Sediment

Non-point source pollution from sediment occurs when water runoff transports soil particles from land into a water body such as a stream or lake. Excessive sediment clouds the water, reducing the amount of sunlight available to aquatic plants. It also covers fish spawning areas and clogs their gills. Other pollutants such as phosphorus, pathogens, and heavy metals attach to soil particles and are transported via these particles into water bodies.

The Gloucester County Soil Conservation District is responsible for approving Soil Erosion Control Plans for development sites larger than 5,000 square feet and for doing inspections. Municipalities can help reduce sediment runoff from smaller sites by enacting strong soil removal and sediment control ordinances and enforcing them. Residents should not dig or move soil near a water body or leave bare soil exposed to the elements for extended periods of time. Farmers can reduce erosion and sedimentation by 20 to 90 percent by applying management measures to control the volume and flow rate of runoff.

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