Destructive Impact of Coastal Development On New England Estuaries

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has a released study that shows that over the last 15 years, nutrient contamination in New England and the Gulf of Maine has increased. The main causes are pesticide use, stormwater runoff, and sewage leaks.
Eutrophication, caused by increasing concentrations of the nutrients phosphorous and nitrogen. This process is causing a boon in the algal population in the Gulf of Maine, devouring huge quantities of oxygen and effectively suffocating other ocean life.. Coastal development is increasing, stormwater runoff, agricultural pesticides, and sewage leaks adding to the eutrophication of the coastal waters.

Sources:
Nate Berg, Planetizen
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Dec 29, 2006

Key words:
Connecticut
Maine
Massachusetts
New Hampshire
Rhode Island
Environment
Urban Development / Real Estate