2019 An Assessment of Water Quality in the Poesten Kill Watershed PREPARED FOR: THE NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION HUDSON RIVER ESTUARY PROGRAM PREPARED BY: Onondaga Environmental Institute 5795 Widewaters Pkwy Syracuse, NY 13214 315‐472‐2150 This Project has been funded in part by a grant from the New York State Environmental Protection Fund through the Hudson River Estuary Program of the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. Table of Contents Pages Introduction i-vii Chapter 1 1-31 Appendix A. Soils Report 32-143 Chapter 2 144-223 Appendix A. Field Datasheets Appendix A.1. Fish Field Sheet 215 Appendix A.2. Physical Characterization 217 Appendix A.3. Visual Habitat Assessment 219 Appendix B. Chain of Custody Form 223 Factsheets 224 01: Water Quality 224 02: Aquatic Habitat 243 03: Aquatic Macroinvertebrates 251 04: Fish as Bioindicators 259 05: Fish Species of the Poesten Kill 263 06: Poesten Kill Site-Specific Data 282 Introduction Increasingly, municipalities, natural resource organizations and agencies, and aquatic researchers are evaluating issues of stream quality from a holistic watershed, or landscape-level, approach by considering both the factors within and around a stream that could be affecting overall stream health. By evaluating and understanding the interrelatedness of streams to their terrestrial watersheds (and vice versa) and within the context of their watershed, effective restoration and management can be made. Landscape connectivity refers to the ability of a resource (e.g., nutrients, materials, energy, and/or disturbances) or an organism to move from one location to another (Taylor et al. 1993, Weins 2002). Perhaps one of the most well-known examples of landscape connectivity for riverine systems is the River Continuum Concept, demonstrating that upstream processes and biotic assemblages affect those downstream (Vannote et al. 1980). These longitudinal linkages within a stream are further influenced by the critically important riparian zone and the surrounding terrestrial landscape. Studies addressing the lateral connectivity of streams to the landscape have become increasingly prominent in recent decades and have resulted in the development of the term “riverscape” (Fausch et al. 2002). The recognition of flowing waters as “riverscapes” incorporates all the major components of landscape ecology. It also reinforces the essential need to recognize streams and rivers as continuous and connected systems within a landscape for the effective management, research, and conservation of stream habitat and biota (Fausch et al. 2002). The principles of landscape ecology are the basis for this survey. The Poesten Kill watershed (249.42 km2) is a tributary to the Hudson River, and it discharges within the tidal estuary section of the river at the City of Troy in Renssalaer County. Poesten Kill is a comparatively small subwatershed to the Hudson River basin, comprising < 0.01% of the total Hudson River watershed area and only 0.1% of the lower Hudson River watershed (i.e., estuary). However, as a tributary within the Hudson River estuary, the Poesten Kill is of significance to the overall conservation, restoration, and revitalization of the Hudson River ecosystem. Notably, Poesten Kill serves as a valuable tributary for migratory fishes such as American eel (Anguilla rostrata) and Alewife (Alosa pseudoharengus) (RLT 2009). Historical surveys by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) have shown the biological condition of Poesten Kill to be relatively unimpacted; with waters classified as suitable for trout spawning [C(TS)] and capable of supporting a trout fishery [C(T)]. However, storm water runoff, urbanization, and impoundments are impacting habitat condition in select areas of the watershed. Most of the area immediately surrounding Poesten Kill, and particularly the lower watershed in the City of Troy, are within designated urbanized, MS4 (Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Systems) regions. Therefore, the need to i identify potential unidentified sources of water pollution and habitat degradation that may be associated with anthropogenic alterations (e.g., from illicit discharges, cross-connection, and failing infrastructure) is critical to understanding stream condition and making recommendations for future efforts. The information gathered from such a survey would be valuable to municipalities, regulatory agencies, conservation organizations, and stakeholders in the watershed in developing future storm/wastewater and/or natural resource restoration planning and management efforts. Project Background In 2016, the Onondaga Environmental Institute (OEI) was awarded funds through the NYSDEC Hudson River Estuary Program (HREP) to