Watershed Problems:

Erosion and Pollution, Trash and Non-native Species

(Take the Quiz offered by the Center for Watershed Protection.)

Most of these problems are related to urban Sprawl. For an online summary of Key Laws, Legislation, Administrative Actions, Court Decisions, Organizations, and Readings, see the Sprawl Watch Clearinghouse section on Georgia. Check out, also, the Sierra Club's Challenge to Sprawl Campaign.

• Erosion:
  • Excessive runoff due to loss of natural drainage. Replacement of trees and other natural groundcover with asphalt and other impervious surfaces causes stormwater to drain much more quickly into streambeds and carry pollutants that otherwise would get filtered through plants and soil. The excessive volume of water leads to erosion of streambanks, adding abnormally large amounts of sediment to the water. The increased volume of water flow, the increased pollution, and the increased erosion has led to "deteriorated water quality, deteriorated aquatic habitat and increased flooding." "Reconnaissance Phase Study" U.S. Army Corps of Engineers . [See also "How to protect water quality..." ]
  • Improper or inadequate erosion control at construction sites.
• Pollution
  • Air Pollution
    • Current levels of air pollutants: Ambient Monitoring Program (AMP), Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Environmental Protection Division, Air Protection Branch
    • Hourly smog updates
  • Water Pollution
    • Non-point source pollution:
      • Polluted runoff from highways, streets and parking areas, e.g., tire and vehicular exhaust residues, antifreeze and oil.
      • Polluted runoff from roofs, lawns and gardens, e.g., pesticides, fertilizers, and animal droppings.
    • Point sources of pollution:
      • Pipes from industries and municipal sewage treatment plants (none in Glen Creek watershed)
      • Toxic hotspots like service stations (several in Glen Creek watershed).
      • Sanitary Sewer Overflows ("SSOs")
      • Leaky Sewerage Systems
      • Combined Sewer Overflows ("CSOs"): pipes that carry both stormwater and sewage to the river. Key Creek Stressors
      • Faulty Septic Tank Systems
• Trash
  • Yard waste (lawn clippings, tree prunings)
  • Illegal junking (preliminary surveys of Glen Creek have revealed the following examples: bicycle, wheelbarrow, car engine, fiberglass boat, newspaper vending maching, tires, cement-filled oil drum)
• Non-native (Alien or Invasive) Species
  • Kudzu
  • Chinese Privet
  • English Ivy

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