In terms of pollution, what is often a source of runoff in urban areas like Kalamazoo?

The correct answer identifies stormwater as a significant source of runoff pollution in urban areas like Kalamazoo. When it rains or snow melts, water flows over impervious surfaces such as roads, sidewalks, and parking lots. This runoff can collect various pollutants, including oil, heavy metals, and debris, as it travels through urban environments.

In urban settings, the prevalence of these hard surfaces means that natural absorption by soil and vegetation is limited, leading to increased volumes of runoff. Stormwater management is crucial in urban planning to mitigate these pollutants' impact on local water bodies. Thus, understanding stormwater's role is essential in addressing urban pollution issues effectively.

While agricultural fields, residential areas, and wastewater treatment plants can contribute to pollution, stormwater runoff specifically addresses the urban context of the question by focusing on the immediate environmental effects of urban design and infrastructure.