Kiera Jefferson
Nonpoint source (NPS) pollution is a significant issue for coastal regions, impacting the environment, economy, and quality of life for communities. NPS pollution is challenging to control as it originates from numerous sources and locations, including land runoff, precipitation, drainage, and human activities such as boating and agriculture. The high population density along coastlines further exacerbates the problem. To address this complex issue, various strategies are being employed, including the use of sediment fences, buffer strips, and riparian corridors to mitigate runoff and filter pollutants. Additionally, public education, proper waste disposal, and the selection of non-toxic cleaning products are crucial for reducing NPS pollution. While federal policies and funding play a role, local initiatives and individual actions are vital in combating NPS pollution and preserving the health and beauty of coastal areas.
How to Control Nonpoint Source Pollution at the Coastline
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Population Density | High population densities along coastal regions place stress on the environment, increasing the chances of nonpoint source pollutants entering waterbodies. |
| Federal Priorities | The federal government's focus on point source pollution and insufficient grant funding for NPS pollution control has allowed the problem to persist and grow. |
| EPA Fact Sheets | The EPA provides fact sheets with information on public involvement, federal programs, and actions to address the impact of NPS pollution on coastal areas. |
| Riparian Corridors | Buffer zones between used land and streams can regulate water temperature, protect banks from erosion, and filter pollutants. Allowing natural growth and planting native vegetation can enhance their function. |
| Stormwater Management | Implementing pollution prevention strategies, properly containing hull maintenance areas, and designing fueling and sewage collection stations for easy spill cleanup can help manage stormwater runoff. |
| Boating and Marinas | Using non-toxic cleaning products, maintaining boats away from water, recycling used oil, and keeping boat motors well-tuned are ways to reduce pollution from boating and marina activities. |
| Sediment Fences | Used in urban, suburban, and construction areas to control erosion, trap large materials, filter sediment, and slow runoff. |
| Buffer Strips | Strips of grass or vegetation between impervious surfaces and water bodies absorb soil, fertilizers, pesticides, and other pollutants, preventing them from reaching water. |
| Conservation Techniques | Conservation tillage, crop residue management, crop nutrient management, and using beneficial insects for pest control can reduce erosion and pesticide usage in agriculture. |
| Rain Gardens and Porous Pavement | Planting rain gardens and using porous pavement materials allow stormwater to infiltrate the ground, reducing runoff and associated pollution. |
| Public Actions | Maintaining vehicles, using toxic drop-off sites, and properly maintaining septic tanks can help individuals reduce NPS pollution in their communities. |
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What You'll Learn
Riparian corridors and buffer strips
Riparian corridors are the buffer zones between used land and a stream, most often planted with vegetation. A well-established riparian corridor can help regulate water temperature, protect the bank from erosion, and filter pollutants from stormwater. The recommended width of a riparian corridor varies depending on its intended use and the surrounding land use. For example, the width of a riparian corridor in a mountainous region will differ from that in a lowland region.
The riparian buffer zone is one of the best ways to control nonpoint source pollution and can be implemented globally. A corridor of vegetation can effectively buffer valuable aquatic resources from the negative impacts of human use of the adjacent land. The streamside vegetated buffer filters nonpoint source pollutants from incoming runoff and provides habitat for a balanced, integrated, and adaptive community of riparian plants and animals.
Buffer zones also act as filters for nutrients, reduce the leakage of nitrogen, phosphorus, and pesticides, minimize erosion issues, protect against floods, and improve biodiversity. The efficiency of a riparian buffer zone in retaining nitrogen in surface runoff depends upon the zone's physical properties, including width, soil texture, slope, and vegetation biomass.
In addition to riparian corridors, buffer strips are another effective method to control nonpoint source pollution. Buffer strips are strips of grass located between impervious paving materials such as parking lots and sidewalks, and a body of water. The buffer strip absorbs soil, fertilizers, pesticides, and other pollutants before they can reach the water.
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Managing boating and marinas
Marina Planning and Design
Proper marina planning and design play a crucial role in limiting pollution. Marina fueling and sewage collection stations should be strategically designed and maintained to facilitate spill cleanup. The final marina design should strike a balance between capacity, services, access, and environmental sustainability. Additionally, the construction and operation of marinas should minimize the physical alteration of shorelines, wetlands, and aquatic habitats, as these ecosystems are vital for filtering pollutants and maintaining water quality.
