The West Virginia Conservation Agency has partnered with the Eastern Panhandle Conservation District, WV DNR, WV DOH, and Blue Heron Environmental Network to replace a deteriorating paved public stream access with porous pavers. This stream access/boat ramp is located within the town Shanghai, WV along Back Creek. Construction began July 17,2017 and was completed July 20,2017. The installation of this pervious parking lot system demonstrates some of the newest technology in stormwater management practices.

There was approximately 1,100 sq. ft. of existing impervious pavement removed and porous pavers installed at the public access. These permeable pavers are porous and allow rain water to filter through rather than running off the surface. The pavers better manage stormwater compared to conventional pavement by stopping erosion, and reducing sediment and other pollutants from being transported into Back Creek.

The Back Creek Protection Team’s goal from this project is to improve the water quality of Back Creek, the Potomac River, and the Cheasapeake Bay. The protection team wants to benefit the community by making the ramp more accessible and safer to use. Back Creek is one of the few watersheds in the Eastern Panhandle that does not have water quality impairments on the WV 303(d) list of impaired waters. This is why, it is important to focus on restoration efforts and improvement strategies within the watershed to keep it off of the impaired list.

This project is a big benefit to the community and the environment. This was made possible by funding provided by the U.S. EPA section 319 of the Clean Water Act. The Back Creek Protection Team wants to thank everyone that participated, for all of their hard work in making this a success. The team encourages the public to go check it out, use it, and enjoy the watershed!.

For more information about the protection efforts in the Back Creek watershed visit: http://www.backcreekwatershed.org/

Before Construction

Finished Project