This project was funded by:

Massachusetts Executive Office of Environmental Affairs

South Coastal Watershed Action Plan

Chapter Three Indian Head River Watersheds

Prepared by:

110 Winslow Cemetery Rd. Marshfield, MA 02050 (781) 837-0982 CHAPTER THREE: INDIAN HEAD RIVER WATERSHEDS

Part I. Watershed Assessment 3-2 1.0 Watershed Characteristics 3-2 2.0 Water Quality Impairments 3-3 3.0 Aquatic Habitat Impairments 3-8 4.0 Water Withdrawal and Stream Flow Impairments 3-11 Part II. Indian Head Rivers Watersheds Five Year Action Plan 3-13 List of Tables Table 3-1. Indian Head River Watershed Characteristics 3-2 Table 3-2. Water Quality Summary for Indian Head River Watersheds 3-4 Table 3-3. Percent Impervious Surface for each Indian Head River Watershed 3-6 Table 3-4. Water Withdrawal by Indian Head River Watershed 3-11 List of Maps Map 3-1. Indian Head River Water Resources Map 3-17 Map 3-2. Indian Hear River Assessment Map 3-18 Map 3-3. Indian Head River Watershed Impervious Surface Vulnerability Ma 3-19 Map 3-4. Indian Head River Watershed Action Map 3-20 Indian Head River Watershed

Introduction

The public process involved in creating this document included two steps,1) an assessment of the Indian Head River watersheds and 2) the development of a Five Year Action Plan. The assessment involved extensive literature review and interviews with stakeholders. Based on this process, information and a list of recommended actions were presented to the public at two public forums for additional input and priority ranking. These recommended actions are listed at the end of the discussion of each goal Based on the input and votes of those who attended the public forum, some of these recommendations were included in the Five Year Action Plan at the end of this chapter. Thus, this chapter consists of two parts; The Assessment and the Five Year Action. The twelve members of the steering committee played a crucial role in the guidance of this process (please refer to Appendix A for a detailed description of the public process).

PART I. WATERSHED ASSESSMENT

1. Watershed Characteristics

Table 3-1 Indian Head River Watershed Characteristics Land Area 30 Square Miles Primary Municipality Hanover, Pembroke, Rockland, Hanson Protected Open Space 1430 Acres (7.4%) Limited Open Space 591 acres (3.0%) NHESP Priority Habitat for Rare Species 1,769 acres (9.1%) Top land uses 45% Forest; 34% Residential; 4.6% Water/Wetlands; Commercial and Industrial 4.4% # of NPDES Permits-3 # of Dams-26 Most Impaired Waterbodies French Stream, Drinkwater River, Indian Head River, Factory Pond, Wampatuck Pond, Studley Pond

1.1 History

The history of the watershed communities was shaped by the industrial revolution. Forge pond was home to the foundry that made the anchor for the USS constitution, and in general factories in the area supported the region’s boat building trades by making ironworks. Luddams Ford is historically known as the place a gentleman named Luddham carried Governor William Bradford across the Indian Head River.

1.2 Water Resources The Indian Head River runs 3.8 miles from Factory Pond to the confluence with the Herring Brook where it forms the headwaters of the North River. The Indian Head River forms the town boundary South Coastal Watershed Action Plan 3-2 9/12/2006 Watershed Action Alliance

between Hanover and Pembroke. It is classified as a Class B warm water fishery. Impoundments on the Indian Head River include Luddams Ford Pond (Hanover/Pembroke) and Factory Pond (Hanson/Hanover). Forge Pond (Hanover) is an impoundment of the Drinkwater River. The Indian Head River tributaries include the Iron Mine Brook (Hanover), Drinkwater River (Hanover and Rockland), French Stream (Rockland and Weymouth), Rocky Run Brook (Hanson) and the Indian Head Brook. The Indian Head Brook is a tributary that enters the Drinkwater just downstream of Factory Pond within Hanson, its headwater is Maquan Pond. Other impoundments on the Indian Head Brook include Indian Head and Wampatuck Ponds. The Indian Head Pond also feeds a tributary to Furnace Pond in the Herring Brook Watershed. French Stream is a tributary to the Indian Head River and has one impoundment, Studley Pond in Rockland (Map 3-1; Indian Head River Water Resources Map).

1.3 Priority Land and Aquatic Habitats

Below Luddams Ford Dam, the Indian Head is tidally influenced and is one of three freshwater tidal marshes in MA. Because of the unique hydrologic conditions created by the rise and fall of the fresh water many unique and endangered species utilize this habitat. There is considerable open space protected along the Indian Head River in Hanover. The North River Protective Order extends up the Indian Head River to Hanson just past the State Street Bridge.

