Northeast Pa. stormwater can be gross. Here's what you can do | Something to Think About

We are about to enter April, where the showers are said to bring the flowers. True as that is, often April is the source of much stormwater. The official Webster definition is: surface water in abnormal quantity resulting from heavy falls of rain or snow. Certainly with all the weather we have heard about in the recent past places like California are quite familiar with stormwater.

Living in a more rural or even rural/suburban area, everyone should be aware of ways to reduce stormwater runoff pollution at your home and in your community.

Living in northeastern Pennsylvania, and with much of the region being mostly rural, often the issue of stormwater runoff may not be a consideration. However, there are many developments within the region and excessive runoff often affects homes and terrain.

More from Debbie Kulick:Programs on arts, Lenape culture planned in Poconos | Something to Think About

Climate change in the Poconos:Heavy rains could become more frequent over time

Stormwater carries an enormous amount of pollution, including sediment, car oil, lawn fertilizers, pesticides, pet poop (and viruses and bacteria), and cigarette butts. As you might expect, this has many negative impacts on streams and rivers.

Rivers are the source of our drinking water supply; when rivers aren’t healthy, public health risks increase. Sediment harms aquatic life when it smothers macroinvertebrates and clogs spaces between rocks, destroying essential habitat for many species. Fertilizers stimulate excessive algae growth, causing algal blooms that remove oxygen from the water. Fish and other aquatic organisms can’t exist in water with low dissolved oxygen levels.

Bacteria and other pathogens can wash into swimming areas and create health hazards, making beach closures necessary. Debris — such as plastic bags, six-pack rings, and cigarette butts — washed into rivers can choke, suffocate, or disable ducks, fish, turtles, and birds. Household

hazardous wastes like insecticides, pesticides, paint, solvents, and motor oil can poison aquatic life.

Land animals and people can become sick or die from eating diseased fish and shellfish or ingesting polluted water. Because groundwater levels don’t get fully replenished, springs and wells can go dry.

Each and everyone of these has an impact on some part of resident’s lives. And the best way to address the issue is to be informed and take action. The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection takes a serious stance on this issue. The department offers ways in which stormwater can be addressed.

Those who may have recently become residents of the Commonwealth will find that local governments often address the need for stormwater control. About 950 municipalities in Pennsylvania are required to have stormwater management plans, and most are also required to have Pollutant Reduction Plans. Contact your borough, township, city, or county office to find out their plans and how you can help implement them.

Other ways to control all that stormwater and harness it for you good use are things such as planting a rain garden. Spring is a great time to begin this project. Rain gardens are native plants set in a hole or trench in the ground to help rain water infiltrate into the ground. Want more information on the “How To”, contact the Penn State Extension Office or visit their website for the how to.

You may have seen a decorative barrel near a drainpipe at some homes or businesses in the area where you live, these are rain barrels. The barrel captures rain off your roof and then that water can be used in the garden or be allowed to infiltrate slowly into the ground. There are a number of options, just pick one of your choosing.

Snow doubt about it:Poconos saw mild winter despite cold Christmas temperatures

Perhaps building or landscaping is on your drawing board this spring. Calculate the stormwater runoff on your property to make informed building decisions. The EPA offers a stormwater calculator software tool that will estimate runoff at a location based on information such as soil type, landscape and land-use information, and weather. It may be useful to homeowners as well as to developers, urban planners, and landscape designers.

With summer coming soon, think about your lawn care. Don’t overwater your lawn. Consider using a soaker hose instead of a sprinkler. Use pesticides and fertilizers sparingly. Use organic mulch or safer pest control methods whenever possible.

Don't leave grass clippings or leaves in the street or sweep them into storm drains. Compost them or use them for mulch. In the fall, mulch-mowing leaves back into the grass helps strengthen it and the soil, reducing stormwater runoff. Or just leave some leaves on the ground! Visit the Penn State Ag and Environment Center where they share 10 tips to maintain your lawn and protect water quality from the Pennsylvania Landscape and Nursery Association.

Regardless of the size of your lot or home, whether you live in a townhouse, condo or apartment, attention given to the stormwater management at home or in your community will help everyone! Happy Spring!

Debbie Kulick writes a weekly column for the Pocono Record and Tri-County Independent. She serves on the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic as an EMT.

This article originally appeared on Pocono Record: Development in the Poconos can impact stormwater runoff