What is Nonpoint Source Pollution?

Nonpoint source pollution, also known as polluted stormwater runoff, occurs when rainfall flows over and through the land picking up contaminates such as sediment, nutrients, or bacteria. These pollutants are then carried by streams or storm sewers to our lakes, rivers, wetlands, coastal waters, and ground waters. Nonpoint source pollution differs from point source pollution where discharges occur to a body of water at a single location, such as from industry or wastewater treatment plant discharge pipes. Nonpoint source pollution can result from everyday activities such as fertilizing a lawn, watering livestock in a stream, construction projects, dirt roads, pet waste, or eroded streambanks. Because Nonpoint Source pollution comes from so many different sources, it is difficult to regulate, and no specific solution may solve the problem. In fact, nonpoint source pollution is the leading source of pollution to our nation's water quality.

In 1987 the Clean Water Act (CWA) was amended to include Section 319(h) to address nonpoint source pollution. The amendment required all states and tribes to have an approved Nonpoint Source Management Program. Annual funding through CWA Section 319(h) is provided by EPA for program management.

The Alabama Nonpoint Source Management Program was established in 1989 and uses a voluntary approach to address nonpoint source pollution. The program relies on best management practices, education and outreach, technology transfer, monitoring and assessments, and resource assistance using a balanced statewide and watershed-focused restoration approach. The program partners with stakeholders to become active stewards within their communities. CWA section 319(h) grants are available to fund targeted management measures to restore impaired waterbodies and protect designated high-quality waters in our state.  
 

Alabama NPS Management Program Contact Information
ADEM Nonpoint Source Unit
PO Box 301463
Montgomery, AL 36130-1463
(334) 394-4354
adem.nps.program@adem.alabama.gov