 63 percent from the present rate of 21,000 tons per year. The Other cost (all funds other than Public Law 566) of the land treatment measures is estimated at $895,050 which includes $700 for forest land measures. Public Law 566 (PL-566) cost of $18,640 is estimated for technical assistance for the land treat¬ ment measures. Structural measures will consist of approximately 12.2 miles of multiple purpose flood prevention and drainage channel work. This work will be enlargement, deepening and minor realignment. All work will be performed on manmade or modified channels of which 1.9 miles is considered as having perennial flow and the balance intermittent or ephemeral. 1 ' SUMMARY OF PLAN - CONT'D Other structural measures consist of approximately 15-3 miles of new or reconstructed open ditches, 1 + 8.6 miles of surface drains, 5.1 miles of grassed waterway construction, 19*8 miles of tile in conjunction with surface drains and grassed waterways and approximately 5>0 grade stabilization structures to provide controlled inlets for grassed waterways and surface drains into main channel and improved open ditches. Also, about 1.5 miles of debris removal on Jordan Creek main channel is included. Crop and pasture damages will be reduced by I 4 O percent, damages to roads and bridges II 4 percent, and indirect damages 29 percent; approximately 16,800 acres will benefit from joint floodwater drainage relief. The structural measures are estimated to cost $1,816,800 of which $1,183,270 is PL-566 cost and $633,530 is Other cost. The total installation cost is estimated at $2,730,1+90 of which $1,201,910 is PL-566 cost and $1,528,580 is Other cost. Total annual cost for installation amounts to $107,090. 1 / Annual operation and maintenance costs of $16,530 will be borne by the sponsors. The total annual cost is $123,620. Total average annual benefits from structural measures are an estimated $ 508,757 which includes flood damage reduction benefits of $12,1+61+, more intensive land use benefits of $ 11 + 1 , 671 , agricultural water management (drainage) benefits of $ 11 + 1 , 672 , and local secondary benefits of $ 212 , 950 . An eight-year installation period is planned. The ratio of average annual benefits of $508,757 to the average annual cost of $ 107,990 is l+.l to 1 . 0 . l/ 100 years @ 5 _ 7/8 percent interest. ■ WATERSHED RESOURCES - ENYIROMENTAL SETTING Physical Data Jordan Creek Watershed contains an area of approximately 76,352 acres or 119*3 square miles, and is located in northwestern Warren County, Indiana (35>123 acres) and northeastern Vermilion County, Illinois, (1*1,229 acres) .-i/ Relative locations of some important cities follow: Danville, Illinois, 12 miles southwest; Hoopeston, Illinois, 13 miles west; Hammond, Indiana, 75 miles north; Lafayette, Indiana, 30 miles east; and Indianapolis, Indiana, 75 miles southeast. The watershed is not within any Standard Metropolitan Statistical Area (SMSA). The 1970 census shews Warren County, Indiana to have a population of 8,705* The county is classified as rural with the population listed as 76.1* percent rural non-farm and 23*6 percent rural farm. Vermilion County, Illinois has a population of 97»0lj.7 and except for Danville, a city of 1*2,570, the county is classed as rural (56.0 percent). Estimated population of the watershed is 1,561* with approximately 7 percent occupying the unincorporated villages of Tab, Stewart and Pence, Indiana. Present land use within the watershed with approximate acres and percent is as follows: cropland, 92 percent ( 70 , 21*0 acres); pasture, 3 percent (2,560 acres); forest land, 1 percent (612 acres); and other, 1* percent ( 2 , 91*0 acres). A high level of agricultural production may be sustained even though a certain amount of soil is lost each year to erosion. The tolerable limit of soil loss is being exceeded on 21,700 acres of cropland scattered throughout the watershed. An additional 50,000 acres of cropland is on mineral soils having a wetness limitation ' for crop production. An average of 2,117 acres is affected annually by overbank flooding. Approximately 16,800 acres have joint, inseparable flooding and drainage problems. The climate within the watershed is typical of the region. Average annual precipitation is about 37 inches. Distribution is nearly cyclic, varying from a low monthly average of 2.26 inches in February l/ All information and data, except when otherwise noted by reference to source, were collected during watershed planning activities by the Soil Conservation Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture. 2/ 1970 Census of Population. Advance Report, PC (Vi) - 16, Indiana : U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of the Census, December 1970. 1970 Census of Population, Advance Report, PC (Vi) - 15, Illinois : U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of the Census, January 1971* 3 ■ WATERSHED RESOURCES - ENVIRONMENTAL SETTING Physical data - oont T d to a high of 1*.66 inches in June. Fifty percent of the precipitation falls in the growing season, often as high intensity rainfall. Snowfall varies considerably from year to year, but averages 2k inches with k~5 inches each month from December through February. Average daily maximum temperatures range from a low of 37° F in January to a high of 87° F in July. Average daily minimums range from a low of 23° F in January to a high of 65° F in July. Average daily temperature ranges from 29*7° F in January to 76*3° F in July. An average of 30 days per year have a maximum temperature over 90° F and the temperature falls below freezing an average of 120 days. The growing (frost-free) season averages 170 days. Average annual sunshine is 2 3 6^0 hours. There are usually 1+5 days a year with thunderstorms. 1&2 This watershed is within National Land Resource Area (NLRA) 110, the Northern Illinois and Indiana Heavy Till Plain.3/ It is also within the Tipton Till Plain of Indiana, a large physiographic area covering central Indiana and characterized by nearly flat to gently rolling topography that has undergone slight modification by post¬ glacial streams. The altitude ranges between about 63 O feet above mean sea level (MSL) near the mouth of Jordan Creek to about 83 O MSL in the extreme northeastern part of the watershed, a maximum relief on the order of 200 feet. Local relief ranges from a few feet to about 50 feet, averaging somewhat less than 20 feet over much of the watershed. The thickness of glacial drift ranges between approximately 100 and 200 feet. The surficial glacial materials consist predominantly of fine-grained glacial till in the form of ground-moraine and end- moraine deposits .■=» l/ Annual Summary, Climatological Data Indiana : U.S. Department of Commerce, N0AA, EDS, Vol. 76, November 13, 1971* 2/ The National Atlas of the United States of America : U.S. Department of Interior, USGS, 1970. jl/ "Land Resource Regions and Major Land Resource Areas of the United States", Atlas of River Basins of the United States , USDA, SCS, 1970. k/ Geologic Map of the 1°X2° Danville Quandrangle, Indiana and Illinois Showing Bedrock and Unconsolidated Deposits , Regional Geologic Map No. 2, Indiana Geological Survey, 1966 . k . . WATERSHED RESOURCES - ENVIRONMENTAL SETTING Physical data - cont'd A significant area of outwash gravel, sand and silt is mapped in the vicinity of the lower end of Middle Branch. Small, scattered areas of kame deposits (ice-contact stratified gravel, sand and silt) and lacustrine deposits of muck, peat or marl are present within the watershed. Alluvial silts, sands and gravels associated with valley-train deposits of gravel and sand are present along much of Jordan Creek. Soils in the watershed are shown on the General Soils Map by soil association. A soil association is a landscape that has a distinctive proportional pattern of soils. It consists of two or more major soils and at least one minor soil, and it is named for the major soils. The soils in one association may occur in another, but in a different pattern. The table "Estimated Soil Limitations or Suitabilities for Selected Uses" is to be used in conjunction with the General Soils Map. The table lists the percentage of each soil association, the percentage of soils in each soil association, and the limitations and suitabilities of the major soils for specific land use. The General Soils Map, limitation table and soil association descriptions are found in exhibit 7C. Bedrock of Pennsylvanian age crops out beneath the glacial drift. The dominant lithologies are sandstone and shale with lesser amounts of limestone, clay and coal. There are no mineral resources being mined or produced in the watershed. Some sand and gravel is present in the outwash deposits and widely scattered stratified drift. Coal is present in the Pennsylvanian bedrock.i/ Neither of these resources is being com- merically utilized. Pour ponds occur in the watershed. They have a total surface area of about four acres. The largest pond is approximately three acres and located in Ross Township, Illinois, Section 10 along Middle l/ Cady & Gilbert, Minable Coal Reserves of Illinois , Bulletin No. J8 State Geological Survey, Urban, 19$2. 5 ♦ WATERSHED RESOURCES - ENVIRONMENTAL SETTING Physical data - cont'd Branch. All lateral ditches and the upper reaches of Main Jordan are intermittent (continuous flow through some seasons but little or none through others) and manmade or modified. The remaining streams are perennial (flows at all times except during extreme drought) and manmade or modified. There are no known areas of wetland types 3> 4 or 5 in the watershed.i/ The areas that receive annual flooding and depressional ponds in the upper reaches are classified as type 1 wetlands. Crop¬ land comprises approximately 80 percent of these wetlands with the remainder being grassland and other land. Mi^d^o^gruneh upstream from the North Fork of the Vermillion River to the junction of rook ? 'Reach N, consists of an entrenched channel with a narrow relatively flat valley. Rear Barlow Park the channel bottom is somewhat flat, about 60 feet in width averaging 2-g- to 1 side slopes with heavy timber growth. Proceeding upstream the bottom width is 85 feet and flat with 1-g- to 1 side slopes. The flood plain contains levees perpendicular to the channel to control flood flow and scouring. At the junction of Middle Branch and Jordan Creek the area is heavily wooded with the valley side slopes being developed for homes. Proceeding upstream into Reach H the entrenched valley is vee- shaped with the channel bottom being relatively flat and having a width of approximately l\0 feet and side slopes that are becoming more vertical due to channel meandering. The primary land use, in the lower half of Reach H, is forest land. In the upper half of the reach, to the Milwaukee-St. Paul Railroad, the valley changes to a wide flat flood plain with an entrenchment about 20 to 30 feet compared to the surrounding plain. This portion of the flood plain is being utilized as pastureland with the remaining area being forest land. The channel is l\D feet in width and has a depth of approximately eight feet. The side slopes are vertical and the channel bottom is parabolic in shape. Reach F spans the area from the railroad to the Indiana-IIlinois state line and includes Pleasant Hill Drainage District. The channel 1/ Wetlands of the United States : U.S. Department of the Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service, Circular 39> 1971* 6 WATERSHED RESOURCES - ENVIRONMENTAL SETTING Physical data - cont'd is more or less parabolic in shape with varying side slopes. The depth is from 6 to 8 feet with an average width of about 50 feet. The channel meanders within the confines of the entrenched valley. Proceeding upstream, forest land decreases, pastureland remains constant and cropland increases. Reach E of Jordan Creek begins at the Indiana-Illinois state line and proceeds upstream in Indiana to the junction of Little Jordan Creek. Upstream from the state line the channel is shallow and flat bottomed about 50 feet in width and 3 to 1 side slopes with the flood plain being in cropland. The channel northwest of Pence, Indiana has a flat bottom with a double channel creating a wooded island and pastureland and cropland on the field sides. The channel is four to eight feet deep with varying side slopes from 2:1 to I 4 . 1 l. The flood plain gains width and the entrenchment becomes shallower. The forest land is less dense but the reach contains a higher per¬ centage than the remainder of the watershed. North and east of Pence to the end of Reach E the channel varies in width but averages approximately I 4 feet in depth. The flood plain contains scattered trees and grasses with pastureland being the primary land use. Reach C, beginning at the junction of Little Jordan Creek and ending at the junction of Leak Ditch, has a vee-shaped valley. The channel averages about 25 feet in width but is I 4 . to 7 feet deep with 2:1 side slopes. There are some trees scattered along the channel and limited pasture in the lower levels of the flood plain but the flood plain is predominately cropland. Reach B beginning at the junction of Leak Ditch proceeding up¬ stream on Jordan is no longer entrenched but is a drainage ditch with side slopes of about 2 : 1 . ^he channel varies in width from 16 feet to 2 feet and is trapezoidal in shape with depths of 2 feet to 5 feet. Reach A from the junction of Jordan Creek upstream on Leak Ditch is a drainage ditch and is trapezoidal with the following approximate dimensions: depth—14 feet, side slopes 2:1 and width 10 feet. Reach D from the junction of Jordan Creek upstream on Little Jordan Creek is a drainage ditch, trapizoidal in shape, ranging in bottom width from 20 feet to 10 feet and having 2:1 side slopes with a depth of approximately 1 + feet. 7 WATERSHED RESOURCES - EUVIROHMENTAL SETTING Physical data - cont'd Reaches A, B and C, Leah Ditch, Jordan and Little Jordan Creek are manmade channels for removal of surface and subsurface water to - enhance the agricultural development. Sedimentation has occurred in portions of these channels since their early construction. There are no stream gages in the watershed. The nearest gage is downstream on Vermilion River at Danville, Illinois and serves an area of 1,280 square miles. Jordan Creek Watershed contributes only 10 percent of the drainage area of the gage. The 100 year peak discharge on Jordan Creek at the watershed outlet is approximately 6,500 cfs, and about 1,890-cfs from Little Creek at its junction with Jordan Creek. Groundwater resources Groundwater resources are sufficient for local needs in the watershed. Locally good supplies are obtained from sand and gravel deposits located within the glacial drift. These sand and gravel deposits usually provide adequate water for rural, domestic and live¬ stock use. Well yields are normally in the range of £0 to 150 gallons per minute .