When it rains...

Cleaning up stormwater pollution is a difficult task because there is no single source, no single solution, and no single responsible party. We all contribute to the problem and we all have a role to play in the solution.

In the past, it was thought that water pollution was caused mainly by industrial and municipal wastewater discharges. A lot of effort was put into cleaning up these "point sources" of water pollution.

Now the effort is focused on cleaning up "non-point source" pollution—water pollution that is generated from multiple, diffuse sources and carried to lakes and streams in pipes and ditches as stormwater runoff.

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It’s been a very wet Pompey Spring!

Most years we welcome the soaking rains of spring. But extended periods of wet weather such as those we’ve recently experienced, can cause problems with saturated lawns and soil erosion impacting fisheries and recreation in nearby waterbodies. Heavy rain events can produce large amounts of stormwater runoff. As that runoff flows over rooftops, paved surfaces, and bare soil, it collects and transports pollutants in its path, including animal waste, litter, pesticides, fertilizers, oil and grease from vehicles, grass clippings, and soil from construction sites and unvegetated areas.

Cleaning up stormwater pollution is a difficult task because there is no single source, no single solution, and no single responsible party. We all contribute to the problem and we all have a role to play in the solution.

During runoff events, pollutants carried by stormwater to lakes, streams and wetlands degrade water quality. Nutrients such as phosphorus and nitrogen can promote the overgrowth of algae, deplete oxygen and harm aquatic life. Toxic chemicals from automobiles, sediment from construction activities, and careless application of pesticides, herbicides and fertilizers threaten the health of receiving waterways and can kill fish and other aquatic life. Bacteria from animal waste and faulty septic systems can make lakes and streams unsafe for wading, swimming and fishing.

Uncontained stormwater runoff from construction sites can devastate local water bodies, particularly smaller streams, lakes and wetlands. During storms, construction sites and even home improvement projects, may be the source of sediment-laden runoff which can overwhelm a small stream’s channel resulting in streambed scour, streambank erosion and destruction of near stream vegetative cover. Sediment-laden runoff is a principal contributor to the loss of in-stream habitats for fish and other aquatic species and can significantly reduce flood storage capacity. Construction activities may also generate pollutants such as pesticides, petroleum products, solvents, asphalt and acids that can contaminate storm water runoff.

The amount of stormwater runoff during a rainfall event is influenced by several factors including the extent of impervious surfaces, topography, the type and amount of vegetation present, and soil type. Stormwater runoff cannot be treated using the same end-of-pipe controls appropriate for single point sources, such as wastewater treatment plants.

The best way to improve stormwater quality is to treat the source—don't let runoff get polluted in the first place. 

Simple stormwater management practices can help slow the rate of stormwater runoff while minimizing the types of pollutants it picks up along its route. Listed below are a few simple practices that anyone can adopt to help protect the quality of our water resources.

• Plant grasses, shrubs, and trees in areas where stormwater runoff collects and along streambank and shoreline areas. Tree and plant roots absorb and filter polluted runoff while reducing the threat of flooding and helping to hold soil in place. Vegetation also slows the flow rate of stormwater runoff so that pollutants and sediment can settle out before reaching a lake, stream or wetland. Tree canopies slow the velocity of rainfall which protects soil and slows erosion. 

• Choose permeable materials when designing a path, patio, or driveway. Use bricks, gravel, natural stone, or permeable pavers instead of asphalt or concrete. Permeable products allow rain to soak into the ground, not run off of it. 

• Install a rain barrel or cistern to collect and store roof runoff and use the water to irrigate your flower garden. A shallow, gravel-filled trench is also an effective way to divert and slow stormwater runoff from downspouts, at the base of a slope, or along a driveway or patio. 

• Plant a rain garden. A rain garden is a constructed vegetated area used to temporarily retain stormwater runoff during storm events. Plants filter pollutants and the garden provides an opportunity for water to slowly infiltrate through the soil. 

• Cover bare soil with mulch or a ground cover to reduce erosion and slow stormwater runoff. Apply mulch around garden plants and trees. Two or three inches of natural mulch will add nutrients to the soil and help shade out weeds in plant beds. 

• Never dispose of household chemicals or vehicle fluids on the ground. Cover piles of soil, sand or mulch to prevent the material from being washed into storm drains, ditches or culverts. 

• Use lawn and garden chemicals sparingly, if at all. When conditions require the use of such chemicals, always check the weather forecast first in order to avoid applying them before a storm. Manage weeds between cracks and stone areas without the use of chemicals by applying vinegar or boiling water over the plants and opt for phosphorus free fertilizers, as required by law in NYS. 

• Maintain a minimum lawn height of 3" to minimize weed growth, reduce the need for watering, and decrease the likelihood of pests. Leave the clippings on the lawn to block weeds, retain moisture and return nutrients back to the soil. 

• Keep your septic system well-maintained to prevent leaks and avoid costly repairs.  Have your system inspected every three to five years by a trained professional. A leaking septic system can leach harmful bacteria into the environment, storm drainage systems and local waterways. 

Small changes in how you care for your yard and garden will save you time and money while setting the stage for a more beautiful yard, a healthier environment, and improved local water quality!