Nonpoint Source Pollution/Low Impact Development
Nonpoint source pollution – Widespread overland runoff containing pollutants; the contamination does not originate from one specific location, and pollution discharges over a wide land area.
In addition to industrial and sewage treatment plants, nonpoint source pollution can come from a variety of sources including:
- Residential overuse of pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers
- Urban runoff of chemicals, oil, and grease
- Sediment buildup from eroding stream banks, mismanaged construction sites and agricultural and forest lands
- Bacterial and nutrient overloads from pet wastes and defective septic systems
Studies indicate that nearly 60% of water pollution is attributed to storm water runoff. Storm water has been identified as the leading source of water pollution in this country.
Nonpoint source pollution can
- Contaminate drinking water
- Destroy wildlife habitat
- Kill fish and aquatic organisms
- Degrade the environment
- Cause public health issues
As development and urbanization continue to increase, so do the impacts of pollution from storm water runoff.
Low Impact Development (LID)
An emerging trend in managing storm water runoff is the use of Low Impact Development (LID). LID, which is poised to help restore and protect water quality, uses a set of practices crafted to reduce the runoff of water and related pollutants from the source site. This is accomplished by use of approaches such as infiltration, evapotranspiration, and the reuse of rainwater. These LID techniques help to reduce or even prevent the impact of development on streams, lakes, rivers, coastal waters, and ground water.
LID employs principles such as preserving and recreating natural landscape features, creating functional site drainage to treat storm water as a resource as opposed to a waste product. Bioretention facilities, rain gardens, rain barrels, vegetated rooftops, and permeable pavements are a sampling of LID principles and practices that help minimize negative impacts of built development and allow the natural movement of water within an ecosystem or a watershed.
BENEFITS OF LID
Ecological
- Reduction of runoff pollutants to downstream waters
- Improvement of watershed’s hydrological and ecological functions
- Reduction of sewer overflows
- Improvement of wildlife habitat
Source: Canon Envirothon web site: http://www.envirothon.org/current-competition/231.html
Also, on this site, under 2012 Recommended Resources, see “EPA How does Green Infrastructure Benefit the Environment”: http://www.envirothon.org/pdf/2012/04_EPA_green_infrastructure.pdf
As good example of nonpoint source pollution and its effect on wildlife, we turn to the example of the leopard frog. An article entitled “Homeowner’s Guide to Protecting Frogs-Lawn & Garden Care’” highlights best management practices that individuals can use to help ensure a healthy environment when caring for their property. These practices include:
- Minimizing fertilizer use
- Choosing non-chemical weed controls, when possible
- Reducing pesticide dependence
- Avoiding dumping oil, anti freeze or other household chemicals into storm drains or sewers, sink drains, or into toilets
- Keeping litter, pet waste, leaves, and debris out of street gutters and storm drains
Source: U.S. Fish & Wildlife Series, “Homeowner’s Guide to Protecting Frogs-Lawn & Garden Care”
Division of Environmental Contaminants: http://www.fws.gov/contaminants/Documents/Homeowners_Guide_Frogs.pdf
Economical
Economically, the quality of a community’s water can have significant economic importance.
- Enhanced property values
- Increased number of units developed
- Increased marketing potential and faster sales
- Money savings for developers, property owners, & communities
Source: Canon Envirothon web site: http://www.envirothon.org/current-competition/231.html
Also, on this site, under 2012 Recommended Resources, see “EPA Reducing Storm Water Costs”: http://www.envirothon.org/pdf/2012/03_EPA_reducing_stormwater_costs.pdf
Social
- Improved aesthetics
- Expanded recreational opportunities
- Improved quality of life
Source: Canon Envirothon web site: http://www.envirothon.org/current-competition/231.html
