Water Quality: Nonpoint Source Pollution

NPS pollution occurs when rainwater or snow melt carries sediment, organic materials, nutrients, or toxins into rivers, lakes, and streams. During large storms the runoff to surface water and the rate of infiltration to groundwater increases, and so does the rate of NPS pollutant movement. Almost any land use can lead to NPS pollution. The more intensive the land use, the greater the chance of pollution. NPS comes from a variety of sources in both urban and rural areas.

NPS pollution is now the number one cause of water quality problems in Ohio. NPS affects drinking water supplies, wildlife habitat, recreational opportunities such as boating, swimming, fishing, and much more. It is the major challenge in our battle for cleaner water. Based on data from the OEPA, NPS pollution affects over 13,700 miles of Ohio’s 29,113 perennial stream miles. Twenty-nine percent of these perennial streams are classified as impaired as a result of nonpoint source pollution. 

Examples of NPS pollution include:

  • sediment from improperly managed construction sites
  • urban runoff and parking lots
  • toxic chemicals from building sites
  • residential areas
  • yards
  • gardens
  • golfcourses
  • landfills
  • farmlands and eroding streambanks
  • excess fertilizers and nutrients from croplands
  • nurseries and orchards
  • bacteria and viruses from domestic sewage
  • livestock waste

Medina SWCD recommendations for limiting NPS pollution:

  • Soil test gardens and crops before applying fertilizer
  • Plant a riparian buffer (stream-side strip) to protect streams from erosion and to absorb runoff
  • Have a manure plan for animals
  • Install green infrastructure like rain gardens, rain barrels, pervious pavement
  • Wash cars at a carwash to capture road pollution
  • Avoid improper salting in the winter
  • Clean a storm drain
  • Avoid channelizing drainage
  • Capture stromwater, slow it down, spread it out, and let it soak in at a natural rate
  • For more information on NPS visit the following site:  Nonpoint Source Pollution

MS4 communities & Phase II efforts in Medina County

MS4 stands for Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Systems

Since 1972, permits for wastewater have been required through the Clean Water Act. 

In 1990, the USEPA began to regulate stormwater from Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Systems, Industrial  Storm Water, and Construction Sites disturbing 5 acres or greater. (Phase I) 

In 1999 Phase II added small municipalities (in urbanized areas as defined by census data) and construction activities disturbing 1 acre or greater to the list of permitted entities.

Under Phase II, permitted entities must develop a plan aimed at reducing the discharge of pollutants and protecting or improving existing water quality by implementing six minimum control measures.  

The six minimum measures are: 

  1. Public Education and Outreach
  2. Public Involvement and Participation
  3. Elimination of Illicit Discharges
  4. Pollution Prevention for Municipal Operations
  5. Construction Site Runoff Control
  6. Post-Construction Storm Water Management.
Medina SWCD helps Phase II communities with #1, #2, and #3.
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