| Urban runoff is one of the largest sources of nonpoint water pollution. The Santa Monica Bay in southern California, in particular, is affected by polluted urban runoff. Extensive development during the last few decades has caused land to become less pervious, forcing pollutants to run directly into the Bay. Recently, the Los Angeles Regional Water Quality Board adopted a standard that forces new and redeveloped projects to capture 85 percent of runoff during a 24 hour period or the first .75 inches of rain. The largest volume of runoff is produced by smaller storms. The goal of the new standard is to reduce this amount by promoting best management practices. The benefits of the standard, which include increased tourism and recreation, wildlife and ecological protection, and greater aesthetic value, outweigh the costs. |
