The Environmental and Economic Impacts of Swamp Wetland

Pollution and Destruction

South Carolina Department of Natural Resources

Grayson M. Gamble
Contents
Abstract 2

Destruction and Pollution 2

Destruction 2

Pollution 2

Importance of Swamp Wetland Restoration 3

Preventive Measures and Restoration 3

Flood and Erosion Protection 3

Natural Filters 3

Wildlife Habitat 4

Conclusion 4

Abstract 2

Importance of Swamp Wetlands 2

Natural Filters 2

Flood and Erosion Protection 2

Wildlife Habitat 3

Destruction and Pollution 3

Destruction 3

Pollution 4

Preventative Measures and Restoration 4

Conclusion 4

1
Figures

Figure 1 42

Abstract
Swamps have been viewed by many people as an unpleasant and dreary part of our country for
centuries. This is mostly due to its unforgiving terrain during explorations and territorial
expansions in our country’s history. Many swamps have characteristics such as flooded
woodlands, soft and muddy bottoms, and an abundance of insects and predators. These
characteristics have led to negative connotations surrounding swamps and ultimately led to them
being repurposed and destroyed. Wetlands are a fragile ecosystem, which is slowly trying to help
the world, while the human population is destroying it (Wilson). Wetland restoration is very
important in the health and longevity of ecosystems around the world. We can ensure this by
restoring wetlands to their original chemical and biological characteristics before their
destruction. This will give better flood protection, water quality, and habitat for the animals and
land around us.

Destruction and Pollution

Destruction
Humans have been the leading cause of swamp wetland destruction over the last 200 years.
Manmade lakes have been used for hunting, fishing, and other recreational uses. Many of these
lakes are made by damming swamps and rivers to raise the water level in a specified area. This is
detrimental to the wildlife and ecosystems which depend on the water. In addition to the
manmade lakes, parking lots have been constructed to hold the large amounts of people coming
for the entertainment. The parking lots increase the erosion factor to a point that is not suitable
for the area, thus causing more destruction of space to account for the runoff. Hurricanes have

2
also led to the destruction of many acres of swampland. While swamps are built to take on large
volumes of water, the harsh winds and large spurts of rainfall take its toll on the ecosystem
(BirdLife).

Pollution
Many of the man-made lakes not only disrupt the water flow of wetlands, but the influx of people
will also bring pollution. Trash and debris will be left and thrown into the ecosystem, many of
which will take hundreds of years to erode. The boating industry brings in harmful gasses and
oils, while also destroying vegetation with boat propellers. Humans have also played a huge part
in global warming. Global warming raises the temperature of the water and allows algae run
ramped. If algae continue to grow at an alarming rate, many of the small ecosystems that depend
on other plants will cease to exist. This will not only impact the plant life in wetlands but will
also destroy the fragile food chain within (Ronca).

Importance of Swamp Wetland Restoration

Preventive Measures and Restoration
Wetland restoration is the manipulation of a former or degraded wetland’s physical, chemical, or
biological characteristics to return its natural functions” (Www.epa.gov) Wetland restoration can
be voluntary or regulatory. Regulatory restoration is typically the use of laws to prevent further
destruction of wetlands and implementation of permits for wetland destruction. Voluntary
restoration can be done through non-profit organizations or environmental clubs. Many of these
organization find funding through different federal agencies such as EPA, USDA, and USFWS
(Www.epa.gov).

Importance of Swamp WetlandsFlood and Erosion

Protection
Wetlands are important transition zones. They act as a bathtub, storing flood waters and
protecting downstream lands (Www.epa.gov). Because of their natural “bathtub” ability,
wetlands reduce the potential destruction water can have. By preserving wetlands, the
preservation of many other lands downstream and adjacent are conserved, limiting damage,
costs, and destruction. As the climate changes, flood risks have also increased. There are heavier
rainfalls more often and urbanization has decreased available grounds to absorb rainwaters
because of the increased development of pavements. Wetlands soak up excess water during
flooding and trap soil particles before washing downstream. The root systems of trees and plants
in swamp wetlands allow the water to be dispersed over the entire floodplain, instead of eroding
or flooding a watershed. On average, flooding will increase by 80% if there has been significant
damage to the wetland (Wetlands as a Tool for Flood Control and Prevention). By slowing the

3
water velocity with vegetation, the soil has more time to take on the excess water. The root
systems hold the soil in place, thus preventing erosion and soil loss (Www.epa.gov).

