Stormwater Runoff: A Case Study

According to King County Stormwater Services (2015), stormwater runoff accounts for approximately 1/3 of the water pollution in the Puget Sound. Contaminates like oil, pesticides, soaps, and industrial waste wash in to our local watershed where they negatively impact the local fish population and affect the supporting industry (Narayanan, 2013). Because of the unnatural rate and volume of stormwater flows it can damage wetlands and cause local flooding (Howard, 2007). The Pacific Northwest regularly receives a substantial amount of rain and snow melt. During these periods of heavy precipitation the volume of water is unable to seep in to the ground efficiently and runoff is created. Runoff is when the water travels across the ground surface and flows in to storm drains, streams, or other direct routes to significant water sources. As researchers May, Horner, Karr, Mar, and Welch state, urban development increases the amount of impervious surfaces which, while it does not contribute to pollution, alters the physical behavior of water systems (May, Horner, Karr, Mar, & Welch, 1997). This runoff behavior transports untreated pollutants on the …show more content…
Agriculture industries can properly manage their operations to prevent overgrazing of pastures, particularly near stream banks, storing and apply manure away from water bodies, and minimize use of fertilizers and pesticides (EPA, 2003). Logging operations should undertake efforts to avoid erosion and minimize stream crossings. Automotive facilities should manage facilities to prevent spills to be washed in to storm drains through immediate clean up, providing covers over stations where spills are probably or damaged cars are awaiting repairs, and properly maintaining fleet vehicles (EPA,