perform an ecological survey of the Poesten Kill watershed (Rensselaer County, NY). The goal of the project was to assess the Poesten Kill through scientific investigation and biological surveys. In order to effectively assess the Poesten Kill Watershed, the major objectives of this project were to: (1) identify and engage key stakeholders, (2) assess stream condition by measuring physical, chemical, and biological parameters, (3) define the watershed and prioritize locations, and (4) identify watershed conservation, restoration, and stewardship goals and objectives. The methods by which the survey was to be developed included a collaborative, adaptive management-based process advanced by regularly scheduled meetings (and/or conference calls) and iterative review processes. Rationale As a tributary to the Hudson River, a proper assessment of the Poesten Kill Watershed would help towards achieving the goal of the Hudson River Estuary Action Agenda: “To conserve, restore, and revitalize the estuary and its ecosystem”. The development of a comprehensive ecological survey will help with identifying watershed areas of greatest conservation need, as well as helping to achieve the goals and objectives of multiple plans, visions, and missions of various municipalities and organizations in the watershed: The Town of Poestenkill’s Comprehensive Plan (2006), specifically [Goal 1], “foster Poestenkill's sense of community and mutual responsibility, focused on the hamlet as the center of community life, by preserving public safety, promoting recreational opportunities and encouraging access to needed professional services”; [Goal 2], “conserve its natural wonders including unmarred vistas and waterways consistent with our desire to maintain a rural character”; and ii [Goal 4], “maintain, and ensure for the future, a clean water supply and promote the disposal of wastes in a manner that protects Town Water Resources, the aquifer and resident health and property values”. The Town of Berlin’s Comprehensive Plan (2011), specifically the natural resources goal to, “inventory and conserve the natural resources of Berlin for community use and tourism”. The Town of Brunswick’s Comprehensive Plan (2013), specifically the natural resources goal to, “provide safeguards to protect sensitive environmental areas and waterbodies”. The Rensselaer Plateau Alliance strategic goal to, “expand education, outreach, and communication”. The Dyken Pond Environmental Education Center’s mission to, “foster ecological literacy and land stewardship by promoting experiential environmental education, supporting the Dyken Pond Environmental Education Center’s programs and protecting the natural resources at and around the Center through financial and volunteer support” The Rensselaer Land Trust’s mission to, “conserve the open spaces, watershed, and natural habitats of Rensselaer County for the benefit of our communities and future generations.” The Rensselaer Land Trust envisions Rensselaer County having, “sufficient land to maintain clean water, clean air, wildlife and plant habitats, local farms, working forests, and scenic beauty”. Stakeholders At the onset of project implementation, OEI engaged stakeholders in Rensselaer County to invite participation in various aspects of the project, including planning, research, monitoring, and reporting. Key Stakeholders initially identified included the Towns of Berlin, Poestenkill and Brunswick, The City of Troy, The Rensselaer Plateau Alliance, The Rensselaer Land Trust, and the Dyken Pond Environmental Education Center (EEC). Engagement with these stakeholders helped to identify other interested participants. On March 21, 2017, a kick-off meeting was held at Poestenkill Town Hall and included 12 participants from eight organizations, including: Rensselaer Plateau Alliance Rensselaer Land Trust Town of Poestenkill Hudson River Estuary Program Capital District Regional Planning Rensselaer County Soil & Water Conservation District SUNY College of Environmental Science & Forestry Onondaga Environmental Institute iii While not in attendance at the meeting, participation via email communication was also maintained with the Dyken Pond Environmental Education Center. Each of these stakeholders worked with OEI to engage other organizations and individuals interested in participating in the planning, development, and implementation of the ecological assessment of Poesten Kill. With the goal of facilitating consultation with a breadth of representatives in affected communities, OEI was able to engage a variety of local, county, and state officials to generate awareness of this project and to tailor the goals and objectives of this project to the needs and visions of the various stakeholders. I. Stakeholder Resources