-i/ The town of Pence, located near the lower end of Jordan Creek (one mile east of the Indiana-Illinois state line), has a municipal water supply system. Two wells drilled 115 feet deep supply 100 people with an estimated 36,600 gallons per day. The physical and chemical characteristics are as follows.^/ Unit pH Ho. 7.0 Color (S.U.) Color Units 5 Turbidity (S.U.) Jackson Units 0.2 Hardness (CaC0-J Mg/l 298 Calcium (Ca) ^ Mg/1 72 Magnesium (Mg) Mg/l 28 Sodium (Na) Mg/l U6 Potassium (K) Mg/l 5 Iron (Fe) Mg/l 0.8 Manganese (Mn) Mg/l 0 . 0 k Alkalinity Meg/l 396 l/ Unpublished material prepared for the State Water Plan by the Groundwater Section, Division of Water, IDNR. 2/ Indiana State Board of Health, Data on Indiana Public Water Supplies , Bulletin #S.E. 10, 1968 . 8 WATERSHED RESOURCES - ENVIRONMENTAL SETTING Groundwater resources - cont’d Chlorides (Cl^ Sulfates (S0i ) Nitrates (N) Mg/l Mg/l 3 2 Mg/l 0.1 Fluorides (F) Mg/l 0.3 The USGS, Water Resources Division in Indianapolis is conducting a water quality assessment and monitoring program for PL-566 projects. It is expected that this data will be available in time for inclusion in the draft work plan and draft environmental impact statement for Jordan Creek Watershed. The program is planned to satisfy all water quality requirements of the work plan and environmental impact statement. Economic data Principal economic activity in the watershed is agriculture. The agricultirral area is under private ownership. Cash gain is the major farm enterprise. There are 32i+ farms in or partially in the watershed. One-hujidred and eighteen are covered by cooperative agreement and have conservation plans with the Warren and Vermilion County Soil and water Conservation Districts. The average size farm is 320 acres with the average farming unit being about 1+80 acres. Current overall watershed land use is distributed 33 percent to com, 17 percent to soybeans, )J percent to wheat, dJ percent to meadow, 2 percent to sweetcom, 3 percent to permanent pasture and S percent to forest and other uses. Crop yields for the watershed as a whole average 1Q0 bushels—com, 30 bushels—soybeans, bushels—wheat, 3*0 tons—hay, and I4.5 tons—sweetcom. Yields reflect a combination of productive soil, good management and adequate capital. Land values vary in the watershed. The average value of upland is $1,^00 per acre, flood plain land is $700 per acre and $1,000 for land with drainage problems. Access to trade and market outlets is provided through a well- developed network of roads. Indiana State Road 26 joins Illinois 9 to provide watershed access to points east and west. North-south traffic is served by Illinois State Road 1 to the west of the watershed and U.S. Highway Ip. east of the watershed. Approximately i|50 miles of county roads supplement these principal traffic arteries. Rail¬ roads serving the area are the Chicago and Eastern Illinois and the Penn Central. Unemployment is not a problem in the watershed. Many of the farms employ full-time hired help or seasonal part-time help. 9 WATERSHED RESOURCES - ENVIRONMENTAL SETTING Plant and animal The watershed contains approximately 92 percent cropland, 3 percent pasture land, 1 percent forest land and 1+ percent other. The cropland is used primarily for production of com and soybeans and is evenly distributed throughout the watershed. A large portion of the pastur^and is found in the lower reaches of the watershed in the floodway. This pasture was originally established in the floodway to minimize crop losses caused by periodical flooding. The remainder of the pasture/Land is evenly distributed throughout the watershed. All of the forest land is privately owned with only 25 acres being located in Indiana and 5^7 acres in Illinois. The average forest land ownership is approximately acres in size. Forest land is unevenly distributed with concentrations in the downstream portions along the creek bottoms and adjacent upland. Stands are predominately hardwood with the principal forest type oak-hickory. About 70 percent of forest stands are sawtimber size, 10 percent pole size, and the remaining 10 percent understocked. Adequate forest fire protection is provided by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources in cooperation with the U.S. Forest Service through the Clarke-McNary Cooperative Forest Fire Control Program. Fire protection in the Illinois portion of the watershed is pro¬ vided by local fire departments. The forest is uniform throughout the watershed with 50 percent occupying bottomlands and 50 percent uplands. Wildlife habitat provided by the woody cover is limited in extent, however, it is quite desirable in quality for those wild¬ life species most predominant in the watershed. For the most part woody habitat is found adjacent to the streams and along railroad rights-of-way. The IDNR, Division of Fish and Wildlife census information shows populations of cottontail rabbit light to moderate, bobwhite quail as light to moderate, ring-neck pheasant as moderate, squirrel as light, and deer as light over most of the watershed. This census information includes both the Indiana and Illinois portion of the watershed. Ring-neck pheasant hunting is most important and accounts for over 80 percent of all hunting efforts in the area. Pheasants and bobwhite quail are common in grassy areas at the edge of woods, in the more open woods and throughout cornfields. Rabbit, squirrel and quail hunting comprises most of the hunting within the watershed. WATERSHED RESOURCES - ENVIRONMENTAL SETTING Plant and animal - cont ’ d Other important game and fur species which occur in the watershed include woodcock, raccoon, muskrat, opossugm, striped skunk, red- fox, and mink. See Exhibit 9 for mammals occurring in the vicinity. Pupulations of aquatic wildlife are light due to the general lack of wetland habitat throughout the watershed. However, several small type 1 wetlands are scattered throughout the topography in the form of depressional areas. Songbirds of over 100 species use the limited woody cover which serves as a safe travel lane through large areas of cropland. Tall trees are nesting places for the great homed owl,. redtailed hawk, Baltimore oriole, scarlet tanager and many others. Dead and mature hollow trees provide suitable nesting sites for woodchucks and invite flickers, redheaded woodpeckers, bluebirds, sapsuckers, house wrens and up to 35 other species of birds that use den trees. Shrubby border and fence rows attract the cardinal, mockingbird, catbird, cedar waxwing, brown thrasher, indigo bunting, goldfinch, song sparrow, vireo and chipping sparrow. See Exhibit 9 for species of wildlife identified within the watershed. The U.S. Pish and Wildlife Service, Regional Director, stated that, "Most of Jordan Creek does not support a significant fishery, although the lower few miles of the main channel is influenced by the North Pork of the Vermilion River." The North Fork in this vicinity has an excellent sport fish population consisting of small- mouth bass, largemouth bass, channel catfish, yellow bullhead, white cr^ppie, bluegill, longear sunfish, rock bass, grass pickerel, carp and suckers. Jordan Creek upstream to its confluence with Little Creek is important as a nursery stream for the permanent fishery downstream. Little Creek and Jordan Creek upstream from their confluence may not support a year round fishery, but it is utilized in higher water periods in the spring. A water quality study is being prepared by the U.S- Geological Survey, Water Resources Division, which will provide needed in¬ formation concerning the influence of pollution and other water quality factors on the fish and wildlife resource values. The re¬ sults will be available and included in the draft statement. No rare or endangered species have been identified as being dependent upon habitat conditions in this watershed. Most the land within the watershed is privately owned and public access to the existing resources is available only by per¬ mission of the landowners. H WATERSHED RESOURCES - ENVIRONMENTAL SETTING Recreational resources There are no existing private or public recreational enterprises located in the watershed. The watershed is predominately agricultural with 92 percent of the land use being cropland and only 1 percent forest land. No potential areas have been identified for major recreational development in Indiana.i/ However, to a limited extent, individual recreation activities such as bird watching and hiking exist along the lower reaches of Jordan Creek in Indiana. Hunting of ring-neck pheasant is common throughout the watershed. The potential for recreational development in Illinois exists for the area encompassing the stream and extending from the confluence of the North Fork of Vermilion River upstream to the Indiana-Illinois state line. The valley is entrenched and wooded, having many scenic areas. This area could support a park. There are existing needs for picnic areas, camping areas, play- fields, bicycling paths, horseback riding trails, nature walks, hunting, areas, swimming areas, and fishing waters in the watershed. The items mentioned would be consistent with the potential resources that exist within the watershed..^/ * Archaeological, historical and scenic resources The following documents contain no entries of historical and archaeological sites within the watershed: National Register of Historic and Archaeological Sites, compiled by the National Park Service; Natural Areas in Indiana and Their Preservation, Purdue University, April 1969; Natural Areas Study of the Wabash River Basin Comprehensive Study, Vol. X, Appendix I, June 1971* The Indiana Historical Society is conducting a detailed survey along the proposed works of improvement. At the writing of this re¬ port, the Society had not furnished the results of their study. The results will be available and included in the draft work plan and environmental impact statement. l/ Warren County Soil and Water Conservation District, An Appraisal of Potentials for Outdoor Recreational Developments in Warren C ounty, Indi ana . 2/ State of Indiana, Shaping the Future, Indiana Recreation Plan , September 1970. 12 ■V . WATERSHED RESOURCES - EN7IROEV1ENTAL SETTING Soil, water and plant management status The present trend in land use is essentially stable with only a slight increase each year in cropland with an accompanying de¬ crease in pasture, forest land and other land. The projected land use changes during the life of the project are summarized below: Cropland Pasture Forest Land Other Land Present 70 , 21*0 2,560 612 2 , 91*0 Future 70,757 2,270 390 2,935 Change + 517 - 290 - 222 - £ The change in land use as indicated above is attributable to economic and technical conditions rather than project action. Some factors involved in the change are: The high cost of land, equip¬ ment, labor, and capital. These factors have combined to encourage the farm operator to specialize (produce one commodity) instead of diversify (produce several commodities). The comparatively low profit margin in livestock production is expected to result in the conversion of some pasture to cropland. Also, long term investment pressures and a general shortage of readily available or accessible cropland will tend to encourage the farm operator to remove timber from the present forest land that can be used as cropland. In summary, the projected change in land use is not project oriented. Adequate local funds are available for applying needed in¬ dividual farm land treatment practices. There is a shortage.of local contractors to apply conservation practices. Approximately £0,000 cropland acres of mineral upland soil have an inherent drainage problem that has been partially corrected. Additional drainage is needed for most efficient use of this land as cropland. Soil loss on 21,700 acres of gently to moderately sloping crop¬ land exceeds tolerable limits. This excess soil loss decreases the productivity of the land and increases production costs of crops, and contributes to downstream sediment pollution. Adequate conserva¬ tion practices will be applied to reduce average annual soil loss to a tolerable limit of 3.