Erosion: An Underestimated Environmental Impact

Erosion: An Underestimated Environmental Impact
Prepared by Julie Bowen [julie@palatino.org] - minor additions by Mr. Brian Oram

2013 has seen a number of exciting, pro-active environmental projects arrive in various communities across the country, from the Blue Mountain treeplanting project on the Appalachian Trail in Pennsylvania to the recent “National Protect Your Groundwater Day” held on Sept 10. With a focus on engaging direct public participation, these events aim to demonstrate how diligent involvement from the community can play a crucial role in protecting and preserving the quality of groundwater. Projects such as tree-planting are especially productive, with the great lungs of the earth performing several vital functions: filtering air quality, improving the integrity of the soil, and protecting against erosion – one of the most destructive environmental problems which regions across the US currently face, and a surprisingly major factor in contaminating water.

Webinar - 10/08/2013: LIVE INTERACTIVE WEBINAR, Intro to Environmental Impact Statements, Tuesday, October 8, 2013, 1pm-4pm EST

The Nature of Erosion

Undeniably, erosion is a natural process which has helped to carve out the beautiful eccentricities of our planet, shaping the complex networks of rivers, lakes and oceans and contributing to the myriad of biodiversity which has enthralled geologists and biologists for centuries. Yet it is because of the natural force powering erosion which makes it such a devastating consequence when human action comes into play; in a recent report by the Environmental Working Group (EWA), soil losses in Iowa alone amounted to twice the sustainable level for the land, increasing yearly. Inevitably leading to substantial losses for farmers, it’s also important to calculate how it impacts the surrounding eco-system, working its way into our well and through our faucets.

Sediment Deposition

Since the 1970’s, stormwater runoff and soil erosion has been identified as one of the primary causes of water pollution, according to the North Dakota Department of Health’s reporton the “Environmental Effects of Erosion on Water Quality”. Particularly after a violent storm, rock and soil sediments are carried by the wind and rain and deposited into lakes, rivers, and other water sources. While fast-flowing water is better able to clear away these particles, the relatively still waters of lakes and ponds allow the sediments a place to grow, producing a high quantity of algae-promoting nutrients such as phosphorus and nitrogen (called eutrophication). Large amounts of algae prevent light from nurturing the water, reducing the amount of photosynthesis and decreasing oxygen which is essential for aquatic life. Algae growth – especially the fatal algae blooms – and wildlife decay contribute to the amount of pollution in the water, but this natural process isn’t nearly as harmful as sediments which have been carried over from construction sites.

Impact on Public Health
When erosion scours construction sites, chemicals from debris, paint and concrete are carried to nearby sewer systems and rivers, disrupting the cleanliness of the water, interfering with the ecosystems, and placing pressure on filtration plants to manage the excess of pollutants. Just like the distribution of grease, oil, metals, pesticides (as well as genetically-modified particles) and other toxins which also seep into the system, proper monitoring is essential for keeping track of the content in the water to prevent the spread of water-related diseases like giardia, norovirus, and others. Equally problematic is the over-compensation of filtration processes such as chlorination and fluoridation of the water, which also results in several health complications and has fueled heavy public involvement in the public water system, including extensive research projects funded by governments and charities. The wealth of information available to the public is made ready by various authoritative sources regarding the complexity of pathogens and other illnesses which are present in polluted water, as part of the growing movement in environmental and health awareness.

Measures to Prevent Erosion and Protect Water
Just as the Blue Mountain tree planting project is a pro-active step which will directly involve the community’s role in environmental awareness and carries the direct impact of filtering water, air and soil as well as acting as a buffer against wind and stormwater run-off, there are several other effective means to counter erosion. While recognizing erosion as a natural process, the proper monitoring and maintenance of construction sites, regulated deforestation and conscientious farming, sustainable industries (particularly tourism) and a careful nurturing of the land are just a few of the ways in which people can benefit economically as well as ecologically. First and foremost, educating the public and encouraging their involvement as well as offering a multitude of resources like the ones provided by Carbon County Groundwater Guardian is key to taking measures which ensure the safety and purity of our most precious resource and has encourage the implementation of a Sustainable Design Approach.

Training
Go Green and Sustainability Training Programs

Protect Your Groundwater Day - September 14, 2010

"Everyone can and should do something to protect groundwater. Why? We all have a stake in maintaining its quality and quantity.
For starters, 95 percent of all available freshwater comes from aquifers underground. Being a good steward of groundwater just makes sense.

Not only that, most surface water bodies are connected to groundwater so how you impact groundwater matters.

Furthermore, many public water systems draw all or part of their supply from groundwater, so protecting the resource protects the public water supply and impacts treatment costs.

If you own a well to provide water for your family, farm, or business, groundwater protection is doubly important. As a well owner, you are the manager of your own water system. Protecting groundwater will help reduce risks to your water supply.



