What kind of pollution results from urban development and impervious surfaces?

Urban development and the creation of impervious surfaces, such as roads, parking lots, and buildings, lead to non-point source pollution. This type of pollution is characterized by its diffuse origins and is typically not traceable to a single outlet or source. Instead, it arises from a variety of sources across a large area, often as a result of rainfall or snowmelt washing over these impervious surfaces. As water flows over the land, it picks up pollutants such as oils, heavy metals, debris, and nutrients from fertilizers, which are then carried into nearby water bodies.

In contrast, point source pollution originates from a specific, identifiable source, such as a pipe discharging wastewater or a discharge from an industrial facility. The nature of urban runoff following precipitation events does not conform to this definition, as it is representative of collective contributions from various land uses rather than a single source.

Thus, the impact of urban development and impervious surfaces aligns directly with the characteristics of non-point source pollution, supporting the selection of that particular choice.