Matt Williams, Resource Conservationist 

 

Have you ever found yourself driving along interstate 84 at the PA – NY border wondering why the water in the Delaware river is so brown in color? You may have made this observation following a heavy rain event, potentially one that coincided with flash flood warnings. That murky brown color is caused by the presence of rock and soil particles, also called ‘sediments’, making their way into our waterways through process of erosion. These types of heavy rain events produce natural soil erosion which account for nearly 30% of the total sediment in the United States. The remaining 70% is the product of accelerated erosion caused by human land uses, in particular land development. This is what’s commonly referred to as ‘sediment pollution’. Sediment in streams is the single largest pollution source to PA’s waterways.

 

 

The impacts of sediment pollution can be widespread across our local streams, rivers, lakes, ponds, and even drinking water. Soil sediment can also have negative impacts on our wildlife community by disrupting the food chain. This occurs when accelerated sediment smothers streambeds, and murky-brown water makes it difficult for wildlife to see food. Excess nutrients in soil sediment, such as nitrogen and phosphorus, from household and construction chemicals, can kill aquatic wildlife and cause harmful algal blooms. However, this issue doesn’t only affect wildlife. Accelerated erosion increases the frequency and intensity of flooding as the excessive sediment clogs waterways. Lastly, pollution of public water supplies will undoubtedly reach the wallets of residents by increasing water treatment costs. Given all of this, it’s important that we, residents of Pike County, do everything we can to minimize these impacts.

 

Let us Praise Pike County’s Waterways

First, let us take a moment to highlight why the issue of sediment pollution is of notable importance in Pike County. The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) classifies every surface water in the state based on biological conditions and freshwater chemistry that fall under PA Chapter 93 code. Almost every stream in Pike County has been classified as of Exceptional Value (EV) or High Quality (HQ). These superior classifications illuminate how well our local streams support aquatic wildlife, specifically macroinvertebrates and cold-water fishes such as brook trout. In fact, for either of these classifications, surface waters must already be designated a ‘class A wild trout stream’ by the PA Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC). It’s no wonder that Pike’s streams are so well acclaimed by anglers throughout the northeast region. Lastly, the recreational opportunities made available by our extraordinary streams contribute to the local economy. So, what can be done to minimize the harmful effects sediment pollution has on our local waterways?

 

Disturbing the Land? Develop a Plan.

If you’re planning a project on your property that will cause earth disturbance you will want to develop a plan to minimize the potential for erosion and sedimentation from the project site. In addition, if the potential exists for the discharge of soil sediment to reach surface waters designated Exceptional Value (EV) or High Quality (HQ), which again, encompass most of Pike County’s surface waters, the PA Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) requires you to develop an Erosion and Sediment Control Plan (E&S Plan). The Pike County Conservation District’s website and office is a great place to find available resources on Best Management Practices (BMPs) and development of Erosion and Sediment Control Plans (E&S Plans).