1.4 Hydrology

Hanover has two primary soil series almost evenly distributed: 1) Hinckley-Windsor-Deerfield soils which are deep, excessively to moderately well drained formed in glacial fluvial deposits and 2) Freetown-Swanea-Scarboro soils which are nearly level, gently sloping very poorly drained soils underlain by glacial fluvial deposits in swamps, bogs, fens and depression. The soils in Southern Pembroke and surrounding many of the ponds are the Hinckley-Windsor-Deerfield soils. Northeastern Pembroke soils (Birchwood-Poquonock-Mattapoisett) which are moderately well drained soils on gentle sideslopes and footslopes of hills with the high water table approximately 2.5 feet below the surface in the Poquonock soil areas.

2.0 Water Quality Impairments

Table 3-2. summarizes the water quality status of the impaired waters of this watershed. Stormwater run-off, cranberry bog nutrients, metals and mercury contamination related to historical industrial uses and WWTP discharges are the cumulative causes of algal growth, turbidity, toxicity, organic enrichment, pathogens, and the out-of-control growth of invasive species. The twenty-six dams within the watershed further degrade water quality by acting as nutrient traps and impair the aquatic use of the waterway by blocking fish passage (Map 3-2 Indian Head River Assessment Map).

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Table 3-2. Water Quality Summary for the Indian Head River Watersheds Waterbodies At Risk Impairment Level Suspected Causes/Sources

French Stream Level 5: TMDL Required – Pathogens, Rockland WWTP, Channeling of banks, Top Land Use: unknown toxicity, nutrients, organic enrichment sedimentation, habitat degradation, post- Forest: 39% development erosion, impacts from stormwater and agricultural run-off Drinkwater River Category 5: TMDL Required - Metals- Agriculture and storm water run-off, Hazardous waste site (Fireworks site); elevated Rockland WWTP phosphorus, pathogens, turbidity, noxious aquatic plants Indian Head River Category 5: TMDL required – Metals, nutrients, Multiple impoundments, Impact of organic enrichments, Impact of dams on Drinkwater River 5 Dams diversity of fish Iron Mine Brook Category 5: TMDL - required, elevated fecal Suspected causes are discharges from coliform bacteria, aquatic use on alert status municipal storm drain systems. due to high level of phosphorus Forge Pond Category 5: Low dissolved oxygen, high total Rockland WWTP (phosphorus), phosphorus, non-native aquatic plants, algal stormwater and agricultural run-off growth, turbidity Factory Pond Category 5: TMDL Required - Mercury Fireworks site, storm outfalls, illicit discharge Wampatuck Pond Category 5: TMDL Required - Nutrient, algal Cranberry bogs discharge, shoreline growth, exotic species erosion

Studley Pond Level 5: Fecal coliform, exotic species Sources unknown

Source DEP, 2006

2.1 Stormwater Impacts

French Stream: All fecal coliform samples from French Stream exceeded 200 cfu/100 mL, samples ranged from 230 to 2,000 cfu/100 mL (DEP, 2006). Higher bacteria samples were associated with wet weather sampling. A cow pasture located adjacent to the Rockland WWTP was noted as a potential source for this contamination.

The Drinkwater River is impaired due to metals, a TMDL is required. The watershed to the Drinkwater River is 12% impervious (GeoSyntec, 2002). GeoSyntec (2002) also noted 6 outfalls draining into the river and evidence of shoreline erosion. Water quality sampling for the South Coastal Watershed Assessment (DEP, 2006) listed the Drinkwater River as supporting its Aquatic Life Use upstream of the confluence with French Stream. However, this use is on alert status based on the fish community data and slightly elevated levels of total phosphorus. Downstream from the confluence with French Stream the Aquatic Life Use is assessed as impaired because of supersaturation of dissolved oxygen and elevated total phosphorus concentrations (DEP, 2006). Fecal coliform samples taken as part of the assessment (DEP, 2006) exceeded 200 cfu/100 ml,

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ranging from 590 to 870 cfu/100 ml. The Primary Contact Recreation Use for the Drinkwater is assessed as impaired due to these counts. Secondary Contact Recreation and Aesthetic uses are assessed as supported for the river upstream of the confluence with French Stream, but are impaired downstream of the confluence with French Stream due to excess algal growth and low Secchi disk transparency. The Rockland WWTP is a known source of total phosphorus, other suspected sources include stormwater and agricultural runoff.

Iron Mine Brook is listed as impaired for recreational and secondary contact due to elevated fecal coliform counts 280-540 cfu/100 mL (DEP, 2006). In addition, because of one high total phosphorus sample (0.16 mg/L), the Aquatic Life Use for Iron Mine Brook has an alert status. Suspected causes are municipal stormdrain systems.

