When we think about water pollution, most think of a pipe that discharges directly into our waterways. This type of pollution is called point source pollution, since it comes from a point. Much work has already been done to eliminate this type of pollution through the National Pollution Elimination Discharge System (NPEDS). However, another much more difficult problem is non-point source pollution, which involves stormwater runoff.
As water travels across the landscape, it picks up oil residues, pesticides, dirt, animal wastes, toxic chemicals, salt, and trash and unloads all of these residues in our waterways. Since each residue comes from a different source and enters waterways over a dispersed area, it can be difficult to trace, hence the name non-point source pollution. Sediments reduce water quality and silt up fish spawning habitat.
Education, prevention, and best management practices are the best solutions against non-point source pollution. When regulatory action is needed, a Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) may need to be established to allocate the amount of pollution released.
Stormwater is generated when precipitation runs through storm drains, along our streets and highways, or flows directly from land into our streams, lakes, and rivers. Either way, stormwater and all of the pollutants it carries, enters our waterways untreated when it rains. Therefore, this non-point source pollution has a significant environmental impact.
Agricultural runoff deposits nutrients, pesticides, pathogens, and organic materials directly into our waterways. Agricultural runoff is now considered one of the primary sources of pollutants entering our waterways. Nutrients cause excessive algae growth. Pesticides can have dramatic affects on water quality in terms of aquatic life. Pathogens, if contacted or ingested in sufficient quantity, pose a health hazard.
Vermont has new requirements for large and medium sized farms to address and prevent water quality problems from agricultural operations. Click the links below to learn more.
US Environmental Protection Agency - The US Environmental Protection Agency provides a wealth of information about non-point source pollution on their website.
Total Maximum Daily Load Information - The US EPA produced an informative web page that defines a Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) as well as the process to develop a TMDL.
List of Impaired Waters - The 303(d) List of Waters is generated by the state every two years to include all impaired surface waters throughout Vermont in need of TMDL (Total Maximum Daily Load).
Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation, Water Quality Division - The Stormwater Section of the Water Quality Division supplies background information on stormwater management including a helpful permit flowchart, fact sheets, a report on stormwater management, and technical guidance.
Vermont Water Quality Multi Sector General Permit Overview - Multi-Sector General Permit for Stormwater Discharges Associated with Industrial Activities.
VT Water Quality: Technical Assistance - The group administers the discharge permit program for stormwater runoff from construction sites.
US EPA Stormwater
Managing Non-point Source Pollution from Agriculture
Accepted Agricultural Practices
In This Section
Acid Mine Drainage
Bank Erosion & Sediment
Basin Planning
Fisheries
Floodplain Management
Good Road Maintenance
Grants
Invasive Species
Mercury
Non-Point Source Pollution
Organizations
Permits
Riparian Buffer Zones
Wastewater Treatment
Water Quality Studies
Water Supply Protection
Wetlands