Kiera Jefferson
Nonpoint source pollution is a leading threat to the health of rivers, lakes, wetlands, and marine waters across the state. It is caused by rainfall or snowmelt moving over and through the ground, picking up and carrying pollutants, and depositing them into bodies of water. Urban and suburban areas are major sources of nonpoint source pollution due to the large amount of paved surfaces that allow stormwater to carry pollutants into the surrounding soil. Highway runoff is also a contributor to nonpoint source pollution, as contaminated stormwater from roads and highways washes off into nearby water bodies. This type of pollution is challenging to control because it originates from multiple locations and everyday activities such as road construction and vehicle emissions.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Definition | Nonpoint source pollution is caused by rainfall or snowmelt moving over and through the ground. As the runoff moves, it picks up and carries away natural and human-made pollutants, depositing them into lakes, rivers, wetlands, coastal waters and groundwater. |
| Sources | Urban and suburban areas, agricultural operations, atmospheric inputs, highway runoff, forestry and mining operations, marinas and boating activities. |
| Examples | Excess fertilisers, herbicides and insecticides from agricultural lands and residential areas; oil, grease and toxic chemicals from urban runoff and energy production; sediment from improperly managed construction sites; salt from irrigation practices; bacteria and nutrients from livestock, pet wastes and faulty septic systems; atmospheric deposition and hydromodification. |
| Impact | Nonpoint source pollution is the nation's leading threat to water quality. It affects the beauty and health of coastal lands and waters, including the commercial fishing industry. It also impacts property values and the overall quality of life in coastal communities. |
| Prevention | Keep litter, pet wastes, leaves and debris out of street gutters and storm drains. Apply lawn and garden chemicals sparingly and according to directions. Dispose of used oil, antifreeze, paints and other household chemicals properly. |
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What You'll Learn
Urban runoff
Roof runoff is another concern, as it can introduce high levels of synthetic organic compounds and zinc (from galvanized gutters) into the water systems. Fertilizer use on residential lawns, parks, and golf courses can also have detrimental effects, as improper application or over-fertilization can result in increased levels of nitrates and phosphorus in urban runoff. Construction sites, lawns, improperly stored hazardous wastes, and illegal dumping further add to the problem, as they are all potential sources of stormwater pollutants.
The consequences of urban runoff are far-reaching. It can cause urban flooding, where rainfall overwhelms the capacity of drainage systems, leading to repetitive and costly impacts on communities. Additionally, it contributes to water quality issues, with a 2009 report by the US National Research Council highlighting that urban stormwater continues to be a significant contamination source in many watersheds across the United States. The report emphasized the need to address land-use changes to prevent further declines in water quality.
To mitigate the effects of urban runoff, communities can implement management practices to control stormwater and prevent pollution at its source. Public education plays a vital role in this process, as homeowners and businesses can be guided on proper practices, such as the responsible use and storage of household toxic materials, equipment maintenance, and sustainable landscaping. Additionally, local governments can employ land use controls and incentives to limit impervious surfaces, encourage open spaces, and promote runoff-efficient site design standards.
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Road construction
To prevent polluted runoff from roads, several control measures can be implemented during road construction. These measures aim to limit the entry of pollutants into surface and groundwater, protecting water quality, fish habitats, and public health. One study conducted rainfall simulations to examine the relationship between soil bulk density, slope, and rainfall intensity on runoff rates. The results showed that higher soil bulk density increased soil loss under low rainfall intensity but decreased it under high rainfall intensity.
The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) provides guidance and management measures to control runoff pollution from roads, highways, and bridges. These measures include best management practices (BMPs), such as permanent stormwater retention ponds, slope protection, grass strips, sediment traps, and silt fences. BMPs must be regularly inspected and maintained to ensure their effectiveness during and after construction.
The Coastal Zone Act Reauthorization Amendments (CZARA) of 1990 address runoff pollution in coastal areas, requiring states and territories to develop programs to protect coastal waters. CZARA applies to construction sites disturbing less than five acres of land. Larger construction sites are considered point sources of pollution and require a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit.
To effectively control runoff pollution from road construction, planning, education, inspection, and maintenance are crucial. An erosion and sediment control (ESC) plan should be developed prior to construction, incorporating cost-effective BMPs. Highway personnel must be educated about the ESC plan, and inspection and enforcement authorities are necessary to ensure compliance.
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Atmospheric deposition
Nonpoint source (NPS) pollution is caused by rainfall or snowmelt moving over and through the ground. As the runoff moves, it picks up and carries away natural and human-made pollutants, depositing them into lakes, rivers, wetlands, coastal waters, and groundwater.
A study in Taipei, Taiwan, found that road dust was dominated by fine to medium particle sizes, with over 70% ranging from 75 to 300 μm. These particles are easily blown by the wind and can be re-suspended in the air, contributing to atmospheric deposition. The study also found that heavy metals, such as Fe, Zn, and Na, were present in the dry deposited particles, with elevated levels on express roads due to higher traffic volume and vehicle speed.
