Nonpoint Source Pollution Issues in Urban/Suburban Communities

Transcription

1 Nonpoint Source Pollution Issues in Urban/Suburban Communities Created by the Great Lakes Commission in partnership with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and National Association of Conservation Districts (NACD) Great Lakes Committee

2 What is Nonpoint Source Pollution? Nonpoint source pollution (NPS pollution) is pollution that enters waterways from many diffuse sources and can be created by agricultural and urban practices (e.g., fertilizers, urban development, household chemicals) Point source pollution originates from a uniquely identifiable or fixed source (e.g., copper mine, chemical plant) 2

3 Why is NPS pollution important? Like any form of pollution, NPS pollution can damage: The environment The economy Public health There are many things that we (as individuals and as society) can do to reduce and prevent NPS pollution 3

4 Why are the Great Lakes important? World s largest freshwater systemstem Contains approximately 21% of world s fresh surface water (6 quadrillion gallons) 90% of U.S. fresh surface water Officially recognized as an international treasure 33 million people live in the region (United States and Canada) 4

5 Great Lakes Watershed Defined as the area which drains into the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River Covers roughly 302,000 square miles Includes part or all of 8 U.S. states and 2 Canadian provinces 5

6 The Hydrologic Cycle Precipitation enters the Great Lakes Rain and snow falls directly on the lakes and the lands that drain into tributary rivers and streams Water can also enter through groundwater pathways Once in the lakes, water moves by currents, wind, and storm events Water exits the system through diversions, consumptive use, evaporation, transpiration or by discharging into the Atlantic Ocean via the St. Lawrence River 6

7 NPS Pollutants in the Great Lakes Major pollutants: Soil / sediment Fertilizers / nutrients Animal waste Urban runoff (e.g., lawn and garden fertilizers, pesticides, road salt, and household o chemicals) ca 7

8 Consequences of NPS Pollution Environmental: Sediment loadings to water bodies Channel modification of rivers / streams Eutrophication of lakes / reservoirs Disturbances to sensitive habitats / wetlands Increased turbidity Degradation of water quality 8

9 Consequences of NPS Pollution Economic: Loss of tourism and recreational opportunities (e.g., fishing, swimming, boating) Decreased property values Increased dredging costs Decreased productivity and value of commercial fisheries Increased utility costs (e.g., water intake and treatment systems) Loss of soil fertility 9

10 Consequences of NPS Pollution Public Health Di Drinking water contamination Ingestion of harmful chemicals / substances Can lead to bacterial outbreaks Beach contamination from: Rainfall: combined sewer overflows, storm water runoff, septic systems Animal wastes 10

11 Best Management Practices (BMPs) for Communities

12 Street Cleaning Street cleaning is an important t BMP for urban NPS pollution control Sediment, debris and waste are removed from sidewalks, parking lots and roads before they are able to enter bodies of water Benefits: Reduction in NPS pollution due to urban stormwater runoff 12

13 Use and Management of Commercial/Household Products Use non-toxic, biodegradable, and phosphate-free products cleaning products when possible Educate citizens on the hazards of urban runoff (e.g., the relationship between the storm drain system, runoff, and contamination of local water supplies) Post informational signs where appropriate Top: Bottom: 13

14 Almost all commercial lawn fertilizers can have phosphorus as one of their main ingredients. Most homeowners will find that their lawns do not require phosphorus. (Soil testing kits are available from most home care and garden centers.) Lawn Chemicals Purchase fertilizer with the lowest available phosphorus content (middle number on the fertilizer label) Make sure fertilizer is applied properly and sparingly, according to lawn needs Don t overlap application of fertilizer when applying to lawns Don t allow runoff into streets 14

15 Lawn Chemicals continued Overuse of herbicides and pesticides for weed and insect control is a problem Follow directions provided on product labels Apply these products sparingly and according to need. Spot spray when possible 15

