Best Management Practices

Non-point source pollution is the largest source of water quality impairment in the United States currently. In order to combat this problem, government agencies, watershed organizations, nonprofit groups, researchers, private corporations and a host of other that make up the watershed community have spent countless hours in recent years developing a great number of Best Management Practices. Best Management Practices are techniques utilized to reduce pollution from the non-point sources o f pollution and "everyday" activities that we may not even realize generate pollution.

Listed below are some common sources of non-point source pollution and other "everyday" activities that generate pollution as well as a possible management practice to solve the source of that pollution.

Thermal Pollution

The Problem: As impervious surfaces heat up and precipitation comes in contact with these surfaces, the precipitation is heated and then quickly deposited into the surface water system. Aquatic species, especially native and desirable species, are often extremely temperature sensitive. Slight temperature variations can be fatal.

The Solution: Riparian buffers (forested areas next to bodies of water) can help keep water temperatures cooler by providing shade for the body of water. Reducing the amount of impervious surfaces is ultimately the best solution.

Automobile Fluids

The Problem: Motor oil, antifreeze and other automobile fluids that leak from cars, truck, farm equipment and other gas-powered tools can wash into the surface water system, easily polluting the system, which we rely on to drink from and recreate in.

The Solution: Have automobiles, trucks and equipment serviced regularly and fix leaks immediately. Recycle used fluids when possible at area gas stations, automobile repair shops or other professional recycling stations. NEVER pour motor oil down storm drains, onto lawns or weeds or on driveways.

Paint

The Problem: Unwanted paint is often poured down drains or storm sewers. Paint especially leaded, can poison humans and wildlife as well as degrading aquatic habitats and harming aquatic species.

The Solution: Save excess paint. It may be needed for touch up projects or purchasing more in the future. Any truly unwanted paint should be disposed of properly at local recycling landfills or at hazardous chemical stations.

Washing Cars

The Problem: Automobiles are often washed on paved surfaces, increasing the rate at which soaps are washed into the surface water system. Phosphates contained in most soaps can be harmful to aquatic species as well as causing eutrophication (prolific growth of algae).

The Solution: Use phosphate free soaps and wash automobiles on gravel or grassed surfaces to allow soapy water to filter into the ground slowly and promote lawn growth.

Pet Waste

The Problem: Pet waste on impervious surfaces will enter the surface water system, causing elevated nutrient levels and degrading aquatic habitats in addition to carrying bacteria that can cause health problems for humans and other animals.

The Solution: Pick up pet waste and remove it either by putting it in the trash, a toilet or burying it with compost on the backyard. Do not throw pet waste bags into storm drains for they will only be washed into the nearest creek, stream or river.

Household Pesticides and Fertilizers

The Problem: Pesticides and fertilizers can be washed from lawns in rain events and by other precipitation. Excess nutrients can cause elevated levels of algae and aquatic plant growth, which adversely impacts dissolved oxygen and other water quality levels.

The Solution: Follow instructions for application methods and amounts. The more of these products that is applied does not always related to improved results. Chemical fertilizers can possibly be replaced with organic fertilizers such as compost.

Septic Systems

The Problem: Septic systems need to be maintained frequently to ensure proper functioning. Improper installation can also cause malfunctions of the system and contamination of nearby groundwater supplies. Malfunctioning septic systems are a major source of non-point source pollution.

The Solution: Make sure to use an experienced licensed septic system installation company. Septic systems must also be serviced properly and at recommended intervals.

Soil Erosion

The Problem: Bare areas of soil are extremely susceptible to erosion during rain events or by other precipitation. Sediment eroding from these areas can destroy fish and aquatic macro-invertebrate habitat.

The Solution: Plant bare areas of soil immediately after construction. Grasses will provide immediate stabilization with trees and shrubs offering much better long-term stabilization, especially along stream banks. Always use erosion control devices, such as silt fencing and straw bales, on construction sites.

Agricultural Pesticides and Fertilizers

The Problem: Excess nutrients from farm fields can cause accelerated aquatic plant and algae growth, which adversely impacts dissolved oxygen levels and other water quality parameters.

The Solution: Farmers should be in contact with their local Natural Resources Conservation Service about Nutrient Management Programs. Numerous granting programs are available to support the implementation of these systems. As always, application methods and amounts should be done in accordance with instructions -- more is not always better.

Livestock

The Problem: Livestock with unrestricted access to streams, creeks, lakes and rivers will deposit waste directly into streams as well as washing off of fields. Animal waste contains bacteria and nutrients that will degrade aquatic habitats and water quality.

The Solution: Livestock should be fenced out of streams and offered restricted access. Riparian buffers (forested areas next to a body of water) can be planted along streams, creeks, lakes and rivers to filter nutrients out of runoff before entering the surface water system.

Riparian Buffers

Riparian buffers can serve as a major solution to the problem of non-point source pollution. Riparian buffers offer many benefits for streams, creeks, lakes and rivers. Mature waterside forested areas can provide shade to keep water temperatures cooler, a condition required by many species of native aquatic macro-invertebrates and fish. Riparian buffers also provide a root structure in stream banks, preventing erosion and sedimentation. Thick-forested areas will also filter nutrients being carried in runoff, preventing large amounts from entering and negatively impacting the surface water system. Additional benefits achieved through the implementation of riparian buffers are habitat for wildlife within the buffer as well as the water. Woody debris falling into streams, creeks, lakes and rivers can become habitat as well as food for a variety of native, wild species. Special consideration should be made when implementing riparian buffers to use native vegetation. Native species of wildlife have shown a greater desire and more efficient use of native vegetation as a food source. This vegetation fall into the surface water system actually forms one of the base layers of the aquatic food chain.