Stormwater Management & Pollution Control

Over the past 25 years, the United States has made tremendous advances to clean up our nation's waterways by controlling pollution from industrial and sewage treatment plants. However, little has been done to address the effects of storm water runoff pollution. Storm water runoff pollution is a leading cause of water quality problems. Nonpoint Source Pollution (NPS) is the primary reason many of our waters are still considered unfit for swimming and fishing. NPS pollution is caused by the everyday impacts of individuals interacting with the land. Each of us can contribute to this problem without even realizing it. Storm water runoff pollution, unlike pollution from industry and sewage treatment plants, can come from a number of sources. This type of pollution is caused by rainfall and snowmelt moving across and through the ground picking up pollutants along the way and depositing them into lakes, rivers, wetlands, and our underground source of drinking water. Fortunately, there are many ways in which we can all help to lower the amount of pollutants reaching our waterways and ground water.

“Things You Can Do To Reduce Stormwater Runoff Pollution”

• Don't litter. Litter adversely affects water, plants, and animals.
• Do not dump pollutants down a storm drain. Motor oil, grease, gas, paint, paint thinner, and other household chemicals are all pollutants. These chemicals can be devastating to fish and wildlife in and around our waterways.
• Dispose of hazardous household chemicals properly. Many communities have hazardous waste collection centers.
• Take your car to the car wash instead of washing it in the driveway. Cleaning chemicals are pollutants and the car wash has the means of properly disposing of the waste water.
• Properly clean up and dispose of vehicle fluids and household chemicals. This especially includes any spillage or leakage that may have occurred.
• Participate in community hazardous waste disposal days. Many communities have several days out of the year when citizens can bring hazardous waste to have them disposed of properly. These include, but are not limited to, paint, oil, and household chemicals.
• Use fertilizers and herbicides sparingly. A light rainfall can cause these chemicals to runoff your lawn or garden into a storm sewer system.
• Have your septic tank pumped and inspected regularly. Faulty systems can leak contaminants into surface water.
• Pick up after your pets. Pet waste contains nutrients and pathogens that can contaminate surface water.
• Recycle electronics and appliances. Items, such as computers and refrigerators can contain pollutants, including lead and freon.
• Direct gutter downspouts away from driveways and bare soil areas. This will prevent debris and sediment from washing into storm sewers.
• Help prevent erosion. Re-vegetate or mulch any exposed soil as soon as possible.
• Participate in community clean up days.
• Help educate people in your community.
• Get your community groups involved.

Useful Links

EPA What to Plant

Web Soil Survey

USDA i-Tree Tools 

Illinois Tree Selection

IDOT How to keep our Waterways clean