£ tons per acre. . WATERSHED RESOURCES - ENVIRONMENTAL SETTING Soil, water and plant management status The watershed is serviced by the Warren County Soil and Water Conservation District in Indiana and Vermilion County Soil and Water Conservation District in Illinois, which provides technical assistance to landowners and operators in the preparation of conserva tion plans and the application of land treatment measures. Adequate forest fire protection is provided in Indiana for the forest land by the IDNR, Division of Forestry in cooperation with the U.S. Forest Service through the Clarke-McNarv Cooperative Cooperative Forest Fire Control Program. The Illinois portion of the watershed is outside the state’s forest fire protection zone. Adequate forest fire protection is provided for this area by the local fire departments. There are 324 farms in the watershed and 118 (36 percent) of the farms have conservation plans with the soil and water conservation district. Acres and percentages of land considered adequately treated by land use are: 12,800 acres cropland, 19 percent; 330 acres pasture, 10 percent; 25 acres forest land, less than one percent; and 639 acres other, 12 percent. This represents 13,794 acres which comprise 18 per¬ cent of the total watershed. Conservation practices needed in the watershed which are presently applied on the land are as follows: Practice^ Practice Unit Percent Applied Contour Farming Grade Stabilization Structure Grassed Waterway or Outlet Conservation Cropping System Minimum Tillage Crop Residue Use Subsurface Drains Pasture and Hayland Management Ac. (68%) No. (30%) Ac. (46%) Ac. (33%) Ac. (27%) Ac. (34%) Ft. (84%) Ac. (53%) 1/See Exhibit 1 for definition of practices Cost sharing for some conservation practices is available through the Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Service which ad¬ ministers the Rural Environmental Conservation Program. / ^ ' WATER MD BELATED LAUD RESOURCE PROBLEMS Land and water management Many areas of the watershed now under cultivation have soils with erosion problems and drainage limitations. The ability of these soils to sustain efficient production depends on the es¬ tablishment and maintenance of needed conservation measures. (See Exhibit 2) Flooding and drainage is a problem on approximately 16,800 acres in the watershed. The average annual area subject to overbank flooding is 2,117 acres. Most severely affected within the water problems area are scattered surface depressions and low areas adjacent to inadequate channels. Damaging effects are expressed through impaired root and plant growth, increased disease, greater competition from weeds, re¬ duced crop quality, and delayed field work. Low economic returns do not permit the landowners to apply management for top efficiency. Overall economic capabilities of landowners and operators present no limitation to application of conservation practices. There is a need for additional conservation contractors, however, this factor is not expected to seriously delay implementation of needed practices. There is a continuing need for information and education pro¬ grams to effectively reach and motivate the landowners and operators who must carry out the land treatment measures. Floodwater damage Frequent flooding occurs on land adjacent to principal watershed drainage channels. Flood problems are most severe on Leak Ditch from the vicinity of Tab, Indiana, (Reach A) downstream to its junction with Jordan Creek; on Jordan Creek from Tab (Reach B) downstream to its confluence with the Middle Branch (Reach H); and on Little Creek (Reach D) from the vicinity of Stewart, Indiana, downstream to its junction with Jordan Creek. Areas flooded vary in width from a few hundred feet to a maximum of one quarter mile. Approximately 2,359 acres of land within the watershed are inundated by a large flood (100 year frequency), 1,14+5 acres by a medium size flood (5 year frequency), and 8ll+ acres by a small flood (l year frequency). 15 WATER AND RELATED LAND RESOURCE PROBLEMS Eloodwater damage - cont 1 d Land use within the flood plain is primarily agricultural. Of the total area subject to flooding 1+5 percent is cropland, 1+2 percent pasture land, and 13 porcent woodland and other land uses. Com occupies two-thirds of the cropland acreage and soybeans one-third. Greatest concentrations of cropland occur along Leak Ditch and Jordan Creek in the vicinity of Tab, along Jordan Creek from the Indiana-Illinois state line downstream approximately two miles, and along Little Creek. Cropland in these areas accounts for 70 to 75 percent of the floodplain. Cropland in other flood plain areas ranges from 35 percent on Jordan Creek Reaches C and E to .15 percent on the most downstream segments of Jordan Creek. % Damages occurring on agricultural areas from overflow include reduced crop and pasture yields, increased crop production costs, and increased maintenance expenses on flood plain improvements. Annual value of future crop and pasture damages without project average $11.1+7 P er flood plain acre. Constraints to flood plain land use and crop production processes are a factor on Jordan Creek (Reaches C and E) and on the upper two miles of Reach F. Flood damages to non-agricultural values are reflected primarily as increased road and bridge maintenance expense. In total, 17 county roads and 8 railroad bridges cross the channels within the flood zone outlined at the beginning of this section. Damages on an annual basis are, for the most part, insignificant on railroad bridges and those county road bridges located in Jordan Creek (Reach H) and the lower one-half of Reach F. Damages to county roads and bridges in the remainder of the flood plain area typically occur yearly. Erosion damage Erosion is not a severe problem in the watershed. The greatest soil loss occurs on about 21,700 acres of cropland which is susceptible to sheet erosion. The estimated average soil loss is 3*9 tons per acre annually. The average soil loss tolerance is approximately 3*5 tons per acre annually. About 50,000 acres of cropland occur on de- pressional soils which normally yield very minor quantities of sediment. The estimated average soil loss from the total cropland acreage in the Indiana portion of the watershed is about 1.1+ tons per acre annually. 16 ' WATER AND REALTED LAND RESOURCE PROBLEMS Erosion damage - cont'd Streambank erosion contributes an estimated 5 percent of the gross erosion. Erosion from roadside ditches, built-up areas, and farmstead sites contribute an estimated 5 percent of the total gross erosion within the watershed. There is some wind erosion within the watershed due primarily to fall plowing, a common practice in the watershed. The major soil erosion areas are scattered throughout three of the five soil associations (Sidell-Dana, Dickerson-Renton, and Blount- Pincastle). The associations paralled the streams throughout the watershed and extend along the east edge of the watershed in Indiana. Sediment damages Sediment damages are not a severe problem. Some roadside ditches and drainage channels accumulate sediment, however, the problem is minor in relation to the total floodwater and drainage problems. Improved agricultural management practices and the application of needed land treatment measures should alleviate the problem of sediment accumulation in roadside ditches and drainage channels. Sediment yields from the Indiana portion of the watershed are estimated at approximately 12,000 tons annually (about 0.33 tons per acre annually). Sediment yields from the Illinois portion of the watershed are estimated at approximately 9>000 tons annually (about 0.21 tons per acre annually). Joint problems (flooding and drainage) Agricultural drainage problems exist because of shallow channel depths and lack of channel capacity. Open and closed drains are re¬ stricted during flood events. The most significant problems are recurring patterns of drainage impairment and flooding occurring throughout the growing season. Damaging effects are expressed through impaired root and plant growth, increased disease, greater competition from weeds, reduced crop quality and delayed field work. Reach A contains 2,107 acres with joint problems; Reach B, 14,521 acres; Reach C, 1,709 acres; Reach D, 14,715 acres; Reach E, 2,368 acres; Reach F, 876 acres; and Reach J, 50 b acres. 17 ' WATER AND RELATED LAND RESOURCE PROBLEMS Joint problems (flooding and drainage) - cont'd Due to the existing flooding and drainage problems, crop production costs are higher and crop yields are lower when compared whith pro¬ duction on land without these problems. Thus, less maintenance, labor and material are applied by landowners and operators in the area. Average annual yields in the area affected by poor drainage out¬ lets are reduced by an estimated 26 bushels per acre for com and 12 bushels per acre for soybeans. The lack of adequate drainage outlets on the upper reaches of Little Creek, Leak Ditch and Jordan Creek has resulted in a large portion of these drains becoming unservicable. In some sections drains are now inadequate for either passage of floodwater or to serve as suitable drainage outlets. Additional depth and capacity are needed to provide adequate outlets on the upper reaches of all three tributaries. Most severely affected within the water problem area studied are scattered surface depressions and low areas adjacent to in¬ adequate channels. These areas for ease of future discussion will be labeled Problem Sub-Area 1. Storm runoff concentrates in these areas, remaining for prolonged periods of time. Crop yields are greatly reduced, often with complete crop failure resulting. Surrounding these areas of severe water problems are fringe areas of soils whicb^ although not subject to ponding or flooding, remain saturated for long periods of time (Problem Sub-Area 2). Yields in these areas, although acceptable, do not reflect the in¬ herent production potential of the soil. Row crop yields are de¬ pressed on an average of 20 to 30 percent due to the drainage pro¬ blems present. Reduced crop yields are experienced on still other portions of the overall water problem area. These areas are designated here as Problem Sub-Area 3• This area often occurs on the landscape in close associated with Problem Sub-Areas 1 and 2; but many occur separately as well. For the most part, their margins follow normal field boundaries. They represent areas where less than optimum timing of field op¬ erations are possible due either to the presence of Sub-Areas 1 and 2 within a given field, or the presence of random areas of imperfect drainage when occurring as independent problem sub-areas. Extent of current yield reductions on these areas is not highly significant 5 to 10 percent. However, with an ever increasing level of technology, it is expected that the yield limitations presented by disruptions in the t imin g of field operations will become increasingly more significant. 18 . ■ WATER AND RELATED LAND RESOURCE PROBLEMS Recreational prob l ems Individual recreation activities such as hunting, bird watching, hiking, nature walks, fishing and picnicking, with the landowners' permission, are the only activities available to the general public in the watershed. There are no surface water areas in the watershed for use by the public. There afe four privately existing ponds in the watershed, two in Indiana and two in Illinois. The watershed is in the Bureau of Economic Analysis Area 058 and 059. Warren County (Indiana) lies In Area 059 which has a projected population of 388,800 for the year 2,000 compared to 249,412 in 1969. Vermilion County (Illinois) lies in Area 058 which has a projected population of 598,700 for the year 2,000 compared to 388,784 in 1969. Present recreation needs for these areas include the following facilities: hunting areas, nature and hiking trails, horseback riding paths, bicycling paths, camping areas, and picnicking areas. Needs exist for water-related activities such as fishing, swimming, boating, water skiing, and canoeing. There appear to be available resources to meet all needs except for water-related recreation.— Plant and animal problems The original vegetation for the area was primarily prairie grass. The minimal amount of forest land and wildlife and recreation land present provides very limited cover for wildlife. The Chicago and Eastern Railroad right-of-way is in the process of being returned to cropland by private owners. The loss of the old railroad right-of- way along with channel improvement clearing for flood control and drainage will be detrimental to the existing wildlife resources. A continuing detrimental effect will last the life of the project unless redevelopment is planned, established and maintained. An improved balance of land use to provide fish and wildlife habitat is desirable. Since 92 percent of the watershed is cropland, the wildlife will be substantially influenced by the agricultural land use and management practices. Farm ponds, wildlife habitat development and other vegeta¬ tive erosion control practices are beneficial to wildlife existence. 