Stormwater is a large contributor to pollution in our lakes
and streams. The more development occurs the less land is available for the
infiltration of rainwater. The water that travels over land during a
rainstorm is called runoff. As runoff travels over the land, it carries with
it pollutants that are on the ground. Dirt, oil, and households chemicals
(fertilizer, paints, etc.) get washed off of the streets and sidewalks and
enter the storm drain systems. In Iron River, and many rural communities,
stormwater is drained directly into a nearby lake or stream.The communities around the Iron River rely heavily on sand during the winter
to provide traction on icy roads. The sand that accumulates over the winter is
introduced into the river in the spring as the snow begins to melt. The spring
runoff is one of the biggest contributors of sediment into the Iron River;
however, stormwater drainage carries pollutants into the river year-round.
Because of this, the Iron River Watershed Project, in partnership with the City
of Iron River, has installed a stormwater treatment unit to separate sediment and other pollutants before they enter
the river. The device will treat runoff from 56 acres of commercial and
residential area, significantly improving water quality. |
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