Groundwater protection
There are two fundamental categories of groundwater protection:
1. Keeping it safe from contamination
2. Using it wisely by not wasting it.
Before examining what you can do to protect groundwater, however, you should know that sometimes the quality and safety of groundwater is affected by substances that occur naturally in the environment.
Naturally occurring contamination
The chemistry of the groundwater flowing into a well reflects what’s in the environment. If the natural quality of groundwater to be used for human consumption presents a health risk, water treatment will be necessary.
Examples of naturally occurring substances that can present health risk are:
Microorganisms (i.e., bacteria, viruses, and parasites; these tend to be more common in shallow groundwater) - in oue AREA this would include most undeveloped springs, poorly constructed wells, and hand dug wells

Radionuclides (i.e., radium, radon, and uranium) - not a major problem in our area - but radon in air /water may be high

Heavy metals (i.e., arsenic, cadmium, chromium, lead, and selenium).-  arsenic, iron, manganese are more common problems for our area.

Public water systems are required to treat drinking water to federal quality standards. However, it is up to private well owners to make sure their water is safe.

Contamination caused by human activities

Human activities can pollute groundwater, and this is where every person can help protect groundwater — both in terms of groundwater quality and quantity.
Some common human causes of groundwater contamination are:
Improper storage or disposal of hazardous substances
Improper use of fertilizers, animal manures, herbicides, insecticides, and pesticides
Chemical spills
Improperly built and/or maintained septic systems
Improperly abandoned wells (these include water wells, groundwater monitoring wells, and wells used in cleaning contaminated groundwater)
Poorly sited or constructed water wells.

An emerging concern in recent years is the occurrence of pharmaceuticals and personal care products in water. Much research remains to be done to assess the health risks of trace amounts of these items. Nevertheless, disposal strategies for these substances are increasingly being advocated.  Do not pour prescription drugs down the drain.  Check out http://www.smarxtdisposal.net/


Water conservation

Americans are the largest water users, per capita, in the world. In terms of groundwater, Americans use 79.6 billion gallons per day — the equivalent of 2,923 12-oz. cans for every man, woman, and child in the nation.
Agricultural irrigation is far and away the largest user of groundwater in America at 53.5 billion gallons a day followed by public use via public water systems or private household wells at a combined total of 18.3 billion gallons per day. More efficient use of water in either of these areas could save a huge amount.  In our area, the largest users of water are nuclear plants.
At the household level, the greatest amount of water used inside the home occurs in the bathroom. The remainder of indoor water use is divided between clothes washing and kitchen use, including dish washing, according to the U.S. EPA. Calculate your water footprint - http://www.waterfootprint.org/


Depending on where in the country you live, outdoor water use can vary widely.

If you want to get an ever better idea how much water you use, find out your “water footprint” by calculating the amount of water it takes to produce some of the food you consume.
ACT — acknowledge, consider, take action
On Protect Your Groundwater Day, NGWA urges you to ACT. Use this day to begin doing your part for protecting one of our most important natural resources — groundwater!

1. Acknowledge the causes of preventable groundwater contamination —

Everyone
There are hazardous substances common to households - Most household water use occurs in a few areas around the home.

If you own a water well
Wellheads should be a safe distance from potential contamination
Septic system malfunctions can pollute groundwater
Poorly constructed or maintained wells can facilitate contamination
Improperly abandoned wells can lead to groundwater contamination.
Get your water tested - http://www.carbon-filtration.com/


2. Consider which apply to you —Everyone
What specific hazardous substances are in and around your home?
Where do you and your family use the most water?
If you own a water well
Is your wellhead a safe distance from possible contamination?
Is your well/septic system due for an inspection?
Are there any abandoned wells on your property?
3. Take action to prevent groundwater contamination —Everyone

When it comes to hazardous household substances:
Store them properly in a secure place
Use them according to the manufacturer’s recommendations
Dispose of them safely.

When it comes to water conservation
Modify your water use (more water saving tips)
Install a water-saving device.
If you own a water well
Move possible contamination sources a safe distance from the wellhead
Get current on your septic system inspection and cleaning
Get your annual water well system inspection
Properly decommission any abandoned wells using a professional.
For more information on Protect Your Groundwater Day, contact NGWA Public Awareness Director Cliff Treyens at 800 551.7379, (614 898.7791), ext. 554, or ctreyens@ngwa.org."

To learn more - go to
Carbon County Groundwater Guardians
http://www.carbonwaters.org/

National Groundwater Association
http://www.ngwa.org/public/pygd.aspx

Get Your Water Tested
http://www.carbon-filtration.com/

Conserve Water- Community Online Mall - Living Green
www.webdesignpros.net/shopping/living-green.htm

Article was not written by me - the source - http://www.ngwa.org/public/pygd.aspx  - it was reposted with more detail about local concerns and organizations.