Sediment

Sediment is often viewed as the largest pollutant load associated with storm water runoff in an urban setting. Unprotected earth disturbances caused by human activities such as highway construction and land development can create sediment pollution.

• Sediment destroys the food supply for many species of fish by covering aquatic insect habitat on the stream bottom.

• Sediment reduces the amount of light penetrating the water, depriving the plants of light needed for photosynthesis.

• Heavy sediment can clog fish gills.

• Sediment can cover fish eggs and the gravel nests they rest in.

• A number of other pollutants often attach to, and are carried by sediment particles.