NPS Pollution & Our Efforts at Mitigation
Nonpoint source
pollution (NPS) is the major reason why water quality remains impaired
in Maryland. NPS is caused by Stormwater (rainfall
or snowmelt) or irrigation water moving over the ground. As it moves, it picks up and
carries
along pollutants, which can eventually be deposited in lakes, rivers, wetlands, coastal waters, ground waters and
the Chesapeake and Coastal Bays. Nonpoint source pollution can also come
from underground septic systems where pollutants may travel to groundwater's and
eventually emerge in streams.
There
are a number of opportunities for citizens to help protect and restore
Maryland's water resources. For more
info>>.
State
agencies assist local governments which are primarily responsible for the implementation of nonpoint source control measures. State assistance
involves identifying water quality and resource problems and helping
watershed planning efforts. The Nonpoint Source Management Program directs funding at
activities aimed at reducing nonpoint source pollution.
For more
info>>
Riparian Forest Buffers
Riparian
buffers provide protection of stream banks and erosion control.
Visit
our Projects Page>>
Watershed
Initiatives
Maryland has several interrelated
watershed initiatives underway: 1)
WRAS Partnership Program, 2) Chesapeake Bay 2000 Watershed Planning
Commitment, and 3) Coastal Bays Comprehensive Coastal Management Plan.
If you have any questions about the Nonpoint Source
Management Program contact:
Carrie Decker: cdecker@dnr.state.md.us
Phone: 410-260-8723
To Bays and Streams>>
To Maryland DNR
Homepage>>
Last
Updated on April 30, 2007