16 Chemical and Waste Collection Encourage residents and business owners to properly dispose of used products and materials Recycle oils and fluids instead of dumping as a means of disposal Be sure to cover containers securely Do not mix different chemicals Offer a location for citizens to drop off any chemicals, oils, paints, solvents, hazardous wastes and medications 16

17 Reducing Household and Development Impacts Construct Rooftop Gardens Onsite Storage and Use of Stormwater Disconnecting Downspouts Rain Barrels and Cisterns Soil Amendments (e.g., increasing permeability) Impervious Surface Reduction 17

18 Use of Vegetation for NPS Pollution Control Vegetation can help to reduce soil erosion and retain and filter runoff Whenever possible, plant native vegetation. ti These plants will: Thrive in their natural climate and may require less maintenance than non-native native species Typically require less application of harmful chemicals, fertilizers and pesticides Often require less water Provide habitats for local wildlife 18

19 Consideration for Low Impact Development Consider effects of new development on local watersheds Enact local regulations and zoning practices to require Low Impact Developments Incorporate NPS considerations into site plan reviews Develop a plan that will minimize NPS pollution using University of Purdue s Urban Sediment Loading Models. Remember, it is easier to incorporate BMPs before building begins, but it is more difficult and expensive e to add BMPs after building has finished 19

20 Reducing Construction Impacts Location Before building be sure that location of planned roads are environmentally and economically suitable Whenever possible try to leave native vegetation and riparian buffer zones in tact Whenever possible avoid building on areas already susceptible to erosion Evaluate alternatives Topography, drainage patterns, soil, climate and land use should all be carefully considered Take advantage of natural drainage systems Minimize clearing and grading Sediment traps at construction sites can prevent sediment from entering drains or bodies of water 20

21 Stormwater Detention Detention ponds and rain gardens capture runoff during storm events and can lower peak flows in local waterways Prevents streambank and shoreline erosion, increased discharge from combined sewer overflows, increases groundwater recharge and natural filtration 21

22 Stormwater Infiltration Reduce impermeable surfaces (e.g., build narrower streets, eliminate i cul-de-sacs) Use permeable materials whenever possible for parking areas, sidewalks and roads Plant grasses and vegetation wherever possible Benefits: Stormwater runoff will be reduced Sewer overflow will be reduced Stormwater will be captured more naturally More green spaces will be created 22

23 Aquatic Buffers Restrict development on edges of waterways Use vegetative buffers to catch sediment and filter pollutants before they enter waterways Use native plants and vegetation 23

24 Public Education Opportunities Distribute informational materials Create a community website with information about NPS pollution and ways to reduce its impact Educate teachers and/or hold presentations in local schools to educate students Hold presentations to inform policy makers and city officials 24

25 Public Education Opportunities Educate citizens about dangers of NPS pollution Health risks Water contamination Public beach closings Economic risks Decreased tourism Decreased property values Environmental risks Eutrophication Loss of habitat and wetlands Toxic waste build up in plants and animals Offer tips for better environmental practices Always dispose of animal waste properly Do not flush chemicals, cleaners or medications Gutters/downspouts should drain onto a permeable surface When possible, wash car on permeable surface Plant rain gardens to reduce stormwater runoff 25

26 Where To Go for Educational, Technical and Financial Assistance State Agencies: Dept. of Natural Resources Dept. of Env. Protection Dept. of Agriculture Dept. of Transportation Cooperative Extension / Universities Landowners, Land Users & Local Officials Federal Agencies: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers U.S. EPA US U.S. Dept. of fagriculture U.S. Fish and Wildlife NOAA (coastal zone / Sea Grant offices) Local Governments: Planning Departments Soil and Water Conservation Districts Municipalities Drain Commissions Private Organizations: The Nature Conservancy Wildlife Conservation Watershed Councils Land Trusts 26

27 Questions? Prepared by: Great Lakes Commission (734) p g 27