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As we continue to destroy the natural buffer zones between developed land and creeks/rivers, we will see this water pollution and health problems grown exponentially in coming years. You see, we do not have the protections in place for these buffer zones, and yet only a small strip of vegetated land is needed to naturally filter out these contaminants. But, most farmers and ranchers fail to understand the value of the buffers and plant and run cattle right down to the water's edge. Run off then enters water bodies unfiltered.
Factory (large) farms are the other cause of heavy pollutant loading to rivers. The volume of waste is simply too large to naturally degrade and filter. Yet zoning laws in 99% of the country fail to account for the need for buffer zones and diversified land use. If we took into account the very minimal environmental needs of our planet in practically written laws and regulations, we would do ourselves a favor. Instead, we will bear huge health and future environmental costs that will force us to pay much higher than necessary taxes to address the problems after the fact.
Mother nature has a great ability to filter out contaminants from runoff but when we destroy natural greenspace and wetlands in the critical areas where they serve greatest function, we will see a rise in these kinds of health problems. |
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Riparian buffer destruction is to blame. Write your Congressmen; oppose the proposed EPA record budget cuts New 
BoaterTalk 