1/State of Indiana, Shapin g the Future, Indiana Recreation Plan , September 1970. WATER AND RELATED LAND RESOURCE PROBLEMS Plant and animal - cont’d The forest land ownership pattern is small and scattered with only 612 acres existing in the watershed. The narrowness and limited length of much of the wooded areas along the streams reduce their importance for large mammals, such as white-tailed deer, but small mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians make use of these areas. The present hydrologic condition of the forest land varies from very poor to poor; however, the potential of this land to improve hvdro- logically is high. Livestock grazing has eliminated ground cover in certain areas, exposing the soil to erosion: however, erosion and sediment yields are minimal. The primary problem is bringing wood¬ land under improved management. The watershed is short of surface water habitat for fish, wildlife, and recreation. Any substantial increase in installed and managed fishery waters would benefit these resources. A water quality study is being prepared by USGS, Water Resources Division which will provide needed information concerning influence of pollution and other water quality factors on the fish and wildlife resource values. The results will be available and included in the draft environmental impact statement. Economic and social The median income per family in Warren Countv, Indiana, for 1970 was $8,340. The median income per family for the State of Indiana in 1970 was $9,970. The median income for all farm families in the county was $8,293 and for the state was $8,198.!./ The median income per family in Vermilion Countv, Illinois for 1970 was $9,449. The median income per family for the State of Illinois in 1970 was $10,959. The median income for all farms in the county was $9,792 and for the state was $9,280. Water quality problems Water quality is not considered to be a problem in this watershed; however, the USGS, Water Resources Division in Indianapolis is conduct¬ ing, a Water Qualitv Assessment of the watershed. Results will be included in the draft environmental statement. 1/U.S. Department of Commerce, Gene ra l So cial and Economic Characteristics, 1970 . PROJECTS OP OTHER AGENCIES Lake Vermilion, the 69 O acre major water supply for Danville, Illinois, is located on the North Fork of Vermilion River 13 miles downstream from Jordan Creek. No benefits are expected to accrue to the Jordan Creek project from Lake Vermilion. However, the in¬ stallation of sediment traps during construction of Jordan Creek, immediate revegetation of disturbed areas during construction, and the long term effect on reduction in sediment delivery downstream from Jordan Creek as a result of installation of additional land treatment measures should enhance the Lake Vermilion project. (The Jordan Creek Watershed project is an action-pending project for the Comprehensive Coordinated Joint Plan (CCJP) developed by the Ohio River Basin Commission for the Wabash Basin. Adoption into the CCJP is expected upon completion-of the final work plan and environmental impact. statement. )—' There are no other water resource development projects in operation or being considered by other agencies or groups that would affect or be affected by the installation of measures proposed in this work plan. Wabash River Basin Comprehensive Study , Vol. 1, Main Report, June 1971* 21 PROJECT FORMULATION V Introduction Relief from standing water and the need for improved drainage has long been recognized as a need for the Jordan Creek Watershed. Action to provide relief for the Indiana portion of the watershed was initiated in the mid-forties. Records indicate that the Soil Conservation Service was contacted at that time to study the needs and provide a solution for the problems of water management. An application for planning assistance under PL-5>66 for the Indiana portion was submitted in 195>9* This application was not approved by the SCS since there could be no provisions to include the Illinois portion for overall formulation and it was believed that the Illinois portion was needed for an outlet for any work in Indiana. An amended application was prepared in I96I1 that included the entire drainage area of the watershed. This application was ap¬ proved by the Illinois Department of Agriculture and the Indiana Department of Natural Resources. Subsequent approval was given by the SCS on August 196I*. A Preliminary Investigation Report was completed on September 1967* The report emphasized work on channels. Work was considered for about 10.5 miles of Main Jordan to within about 2 miles of its junction with Middle Branch. Also considered was about 2.Lj. miles of Little Creek and 3*9 miles of Leak Ditch in Indiana and 7*7 miles for Middle Branch, mostly in Illinois. To carry out the general formulation of the Preliminary Investigation Report, the Jordan Creek Conservancy District in Indiana was organized February 19^9* -An effort to form a similar organization in Illinois failed through referendum vote. The watershed was authorized for planning by the SCS on April 1969 • First, there was a need for a adequate sponsor in Illinois to carry out any works of improvement that were necessary in that state for overall watershed development. It was finally agreed that the Pleasant Hill Drainage District would provide the necessary sponsorship for the main Jordan Creek work and a small amount for lateral work that would be done in Illinois. A series of discussions involving personnel from Indiana Department of Natural Resources, Illinois Department of Conservation, Fish and Wildlife Service, Soil Conservation Service, and local interests were . 22 ' PROJECT FORMULATION Intro due tion - cont * d held throughout 1971. The purpose of these meetings was establishment of criteria as provided in a 1971 SCS memorandum for mitigation of fish and wildlife losses resulting from project action. Stability of the main channel where work was proposed was a matter of concern. Additional soil borings were done in 1970. Cal¬ culations for stability analysis were made in the late part of 1971* At a meeting of SCS personnel held September 1972 at the SCS Technical Service Center at Lincoln, Nebraska agreement was reached for the appropriate methods to cope with the potentially unstable condition resulting from planned channel modification. In June 1972 an initial plan consisting of 1+3*0 miles of open channel improvement; £8.£ miles of surface drains and grassed waterways; and 20.5 miles of tile drains with some surface drains and grassed waterways was developed. The work on the main channel extended down 'to the Chicago and Eastern Illinois Railroad about 5> miles east- southeast of Rossville, Illinois, Most of the benefits accrued to the Indiana portion of the watershed resulting from the installation of the upstream measures. The general design of the planned water management features emphasized a fairly fast excess water removal rate. The planned project caused induced flows along the lower reaches of the main channel, especially for the infrequent, high volume rainfall events. The Pleasant Hill Drainage District attempted but was not able to obtain required flowage easements below the project cutoff where induced flows were estimated to occur. A meeting was held at Williamsport on January 17, 197U* Inability to obtain the required easements was discussed. The sponsors requested the SCS to study on alternatives to the June 1972 draft that could eliminate the problem caused by downstream induced stages and the land rights situation. On September 11, 197U a meeting was held at Pence, Indiana with local people and SCS personnel from both states in attendance. A project alternative was discussed whereby most of the main channel work would be eliminated from a point about three miles upstream of the state line and to the cutoff of the June 1972 draft plan at the Chicago and Eastern Illinois Railroad. Remaining channel work would be reduced in size to diminist the rapid water removal rate that was previously planned. In addition, the land treatment program would receive greater emphasis for those practices that would reduce surface runoff. 23 PROJECT FORMULATION Introduction - cont *d The overall effects would reduce greater project-induced flows and eliminate any induced flows across the state line. The sponsors agreed that this approach provided the best means to implement needed project measures for the solution of their water management problems. Objectives The project sponsors expressed as objectives for development in the Jordan Creek Watershed the following items: l) reduce flood damages, 2) improve drainage, 3) reduce road and bridge damage, 1+) control erosion and sedimentation, 5) improve fish and wildlife habitat and 6) develop outdoor recreation facilities. The soil and water conservation district will encourage methods for erosion and water runoff control. Their goal is to have at least 1+9,1+00 acres (6£ percent) of the total watershed area adequately treated by the end of the project installation period. Another goal of the sponsors is to provide for the safe and timely removal of excess water from flood plain and depressional areas. The opportunity for subsurface water removal for all areas in need is also desired as a part of project works of improvement. The primary concern of residents along the major channels is relief from flooding. A one year cropping season level of protection is considered adequate to meet their needs. Complete water removal from all other areas within a 21+ hour period is the general objective of the sponsors. Methods of solving the watershed problems, other than channel im¬ provement, were considered during work plan studies. The watershed topography is too level to allow the use of retarding structures. One dam was studied near the lower end of the watershed below the Middle Branch junction, and downstream from all planned structural measures. Lack of floodwater storage and local interest in other uses eliminated the site from consideration. The sponsors recognize the value of conserving fish and wild¬ life resources consistent with proper use of soil and water resources. Their objective is to retain and enhance as much habitat as possible. PROJECT FORMULATION Environmental Considerations Modification of the previously selected works of improvement was required as a result of the National Environmental Policy Act in which Congress directed that "to the fullest extent possible, the policies, regulations and public laws of the United States shall be interpreted and administered in accordance with policies set forth in the Act." The passing of this Act presented the need to review and give full environmental consideration to all watershed work planning. Additional detailed survey data was obtained which indicated that channel work could be omitted in various reaches, thus minimizing disturbance to existing wildlife habitat. Destroyed habitat will be mitigated and enhanced through installation of vegetative treatment measures, management of forest land, protection of woody habitat and idle land within the permanent easement, planting of trees and shrubs, and grasses and legumes. Soil erosion is considered minor, however, sheet erosion during high intensity rains results in delivery of sediment and soil fertility to streams and waterways. The progressive and on-going land treatment programs will control soil erosion on those acres adequately treated. This control will result in reduced waterways thereby reducing one source of water pollution. Several acres within the floodway and flood plain receive flood- water damages, one to three times annually, resulting in reduced crop and pasture yields, increased maintenance expenses for county roads and bridges. The selecte d plan will reduce flooding stages in Indiana on the more frequent floods. Flooding will continue to occur in Illinois at present stages. Alternatives 1. Main channel and tributary improvements as proposed in the initial plan. This alternative would provide essentially the same drainage benefits as the planned project; flood benefits would be realized. There would be increased adverse environmental effects along Main Jordan Creek down¬ stream of the state line as a result of destruction of valuable woody habitat or fishery habitat. The installation costs would be $2,017,000. This alternative was eliminated when Illinois sponsors were unable to assure land rights for induced damage areas downstream of the project. 25 PROJECT FORMULATION Alternatives - cont *d 2. Installation of subsurface drainage pump system . The estimated, construction cost is ^1 5 OI 4 .Y 9 800 . This alternative is the installation of pumping stations where subsurface drainage is impaired. Basins would be constructed to serve as a collection point for the subsurface drain tiles. The pumps would then lift the water into existing drainageways. Discharge from pumps will be compatible with needed subsurface water removal. Periodical flooding would continue along those drainageways. Installation of this alternative would require only minor channel excavation, thus nullifying most adverse affects on wildlife resources. The average annual cost of this al¬ ternative would be $21+2,880. Induced flooding would occur. 3. No PL-566 project—no local action . The on-going land treatment program will in time reduce sediment contribution to Jordan Creek and Little Creek, however, floodwater and drainage will continue to cause damages. The estimated net annual monetary benefits that would be foregone by not im¬ plementing the planned project are $ 385 1 137 * Drainage and flooding relief have been a concern to the local people for nearly 30 years. It is likely they would attempt to obtain relief through minor channel work where determined needed and feasible. However, the local people are not required to give as full consideration to environmental criteria as the planned PL-566 project. [+. Land treatment only . An accelerated land treatment program will reduce erosion, thus sediment contribution to Jordan Creek and Little Creek. Properly selected and installed land treatment measures will slightly reduce runoff, however, the floodwater damages would remain nearly identical to pre¬ sent conditions. Drainage will remain unimproved and continue to cause damages as proper outlets would not be available. This alternative would have minimal adverse environmental affects on wildlife resources. The estimated net annual monetary benefits that would be foregone by not implementing the planned project are $ 399 >^ 00 * 5. General discussion . The proposed planned project is essentially a land treatment program. The project consist of the installation of planned conservation land treatment along with minor channel improvement where needed to obtain subsurface drainage outlets. 