What is the primary focus of stormwater management practices?

The primary focus of stormwater management practices is to reduce pollutants in runoff. This is essential because stormwater runoff can carry a variety of contaminants, including sediment, nutrients, heavy metals, oil, and chemicals, which can negatively impact water quality in nearby bodies of water. Effective stormwater management aims to mitigate these pollutants through various techniques and best management practices, such as using retention basins, green infrastructure, or treatment systems that filter and cleanse runoff before it reaches natural water bodies.

By addressing the quality of stormwater runoff, these practices not only safeguard aquatic ecosystems but also protect human health, promote compliance with environmental regulations, and ensure the sustainability of local water resources. This focus on pollutant reduction is critical in areas such as industrial sites, urban developments, and agricultural fields where the potential for runoff pollution is significant.