Southeast Arkansas Storm Water Project Displays
Storm Water Pollution Prevention
Storm Water Pollution Prevention
The Impacts of Water Pollution on Urban Storm Water
It is worth the effort to invest our time and energy into preserving
the environment. The environment is a key indicator of the wellbeing and
health of wildlife.
Water pollution originates from many different sources:
- Agricultural sites
- Residential sites
- Construction sites
- Industrial sites
Water pollution is a concern for everyone. The protection of our
water is not just the responsibility of those in leadership positions,
but it is also the responsibility of those who live in the community.
Agricultural sites such as farmland for crop production have the
potential to pollute water. Potential pollutants are fertilizers,
pesticides, and soil. The good news is that these potential water
pollutants can be prevented from entering our waterways. A major course
of action is to use the appropriate amount of pesticides and
fertilizers. Practices such as buffer strips and conservation tillage
prevent soil from leaving the field and entering streams.
Residential sites can produce harmful pollutants as well. Pesticides,
fertilizers, motor oil, antifreeze, grease, and household chemicals are
some of the harmful pollutants that can originate from residential
locations. The primary ways of reducing the impact of these pollutants
on the environment are to recycle chemicals and to use the appropriate
amounts when applying household chemicals.
Construction sites have become a major concern of storm water
pollution as well. It can be difficult to control soil erosion and
runoff from these sites. Environmental regulations focusing on storm
water runoff from construction sites have been developed to protect the
environment.
Sediment, commonly known as soil, from construction sites can cloud
the local waterways and cause problems for aquatic life in the local
waterways. Construction builders can do their part to protect the local
waterways by using best management practices. These practices include
having barriers to help prevent sediment from entering nearby waterways
during rainstorm events.
Industrial sites are regulated by both the Federal Government (EPA)
and State Government (ADEQ). They are allowed to discharge pollutants
into nearby waterways, but facilities must regularly measure and report
their results to ADEQ as stated in the National Pollutant Discharge
Elimination System (NPDES) Discharge Permit. Industrial sites should
always release pollutants into water within the State of Arkansas and
Federal Government required specifications.
Suggestions to help improve water quality:
- Do not pour oils, grease, and chemicals onto pavement or into
storm drains.
- Recycle unused chemicals, fertilizers, and pesticides
- Best Management Practices by Agricultural and Construction
sites
- Sample discharges regularly and maintain NPDES water quality
standards for Industrial sites
- Do not over fertilize lawns. Excessive fertilizer on lawns is
harmful to the environment, water quality, and may even damage the
lawn. Excess fertilizer eventually goes to the storm drain which
leads to the local bodies of water. The additional nutrients from
the fertilizer cause damage to plants and aquatic life in the
waterways. It also causes excessive algae growth in the water which
can literally deplete the oxygen supply for other plants and aquatic
life.
For more information contact: Lee Anderson CEA - Urban Storm Water
Educator University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture Jefferson County
Extension Office - (870) 534-1033 - office
United States Department of Agriculture, University of Arkansas, and
County Governments Cooperating.
The Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service offers its programs to all
eligible persons regardless of race, color, national origin, religion,
gender, age, disability, marital or veteran status, or any other legally
protected status, and is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity
Employer.
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