Studley Pond is an impoundment of French Stream. Fecal coliform bacteria counts ranged from 71 to 2,000 cfu/100 mLs. The Primary Contact Recreational Use is assessed as impaired for Studley Pond because of elevated fecal coliform bacteria counts. Although the bacteria counts were low enough to support the Secondary Contact Recreational Use, too limited data are available (e.g., lack of aquatic macrophyte/density and transparency) and therefore these uses are not assessed (DEP, 2006).

Forge Pond is an impoundment of the Drinkwater River. Forge Pond is listed in Category 5 of the 2002 Integrated List of Waters due to impairment from turbidity and exotic species and requires a TMDL (MassDEP 2003a in DEP, 2006). In 2001, MassDEP surveyed the lake for the purpose of TMDL development. Elevated chlorophyll a and total phosphorus concentrations were documented. Supersaturation of oxygen on two of the three survey dates is also indicative of high productivity. Although no fecal coliform bacteria data are available for Forge Pond, elevated counts were documented at sampling sites in both French Stream and the Drinkwater River, which may by problematic in the pond. Low Secchi disk transparency on two of three dates, filamentous algal blooms and objectionable deposits were documented by DWM field survey crews (MassDEP 2001a). The Primary and Secondary Contact Recreation and Aesthetic uses are assessed as impaired because of these conditions. The Rockland Municipal WWTP discharge is a known source of total phosphorus. Other suspected sources for these use impairments include stormwater and agricultural runoff. A watershed land use assessment indicated 15% impervious and 5 acres of cranberry bogs within the watershed to Forge Pond (GeoSyntec, 2002). Seven outfalls were identified entering Forge Pond. The pond receives drainage from adjacent roads.

Wampatuck Pond is listed in Category 5 of the 2002 Integrated List of Waters due to impairment from noxious aquatic plants and requires a TMDL (MassDEP 2003a, in DEP, 2006). The town of Hanson manages a concrete pad ramp with parking for 3 trailers and 6 cars on Route 58 in Hanson for fisherman access (MA DFWELE 2003). A DCR Lakes & Ponds Grant was awarded in FY 1998 for the town of Hanson to control shoreline erosion by installing storm water infiltration basins at the adjacent parking. The 1996 DEP synoptic survey took an estimated Secchi Disk reading of < 1.2 m and found a bright green algae bloom and sparse plant cover throughout the pond. During the nonpoint field inspection, there was no trash but there was evidence of shoreline erosion (GeoSyntec 2002). In 2001, MassDEP surveyed the pond for the purpose of TMDL development. Wampatuck Pond is a highly colored, shallow waterbody fed by cranberry bogs and wetlands. In- lake total phosphorus and chlorophyll a concentrations were high and algal blooms were noted South Coastal Watershed Action Plan 3-5 9/12/2006 Watershed Action Alliance

during each survey. Supersaturation occurred during two of the three surveys during the summer of 2001. The non-native aquatic macrophyte Cabomba caroliniana was also documented. Because of the presence of a non-native aquatic macrophytes, elevated total phosphorus and chlorophyll a, oxygen saturation and excess algal growth, the Aquatic Life Use is assessed as impaired. All of the four Secchi disk depth measurements violated the bathing beach guidance of four feet . The pond is posted “No swimming” by the Hanson Board of Health. Because of the persistent and excessive algal blooms, the Primary and Secondary Contact Recreational and Aesthetics uses are assessed as impaired. Geosyntec (2002) reported 4% of the watershed to Wampatuck Pond as impervious. Three outfalls to the pond were identified.

2.2 Impervious Surface Impacts

Table 3-3 Percent Impervious Surface for each Indian Head River Watershed Indian Head Watersheds Percent As development occurs, the percent of Impervious impervious surface in a watershed increases and water is channeled into stormwater Indian Head Brook 8.0% outfalls instead of recharging the aquifer. Indian Head River 10.1% According to the Center for Watershed French Stream 23.6% Protection, an area with less than 8% Cushing Brook 8.9% impervious surfaces is considered Abington/ Rockland Reservoir 24.0% "sensitive"; 12-20% is considered Drinkwater River 11.7% "threatened"; and more than 20% is TOTAL considered "non-supporting" or urbanized. Table 3-3 depicts the percentage of impervious surfaces in each of the Indian Head Watersheds based on 1999 MIS GIS data ( See Map 3-3) This data is useful in prioritizing stormwater improvement projects for the more sensitive areas.

