Construction and clearing land often put sediment in rivers and bodies of water. Filling in wetlands takes away natural water filters that can break down many pollutants before they reach other water bodies. Oil, debris, paint and other harmful chemicals also can runoff with water and sediment from construction sites.
Effects:
Soil and sediment smothers and kills aquatic life. It also absorbs and carries with it other toxins that reduce water quality. Oil, grease, degreasers and other chemicals soak into the ground and contaminate drinking water, causing health problems. Those toxins as well as paint and other hazardous materials can harm and kill fish and land animals drinking the water.