The impact of atmospheric deposition on road runoff was also observed in a study by Siddiqui and Pandey (2022), who found a correlation between nutrient and heavy metal levels in atmospheric deposition and urban surface runoff reaching India's Ganga River. Atmospheric deposition was identified as an important determinant of the high levels of pollutants in the river.
In addition to the direct deposition of pollutants on road surfaces, atmospheric deposition can also occur through the redistribution of road contaminants to terrestrial environments. Chen et al. (2016) highlighted the need to understand the transport and fate of these contaminants, including their wash-off into aquatic systems and potential accumulation in tissues and the food chain.
To mitigate atmospheric deposition and its impact on road runoff pollution, regular sweeping and onsite water treatment facilities have been suggested. Additionally, the implementation of source controls and pollution mitigation tools requires a comprehensive understanding of pollution sources, including atmospheric deposition and its interaction with road runoff.
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Highway runoff
Nonpoint source pollution is caused by rainfall or snowmelt moving over and through the ground, picking up and carrying natural and human-made pollutants, and depositing them into lakes, rivers, wetlands, coastal waters, and groundwater. It is the leading cause of water quality problems and has harmful effects on drinking water supplies, recreation, fisheries, and wildlife.
In addition to the physical characteristics of the environment, the volume and speed of traffic on highways can also affect the level of pollution in runoff. The deposition of pollutants from vehicle emissions and the subsequent runoff can be influenced by the magnitude of vehicle traffic and the proximity of highways to parking areas and roadways.
To mitigate the impact of highway runoff, various measures can be implemented. These include the creation of buffer strips, which provide a grassy barrier between paved surfaces and nearby water bodies, allowing the soil to absorb pollutants before they reach the water. Retention ponds can also be constructed to trap contaminants and prevent them from entering the aquatic environment.
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Forestry practices
Nonpoint source (NPS) pollution is caused by rainfall or snowmelt moving over and through the ground. As the runoff moves, it carries natural and human-made pollutants, depositing them into lakes, rivers, wetlands, coastal waters, and groundwater. NPS pollution is the leading cause of water quality issues, and its effects on specific waters may not always be fully assessed. Forestry practices are a significant contributor to NPS pollution, and the impact of these practices on water quality is an important consideration in the management of forested lands.
Forestry activities that contribute to NPS pollution include road construction and use, timber harvesting, and mechanical preparation for tree planting. These activities can disturb soil and remove streamside vegetation, increasing polluted runoff. Road construction and use are the primary sources of NPS pollution in forested areas, contributing up to 90% of the total sediment from forestry operations. The excessive sediment in water bodies can negatively impact aquatic organisms' ability to live, forage, and spawn.
Additionally, timber harvesting near streams can affect water quality by reducing streambank shading that regulates water temperature and removing vegetation that stabilizes streambanks. Other forestry practices that can impact water quality include cultivation, fertilisation, and harvesting. Studies have reported various water quality impacts after forest operations, including sediment delivery, nutrient losses, carbon transport, metal and base cation releases, and changes to acidity and temperature.
To address the impact of forestry practices on NPS pollution, forest management certification has emerged as a non-regulatory alternative to encourage sustainable forest management. Forest management certification provides an incentive for landowners to commit to environmentally appropriate, socially beneficial, and economically viable practices. In the United States, there are three major forestry certification programs that offer approval for forest management practices meeting certain standards.
Furthermore, monitoring programs and best management practices (BMPs) are also implemented to assist in evaluating and reducing the impact of forestry on NPS pollution. The Montana Forestry Practices Program, for example, conducts a biennial field review of the application and effectiveness of BMPs, publishing an audit report with its findings. These initiatives aim to improve the management of forested lands and mitigate the negative effects of forestry practices on water quality.
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Frequently asked questions
Nonpoint source pollution is a type of pollution that comes from multiple sources and locations, rather than a single point. It is caused by rainfall or snowmelt moving over and through the ground, picking up and carrying pollutants, which are then deposited into lakes, rivers, wetlands, coastal waters, and groundwater.
Yes, road runoff is a nonpoint source of pollution. Water that falls on paved surfaces like roads will run off and be absorbed by the surrounding environment, carrying pollutants into the surrounding soil and, eventually, nearby water sources.
Other examples of nonpoint source pollution include urban and suburban runoff, agricultural operations, forestry, mining operations, marinas, and boating activities.
Nonpoint source pollution is the leading cause of water quality issues and can harm plants, animals, and humans. It can also have indirect effects, such as impacting the economies of coastal communities that rely on tourism and commercial fishing.
Controlling nonpoint source pollution requires collective action and collaboration between various stakeholders, including landowners, local partners, and government agencies. Some specific strategies include implementing buffer strips, constructing retention ponds, and adopting best management practices to protect water quality.
