always focused on protection of headwater streams. One could question whether construction of a park with <br /> traditional plantings, bark mulch, and irrigation on the banks of the creek complies with headwater stream <br /> protection. Erosion control at the site was lacking, and there was drag out onto the street. Materials were <br /> stockpiled in the street. The fabric cover over the storm drain to Amazon Creek was removed for several <br /> days. When it was replaced, it was folded down in the center to allow for good drainage. Notification to the <br /> city received no response. After a second complaint, they indicated that an inspector would be sent out. As <br /> part of this project, a new grated drain was installed at the one-quarter mile sign on the trail on the east side. <br /> It was installed below grade in a muddy, wet area for drainage. It does not seem like the city would allow <br /> a developer to do this as it drains perhaps 15 feet onto the bank ofAmazon Creek although there are bank <br /> stability problems throughout the creek. It appears that several drains have been installed in this manner as <br /> part of this project. Even the white pipes protruding from the bank are pollution. These installations reinforce <br /> the fact that our thinking about Amazon Creek has not changed. Ironically, the construction sign indicates <br /> that further stormwater enhancement projects will be completed at the site this year. <br /> • The city should set an example for construction projects. However, this is not the case, and city project <br /> managers exert pressure very.like private business because they do not want costs incurred by their projects. <br /> • Vegetation: Trees were removed from the headwaters above Martin Street in the last year or so and I <br /> assume that it is private property; The area appears to be very susceptible to erosion to the creek now <br /> • City Maintenance crews removed vegetation from upper Amazon Creek, but they did a good job of opening <br /> the center of the channel to allow for drainage while removing a limited amount of vegetation <br /> • Residents: In the area where I live, all of the stormwater drains discharge to upper Amazon Creek. I routinely <br /> see residents washing cars, applying zinc-based moss killer to driveways and sidewalks, using caustic to <br /> clean driveways and sidewalks, and pressure washing. All of these discharges are going to Amazon Creek. I <br /> know the city has been irivolved for years in educational programs. I do not know whether these issues result <br /> from a lack of knowledge or if people simply do not believe that the little bit of sediment or chemicals are <br /> important. We always want to blame industry for pollution rather than ourselves. <br /> • Basin Plans, Goals, Studies; the Metro agencies have plans, goals, and studies, and we continue to pursue <br /> these activities; The challenge continues to be translating these to everyday operational decisions and <br /> activities <br /> • Resources not available to be privately owned are always exploited by narrow interests that have no care <br /> or responsibility for the care of a resource; When is the last time you heard about timber loss to wild fire on <br /> International Paper or Georgia Pacific timberland? Indicators of Water Quality: being able to drink it <br /> • I am concerned that the ecosystems of the waterways are at high risk. Indicators of Water Quality: Fresh, <br /> clean appearance. Diverse, thriving plant and animal life. Lack of measured pollutants <br /> • Surface water is one of the more obvious indicators of the health of the ecosystem. So many species rely on <br /> good water quality and healthy riparian areas - it is shortsighted and arrogant to think we can monopolize the <br /> use of waterways solely for human benefit. <br /> • Indicators of Water Quality: Presence/absence of native plants and animals; presence/absence ofnon-native <br /> invasive plants and animals; visible pollution (trash, oil), sedimentation and erosion, odd color and/or smell <br /> • Amazon, particularly in the city is really dirty. I feel particularly sad for the animals that are marginalized to <br /> live there. Indicators of Water Quality: Clean and full of habitat Efforts to Improve EQ: Too little Obstacles <br /> to Restoration: Some of the areas in the city are too canalized. Please need more education in their role <br /> pollution the water <br /> • Both humans and wildlife depend on our local waterways. Indicators of Water Quality: Whether water appears <br /> clean, flowing. Whether it is posted as dangerous for any reason. Birds and other wildlife prolific and freely <br /> using the body of water. Native plants growing in abundance. Efforts to Improve EQ: Too little Obstacles to <br /> Restoration: Lack of resources. Not enough people in policy positions actually spending time regularly in the <br /> proximity of the waterways <br /> • Need healthy ecosystem <br /> • Indicators of Water Quality: Variety and health of native bugs, fish and wildlife Efforts to Improve EQ: Too little <br /> Obstacles to Restoration: More money would always help; given what we have, I believe we're doing a good <br /> job <br /> • I live right on the banks of the Amazon and am familiar with the animals that also live there; They are my <br /> neighbors and like me, we all want a clean and natural environment to enjoy and care for; Indicators of Water <br /> Quality: Cleanliness, diversity of native flora and fauna <br /> • Trash (trash cans along the bike path that borders the Amazon Creek would be a good first step) and a more <br /> rapid pace toward restoration of the natural environment which has been remarkably good on some sections <br /> of the creek and lacking on others. <br /> <br /> Metro Waterways Study -Citizen Involvement Summary Report -March 2005 15 <br /> <br />