Threats to the Delaware Bay - Pollution

Pollution can come in many forms that can cause harm to human health, other living organisms, and the environment. Some common forms of pollution include: Air pollution, the release of chemicals and particulates into the atmosphere; Water pollution via stormwater runoff, leaching to groundwater, liquid spills, wastewater discharges, eutrophication and littering; Soil contamination occurs when chemicals are released by spill or underground storage tank leakage; and Thermal pollution, is a temperature change in natural water bodies caused by human influence, such as use of water as coolant in a power plant.

Pollutants can be naturally occurring, but are considered contaminants when in excess of natural levels.

Runoff Pollution

Nonpoint source pollution, also called runoff pollution often associated with stormwater runoff, comes from many sources. As rain water or snow melt (or even water from a garden hose) washes over roads and walkways, construction sites, agricultural fields or forestry sites, it picks up pollutants from the ground and transports them into our coastal creeks, rivers and estuaries. Pollutants frequently swept up in runoff include fertilizers, lawn chemicals, herbicides, salt from roadways, oil and gasoline leaked from automobiles, soil from construction sites, and untreated sewage from boats, pets, and failing septic systems.

What Can You Do?
Learn, get involved and be heard!

• Keep litter, pet wastes, leaves, and debris out of street gutters and storm drains--these outlets drain directly to streams, creeks, rivers, wetlands, and the bay.


• Use environmentally safe cleaning and gardening products. Properly dispose of chemical products.


• Reduce automobile pollution. Walk or bike when it’s safe. Carpool, take public transportation or use fuel-efficient vehicles when possible.


• Dispose of used oil, antifreeze, paints, and other household chemicals properly, not in storm sewers or drains. If your community does not already have a program for collecting household hazardous wastes, ask your local government to establish one.


• Create less waste. Reduce the amount of disposable products you buy. Reuse what you do buy, and recycle or compost when possible.


• Clean up spilled brake fluid, oil, grease, and antifreeze. Do not hose them into the street where they will eventually reach the bay.


• Control soil erosion on your property by planting ground cover and stabilizing erosion-prone areas.


• Have your septic system inspected and pumped so that it operates properly.


• Purchase household detergents and cleaners that are low in phosphorous to reduce the amount of nutrients discharged into our lakes, streams and coastal waters.


• Check your phone directory or call your city or county environmental quality or sanitation department for oil and chemical waste recycling/disposal facilities.

More About The Delaware Bay

• History of the Delaware Bay
• Unique about the Delaware Bay

Source of Bay Facts:
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) - www.noaa.gov
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) - www.epa.gov
Delaware Department of Natural Resources & Environmental Control - www.dnrec.delaware.gov
Partnership for the Delaware Estuary - www.delawareestuary.org
The Nature Conservancy - www.nature.org
Wikipedia - www.wikipedia.org