Meeting Type: BCC Regular Meeting
Meeting Date: 7/7/2026
Item Status: New
From: Jay Dickson, Planning Director
Submitted by: Ashley Campbell, Natural Resource Planner
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ITEM TITLE
Title
Cooperative Agreement with Alabama Department of Environmental Management for Integrated Watershed Protection of Magnolia River Watershed by Stabilizing Eroding Roads and Conveyances
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STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
Approve and authorize the Chairman to execute the Cooperative Agreement by and between the Alabama Department of Environmental Management (ADEM) and the Baldwin County Commission for the Integrated Watershed Protection of the Magnolia River Watershed by Stabilizing Eroding Roads and Conveyances Project.
This Agreement will commence on July 7, 2026, and remains in force to September 30, 2026.
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BACKGROUND INFORMATION
Background: The Magnolia River and its tributaries drain the southeastern portion of the Weeks Bay Watershed, encompassing areas within the Town of Summerdale, the City of Foley, and the Town of Magnolia Springs. Major tributaries include Eslava Branch, Weeks Creek, Schoolhouse Branch, Brantley Branch, and Nolte Creek. Recognizing its exceptional ecological value, the Magnolia River was designated as an Outstanding Alabama Water (OAW) in 2009 (MBNEP Weeks Bay Watershed Management Plan, 2017).
The Weeks Bay Watershed is also significant at the national level. Weeks Bay was designated a National Estuarine Research Reserve in 1986 and an Outstanding National Resource Water (ONRW) in 1992. These designations, combined with the Magnolia River’s OAW status, underscore the extraordinary environmental quality of this watershed. Given the proportion of waters classified for swimming and the presence of two special water quality designations, Weeks Bay is considered one of the highest-classified watersheds in Alabama (MBNEP Weeks Bay Watershed Management Plan, 2017).
The Magnolia River sub-watershed (Figure 1) is approximately 26,000 acres (41 square miles), primarily agricultural with increasing urban pressure. The drainage basin flows northeast to southwest into Weeks Bay.
Turf grass production is the dominant agricultural activity in the watershed and supports countywide growth. Several turf fields border county-maintained dirt roads, including Norris Lane and Hartung Road. Stormwater runoff from turf operations frequently overwhelms these roads, resulting in erosion, sedimentation, and turbidity impacts to Weeks Creek (Figure 2), a tributary of the Magnolia River.
The Baldwin County Environmental Advisory Committee (EAC) recognized these impacts, listing Norris Lane and Hartung Road in their publication, The 25 Most Environmentally Damaging Dirt Roads (Table 1). Photographs from the EAC report document significant sedimentation impacts to Weeks Creek originating from Hartung Road. Stabilizing these roads will substantially improve water quality and habitat conditions in both the Weeks Creek and Magnolia River watersheds.
Watershed Management Context
Baldwin County has actively supported both the development and implementation of the Weeks Bay Watershed Management Plan (WMP). Numerous management measures have been implemented or supported by the County, advancing both short- and long term watershed protection goals.
The WMP identifies dirt road stabilization as a high priority strategy for reducing sedimentation impacts. Section 11.3.5 specifically lists Norris Lane as one of six priority dirt roads recommended for paving. While paving is one option, gravel stabilization can achieve similar or enhanced outcomes by promoting stormwater infiltration and pollutant filtration.
WMP Section 11.3.5: Paving Six Priority Dirt Roads
(Condensed for clarity-full text available upon request)
The WMP recommends paving the following high priority dirt roads to reduce erosion and sedimentation:
1. Lipscomb Road - Paving Completed
2. Norris Lane (South)
3. Mannich Lane [S2]
4. Paul Cleverdon Road - Design Complete, Seeking Funding
5. Mannich Lane [S4] - Paving Completed
6. Sherman Road - Paving Under Way
Several of these roads, including Norris Lane, exhibit documented sediment plumes, severe erosion, and wetland impacts.
Project Description
The Baldwin County Commission is committed to the long term protection of the Magnolia River, an irreplaceable environmental and community asset that provides ecological, recreational, and stormwater management benefits. Whether through popular recreational areas such as the Cold Hole, the river’s scenic value, or its vital role in flood mitigation, the Magnolia River remains one of the County’s most treasured natural resources.
To support ongoing watershed protection and further implementation of the Weeks Bay WMP, Baldwin County would like to partner with the ADEM to stabilize Norris Lane and Hartung Road using gravel and to construct bioswales along the corridors where appropriate. These improvements will slow and treat stormwater, reduce erosion, and substantially decrease sediment delivery to Weeks Creek, ultimately protecting the Magnolia River and the broader watershed.
Previous Commission action/date: N/A
FINANCIAL IMPACT
Total cost of recommendation: In-kind labor and equipment with the value of $331,136.00
Budget line item(s) to be used: N/A
If this is not a budgeted expenditure, does the recommendation create a need for funding? The grant provides $439,710.00 funding with a $331,136.00 in-kind labor and equipment match. No cash match is required.
LEGAL IMPACT
Is legal review necessary for this staff recommendation and related documents?
Yes
Reviewed/approved by: Legal review was completed on 06/29/2026 ac. No comments.
Additional comments: Grants Department’s review was completed on 06/26/2026 ac. No comments.
ADVERTISING REQUIREMENTS
Is advertising required for this recommendation? N/A
If the proof of publication affidavit is not attached, list the reason: N/A
FOLLOW UP IMPLEMENTATION
For time-sensitive follow up, select deadline date for follow up: N/A
Individual(s) responsible for follow up: Administration
Action required (list contact persons/addresses if documents are to be mailed or emailed): Mail two (2) executed original Agreements to:
ADEM: Non-Point Source Unit/Office of External Affairs
ATTN: Shannon McGlynn
Post Office Box 301463
Montgomery, Alabama 36130-1463
NOA email with copy of Agreement to: smcglynn@adem.alabama.gov
cc: Ashley Campbell, James Howard, Katrina Taylor
Additional instructions/notes: Admin - Add to tickler for receipt of one original Agreement.