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Growth in industrial and residential development has converted thousands of acres of land, including upland acreage previously under silviculture and wetlands. Prior to 1973, residential development also included the construction of elaborate systems of canals through both upland and coastal marsh habitats in order to provide deep-water access. Industrial development has included expansion of shipbuilding and port and harbor facilities, as well as increases in the numbers of wood-product and oil and gas associated operations. Along with development comes an increased level of point-source and non-point source pollution and the associated impacts to the freshwater and near-shore coastal environment. Non-point source pollution is recognized nationwide as a major contributor of contaminants to rivers, waterways and inshore waters. Common sources of non-point pollution in Alabama and Mississippi include agriculture (both crop and livestock farming) silviculture, stormwater runoff, failing individual septic systems, surface mining, landfills and hazardous waste sites. Failing septic systems are problems for individual homeowners as well as to the environment. Environmental concerns exist when the native soil is not properly treating the sewage and untreated or partially treated sewage enters the water table potentially contaminating private drinking water wells, rivers, bayous, or nearshore waters. The expansion of development in the Mississippi-Alabama coastal region and the associated increase in non-permeable surfaces such as parking lots and rooftops has intensified the need for stormwater management strategies both to protect water quality and minimize coastal flood hazards. Areas which have historically been safe from rainfall-induced flooding are now at risk due to poor drainage and increased surface runoff. Changes in coastal land use have impacted water-dependent industries. The harvesting sector of the seafood industry has lost access to vital vessel support services such as ice plants, fuel docks, and unloading facilities. Vessels that travel to other ports or states to receive these primary services remove a substantial portion of the market for secondary support services such as net shops, marine repair businesses, marine supply businesses, etc. There are many of these small businesses along the Mississippi and Alabama coast. There is also a shortage of mooring facilities for small craft of all types (commercial and recreational). Like many other coastal states, Mississippi and Alabama are at risk of losing traditional “working waterfronts” due to economic pressures associated with the expansion of residential, hotel, condominium and, particular to Mississippi, casino development. As public awareness of the environment grows, so does the knowledge that no one part of it is isolated from the rest. What were once thought to be harmless activities are now known to have potentially large consequences to the quality of our lives. Nowhere has this new found awareness become more evident than in our coastal areas. Topics such as coastal pollution, marine debris, endangered species and wetland loss are increasingly discussed as part of public debate about developmental pressures on the environment and associated resources. Other issues facing Mississippi and Alabama include the potential for establishment of invasive species and disease brought into the state either through importation of raw seafood products or the introduction of foreign species. Fisheries productivity in many regions has been severely impacted by the introduction of invasive species and disease. More and more people are concerned about the levels of these activities and the need to limit them, and/or in some cases, reverse past damage. The most significant coastal hazard facing Mississippi and Alabama is the devastation brought about by tropical storms and hurricanes. As coastal communities continue to rebuild after these events, they are faced with many challenges. Among these challenges are new flood elevation building requirements, increased insurance costs or lack of available insurance, and the increased costs of building structures and infrastructure capable of withstanding hurricane winds and storm surges. Many coastal residents have simply chosen to move inland causing exponential growth in smaller cities and towns which are unprepared to provide necessary services to the thousands of new residents. There are also water-quality issues associated with this new development away from the coast but still within coastal watersheds. Other coastal hazards facing the region include sea level rise and rip currents. |
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