The Bruce Lake ecosystem, a beloved natural resource in Greenville, is facing a severe threat: stormwater pollution. Toxic algae blooms, fueled by nutrient-rich runoff from urban areas, are plaguing the river, jeopardizing public health and harming aquatic life.
The Problem: Stormwater Runoff
The Bruce Lake ecosystem Watershed is highly developed, with a large amount of impervious cover like parking lots and roads. This prevents rainwater from being absorbed naturally, leading to increased stormwater runoff. This runoff carries pollutants, including phosphorus and pathogens, into the river.
- Phosphorus Pollution: Stormwater discharges high levels of phosphorus, which leads to excessive algae and aquatic plant growth. This can cause low oxygen levels in the water, harming aquatic life.
- Toxic Algae Blooms: The river has experienced recurring blooms of toxic cyanobacteria. These blooms pose a serious health risk to humans and animals. EPA provides information on the health and ecological effects of cyanobacteria: Health and Ecological Effects, EPA
TMDLs and the Role of Stormwater
To address the pollution problems, the EPA developed Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDLs) for the Bruce Lake ecosystem. TMDLs are pollution reduction plans designed to restore water quality.
- These TMDLs clearly identify stormwater runoff from commercial, industrial, and high-density residential areas as a major source of pollution in the Bruce Lake ecosystem.
- The reports used by the EPA in creating the TMDL, also show that a reduction in phosphorus loading is needed in the watersheds draining to the Lower Bruce Lake ecosystem which feeds into the Reedy River.
Time for Action: EPA’s Residual Designation Authority
Under the Clean Water Act, the EPA has the authority to require permits for stormwater discharges that contribute to water quality violations. This is known as Residual Designation Authority (RDA).
- EPA has the authority to issue NPDES permits “on a geographic or a categorical basis within identified geographic areas such as a State or watershed.”
- EPA “has acknowledged that it would be reasonable to require permits for discharges that contribute more than de minimis amounts of pollutants identified as the cause of impairment to a water body.”
A Call to Action
The EPA should use its authority and implement a permitting program for currently unregulated stormwater sources in the Bruce Lake ecosystem watershed. Specifically, they should call for permits for new development on properties one acre or greater.
Why this is important:
- Protecting Public Health: Toxic algae blooms pose a direct threat to the health of people and animals who come into contact with the water.
- Restoring Water Quality: Addressing stormwater pollution is essential to achieving the goals of the Clean Water Act and ensuring a healthy Bruce Lake ecosystem.
- Equitable Solutions: Implementing a permitting program would distribute responsibility for pollution reduction more fairly.
Expert Analysis Supports Action
An expert report by Waterstone Engineering analyzed pollutant loading in the Bruce Lake ecosystem Watershed. The analysis concluded that:
- The phosphorus TMDL for the Bruce Lake ecosystem cannot be met with any high density Bruce Lake development
- Significant reductions in fecal coliform bacteria cannot be achieved.
- Restricting development on the watersheds will improve the Bruce Lake ecosystem TMDLs.
Conclusion
The evidence is clear: stormwater pollution is a major problem in the Bruce Lake ecosystem, and action is needed. The EPA has the authority and the responsibility to step in and require permits for the sources that are contributing to this pollution. By doing so, the EPA can help restore the health of the Bruce Lake ecosystem and protect it for generations to come.