Natural Filters
As seen in Figure 1, Swamp wetlands act as natural water filters by slowing down rainfall before
the water reaches lakes and other bodies of water. The plants and trees absorb the nutrients from
rainfall and streams before the excess of nutrients flows further downstream. Without this, lakes
and rivers are filled with harmful amounts of CO2 in bodies of water. Higher levels of CO2 can
result in higher water acidity, which can harm vegetation and arthropods.Through wetland
restoration, many of the natural filters in the environment can be replenished to help fight the
high levels of CO2 Also, much of the runoff from large cities or agricultural towns would most
likely contaminate the world’s water supply. Aside from being a natural water filter, swamps
offer a filter for the food chain. Swamps are a breeding ground for many microorganisms,
insects, and fish (Press). The natural lifecycle of these animals has kept the populations of birds
and mammals alive for millenniums, thus feeding the rest of the world. The environmental
impacts of destroying swamp wetlands would not only be detrimental to swamps, but every other
ecosystem as well.

Figure 1. Process of how wetlands filter runoff and precipitation. (Wetland Purify)
Flood and Erosion Protection
Wetlands are important transition zones. They act as a bathtub, storing flood waters and
protecting downstream lands (Www.epa.gov). Because of their natural “bathtub” ability,
wetlands reduce the potential destruction water can have. By preserving wetlands, the
preservation of many other lands downstream and adjacent are conserved, limiting damage,
costs, and destruction. As the climate changes, flood risks have also increased. There are heavier

4
rainfalls more often and urbanization has decreased available grounds to absorb rainwaters
because of the increased development of pavements. Wetlands soak up excess water during
flooding and trap soil particles before washing downstream. The root systems of trees and plants
in swamp wetlands allow the water to be dispersed over the entire floodplain, instead of eroding
or flooding a watershed. On average, flooding will increase by 80% if there has been significant
damage to the wetland (Wetlands as a Tool for Flood Control and Prevention). By slowing the
water velocity with vegetation, the soil has more time to take on the excess water. The root
systems hold the soil in place, thus preventing erosion and soil loss (Www.epa.gov).

Wildlife Habitat
“More than one-third of the United States' threatened and endangered species live only in
wetlands, and nearly half use wetlands at some point in their lives” (Www.epa.gov). Wetlands
consist of salt or freshwater. They are often some of the most productive habitats on our planet.
Swamps occur naturally and are characterized by their prominent woody vegetation like shrubs
and trees (Wetlands, WWF). Additionally, they are found in a wide variety of climate zones.
This type of wetland supports the lives of birds, mammals, fish, reptiles, amphibians, and
invertebrates, and are the starting point for many species—they are a great habitat for
biodiversity. Beside humans, wetlands are extremely beneficial as they serve as natural filters,
flood control, storm protection, and recreation. Along the lines of humans and the wildlife habitat
of swamps and wetlands, recreational and commercial fisheries support nearly two million jobs
in the U.S. and contribute billions of dollars in sales (Fisheries, NOAA). This can only be
accomplished with a healthy, dependable wildlife habitat.

Destruction and Pollution

Destruction
Humans have been the leading cause of swamp wetland destruction over the last 200 years.
Manmade lakes have been used for hunting, fishing, and other recreational uses. Many of these
lakes are made by damming swamps and rivers to raise the water level in a specified area. This is
detrimental to the wildlife and ecosystems which depend on the water. In addition to the
manmade lakes, parking lots have been constructed to hold the large amounts of people coming
for the entertainment. The parking lots increase the erosion factor to a point that is not suitable
for the area, thus causing more destruction of space to account for the runoff. Hurricanes have
also led to the destruction of many acres of swampland. While swamps are built to take on large
volumes of water, the harsh winds and large spurts of rainfall take its toll on the ecosystem
(BirdLife).