2.3 NPDES

French Stream is listed as impaired due to pathogens, unknown toxicity, nutrients, and organic enrichment and low dissolved oxygen. A TMDL is required (DEP, 2006). The Rockland Wastewater Treatment Plant is authorized to discharge 2.5 MGD (average monthly) of treated sanitary and industrial wastewater to French Stream. The former Weymouth Naval Air Station lies at the headwaters to the stream and is currently undergoing permitting to redevelop a mixed use development on the site. Water quality sampling indicates that the treatment plant discharge is having some impact to water quality in the stream (DEP, 2006). When comparing water quality from samples taken upstream of the plant vs. downstream of the plant, DO was less downstream, conductivity was higher, temperature was higher (but attributed to the Studley Pond impoundment), and total phosphorus was higher. Chlorine/septic odors were occasionally noted by survey crews at two stations downstream of the Rockland WWTP (DEP, 2006).

2.4 Industrial Impairments

French Stream: As part of the clean up of contamination from the Weymouth NAS sediment samples indicate that polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) contaminants in the sediment sample South Coastal Watershed Action Plan 3-6 9/12/2006 Watershed Action Alliance

exceeded ecological benchmark values and corresponding site background data (Stone and Webster, 2004 in DEP, 2006).

Indian Head River is listed as impaired due to metals, nutrients, and organic enrichment and low dissolved oxygen. A TMDL is required (DEP, 2005). However, water quality data collected in 2001 indicates the river meets most water quality standards and uses. The Indian Head River is listed as impaired for fish consumption because of mercury from Fireworks site. The Indian Head River watershed is 12% impervious and has 163 acres of cranberry bogs (GeoSyntec, 2002). No direct stormwater discharges were noted, however GeoSyntec (2002) noted the sources of impairment to the Indian Head River may be related to the Indian Head Brook and its associated cranberry bog operations.

Factory Pond is listed in Category 5 of the 2002 Integrated List of Waters due to impairment from metals (MassDEP 2003a, in DEP, 2006) and requires a TMDL. A site-specific advisory by MDPH due to elevated levels of mercury (MDPH 2004) has been issued. The Fireworks Factory hazardous waste site is considered the likely source of mercury.

Drinkwater River: The lower segment of the Drinkwater River is listed as impaired for Fish Consumption due to mercury from the Fireworks site. Mercury is from the Fireworks Site.

“The general public should not consume any fish from Factory Pond or the Drinkwater River/Indian Head River between Forge Pond and the Luddam’s Ford Dam.” Ongoing efforts are underway to remediate the mercury contamination and remove or neutralize the mercury so it cannot be released into the environment bioaccumulate. The majority of the mercury contamination is in sediments within a small tributary stream to Factory Pond.

Water Quality Protection Recommended Actions

Goal 1: Improve water quality to address point and non-point sources of pollution.

Watershed-wide Recommendations ¾ Prioritizing stormwater remediation projects based on size of watershed, amount of impervious surface and direct connections and proximity to impacted water bodies (i.e. larger watersheds with more impervious surfaces first). ¾ Develop sustainable means of funding stormwater infrastructure improvements and maintenance, such as a Stormwater Utility which would set a fee based on the amount of impervious cover. ¾ Adopt Low Impact Development bylaws and stronger Stormwater Bylaws that allow for a separate Stormwater permit and include education to municipal boards, residents and engineers. Consolidate board review and prioritize environmental review before developer interests. ¾ Provide State funding incentives for towns who adopt stormwater bylaws that reduce impervious surfaces and protect our water. ¾ Remap and extend boundaries of Aquifer Protection Districts in Hanover. South Coastal Watershed Action Plan 3-7 9/12/2006 Watershed Action Alliance

¾ Target Stormwater outfalls for water quality assessment and prioritize storm water remediation efforts based on bacteria and nutrient levels. French Stream ¾ Work within the permitting process to address wastewater treatment plant discharge and to advocate for daylighting and stream restoration via the Southfield Development environmental permitting process (the former Weymouth Naval Air Base). Drinkwater River ¾ Identify contributions from upstream sources such as Rockland WWTP and other stormwater sources. Stormwater outfalls should be evaluated for specific BMP controls. Erosion control measures should be made along identified portions of the river. Wampatuck Pond ¾ Stormwater outfalls identified in GeoSyntec (2002) should be evaluated for BMP controls Wampatuck Pond. Possible illicit discharge along Western shore of Wampatuck Pond should be inspected (GeoSyntec, 2002). Investigation of impacts from sewage disposal area adjacent to the southern side of Wampatuck Pond and possible NPDES registration needed (GeoSyntec, 2002). Forge Pond ¾ GeoSyntec (2002) also noted that an investigation of illicit discharges was warranted in the Southern end of Forge Pond. Direct stormwater outfalls should be eliminated or treated prior to disposal into Forge Pond. Factory Pond ¾ The Northern shoreline requires clean up and shoreline erosion should be remediated. Illicit discharges should be investigated in southern end of pond. Direct stormwater outfalls should be eliminated or treated prior to discharge in Factory Pond.

