What is non-point source (NPS) pollution?
Any pollution that is not from a single, discrete location (like a wastewater treatment plant discharge pipe) is called non-point source pollution. NPS pollutants enter ground and surface waters, come from many sources, and are the source of contamination for more than 80% of New York's impaired lakes and streams. NPS pollutants can be air borne, they are caused by surface runoff during storms and snow melt, and percolate through the soil into sub-surface reservoirs and groundwater. Leaks, spills, malfunctioning septic systems, contaminants from paved and unpaved land as well as construction and development, are all likely sources of NPS pollution.
Why a county strategy?
Obviously, identifying and controlling NPS pollution is crucial for our health and environment, and is not an easy job. In 1987, the federal government amended the Clean Water Act (Section 319) and authorized federal assistance for NPS programs. The law required states to produce assessment and management programs. New York's Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) prepared the mandated documents, but it also requested each county to help identify NPS pollution priorities and to suggest management strategies. This was a wise move. NPS is so diverse, widespread, and the result of so many of our everyday actions and habits that it will take a "bottom-up" approach to educate people, change habits, and arrive at management plans that are environmentally and economically reasonable.
BRASS helps with Essex County plans.
Since BRASS has been testing water for pollutants and conducting projects for erosion control, it was logical to offer our assistance in designing a county plan. Therefore, the BRASS director drafted a NPS management strategy so others in the county would have a working document to amend and improve. Soon thereafter a Water Quality Committee was formed to prepare a final management document and to administer work carried out to abate NPS pollution. This committee is made up of private citizens, farmers and loggers, business persons, and representatives from organizations and agencies throughout the county. Membership on this committee is open to anyone who has the interest and time.