NON-POINT SOURCE POLLUTION MITIGATION

Nonpoint source water pollution (NPS) is water pollution that does not come out of the end of a pipe. NPS pollution, unlike pollution from industrial and sewage treatment plants, comes from many diffuse sources. It occurs when rainfall or irrigation water runs over land or through the ground, picks up pollutants and deposits them into coulees, lakes, bayous, and the ocean by flowing directly in or by going through untreated storm drains. Water also carries pollutants into underground drinking water as it soaks into the ground.

Impervious surfaces surrounding our businesses and homes in the form of driveways, sidewalks, and parking lots increase the amount of pollutants that enter water bodies. During heavy rain events, flooding often occurs because natural retention/detention areas have been built over.

NPS pollution remains the nation’s largest source of water quality problems. According to the EPA, it is the main reason that approximately 40% of our surveyed rivers, lakes, and estuaries are not clean enough to meet basic uses such as fishing and swimming.

NPS pollution is widespread and can result from a variety of human activities on the land including a

Sediment from improperly managed construction sites, cropland, lawns and gardens, forestry activities, roadways, and eroding streambanks;
Bacteria & Nutrients from cropland, livestock operations, wildlife, pet wastes, faulty septic systems, and over-fertilization of lawns, gardens, parks, & golf courses;
Oxygen-demanding substances such as leaf & grass clippings flow into the watershed through sewer drains;
Human-made chemicals, including pesticides, from roadways, cropland, lawns and gardens, and forestry; and
An array of other pollutants include trash from litter & dumping, paints, solvents, detergents, batteries, cleaners, & automotive products such as oil & anti-freeze.

Bayou Vermilion District is committed to lessen the impact of NPS pollution. Click on the buttons below for more information on the different strategies we are employing to reduce NPS pollution.

Litter Control

Pastureland Management

Home Sewage Systems

Runoff Management

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