When precipitation falls on roads, streets, rooftops, and sidewalks, it can force harmful pollutants down the drain. Pollutants can range from debris, plastics, dirt, sediment, and various harmful chemicals.
Stormwater that sheet flows off roads, buildings, or other surfaces without being collected or channelized, is a nonpoint source runoff. Any pollutants collected within the stormwater cannot be easily tracked back to an original or specific source. When you can trace the origin of a specific location for water pollution, it is considered point source pollution. Point source basically means a traceable conveyance for pollution. One example could be a specific location for a leaky pipe at a water treatment plant and potentially exposing sewage or wastewater into local water bodies.
The Environmental Protection Agency defines non-point source pollution like fertilizers, chemicals, sediment, and various debris, distinct from specific industrial type locations or treatment plants, coming from many dispersed types of locales and sources through stormwater. Stormwater originates from a rain event where precipitation lands onto exposed soil, materials, or impervious surfaces disseminating potential pollution.
The state of Florida declares that non-point source pollution is one of the leading causes for water quality problems today. Florida has a booming economy and high demand for housing and development. Land is being developed extremely fast creating land surfaces that are no longer previous and capable of adequately absorbing stormwater. A typical storm drain has become a necessity to ensure stormwater is effectively managed. To protect our water bodies, aquatic life, groundwater resources, and our overall Florida ecosystem, construction development should take extra precautions to ensure stormwater runoff pollution is minimized.
Contact KCI to learn more about how we can help you reduce the risk of non-point source pollution. KCI is your stormwater compliance expert capable of consulting with you and helping you plan. Call us today, 888-346-7779.
