Sourcewater assessments in the Schuylkill indicate that nutrients from agriculture and stormwater runoff pose a particular threat to the river’s water quality. The following pilot programs were designed to demonstrate the effectiveness of trading programs and the land application of water-treatment residuals. If successful, their results might be applied on a larger scale throughout this and other watersheds. Each is being implemented by local project managers with Schuylkill Watershed Initiative Grant funds from the Partnership from the Delaware Estuary.

• Philadelphia Water Department & Aqua Pennsylvania
Two case studies were proposed to explore new and emerging strategies that could reduce pollution from runoff in the Schuylkill Watershed: a nutrient-trading case study and a case study on the land application of treatment residuals for phosphorous control. These were both designed as pilot programs to explore the feasibility and potential benefits of new alternatives for nutrient and phosphorous reduction. If successful, their results could be applied on a larger scale throughout this and other watersheds.

Status: After initial investigations by the Philadelphia Water Department, the nutrient case study was discontinued due to potential conflicts and duplications among similar efforts underway in the watershed. A project design and protocol were developed for the land application of treatment residuals case study, yielding questions about the study’s feasibility. We are currently exploring case study options and alternatives.