Water quality is impaired by stormwater runoff from impervious surfaces (rooftops, parking lots, and paved areas) during rainfall. Pollutants (oil, pesticides, heavy metals, and pathogens) are carried by these runoffs and contaminate area streams, rivers, and reservoirs.
The New York City Rules and Regulations on this matter require some property owners who disturb or pave near drainage areas within the NY City Watershed jurisdiction to implement a stormwater pollution prevention plan (SWPPP).
The Catskill Watershed Corporation (CWC) and the New York City Department of Environmental Protection (NYC DEP) both have programs to fund stormwater pollution prevention.
Stormwater runoff can be managed in several ways. LaFever Excavating, Inc. has excavated for Rain Gardens and Stormwater Wetlands. Rain gardens are depressions in the ground that consist of loose, deep soils that encourage rainfall infiltration and are typically planted with native vegetation. A stormwater wetland is a natural wetland created to remove excess nutrients, pollutants, and sediments from stormwater runoff. The wetlands also create an environment for insects, birds, and amphibians which feed on mosquitoes and their larvae.
LaFever Excavating, Inc. has worked closely with home owners to implement their stormwater pollution protection plan.