HAST Earthcache: Stormwater Treatment EarthCache
HAST Earthcache: Stormwater Treatment
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This Earthcache is inspired by one of the many interpretive signs found along the Hank Aaron State Trail in Milwaukee’s Menomonee River Valley.
The Menomonee Valley is a U-shaped land formation along the southern bend of the Menomonee River in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Glacial melt water formed the Menomonee Valley over 10,000 years ago when the Green Bay Lobe of the Wisconsin Glaciation retreated and eroded a swath four miles long and half of a mile wide. Today, it is roughly bounded by the 6th Street Viaduct near the river confluence and Miller Park stadium to the west.
When rain and snow fall in a natural area, the water is absorbed and filtered by the trees, plants and the ground. But when rain falls on hard surfaces, like streets and buildings, it cannot be absorbed.
Stormwater is the rain that falls on the hard surfaces and collects dirt, salt, garbage, pet waste, oil from cars and other pollutants. Have you ever watched stormwater flow into storm drains? That dirty water may flow directly into our rivers and lakes, making fishing and swimming unsafe.
Stormwater runoff is a major cause of pollution in our waterways. The park at this interpretive sign has been designed to clean stormwater runoff before it enters the Menomonee River. By the time the rain that falls in this park reaches the Menomonee River, at least 80% of runoff pollutants have been removed.
To log a find for this Earthcache, you must perform the following:
1) Voluntary (no longer a requirement): With your “Found It” posting, include a picture of you, your team, or your GPS (if caching solo) next to the interpretive sign. Please make sure not to reveal any answers in your photo.
2) Email the cache owner with the answers to the following questions using the interpretive sign as your reference –
• What are the 4 steps that the stormwater runoff goes through before entering the Menomonee river?
• What activity can you “Do More” to prevent rain from becoming stormwater runoff?
Additional Hints
(No hints available.)
Treasures
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