Natural drainage a solution to Carson River pollution

Susie Vasquez, The Record-Courier
February 19, 2008

Depending on the day and the amount of water flowing, the Carson River carries between 36 and 68 percent more phosphorus than it should, just one of the pollutants identified in the river.

The river has been placed on the list of impaired or threatened water bodies in Nevada and phosphorus levels are being monitored, but no real progress has been made with respect to cleanup, according to Susan Donaldson, water quality education specialist for the University of Nevada Cooperative Extension.

Phosphorus comes from fertilizers and waste, but the primary culprit in Carson Valley is the disturbance of soils, she said.

"Phosphorus binds to soil particles and is released when the soil is disturbed," she said. "We need to stabilized the soil here, but we're not doing a good job of it."

To view entire article, visit website.