|
| |
Although the Iron River is one of the finest brook trout
streams in the Upper Peninsula, there still exist a number of factors that
threaten to harm its condition. Like most waters throughout the United
States, non-point source pollution–or pollution caused when rain, wind, or
snow carry pollutants into waterbodies–is the biggest reason for decline
in water quality. Pollutants such as sediment (dirt, sand, clay particles),
nutrients (excess fertilizer, animal waste, etc.), or toxic chemicals from
automobiles, businesses, or homes accumulate in the water and leave a
lasting negative impact. In the Iron River, sediment is the primary
pollutant of concern. Sediment and these other pollutants are the reason
endeavors like the Iron River Watershed Project exist. Understanding what
these pollutants do and where they come from is the first step in preventing
their impact in the future, and improving our water today.
SedimentAcid Mine Drainage
Temperature
Nutrients
Toxic Compounds
 |
|
|
