Envirothon+Aquatics+Page

CAT-After the Storm Notes: -Stormwater runoff occurs when precipitation from rain or snowmelt flows over the ground -Polluted stormwater runoff can have many adverse effects on plants, fish, animals, and people -Sediment can cloud the water>makes it difficult for aquatic plants to grow -excess nutrients cause algae blooms -When algae die, they sink to the bottom and decompose in a process that removes oxygen from the water> Fish and other aquatic organisms can’t exist in water with low dissolved oxygen levels -Bacteria and other pathogens wash into swimming areas and cause health problems - debris washed into bodies of water can choke, suffocate, or disable aquatic life like ducks, fish, turtles, and bird - insecticides, pesticides, paint, solvents, used motor oil, and other auto fluids can poison aquatic life -Washing your car at home can send detergents and other contaminants through the storm sewer system -Excess fertilizers and pesticides applied to lawns and gardens wash off and pollute streams -yard clippings and leaves can wash into storm drains and contribute nutrients and organic matter to streams -Pet waste can be a major source of bacteria and excess nutrients in local water -Erosion controls that aren’t maintained can cause excessive amounts of sediment and debris to be carried into the stormwater system -Construction vehicles can leak fuel, oil, and other harmful fluids that can be picked up by stormwater and deposited into local waterbodies -Lack of vegetation on streambanks can lead to erosion -Improperly managed logging operations can result in erosion and sedimentation