26 ' PROJECT FORMULATION Alternatives 5. General discussion - cont'd Soil erosion is not a severe problem in the watershed. However, erosion control and reduced sedimentation will occur as a result of the land treatment program. Through establishing and maintaining needed conservation measures most soil limitations will be overcome, resulting in more efficient production. The portion of the watershed in Illinois will continue the present on-going land treatment program. A network of grassed waterways, surface drains and subsurface drains will provide drainage and flooding benefits to much of the area in Indiana and the Pleasant Hill Drainage District. Local sponsorship for the Illinois portion of the watershed was not obtained, thus the selected plan does not provide floodwater control across the state line. Down¬ stream flooding will continue to occur in Illinois at present stages. Many local landowners are interested in developing available recreational resources for public use. The available resources are concentrated along the lower reaches of Jordan Creek in Illinois. When Illinois failed to obtain local sponsors, the available recreational resources for development were lost. No adequate resources are present in the Indiana portion of the watershed. Full environmental considerations were given to the selected plan. All adverse affects have been carefully studied with proper procedures taken to reduce their impact upon the total plan. The installation of this project will improve the quality of life and increase the demand of businesses within the area. 27 WORKS OF IMPROVEMENT TO BE INSTALL Land treatment measures An accelerated land treatment program will be installed on the Indiana portion of the watershed. Land treatment in Illinois will continue at the on-going rate of application. The land treatment measures to be installed during the eight year project installation period includes conservation practices on 35>3U7 acres of cropland, 185 acres of pasture, 20 acres of forest land and 15 acres of other land. Adequate treatment will be achieved on 14.9 9 1+00 acres covering 65 percent of the total watershed at the end of the installation period. The Indiana portion plus the Pleasant Hill Drainage District in Illinois (the area above structural measures) will have 36,700 acres or 95 percent, under adequate treatment at the end of project installation. Conservation practices to be applied on cropland include contour farming, terraces, diversions, grassed waterways or outlets, minimum tillage, crop residue use, grade stabilization structures, sub¬ surface drains, and drainage mains or laterals.-/ A combination of two or more practices are often needed to achieve adequate treatment of land. Land treatment practices such as waterways, diversion, pasture planting and management, and tree planting will benefit wildlife. The Soil Conservation Service Technical Guide will be used in planning alternatives for adequate land treatment. Pasture land treatment measures to be installed include pasture and hayland planting and pasture and hayland management. Forest land treatment measures to be installed are tree planting on open lands where necessary to control erosion, and adjust land use to land capability throughout the watershed. Adapted species for planting will be recommended by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources (IDNR), or the Illinois Department of Conservation-Dfvision of Forestry in cooperation with the U.S. Forest Service. Hydrologic conditions will be improved by manipulation of stand composition, protection from grazing and implementing managment plans. The multiple-use forest land treatment program was cooperatively developed by IDNR, Division of Forestry and the U.S. Forest Service l/ See Exhibit - 1 for definition of practices. 28 , WORKS OF IMPROVEMENT TO BE INSTALLER Land treatment measures - cont'd The sponsors estimate that J+0 additional landowners or operators will become cooperators with the soil and water conservation dis¬ trict and develop conservation plans during the project installation period. At present, 2^,000 acres of the Indiana portion and 1^,000 of the Illinois portion of the watershed have been soil mapped. Plans are to map an additional 11,200 acres in Indiana and 2,000 acres in Illinois during the installation period. The SCS will provide the needed technical assistance for soil surveys, conservation planning and application of conservation practices. Land treatment will consist of voluntary actions taken by individual landowners or operators. Structural measures The structural measures consist of approximately 12.2 miles of main channel work with I 4 .I+ miles on Jordan Creek, 5*7 miles on Little Creek and 2.1 miles on Leak Bitch. Tributary structural measures consist of approximately 1^*3 miles of new or reconstructed open ditches, 1 + 8.6 miles of surface drains, 1 miles of grassed waterway construction, 19*8 miles of tile in conjunction with surface drains and grassed waterways, and approximately 5>0 grade stabilization structures to provide controlled inlets for grassed waterways, and surface drains into main channel and improved open ditches ,±J Main channels Main channel work consists of channel enlargement and where necessary minor realignment. Construction on the Jordan Creek main channel starts near the center of Section 6 , T22N, R9W, 1,800 feet downstream from a New York Central Railroad bridge and extends upstream to the junction of Jordan Creek and Leak Ditch located in the northwest quarter of section 32 T23N, R9W. The work commences again on Jordan Creek main channel in the northeast quarter of section 17, T23N, R9W, l,l£0 feet upstream from a county road bridge and continues upstream to State Road 26. Little Creek construction l/ The term "surface drains" is an accepted local term which in¬ cludes SCS specifications for Drainage Mains or Laterals (I 4 . 8 O) Open Channel(582). 29 . . WORKS OF IMPROVEMENT TO BE INSTALLED Structural measures - cont’d extends from a county bridge on the west line of Section 7, T22N, R9W upstream to the center of Section 22, T22N, R9W. Leak Ditch con¬ struction will start west of Tab at a countv road bridge located near the center of section 30, T23N, R9W and continue unstream 5,600 feet to a county road bridge located on the west line of the southwest quarter of Section 19, T23N, R9W. Construction starts again 1,470 feet upstream from a county road bridge and is located approximately 1,000 feet east of the center of Section 18, T23N, R9W. Construction continues upstream to Indiana State Road 26. The main channel improvements traverse orimarilv through glacial till in Reaches A, B, and D. Through Reaches C, E, and F the glacial till is present in exposed banks of the channel but is covered with glacial outwash in the valley which contains lenses of silts, clays, and gravels. Armor plating will be used to protect those soils encountered that are erosive or unstable due to the velocities within the channel. Main channel design discharges were furnished by the planning hydrologist for Jordan Creek main through Reaches C, E, and F, and for Leak Ditch and Little Creek through the lower parts of Reaches A and D, respectively. Design discharges for the remaining protions of the project are based on good agricultural drainage and the flood control provided by a 1-year cropping season level of protection. Less intense use of the rather narrow flood plain downstream from construction dictated less protection and, finally, termination of channel work. The channel work will deepen the existing channel for drainage and also widen it where additional capacity is required. Channel work is planned to follow existing alignment. Excavation will be done from one side to reduce damage to wildlife habitat (exhibit 4). Signifi¬ cant trees will be left standing on the constructed side, if at all practicable, during operations. In isolated cases where slope protec¬ tion is required on the opposite bank, work may be done from both sides. All flow impeding brush and unstable or fallen trees will be removed from both banks. Removal will be carried out from the side designated for spoil. Armor plating (gravel blanket) will be used to protect unstable soils on the bottom and sides of the channel. The berm will be used as a maintenance travelwav. A 15-foot vegetated buffer strip will be maintained on the unconstructed side to protect the channel from farming operations and also serve as a travel lane for wildlife. . WORKS OF IMPROVEMENT TO BE INSTALLED Structural measures - cont'd Fence will be installed to protect vegetative cover where there is a potential for livestock use of the area adjacent to the channel. Markers will be used to delineate the boundaries of wildlife plantings and vegetative buffer strips (Exhibit 4). Openings will be left in the spoil to avoid induced stages on the unconstructed side. Appur¬ tenances are planned for all reaches to safely lower surface water into channels. All existing tile outlets disturbed bv construction will be replaced. Work, as necessary, will take place on the unconstructed side to install appurtenances. Appurtenances on Little Creek include the construction of a multi-plate pipe arch approximately 96" x 159" to replace a county road bridge located on the North line of Section 20, T22N, R9W. The purpose of installing the pipe arch is 50 percent flood control and 50 percent drainage with the flood control benefits being the elimination of induced flooding downstream of the road bridge. Care will be taken to minimize the disturbance of wildlife habitat. The 1.5 miles of minor debris removal on Jordan Creek main channel runs from a point approximately 0.8 miles upstream of the Indiana- Illinois state line to the junction of Jordan Creek main channel and Little Creek, a distance of about 1.5 miles. The work involves mostly the removal of one log jam and the work will not affect the stability of the channel. The work will be done so as to minimize the disturbance of wildlife habitat. The interdisciplinary team will be consulted where debris removal is anticipated. Care will be exercised to minimize the amount of construction sediment. Sediment traps will be installed as needed. Cleared material will be buried or disposed of by other acceptable means. Land rights on main and tributary channels will consist of approxi¬ mately 194 acres of permanent easements and approximately 455 acres of temporary easements. The permanent easement area will consist of approximately 69 acres of other land,A' 48 acres of woody vegetation, and 69 acres of cropland. The temporary easement area is in cropland. These areas will not be available to the public without the permission of the landowner. Woody vegetation will be established and maintained within the permanent easement area to mitigate approximated 27 acres of woody wildlife habitat destroyed by the structural improvements. A strip of trees and shrubs approximately 10 feet in width will be planted 1/Other land includes - channel bottom and side slopes and areas providing wildlife habitat adjacent to the channel. ' WORKS OF IMPROVEMENT TO BE INSTALLED Structural measures - cont * d within the permanent easement on the spoil area. The vegetated buffer strip on^the unconstructed side of the channel, within the permanent easement, includes existing woody material that can be utilized for wildlife habitat. Approximately 56 acres grasses and legumes will e seeded on the disturbed areas within the permanent easement on the main channel. Condensed profiles of the planned channel work are attached as Exhibit 6. A variety of materials will be encountered during construction. A general description of materials, by reach, is tabulated below: JORDAN CREEK Reach B 101+00 to 235+00 — Predominantly glacial till silty clay (CL) over- lain by thin weathered till (ML or CL). Plasticity indices estimated to range between 10 and 20. Reach C 1+10+86 to 508+00 — Predominantly glacial till silty clay and silt (CL and ML) overlain by silt (ML) and clayey silts (ML or CL) with plasticity indices ranging between 10 and 20. Sands, gravel, silty sand and sandy silt near bottom in some areas (SC, ML, SM). LEAK DITCH Reach A 8+00 to 65+00 — Predominantly silty and sandy clay glacial till with estimated plasticity indices ranging from 10 to 20. 170+12 to 226+22 — Three to five feet of surficial glacial till (CL) with estimated plasticity indices of 10 to 20, overlying loose wet sand and clayey sand (SC, CL and SP). LITTLE CREEK Reach D 23+60 to 225+00 — Predominantly glacial till; 3-6 feet of firm, dense sandy and silty clay (CL) overlying wet, soft sand, silt and clay (SM, SC, ML and CL), in turn overlying firm, moist, sandy clay (CL). 