The Importance of Reducing Pollution through Stormwater Management

Most people mistakenly attribute stormwater pollution to the downfall of rain or the melting of snow. The truth, however, is that the pollutants are in the soil–the water from the downpour or melting of snow merely facilitates the flow of these pollutants to the streams or rivers, which then become affected as well.

Mobile Pollutants

Usually, these are from products that use a mixture of potently strong chemicals, such as fertilizers, pesticides or even plain soap. Once these are sprayed on or transmitted to the soil, it is absorbed and so consequently pollutes the soil.

When the rain falls, or when the snow covering the soil melts on top of it, it softens the soil. Depending on how heavy the rainfall is or how soft the soil has become, it’s also very possible that chunks of it will be broken off and taken along with the flow of the water. Even if the soil isn’t eroded, however, the pollutants already in it could still seep through to the water.

Stormwater doesn’t have to be limited to just rain and melted snow. Even man-made activities like rinsing of a soapy car, a leaking septic tank or throwing out water used to clean surfaces could contribute to water runoff leading to larger bodies of water.

Serious Consequences

Polluted stormwater runoff is considered to be the dangerous because of the effects it can have on the bodies of water. Wildlife and habitats rely on these bodies of water to flourish and thrive. If the water source is polluted, then the entire ecosystem will also be affected. Soap chemicals, for example, have been known to cause damage to fish skin and their gills, effectively making it difficult for them to breathe. Meanwhile, plants have also been known to wither and die once polluted water is absorbed through their roots.

Humans are not immune from the consequences either. Flooding and soil erosion could also put people and their properties in danger. For all of these reasons, storm water management in New Orleans and other areas becomes crucial.

Prevention and Resolution

It takes an entire community to ensure that stormwater management systems work successfully. Structural engineering firms in New Orleans such as ILSI Engineering can come up with great designs to either slow down the runoff water or to prevent it from entering bodies of water. Unless the citizens do their part in minimizing the use of pollutants that affect the soil, however, the issue will be a recurring one, and the structures will only be solving the problem temporarily.

Still, having consultations and making plans for an efficient stormwater management system structure should be a good start.

Sources:

Stormwater & Runoff Pollution: Pollute Your Water, Pollute Yourself. NCStormwater.org.

Reducing Stormwater Runoff. Watershed Forestry Resource Guide.