To Water and Soil Pollution Real Solutions To Water and Soil Pollution

Finding Solutions The USDA has created the following agencies: With the help of Government Agencies and Programs dedicated to the protection of our valuable natural resources, we are becoming more aware about the choices we have in order to protect our urban water and soil from erosion and pollution. The USDA has created the following agencies: CSREES- Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service FSA- Farm Service Agency SWCDs- Soil and Water Conservation Districts NRCS- Natural Resources Conservation Service USDA Conservation Programs: EQIP- Environmental Quality Incentives Program CSP- Conservation Stewardship Program CRP-Conservation Reserve Program WRP- Wetland Reserve Program CCP-Conservation Compliance Program

Erosion and Runoff Erosion & Runoff Problems: One of the biggest problems affecting urban soil are erosion and runoff. Large developments often leave land bare for long periods of time, with natural vegetation removed. When streets and parking lots are installed, runoff from these impervious surfaces can run over the bare land causing massive erosion and pollution Erosion & Runoff Problems: Increases downstream flooding Introduces pollutants to water supply Chemicals are blown or washed into urban soils Brownfields

Brownfields The EPA defines brownfields as: Land that is so severely damaged by human abuse that the land is unusable without costly abatement efforts. The EPA defines brownfields as: “Abandoned, idled, or underused industrial or commercial facilities where expansion or redevelopment is complicated by real or perceived contamination” Bioremediation: The use of living things to reduce pollution Soils can be seeded with soil bacteria Use of hyperaccumulators : plants that absorb heavy metals

Controlling Construction Erosion& Sedimentation Federal agencies like the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have created and enforced more strict regulations to combat some of these urban problems by minimizing negative impacts during and after construction. The Science & practices of erosion control (both water and wind) resemble those of erosion; but include 5 general principles: Keep Disturbed Areas Small Protect Disturbed Areas Keep Runoff Velocities Low Divert Runoff Away From Disturbed Sites Retain Sediments On Site

Low Impact Development (LID) Stormwater runoff remains an issue after development is complete.  LID is a land planning, and engineering design approach to manage stormwater runoff as part of green infrastructure. LID emphasizes conservation and use of on-site natural features to protect water quality. They develop areas to retain water and allow it to filter into the soil. Designs include: Porous Paving systems Vegetation pockets Swales/Bioswales Recharge Basins Rain Gardens Green Roofs