Stormwater pollution is the released water from rain or snow that has been combined with pollutants from cars, factories, and other sources.
These pollutants include chemicals, oils, and heavy metals that can contaminate waterways and soil. Stormwater pollution prevention firms can also cause flooding and damage property.
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Preventing stormwater pollution is important because it can lead to environmental damage and health problems. People who live near waterways or in flood-prone areas should work with their local government to develop a stormwater pollution prevention plan.
Pollutants can come from a variety of sources, such as roadway runoff, construction site dust and debris, wildfires, and agricultural production. Stormwater pollutants can cause a wide range of environmental problems, including:
Water pollution from runoff that carries pollutants like sediment, oil, and grease into creeks and streams.
Air pollution from storm events that produce particle emissions like black carbon or sulfur dioxide.
Damage to plants and animals that thrive in polluted water.
Stormwater pollution prevention plans can help communities reduce the amount of pollutants entering waterways during storms. There are a variety of strategies for doing this, including:
Reducing the amount of debris that is tossed onto roadways and deposited into storm drains.
Installing green infrastructure like rain gardens and wetlands that absorb rainwater and filter pollutants before it reaches waterways.
Upgrading municipal wastewater treatment facilities so they can better handle stormwater runoff.
As an alternative to traditional sewers, installing underground stormwater pipes that convey water directly to groundwater and other drainage systems.
Increasing the number of storm drains and detention basins.