Reducing Pollution: Saving The Bay And Its Ecosystem

Reducing pollution is essential for improving and maintaining the health of bays and their surrounding ecosystems. High levels of nitrogen and phosphorus, often from fertilizers, wastewater, and air pollution, fuel excessive algae growth in the water, blocking sunlight from reaching underwater grasses and creating dead zones where aquatic life cannot survive. Sediment from erosion and construction further clouds the water, smothering bottom-dwelling species. Air pollution, such as nitrogen oxides and sulfur dioxide, contributes to algal blooms, reducing oxygen levels and harming marine life. Traffic-related air pollution, particularly from heavy-duty vehicles, has been linked to increased asthma and bronchitis cases, especially in communities of color. By addressing these sources of pollution, we can improve water quality, restore aquatic ecosystems, and protect the health and well-being of communities near bays and waterways.

Reducing air pollution from power plants, vehicles and other man-made sources

Reducing air pollution from power plants, vehicles, and other man-made sources is crucial for improving the health of the bay and its surrounding areas. Here are some measures that can be taken to achieve this:

Power Plants

Power plants are a significant source of air pollution, emitting harmful pollutants such as arsenic, chromium, lead, formaldehyde, acid gases, dioxins, and furans. To address this, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) adopted the Mercury and Air Toxics Standards in 2011, which aim to reduce mercury emissions from power plants. These standards have proven successful, leading to a reduction in other power plant pollutants like sulfur dioxide and particulate matter. Additionally, new power plants and factories are required to install modern pollution control technology, such as scrubbers and selective catalytic reduction systems, to capture harmful emissions.

Vehicles

Vehicles, including cars, trucks, and non-road engines, contribute significantly to air pollution. To mitigate this, the EPA has implemented emission control technologies and cleaner fuels, resulting in vehicles that are roughly 99% cleaner for common pollutants than 1970 models. The EPA has also set greenhouse gas and fuel economy standards for passenger vehicles, heavy-duty trucks, and buses, promoting cleaner and more fuel-efficient technologies.

Other Man-Made Sources

Other man-made sources of air pollution include oil and gas sites, manufacturing facilities, waste incineration, and agricultural practices. To reduce pollution from these sources, regulations and technologies such as pollution control devices, scrubbers, and electrostatic precipitators can be employed. Additionally, transitioning to renewable energy sources, such as wind, solar, and hydropower, can drastically reduce air pollution from fossil fuel combustion.

By implementing these measures, air pollution from power plants, vehicles, and other man-made sources can be significantly reduced, leading to improved air quality, reduced environmental damage, and positive health outcomes for people living near the bay.

Lowering nitrogen, phosphorus and sediment levels in the water

Nitrogen and phosphorus enter bay ecosystems through various sources, including wastewater treatment plants, urban and agricultural runoff, and air pollution. To lower nitrogen levels, individuals can take measures such as reducing air pollution by opting for walking, biking, or using public transportation. Electric or manual lawn equipment also helps reduce air pollution, which contributes significantly to nitrogen levels. Additionally, proper fertiliser usage and implementing best management practices (BMPs) in agricultural settings can reduce nitrogen runoff from fields.

Phosphorus, another key nutrient, is often introduced to bays through human activities like the use of fertilisers or household cleaners. Elevated phosphorus levels contribute to the growth of algae, which blocks sunlight and reduces oxygen levels in the water, affecting the health of fish and other aquatic life. To address this, individuals can reduce the use of phosphorus-containing household cleaners and avoid overusing fertilisers. Implementing BMPs, such as planting cover crops after harvesting main crops, can also help reduce phosphorus runoff from agricultural fields.

Sediment is another pollutant that can smother aquatic habitats and carry other pollutants into bay ecosystems. To reduce sediment levels, BMPs such as planting trees, shrubs, and grasses along streams and rivers can be employed. These plants help stabilise stream banks, prevent pollution from entering the water, and provide habitat for wildlife. Additionally, permeable pavements in urban and suburban areas can help filter out pollution and reduce stormwater runoff, minimising the amount of sediment and other pollutants entering bay waterways.

By implementing these strategies to lower nitrogen, phosphorus, and sediment levels, we can significantly improve the health and ecological balance of bays, ensuring they remain vibrant and healthy ecosystems for future generations.

Improving water quality through BMPs (Best Management Practices)

Controlling Non-Point Source Pollution:

Non-point source pollution comes from various sources like roads, fields, and rooftops, and it's challenging to pinpoint a specific location. BMPs aim to reduce or prevent this type of pollution by implementing practices such as:

• Planting trees, shrubs, and grasses along streams and rivers: This helps stabilize stream banks, prevent pollution from entering the water, provide habitat for wildlife, and maintain water temperature.
• Using permeable pavements: These pavements allow stormwater to infiltrate through the surface, reducing pollution and the need for road salt.
• Implementing rain gardens: Rain gardens collect rooftop or driveway runoff, allowing it to soak into the ground and filtering out pollutants.

Reducing Nutrient and Sediment Pollution:

Excessive nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus contribute to algae blooms, which block sunlight and deplete oxygen levels in the water. BMPs can help reduce these nutrients:

• Planting cover crops: After harvesting main crops, farmers can plant cover crops to reduce nutrient and sediment pollution leaving the field, improving soil health, and reducing erosion.
• Implementing riparian buffers: Restoring vegetation along water bodies helps filter out pollutants, control erosion, and provide habitat for aquatic life.

