What is Toxics Pollution?
Sources of toxics pollution Chemical contaminants enter the Bay and its rivers from natural processes, such as the weathering of rock, and human activities, such as manufacturing and driving. Like nutrients, chemical contaminants enter the Bay from both point and non-point sources: • Point sources, such as industries and wastewater treatment plants that discharge wastewater directly into local waterways. Although these discharges are easier to manage and regulate, they are not always the biggest source of chemical contaminants to the Bay and rivers. • Non-point sources, such as urban and suburban storm water runoff, are significant sources of chemical contaminants because they carry residue from many outdoor products, including automobile emissions and pest control substances, that reach local storm drains. These types of pollution are difficult to control. • Air pollution is also a source of chemical contaminants in the Bay and its rivers. In order to reduce chemical releases, Bay man