Boat Maintenance and Operation
Boat maintenance and operation practices can significantly reduce water pollution. Boaters should opt for non-toxic cleaning products that are safe for humans and aquatic life. Using a drop cloth and maintaining boats away from the water can prevent chemicals and solvents from entering the water. Vacuuming up paint chips and dust, as well as careful fueling and proper disposal of used oil and motor parts, can prevent petroleum spills. Keeping boat motors well-tuned not only improves fuel efficiency but also prevents fuel and lubricant leaks.
Sewage Discharge and Waste Management
The discharge of sewage and waste from boats, especially in high-use marinas, can severely degrade water quality. Boaters should be educated about the importance of proper sewage disposal and the environmental impact of their boating habits. Marina operators should provide adequate sewage collection stations and ensure that marina fueling stations are designed for easy spill cleanup.
Stormwater Runoff Control
Implementing pollution prevention strategies for stormwater runoff is essential. Hull maintenance areas should be properly contained to control runoff. Marina parking lots, which are a significant source of stormwater runoff, can utilize buffer strips of grass to absorb fertilizers, pesticides, and other pollutants before they reach the water. Additionally, using porous pavement in parking lots can allow stormwater to infiltrate the ground, reducing the volume of runoff.
Public Education and Environmental Awareness
Educating boaters and the public about the impact of their actions on water quality is crucial. Providing information on environmentally friendly boating practices, such as proper waste disposal, sewage discharge control, and the use of non-toxic cleaning products, can foster a collective sense of responsibility for protecting aquatic ecosystems.
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Containing hull maintenance areas
Designated Hull Maintenance Areas:
Limit hull maintenance activities, including boat washing, to designated hull maintenance areas. These areas should be located away from the coastline and other water bodies to prevent the direct release of pollutants into marine ecosystems.
Infrastructure Improvements:
Implement infrastructural enhancements in the designated hull maintenance areas. This includes installing filtration systems to capture particles and contaminants from the wash water. Recycle or properly dispose of the wash water to prevent it from contaminating the surrounding environment. Surround the maintenance area with a berm or retaining wall to contain any solids or liquids that may result from the maintenance processes.
Wastewater Management:
Collect and treat wastewater generated during hull maintenance. If collecting and treating wastewater is not feasible, consider alternative options such as washing boats on a permeable surface like gravel or a lawn. Ensure that the permeable surface is far away from waterways or storm drains to allow the wastewater to infiltrate the ground without causing pollution. Place filter fabric over the permeable surface to capture solids and prevent them from entering the water.
Containment of Materials:
Keep containers of cleaning and maintenance products closed at all times to prevent spills and leaks. Properly manage and contain materials generated during hull maintenance, such as paint chips, dust, and particles. Use vacuum sanders to prevent dust and debris from falling into the water during sanding operations. Plug scuppers to contain any loose materials.
Restriction of Certain Practices:
Restrict or prohibit certain practices that can have adverse effects on the marine environment. For example, underwater hull cleaning should be discouraged due to the release of heavy metals that are harmful to aquatic life and the potential risks to the divers performing the work. Similarly, restrict or prohibit spray painting and sanding on the water to prevent the release of toxic pollutants directly into the water body.
By implementing these measures, hull maintenance areas can be effectively contained, reducing the impact of nonpoint source pollution on coastal waters and the marine environment.
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Reducing pollution from households
Nonpoint source pollution is the leading cause of water quality problems, and it is essential to take measures to control it, especially in coastal communities. Here are some ways to reduce nonpoint source pollution from households:
Properly Dispose of Hazardous Waste
It is important to keep oils, chemicals, paints, antifreeze, and other household chemicals out of local streams and storm drains. Utilize local toxic drop-off sites and properly dispose of these materials. Never pour them down storm sewers or drains.
Maintain Vehicles and Septic Tanks
Maintain vehicles to reduce leaks and keep pollutants out of stormwater runoff. Similarly, properly maintain septic tanks to ensure they function correctly, allowing solids, greases, and liquids to separate and be treated appropriately.
Manage Pet Waste
Pet waste contributes to nutrient and E. coli pollution in water bodies. Always pick up after your pet and dispose of their waste properly. Do not leave pet waste in street gutters or storm drains, as these outlets drain directly to lakes, streams, and rivers.
