CBF: Irene Shows Importance Of Runoff Control

BALTIMORE (AP) -- A Chesapeake Bay Foundation scientist says the approach of Hurricane Irene highlights the importance of controlling stormwater runoff in the watershed.

Water quality scientist Beth McGee says controlling stormwater runoff helps minimize flooding, while also keeping pollutants such as nitrogen, phosphorus and sediment from reaching the bay.

McGee says much of the flooding that occurs during storms is a result of runoff from streets, lawns, farms and other areas, as well as tides that bring water up the bay. Preserving wetlands, creating buffer areas and landscaping areas to allow stormwater to trickle into the ground instead of running off into nearby waterways can help reduce flooding.

Forecasters say Irene could become a powerful Category 4 storm before coming ashore this weekend along the southeastern Atlantic coast.

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)