Non Point Source Pollution

Ways to prevent Nonpoint Source Pollution

What are the Effects of NPS Pollution?

Throughout the United States reports indicate that NPS pollution is currently the leading cause of water quality problems. The effects of NPS pollutants on specific waters vary and may not always be fully assessed. However, we know that these pollutants have harmful effects on drinking water supplies, recreation, fisheries, and wildlife.

Nonpoint source pollution can seriously affect water quality. Sediments, nutrients, pesticides, debris, pathogens, oil and toxic chemicals enter local waterways, travel downstream into our larger rivers, and even into areas such as the Chesapeake and Delaware Bays, the Great Lakes and the Mississippi Gulf. These pollutants cloud the water, reduce the water's vital oxygen supply, and disrupt stream habitat, affecting thousands of plants and animals as well as humans who rely on our waters.

What can we do about NPS Pollution?

Be a good neighor:

Individuals who do not live next to a stream may find it difficult to understand how their actions can impact water quality. No matter how distant you are from a waterway, through creeks, rivers, and underground springs we are all connected because We All Live Downstream. When you get involved in protecting local water quality you can take pride in knowing your efforts will extend beyond the boundaries of your backyard and help improve the quality of life in neighborhoods located further downstream. Nonpoint source pollution is a collective problem - directly or indirectly it is the result of many individual actions. How can you be a Good Neighbor and help to control nonpoint source pollution?

What farmers can do:

Team up with the Jefferson County Conservation District. Learn how you can get the maximum value out of animal manure. A nutrient management plan may help you save money and at the same time, protect water quality. Incorporate "Best Management Practices" into your farming operation. They can help optimize your harvests and reduce soil erosion. You may be eligible to receive cost-share assistance for implementing these approved practices. Contact the Jefferson County Conservation District for more information. Explore using Integrated Pest Management (IPM), a program designated to help reduce pesticide pollution. For more on IPM, contact your local Cooperative Extension Office.

What can developers do?

Control runoff from construction sites. Familiarize yourself with Pennsylvania's Erosion and Sediment Control regulations and seek assistance from the Jefferson County Conservation District office. Minimize disturbances to trees and vegetation. Follow storm water management guidelines when designing and installing drainage systems. Practice good industrial housekeeping. Control toxins from industrial sites by developing and following a pollution prevention plan. Make sure you have the right permits for all operations, including manufacturing, storage, disposal, and cleanup.

What can everyone do to help?

Plant trees, shrubs, and groundcovers to prevent soil erosion on your property. Report sediment and erosion control problems to your county conservation district. Call your local Cooperative Extension office for help with soil testing to determine the right amount and type of fertilizer to use on your lawn and garden. Mow your grass to a height of three inches or more to encourage a good root system and shade out weeds. Dispose of used motor oil, antifreeze, paints, and other hazardous materials properly. Never dump substances down a storm drain, into the soil, or into a waterway! For proper disposal of thes items contact, Jefferson County Solid Waste Authority. Join a citizen stream cleanup, watershed association, or water quality monitoring effort.

An important step to reducing nonpoint source pollution is to reduce the amount of pollutants available for rain water to pick up in the first place.

Excess Nutrients - These are fertilizers you might apply to your plants or pet waste on your property. These nutrients are considered man introduced to your environment so they are excessive and can contaminate water. You can reduce the access that stormwater has to these pollutants by reducing or eliminating the amount of fertilizers you use on your property and to clean up your pet waste regularly.

Chemicals - These can include household chemicals you may dump out, leaking chemicals from your automobile and pesticides you may add to your landscape. Reduce these pollutants by disposing of household chemicals properly, regularly check your automobile and other machinery for leaks, and reduce the amount of pesticides you use in your landscape. To check where you can properly dispose of these products, contact the Solid Waste Authority. Agricultural operations need to prevent excess pesticides, fertilizers as well as animal manure from entering waterways.

Soil Erosion - Soil is a pollutant that most people don't recognize. Too much soil in water can cover aquatic habitat. It can smother fish eggs and clog fish gills. Additionally, if the soil is contaminated with chemicals or excess nutrients, this is an added problem. A landowner can reduce the amount of eroding soil from their backyard by covering exposed soil with mulch. Fill in bare areas with native plants. Steep slopes can be terraced to slow water or try planting a cover crop in your recently harvested vegetable garden. Large construction sites need to use proper erosion & sedimentation control measures, such as silt fencing, to reduce water pollution.

Resource Extraction - Acid drainage from abandoned mines and mine waste piles causes more stream and rivers to be polluted in Pennsylvania than any other type of pollution. Improperly sealed oil and gas wells and leaking underground tanks used to store petroleum products can contaminate surface and ground water.

Acid Rain

Groundwater Animated Video

North Fork Watershed Association

Protecting Water

US EPA

Water Pollution in PA