Stormwater Management:

Effective stormwater management is crucial to reducing pollution and preventing flooding. BMPs for stormwater include:

• Rooftop disconnection: Redirecting rooftop runoff towards vegetated areas or rain gardens to manage volume and improve infiltration.
• Infiltration devices: Such as infiltration basins and trenches that allow water to infiltrate the ground and recharge groundwater.
• Vegetated swales: Broad channels densely planted with vegetation to attenuate flow, improve water quality, and provide habitat.

Education and Outreach:

Educating communities about water use and BMPs is essential for their successful implementation. BMPs should be shared with facility staff, building occupants, and the public to promote water conservation and pollution prevention.

Water Efficiency in Commercial and Institutional Facilities:

WaterSense at Work by the US EPA provides BMPs to help commercial and institutional facilities manage their water use and identify water-saving projects. This includes guidance on sanitary fixtures, landscaping, irrigation, and mechanical systems.

By implementing these BMPs, communities can improve water quality, protect local waterways, and ensure a sustainable water supply for various purposes, including drinking, recreation, and supporting aquatic ecosystems.

Protecting and restoring shoreline wetlands and aquatic ecosystems

Secondly, wetlands provide habitat and food for a diverse array of species, including endangered and threatened ones. They serve as foraging and breeding grounds, offering shelter and resources for hundreds of species. Additionally, wetlands help in trapping and filtering polluted runoff from cities, preventing harmful toxins from reaching open waters.

Wetlands also offer recreational opportunities for residents and tourists alike, providing open spaces for activities such as hiking, birdwatching, biking, and kayaking. They contribute to the region's economic benefits through tourism, fishing, and recreation.

Unfortunately, over the last 200 years, 90% of the Bay's wetlands have been lost due to human activity. This has had a detrimental impact on the ecosystem and the region's resilience to climate change. To address this issue, organisations like Save The Bay have been working to restore and preserve wetlands. They have already restored thousands of acres of wetlands and are actively involved in some of the largest natural climate adaptation projects on the west coast.

One of the key projects is the restoration of the South Bay Salt Ponds, which aims to restore tidal flow to thousands of acres of former salt evaporation ponds. By converting these back to tidal marshes, the project will enhance ecosystem functions, improve water quality, and provide essential habitat for endangered species.

Another important initiative is the Highway 37 redesign, which involves building an elevated causeway to protect the highway from rising sea levels. This design will also allow for the restoration of 20,000 acres of wetlands, providing habitat, carbon sequestration, and flood resilience benefits.

Addressing water pollution from pesticides, metals, manufacturing compounds, and pathogens

Pesticides

Pesticides are chemicals used to kill or control pests such as insects, weeds, fungi, and other pests. They are used to protect crops and increase yields, playing a significant role in food production. However, they are potentially toxic to humans and can have acute and chronic health effects. Older, cheaper pesticides can remain in the soil and water for years and have been banned in developed countries.

To reduce water pollution from pesticides, it is important to consider factors such as drainage, rainfall, and irrigation management. Natural drainage and enhanced drainage systems can quickly transport pesticides and residues to contaminate groundwater and freshwater supplies. The properties of the pesticide, such as its active ingredients, contaminants, additives, and degradation rate, also play a role in water pollution.

To address water pollution from pesticides, it is essential to implement best management practices (BMPs). These practices can include reducing the risk of pesticide transport to surface or groundwater, decreasing the amount of pesticide used, and reducing the persistence or mobility of the active ingredients. Proper pesticide storage, locking pesticides in fire-resistant and spill-proof storage systems, is also crucial to prevent accidental spills.

Metals

Metals, such as heavy metals, are another source of water pollution. They can be introduced into water bodies through natural processes, such as volcanic eruptions, weathering, and rock abrasion, as well as anthropogenic activities, including mining, industrialization, and agricultural practices. Heavy metals are toxic, potentially carcinogenic, and can bioaccumulate in biological systems, posing risks to human health and the environment.

To address water pollution from metals, it is important to focus on prevention and removal. Preventative measures can include reducing the use of heavy metals, implementing proper waste management practices, and promoting sustainable practices in industries such as mining and manufacturing. Removal techniques may include physical, chemical, and biological processes, such as adsorption, ion exchange, membrane technology, electrochemical treatment, and phytoremediation.

Manufacturing compounds

Manufacturing compounds, including synthetic chemicals and manufactured chemical compounds, are a significant source of water pollution. These compounds, often undisclosed by industries, can contaminate drinking water sources, rivers, and lakes. Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are an example of manufactured chemical compounds that have been used in various products and processes since the 1940s and are now present in water, soil, air, and food.

To address water pollution from manufacturing compounds, it is crucial to hold industries accountable and stop pollution at its source. The Clean Water Act requires industries to disclose the pollutants they are releasing into water sources, and enforcement of this act can help protect communities from toxic chemicals. Additionally, it is important to advocate for stronger regulations and policies to reduce the use and release of harmful chemicals.

Pathogens

Water-borne pathogens, including bacteria, viruses, and protozoa, are a significant cause of water-related diseases and outbreaks worldwide. They can contaminate both surface water (rivers, lakes, reservoirs, and groundwater) and saline water (estuaries and coastal waters). Human activities, such as improper waste disposal, agricultural runoff, and sewage discharge, can contribute to pathogen contamination in water bodies.

To address water pollution from pathogens, it is essential to implement proper waste management practices, improve sanitation, and ensure access to clean water and adequate sanitation infrastructure. Mathematical models can also be used to understand and predict pathogen transport and develop strategies to mitigate pathogen levels in water resources.

Overall, addressing water pollution from pesticides, metals, manufacturing compounds, and pathogens requires a combination of preventative measures, treatment technologies, and policy changes. By implementing best management practices, reducing the use of harmful chemicals, and enforcing regulations, we can work towards reducing water pollution and protecting human health and the environment.

Frequently asked questions