3.0 Aquatic Habitat Impairments

3.1 Invasive Species

Indian Pond: Little information exists on Indian Head Pond. It is a Class A, tributary to a public water supply, Furnace Pond. Indian Head Pond is listed in Category 2 of the 2002 Integrated List of Waters (MassDEP 2003a, in DEP 2006). GeoSyntec (2002) noted that the impervious surfaces within the watershed to the pond accounted for 2% of the watershed contributing area. Shoreline erosion was also noted in the GeoSyntec review of this pond. There are 22 acres of cranberry bogs within the watershed to the pond. GeoSyntec reported no direct stormwater discharges that are problematic. Aquatic vegetation was noted as excessive. The major likely sources of nutrients are from the cranberry bogs east of the pond. Why not put Indian Pond in Water Quality Impairments for Bog discharge and nutrient loading?

Factory Pond: The DWM 1996 synoptic survey found sparse plant cover including the non-native wetland species, Lythrum salicaria (DEP, 2006). During the nonpoint field inspection, there was South Coastal Watershed Action Plan 3-8 9/12/2006 Watershed Action Alliance

trash and evidence of shoreline erosion on the Northern section of the pond (GeoSyntec 2002). The watershed to Factory Pond is 15% impervious (GeoSyntec, 2002). Four outfalls were identified to Factory Pond. The last three sentences are about stormwater not invasive species?

Studley Pond: Studly Pond is listed in Category 2 of the 2002 Integrated List of Waters for supporting the uses of secondary contact recreation (boating) and aesthetics (MassDEP 2003a in DEP, 2006). The 1996 DEP synoptic survey found sparse surface plant cover throughout the pond that included the non-native wetland species Lythrum salicaria (DEP, 2006).

Forge Pond: Elevated chlorophyll a and total phosphorus concentrations are documented in Forge Pond (DEP, 2006). Supersaturation of oxygen in two of three surveys conducted are also indicative of high productivity (DEP, 2006). Although no non-native aquatic macrophytes were observed during the 2001 surveys, the non-native aquatic species Potamogeton crispis and Cabomba caroliniana were observed by DWM during the 1996 synoptic survey (DEP, 2006). C. caroliniana was reported in the pond during a nonpoint field inspection (GeoSyntec, 2002). Because of these conditions the Aquatic Life Use is assessed as impaired. The nonnative wetland species Lyrium salicaria was also documented (GeoSyntec, 2002)

3.2 Loss of Fish Runs and Potential Spawning Habitat

Indian Head River

The Indian Head River is unique in that it provides one of the few American shad, small stream sport fisheries in coastal Massachusetts. While most of the fishery occurs below the West Elm St. dam, the Denil fishway at that location successfully passes shad as well as river herring and a population has been established in the upper river. The dam at Cross St. prevents further upstream movement and a fishway or dam removal here could extend the shad spawning habitat. Access to the 55 acre Factory Pond could significantly increase river herring habitat but dam safety and sediment contamination issues in that impoundment must be resolved before this can be considered (Reback et al, 2004).

There are three impoundments of the Indian Head River, Luddams Ford Dam (or Elm Street Dam) owned by the town of Hanover, the State Street/Cross Street Dam and the Factory Pond Dam (owned by the town of Hanson). A fishway exists at the first impoundment, at Luddams Ford but not at the other two.

Indian Head River Tributaries

Rocky Run: There is a private dam on Rocky Run that impounds Trout Pond (Reback et al, 2004). This small tributary to the Indian Head River flows from a 3.4 acre impoundment called Trout Pond. The limited potential habitat does not warrant fishway installation (Reback et al, 2004).

Indian Head Brook: Indian Head Brook flows from the 119.5 acre Indian Head Pond, forms 63.7 acre Wampatuck Pond along its route and enters the Indian Head River above the Cross St. dam. If fish passage facilities are installed at Cross St., extension of the river herring habitat into this system should be considered (Reback et al., 2004). South Coastal Watershed Action Plan 3-9 9/12/2006 Watershed Action Alliance

3.3 Loss of Aquatic Habitat

Diversity of macroinvertebrate population are often an indicator of watershed health. St Ours (2000) reported that macroinvertebrate sampling within the Indian Head River watershed at French Stream, Mercer Brook (Hanover), and the Drinkwater River suggested these sites to be highly impacted. The same report listed the Indian Head River at East Washington Street as a low impact site.

