Pollution's Impact On New York's Ocean Health

New York State is home to more than 5 million acres, 7,000 lakes and streams, and 52,000 miles of rivers and streams. The state's Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) works to protect the land, water, and air resources in New York. While the state has relatively low greenhouse gas emissions, at 7.1 metric tons per person per year, air pollution is still a pressing issue. Air pollution in New York City, the state's most populous city, has been linked to a high incidence of asthma and other respiratory conditions among residents. Additionally, water pollution is also a concern, with nonpoint source pollution, such as runoff from agricultural activities and vehicles, contributing to contaminated waterways and oceans. Climate change further exacerbates these issues, with rising ocean temperatures impacting marine ecosystems and commercial fishing industries.

Ocean noise pollution

Sound plays a crucial role in how ocean animals communicate and navigate their environment. While visibility underwater is limited to a few tens of yards, sound can travel for thousands of miles. This has led many marine creatures to evolve the ability to detect and emit sound. However, human activities such as shipping traffic, fossil fuel exploration, and construction have introduced excessive noise into the ocean environment.

The impact of this noise pollution on marine life is significant. It has been found to harm marine mammals and other species, including fish, invertebrates, sea birds, and reptiles. For example, salmon farms in British Columbia installed sonic harassment devices to deter seals, but this also drove away killer whales, an unintended consequence of the noise pollution.

Additionally, clownfish rely on sound to guide them back to their native coral reefs after drifting in the open ocean as larvae. Human-caused noise can obscure the distinctive sounds of coral reefs, causing clownfish to become disoriented and drift aimlessly. This loss of the "soundtrack of home", as described by Carlos Duarte, a marine ecologist and lead author of a study on this topic, is having profound effects on marine life.

Despite the significance of this issue, noise pollution is often overlooked in environmental discussions. It is not mentioned in the UN's Law of the Sea B.B.N.J. agreement or its 14th sustainable development goal, which focuses on ocean life. Researchers and scientists are advocating for policymakers to recognise the impact of ocean noise pollution and implement solutions to mitigate this issue.

Air pollution

Various contaminants, including ground-level ozone and particulate matter, pose risks to human health and the environment. These pollutants are released into the atmosphere through fuel burning and other human activities, ultimately affecting the quality of the air that New Yorkers breathe.

The effects of air pollution on human health are extensive and range from respiratory diseases such as asthma, to circulatory, nervous system, and urinary illnesses. Vulnerable populations, including children and the elderly, are especially susceptible to the detrimental impacts of air pollution.

To address this issue, New York City and the state have implemented several measures. The city has the largest clean-air diesel-hybrid and compressed natural gas bus fleet in the country and has introduced energy-efficient practices in various sectors. Additionally, the state has unveiled a community air monitoring initiative to assess air quality in communities and develop strategies to reduce pollution.

Despite these efforts, air pollution continues to be a paramount concern, and further actions are needed to mitigate its impact on human health and the environment.

Nonpoint source pollution

One of the key issues with nonpoint source pollution is that it can make river and ocean water unsafe for both humans and wildlife. In some areas, this type of pollution is so severe that it leads to beach closures after rainstorms. It also adversely affects more than one-third of the shellfish-growing waters in the United States.

The impacts of nonpoint source pollution are costly to rectify, with millions of dollars spent annually to restore and protect areas damaged or endangered by these pollutants. This type of pollution is challenging to manage due to the numerous small and large sources contributing to the issue. However, agencies like the NOAA are working to develop strategies to control nonpoint source pollution, in collaboration with other federal and state agencies.

In New York, the state's unique geography, with its extensive coastline and proximity to the ocean, makes it particularly vulnerable to nonpoint source pollution. The dense population and high rate of mass transit use in cities like New York City also contribute to the issue. While the city has taken steps to reduce its environmental impact, such as investing in hybrid buses and taxis, nonpoint source pollution remains a significant challenge.

Overall, nonpoint source pollution is a critical issue affecting the oceans in New York State, and it requires a coordinated effort from various agencies and stakeholders to effectively address and mitigate its impacts.

Oil spills

One of the most notable oil spills in New York's history is the Greenpoint oil spill, which occurred in the Greenpoint neighbourhood of Brooklyn. Between 17 and 30 million US gallons of oil and petroleum products leaked into the soil from crude oil processing facilities over several decades. The spill was first noticed in 1978, and despite cleanup efforts, soil vapour tests continued to indicate the presence of pollutants as late as 2008. The Greenpoint oil spill is considered one of the largest oil spills ever recorded in the United States.

In New York State, any chemical or petroleum spill, including gas or oil, must be reported to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC). Spills that exceed five gallons, reach the state's water or land, and are not contained or cleaned up within two hours must be reported. Additionally, anyone with knowledge of a spill at a facility storing more than 110 gallons is legally required to report it.

The impacts of oil spills can be severe and far-reaching. Oil spills can contaminate drinking water sources, septic systems, and soil, leading to long-term environmental and health consequences. Even small spills can pose health risks, destroy belongings, and cause environmental damage. The cleanup process can be challenging and costly, and delays in reporting can significantly increase these costs.

To prevent oil spills, it is crucial to properly maintain and inspect oil tanks regularly. Homeowners should also be aware of any abandoned oil fill pipes and take the necessary steps to remove or fill them. By following safety protocols and staying vigilant, the risk of oil spills can be mitigated, protecting both the environment and public health.

Climate change

One of the most visible effects of climate change in New York is sea level rise, which is occurring at a rate of about 1.2 inches per decade along the state's coast and in the Hudson River. This is causing coastal flooding and intensifying storm surges, threatening homes and infrastructure. The rising sea levels, combined with increased precipitation and heavier downpours, are also leading to more frequent and severe inland flooding along the Great Lakes and in river valleys.

Warmer winters in New York are affecting the timing of the winter-spring transition, impacting the blooming of trees and flowers that migrating and hibernating wildlife depend on for food. This, in turn, can affect agriculture by extending the growing season and changing the types of crops that can be grown. Warmer winters also expand the geographic range and population size of invasive insect species, such as the emerald ash borer and southern pine beetle, which harm native vegetation.

In addition, climate change is influencing the distribution of marine species in the waters off New York's coasts. As ocean temperatures rise, fish are moving north to deeper, colder waters, changing the populations of marine species. This is impacting the state's commercial fishing industry and the economies of local communities that depend on it.

To address the impacts of climate change, New York State has implemented various measures, including the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act, which aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote clean energy. The state has also invested in clean energy projects, such as tidal power and wind energy.

Frequently asked questions