Runoff management effects

For obvious reasons attending effective enforcement, the CWA does not regulate nonpoint sources such as storm water runoff through the permitting mechanism. Rather, 319 mandates state programs for runoff management... 

The flows of wastewater originating from the water supply of a community and runoff from precipitation on urban surfaces are typically collected and conveyed for treatment and disposal. The system used for this purpose is called a sewer network or a collection system that consists of individual pipes (sewer lines) and a number of installations, such as inlet structures and pumps, to facilitate collection and transport. The efficient, safe and cost-effective collection and transport of wastewater and urban runoff have been identified as key criteria to be observed. In this context, the word safe means that public health, welfare and environmental protection have high priority. The demand for solutions toward more sustainable water management in the cities is a new challenge. 

Solid floors in multilevel process structures can provide a passive means of containing any spilled liquids or solids and preventing materials from falling onto lower levels. To maximize the effectiveness of solid floors, the floor design should include appropriately located drainage for spills and fire water runoff. Fire protection systems can be designed to effectively manage liquid pool fires. 

Svenik, I, Imeson, A. C., and Verstraten, J. M. (1989). Humus form development and hillslope runoff, and the effects of fire and management under mediterranean forest in NE-Spain. 

An organic mulch also protects the soil against crust formation, but aside from the scarcity of mulching materials and costs, the use of mulches presents other problems that are discussed in detail in Chapter 25. Many types of mulches, if properly managed (Army et al., 1961), are very effective in minimizing runoff. Plant residues on the surface also markedly decrease the rate of drying of soil in the surface half-inch layer, but under field conditions Army et al. observed that the soil moisture content below 2 inches was not materially increased by surface residues. 

Spontaneous combustion may develop due to the heating of coal particles and slow combustion. Toxic material may be released with the oxidation of compounds present in the waste material. Runoffs, with minimal iron pyrites content, from the tip surface, promote hazards and the acid compounds may leach into domestic water supplies. All these effects may be partly or wholly overcome with proper management of the planning and design of waste heaps and good operating practices. Moreover, encouragement of the commercial use of waste material is beneficial. 

Burton, G. A., Jr., and R. E. Pitt. 2002. Stormwater Effects Handbook A Toolboxfor Watershed Managers, Scientists, and Engineers. Boca Raton, FL Lewis Publishers. The handbook assists in determining when storm water runoff causes adverse effects in receiving waters. It includes case studies, many photographs, and figures that allow easy visualization of methods. 

Studies aimed at understanding the sources, fate and effects of environmental contaminants, such as those described in this book, have provided much of the information used by managers and regulators to limit and regulate inputs to the environment as a result of human activities. These inputs include direct discharge to air, soil and water from point sources and more diffuse inputs, from so-called non-point sources, such as agricultural and urban runoff and atmospheric inputs to aquatic systems. Overall, much has been... 

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