The Bayou Duplantier Watershed Protection Project in Baton Rouge was implemented during 1997 to educate citizens and local organizations about urban nonpoint source pollution, methods of reducing it and watershed protection in general. Through existing mapping and GIS, these streams will be located and their hydrologic and environmental characteristics compared to clarify and demonstrate the benefits of urban riparian habitats for aquatic ecosystems. To address sources of nutrients and pesticides in an urban environment, LDEQ is working with BREC on a project to educate residents utilizing the education and conservation network established by BREC and construct a detention pond to implement golf course BMPs. The project will also include monitoring water quality in Bayou DuPlantier before it enters City Park Lake. It is expected that the water quality data collected during this project will help evaluate the effectiveness of the BMPs implemented at the City Park Golf Course and help educate other owners and managers of golf courses and the public.
Lawns are an additional source of nutrients and pesticides in the urban environment.
Upon completion, a survey will be conducted to describe what practices have or have not changed since the project started. The project will demonstrate appropriate lawn, garden and home care practices aimed at reducing nonpoint source pollution. The project will also serve as an educational tool in tracking lawn care BMP implementation throughout the watershed. Home Sewage Systems East Baton Rouge Parish is the site of a project to evaluate of alternative home sewage systems to determine their potential in reducing impacts to Louisiana waterways. Septic tank systems require an extensive area for secondary treatment.