Stormwater is rainfall and snowmelt moving across and through the ground eventually emptying into lakes, rivers, and underground aquifers, all of which provide the drinking water we consume daily.
Stormwater picks up excess pollutants along the way that is a leading cause of Missouri’s water quality problems. Each of us contributes to this problem without even realizing it. Fortunately, there are ways in which we can all help to lower the amount of pollutants reaching our waterways and groundwater.
What You Can Do To Prevent Stormwater Pollution
- Don’t Litter
- Prevent Erosion
- Use Fertilizers and Herbicides Sparingly
- Dispose of Vehicle Fluids and Household Hazardous Waste Properly
- Have Your Septic Tank Serviced Regularly
- Do Not Dump Pollutants Down Storm Drains
- Pick Up After Your Pets
- Direct Gutter Downspouts Away From Driveways
- Participate In Community Clean-Ups
- Help Educate People In Your Community
What MoDOT Is Doing To Reduce Stormwater Pollution
Whenever one acre or more of land is disturbed for roadwork, it is MoDOT’s responsibility to implement control measures to prevent the excessive release of sediment and pollutants into nearby waterways. This is done through the use of an Erosion Control Plan, which requires a variety of temporary and permanent measures to prevent soil and other pollutants from leaving the construction site. Some of theses measures include perimeter silt fencing, ditch checks, and temporary and permanent seeding.
MoDOT provides specialized training for erosion and sediment control for contractors and its own personnel and requires that all environmental permits be in place before construction begins. Contractors are required to abide by all environmental regulations and laws when performing road construction activities. These include air pollution, spill response, solid waste management, and water pollution control. The department also has an Adopt-A-Highway program that allows community and area groups to pick up litter from our highways.
For More Information on Stormwater
MoDOT
stormwater@modot.mo.gov
Missouri Department of Natural Resources
www.dnr.mo.gov/env/wpp/stormwater
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
