Land development creates impervious surfaces through construction of roads, parking lots, and other structures. Impervious surfaces:
Contribute to nonpoint source water pollution by limiting the capacity of soils to filter runoff.
Affect peak flow and water volume, which heighten erosion potential and affect habitat and water quality.
Increase storm water runoff, which can deliver more pollutants to water bodies that residents may rely on for drinking and recreation.1 Storm runoff from urban and suburban areas contains dirt, oils from road surfaces, nutrients from fertilizers, and various toxic compounds.
