Erosion control and other conservation measures are the action items in a new agreement between the Baldwin County Commission and the Alabama Department of Environmental Management (ADEM) aimed at protecting water quality in the Magnolia River watershed.

Funded through the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Clean Water Act Section 319(h) program, the project will focus on implementing best management practices (BMPs) in the Weeks Creek watershed, a tributary of the Magnolia River, to reduce nonpoint source pollution.

The Baldwin County Commission will serve as the subrecipient of the cooperative agreement from ADEM.

According to the commission, projects include "stabilizing eroding unpaved roads and conveyances to mitigate nonpoint source pollution in the form of sediment and turbidity." It said the Magnolia River watershed was selected because of its environmental significance and existing protections.

"In 2009, ADEM designated approximately 12.5 miles of Magnolia River as an Outstanding Alabama Water (OAW)," the commission said. "The river is classified for the uses of Swimming and Whole-Body Contact and Fish and Wildlife, and the OAW designation provides the highest level of protection under state regulations. This designation requires that water quality be maintained and protected from degradation, including impacts from nonpoint sources. Therefore, maintaining current high-water quality is a priority under both regulatory and programmatic objectives."

The primary goal of the initiative is to reduce pollution entering Weeks Creek and, ultimately, the Magnolia River.

Project work will include improvements to Norris and Hartung roads and surrounding drainage features.

"Stabilizing eroding unpaved roads (Norris and Hartung) and conveyances with gravel and check dams. Bioswales and native plants will be installed to reduce sediment, nutrients and stormwater pollution," the commission said.

ADEM said the project is designed to improve water quality by reducing runoff and pollution before it reaches the Magnolia River.

"ADEM received a funding request via Baldwin County Commission for Clean Water Act Section 319(h) grant funding for implementation of low impact development BMPs in the Weeks Creek watershed," said M. Lynn Battle, chief of ADEM's Office of External Affairs.

County officials said the work will benefit both residents and the environment by protecting an ecologically important waterway while helping nearby property owners.

"Implementation of targeted BMPs in the Magnolia River Watershed offer an opportunity to protect an ecologically significant waterbody, prevent impacts to adjacent landowner properties and improve water quality for the residents who use these natural resources," the commission said.

The Natural Resources Conservation Service will provide technical and engineering assistance related to selecting and implementing BMPs. Additional partners include the Mobile Bay National Estuary Program, Magnolia River Water Watch Group and the Town of Magnolia Springs.

Construction is expected to begin in early August, with completion scheduled by Sept. 30.

The commission also emphasized the importance of the river to the community.

"The Baldwin County Commission is passionate about natural resource protection and considers the Magnolia River a unique watershed that provides numerous benefits to County and municipal residents," the commission said. "Whether it is swimming in the Cold Hole, enjoying its beautiful scenery or the functional purpose of the river in managing stormwater, Magnolia River is a very special watershed."

Gabriella Chavez is a Report for America corps member who writes about growth and development in Baldwin County and our natural spaces for Gulf Coast Media. Your donation to match our RFA grant helps keep her writing stories like this one; please consider making a tax-deductible gift of any amount today.