What
What Is Stormwater Run-off?
Stormwater run-off is the major source of water pollution in New Jersey. Sources of run-off pollution include a diverse range of human and animal activity that cumulatively cause serious short- and long-term impacts on the State’s recreational waters and ultimately, on the quality and supply of our drinking water.
Run-off is water that runs across land rather than being absorbed into the ground. In Cranford, rain and melting snow pick up and carry away natural and man-made contaminants, ultimately depositing them into the Rahway River, the Arthur Kill, wetlands, aquifers and the Atlantic Ocean.
Fertilizers, herbicides, insecticides and other chemicals from residential areas;
Sediment from construction sites and eroding stream banks and;
Oil, grease, coolants and other toxic fluids from automobiles and roadways;
Bacteria and nutrients from pet waste.
Why
Why Is Stormwater Run-off A Problem?
Run-off pollution is a serious problem in New Jersey and in Cranford today. The collective, statewide impact of run-off pollution threatens aquatic and marine life, water-related recreational activity and tourism, the fishing industry and most importantly, our drinking water.
Although individual homes might contribute minimal amounts of run-off pollution, the combined effect produced by an entire neighborhood can be serious. We all play a part. Each of us contributes to the problem without even realizing it. In a sense, every property in Cranford is waterfront property. Once run-off is collected by the Township’s storm sewer system, it flows untreated into nearby streams and the Rahway River. Each property in town adds its contribution to the river.
Resources
Our Resources
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is partnering with the New Jersey State Department of Environmental Protection to carry out a Feasibility Study to identify various flood risk management alternatives for communities along the Rahway River Basin, with a specific emphasis on the cities of Rahway and Cranford.