32 WORKS OF IMPROVEMENT TO BE INSTALLED Structural measures - cont'd 22^+00 to 323+21+ — Sandy clay and silty clay (CL) overlying soft wet sandy clays and sandy silts (ML, CL, SM and SC). Tributary structural measures The tributary open ditch work will deepen (reconstruct) and construct (new) about 15*3 miles of channel. The open drains will be located as shown on the project map, exhibit 12. The work will be to provide surface and subsurface drainage outlets. The open drains will have a bottom width of 1+ feet, 2:1 or flatter side slopes, and shaped spoil banks. In areas where wildlife habitat exists, construction will be in accordance with exhibit 1+. A picture of a typical open drain is shown on exhibit 2. The tributary work also includes approximately 1+8.6 miles of surface drains. Those with drainage areas less than 61+0 acres will be constructed in accordance with SCS specificat.i ons for drainage Mains or Laterals (1+80) and those with drainage areas greater than 61+0 acres will be constructed in accordance with SCS specifications for Open Channels (582). The bottom width will vary from 8 feet and larger. Side slopes will be 1+:1 or flatter and depths will vary from 1 foot to about 3 feet. The purpose of the surface drains is to remove surface water that otherwise would pond and cause crop damage. A picture of a typical surface drain is shown in exhibit 2. The surface drains will be located as shown in the project map, exhibit 12. Five and one-tenth miles of grassed waterways will be con¬ structed in locations as shown on the project map, exhibit 12. The grassed waterways will be constructed in accordance with SCS specification 1+12. The cross sections will be parabolic with depths of 1 to 3 feet. About 19*8 miles of tile with a diameter of 8 inches and larger will be installed in locations as shown on exhibit 12. The tile will be installed in accordance with SCS specification 606. A typical tile installation is shown in exhibit 2. 33 EXPLANATION OF INSTALLATION COSTS The costs of installing the land treatment measures are summarized in Table 1. Estimated total cost for technical assistance is $69,170, of which $ 68,470 will be paid from Soil Conservation Service funds (^^■“566 — $18,640) and $700 from Forest Service funds. Landowners and operators will spend an estimated $844,520 for measures installed on their lands. The estimated schedule of PL-566 and other obligations for installa¬ tion for the land treatment is indicated as follows* PL-566 OTNER FUNDS FISCAL YEAR IND. ILL. IMP. ILL 1st 2,330 5,200 1,029 2nd 2,330 5,200 1,029 3rd 2,330 5,200 1,029 4 th 2,330 5,200 1,029 5 th 2,330 5,200 1,029 6 th 2,330 5.200 1,029 7 th 2,330 5,200 1,029 8 th 2,330 5,200 1,029 TOTAL 18,640 41,600 8,232 Structural measures Installation costs for structural measures as shewn in table 2 include construction, land rights, engineering and project administra¬ tion costs. The table shows the total PL-566 and Other costs. Construction costs is the estimated contract cost for constructing structural measures. It includes all materials, labor, and machinery involved in construction (including mitigation measures). A contingency is added to the estimated contract cost for all works of improvement to defray any unexpected cost that may occur during construction. Also, a special 10 percent allowance was added to all main channel works to cover possible stability work during the establishment period. Engineering costs are the costs for preparing construction plans for the structural measures. These costs include the direct cost of engineers, geologists, and technicians for construction survevs and investigations; soil and foundation drilling and testing; and design and nreparation of construction plans and specifications. Land rights costs include all expenditures for; 1) acquisition of land rights for construction and mitigation, the value of which is estimated by the. sponsoring local organizations: 2) relocation or reconstruction of propertv line fences; 3) relocation alteration or removal of pipelines and/or utilitv lines: 4) all legal fees and survevs associated with aenuisition of land rights. Land required for channel work includes a permanent easement on that land betwpen the outside 3h * EXPLANATION OF INSTALLATION COSTS Structural measures - cont * d edge of the buffer strip on the unconstructed side and the crest of the spoil bank on the constructed side. An area 15 feet from the dtich slope on the unconstrueted side is required (when one side construction is used). Project administration costs are the PL—566 and Other administra— costs associated with the installation of the works of improvement. Project administration costs include the cost of contract administration which is borne by Other funds. Also included in project administration costs are government representative services and necessary inspection service during construction to insure that structural measures are installed in accordance with the construction plans and specifications. These latter expenses are paid by PL-566 funds. Cost allocation and cost sharing Costs for all planned channel improvement, surface drains and grassed waterways are allocated 50 percent flood prevention and 50 percent drainage. Costs for tile are allocated 100 percent drainage. Cost allocation procedures and methods are covered fully under ECONOMICS in the Investigations and Analyses section of this plan. Cost sharing is as follows: PL-566 costs are 100 percent of construction and mitigation costs allocated to flood prevention and 50 % to drainage. All engineering costs will be 100 percent PL-566 funds. All land rights costs will be paid by Other funds. Project costs in Illinois The work in the State of Illinois consists of lateral channel JC8. The structural measures planned for the Illinois portion of the watershed do not include tile installation. A summary of the estimated installation costs in the State of Illinois follows: ' PL-566 Pleasant Hill Drainage District Total Construction $38,250 $12,750 $51,000 Engineering Services 5,100 — 5,100 Land Rights — 16,280 16,280 Project Administration 10,200 1,530 11,730 TOTAL $53,550 $30,560 $84,110 35 EXP TAN ATION OF INSTALLATION COSTS Structural measures - cont'd Project costs in Indiana All works of improvement in Reaches A, B, C, I), E, and J are located in Indiana. Certain surface drains and erassed waterways include associated tile main installations. A summary of the estimated installation costs in Indiana are shown on the following table: Jordan Creek PL-566 Conservancy District Total Construction $798,830 Engineering Services 110,480 Land Rights Project Administration 220,360 TOTAL $1,129,720 $302,920 267,000 33,050 $602,970 $1,101,800 110,480 267,000 253,410 $1,732,690 An estimated schedule of PL-566 and Other obligations for installa¬ tion of the structural measures bv fiscal year (without project administration cost) is tabulated in dollars as follows: fyI/ PL- Illinois ■566 Indiana Pleasant Hill Drainage District Jordan Creek Conservancy District 1st $25,000 $ 25,240 $20,000 $ 16,620 2nd 18,350 358,630 9,030 222,010 3rd — 328,600 — 198,850 4 th — 196,890 — 132,440 TOTAL $43,350 $909,360 $29,030 $569,920 Non-project costs There are no known or anticipated non-project costs for this project. Should any non-project costs occur, they must be borne bv the sponsoring local organizations. This subject is covered here to avoid possible misunderstanding during contract negotiations and construction. Non-project costs include all additional costs resulting from changes of, or additions to, project works of improvement for non¬ project purposes or maintenances such as 1) distributing and leveling spoil or disposing of excavated material primarily to improve land: 2) filling depressional areas outside of the right-of-wav; or 3) modifying planned works of improvement for the convenience of the sponsoring local organization. TJ The first k years of an 8 year installation period. 36 EFFECTS OF WORKS OF IMPROVEMENT Conservation land treatment The application of land treatment measures will bring an addi¬ tional 35,567 acres under adequate treatment from a present con¬ dition of 13,79i+ to a future condition of 49>361 acres. Con¬ servation practices to be applied to cropland are contour farming, grassed waterways, grade stabilization structures, conservation cropping systems, crop residue management, terraces, and minimum tillage. These practices will reduce erosion through interception of rainfall and reduction of runoff and stabilization of drainage- ways. Reducing sheet erosion will permit inherent and applied fertility to be maintained. The use of conservation cropping systems, including minimum tillage will provide improved plant growth through improvement of soil characteristics. The combined effects of these practices will reduce the annual soil loss of the 21,700 acres . of erosive cropland from 3*9 tons/acre to 2.5 tons/acre. This rate of soil loss is within the 3*5 tons/acre annual soil loss tolerance. The application of soil and water conservation practices will re¬ duce soil loss from erosion, promote the proper use of soil and water resources and provide lower maintenance costs for the planned structural measures. These conservation practices will reduce the sediment yield from the Indiana portion of the watershed rom an estimated 12,000 tons annually (.33 tons per acre) to about 9>000 tons annually (.21 tons per acre). .Removal of surplus water through installation of subsurface drains, drainage field ditches, and drainage mains or laterals will enhance growth on 50,000 acres of cropland with a wetness limitation. Reduced production costs, improved crop quality, and increased yields will increase the efficiency for the farm enterprise. Pasture management practices to be applied on 185 acres will improve the overall quality and productivity of pasture areas. Soil erosion will be reduced from .22 tons/acre to .13 tons/acre. Such areas, when properly treated and managed, 'complement the overall farm operation, contributing significantly to farm income with a minimum of erosion. Forest land treatment measures to be applied to 20 acres will improve the overall hydrologic condition of the watershed. Creation of good humus layer in these areas will reduce runoff and erosion. Approved cultural operations and livestock exclusion from forest land will improve the quality of future forest land production as well as increase the overall quality of production. The average annual soil loss from the Indiana portion of the watershed will be reduced from an estimated l.Ij. tons/acre to 0.8 tons/acre. 37 EFFECTS OF WORKS OF IMPROVEMENT Conservation land treatment Many species of wildlife will benefit from vegetative land treatment measures that contribute to the quality of wildlife habitat. Some of these measures are: grassed waterways, diversions, pasture and tree planting, critical area planting and protection from grazing.— Some land use change is projected to occur during the life of this project; however, these changes are expected to result from changing economic and technological conditions rather than project action. Structural measures Greatest impact of planned channel improvement will be in relieving joint floodwater-drainage problems occurring throughout watershed Reaches A, B, C, D, E, F, and J. An estimated 16,800 acres in total will benefit from the project, 15,924 acres of which are in Indiana and 876 acres in Illinois, involving about 155 individual landowners. Benefits will accrue through the removal of surplus surface and subsurface water. Manv existing tile drains, currently inoperative because of poor outlet conditions, will become operational. Farming operations delayed in the past because of water problems will be permitted to proceed on a timely basis. Yields will increase and production costs decrease. Opportunities to capitalize on the production advantages afforded by an increasing level of technology will be increased. In addition, many areas of the watershed affected by joint flood- water drainage problems, but not dependent on the project for their solution, will benefit through a demonstration effect. Structural measures installed as a part of the project will clearly serve as impetus to these areas for installation of the most practical com¬ bination of needed on-farm drainage improvements. 1/Reference - Soil Conservation Service Bilogv Technical Note No. 6 ~ Wildlife Response to Selected Conservation Practices EFFECTS OF WORKS OF IMPROVEMENT Structural measures - cont * d Areas on which damage-re duct ion benefits were evaluated include the entire Indiana portion of the flood plain described under "Watershed Problems". Crop and pasture damages will be reduced by bP percent, damage to roads and bridges li+ percent, and indirect damages 29 percent in these areas. An estimated agricultural landowners and several roads and bridges will be benefitted. Benefits will accrue through increased agricultural production, reduced crop and pasture production costs, and lower maintenance expenses on flood plain improvements. Principal beneficial effect will result from reduced stages on the more frequent floods (floods expected to occur once every five years or more often). A summary comparison of flooded areas with and without the project for the area on which damage-re duct ion benefits were evaluated in Indiana is presented below: (Flood) (Without Project) (With Project) 100 year 1881 ink 5 year 1069 721 1 year 51U 29h Protection from the one year cropping season flood will be afforded by the project on reaches A, B, C, D, and J. No increase in stages will occur on the Illinois portion of Jordan Creek downstream of the area on which flood reduction benefits were evaluated. A summary of flooded areas with and without the project in Illinois is presented below: (Flood) (Without Project) (With Project) 100 year 2+78 2+76 5 year 376 36 k 1 year 300 300 39 T^WIOTS 0? WORKS OF IMPROVEMENT, Structural measures - cont'd The method of installation of structural measures is proposed so that the minimum possible wildlife habitat destruction will occur. About 22 acres of woody wildlife habitat will be destroyed during construction. The wildlife habitat losses will be mitigated by replanting trees and shrubs on the spoil area, securing a permanent easement on existing trees and shrubs as a "filter strip" on the unconstructed side of the channel. Based on recommendations of members of the fish and wildlife discipline, about 27 acres of trees and shrubs will be replanted in Indiana and one-third acre in Illinois. All disturbed areas within the permanent easement will be seeded with a grass and legume mixture to provide herbaceous cover for wildlife