PIPE OUTFALLSPipe outfalls include any pipes or small man made channels that discharge into the stream through the stream corridor. Pipe outfalls are considered a potential environmental problem in the survey because they can carry uncontrolled runoff and pollutants such as oil, heavy metals, and nutrients to a stream system. State and local governments have become interested in pipe outfalls, as they are required by recent revisions of the Clean Water Act to address non-point source pollution sources. Unlike Point Source Pollution such as treatment plants and industrial plants, non-point source pollution can not be traced back to a certain place or area. Non-point source pollution can come from many diverse sources such as lawns, parking lots, roads, or even roof tops.  Parking Lot (Before) (Inset, detail of drain channel) |
|
|||||||||
|
Any pipes or man made channels that are designed to discharge into the stream are considered pipe outfalls. This includes pipes with openings outside of the immediate stream corridor, but which discharge into a channel which eventually enters the stream. For rooftop run off collection, rain barrels can be used. The solution for run off from roads or parking lots can include rain gardens or LID (Low Impact Development). For more information on rain gardens you can call the Department of Natural Resources at 1-877-620-8DNR. If you see something unusual exiting a pipe contact your County government or your state Department of the Environment.  Parking Lot (After) |
||||||||||
|
Search Maryland DNR Rivers & Streams 101 | Monitoring & Research | Restoration & Protection Return to the Maryland DNR Home Page. |
||||||||||