Preventing Nonpoint Source Pollution

1
Preventing Nonpoint Source Pollution

• In Jefferson County Municipalities

2
What is Nonpoint Source Pollution?

• Water pollution that comes from a variety of
  sources (i.e. fertilizers, soil erosion, oil,
  abandoned mine drainage)
• It occurs when rain or snow melt travels across
  the land or through the ground and picks up
  pollutants, eventually depositing them in
  streams, rivers, lakes, and wetlands.

3
Diagram taken from http//www.magazine.noaa.gov/s
tories/mag112.htm
4
Examples of NPS Pollution in Jefferson County
Streams

• Excess soil from construction and agriculture
• Oil, antifreeze, gas
• Fertilizers and pesticides
• Bacteria and nutrients
• Acid rain
• Abandoned mine drainage
• Disposing of waste in storm drains

5
How can township employees reduce NPS pollution?
Warsaw Township Dirt and Gravel Road Project
Brocious Road
Before Stream flowed onto road surface.
After Water collected and piped under road,
ditch lined with rock.
6
Watch for Proper Erosion Sedimentation Controls

• At logging sites.
• At construction sites greater than one acre.
• If you notice that proper controls are not in
  place at these sites, contact the Jefferson
  Conservation District for assistance in
  correcting the problem.

7
Participate in Dirt Gravel Road Program

• All townships with dirt roads are eligible to
  participate.
• In order to be eligible for grant assistance, at
  least one township employee has to take the 2-day
  ESM training, once every 5 years.
• Registration for training is free to
  municipalities.
• Applications for grant money are in the ESM
  manual provided at the training.

8
Encourage residents to prevent NPS pollution on
their property by

• Using fertilizers and pesticides sparingly and
  following directions.
• Not dumping anything near or directly down storm
  drains.
• Plant trees, shrubs, and groundcovers to prevent
  soil erosion.
• Dispose of used motor oil, antifreeze, paints and
  other household chemicals properly, not in storm
  sewers or drains. Contact the JCSWA for
  information 849-1521.

9
If you would like more information regarding NPS
pollution prevention, please contact the
Jefferson County Conservation District814-849-74
63or visit our website at www.jeffersonconservati
on.com
10
This presentation has been funded by the League
of Women Voters of Pennsylvania Citizen Education
Fund through a Section 319 Federal Clean Water
Act grant from the US Environmental Protection
Agency administered by Pennsylvania Department of
Environmental Protection.