Improper stormwater management leaves a distinct, detrimental fingerprint on downstream water quality, urban flood control and receiving stream stability in developing landscapes. Butler County, Ohio has experienced high rates of urbanization within the last decade without a corresponding improvement in stormwater management.

As a result, problems related to pollution from nonpoint source loading, loss of riparian habitat, flooding and erosion have increased substantially and new methods of resource protection, habitat restoration, and alternative management practices are imperative to keep pace with growth.

The Partners collaborated to restore an Upper Mill Creek riparian and stormwater wetland. The newly restored wetland is designed to: (1) enhance water quality by treating stormwater pollutants, (2) provide native wetland habitat in an ecologically significant segment of riparian corridor within an urban residential development community.