Storm water runoff occurs when rainwater falls on impervious surfaces such as asphalt and buildings. Since it can't sink into the surface, the precipitation flows to the lowest point, collecting any contaminants, soil or debris in its path. Storm water runoff can erode unstable soil, causing the storm water to become contaminated with sediment. The most effective way to ensure clean storm water is to properly manage potential contaminants in order to eliminate the possibility of impacts on storm water quality.
Urban runoff is the surface water from our yards, driveways, and streets that flows through storm drains into the creeks, rivers, lagoons and ultimately the ocean. Urban runoff is different from storm water runoff because it does not originate from rainfall or snow melt. Urban runoff is initiated by human actrivities.
Common urban runoff contaminants include: oil and grease from parking lots; pesticides, herbicides and fertilizers from lawns and landscaped areas; soapy water from carpet cleaning and vehicle washing; sediment from construction projects; loose trash such as cigarette butts and soda bottles, and many other sources associated with everyday activities. There are many simple things that everyone can do to help prevent storm water contamination.
Best Management Practices (BMPs) fall into two major categories – Non-structural and Structural. The Non-structural BMPs are activities and actions that an individual or entity implements to prevent or clean up pollutants that may/have entered the storm system, roads, etc. Structural BMPs are those that are physically built so as to prevent or treat polluants from entering the storm drain system and roads.
|
ABOUT