FLOOD03407 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

Of concern in some places is the maintaining of a sufficient, potable under- ground water supply at all times. Any actions or events that may threaten either water quality or available quantities are factors demanding attention. Man's land development activities that cause increases in runoff flows can produce interrup- tions of, and a lessening of, the natural process of groundwater recharge. Thus, uncontrolled land development, combined with increased groundwater withdrawal, can produce continual, serious lowering of the natural groundwater table, particularly during periods of drought. As a result, the water supply available for consumption by humans, domestic animals, trees and other flora, and fauna is often insufficient. This may require importation of potable water from other sources. Findings, Conclusions and Recommendations Attitudes After conducting interviews for the study, it became evident that many areas of the United States have similar problems in stormwater management. Professional staffs and elected officials of most public agencies give stormwater management a much higher priority than in previous years, primarily because of water pollution, flooding and soil erosion problems and the increase in damages and inconvenience occurring in recent years. However, some officials are more interested in and re- sponsive to broad, social-type projects that can be seen, used and appreciated by the voters on a regular basis, rather than stormwater projects which usually offer direct benefits to only a small percentage of the voters. Unfortunately, taxpayers give areawide stormwater management programs a low priority, excepting those who will receive "direct" benefits. Fortunately, Congressional leaders and federal officials have evidenced a healthy concern for providing facilities for control of flooding and pollution. The Congress enacted the National Reclamation Act of 1902 to combat floods and droughts and reclaim arid lands, and long ago it gave responsibilities to the United States Corps of Engineers for navigation and flood control. In recent years, it enacted legislation and appropriated funds to help control the pollution of our nation's waters; and the National Flood Insurance Program was established by Con- gressional acts and appropriations. In addition, the Congress has acted to restrict federal guarantees, grants and loans of federal funds to state and local governments for land development, contingent upon local adoption and enforcement of environ- mental regulations. The federal intent is to limit potential hazards, damages, and economic losses from flooding and pollution in urbanizing areas, and protect natural environments. Priorities and Goals of Public Agencies Perspectives of public agencies concerning needs and priorities for stormwater control differ. Agencies located in the eastern states view "improvement in the wet weather quality of water bodies" as their highest priority need in stormwater control. However, western public agencies, located in regions characterized by less-dense populations, light industry and agriculture, regard "flood control" as their top priority. Generally, in these places, west of the Mississippi River, water pollution control is given low priority. Conversely, many agencies east of the Mississippi rank flood control as one of their lower priority needs. Reduc- tion of suspended solids in water bodies--by controlling soil erosion--was seen as a high priority need of agencies, irrespective of location. 4 II I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I