USGS (2004) reported 75% of the fish species sampled in the Indian Head were macrohabitat generalists and 25% were fluvial specialists. Analysis of the fish samples collected for this study in the Indian Head suggests that the fish communities in these rivers may be impaired when compared to a natural condition. Factors other than flow alterations that can strongly affect fish- community composition include degraded water quality, habitat alterations, and reductions in fish passage and river connectivity created by impoundments (USGS, 2004). The USGS study did not attribute the reduction in the fish community to low flows in the river but more likely to factors listed previously.

Habitat Protection Recommended Actions

Goal 2: Protect and Restore Natural Habitats

Watershed Wide Recommendations

¾ Prevent, eradicate or manage invasive species to protect native habitats by surveying, mapping and prioritizing areas for future projects ¾ Prevent NHESP Priority Habitat from being impacted by development by adopting local zoning bylaws that exclude or minimize building in these areas. ¾ Protect critical open space through acquisition or conservation restrictions. Identify property owners along the Indian Head River willing to protect land and partner with land trusts. ¾ Pass the Community Preservation Act in Pembroke and Hanson ¾ Strengthen state definition of “intermittent stream” to include soil sampling or use the GIS definition of perennial. Developers take pictures of dry stream beds over 4 days and the Rivers Protection Act no longer applies. (Where is this coming from?) ¾ Create inter-town committee to inventory dams, identify related flooding issues and prioritize dams for removal where possible or provide fish passage. ¾ Improve bank riparian areas through instituting land protection measures, restoring bordering wetlands, and increasing vegetated buffers. Expand use of cluster zoning bylaw to create open space and protect riparian buffer in new developments by making it as of right.

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Wampatuck, Indian Pond, Indian Head River ¾ Develop Cranberry Bog Farm management plans for bogs discharging to surface waters, such as Wampatuck Pond, Indian Pond and throughout the Indian Head Brook system. ¾ Impoundments and fish passage – investigate Cross Street dam removal. After Factory Pond remediation investigate feasibility of fish passage project at Factory and Forge Pond.

4.0 Water Withdrawal and Stream Flow Impairments 4.1 Water Withdrawal Overview

Table 3-4 Water Withdrawal by Indian Head Watershed. Waterbody Potentially Permittee Permit Withdrawal Amount Impacted or Watershed Indian Head River Pembroke Country Club 0.13 MGD (ground&surface) Indian Head River Cranberry Bogs 1.49 MGD Iron Mine Brook Town of Hanover 1.38 MGD (total system w/drawal) Drinkwater River Abington/Rockland Joint Water Works 2.21 MGD (total system w/drawal) Drinkwater River Cranberry Bogs 0.05 MGD for 5.4 acres of bogs (DEP, 2006)

4.2 Water Withdrawal by Tributary

Indian Head River

As Table 3-4. indicates the Indian Head River has multiple points of withdrawal. A USGS stream gage has been measuring streamflow on the Indian Head River since 1966. The Pembroke Country Club withdraws 0.13 MGD from ground and surface water sources within the watershed to the Indian Head River. There are 167 acres of cranberry bogs that are estimated to withdraw 1.49 MGD from within the Indian Head River watershed (DEP, 2006). The town of Hanover withdraws water from the Iron Mine Brook subwatershed. The USGS investigated monthly flow durations and low flow statistics for the Indian Head River and found that streamflow was comparable to other unaltered flows at other index sites (USGS 2006). The USGS remarks indicated that there is some flow regulation by mills and several ponds upstream (Wampatuck, Indian Head and Maquan ponds) (USGS, 2004).

Iron Mine Brook

The Iron Mine Brook is a tributary to the Indian Head River and flows through the town of Hanover. The town of Hanover has four groundwater wells for drinking water supply in the vicinity of the Iron Mine Brook (DEP, 2006). The Hanover Water Department is authorized to withdraw 1.38 MGD, however this is their total withdrawal allowed and not necessarily what is withdrawn in the Iron Mine subwatershed (DEP, 2006). No stream gauging data exists for the Iron Mine Brook.

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Drinkwater River

The Drinkwater River is a 3.5 mile tributary to the Indian Head River. It begins in Hanover, travels through Forge Pond and to the inlets of Factory Pond in Hanover. Water withdrawals include 2.21 MGD by the Abington/Rockland Joint Water Works from the Hingham Street Reservoir and an estimated 0.05 MGD withdrawn for the 5.4 acres of cranberry bogs in the subwatershed (DEP, 2006). The water withdrawal for Abington/Rockland is total system withdrawal allowed, not all withdrawals are necessarily from this watershed. No stream gauging data exists for the Drinkwater River.

