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Pollution Prevention
Pollution is a significant concern for our environment, as runoff from streets, yards, and industrial areas can carry harmful pollutants into local waterways. This page provides valuable information on how you can help prevent stormwater pollution by adopting simple practices in your daily activities. Whether you're a homeowner, business owner, or developer, reducing stormwater pollution helps protect the health of our local streams, rivers, and lakes, ensuring clean water for future generations.
Definition
Any practice that reduces, eliminates, or prevents pollution at its source, before it is generated, is considered a proactive approach. Stormwater runoff, however, is not treated before entering a storm drain. This untreated water flows directly into our waterways. A common misconception is that stormwater runoff is treated at a wastewater treatment plant, when in fact, it is not.
Types of Pollution:
Nonpoint source pollution is caused by stormwater runoff, which occurs when precipitation, such as rain or snowmelt, flows over impervious surfaces and picks up various pollutants.
Types of NPS Pollution:
- Excess fertilizers, herbicides and insecticides from agricultural lands and residential areas
- Oil, grease and toxic chemicals from urban runoff and energy production
- Sediment from improperly managed construction sites, crop and forest lands, and eroding streambanks
- Salt from irrigation practices and acid drainage from abandoned mines
- Bacteria and nutrients from livestock, pet waste and faulty septic systems
- Atmospheric deposition and hydromodification
***NPS pollution is a major contributor to water quality issues.
A point source of pollution is a specific, identifiable source from which pollutants are released, such as a pipe, ditch, or channel.
Types of PS Pollution:
- Industrial discharge from factories releasing chemicals or heated water directly into rivers or lakes through a pipe or drainage system
- Wastewater discharge from treatment plants releasing treated or untreated sewage into water bodies via designated outfalls
- Oil spills and leaks from refineries, pipelines, or offshore drilling sites contaminating waterways
- Power plant emissions releasing pollutants like sulfur dioxide and heavy metals into the air or nearby water sources
- Animal waste runoff from concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs) carrying manure and wastewater into streams
- Stormwater outfalls channeling urban runoff, including oils, chemicals, and debris, directly into rivers and lakes
Ways to Help Prevent Pollution
Proper pet waste disposal is essential for protecting water quality, preventing pollution, and maintaining safe public spaces.
Examples include:
- Picking up pet waste promptly
- Securing waste in a sealed bag
- Disposing of it in the trash
- Avoiding dumping pet waste in storm drains or waterways
These actions help prevent harmful bacteria, parasites, and nutrients from contaminating local water sources.
Fertilizer runoff from lawns adds excess nutrients to our waterways, which can contribute to eutrophication.
- Use the correct amount of fertilizer
- Apply fertilizer at the appropriate time of year
- Use the proper method for applying fertilizer
- Avoid Fertilizing when the ground is frozen
Proper waste disposal is essential for protecting the environment, preventing pollution, and ensuring community health and safety.
Examples include:
- Cooking grease
- Medications
- Paints
- Chemicals
- And more...
These items must be disposed of properly at a designated drop-off site or event in Johnston County. For more information, please visit Johnston County Solid Waste Service.
Proper car maintenance is essential for keeping your vehicle in good condition and protecting the environment. Fluids like oil, antifreeze, and gasoline, as well as soaps used for washing, can contribute to water pollution if they enter storm drains. Taking simple precautions can help reduce harmful runoff and keep our waterways clean.
Examples include:
- Using biodegradable, phosphate-free soap when washing your car
- Using only a small amount of soap to minimize runoff
- Preventing oil, antifreeze, and gasoline from leaking into storm drains
By maintaining your vehicle responsibly, you can help protect local water quality and aquatic life.
More Information on Stormwater Pollutants
The Clean Water Education Partnership (CWEP) works to protect our waterways by educating communities about stormwater pollution and its impact on the environment. Stormwater runoff can carry pollutants like pet waste, oil, litter, and fertilizers into local streams and rivers, harming wildlife and water quality. By understanding common stormwater pollutants and taking simple actions such as properly disposing of waste and reducing chemical use, we can all help keep our waterways clean and healthy.