Question

1. how has the cwa influenced permits for stormwater discharges?

source: https://www.epa.gov/laws-regulations/summary-clean-water-act
student response:

part c — local problems from stormwater (wisconsin dnr page)

1. list three specific problems that stormwater can cause in lakes, rivers, or streams, according to the wisconsin dnr.

source: https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/stormwater/learn_more/problems.html
student response:

1. describe how stormwater can affect aquatic habitat and wildlife.

source: https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/stormwater/learn_more/problems.html
student response:

1. what human activities does the wisconsin dnr identify as common contributors to stormwater pollution?

source: https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/stormwater/learn_more/problems.html
student response:

1. according to the dnr, how does increased impervious surface area influence stormwater runoff and water quality?

source: https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/stormwater/learn_more/problems.html
student response:

1. what community - level or landscape - scale practices does the dnr recommend to reduce stormwater problems?

source: https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/stormwater/learn_more/problems.html
student response:

part d — groundwater contamination (groundwater foundation)

1. identify three common sources of groundwater contamination listed on the groundwater foundation page.

source: https://groundwater.org/threats/contamination/

Answer:

To answer these questions, you would need to visit the provided URLs and extract the relevant information:

Question 17: How has the CWA influenced permits for stormwater discharges?

Visit the EPA’s Clean Water Act summary page (https://www.epa.gov/laws-regulations/summary-clean-water-act) to find how the CWA (Clean Water Act) regulates stormwater discharge permits (e.g., requiring permits for certain stormwater discharges to protect water quality).

Question 18: List three specific problems stormwater causes in lakes/rivers/streams (Wisconsin DNR).

Visit the Wisconsin DNR stormwater problems page (https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/Stormwater/learn_more/problems.html). Common issues include:

• Erosion/Sedimentation: Stormwater runoff can erode soil, depositing sediment that clouds water, smothers aquatic life, and clogs habitats.
• Pollution (Nutrients/Contaminants): Runoff carries fertilizers (nitrogen/phosphorus), pesticides, oil, or chemicals into water, causing algal blooms, oxygen depletion, or toxic conditions.
• Habitat Destruction: Increased flow/erosion can alter stream channels, destroy aquatic vegetation, and displace wildlife.

Question 19: How does stormwater affect aquatic habitat/wildlife?

From the same DNR page:

• Sedimentation from runoff buries spawning beds, clogs gills of fish, and reduces light for aquatic plants.
• Pollutants (e.g., nutrients, chemicals) cause algal blooms, which deplete oxygen (killing fish) or release toxins (harming wildlife).
• Altered flow (from impervious surfaces) can dry out habitats, increase flooding, or change water temperature (stressing species adapted to stable conditions).

Question 20: Human activities contributing to stormwater pollution (Wisconsin DNR).

From the DNR page, common activities include:

• Urban Development (Impervious Surfaces): Roads, parking lots, and buildings increase runoff (reducing infiltration) and carry oil, heavy metals, or debris.
• Agriculture: Fertilizer/pesticide use, livestock waste, and soil erosion from fields.
• Industrial/Commercial Activities: Chemical spills, improper waste disposal, or industrial runoff.
• Residential Practices: Lawn fertilizers, pet waste, or improper disposal of household chemicals.

Question 21: How does increased impervious surface area influence stormwater runoff and water quality?

From the DNR page:

• Runoff: Impervious surfaces (e.g., pavement) prevent water from soaking into the ground, increasing the volume and speed of stormwater runoff (leading to flooding, erosion, and faster transport of pollutants).
• Water Quality: Faster runoff picks up more pollutants (sediment, chemicals, nutrients) and delivers them to water bodies, degrading quality (e.g., algal blooms, sedimentation, toxic contamination).

Question 22: Community/landscape practices to reduce stormwater problems (Wisconsin DNR).

From the DNR page, recommended practices include:

• Green Infrastructure: Rain gardens, bioswales, and permeable pavement to capture/filter runoff.
• Land Use Planning: Preserving natural areas (wetlands, forests) that absorb runoff, and limiting impervious surfaces in development.
• Erosion Control: Planting native vegetation, stabilizing stream banks, or using sediment basins during construction.
• Public Education/Outreach: Encouraging residents to reduce fertilizer use, pick up pet waste, and maintain rain barrels/rain gardens.

Question 23: Three common sources of groundwater contamination (Groundwater Foundation).

Visit the Groundwater Foundation page (https://groundwater.org/threats/contamination/). Common sources:

• Septic Systems: Leaking septic tanks release bacteria, viruses, or nutrients into groundwater.
• Agricultural Chemicals: Fertilizers, pesticides, or manure seep into aquifers (especially with poor soil infiltration).
• Industrial/Commercial Waste: Leaking storage tanks (oil, chemicals), landfills, or improper disposal of hazardous materials.

To complete these, follow the links, read the content, and summarize the DNR/Groundwater Foundation’s specific recommendations/information.