One of the primary sources of problems affecting waterways in urban areas is stormwater. Not only does it cause soil erosion, it also becomes a medium for debris and other forms of pollutants to travel to different waterways. An article from The Baltimore Sun reports that Baltimore City and two counties were ordered to increase their efforts of curbing stormwater pollution and its many effects.
“We need to shift the spotlight from the rain,” Environment Secretary Robert M. Summers said, “and focus on keeping our landscape clean and directing runoff into areas where the water can soak into the ground, eliminating erosion and preventing pollution from entering our waterways.”
Urban and suburban runoff, which washes litter, dirt, fertilizer and other pollutants into storm drains, is the source of about 15 percent of the pollution causing algae blooms and dead zones in the bay. Storm-water is the only source of bay pollution still increasing in the face of a long-running multi-state cleanup effort, according to the Environmental Protection Agency.
Despite the call for action, certain groups, including environmentalists, are doubtful that the existing mandates may not be enough to turn things around. One of the essential elements for solving the problem is effective stormwater systems. What do these solutions really do and which ones should we consider?
Effective retention
One of the finest capabilities of these systems is their retention abilities. This means that they are capable of collecting water from the affected and surrounding areas to keep flooding and erosion from weakening foundations of various structures. Flooding, of course, comes with different sorts of debris which is also prevented from spreading in streams and waterways.
Detention basins
Meanwhile, some systems act as detention basins where water is gathered and eventually dried up before the next storm arrives. Though there are many companies offering a stormwater system which they claim to be the most effective, there are crucial factors that you need to keep in mind when choosing the right provider.
Go for trusted companies that offer solutions which are competitively-priced and yet maintain high quality standards. There are providers like HydroLogic Solutions which offer less expensive options that are easy to install, environment-friendly, and sure to get the job done. A system such as StormChamber from the said provider is an alternative management tool for the control of water runoff.
Putting an end to pollution requires all stakeholders to unite. With a little help from the right system and a reliable provider, this goal will be achieved much faster.
(Article Excerpt and Image from “City, two counties, ordered to curb storm-water pollution,” The Baltimore Sun, December 24, 2013.)
