Date: 03/20/18

To: Water & Land Resources Director, Land Use & Environmental Services Agency
From: Daniel Walser
Subject: Surface Water Pollution Report
Reference: Environmental impact study of runoff on regions surface water.
Action Required: Approve or deny preventative recommendations by 07/15/18.
Distribution List: Storm Water Services Team

The contaminants carried by storm water runoff are a major contribution to pollution in our lakes and
streams. We have been receiveding more reports and complaints from affected fishermen, businesses,
that depend on these waters and environmentalists that keep track of the various issues that damage
the water quality in our area. The pollutants in our local lakes and streams are a problem caused by
numerous different sources. If not addressed, it will only become a larger issue. By properly dealing with
these problems, we can improve the outdoor recreational opportunities for our citizens but also spur
new economic prospects in the area as well.

Summary
The pollutants in our local lakes and streams is a problem caused by numerous different sources. If not
addressed, it will only become a larger issue. By properly dealing with these problems we can improve
the outdoor recreational opportunities for our citizens but also spur new economic prospects in the area
as well.Water pollution can be caused by runoff from many sources including residential and
construction activities. This is a serious issue that will have major consequences on both the
environment and the economic activity around our lakes and streams if left unchecked.

Sources of Storm Water Pollution

Storm water pollution is a broad classification and can include a large variety of pollutants. Anything
that’s carried in runoff from large trash to small chemical spills can be considered storm water pollution.
It is an even bigger issue in urban areas where there is little permeable soil for pollutants to soak into.
and iInstead pollutants collect on impermeable surfaces such asand concentrate on roads and parking
lots until rainwater washes them into storm drains and ultimately into our lakes and streams.

Residential
Residential sources of storm water pollution can come from many different sources but are often things
that are easy to prevent if citizens are informed and conscientious. Washing paint brushes or disposing
of chemicals outside is one potential source. Even washing a car in the driveway where the soap and oils
get washed into the street instead of the yard is harmful. There is also the problem of litter and yard
waste that can be washed away and cause issues. Another common pollutant that many are not aware
of is that of pet waste. If left on the ground, pet waste can be a large contributor to bacterial pollution.
As a final example, many lawn fertilizers can contribute to storm water pollution especially if used in
excess, where they arecausing them not to be absorbed into the soil.

Construction
One of the largest sources of construction related storm water pollution is one many would not think of
as a pollutant. The loose soil common at construction sites or tracked onto the road by vehicles leaving
the sites is one of the major problem causingmost harmful sources of pollutants. As the soil and
sediment is washed into lakes and streams, it clouds the water and can make it difficult for fish to
breathe and stay remain healthy. This erosion can cause issues anywhere it occurs, even naturally.
However, construction often creates the worst-case situation of stripping away the soil retaining
vegetation and further loosening otherwise compacted soil with machinery. This is further amplified due
to the tendency for construction to often occur around areas with a high density of asphalt covering the
ground and increased runoff as a result. There are other areas of concern with storm water pollution in
construction as well such as oil and hydraulic fluid leaks from construction equipment or the increased
runoff caused by the structure after it is built.

Impact of Storm Water Pollution

Environmental
Storm water pollution can negatively affect the environment around lakes and streams in different ways
depending on the type and amount of pollution. Aquatic life can be greatly impacted from harmful
chemicals, suffocating sediments, or dangerous litter. Even if only one species is vulnerable, the entire
ecosystem can be greatly harmed by the change in numbers of that species.

Economic
The impact of storm water pollution on the local economy can be severe and come from multiple
sources in some cases. The environmental harm to fishes directly reduces fishermen’s ability to be
productive. andAdditionally, if the fish become poisoned by a pollutant, it can completely stop all fishing
activity. There is also the impact to businesses that rely on clean sources of surface water for their
operations. When these sources become unacceptably polluted for their uses other sources may be
needed, which could drive them elsewhere. Finally, polluted lakes and streams can be a major risk to
public health. Leisure activities in the water could become dangerous and current water treatment
techniques could become inadequate with the addition of harmful chemicals to the sources of drinking
water.

Conclusion
Our lakes and streams provide a place for recreation and economic growth in the area as well as being
the home to our aquatic wildlife. Our ability to help address the issues we have with storm water
pollution not only benefits us now but also the generations that come after us. The actions we take will
have a long-lasting effect on our community. There is not a simple solution to these issues but with our
combined efforts we can make a difference.

Recommendations
Monitoring
It is necessary to Iinstalling monitoring sensors at various locations throughout waterways could helpto
isolate and locate and isolate pollution when it occurs. Discharge points at streams and creeks can need
to be monitored more closely and the pollutant levels of different pollutants can be kept track of to find
increases. Water ways that are near large industrial sites, construction sites, and landfills can also need
to be monitored specifically to ensure they are remaining within runoff guidelines.

Public Awareness and Education

To reduce residential sources of pollution, Aa public awareness and education campaign can must be
started to inform citizens of what they can do to prevent the pollution they cause and why it is important
to them and our environment. An easy and simple system can needs to be made and promoted to allow
citizens to report any issues or concerns they have concerning storm water pollution. In addition, signs
can will be posted at areas where illegal discharge have been a problem and storm drains can will be
clearly marked to remind and warning about the consequences ofdisposal of harmful waste disposal.

References
“Storm Water and Pollution of Streams and Lakes”, Storm Water Services,
charlottenc.gov/StormWater/SurfaceWaterQuality/Pages/StormwaterandPollutionofStreamsandLakes.as
px. Accessed 14 March 2018.

“NPDES Stormwater Program”, EPA, www.epa.gov/npdes/npdes-stormwater-program. Accessed 14

March 2018.