Tag: Anne Ledbetter

Storm Drains

Contributor: Anne Ledbetter
Stream Name: Poplar Creek
Location: Cobb County, GA (map)

The EPA has stated that polluted storm water runoff is the main cause of water quality problems. Rain water runoff picks up pollutants like motor oil, pet waste, fertilizer and yard waste and carries them along on to the streams. Non-porous surfaces do not allow the water to gradually sink into the earth and thereby exacerbate runoff issues.

Suburban rain travels down street side gutters into storm drains.

The storm drain (which is different then a sanitary sewer system; see last image for more in depth definition) carries water run-off directly into the nearest body of water. 

The image shows a storm drain in use as well as the inside of the drain on a dry day. Notice how the pine straw and other debris can remain stuck in the drain.

Beyond the drain, runoff travels by pipe, conduits or other open channels. The images are pipes on a low rain day versus a heavy rain. Notice how much more power and volume the water has on rainy day.

This increased force of the water can easily pick up bigger pollutants such as cigarette butts and pet waste.

The water rushes into the stream which can damage the stream’s ecosystem not only with pollutants, but the sheer force can damage the plants and animals living in the stream. Forceful run off also changes the course of the stream too. Straightening it out, causing erosion of the banks which sets a pattern for more and more damage.

Here’s how you can help make the community aware of storm drain run off issues. The pamphlet was put out by the Cobb County Ga Water System and also contains a contact where you can learn more and learn how to help

Flint River Smiles – Paddle Georgia

Contributor: Anne Ledbetter
Stream Name: Flint River
Location: GA

Sometimes, rivers just make people happy. I went on Paddle Georgia this June on the Flint River. Organizers pared down participation from a usual 300 to 400 participants to around 30 due to Covid, thereby making the trip a much more intimate experience. Another wonderful aspect of the trip was camping right by the river.

This week was a first for me, I had been a very tight quarantine bubble, focusing on keeping my 94 year old dad safe. The trip was a release, providing hope of returning to “normal”.

It was the joy of hanging out with people and being with someone long enough to get into interesting conversations. I have this wonderful  appreciation of folks, both new friends and old. I love those silly little running jokes and random observations you hear from people that would not translate in any other situation but that very moment. 

At one point I was hanging out with folks on a sandbar, we had pulled over for a hang out and a swim. Well, I started laughing and laughing an uncontrolled laugh that I had not had since the start of Covid. I felt all that Covid stress and anxiousness drift away. I felt a bit normal and comfortable and realized I would indeed be able to relax and just be with people in a post Covid world. I think it would be hard to mend and heal like this in any place but on the water.

Light on Bell Creek

Contributor: Anne Ledbetter
Stream Name: Bell Creek
Location: Towns County, GA
Watershed: Tennessee River

Steve and I had planned to do a long hike from a friend’s house, but, when I started to get a migraine, the day took an unexpected turn. Instead of a strenuous hike, we decided to follow a creek and spend our time exploring and enjoying nature.

The stream dropped sharply from a high ridge and presented numerous cascades. These images capture the effects of great sunlight on moving water.

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Looking for a Leak

Contributor: Anne Ledbetter
Stream Name: Poplar Creek
Location: Cobb County, GA (map)
Watershed: Chattahoochee River

I monitor Poplar Creek’s water quality for Cobb County. One of my neighbors, who has the creek in her front yard, alerted me to a change to the creek — the water was orange.

Orange is never a good color for a creek.

Notice the silty color at the top of the photo. Time to investigate…

I headed upstream, and within a quarter of a mile, the water looked like it had a higher concentration of silt.

Making progress. It looks like the silt is coming from the left side of the creek.

This is the pipe that was feeding the dirty water into Poplar Creek. I scrambled up a hillside, but came to railroad tracks and a fenced industrial area.

This seemed like a one-time event because the pipe was dry.

Cobb County Authorities always do a great job of coming out and checking on  problems. So I called them and gave them the info I had gathered. Cobb county investigated but since it had been a one time event they were unable to find the source and follow up with anything. The good part though is now there is a record of the event so if it happens again there will be more information to correct the problem.

Rottenwood Creek Cleanup

Contributor: Anne Ledbetter
Stream Name: Rottenwood Creek
Location: Cobb County, GA (map)
Watershed: Chattahoochee River

Stacy Haire and Tim Phillips reached out to Mike Kahle with Cobb County Adopt-A-Stream about an illegal trash dump on Rottenwood Creek. Mike quickly organized a clean-up to prevent further damage as the trash would spread downstream with the next heavy rain.

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Critters in a Corner

Contributor: Anne Ledbetter
Stream Name: Rottenwood Creek
Location: Cobb County, GA (map)
Watershed: Chattahoochee River

These images come from Bob Callan trail. This 3-mile paved trail feels quite urban at times as it runs under roads and past office buildings, but it also offers a remote, natural feel too . The trail parallels Rottenwood Creek to its confluence with the Chattahoochee River.

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