Stormwater pollution is a growing issue in the United States. In 2013, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and several agencies launched the national Stormwater Pollution Prevention Program (SWPPP). The SWPPP is a broad program that helps communities across the country prevent water pollution.
What Is Stormwater Pollution?
Stormwater pollution is water discharged from storm drains, water treatment plants, and other wastewater sources. Water pollution can arise when runoff from roofs, streets, and other surfaces floods areas where it accumulates, including rivers, lakes, and coastal regions.
Why Is Stormwater Pollution A Problem?
Stormwater can contain pollutants, bacteria, chemicals, and metals. When these contaminants enter the environment, they can cause damage to animals, plants, equipment, and buildings. Polluted water also causes health problems for people who drink or use it.
What Is Pollution Prevention Planning?
Stormwater pollution prevention planning is a tool for communities to reduce water pollution and improve their overall environmental health. The Department of Health and Human Services provides resources and support to help communities develop and implement stormwater pollution prevention plans to protect public health and the environment.
How Does HHS Help Communities Prevent Water Pollution?
The Department of Health and Human Services provides grants to help communities reduce runoff from rain and snow, improve water quality, and protect ecosystems. Communities can use these funds to install stormwater management systems, create watershed protection plans, etc. Overall, the goal is to help communities reduce runoff from roofs, gutters and roads, and to improve water quality by reducing sediment and nutrients.
What Other U.S. Agencies Help With Preventing Stormwater Pollution?
The Department of Health and Human Services is a significant participant in the effort to prevent water pollution, but other sister agencies work in tandem with the HHS to prevent stormwater pollution, including:
- The National Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) provides resources and assistance for watershed protection, including land acquisition and wetland restoration.
- The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) implements flood control, coastal erosion prevention, and other hazard mitigation measures.
- The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulates hazardous waste sites, establishes standards for drinking water quality, oversees the Clean Water Act program, and more.
- The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides funding for community health centers that provide preventive services such as immunization clinics and environmental health assessments.
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