Stormwater Pollution Solutions

WHAT IS STORMWATER MANAGEMENT?

Stormwater management is the effort to reduce runoff of rainwater or melted snow into streets, lawns and other sites and the improvement of water quality. 

SOURCES OF WATER POLLUTION

Pollution comes from a wide variety of small sources such as litter, pet waste, and yard waste. This means that each one of us can have a huge impact on surface water quality in our community and for our neighbors downstream.

RESIDENTIAL SOLUTIONS

Lawn Care
Excess fertilizers and pesticides applied to lawns and gardens wash off and pollute streams. In addition, yard clippings and leaves can wash into storm drains and contribute nutrients and organic matter to streams.

  • Don’t over water your lawn. Consider using a soaker hose instead of a sprinkler.
  • Use pesticides and fertilizers sparingly. When use is necessary, use these chemicals in                the  recommended amounts. Use organic mulch or safer pest control methods whenever possible.
  • Compost or mulch yard waste. Don’t leave it in the street or sweep it into storm drains or streams.
  •  Cover piles of dirt or mulch being used in landscaping projects.

Auto Care
Washing your car and degreasing auto parts at home can send detergents and other contaminants through the storm sewer system. Dumping automotive fluids into storm drains has the same results as dumping the materials directly into a water body.

  • Use a commercial car wash that treats or recycles its wastewater, or wash your car on your yard so the water infiltrates into the ground.
  •  Repair leaks and dispose of used auto fluid and batteries at designated drop-off or                recycling locations.

Septic Systems
Leaking and poorly maintained septic systems release nutrients and pathogens (bacteria and viruses) that can be picked up by stormwater and discharged into nearby water bodies. Pathogens and can cause public health problems and environmental concerns.

  • Inspect your system every 3 years and pump your tank as necessary (every 3 to 5 years).
  •  Don’t dispose of household hazardous waste in sinks or toilets.

Pet Waste
Pet waste can be a major source of bacteria and excess nutrients in local waters.

  • When walking your pet, remember to pick up the waste and dispose of it properly.
  • Flushing pet waste is the best disposal method. Leaving pet waste on the ground increases             public health risks by allowing harmful bacteria and nutrients to wash into the storm drain and eventually into local water bodies.

Commercial Solutions
Dirt, oil, and debris that collect in parking lots and paved areas can be washed into the storm sewer system and eventually enter local water bodies.

  • Sweep up litter and debris from sidewalks, driveways, and parking lots, especially around storm drains.
  • Cover grease storage and dumpsters and keep them clean to avoid leaks.
  • Report any chemical spill to the local hazardous waste cleanup team. They’ll know the best way              to keep spills from harming the environment.

Construction Solutions
Erosion controls that aren’t maintained can cause excessive amounts of sediment and debris to be carried into the stormwater system. Construction vehicles can leak fuel, oil, and other harmful fluids deposited into local water bodies.

  • Divert stormwater away from disturbed or exposed areas of the construction site.
  •  Install silt fences, vehicle mud removal areas, vegetative cover, and other sediment and erosion controls and properly maintain them especially after rainstorms.
  • Prevent soil erosion by minimizing disturbed areas during construction projects, and seed and mulch bare areas as soon as possible.

Agriculture Solutions
Lack of vegetation on stream banks can lead to erosion. Overgrazed pastures can also contribute excessive amounts of sediment to local water bodies. Excess fertilizers and pesticides can poison aquatic animals and lead to destructive algae blooms. Livestock in streams can contaminate waterways with bacteria, making them unsafe for human contract.

  •  Keep livestock away from stream banks and provide them a water source away from water bodies.
  • Store and apply manure away from water bodies and in accordance with a nutrient management plan.
  • Vegetate riparian areas along waterways.
  • Rotate animal grazing to prevent soil erosion in fields.
  • Apply fertilizers and pesticides according to label instructions to save money and                minimize pollution.

Automotive Facilities
Uncovered fueling stations allow spills to be washed into storm drains. Cars waiting to be repaired can leak fuel, oil, and other harmful fluids that can be picked up by stormwater.

  • Clean up spills immediately and properly dispose of cleanup materials.
  • Provide cover over fueling stations and design or retrofit facilities for spill containment.
  • Properly maintain fleet vehicles to prevent oil, gas, and other discharges from being washed into local water bodies. 
  • Install and maintain oil/water seperators

Forestry Solutions
Improperly managed logging operations can result in erosion and sedimentation.

  • Conduct preharvest planning to prevent erosion and lower costs.
  • Use logging methods and equipment that minimize soil disturbance.
  • Plan and design skid trails, yard areas, and truck access roads to minimize streams crossings and avoid disturbing the forest floor.
  • Construct stream crossings so that they minimize erosion and physical changes to streams
  •  Expedite revegetate of cleared areas

 

 

 

              

 

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