What You Can Do to Prevent Nonpoint Source Pollution?

The following information is from the EPA´s Office of Wetlands, Oceans and Watersheds and The Alliance for the Cheasapeake Bay, Baltimore, MD.

• Limit Land Disturbance - such as clearning, grading and cut and fill- to reduce erosion and sediment loss.
• Limit disturbance of natural drainage features and vegetation.
• Limit the amount of impenetrable surfaces in your designs. Use permeable paving surfaces such as wood decks, bricks, concrete lattice to the water soak into the ground.
• Allow thick vegetation or buffer strips to grow along waterways to slow runoff and soak up pollutants. Plant trees, shrubs, and groundcover. They will absorb up to 14 times more rainwater than a grass lawn and don't require fertilizer.
• Divert runoff from pavement to grassy, planted or wooded areas so stormwater can seep slowly into the ground.
• Install permanent warning markers on drains to remind yourself and others that this water flows to fish (no paint thinner, motor oil, pet droppings please).
• Install permanent identification markers or filters and ponds.
• Specify use of best management practices:
  1. Use natural alternatives to chemical fertilizers and pesticides.
  2. Don't hose down sidewalks or driveways. Dry sweep paved areas.
  3. Implement careful trash disposal and upkeep.
  4. Compost or haul away grass clippings and leaves. Never allow them to wash into roadways where they will reach storm drains.

See also: USEPA´s What to do to control NPS pollution [exit DNR]