Heavy Metals Pollution

Metals Overview

Metals are trace elements that are essential for health in living organisms and occur naturally in the soils. Metals can also be toxic at low concentrations and are a common source of water pollution.

Common Sources of Metals

Heavy metals like lead, copper, zinc, chromium, aluminum and others are components of commonly used products like batteries, fuels, paints, pesticides, and cleaners that are in households and used in daily life. They can be found in large quantities where industrial activities occur, and often in urban areas or construction sites.

Many products like rubber, metal coating, asphalt, treated wood, building materials and machine parts have significant concentrations of heavy metals. Metals are transported by stormwater runoff and enter into our lakes, rivers and streams through erosion, illegal dumping, corrosion and leaching, and aerial deposition.

How to Help Prevent Metal Pollution

Cover storage areas for tires, paint, metal, equipment, or bulk materials.
Select building materials for roofing or fencing that will not corrode or easily leach toxic metals.
Install and maintain sediment and erosion control measures at active construction sites.
Store and dispose of treated wood properly in covered areas and off the ground.
Limit pesticide and fungicide use and avoid applying over impervious surfaces where they can be washed away easily
If you are a part of a facility that requires an NPDES Industrial permit to operate, be a part of the larger solution and engage in your annual education requirements and follow all your Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan best management practices and permit requirements.