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Srping 2002 Currents

Stormwater and Murky Waters By Alison Simcox Concerns about development often focus, rightly, on traffic, loss of historic structures, and changes in the character of communities. Other environmental impacts include change of land contours, removal or redistribution of soil, removal of vegetation, paving, new or increased emissions into the air, and increased or redirected stormwater runoff into nearby waterbodies. Stormwater runoff has quietly become one of the largest sources of pollution to waterways, and one of the most difficult to control. Stormwater is the rain and snow that runs off land and discharges into waterways. In urban areas, unless treated, this discharge carries a toxic mix of pollutants that collect on paved surfaces. Many of these pollutants come from cars and trucks – heavy metals from brake pads, engine wear, and tires; hydrocarbons from tailpipes and leaks and lubricants; glycols from antifreeze; and soot and particulates from emissions. This mixes with dust, sand, salt (in the winter), and litter until the next rainstorm flushes it into the nearest waterway (not the sewer!). For example, water quality in Lake Quannapowitt, which receives stormwater from about 30 stormdrains, has been degraded over time by pollutants such as phosphorus from geese, pets, and fertilizers. On the other hand, Crystal Lake receives far less stormwater because of a conscious effort by the town and state to protect drinking-water quality. Developments, such as the Shaw’s Market proposed for Water Street in Wakefield, often involve moving large amounts of soil and rock to create parking lots which contribute to stormwater pollution from construction and increased traffic volume. Even when contained by hay bales and silt fences, it is almost inevitable that some sediment associated with construction will end up in the nearest river, lake, or wetland. In the case of the proposed Shaw’s development, this waterbody is the Mill River, a major tributary of the Saugus River. If clean, this sediment may smother aquatic ecosystems; if contaminated, the waterbody can become a health hazard. State-of-the-science stormwater controls are needed to ensure that parking lots do not increase stormwater pollution to waterways The Massachusetts Stormwater Policy outlines stormwater-management standards and available technologies intended for use by Conservation Commissions, Planning Boards, Public Works Departments, and developers. The Policy can be downloaded by going to www.state.ma.us/dep/brp/stormwtr/stormpub.htm. To protect lakes and streams throughout the Saugus River watershed, it makes good sense for our Conservation Commissions and members of the public to ask for and review developers’ plans to control stormwater well ahead of any construction activities. Alison Simcox is a hydrologist, member of the Board of Directors, Friends of Lake Quannapowitt, and SRWC member. (Due to limited space, only excerpts of the original article are printed here).

Spring 2002 Currents

2001 SRWC Water Quality Report
Boy Scouts Rebuild Partridge Island Boardwalk at Reedy Meadow
Stormwater and Murky Waters
SRWC Tracks Watershed Projects
General Electric of Lynn Funds Public Access Projects
SRWC Holds 2002 Annual Meeting
Editorial: Regional Drought Watch
Water Conservation Tips!
SRWC Hosts Signs of Spring Program in Saugus
SRWC Offers Marsh Ecology Youth Education Programs
Special Thanks for Grants Received
Adopt-a-Trail Breakheart Reservation
Around the Watershed
Saugus River Watershed Council Up and Coming Events
Other Watershed Events