Nonpoint Source Pollution
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Nonpoint source (NPS) pollution or polluted runoff is the nation’s largest source of water quality problems. Approximately 40% of our surveyed rivers, lakes, and estuaries are not clean enough for fishing or swimming due to NPS pollution.
The 3 major sources of nonpoint source water pollution in the mid-Atlantic region are:
Since 1990 Congress has provided over $1.5 billion to states to address these problems with over $120 million coming to the mid-Atlantic region. This funding has been used to develop and implement approved NPS Management Plans. These plans contain specific actions that are necessary to restore and protect water quality, habitat and natural resources concerns in individual watersheds. States identify impaired streams through a comprehensive water assessment process. Reports identifying impaired waters are provided to EPA under Section 303d of the Clean Water Act (CWA). States are also developing Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDLs) through their watershed planning processes. These TMDLs determine the pollutant load reductions necessary for the water to meet CWA goals.
In addition, the mid-Atlantic office provides educational and outreach materials to help educate the public.