Water Withdrawal and Stream Flow Recommended Actions

Goal 3: Maintain and Restore the Natural Hydrology of our Watersheds

Watershed-wide Recommendations ¾ Encourage communities to adopt Low Impact Development bylaws that minimize impervious surfaces and recharges stormwater into native watersheds. ¾ Encourage the implementation of model landscaping bylaw to minimize the need for watering for nonessential uses particularly during low flow months. Indian Head, Iron Mine Brook and Drinkwater River ¾ Water flows in the Iron Mine Brook and Drinkwater Rivers bear additional investigation to determine the flow regime of the streams and what if any impacts to flow are from water withdrawals to the streams. A watershed water budget should be completed to determine habitat needs, water supply capacity availability and water management actions that protect stream flow in the Indian Head River, Iron Mine Brook and Drinkwater River watersheds.

Stewardship Recommended Actions

Goal 4 : Enhance local capacity to protect and enjoy watersheds. ¾ Develop “Adopt a Drain Program” and an “Adopt a Stream Program.” ¾ Provide state technical assistance to communities to develop and implement stormwater bylaws, stormwater utilities, LID bylaws, and landscaping bylaws. Financial assistance for community outreach is needed. ¾ Strengthen state leadership on watershed protection measures. ¾ Expand trails network with Hanson, work with Fireworks Clean Up project to offer cartop boat access at Factory Pond. ¾ Pass the Community Preservation Act in Pembroke and Hanson. Prioritize lands for acquisition in this watershed.

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PART II. INDIAN HEAD RIVER WATERSHEDS FIVE YEAR ACTION PLAN (Please refer to Map 3-4.) Priority Actions Lead parties Funding sources Calendar Years Subwatersheds Indian Head Watersh eds 12 3 4 5 Goal #1 Improve Water Quality by addressing point and non-point sources of pollution Proposed Actions for the next five years: 1.1 Adopt m odel storm water bylaw developed by Marshfield, EOEA Smart Growth TA Drinkwater River, Duxbury and Plymouth in 2005. Priori tize stormwater remediation Municipalities, Riverways, Grants, R iverways, Lakes and Wampatuck Pond, based on size of watershed, the per cent of impervious surface and DEP, Regional Planning Ponds Program, 604(b) Water Forge Pond, proximity to waterbodies . Include a program of water quality Agencies W atershed Quality Planning Grants, French Stream, testing to track progress and improvements. Develop a TMDL for Associations, CZM Coastal Pollution Remediation Studley Pond pathogen impacted 303(d) lis t waters. Grants Municipal Planning 1.2 Revise construction control permitting to include drainage Boards, Conservation Municipal funds for design review and on-site enforcement by a designated municipal Commissions, Building enforcement official for all development and redevelopment projects. Inspectors 1.3 Develop a Storm W ater Utility or some means to f und on-going Municipalities Smart Growth TA Grants stormwater remediation ef forts. 1.4 Adopt g uidance and specification for de-icing controls along DEP, MHD, Municipal State Revolving Fund, Sec tion highways based on impacts to sensitive receptors. Fund Pilot Public Works 319 Grants programs for Liquid Calcium Chloride. Departments 1.5 W ork with the permitting process to addres s Rockland WWTP NSRWA, Rockland, Tri- French Stream, discharge and implem ent stream restoration f or French Stream Town Development, LNR, Drinkwater River (Naval Air Base). DEP, EPA, MEPA Goal #2 Protect and Restore Natural Aquatic Habitats Proposed Actions for the next five years ConComms, Watershed 2.1 Create town committees (inter-town when needed) to inventory Associations, DEP, all flow impedim ents (impoundm ents, culvert, cranberry bog and Watershed Improvement Office of Dam Safety, Cross Street D am- PWS diversions), identify flooding issues, prioritize dams for Grants, Army Corps of Board of Selectmen, Indian Head R iver removal, and support owners in the p ermitting process for flow Engineers (Sec 22) MEMA, Riverways, impedim ent removal. AgComms

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Subwatersheds Priority Actions Lead parties Funding sources Calendar Years Indian Head Watersheds 12345 CPA, Land Trusts, Self Help 2.2 Protect and restore aquatic habitats by acquiring land adjacent Water Suppliers, Land Grants, Drinking Water Supply to waterways or in aquifer protection districts. Enforce protective Trusts, CPA Committees, Protection Grants, DFG Land set-backs as defined by local ordinances, the WPA, and the RPA. ConComms, Planning Protection Program, Update intermittent stream designations, and promote local zoning Boards, DEP, Dept of CZM/NOAA-habitat ordinances to protect NHESP habitats by requiring a natural Fish and Game, assessments. Municipal funds resource assessment prior to permitting. Developers for enforcement, Developers Indian Pond, 2.3 Develop a plan to manage/control spread of invasive species CZM, Mass Bays Factory Pond, and restore native species. Map and identify invasive plants that CZM, MIT Sea Grant Program Program Studley Pond, pose a threat to native species. Forge Pond

