Mitigating Point Source Pollution: Strategies For A Cleaner Environment

Point source pollution is defined by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as any single identifiable source of pollution from which pollutants are discharged, such as a pipe, ditch, ship or factory smokestack. Factories, sewage treatment plants, and large farms that raise livestock are common sources of point-source pollution. To reduce point-source pollution, the Clean Water Act established the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES), which requires factories, sewage treatment plants, and other point sources to obtain a permit from the state and EPA before discharging waste into any body of water. Here are some key strategies to reduce point-source pollution:

Properly dispose of oil, grease, and other household chemicals

Properly disposing of oil, grease, and other household chemicals is essential for maintaining a healthy home environment and protecting plumbing and wastewater treatment systems. Here are some detailed guidelines for proper disposal:

Cooking Oil and Grease:

• Allow the oil or grease to cool completely before disposing of it. Hot oil can cause burns and damage containers.
• Choose a suitable container that can be sealed tightly and won't leak. Options include empty jars, milk cartons, or dedicated grease containers.
• Transfer the cooled oil to the container and seal it tightly. If the container is full, dispose of it in your household trash. For partially filled containers, continue to add oil until it's full before disposal.
• Alternatively, you can line a bowl with parchment paper, pour in the used grease, and once it cools, seal it into a bag for disposal.
• Some cities have designated drop-off locations for used cooking oil, which may be converted into biodiesel or other products. Check your local guidelines for specific regulations and resources.
• Composting small amounts of vegetable oil is an option, but avoid composting animal fats as they can create odours and attract pests.
• Reusing cooking oil is environmentally friendly and cost-effective when done correctly. Strain and store the oil in an airtight container in the refrigerator or a cool, dark place.

Motor Oil:

• Used motor oil should not be poured down drains as it can harm aquatic life and vegetation.
• Service stations are required by law to accept a certain amount of used motor oil per person per day, free of charge.

Household Chemicals:

• Do not pour household chemicals down storm sewers or drains. Utilize local toxic drop-off sites or establish a collection program for household hazardous wastes in your community.
• Clean up any spills of household chemicals, such as brake fluid, oil, grease, or antifreeze. Do not hose them into the street, as they can eventually reach local water bodies.
• Purchase household detergents and cleaners with low phosphorus content to reduce the discharge of nutrients into water bodies.

Maintain septic tanks

Septic tanks, like any other appliance, require regular maintenance to function properly and prevent water pollution. Here are some detailed instructions to maintain your septic tank:

Servicing and Inspection

Have your septic system serviced regularly by a professional. This typically includes pumping the tank every 2-5 years, depending on your household size, and inspecting the tank for leaks. Regular servicing ensures that your septic tank functions efficiently and reduces the risk of harmful wastewater seeping into nearby water sources.

Conserve Water

Conserving water in your household helps prevent the septic tank from overfilling. Remember that for every flush of the toilet, an equal amount of water enters the drain field. By reducing water consumption, you can minimize the amount of liquid discharged into the drain field, which gives the system time to treat the wastewater effectively.

Proper Waste Disposal

Only dispose of necessary waste down your drains. Avoid using garbage disposals with a septic system, as they can lead to an excess of solid materials in your tank. Do not flush items like tissues, feminine hygiene products, or diapers down the toilet, as they can quickly clog the system. Instead, dispose of these items in the trash.

Avoid Compacting Soil

Refrain from compacting the soil covering your septic drain field. Once the soil becomes compacted, it loses its effectiveness and cannot be restored. Keep the area above your drain field clear of heavy vehicles or equipment to prevent soil compaction.

Avoid Harmful Chemicals

Do not use detergents or additives in your septic system, as they can clog the perforated pipes in the drain field and potentially kill the beneficial bacteria that break down the wastewater. Choose household detergents and cleaners that are low in phosphorus to reduce the discharge of nutrients into lakes, streams, and coastal waters.

Reduce livestock impact on water quality

Livestock farming is a significant contributor to point source pollution. Large farms that raise livestock are referred to as Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFOs) and are considered potential sources of point source pollution. This is due to the high volume of untreated animal waste that can enter nearby water bodies, leading to increased pollution levels. To reduce the impact of livestock on water quality, several measures can be implemented:

Block Direct Access to Water Bodies

The most efficient way to improve water quality is to prevent livestock from directly accessing streams, rivers, and other water sources. Fencing off these areas and providing alternative drinking water sources can reduce the risk of contamination.