and to prevent erosion. The existing stream has some fishery value as a spawning stream up to the vicinity of Little Creek Tributary. This value will not be disturbed by the installation of the works. The proposed design of structural measures and method of con¬ struction will reduce soil erosion within the channel, and provide for better bank stability. Sediment traps at selected intervals will reduce sediment movement downstream during construction activity. Economic and social During the period of construction, approximately 39 man-years of labor will be required for the installation. During the i e of the project, about 8 man-years will be required annually for e operations and maintenance for structural and associated land treatment measures. The aulaity of living for the beneficiaries of the project should be improved because of the benefits realized from the o8 0 average benefits for 1 & farm units will be approximately 43,280. Secondary effects generated by the project will be through in¬ creased Sds on local suppliers of goods and services and on local processing, transporting and marketing facilities. PROJECT BENEFITS Total average annual benefits to project structural measures are estimated at $508, 757 (Table 6). Primary benefits to structural measures were estimated as follows: damage reduction $12,14614, more intensive land use $1141,671 and drainage $11+1,672 (Table 6). Local secondary benefits to structural measures were estimated at $212,950 (Table 6). Only those secondary benefits generated by the project through increased demands on local suppliers of goods and services and on local processing, transporting and marketing facilities were evaluated. Benefits accuring through an enhancement of the overall environment of the watershed area, although significant locally, were not evaluated. Benefits of a secondary nature from a national viewpoint were not considered pertinent, and were therefore not evaluated. COMPARISON OF BENEFITS AND COST Average annual costs, benefits and comparison of benefits and costs are shown in tables l; and 6. The ratio of average annual benefits, excluding secondary benefits, of $295*807 to average annual cost of $123,620 is 2.1+:1.0. The ratio of benefits to costs is $508,757 to $123,620 or i|.1:1.0. PROJECT INSTALLATION Land treatment measures The Warren and Vermilion County Soil and Water Conservation Districts will assume the responsibility for the application of the land treatment measures. The measures will be installed by private landowners and operators within an eight year period. The SCS will provide personnel to assist the district in providing landowners and operators technical assistance to develop conservation plans and to install planned practices. Technical assistance for the forest land measures will be furnished by the IDNR, Division of Forestry and the Illinois Department of Conservation in cooperation with the U.S. Forest Service. Structural measures All works of improvement in Indiana will be installed during a four year period, and in Illinois within a two year period. Con¬ struction plans and specifications on contracts will be completed after the land rights are secured. Mitigation measures are considered construction costs and will be a part of each construction contract. In order to make efficient use of personnel and to realize the most benefit from the structural measures, the works of improvement will be installed in the following yearly sequence by state: INDIANA 1. Lateral Improvement - Reach J and Reach F 2. Jordan Creek Main - Reach E, Reach C and Reach B Lateral Improvements - Reach C, Reach B and Reach F 3* Jordan Creek Main - Reach D Lateral Improvement - Reach D 1|. Little Creek Main - Reach A Lateral Improvements - Reach A and Reach E ILLINOIS 1. Jordan Creek Main - Reach F Lateral Improvement - Reach F (Open Ditch) 2. Lateral Improvement - Reach F (Surface Drain) PROJECT INSTALLATION Structural measures - cont’d The Jordan Creek Conservancy District is the sponsoring local organization qualified under state law to carry out works of im¬ provement outlined in the Indiana portion of this plan. The Conservancy District has the powers of eminent domain and taxation, as provided by the Indiana Conservancy Act and will use these powers as necessary to assure scheduled completion of the project. The Conservancy District will be responsible for securing land rights and administering contracts for all works of improvement in Indiana. The Conservancy District will be responsible for 5>0 percent of con¬ struction costs allocated to drainage within Indiana. The Pleasant Hill Drainage District is the sponsoring local organization qualified under Illinois law to carry out works of im¬ provement outlined in the Illinois portion of this plan. The Drainage District has the power of eminent domain and assessment, and Wj.11 use these powers as necessary to assure the scheduled completion of the project. The Drainage District will be responsible for se¬ curing land rights and administering contracts for all works of im¬ provement in Illinois. The Drainage District will be responsible for 50 percent of construction costs allocated to drainage within Illinois. The Soil Conservation Service, under authority of PL-566, will be responsible for all phases of installation of works of improvement, including engineering services, except for acquisition of land rights and contracting for construction. The Service will be responsible for all construction costs allocated to flood prevention and 50 percent of construction costs allocated to drainage. The Indiana Department of Natural Resources, in accordance with state laws and regulations, will review and approve plans and specifications for structural works of improvement to be constructed in Indiana. The Jordan Creek Conservancy District will administer contracts for structural measures in Reaches A, B, C, D, E and J. The Pleasant Hill Drainage District will administer contracts for structural measures in Reach F. In addition, they will each be accountable for managing finances associated with installing those measures which involve the expenditure of PL-566 funds. This will require development of a financial management system which shall provide for the maintenance of appropriate records, reports, audits and accounts needed to satisfy the requirements of 0MB Circular A-102. kh PROJECT INSTALLATION Structural measures - cont'd An interdisciplinary team comprised of representatives from the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, Illinois Department of Conservation, U.S. Pish and Wildlife Service, landowners and sponsors, and the SOS will participate in the development of design plans and specifications and operation and maintenance procedures. These cooperatively developed plans and specifications will be adhered to unless determined inappropriate during construction; however, all members of the team will be provided the opportunity to develop the necessary revisions. FINANCING PROJECT INSTALLATION Federal financial assistance for carrying out the works of im¬ provement set forth in this plan will be provided under the authority of the Watershed Protection and Flood Prevention Act (PL-566, 83rd Congress, 68 Stat. 666) as amended. Federal financial assistance is contingent on the appropriation of funds to carry out this plan. Land treatment measures Technical assistance for installation of all accelerated land treatment for which the Soil Conservation Service has responsibility, will be provided with PL-566 funds. Technical assistance for forest land treatment measures will be provided by the IDNR, Division of Forestry and the Illinois Department of Conservation, Division of Forestry in cooperation with the U.S. Forest Service through the Cooperative Forest Management Program. Any cost-sharing for installation of approved land treatment measures will be provided through the Rural Environmental Conservation Program (RECP), administered by the Agricultural Stabilization and Con¬ servation Service, or by other funds as might be appropriated by Congres Structural measures The Jordan Creek Conservancy District in Indiana has been or¬ ganized since 1969. They have levied a general tax over the watershed within the state during the interim planning period. They have carried out their necessary organizational activities during this period. In consideration of their financial needs during operations, they have filed a letter of intent with the Farmers Home Administration for a FHA loan. The Pleasant Hill Drainage District in Illinois has been in existence since about 1900. They will make assessments on the land- owners for the local share of project costs that occur within their district boundaries. Both sponsors have engaged legal counsel and are prepared to act as the contracting organization in their respective state and district. The Jordan Creek Conservancy District is responsible for the following installation costs: 1. 100 percent of the land rights est. $267,000; 2. 50 percent of tile and 75 percent of all other construction costs est. $ 302 , 920 ; 3. Project administration costs est. $33,050. The Pleasant Hill Drainage District is responsible for the following installation costs: 1. 100 percent of the land rights est. $16,280. . FINANCING PROJECT INSTALLATION Structural measures - cont'd 2. 25 percent of the construction costs est. $12,750; 3. Project administration costs est. $1,530. Invitations to bid on the construction of planned structural measures will be issued after the project agreements are executed. These agreements will be administered when the following conditions have been met: 1) PL-566 funds have been appropriated: 2) the appropriate sponsor has funds availablcT'and -is prepared to fulfill its responsibilities; 3) necessary land rights for construction and mitigation have been obtained; A) construction plans and specifications have been prepared and approved as required; and 5) operation and maintenance agreements and plans have been executed. In accordance with 0MB Circular A-102, the Jordan Creek Con¬ servancy District and the Pleasant Hill Drainage District will account to the Service certain earned income during the grant period. For this purpose, the grant period shall extend from the effective date of the Service's fund obligating agreement until the date on which the Service formally notifies the sponsors that'the undertaking has been satisfactorily completed. Program income may include, but not be limited to, income from service fees, usage, or rental fees and sale of assets purchased with federal funds under a Service-fund agreement. U7 . PROVISIONS FOR OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE Land treatment measures The land treatment measures in Indiana will be operated and main¬ tained by the owners and operators of farms under agreement with the Warren County Soil and Water Conservation District. The land treat¬ ment in Illinois will be operated and maintained bv the owners and operators of farms under agreement with the Vermilion County Soil and Water Conservation District. Technical assistance will be pro¬ vided by the Soil Conservation Service. Forest land treatment measures will be maintained by the landowners with technical assistance furnished by Indiana Department of Natural Resources or Illinois Department of Conservation in cooperation with the U.S. Forest Service under the going Cooperative Forestry Program. Structural measures Operation and maintenance costs include all necessary expenditures after installation to realize the estimated benefits during the project evaluation period. The sponsoring local organizations will assume responsibility for operation and maintenance of all measures including measures for fish and wildlife. The operation and maintenance work will consist of such items as spraying or controlling of adverse vegetative growth within the channel and on channel side slopes, removing debris and/or excavation of shoal deposits as required to reduce serious bank ero¬ sion, maintaining channel capacity, repairing of critical areas bv seeding, sodding or placement of riprap, and protection of project mitigation features within the permanent easement areas. Operating agreements will include provisions as indicated in the revegetation plan. Operation and maintenance activities will be conducted in a manner to minimize adverse environmental effects. State and federal agency restrictions on pesticides will be recognized when providing maintenance on project rights-of-way. The Jordan Creek Conservancy District will be responsible for the operation and maintenance of the structural works of improvement installed within the State of Indiana. The Pleasant Hill Drainage District will be responsible for the operation and maintenance of the works of improvement installed within Illinois. They have the authority to finance this work by either taxation or special assessment. They shall budget annually the necessary funds to meet the probable expenses of operation and maintenance plus 10 percent to meet contingencies. Annual operation and maintenance cost for Indiana's works of improvement is estimated to be $15,850. Operation and maintenance cost for Illinois' works of improvement is estimated to be $680 annually. PROV ISIO NS F QF OP E RATIO N AMP M ATNTENA V CE S truc tural measures - cont’d A period of time is prescribed to provide for the establishment of adequate vegetative cover for channels. This "establishment period" shall extend for tin to three vears from the date the structural works of improvement are accepted from the contractor as beins com¬ pleted. The establishment period is to terminate when anv of the following conditions are met: a. Adequate vegetative cover is obtained: b. Two growing