Water produced from snow melt or rainfall that runs over land and causes problems such as erosion
, pollution and flooding is called stormwater runoff. This includes, but is not limited to drainage from residential, commercial and industrial properties. The leading cause of unsafe water in local rivers is stormwater runoff. Some rivers are so adversely affected that they render fish inedible, and people are advised not to even swim in them.
BMP stands for Best Management Practices. These BMP's can be managerial, structural or vegetative. Stormwater management companies work to implement these practices in an effort to eliminate or reduce the harmful impacts of stormwater runoff.
One example of a structural BMP is water detention ponds. These ponds allow the runoff to enter the pond and force the current pond water out. When the existing water exits, the runoff stays in place until the next storm. This process allows a great deal of the pollutants gravitate to the bottom and stay there. This process keeps polluted water from entering rivers.
Porous pavement is another structural BMP. The pavement works as a filter, allowing runoff to pass through while removing some of the pollutants. The now cleaner runoff is then deposited into the soil.
Landscaping practices are one of the most effective stormwater solutions. This vegetative BMP works by building ditches that are strategically placed along highways and residential areas. These ditches direct stormwater runoff to a different area for filtration and storage. Once there, the runoff is distributed over a grassy area.
Stormwater management BMP includes flood control which is accomplished by detaining and slowing the release of water effectively limiting flooding. Other stormwater solutions include filtration to reduce the amount of pollutants found in runoff. When possible, environment elements can be produced to help with the stormwater runoff problem. Wet ponds and marshes can be created. These unpolluted areas are perfect for wildlife and recreation.