Background Information on Mr. Frank Tursi

          Mr. Frank Tursi was the man I interviewed on storm water runoff and package treatment plants.  He was the second of three coast keepers hired by the North Carolina Coastal Federation.  He was also a long-time environmental journalist.  He joined the Federation in January of 2002.  He works out of the headquarters in Carteret County.  Mr. Tursi’s territories are tidal creeks, rivers, sounds, barrier islands, and near-shore waters from New River Inlet to the southern tip of Ocracoke, covering about 1,200 miles of water.  This includes 150,000 acres of estuarine water and 200 miles of ocean waters.  Some of his duties include shoreline re-nourishment and dredging projects, seeking out illegal wetland ditch and drain projects after storm water permits have been issued, establishing monitoring networks, and responding to citizen or environmental problems.  Plus, he implements a program to educate various groups about the values, tools, and techniques for protecting and restoring the coast.  The coast keeper patrols by boat, airplane, canoe, and truck.

What is storm water runoff?

          Storm water runoff occurs when precipitation from rain and snowmelt flows over the ground.  Impervious surfaces like driveways, sidewalks, and streets prevent storm water from naturally soaking into the ground.

          Storm water is a problem because it picks up debris, chemicals, dirt, and other pollutants, and flows directly into storm sewers or directly into bodies of human-used water.  Water doesn’t get treated and discharges into water we use for fishing, food, swimming, and for drinking water.

The Effects of Storm Water

            The effects of storm water can be sediment which clouds the water and makes it hard for aquatic plants to live.  Sediment can also kill other aquatic habitats.  Excess nutrients can cause algal blooms.  When algae dies it goes to the bottom and decomposes which takes oxygen out of the water.  It also causes house hold hazards because you may get water out of a body of water that could be polluted by stormwater.

Solutions

          Some solutions for storm water runoff include proper disposal of products that contain chemicals such as insecticides, pesticides, paint solvents, motor oil, and other chemicals that come from automobiles.  Don’t put chemicals in yard or storm drains.  Proper lawn care such as using minimal amounts of fertilizer is important.  There are ways to stop it, but it’s up to you.