Plant a Rain Garden or Use Porous Pavement
In urban areas, impermeable pavement increases stormwater runoff, leading to downstream flooding and stream bank erosion. You can help reduce this by planting a rain garden to catch and infiltrate excess stormwater. Additionally, when replacing your driveway, consider using porous pavement that allows stormwater to soak through and infiltrate the ground.
Implement Buffer Strips and Retention Ponds
If you have a farm or a body of water on your property, consider implementing buffer strips of grass or other vegetation between them. These strips absorb soil, fertilizers, pesticides, and other pollutants, preventing them from reaching the water. Retention ponds can also be used to capture runoff and stormwater, allowing sediments and contaminants to settle out.
By following these practices, households can significantly reduce their contribution to nonpoint source pollution, helping to protect water quality and the environment.
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Managing wetlands
Preservation and Protection
The preservation and protection of wetlands are essential. Over half of the wetlands in the lower 48 states were lost between the late 1700s and the mid-1980s, and undisturbed wetlands continue to face threats from development. National education campaigns, watershed protection plans, and local conservation efforts are crucial to raise awareness about the importance of wetlands and prevent further loss. This involves discouraging development activities in wetlands and properly managing upstream watershed activities, such as agriculture, forestry, and urban development, to minimize their impact on these fragile ecosystems.
Restoration of Degraded Wetlands
Restoring degraded wetlands is another critical strategy. This involves replanting native plant species in degraded areas and using structural devices to control water flows when necessary. Restoration projects should aim to recreate the full range of pre-existing wetland functions, considering ecological principles such as habitat diversity and the connections between different aquatic and riparian habitat types.
Engineered Systems for Runoff Pretreatment
Constructing engineered systems that pretreat runoff before it reaches wetlands and receiving waters is the third recommended strategy by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). These systems can help remove pollutants and excess nutrients from runoff, ensuring that the wetlands receive cleaner water and reducing the risk of degradation.
Buffer Strips and Conservation Practices
Implementing buffer strips, similar to riparian corridors, can be effective in absorbing and filtering out pollutants before they reach wetlands. Buffer strips are areas of vegetation or grass planted between agricultural fields or impervious surfaces and the wetlands. Additionally, conservation practices such as conservation tillage, crop nutrient management, and the use of beneficial insects for pest control can reduce erosion and nutrient runoff, minimizing the impact on wetlands.
Integrated Landscape Approach
An integrated landscape approach considers the social, economic, and government policy issues, along with scientific knowledge, to effectively utilize wetlands for NPS control. This involves collaboration between state and local governments, volunteer groups, water quality professionals, and the public to protect and restore wetlands, ensuring their long-term health and ability to mitigate NPS pollution.
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Frequently asked questions
Nonpoint source pollution (NPS) is any source of water pollution that does not meet the legal definition of "point source" in the Clean Water Act. Point sources are defined as any discernible, confined, and discrete conveyance from which pollutants are discharged, such as pipes, ditches, or tunnels. NPS pollution comes from multiple locations and can include rainfall or snowmelt moving over and through the ground, picking up and carrying pollutants from various sources.
NPS pollution can have significant impacts on the economy and social conditions of coastal communities. It affects the beauty and health of coastal lands and waters, making them less appealing to tourists. If pollution leads to fish die-offs and dirty-looking water, it can result in financial losses for the fishing industry and coastal economies. High population densities along coastlines can also increase NPS pollution through runoff from urban areas, construction sites, and boating activities.
Controlling NPS pollution at the coastline requires a combination of strategies and efforts from various stakeholders. Here are some measures that can be implemented:
- Implementing sediment fences in urban, suburban, and construction areas to control erosion, trap large materials, filter sediment from rainwater, and slow down runoff.
- Establishing riparian corridors, which are buffer zones between used land and streams, planted with vegetation to regulate water temperature, protect against erosion, and filter pollutants.
- Encouraging the use of non-toxic cleaning products, proper waste disposal, and responsible boat maintenance practices among boaters and marina managers.
- Utilizing buffer strips of grass or other vegetation between impervious surfaces like parking lots and sidewalks, and bodies of water to absorb and filter pollutants before they reach the water.
- Implementing conservation practices in agriculture, such as conservation tillage, crop nutrient management, and integrated pest management to reduce erosion and nutrient runoff.
- Planting rain gardens, using rain barrels, and choosing porous pavement materials for driveways to reduce stormwater runoff and allow for infiltration into the ground.
