Category Archive: Stormwater Management

Apr 16

A tiny green insect does major damage

Tens of millions of ash trees in the U.S have fallen victim to an invasive insect called the emerald ash borer. That’s not just a problem for forests. Trees are important for water quality. “The roots help control the nitrates and phosphates, which are some of the pollutants that can enter streams and waterways. They …

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Permanent link to this article: http://www.currentcast.org/stormwater-management/a-tiny-green-insect-does-major-damage/

Apr 06

Greener Gardens for the Win

Wanna nip gardening pollution in the bud? For tips on growing a truly green garden—listen up: If you grow your own flowers and vegetables, you’re probably eager to dig in already. But give yourself a moment to consider that how you garden affects water quality—especially when the fertilizers and chemicals enter storm drains or groundwater …

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Permanent link to this article: http://www.currentcast.org/stormwater-management/greener-gardens-ftw/

Apr 02

Abandoned coal mines leave an enduring water legacy

When coal is mined in Pennsylvania, other minerals and metals including iron sulfide and aluminum are exposed and left behind. They’re typically harmless as long as they stay dry, but… Ryan: “As you get more precipitation, your water table increases. If you have too much groundwater it can fill up voids in underground coal mines …

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Permanent link to this article: http://www.currentcast.org/stormwater-management/abandoned-coal-mines-leave-an-enduring-water-legacy/

Apr 01

Managing Stormwater and Sewage

In many parts of Pittsburgh, stormwater and sewage are carried in the same pipes. So during heavy rain, the system can overflow, and dump untreated sewage directly into the city’s rivers. “As we get more and more rain, it just is an outdated way of managing the flow of stormwater. And it’s just disgusting,” says Stephan …

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Permanent link to this article: http://www.currentcast.org/stormwater-management/managing-stormwater-and-sewage/

Mar 24

When a wet winter can be bad for water quality

For more than 100 years, coal was mined near Turtle Creek in western Pennsylvania. The river became polluted. “But that began to improve through the 1970s,” says Gary Smith of the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission. He says regulations and restoration projects led to cleaner water. Then last year a very wet winter filled abandoned mines …

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Permanent link to this article: http://www.currentcast.org/stormwater-management/turtle-creek/

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