www.pca.state.mn.us
www.mdh.state.mn.us
Health Considerations for Exposures to
Contaminated Sediments in Stormwater Collection
Systems
This fact sheet provides general information about the potential health risks associated with exposures
to contaminated sediment in stormwater collection systems in Minnesota.
Stormwater collection systems are common in urban settings
across Minnesota. They vary in size and shape, but typically
look like ponds or lakes. They help control flooding and
collect run-off from hard surfaces such as roofs, driveways,
streets, and parking lots. Stormwater collection systems
collect and concentrate pollutants to prevent them from
reaching wetlands, rivers, and lakes.
Stormwater collection systems may contain pollutants, and
contamination which could be harmful to your health.
The types of contamination in a stormwater collection system
may vary based on what drains to it. The potential health risks
of exposure to these contaminants may also vary based on the
concentration of pollutants and the potential for mixtures of
pollutants.
The 2009 Legislature enacted a bill pertaining to one specific contaminant of concern, polycyclic
aromatic hydrocarbons. PAHs can have harmful effects on human health. The Minnesota Pollution
Control Agency (MPCA) is evaluating the environmental risks associated with PAHs and working with the
Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) to identify appropriate public health safeguards.
There is little information about human exposures to contamination in stormwater collection systems.
However, there have been reports of people using stormwater settling ponds for recreational use
including wading, swimming, and fishing. Short-term exposures directly to contaminants in the sediment
may cause rashes or irritation. Washing with soap and water after direct contact is advised. In addition,
it is possible that long-term exposures to contaminants may cause additional health impacts. Data on
contamination in fish from stormwater collection system are not available; therefore MDH does not
have specific advice on fish consumption.
Direct contact with contaminated stormwater sediment should be avoided and recreational uses of
stormwater collection systems should be discouraged. This includes all forms of direct contact with
contaminated sediment such as wading and swimming.
For more information on PAH contamination in stormwater sediments and potential health effects, visit
the MPCA website at http://www.pca.state.mn.us/ktqha7e or call the MDH at 651-201-5000.
Minnesota Pollution Control Agency
651-296-6300 | 800-657-3864 | TTY 651-282-5332 or 800-657-3864
May 2012 | wq-strm4-14
Available in alternative formats