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2. STUDY AREA CHARACTERISTICS Phosphorus in stormwater drains is likely a combination of runoff containing fertilizers, soaps, animal feces, soil erosion, atmospheric deposition, and potential leakage of hookups from adjacent sewage pipes or industrial sources. Conclusion As the Willamette River flows through the study area, it experiences increases in pollutants that can be tied to human activities, but concentrations are far below state water quality standards (E. coli and total zinc) or levels of concern (nitrogen and phosphorus). Nevertheless, nitrogen concentrations have been increasing in recent years. Arsenic, copper, lead, zinc, E. coli, nitrogen, and phosphorus are, on average, statistically lower in the Willamette River upstream of the Eugene-Springfield urban growth area than at downstream locations. 2.2.7 Flora and Fauna This section provides a general description of wildlife species and habitat conditions in the vicinity of the MWMC BMF, SIWF, Biocycle Farm,' and WPCF. Because of the potential for expansion of these facilities, this section focuses on habitat in and along the stretch of the Willamette River in the immediate vicinity of the above mentioned facilities (Figure 2.2.7-1). Habitat Types in the Eugene Metropolitan Area According to the Aquatic and Riparian Habitat Assessment for the Eugene-Springfield Area (MECT, 2002), greater than 85 percent of the land area immediately (within 100 feet) surrounding the Upper Willamette River in Eugene (River Reaches 15-21) is vegetated. Of the vegetated land, approximately 75 percent supports hardwood trees, 13 percent supports shrubs, and 13 percent is pastureland, fields, or grass. Approximately 14 percent of land along the Upper Willamette River is not vegetated, with 5 percent of total riverside land covered by gravel bars and greater than 9 percent of the land developed (Table 2.2.7-1; Figure 2.2.7-2). TABLE 2.2.7-1 Percent Vegetated Areas, Developed Areas, and Gravel Bars Within 100 Feet of the Upper Willamette River (River Reaches 15-21), Eugene, Oregon1 MWMC Facilities Plan, Eugene-Springfield Area Description Percent (%) of Total Area Hardwood trees 64.1 Shrubs (including Willow) 10.8 Grass, pasture, fields 10.7 Total Vegetated 85.6% Gravel Bars 4.8 Developed Areas 9.5 Total Nonvegetated 14.3% Total 100% 1Adapted from METC, 2002. MWMC_2.0_REV23.DOC 2-23