Getting the point about non-point pollution

By JOHN JOSE, Pike County Conservation District Educator

Think water pollution and what often comes to mind is the image of a pipe spilling toxic substances into a river. This type of pollution is referred to as “point source pollution” as you can literally point to and readily identify the source.

However, there is another type of water pollution known as “non-point source pollution,” which today presents one of the most serious threats to our nation’s water quality. Originating from many diverse, scattered sources across the landscape, non-point source pollution is more difficult to control and is often a less obvious source of water degradation.

Locally, soil sediments, nutrients and pesticides released from agricultural activities, leach-out from malfunctioning septic systems, de-icing salts spread on roads and sidewalks, pesticides and fertilizers applied to lawns and gardens, soil sediments released from construction sites or eroding stream banks, improperly disposed of household hazardous wastes (paints, paint thinners, drain cleaners, used motor oil, etc.) and storm water run-off from paved surfaces carrying motor oil, gasoline, and antifreeze are all examples of non-point source pollutants that can adversely impact both surface water and groundwater resources.

While any one of these pollution sources can negatively impact water quality, the cumulative impacts pose a much greater threat. The good news is there are many simple things that each individual can do to significantly reduce non-point source pollution.

Starting around the home, consider the application of pesticides and fertilizers. An inexpensive and simple soil test available from your local cooperative extension office will tell you the appropriate amounts of fertilizer needed for a lawn or garden. Applying the recommended amount will reduce the risk of excess fertilizer running off into surface waters or leaching into groundwater. Consider alternatives for insecticides and weed killers, including gardening with fewer or no chemicals and using “bio controls” that generally degrade more quickly and have less environmental impact.

Take used motor oil to a recycling center. One gallon, improperly disposed of, can contaminate up to 2 million gallons of water.

Have your septic system inspected periodically and your tank pumped out at least every three to five years. A properly functioning and maintained system will last longer and will be less likely to malfunction, potentially releasing pollutants to surface or groundwater.

Dispose of household hazardous wastes properly. Remember that what goes down the drain and out into your septic system can end up in groundwater, potentially contaminating your own or a neighbor’s well.

Repair automotive fluid leaks. While the oil, antifreeze or transmission fluid leaking from your car may not seem significant, the cumulative impact of automotive fluids leaking from thousands of cars results in the release of significant amounts of non-point source pollutants.

Avoid mowing your lawn down to the edge of a stream. Instead, maintain a streamside “buffer” or strip of vegetation. Streamside vegetative buffers stabilize stream banks preventing erosion and can trap and remove up to 95 percent of non-point source pollutants that would otherwise enter a stream.

Before undertaking any activities involving “earth disturbance” (the removal of vegetative cover and exposure of soil to erosion), check with the appropriate government agency. In PA contact your County Conservation District, NY residents refer to your local Soil and Water Conservation District, and in NJ contact your county’s Soil Conservation District. Soil sediments carried by wind or rain into lakes, streams, or rivers degrade habitat for fish and other aquatic life, increase flooding frequency and contaminate waters with pollutants attached to soil particle.

The actions of each individual doing his or her part to reduce non-point source pollution can add up to significant protection and improvement of local water resources for both current needs and the needs of future generations. For more information contact the Pike County Conservation District at 570/226-8220, email at pikecd@ptd.net or visit the district’s website at www.pikeconservation.org.