Nonpoint source pollution finds its ways into waterways from practically everywhere. It is caused by human activities and natural processes involving land, air and water. In the natural world, it can take thousands of years for rain to wash away and erode soil creating sediment pollution. However, unprotected earth disturbances caused by human activities such as highway construction and land development can create sediment pollution, virtually overnight. That's why it's critical that you learn all you can about preventing sediment pollution.
Sediment pollution is soil out of place.
It is a product of activities by man which lead to severe soil loss. When these large quantities of soil enter our waters, sediment pollution occurs. An excessive quantity of soil in our water causes damage to fish and vegetation. Fish have gills which extract needed oxygen out of the water and these gills become clogged when the water becomes too clouded with sediment. Sediment can cover fish eggs and the gravel nests they rest in.