Sediment / Volume
As a note, sediment pollution is not specific to Vermont. For example, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has estimated that construction sites, on a per acre basis, contribute as much as 60,000 pounds of sediment per year to downstream locations, compared to cropland, which contributes 2,000 -20,000 pounds per year.
As suburban communities are developed, sediment production is an issue; following construction, it is reported that multi-family developments deliver as much as 400 pounds per acre.*
This sediment burden is accompanied by increased stormwater volume due to anthropogenic influences.
"Increased storm water volumes and velocities associated with development in a watershed may also result in the scouring of wetland substrates if BMPs are not in place to slow and reduce flows..."**
*(GWQ020 Polluted Urban Runoff – A Source of Concern I-02-97-5M-20-S DNR: WT-483-97)
**( EPA 841-B-01-001 June 2001)