seasons have elapsed after the initial installation of vegetative work: c. Three vears after completion of works of improvement. The Soil Conservation Service and the local sponsors have agreed to accept some minor deviation in the design criteria of some channels recognizaing a degree of risk is involved in establishing their stability. Additional work may be necessary during the establishment period to achieve the desired stability. During the establishment period for vegetative measures, SCS may approve PL-566 cost-sharing for additional work required to obtain an adequate vegetative cover. Approval of SCS is also required for PL-566 cost-sharing for other repair or additional work on completed structural works of improvement. Requests for approval will be con¬ sidered if: a. The need is determined during the establishment period: b. The need results from latent conditions unknown to both SCS and the sponsor; c. PL-566 cost-sharing requested for the repair of additional work does not exceed the ratio authorized for the original construction of the specific work involved; d. Performance of the repair or additional work does not lessen or adversely affect the legal liability of the construction contractor or his sure tv to bear the cost of the work. A Soil Conservation Service representative will make a -joint insnection with the sponsors annually, after severe floods, and after the occurrence of any unusual conditions that might adversely affect the structural measures. These ioint inspections will continue for three vears following the acceptance of the works of improvement for operation and maintenance by the local sponsors. Inspections after the third year will be made annually bv the sponsors. A report will be prepared of anv such inspections making sure that the Service representative receives a copy. The Indiana Department of Natural Resources or the Illinois Division of Waterways, as appropriate, will be informed of anv scheduled inspections within each respective state. A record of each inspection will he kept in the sponsor’s file and will be available for authorized inspection. k9 PROVISIONS FOR OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE Structural measures - cont'd Specific operation and maintenance agreements and plan will be executed between the sponsors and the Soil Conservation Service prior to signing land rights, relocation or project agreement. These agreements will use as a basis the SCS State Watershed Operations and Maintenance Handbook. These agreements will con¬ tain, in addition to specific sponsor responsibities for non- structural and structural measures, specific provisions of OMB Circular A-102 for retention and disposal of real and personal property acquired in whole or in part with PL-566 funds. * 50 TABLE 1 - ESTIMATED PROJECT INSTALLATION W •H Q 3 £ £ U1 0 -P X 0 S o n o CD 43 -P f nd 0 ■P cti K 0 i—i 0 O 5 "d co 0 o o rH i—10 mIcvjI -d- !■*— 0\ u 0 e 0 > £ TABLE 1A - STATUS OP WATERSEHD WORKS OF IMPROVEMENT (At time of Work Plan Preparation) Jordan Creek Watershed Indiana-Illinois Measures Unit Applied to Date Indiana Illinois Total Cost Indiana (DollarsJj/) Illinois Land Treatment Basic Conservation Plans No. 58 60 - - Conservation Cropping System Ac. 10,130 6,350 50,650 31,750 Contour Panning Ac. 398 1,090 1,191+ 3,270 Critical Area Planting Ac. - 2b. — 12,000 Crop Residue TJse Ac. 7,250 5,690 21,750 17,070 District Cooperators No. 123 102 — Drainage Field Ditch Ft. 5,000 9,730 3,5oo 6,811 Drainage Main or Lateral -Ft. U,ooo 1,200 6,000 1,800 Grade Stabil. Structure No. 21 13 25,200 15,600 Grassed Waterway or Outlet Ac. 30 U5 12,000 18,000 Minimum Tillage Ac. 8,500 k,020 25,500 12,060 Pasture and Hayland Mgt. Ac. 260 70 7,800 2,100 Pasture and Hayland Planting Ac. - 1+90 - 17 , 150 Pond No. - 2 - 2,000 Standard Soil Survey Ac. 25,000 15,000 6,500 3,900 Sub-surface Drain Ft. 2,030,000 200,000 1,62^,000 160,000 Tree Planting Ac. 10 15 350 525 Wildlife Upland Habitat Mgt. Ac. 35 1,750 700 Subtotal XXX XXXXXXXXX xxxxxxx 1,786,191+ 304,736 TOTAL XXX xxxxxxxxx xxxxxxx 2,090,930 l/ Price Base: I 97 I 4 . November 197U TABLE 2 - ESTIMATED STRUCTURAL COST DISTRIBUTION 03 •H O *-3 O O VO CM -4 VO rH CO CO CO o o 33 r vs CO VO CO t— CM o o o o o o o O CO i—1 CO CM O VO oo VO VO VO O -4 VO CM CO CO Vs Vs Vs Vs Vs vs -4 co cooo CM _4 CM 1—1 CO rH CO CO rH CO i—I O Q CO -4 VO VO rv vs o co co co o o co rH CM VO Vs *s CO rH CO rH o o o o o o O O rH VO CO CM o CM co CM o-oo CO O VO i—1 o VO vs Vs Vs VS VS Vs Vs o vo co vo co CO VO CO-4 VO cr\ i—1 vo CM 1-1 O Q O O ON 1-000 O CO VO vs fs CM CTn rH rH O CO Vs «s -4 VO rH VO O O CO CO CO O •N -4- co rH CM O Q O -4 O CM vs vs C— CTn CM VO O O o co o CO O CO CM Vs VO CO o o t—CO O- CO vs f» O -4 VO vo §\ CM i—I oo •> » VO-4 VO VO o o c^vo CO VO co CM VO t— o o O Q CM -4 fS VS VO CO CM O rH CM O -4 O rH CM OO Tr¬ io co Vs 3 •n o o O O o o o o o o p vo CO IT-VO ■LOCO coco o o- 0 rH C VO CO co vo r— co vo CO | Vs Vs T— VO VS VS O- ON 1—1 Vs VS VO CO Vs Vs -4 VO rH CM Vs o rH O O VO Jvo 11—11 CO o o o o O O O O O O o o o CO vo oo co OO CO COCO O CO vo CO T- co o rH VO CO CO CO c— VO CTn t — -4 |vO Vs vs VS vs Vs VS Vs vs Vs VS Vs I V t>- On CO-4 VO CM vo vo CM C\J o- hr i — 1 i — 1 rH VO rH CM CO t— CO 1 — 1 1 1 —* roi CMI o o o o ° 9 CM VO CM C— CM C— VO CM vo CO VO CTn Vs Vs Vs Vs Vs Vs coco vo-4 volS C— CO -4 vo o o f— CM -4 O Vs Vs o co o o O tN- vo c— Vs Vs rH O O VO CM Vs co co ICO I H VO -P 0 CO i—I U 0 & > !§ Xi o -P 02 •H -P P § 0 > O ft <8 x\ • O +3 d d 0) M PP 3 02 -P P CD 8 CD > O U & pp h x • O -P d d CD hH Ph P •H I .g o XI o d CD Ph 02 +3 P CD a CD > O ft A "3 hP M O P n m ,p • O +3 d d CD hH PP 0 i—l -P -P •H i-P I >4 P M 02 "p 0 .3 § S O I Ph H in PP • o +» d d 0 hP PP 02 P 0 .3 § S o to I Ph r a Ph h rP • O +3 0 d 0 hP PP m I EH I 0 rm TABLE 2A - COST ALLOCATION ABB COST SHARING S' ca •H O Sh •H i—I i—I M I ci •H Mr—Tj ca 9 rH i—I s Mt c— CTs CD 'a CD > O CM O >H o O 1 O O 0 -H 1 O -P • o O ? 0 0 ?! pa 3 CM O W o rH rH rH PA -p rH •d D— co C— CM VO - 4 CX 3 O CO • • • • • • • • 0 • w pa PA PA PA CM CM CM PA •H _> ■P < ^ CO a -a! o " rH H -3 Tj Q) t. ON PA AJ CO ON M VO > • • • • • • • < CM PA CM CM CM M CM CM -P rH CO XA 00 CO CO CO CO CO C\J CM CM CM CM CM CM CM 3 pq O o 00 0 OOO • • • • • • • • t) CO t= > < 1 h d Q o op XA C^C^XA P -4 PA 43 t (A o o OO O • • • OOO • • • V. 31 o h] 1 2 rH o H r— S 1 —IOW VO Ph H PA aS J Ph • o • (A • • 0 • p • • • 0 d -4 3 la > H 3 -- o 0 0 -d M vo vo a Ti rH O r- o s 4 H 0 t '0 vo vo c— 0 •H aS CM S o £5 -dco Sod 0 0 0 o O o 00 O OOO 3 O O o 00 O OOO rH s> • CO • • • • • • 0 3 £ 3 4 C 4 P 0 d -d o -d-d co - 4 -VO O 3 d CM =1 rH o >5 0 -P fH -r H • o o Q o XAMD OOO O O XAO •H J CO VO o -d LA 1 A CO PA O O VO t— C*— rH P a) rH -d VO O M CM CM rH AJ n 4 o' p, o rH a> 3 Pd o Qfl • 0 0 *H XA o O -4 O 1 AVO PA M M vO O O PA C i • • • • • • • • • i XAXO co co rH HOJ 4 NN XAO XAxo 3 • rH CM CM XA rH rH rH p o o CO O VO O 00 , Q O O CM CM O 0040 + °? 1 ? <5 t^-O H CM Q AO CM O + -?* + + c XA O co CO co 1 A "LA O VO LA LA LA PACO o PA rH o c*— vo PA VO t— CM CO O jz; I-Intermittent - continuous flow through some seasons of the year but little or no flow through other seasons. Rr-Perennial - flows at all times except during extreme drought. A I 02 a a 0 •H O £ •H i—I H I ctf A Sh A CD A CQ fH CD +2 A 0 0 H O § A P o •"3 0 PJ rH O •• A CO +3 cti I O •H • A 02 •H • O 02 0 A A 0 £ a LA •H I ri A •H -P a A 0 A A -P 0 0 O • A pj 0 •H 0 0 A A P 0 0 O 0 a a Sh 0 O 3 JC| O 0 •H •o 0 o qb A 3 A ctf 0 cti o 0 Sh O o £ V •H 0 ct 0 A 0 i— l *H •H 0 0 A 0 O 0 0 A A 0 & . 8 *- +3 o 0 •f”D O £ 0 O -A •H £ 0 rt ’3 £ £ A 0 A A O O 0 i — 1 0 i — 1 A 02 0 0 ti '—/ P A 0 0 0 3 02 Sh 0 o A Sh A A A 0 ct o5 0 rO H <1 A cti O A A 0 0 H o 0 0 0 0 A A £ A 0 A H Sd p£ cti O a 0 A 0 A 0 0 H HA 0 cti A A O U A A O C A £ A "a! 'cm] aJ -d] Lr] 0 • o o O O O O O O O O O O o Q O O O o o o o o O O 'll Ft 1T\ Vs -A Vs ca coco Vs Vs vs O VO VS Vs VO VO LA VS Vs VS CO -A Vs vs A VO CM co -A vo A CO CO A -A CO VO CA A ^5 0 Cti 0 £ • 0 H A 6 0 PH C5 P> .0 A o o O o o o O o co CM r— o- t Vs vs Vs Vs A A co CM O o co O O O O CA t>- vs vs ON VO 'evil Sh H • A cti p> SS* 02 . PJ rf A • 0 0 A <§-£ s A o o o o o o A o CO r *s r C\J CO O O O O Q O O O -A CA cooo r\ »s t\ «\ At C-- t>- in C\J i—I CM O O o o C— co r vs CO C— o o o o o o O CM CM V\ vs *s CA C— o "LA CM O O O O CM CA O C O O CM CO O O A Vs CM CM LA CM CM A CO • V V CM A CO A A CO V V i—I A A O V • O A VO toj A o ctf 0 A A CM co I I I 999a o ° <3 A A o I o A I A O A -A I o o A A O * N I—| I CA <$ H I A < I VO O l A O "— A S —* I—I I o o A A A co I O A November 197^ TABLE 3A - INVENTORY OF CHANNEL WOKK Jordan Creek Watershed, Indiana-Illinois Reach Main Miles Type of Work Type of Channel Flow Condition Before Pro.iect A - Leak Bitch 2.1 II M (1890) I Lat. Improvements .1+ II M (1890) E I 0 E B - Main 2.5 II M (1890) Pr Lat. Improvements 1+.8 II M ( 1905 ) E • 3 I 0 E C - Main 1.9 II M (1905) Pr Lat. Improvements 1.1 II M ( 1905 ) E 1.2 I 0 E B - Little Creek 5-7 II M (1915) I Lat. Improvements 2.6 II M ( 1920 ) E 1 .1+ I 0 E E - Lat. Improvements 1.0 II M (1950) E 0.3 I 0 E F - Lat. Improvements .6 I 0 E J - Lat. Improvements .2 II M (1920) E • 9 I 0 E Total Miles in Pr- 5-1+ Each Code I - 5-2 M-22.3 I - 7-8 Classification 27-5 II- •22.3 0 - 5.2 E -15-3 Legend: I - establishment of new channel including necessary stabiliztion measures. II - enlargement of existing channel or stream. M()- manmade ditch or previously modified channel. 0 - none or practically no defined channel Pr - perennial—flows at all times except during extreme drought. I - intermittent—continuous flow through some seasons of the year but little or no flow through other seasons. E - ephemeral—flows only during periods of surface runoff. November 1971+ TABLE h - ANNUAL COST Jordan Creek Watershed, Indiana-Illinois (hollars) J_/ Evaluation Unit Amortization of / Installation Cost -7 Operation and Maintenance Cost Total Reaches A-F 88,990 16,390 105 , 3 I +0 Reach J 2.U70 180 2,650 Project Ad¬ ministration 15,630 XXXXXXXX XXXXXXXX 15,630 GRAND TOTAL 107,090 16.530 123,620 1 J Price Base: Installation same as table 2. 2/ 100 years @ 5 7/8 percent interest. November 197U TABLE 5 - ESTIMATED AVERAGE ANNHAL FLOOD PARAGE REDUCTION BENEFITS Jordan Creek Watershed, Indiana-I11inois (Dollars) Estimated Average Annual Damage Damage Item Without Project With Project Reduction Benefit Floodwater Crop and Pasture Road and Bridges 28,011 l+,775 16,917 1+.095 11 , 091 + 680 Subtotal 32,786 21,012 11,771+ Indirect 2,355 1,665 690 TOTAL 35,11+1 22,677 12,1+61+ _1/ Price Base: Agriculture prices 1973 current normalized (WRC-Feb. 1974)* Other items current 197U* November 197U TABLE 6 - COMPARISON OF BENEFITS AND COSTS FOR STRUCTURAL MEASURES o co •H O •H § •H a P o P CO H 0 -P 0 0 H O § P H O •-3 CO a CO o vr O u> ON W' CM CN _P VO ~d m OvJ -P o- CT\ -p £ 0 u M O co a 0 •p ■H _p p- CTV u 0 0 > o n 0 p -p o -P t*— ov P 0 Ph l o p 0 IS) •H o -p £ 0 H o ro C— OV CO 0 o •rH -P 0 m 03 PQ 0 O •H fi 0 O £ INVESTIGATIONS AND ANALYSES This section describes the type and intensity of the investigations and analyses whicli were made in formulating and evaluating the nroiect. It describes the scope and intensity of surveys and investigations and the methods used in analyzing and interpreting the basic watershed data in order to determine the nhvsical and economic feasibility of the proiect. The material is presented under the follosing appropriate headings. LAM P USr. AND_ TREATM ENT The basic data for watershed land use and treatment was prepared bv the sponsors with assistance from the local Soil Conservation Service and the Indiana Department of Natural Resources personnel. Information was obtained from the Conservation Meeds Inventory, conservation nlans, soil surveys, and local leaders familiar with the watershed. Procedure used in developing the data began with a listing of predominant watershed soils by capability class, sub--'.lass and treatment unit. Soils having similar use capabilities, treatment needs, and hydro- logic characteristics were combined into soil groups. Present and antici¬ pated future use and treatment of soils within each grouping was then determined. Once finalized, the land treatment data provided the basis for estimations of "with" and without proiect" rainfall runoff in the watershed. In so doing, an analytical framework was established within which watershed problems and effects of treatment could be studied. FISH AND WILDLIFE Some biology field studies have been made in or near this watershed. The rural letter carrier game surveys, spring growing counts, and sports¬ man Questionnaires have been utilized in this study. The game census and fishery survey information has been supplied bv the IDNR Division of Fish and Wildlife. Onsite observations by field biologists* indicated the proposed structural measures will be compatible with existing fish and wildlife resources within the watershed area providing current criteria is used. This criteria includes, but is not limited to, such things as sediment traps, vegetative filter strips, one-side construction, replanting of woody cover, life of proiect easements with permanent markers and/or fence as needed, and other coordinated efforts in planting, design, construc¬ tion, operation and maintenance. Several multi-agency biologv field reviews have been conducted. Earlv reviews were concentrated on those areas identified in the original *Official views of the ^ish and Wildlife Service on the proposed proiect are only provided bv the Regional Director or his representative. 5i FISH AND WILDLIFE - CONT'D work plan. A field review was conducted on the n rrent planned nroiect in November 1974 bv representatives of the T. ! ivision of Fi