A sheen harms aquatic life through toxicity and reduces oxygen exchange at the surface. Sheens on water are some of the most visible and easily identifiable contamination outcomes, as even a small amount of oil can stretch the sheen over a very large span of water.

Major plant loss is a frightening result of contamination because it can lead to crop collapse, jeopardize an organic farm operation, reduce property values, or weaken local ecosystems.

Volatile aromatic chemicals, sewage, industrial operations, or decaying waste can create many types of disgusting smells, and these smells often indicate airborne pollutants that can irritate eyes and lungs, or worse.

Construction projects can sometimes contaminate soils, air, or water by improper waste handling and spreading dust into the surrounding area. These are frequent targets for environmental regulators; however, neighbors generally feel the brunt of the pain.

Development clearing or illegal logging activities sometimes take too many trees or the wrong trees, increasing soil erosion and further degrading wildlife habitat. Property owners of these trees can make a litany of claims against such illegal tree felling.

Major industrial facilities are strictly regulated for their inputs and outputs, such as air emissions from smokestacks. However, regulators generally cannot catch every violation and may not adequately protect the interests of nearby landowners.

It is never good when you see someone sandbagging in your vicinity.