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Sand & Gravel Pollution

Storm water runoff from wet concrete, crushed stone, sand, and gravel from sand and gravel mines can pollute nearby water sources when they enter the ecosystem. These pollutants significantly affect creeks, streams, lakes, and eventually find their way into the ocean. Under the Federal Clean Water Act, the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) will control water pollution by regulating sources of sand and gravel pollution in the United States.

  1. Respiratory Hazards

    • The most recognizable hazards are airborne particles. Total Suspended Particulates (TSPs) are a measure of all particles emitted by a mine. PM-10 particles (<10 μ in diameter) can stay suspended in the air for long periods of time and pose the greatest respiratory health hazards. Industrial minerals, such as silica flux and very fine gypsum can irritate the lings and mucus membranes. All types of crushed sand and rock have not been shown to cause cancer or poisoning, but potential long term issues include chronic inflammation of the lungs and mucus membrane.

    Water Pollution

    • Sediment from mines running off into streams, lakes, and wetlands are a significant source of water pollution. Mines are required to capture water runoff and treat it before releasing it into the environment. This treatment usually takes place in collections of pond water, but sediment as been shown to easily escape from these ponds during rainstorms. Excess sedimentation includes many toxic chemicals used in the mining process. such mercury, nitrates, and sodium bicarbonate. These materials eventually find their way into the environment, where they do harm to wildlife and poison water supplies.

    Forest Damage

    • Sand and gravel mines have a large effect on forests and rural life. Mining operations, which destroy large portions of these areas, flattening vegetation and cover the landscape with dry dust and sand, making new vegetation growth virtually impossible. Trucks that pass through the mine also spew sand and gravel into the environment, further damaging wooded and rural areas.

    Sand and Gravel Pollution Prevention

    • Installing filters around storage ponds in sand and gravel mines would reduce storm water runoff. Storm water containment facilities should be built in these mines in order to prevent storm water discharge. Nearby creeks, lakes, and streams should be carefully monitored for signs of sand and gravel pollution. Storage of sand and gravel in the mines should be kept in sealed containers to ensure that none leaks out of the facility. Maintenance of these facilities should also be improved.

    EPA Stormwater Program

    • Storm-water runoff, which is the main method in which sand and gravel enter and pollute the environment. The National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES), which was implemented by the EPA seeks to regulate this runoff by regulating storm sewer systems, construction activities, and industrial activities. Under the program, industry and construction companies will have to receive an NPDES permit before they are allowed to discharge water into the environment. Storm drains would have filters placed on them so that only water and small particle matter can pass through.

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