Uf's Role In Curbing Nonpoint Source Pollution

Nonpoint source pollution (NPS) is a form of pollution that generally results from precipitation, land runoff, drainage, seepage, and atmospheric deposition. NPS is caused by rainfall or snowmelt moving over and through the ground, picking up and carrying away natural and human-made pollutants, and depositing them into lakes, rivers, wetlands, coastal waters, and groundwater. NPS pollution is the leading cause of water quality problems and has harmful effects on drinking water supplies, recreation, fisheries, and wildlife.

UF, or ultrafiltration, is a type of water purification process that can be used to reduce NPS pollution. UF uses a semi-permeable membrane to separate particles and dissolved solids from water, removing bacteria, viruses, and other contaminants. By implementing UF treatment systems, communities can effectively reduce the impact of NPS pollution on their water sources.

Vegetative Filter Strips (VFSs)

VFSs are strips of land with permanent vegetation, primarily composed of grasses, and strategically located between a cultivated field and a body of water, typically at the bottom of a slope. They act as a natural barrier and filter, slowing down and treating the polluted runoff before it reaches the water. The dense vegetation in a VFS helps trap sediment and pollutants, allowing them to settle before they can flow into lakes, rivers, or streams.

The effectiveness of VFSs in reducing nonpoint source pollution has been well-studied. Research shows that VFSs can significantly reduce the concentration of total suspended solids (TSS) and total heavy metals, as well as decrease dissolved metals and nutrient concentrations in runoff. The width of the VFS is critical to its success, with wider strips providing better filtration. A minimum width of 10 meters is often recommended, especially for pesticides harmful to aquatic organisms.

In addition to reducing nonpoint source pollution, VFSs offer several other benefits. They improve soil quality, enhance slope stability, increase groundwater quality, provide wildlife habitats, and improve the overall appearance of the land. VFSs are relatively simple to construct and maintain, making them a cost-effective solution for farmers and landowners.

Overall, Vegetative Filter Strips are an essential tool in mitigating nonpoint source pollution and protecting our precious water resources. By implementing VFSs, we can reduce the harmful impacts of pollutants on drinking water supplies, recreation, fisheries, and wildlife.

Reducing Nutrient Run-off from Fields

Adopting Nutrient Management Techniques

Farmers can improve their nutrient management practices by applying the right amount of nutrients (fertilizer and manure) at the appropriate time of year, using the correct method and placement. This ensures that nutrients are fully utilized by growing plants and reduces the risk of excess nutrients reaching water bodies.

Using Conservation Drainage Practices

Subsurface tile drainage is a common practice in the Midwest to manage water movement through soils. However, drainage water can carry nitrogen and phosphorus, so it is essential to implement strategies that reduce nutrient loads while maintaining adequate drainage for crop production. Conservation drainage includes modifying drainage system designs, using woodchip bioreactors, saturated buffers, and making changes to the drainage ditch system.

Ensuring Year-Round Ground Cover

By planting cover crops or perennial species, farmers can prevent periods of bare ground on their fields. This is crucial because bare soil is more susceptible to erosion and nutrient loss into waterways, especially during heavy rainfall or snowmelt.

Planting Field Buffers

Trees, shrubs, and grasses planted along field edges, especially those bordering water bodies, act as buffers. They absorb or filter out excess nutrients before they reach water bodies, reducing the impact of nutrient run-off on aquatic ecosystems.

Implementing Conservation Tillage

Reducing the frequency and intensity of tilling improves soil health and reduces erosion, runoff, and soil compaction. This, in turn, decreases the likelihood of nutrients reaching waterways through runoff, as the soil is better equipped to absorb and retain excess nutrients.

Managing Livestock Access to Streams

By installing fences along streams, rivers, and lakes, farmers can block livestock access, helping to restore stream banks and prevent excess nutrients from entering the water. This is important because livestock can contribute to higher E. coli levels and increase nutrient loads in water bodies.

Septic Tank Maintenance

Regular Inspection and Pumping

It is important to have your septic tank inspected regularly, typically every three to five years. During the inspection, a professional will check for any signs of leakage or malfunction and ensure that the tank is functioning properly. If the tank is not pumped regularly, solids can build up and overflow into the absorption field, causing contamination.

Proper Location and Installation

Septic systems should be installed in the right location and with careful consideration. Avoid installing the tank in areas with dense tree roots, as roots can intrude and damage pipes. Ensure the ground above the tank is not compacted, as this can cause pipes to collapse. Keep the tank away from areas with heavy traffic or equipment to prevent accidental damage.

Careful Use and Maintenance

Only flush approved items down the drain. Do not flush household cleaners, grease, oil, plastics, or other harmful substances. These can corrode pipes and interfere with the biological breakdown of wastes in the tank. Be mindful of your water usage and consider installing water-efficient fixtures to reduce the risk of overloading the septic system.

