Search
 
Commentary

Does your current insurance program protect you against stormwater discharge claims?

Regulations related to stormwater runoff can result in expensive fines for violators. Here's what insurance pros need to know.

By Ursula Knowles | Updated on June 09, 2015
Regulations related to stormwater runoff can result in expensive fines for violators. Here's what insurance pros need to know. (Photo: Shutterstock/jessicakirsh)

Stormwater discharge, also known as stormwater runoff, has gradually become a much bigger problem in the United States than it has been in the past.

This is primarily due to the fact that as more and more land is developed, particularly in urban areas, the hydrology (or way that water flows) changes. With this change comes a rise in the number of areas where water from rain or melting snow cannot infiltrate into the ground. This leads to increases in the volume of stormwater runoff which carries with it pollutants such as fertilizers, pesticides, sediments containing pollutants from other sources, oils, and septic tank overflows, among others. In addition, highways, roads, and parking lots contribute stormwater discharges that contain combustion products from gasoline and heavy metals.

Want to continue reading?
Become a Free
PropertyCasualty360 Digital Reader.

INCLUDED IN A DIGITAL MEMBERSHIP:

  • All PropertyCasualty360.com news coverage, best practices, and in-depth analysis.
  • Educational webcasts, resources from industry leaders, and informative newsletters.
  • Other award-winning websites including BenefitsPRO.com and ThinkAdvisor.com.

Already have an account?

NOT FOR REPRINT

© 2024 ALM Global, LLC, All Rights Reserved. Request academic re-use from www.copyright.com. All other uses, submit a request to [email protected]. For more information visit Asset & Logo Licensing.

Recommended Stories

PropertyCasualty360

Join PropertyCasualty360

Don’t miss crucial news and insights you need to make informed decisions for your P&C insurance business. Join PropertyCasualty360.com now!

  • Unlimited access to PropertyCasualty360.com - your roadmap to thriving in a disrupted environment
  • Access to other award-winning ALM websites including BenefitsPRO.com, ThinkAdvisor.com and Law.com
  • Exclusive discounts on PropertyCasualty360, National Underwriter, Claims and ALM events

Already have an account? Sign In Now
Join PropertyCasualty360

Copyright © 2024 ALM Global, LLC. All Rights Reserved.