Embedded Files
Background Information
Background Information
The last few weeks I have been observing the Grand River from the same spot near the Blue Bridge in downtown Grand Rapids. I chose this location because it is heavily populated with pedestrians and many different forms of transportation such as electric scooters, buses, and cars. Each time I visit this site, the area for the most part seems to look the same. There isn’t much visible trash floating in the river, however, oil-like contaminants seem to cover the surface of the water in certain areas. Additionally, there is garbage lying around the sidewalks and streets around it which makes me wonder how many other forms of pollution sit at the bottom of the river that we can’t see. I'm interested in the Grand River and it's condition because it not only provides us with recreational activities, but it also provides a habitat for a variety of different species. With that being said, the Grand River needs to be protected and it is our responsibility as a community to start taking action.
My point of observation has been near the Blue Bridge, practically the heart of Grand Rapids. After noticing this type of contaminant floating at the top of the river the last few weeks, I’ve decided to research this topic in more depth. Runoff is a non-point source of pollution that makes its way into nearby rivers, streams and lakes. Common runoff pollutants include oil, paint, household cleaning supplies, pesticides, fertilizers, trash, yard waste, car exhaust, and even excess gasoline from a car. These pollutants are carried into bodies of water through storm drains after heavy rainfall or melting snow and affect the quality of the water and the health of the species underneath.
Highly populated areas with frequent traffic like Grand Rapids are subject to pollution from a number of different sources. The main pollution sources in these types of settings pass over driveways, roads, parking lots, industrial sites, lawns, and rooftops. Stormwater runoff in larger cities has the potential to spread a range of nonpoint source contaminants, such as sediment, organic matter, nutrients, metals, pathogens, fertilizers, and pesticides throughout the watershed.
Runoff from the Grand River Entering Lake Michigan
Runoff from the Grand River Entering Lake Michigan
https://www.therapidian.org/watershed-moment-stormwater-management-grand-rapids.
Under the bridge in Downtown Grand Rapids
Under the bridge in Downtown Grand Rapids
Birds surrounding trash floating in the river
Birds surrounding trash floating in the river
https://www.grpm.org/blog/the-renaissance-of-the-grand-river/.
Sustainability Problem and Course Readings
Sustainability Problem and Course Readings
In the Grand River series article by Jeff Alexander, he states that while “experts say the Grand River is as healthy today as it has been at any time in the past 100 years,” there are still a list of problems that are impacting the health state of the river and the community surrounding it. One of these problems is pollution. Pollution is an issue that communities face all over the world and the Grand River happens to be one of these areas. Not only does pollution affect the Grand River itself, but it also risks the health of other major bodies of water. As stated in the article, “the (Grand) river is one of the largest sources of heavy metals and the herbicide Atrazine” is the source of pollution that is risking the health of the largest Great Lake.
Additionally, the reading “Rails on the River '' in "Connections Along the Grand River" touches on the topic of automobiles. Although automobiles became a hot topic when they were first introduced, they release one of the most harmful greenhouse gasses along with a list of contaminants that eventually make their way into rivers and lakes. Our automobiles' oil seeps onto driveways and roads, washing it down drains where it eventually ends up in a lake or stream. The species that live in these bodies of water may also be impacted by the heavy metals emitted from automobiles, such as oil, antifreeze, brake fluids, and even excess gasoline.
A large city like Grand Rapids already has varying levels of public pollution. The quantity of hazardous runoff we are dumping into the Grand River can be decreased by choosing to walk and bike more during the warmer months, as well as by using public transportation or carpooling with friends to help reduce the amount of runoff entering the Grand River.
Finally, the chapter Land, Nature, Resource, Property in Pollution is Colonialism by Max Liboiron highlights that land is a resource. This chapter focuses on the value of using standardized methods to measure plastic ingestion and connects land, nature, resources, and property in a discussion of pollution prevention strategies.
As an environmental and sustainability studies major, I understand that it is my duty to educate and spread awareness on these topics that not only affect the environment, but could also potentially affect the health of us individuals and our community. Pollution is a broad topic that is talked about frequently but the specific sources of pollution aren’t covered as in depth. With that being said, my main focus regarding the Grand River is finding out where the main source of runoff is coming from that makes its way into the Grand River and finding solutions to limit this problem.
After further research and gathering my observations from the last few weeks, our motor vehicles seem to be the main source of runoff in downtown Grand Rapids. The most prevalent contaminants can include sediments from construction vehicles, oil and grease, heavy metals from car exhaust, worn tires, engine parts, and even gasoline. With Grand Rapids being a highly populated transportation hub, the Grand River needs to gain more attention.
Solutions for the Runoff Issue in the Grand River in Downtown Grand Rapids
Solutions for the Runoff Issue in the Grand River in Downtown Grand Rapids
Rain that accumulates on roadways, parking lots, rooftops, or other properties and runs off into surrounding lakes and rivers is referred to as stormwater runoff. As it continues to rain heavily, it begins to mix with the surface debris. In increasingly populated, high-traffic regions like Grand Rapids, this problem keeps presenting itself.
The problem of stormwater pollution cannot be resolved by a pollution permit or a treatment facility since stormwater runoff originates from small, isolated sources throughout the watershed. However, communities are able to help limit the issue.
Researching this issue further, there are a variety of actions that can be taken in order to minimize this issue in the areas surrounding the Grand River and help reduce the harmful effects on the river itself.
We can prioritize buying environmentally safe household cleaners. There are many toxic-free and biodegradable brands such as:
The Grove Collaborative
Blueland
ECOS
Dropps
Branch Basics
In order to dispose of materials that are potentially harmful to the environment, we can take them to local collection sites. Additionally, we can take used motor oil and antifreeze to recycling centers or hazardous waste collection centers
Minimize the use of pesticides, herbicides and fertilizers as much as possible
Use a broom instead of a hose to clean up yard clippings
Pick up animal wastes and properly dispose of them in garbage cans
Reduce the leakage of oil, antifreeze and other fluids from your car by taking the steps to keep up with regular inspections and maintenance
We can wash our cars at local car washes rather than in our driveways to prevent chemicals making their way into storm drains that make their way into the nearby rivers.
We can utilize walking and biking during the warmer months and public transportation or carpooling during the colder months to reduce greenhouse gas emissions
Every little step can make a difference to minimize this sustainability issue in Grand Rapids
WORKS CITED
Alexander, J. (2010, July 11). Grand river series: Waterway's history is one of ruin and recovery. mlive. Retrieved November 11, 2022, from https://www.mlive.com/outdoors/2010/07/grand_river_series_waterways_h.html
Liboiron, M. (2021). Land, Nature, Resource, Property. In Pollution is colonialism (pp. 39–81). essay, Duke University Press.
Trap, P. (2019). Rails and the River. In Connections along the Grand River: A journey through west michigan history (pp. 12–13). essay, Grand Valley State University, Kutsche Office of Local History.
What You Can Do To Reduce Urban Runoff Pollution. National Ocean Service (2022). from https://montereybay.noaa.gov/resourcepro/urbancando.html
Page updated
Google Sites
Report abuse