Alternative Drain Field Solutions

If you have a drain field that is not functioning optimally, consider alternative solutions such as drip distribution or mound systems. These alternative systems can provide more effective treatment of wastewater, reducing the risk of contamination.

Educate Household Members

Ensure that all members of your household understand the importance of proper septic tank maintenance and the potential consequences of misuse. Educate them on what items are safe to flush or pour down the drain and encourage responsible practices.

By following these maintenance guidelines, you can help ensure your septic tank functions properly, reducing the risk of NPS pollution and protecting your local water sources. Remember that proper maintenance not only helps the environment but also saves you money and hassle in the long run.

Managing Livestock Impacts

The impact of livestock on water quality can be reduced by implementing several strategies. Firstly, it is important to restrict livestock from directly accessing water bodies such as streams and rivers. This can be achieved by fencing off these areas and providing alternative drinking water sources. By limiting their access to water bodies, the issues of livestock trampling the stream bank and depositing feces, which leads to higher E. coli levels, can be mitigated.

Another strategy is to implement a rotational grazing system. This system reduces pasture erosion by allowing vegetation to regrow during the resting period. This also facilitates the ease of composting, further reducing nutrient impacts.

Additionally, farmers can adopt soil and water conservation practices to minimize the runoff of bacteria and nutrients from livestock manure. These practices include leaving the soil undisturbed between harvest and planting, using cover crops, and maintaining vegetated buffer strips. Such measures help to retain water and excess nutrients in the soil, reducing their negative impact on water sources.

Proper storage of livestock manure is also essential. By storing manure in lagoons, covered stockpiles, or protected upland areas, the risk of runoff contaminating water sources is minimized.

Furthermore, fencing off stream crossings can help restrict livestock access to a small area, thereby minimizing damage to the stream. This strategy is particularly effective in reducing the impact of livestock on water quality.

By implementing these measures, farmers can significantly reduce the impact of livestock on water quality, contributing to the overall improvement of water sources and the surrounding environment.

Controlling Soil Erosion

Soil erosion is a significant issue, causing more than one billion tons of topsoil loss every year. It is a natural phenomenon, but it is considered an environmental problem as it damages vegetation, landscapes, agriculture, and property. Erosion is caused primarily by strong winds and water flows, but human activities such as intensive agriculture, deforestation, road building, and urban development also contribute to the problem.

Plant Deep-Rooted Vegetation

Vegetation with deep roots helps to hold soil in place, particularly on hillsides, steep slopes, and along streams and rivers. Native prairie grasses, wildflowers, and woody perennials are good choices for erosion control as they have densely concentrated thick stems that impede water flow, allowing it to pass through slowly without causing erosion.

Apply Mulch

Mulch can be applied to cover bare soil and prevent it from being washed away. It is often used in the early stages of growing shrubs or seedlings and can help modify soil temperature and conserve moisture.

Use Erosion Control Blankets and Anchoring Devices

Erosion control blankets are made from natural or synthetic materials and are designed to hold soil in place and allow vegetation to grow through them. They slow down the flow of water and protect the soil from wind and rain. Anchoring devices, made of metal or plastic, are used to secure these blankets in place, especially during heavy rain or wind.

Install Silt Fencing

Silt fencing is a common device used in construction to control soil erosion and prevent sediment from leaving the site. It is made of geotextile fabric and supported by wooden stakes or metal posts and chain-link fencing. It traps sediment as water flows through it, allowing water to pass through while retaining the sediment.

Apply Seeding

There are two types of seeding: temporary and permanent. Temporary seeding uses fast-growing annual grasses to quickly establish vegetation on disturbed soil during construction. Permanent seeding uses a mixture of grasses and other native vegetation to establish a diverse plant community that stabilizes the soil and prevents long-term erosion.

Install Energy Dissipaters

Energy dissipaters are structures designed to absorb the energy of flowing water and disperse it over a wider area, reducing its erosive power. Check dams, riprap, gabions, and rock chutes are examples of energy dissipaters used in erosion control systems, especially in high-velocity areas.

Create Buffer Strips

Buffer strips are areas of grass or vegetation located between impervious paving materials (such as parking lots and sidewalks) and a body of water. They absorb soil, fertilizers, pesticides, and other pollutants before they can reach the water, acting as a natural filter.

Practice Conservation Tillage

Conservation tillage involves leaving crop residue from a previous harvest when planting a new crop. This reduces erosion because the field is not plowed, keeping the nutrients and pesticides in place.

Implement Crop Nutrient Management

Crop nutrient management involves applying fertilizers sparingly to prevent excess nutrient runoff. Farmers test the fields before the growing season to ensure that fertilizers are applied only as needed.

Use Beneficial Insects

Beneficial insects, such as ladybugs, praying mantises, and spiders, can be used to control agricultural pests, reducing the need for pesticides. These natural predators help protect valuable crops and reduce the environmental impact of chemical pesticides.

Frequently asked questions