[ADEQ Media] ADEQ Awards $70, 791 Grant to Tonto Watershed Group to Improve Water Quality in Tonto, Christopher creeks

Wed Jul 21 14:34:08 MST 2010

PHOENIX (July 21, 2010) - Arizona Department of Environmental Quality
officials announced today that a $70,791 grant has been awarded to Tonto
Watershed Improvement Group to improve water quality in the Tonto Creek
and Christopher Creek areas near Payson.

Both creeks in recent times have had elevated levels of E. coli,
phosphates and nitrates and problems with dissolved oxygen content in
the water being too low, which negatively affects many desirable species
of fish like trout.

The grant money will be used over the next two years to recruit a
volunteer coordinator and train volunteers to become proficient in using
water testing equipment, documenting results and developing techniques
to improve the watershed.

After conducting tests and analyzing results, the volunteers will then
conduct public presentations about pollutant sources within the
watershed and will address ways to properly manage septic systems, how
to develop sanitary districts and discuss proper land use techniques.

"Environmental stewardship and education about sediment pollution
sources go hand-in-hand. ADEQ is pleased to provide this money to the
Tonto Watershed group to increase awareness and prevent pollution in two
of the most scenic waterways in the state," ADEQ Director Benjamin H.
Grumbles said.

ADEQ's Water Quality Improvement Grant program is funded through a
partnership with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency under the
Clean Water Act.

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topic concerning the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality should
contact the Office of Communications at (602) 771-2215 or via email at
ms15@azdeq.gov."

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