SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (SDNW) -- Nearly three-quarters of South Dakota rivers are considered impaired by the federal government.
The river pollution arrives in two basic forms: so-called “point source” pollution from pipes that carry municipal or industrial wastewaters; and indirect, or “non-point source” pollution that runs off the land and into rivers slowly and steadily over time.
A South Dakota News Watch investigation into state river quality and threats shows that while point-source pollution dischargers are subject to a highly regulated, if occasionally flawed, form of government oversight, non-point polluters are generally guided only by volunteer or incentivized attempts to improve their processes to limit pollution releases.
The result is that despite the availability of processes proven to reduce pollution, agricultural operations continue to contribute high levels of oxygen-depriving nitrates and harmful E.coli bacteria into rivers and lakes.
And urban runoff that flows into waterways continues to pick up sand and grit, pet droppings, oil, grease, fuels and toxic metals from vehicle emissions, road salt and other roadway additives, and pesticides and fertilizers from lawns.
The story package also includes alarming findings from new river quality studies. One School of Mines & Technology study shows that Rapid Creek and the Big Sioux River host genetic markers for the most dangerous form of E.coli bacteria that in mutated form can cause illness or even death by ingestion of a single drop.
Reporter Bart Pfankuch will detail the study findings.
Click here to read the full report.
