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Home
NPDES Phase II
LID
Watersheds
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What is Storm
Water?
Storm water is
defined as the flow of water that results from precipitation which
occurs immediately following a rainfall event or results
from a snowmelt. |
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When
a rainfall event occurs, the precipitation is
"absorbed" by the environment. The water may soak
into the soil recharging groundwater supplies, while some is taken
up by plants, and some is evaporated into the atmosphere. All the
other water that flows off runs off the land is considered storm water. Unfortunately,
as
development increases, the ability of our environment to perform
its natural process of "absorption" decreases.
This is because the natural landscape that was once able to
absorb and clean storm water is covered by impervious surface.
Impervious surface is simply a surface that water is unable
to penetrate. Rooftops,
driveways and roads are all examples of impervious surface.
Increased
impervious surface results in both an increased amount of storm
water runoff and an increased chance for pollution to enter our
waterways through our storm sewer systems (throughout most of
Geauga County these are ditches.).
This type of pollution that results from storm water runoff
is called nonpoint
source pollution.
What is nonpoint
source pollution?
Did you know that
two-thirds of the nation’s polluted runoff comes from highways
and roads (the same roads that run through our neighborhoods)? It
is a shocking statistic, considering that a majority of the
population believes that they do not have any effect on the
pollution problem.
Let’s review for
a minute: nonpoint source (NPS) pollution comes from many
different sources over a large drainage area, or watershed.
It is difficult to control because there are so many sources of
the pollution in a given area. It is created when rainwater or
melted snow moves over the land and through the ground, collecting
impurities as it travels. This water (or storm water runoff)
deposits these pollutants into our water sources.
Below is list of
the different types of nonpoint source pollutants, their
associated effects on watershed health, and ways you can help to
reduce nonpoint source pollution around the home.
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Types of NPS Pollution
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NPS Pollution Prevention
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Sediment
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Sediment runoff is
number one source of nonpoint source pollution in the United States
and is largely generated by excessive erosion from poorly managed
construction sites.
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Sediment is associated
with numerous impacts in surface waters including increased turbidity,
effects on aquatic and benthic habitat and reduction in capacity of
impoundments.
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A number of other
pollutants often attach to, and are carried by, sediment particles. |
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Preserve existing trees, and plant trees and shrubs to help
prevent erosion |
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Try to decrease impervious surfaces by installing wood
decks, bricks, or stones instead of cement walkways |
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Spread mulch on bare ground to help prevent erosion and
runoff |
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Nutrients
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The nutrients most
often identified in storm water runoff are phosphorus and nitrogen
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In surface waters,
these nutrient loads can lead to heavy algae growth called
eutrophication and low dissolved oxygen levels
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Nutrients enter our waterways
in a variety of ways, including landscaping practices (commercial,
agricultural, and residential), leaking septic systems, and pet and
livestock waste |
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Use low phosphate or phosphate-free detergents |
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Never put yard waste
(leaves and grassing clippings in a stream) |
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Pick up pet waste |
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Maintain your septic
system |
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Do not over-water your lawn or garden. This may increase
leaching of fertilizers into groundwater. |
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When landscaping your yard, select plants that have low
requirements for water, fertilizers and pesticides. |
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Compost your yard trimmings; compost is a valuable soil
conditioner which gradually releases nutrients to your lawn
and garden |
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Bacteria
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High bacterial levels
may be found in storm water runoff as a result of poorly maintained
septic sytems, garbage, pet waste, etc.
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The impacts of bacteria
on surface waters may affect recreational uses and aquatic life as
well as impose health risks |
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Inspect and pump your system regularly |
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Do not divert storm drains or basement pumps into septic
systems |
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Do not use toilets as trashcans! Excess solids can clog
drain field |
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Pick up pet waste |
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Toxic Substances
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Many toxic substances
are potentially associated with storm water including metals,
pesticides, herbicides and hydrocarbons.
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Oil, grease, and
lubricating agents that are readily transported by storm water.
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The intensity of
activities, including vehicle traffic, maintenance and fueling
activities, and leaks and spills contribute heavily to the level of
these pollutants present in adjacent surface waters. |
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Toxic compounds may
affect biological systems, and accumulate in bottom sediments of
surface waters. |
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Take unwanted household chemicals to hazardous waste
collection centers; do not pour them down the drain. This can
either disrupt your septic system or contaminate treatment
plant sludge |
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Never pour unwanted chemicals on the ground; this will
contaminate runoff |
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Do not indiscriminately spray pesticides where a pest
problem has not been identified. Dispose of excess at the
hazardous waste collection centers |
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Recycle used motor oil (one quart of oil can contaminate 250,000
gallons of water) |
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