 
Regular monitoring on 9/22/23 became a big trek upstream in search of where sediment was entering Coal Creek. The stream has been picking up more sediment for several months. A journey deep into the watershed in the spring revealed a new residential development. Although the development had some stormwater best management practices in place, sediment was still leaving the site. Here is a brief description of what we found:
- Coal Creek (south Tulsa County) was found to be more turbid beginning in May.
- By walking upstream, we discovered an area of new development that appeared to be the source of sediment.
- We spoke with the City of Glenpool and found that the site was in Tulsa County but not in any city. The City of Glenpool let the County know a complaint had come through.
- The stream continued to be more turbid.
- Blue Thumb volunteer Jeffrey Jenkins and Blue Thumb staff member Cheryl Cheadle completed regular monthly monitoring on 9/22 and then cleared their afternoon to walk upstream and see if anything had changed regarding the input of sediment.
- The same residential area that was the problem before was found to still be an issue. More controls had been added, but still sediment was leaving the site.
- Jeffrey and Cheryl looked upstream at the main branch of Coal Creek where it flows about one mile upstream of the monitoring site. The stream was less turbid than expected, so the two dedicated Coal Creek monitors drove down HWY 75 and parked halfway between the monitoring site and the upstream portion of the stream that was less turbid.
- We found a location where we could access the stream along a small tributary that was flowing clear. It was very rough travel.
- We made it to Coal Creek and the stream was turbid.
- We began going up Coal Creek. It was indeed rough travel, as the water was a little high and truly the stream has a decent riparian area. This riparian area is just what we want, but it had tons of brambles, thorns, shrubs, and steep, slippery muddy banks.
- After much hiking, we found a tributary that empties into Coal Creek, and it was clear that this little stream was carrying excessive amounts of sediment, so this tributary was the major culprit bringing increased sediment into Coal Creek.
- It was a big effort, but an important one. It is important to note that Coal Creek proper (upstream of our site and upstream of this tributary) has recently been found to be carrying more sediment as well.
- The residential area being developed in the southern portion of the Coal Creek watershed is contributing significantly to the elevated turbidity. There are likely other sources.
- Tulsa County is being contacted. Watch for an update soon. If you see something similar happening in your watershed, we can help you determine which agency should be contacted.
Cheryl Cheadle
Volunteer Coordinator
By Beverly Woodrome, Blue Thumb Volunteer and Cheryl Cheadle, Blue Thumb Volunteer Coordinator
Why an article on advocacy? The goal of the Blue Thumb Program is "Stream Protection Through Education." A critical component of education is helping key decision-makers understand how regulations and laws impact streams. This article is the first in a series, and Blue Thumb staff very much appreciate new volunteer Beverly Woodrome for helping us bring ADVOCACY to the foreground! Here are Beverly’s thoughts on advocating for a stream:
Advocacy calls attention to an issue and is defined as “an activity that aims to influence decisions within political, economic, and social institutions” (MENTOR’s Advocate Academy, 2022).
We often think of advocacy in relation to the government whereby elected officials set policy, create laws, and distribute funding. According to the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, “advocacy, in its simplest terms, is letting government officials know what you think about current or pending policy or legislation.”
Advocacy is how we create change in community and systems-level public policy. As Blue Thumb volunteers, we champion environmental policy with an important primary goal (straight from the Clean Water Act) that streams will be fishable and swimmable.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts, Beverly! Blue Thumb volunteers can provide data and impact-stories to local, tribal, and state officials to adopt new or enforce current requirements to protect water and resources. We can speak to or serve on city, county, state, or tribal committees. Having conversations within our social and work circles is even a form of advocacy. Discussion should focus on issues. It isn’t always easy but leaving political views and comments out of conversations is more likely to move us toward working together for an important cause.
Stay tuned for our November e-newsletter when we will look at "Advocacy Part Two – Your Data Can Make an Impact."
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