Connect

Stormwater runoff is a significant source of pollution in many urban areas. As rainwater flows over impervious surfaces such as roads, parking lots, and rooftops, it picks up a variety of pollutants, including oil, grease, heavy metals, and sediment. These pollutants are then carried by the stormwater into nearby water bodies, where they can harm aquatic ecosystems and pose a risk to human health.

One effective way to address this problem is with stormwater disconnects. Stormwater disconnects are designed to separate stormwater from discharging directly to waterways. By allowing stormwater to be treated separately and reducing the amount of pollutants that enter local waterways. This can be achieved through a variety of methods, such as the installation of sediment basins, or stormwater separators.

Sediment basins, for example, are depressions that are planted with native vegetation. As stormwater flows into the basin, it is filtered by the plants and soil, which help to remove pollutants and recharge the groundwater. Stormwater separators, on the other hand, are devices that separate pollutants from stormwater runoff before it enters a storm system or a natural body of water. It typically consists of a series of chambers or filters that remove sediment, oil, and other contaminants from the water.

By implementing stormwater disconnects, communities can reduce the amount of pollution that enters local waterways and protect the health of both people and wildlife. However, it is important to note that these solutions are not one-size-fits-all and must be tailored to the specific needs of each community. Additionally, ongoing maintenance is critical to ensure that these systems continue to function effectively over time.

Author: Christopher Parrotta