Storm Water Runoff Causes, Harmful Effects, and How to Prevent Them
Suburban areas are covered with buildings and pavement The impermeable surfaces prevent water from infiltrating into the ground The water that does not infiltrate is called runoff Harmful to water quality Carries pollutants like oil, dirt, chemicals, and lawn fertilizers directly into the bodies of water Runoff – What is it?
Natural landscapes with vegetation are able to filter water slowly into the ground Forests and vegetation are especially helpful for limiting runoff in small flood events Runoff – What is it?
Pollutants in runoff contaminate water sources Sediment Oil Grease Toxic chemicals Pesticides Viruses and bacteria Road salts and metal Effects of Runoff
The sediment going into the Long Island Sound makes it one of the 1o most contaminated coastal locations in the U.S. Copper concentrations are often found exceeding toxic levels This contaminated sediment harms fish, wildlife, and vegetation. Runoff in Long Island Sound
Contaminated sediment is having a notable effect on the Long Island Sound Study was completed on dissolved metals using graphite furnace atomic absorption spectroscopy on an organic extraction in the Long Island Sound Revealed as much as pM of Ag (silver), 2.25 nM of Cd (cadmium), nM of Cu (copper), and pM of Pb (led) Runoff in Long Island Sound
Especially after a heavy rain/snow storm, the rain and melted snow carries all the pollutants like fertilizer, pesticides, and motor oil from the driveways, streets and lawns and deposits them directly into the Long Island Sound Almost all pollutants left on streets or driveways will eventually end up in the Sound Runoff in Long Island Sound
According to the National Coastal Pollutant Discharge Iinventory, urban runoff is the third largest source of contamination in the Long Island Sound About 80% comes from coastal cities on the western half of Long Island From Suffolk County to New Haven County 20% of chromium, 7% of nitrogen, and 5% of arsenic contaminants from croplands Runoff in Long Island Sound
There are many easy things citizens on Long Island can do to prevent harmful runoff including Replacing grass lawns with native vegetation Using fertilizers sparingly (and not before rainstorms) Sweep driveways and sidewalks instead of using a hose Picking up after pets Checking cars for leaks Properly storing and disposing of chemical wastes Having sewage systems regularly checked Conserving water to extend life of septic systems How You Can Prevent Runoff
Some methods are difficult for individuals to complete, but you can appeal to local governments to Encourage use of porous pavements Implement pollution prevention strategies Reduce development impacts Maximize surface roughness, infiltration, and flow paths How You Can Prevent Runoff
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