The Environmental Protection Agency recently released a somber assessment of the state of our nation’s streams and rivers. A comprehensive survey looking at the health of nearly 2,000 stream and river miles across the country found more than half were in poor condition. A mere twenty percent were deemed healthy.
Reacting to the news, Administrator Nancy Stoner of the EPA Office of Water says “The health of our nation’s rivers, lakes, bays, and coastal waters depends on the vast network of streams where they begin, and this new science shows that America’s streams and rivers are under significant pressure.” She urged for investment in protecting and restoring streams and rivers, citing the vital role they play in supporting wildlife, supplying drinking water, and providing recreational opportunities.
Nutrient pollution was one of the top threats faced. Agricultural runoff and sewage were among the leading sources of nitrogen and phosphorus to our streams and rivers. More than a third were impacted, and suffering from decreased water quality, algal blooms, and a lack of oxygen.
Bacteria and mercury pollution also topped the list of ills. Nearly 10 percent our stream and river miles harbor enough bacteria to make them potentially unsafe for swimming. And some 13,000 river miles support fish with mercury levels unsafe for human consumption.
Reductions in plants near streams and rivers, primarily through human disturbance, has made more than a quarter vulnerable to flooding, erosion, and pollution. Healthy vegetative cover is essential to stabilizing stream and river banks, removing pollutants, and maintaining healthy water temperatures.
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Web Links
EPA Survey Finds More Than Half of the Nation’s River and Stream Miles in Poor Condition
http://yosemite.epa.gov/opa/admpress.nsf/0/c967210c37cffb6885257b3a004cfaf6?OpenDocument
Photo, taken on July 24, 2011, courtesy of OwenXu via Flickr.
Earth Wise is a production of WAMC Northeast Public Radio. Support for Earth Wise comes from the Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies in Millbrook, NY, with partial support from the Field Day Foundation.