Best Management Practices - Horse Owners and Equine Industry Horses and Livestock Animal waste contributes to ocean pollution when it is improperly stored or left uncovered near small streams and storm drains. During rainfall, it is washed into storm drains and flows, untreated, directly into the ocean. The nutrients fertilize the aquatic plants, which proliferate, depleting oxygen in the water and killing sea life. The high bacteria levels in the water can cause gastro-intestinal disorders and other medical problems for swimmers.
Sediment is also a common pollutant washed from pastures and livestock facilities.
It creates multiple problems once it enters the ocean. It harms sea life by clogging the gills of fish, blocking light transmission and increasing ocean water temperature. Solutions Facilities Design Site barns, corrals and other high-use areas on the portion of property that drains away from the nearest creek or stream. Install gutters that will divert runoff away from livestock area. Design diversion terraces which drain into areas with sufficient vegetation to filter the flow.