|
Stormwater pollution poses a significant threat to our local waterways, and in San Diego County, that includes our coastal beaches and lagoons. Not only is the health of aquatic habitats at stake, but urban runoff impacts human health as well; it’s the main reason the County recommends beach closures for 72-hours after rainfall. When it rains, urban runoff picks up pollutants as it flows through the watershed before discharging into the ocean. BCK’s SWPPP program helps students explore ways to reduce the negative impacts of stormwater pollution, in addition to best practices for water pollution prevention. |
|
Trash on the ground blows or washes into storm drains and eventually makes its way into our waterways like streams, rivers, lakes, bays, lagoons, estuaries, and the ocean. The most common types of trash are cigarette butts, food and drink containers, and plastic bags. The occurrence of trash in our local waterways is harmful to marine wildlife, shorebirds, and humans. It also impacts the use and enjoyment of our beaches and lakes. In order to combat this problem, California’s State Water Resources Control Board (State Water Board) adopted new requirements to their existing regulations regarding trash in and around state waters. These new requirements are known as the “Trash Amendments" and call to eliminate all trash in California's waterways. BCK’s WaterWatch programming provides students with an understanding of this issue, in addition to real-world solutions that can be applied in an out of the classroom. |