2.4 Develop a fish restoration program in each community that Watershed Associations, MA Environmental Trusts Cross Street Dam, assesses, designs, and implements restoration plans for prioritized Conservation Grants, Watershed Factory Pond sites. Part of this effort will include "Adopt a Fish Run" initiative Commissions, Riverways, Improvement Grants, NOAA, Dam-Indian Head that engages the broader public in its implementation. Mass Bays Program Gulf of Maine Council River

2.6 Implement farm plans with management guidance for bogs that Wampatuck Pond, Agriculture Commissions, will minimize agricultural impacts to water quality and aquatic New Tax Incentives Indian Pond, Watershed Associations habitats including pesticide control. Indian Head Brook Goal #3 Maintain and Restore the Natural Hydrology of Watersheds Proposed Actions for next five years 3.1 Develop water budgets by subwatershed in which habitat Water Suppliers, Indian Head, Iron needs, water supply capacity availability and water management Watershed Associations, Watershed Improvement Mind Brook and actions are defined and implemented to protect stream flow and Riverways, USGS, Grants Drinkwater River sustainability of watershed. EOEA, WRC, DEP 3.2 Develop locally integrated waste water, water supply and DEP, Water Suppliers, stormwater plans based on subwatershed budgets and incorporate Watershed Associations, such budgets into the WMA and DEP permitting decisions. The Smart Growth TA Grants Riverways, Regional plans will define measures to reduce I/I and maximize stormwater Planning Agencies recharge.

South Coastal Watershed Action Plan 3-14 9/12/2006 Watershed Action Alliance

Priority Actions Lead parties Funding sources Calendar Years Subwatersheds Indian Head Watersheds 12345 3.3 Implement landscaping bylaws that promote the conservative DEP, Municipalities, use of water by defining guidelines for irrigation systems with soil Regional Planning Smart Growth TA Grants moisture sensors, limiting size of lawns in new developments, and Agencies, Watershed encouraging the use of indigenous plants with less intens Associations 3.4 Evaluate feasibility of recycling WWTP effluent for irrigation Municipal Planning South Weymouth purposes in development and redevelopment projects and for the Boards, DPWs, BOH, Watershed Improvement Naval Air Station irrigation of community golf courses and recreation fields in each DEP, Regional Planning Grants Base South Coastal Community Agencies Redevelopment Goal #4 Strengthen local capacity to protect and enjoy watersheds Proposed Actions for next five years Regional Planning 4.1 Develop regionally consistent smart growth bylaws and Agencies to write regional regulations by town that focus on water protection measures grant for state agency Smart Growth TA Grants, inclusive of stormwater bylaws, stormwater utilities, low impact budget (CZM) to fund 604(b) grants, Private development bylaws, landscaping bylaws, integrated water circuit riders. All Foundations conservation p municipal boards (including fire dept.). Governor, EOEA, State 4.2 Strengthen state leadership on watershed protection measures Representatives and Watershed Improvement by engaging Federal and State elected officials and advocacy/user Senators, WRC, Grants groups in watershed activities. Watershed Associations Local Schools, Center for Gulf of Maine Council, MA 4.3 Develop and Implement in-school and after-school Student Coastal Environmental Trust, Private programming for hands-on watershed curriculum. Research Foundations

South Coastal Watershed Action Plan 3-15 9/12/2006 Watershed Action Alliance

Priority Actions Lead parties Funding sources Calendar Years Subwatersheds Indian Head Watersheds 12345 4.4 Continue regional "Greenscapes" education on landscaping Watershed Associations, Water Suppliers practices that protect water. Water Suppliers 4.5 Increase town capacity to implement applicable actions of this plan by hiring CPA planner with CPA administrative funds. Also Municipal Planning encourage communities to use Massachusetts General Law Boards and Boards of Community Preservation Act Chapter 53(h) that requires developers to fund an independent Selectmen review of proposed projects. 4.6 Improve public education efforts on cable TV Access by NSRWA, FHBWA, targeting message to region's demographic regarding water Watershed Improvement Access Cable TV, Mass conservation, lawn chemical applications, aquifer protection, and Grants Bays Program wetlands/watershed ecology. 4.7 Pass the Community Preservation Act in Pembroke and Towns of Pembroke and

Hanson Hanson

South Coastal Watershed Action Plan 3-16 9/12/2006 Watershed Action Alliance