Implement Rotational Grazing

Creating a rotational grazing system can help reduce pasture erosion and give vegetation time to grow. This practice also facilitates composting and reduces nutrient impacts on water sources.

Improve Water Quality and Cleanliness

Good water quality and cleanliness are essential for increasing water intake and improving livestock production. Regular testing of water sources is recommended, especially for shallow water sources, during droughts, or when there are concerns about water quality.

Manage Animal Waste Properly

Animal waste should be managed and treated properly to minimize contamination of surface water and groundwater. This includes providing proper storage and disposal facilities for waste materials.

Monitor Water Intake

Livestock managers should monitor water intake for their animals. Easy access to quality and plentiful water supplies can increase livestock productivity and overall health.

Implement Sound Environmental Practices

Correctly managing the water source and implementing uniform grazing practices can lead to more uniform distribution of nutrients in livestock waste. This helps to protect the water resource and promote pasture growth.

Control soil erosion

Soil erosion is a major concern for agricultural development, and it can also cause pollution in waterways, landslides, and an increased risk of flooding. There are several methods to control soil erosion, and they can be applied to land, construction, coastal areas, and agricultural areas.

One of the most effective ways to control soil erosion is by planting vegetation. This involves planting crops with deep roots that can hold the soil in place, especially in areas susceptible to erosion such as streams, hillsides, and along rivers. Vegetative barriers impede the flow of water due to their thick stems and dense concentration. Native plants such as wildflowers, woody perennials, and native prairie grasses are ideal for erosion control.

Another method is to use ground cover and stabilize erosion-prone areas. This can include using mulch, crushed stone, or wood chips to protect the soil surface and prevent wind and water from eroding it. Maintaining a healthy, perennial plant cover is essential, and in areas where vegetation is difficult to establish, alternative materials can be used.

In agricultural areas, contour farming techniques can be employed. This involves planting across a slope along the contour lines, which helps conserve rainwater and reduce soil loss from surface erosion. No-till farming is another effective method, as it leaves the soil structure intact and crop residue on the surface, improving the soil's ability to absorb water.

For areas with slopes, terracing can be used to level off steep sections into several flat areas, allowing for better water absorption and providing space for planting shrubs and flowers. Additionally, plastic sheeting, geotextiles, erosion control blankets, and mats can be placed on slopes to keep the soil from eroding, particularly when new crops are being established.

In grazing lands, proper pasture management and sustainable grazing practices are crucial. Rotational grazing and moving livestock through multiple paddocks can reduce erosion, improve forage quality, and give pasture plants time to recover. Avoiding overgrazing ensures that vegetation remains healthy and can protect the soil from water runoff.

Reduce nutrient runoff

Nutrient pollution is a pressing issue, and there are several ways to reduce nutrient runoff from fields. Firstly, it is essential to ensure that nutrients are properly applied and stored. This includes using the correct amount of fertiliser, applying it at the right time of year, and utilising the appropriate method. Manure should not be stored in the open for extended periods. Instead, farmers should adopt nutrient management techniques, applying the right amount of nutrients, at the right time, and in the right place.

Another strategy is to ensure year-round ground cover. Planting cover crops or perennial species prevents bare ground on fields, reducing the risk of erosion and nutrient loss into waterways. This can be further enhanced by implementing conservation tillage, minimising the frequency and intensity of tilling to improve soil health and reduce erosion and runoff.

Planting field buffers is also beneficial. Trees, shrubs, and grasses planted along field edges, especially those bordering water bodies, act as a natural barrier, absorbing and filtering out nutrients before they reach the water.

Additionally, it is crucial to manage livestock access to streams. By installing fencing along water bodies, farmers can prevent excess nutrients from entering the water and restore stream banks. This also helps keep nitrogen and phosphorus out of the water supply.

Finally, engaging in watershed efforts is vital. Collaboration between farmers, state governments, conservation groups, and community organisations is essential to reducing nutrient pollution. By working together, these stakeholders can implement effective strategies to protect water and air quality.

Frequently asked questions