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What you can do to prevent NPS pollution
Urban Stormwater Runoff
- Keep litter, pet wastes, leaves, and debris out of street gutters and storm
drains--these outlets drain directly to lake, streams, rivers, and
wetlands.
- Apply lawn and garden chemicals sparingly and according to directions.
- Dispose of used oil, antifreeze, paints, and other household chemicals
properly, not in storm sewers or drains. If your community does not already
have a program for collecting household hazardous wastes, ask your local
government to establish one.
- Clean up spilled brake fluid, oil, grease, and antifreeze. Do not hose them
into the street where they can eventually reach local streams and lakes.
- Control soil erosion on your property by planting ground cover and
stabilizing erosion-prone areas.
- Encourage local government officials to develop construction
erosion/sediment control ordinances in your community.
- Have your septic system inspected and pumped, at a minimum, every 3-5 years so that it operates properly.
- Purchase household detergents and cleaners that are low in phosphorous to reduce the amount of nutrients discharged into our lakes, streams and coastal waters.
Mining
- Become involved in local mining issues by voicing your concerns about acid
mine drainage and reclamation projects in your area.
Forestry
- Use proper logging and erosion control practices on your forest lands by
ensuring proper construction, maintenance, and closure of logging roads and
skid trails.
- Report questionable logging practices to state and federal forestry and
state water quality agencies.
Agriculture
- Manage animal waste to minimize contamination of surface water and ground
water.
- Protect drinking water by using less pesticides and fertilizers.
- Reduce soil erosion by using conservation practices and other applicable
best management practices.
- Use planned grazing systems on pasture and rangeland.
- Dispose of pesticides, containers, and tank rinsate in an approved
manner.
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