Pollution
Many of the man-made lakes not only disrupt the water flow of wetlands, but the influx of people
will also bring pollution. Trash and debris will be left and thrown into the ecosystem, many of

5
which will take hundreds of years to erode. The boating industry brings in harmful gasses and
oils, while also destroying vegetation with boat propellers. Humans have also played a huge part
in global warming. Global warming raises the temperature of the water and allows algae run
ramped. If algae continue to grow at an alarming rate, many of the small ecosystems that depend
on other plants will cease to exist. This will not only impact the plant life in wetlands but will
also destroy the fragile food chain within (Ronca).

Preventive Measures and Restoration

Wetland restoration is the manipulation of a former or degraded wetland’s physical, chemical, or
biological characteristics to return its natural functions” (Www.epa.gov) Wetland restoration can
be voluntary or regulatory. Regulatory restoration is typically the use of laws to prevent further
destruction of wetlands and implementation of permits for wetland destruction. Voluntary
restoration can be done through non-profit organizations or environmental clubs. Many of these
organization find funding through different federal agencies such as EPA, USDA, and USFWS
(Www.epa.gov).

Conclusion
The South Carolina Department of Natural resources depends on the Clean Water Act to regulate
the wetlands in South Carolina. “Currently there is no South Carolina state specific program for
regulating wetlands” (Wetlands, SCDNR). Implementing a specific program for wetland
regulation and restoration would benefit our state in numerous ways. Swamp Wetlands feed
many of the rivers and lakes in the state. The state will not only look better by preventing
pollution in these areas, but the state of South Carolina will be healthier overall.

Works Cited

Birdlife Data Zone, http://datazone.birdlife.org/sowb/casestudy/large-dams-and-barrages-are-

anincreasing-threat-to-wetland-dependent-birds.

Clay, Margaret. “See You Later, Alligator.” Columbia Metropolitan Magazine, 24 Mar. 2019,
https://columbiametro.com/article/see-you-later-alligator/.

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Fisheries, NOAA. “Coastal Wetland Habitat.” NOAA, 4 Feb. 2022,
https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/national/habitat-conservation/coastal-wetland-habitat.

Press, Cell. “Rising CO2 Is Causing Trouble in Freshwaters Too, Study Suggests.” ScienceDaily,
ScienceDaily, 11 Jan. 2018,
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2018/01/180111141736.htm.

Ronca, Debra. “How Wetlands Work.” HowStuffWorks Science, HowStuffWorks, 19 Feb. 2020,
https://science.howstuffworks.com/environmental/green-science/wetland3.htm.

“Wetlands as a Tool for Flood Control and Prevention.” Tinkers Creek Watershed Partners, 4
Apr. 2017, https://www.tinkerscreek.org/wetlands-tool-flood-control-prevention/.

“Wetlands Purify.” DNREC Alpha, 19 Jan. 2021,

https://dnrec.alpha.delaware.gov/watershedstewardship/wetlands/purify/.

“Wetlands.” SCDNR - Wetlands, https://www.dnr.sc.gov/wildlife/wetlands/.

“Wetlands.” WWF, World Wildlife Fund, https://www.worldwildlife.org/habitats/wetlands?

ad=semD&an=msn_s&am=broad&q=ani mals
%2Bhabatat&o=22841&qsrc=999&l=sem&askid=9e811871-24c4-4d55-
a867083d99c651ef-0-ab_msb.

Wilson, Anthony. Swamp: Nature and Cullture. Reaktion Books, 2017.

Www.epa.gov. https://www.epa.gov/sites/default/files/2021-02/documents/form3520-1-2021-
01secured-enabled.pdf.

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