Mahoning SWCD

The District's Urban Programs focus on protecting the County's natural resources through education, technical assisstance, and administration of county and municipal erosion and sediment control ordinances. Advising landowners, developers, realtors, engineers and community administrations about the limitations of the County's natural resources allows for economically and enviromentally sound choices for the good of the community. The District strives to assist landowners, developers, non-profit organizations, and local governments in the collaborations to protect and enhance Mahoning County's natural resource heritage.

What is Stormwater Runoff?
Stormwater runoff occurs when precipitation from rain or snowmelt flows over the ground. Impervious surfaces like driveways, sidewalks, and streets prevent stormwater from naturally soaking into the ground.

Why is Stormwater Runoff a Problem?
Stormwater can pick up debris, chemicals, dirt, and other pollutants and flow into a storm sewer system or directly to a lake, stream, river, wetland, or coastal water. Anything that enters a storm sewer system is discharged untreated into the waterbodies we use for swimming, fishing, and providing drinking water.

What are the Effects of Pollution?

Sediment can cloud the water and make it difficult or impossible for aquatic plants to grow. Sediment also can destroy aquatic habitats.
Excess nutrients can cause algae blooms. When algae die, they sink to the bottom and decompose in a process that removes oxygen frfom the water. Fish and other aquatic organisms can't exist in water with low dissolved oxygen levels.
Bacteria and other pathogens can wash into swimming areas and create health hazards, often making beach closures necessary
Debris- plastic bags, six pack rings, bottles, and cigarette butts- washed into waterbodies can choke, suffocate, or disable aquatic life like, ducks, fish, turtles, and birds.
Household hazardous wastes like insecticides, pesticides, paint, solvents, used motor oil, and other auto fluids can poison aquatic life. Land animals and people can become sick or die from eating diseased fish and shellfish or ingesting polluted water.
Polluted stormwater often affects drinking water sources. This, in turn, can affect human health and increase drinking water treatment cost.