WHAT ARE SOME EXAMPLES OF NONPOINT SOURCE POLLUTANTS FROM HYDROMODIFICATION?
When development projects that modify hydrology are carried out without paying attention to protecting our soil and water resources, a variety of problems can result. The main nonpoint source pollution problem from hydromodification projects is sediment and turbidity. Others include excessive nutrients (mainly nitrogen and phosphorus), chemicals, oils and lubricants, and organic debris. Other negative impacts relate to the general disruption of natural drainage, including increased irregularity of stream flows, and elevated water temperatures. The presence and severity of these problems depend on site characteristics, weather conditions during the operations, and the actual practices employed. We can’t control the weather, but we can try to use the best practices that we have available for managing the land and its resources.
