Legacy Sediment Removal
At the heart of the Blue Green Connector Project is the excavation of more than a million pounds of “legacy sediment” from the Little Conestoga Creek. Legacy sediment is soil that has eroded from high points and washed down to settle in valley bottoms and streams. Legacy sediment has accumulated over centuries due to human activities
Learn more about Legacy Sediment from F&M College Chesapeake Watershed Initiative
Why remove it?
Legacy sediment can negatively impact water quality and bury existing streams, floodplains and wetlands. By removing it, we can improve the capacity of the floodplain, and reduce the damage caused by flooding on surrounding properties, including those downstream. The process of removing legacy sediment can be a powerful and cost-effective tactic to stop pollution.
Nitrogen and phosphorus are prominent in legacy sediment, and these elements are harmful to the ecosystem downstream, including the Conestoga and Susquehanna Rivers and the Chesapeake Bay. By removing the sediment and those elements within it, Lancaster County can reduce water pollution.
Why are we removing trees and will new ones be planted?
Trees are removed in favor of the historical wet meadows that excavation has uncovered. Many trees will be planted along the trail. Within the floodplain, the focus is on water-loving vegetation. Read our Frequently Asked Questions.
Will removing legacy sediment make a difference?
Before
After