gM¥!iietai»frM.
WASHINGTON, Q.C.
Z sa pl@««®d to transmit to you tit© final fuidanc® documents
which will IM the M®'is for nw @t®t© c@®@tal aonpoint pollution
control program® r®quirtd by @@etion 6217 of ta® Coastal Zon® Act
8@autflori2ation &»@ndat..its of 1990 (C»M&) . Th© first of th«s@,
"•Guldane© Specifying Nsnag@a@nt H®a®ur®@ for Soure®® of Honpoint
Pollution in CoMtal W©t®r®^ wme d@v@lop@d by ttM United 5tst«s
Snvirona®ntal Protdctlon &g@ney (IF A) in consultation wits MOAA
arid @tli«r federal af«ncl«s -and will u th@ t®etmieal
foundation for th© eea^tal nonpoint pregrms^. • Hi® eoapanlon
foem®ntr "Coastal Monpoint Pollution Centr©! Fregramis: Progrma
|nd 5®v@lop@@nt snd Approval €uidsne©", dov@lep®d jointly by
and and doserib®© how itstss can dtsvcdop ©tmto nonpoint
yollution^control to t^stoieml fuid@nc® in
eonfonity nitli Mctlon
t© pre¥id®-t® tho®@ who
it, up©n ® t© reproduction costs,
s set of eoaputfif e@ntsininf ©f tli© Pennies 1
fuidane« docua®nt in V©rdF®rf@ct S.3.. flfWM an4 tables
not in MordP@iffoct foraat, n@v@¥®r, as^ Mill bav® to
r®prodtae®d in hmrde©py fora.
Publication ®f a aajor
stap forward in assisting coastal ®tat®a» l@c©liti®@
land©wn@r© to protect quality ©f nation's
coastal ratariu wit^ otn«r
&f®nci«8 as w@il as eonaultation
wirlronMfital iMustrY,.
tacbnieml pr@¥id@s
a@©t discuss ion to of @oure«
polluti^ and for
of
provides • ©a a seal© to
assist to and capabilities
vit&in th@ir p^liutiaa control
tg@neisrrecyci«i fiber
-------
-2-
If w© can b@ of further assistanc® to you In your ®f forts to
and support your con@tittt@nt@ &m tft®y work with the states
to d©v©lop &nd l@pl®B©nf ©ffeetiv© eosst&l nenpoint pollution
control pr@f?am@, pl@s§@ contact m® st (202) 2iO-7ii@ or Dcv
at (202)
Protsetloa Division
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\
8
Nonpoiit
Guidance
January 1993
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Wetlands, Oceans and Watersheds
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Office erf Ocean and Coastal Resource Management
PROGRAM GUIDANCE ,: \ ,:
What is the Purpose of the State
Coastal Nonpoinf Pollution Control
Programs?
Section 6217 of the Coastal Zone ActReauthorization
Amendments of 1990 (CZARA), requires thatstates with
federally approved coastal zone management programs
develop Coastal Nonpoint Pollution Control Programs to
beapprovedby EPAand NOAA. These programs will for
the first time bring together authorities and capabilities
within state coastal zone management and water quality
agencies to jo intly address the problem of coastal nonpoint
pollution. The purpose of the program is to implement
management measures for nonpoint source pollution by
more fully integrating federal, state and local authorities,
The state Coastal Nonpoint Programs represent an
innovative approach to dealing with coastal nonpoint
pollution because they build upon state and local authori-
ties and expertise. They will employ an initial technol-
ogy-based approach generally throughout the coastal
management area, to be followed by a more stringent
water quality-based approach where necessary to address
known water quality problems.
How Serious is the Coastal Nonpoint
Source Pollution Problem?
Water pollution, as evidenced by beach closures,
prohibitions on harvesting shellfish, and the loss of
biological productivity hi coastal habitats, remains a
serious problem for coastal areas. Based onstates' assess-
ment of 75% of estuarine waters, current best estimates
are that 35% of these waters are impaired and 10% are
threatened. Although great strides in controlling point
sources of pollution have been made, nonpoint source
pollution remains a major problem fa many coastal areas.
According tostate water quality assessments, the leading
nonpoint contributors to estuarine waters are urban runoff
(including certain construction and development activi-
ties and onsite disposal systems) and agriculture. Other
significant nonpoint contributors in some coastal water-
sheds include silviculture, marinas, and
hydromodification. In addition, the loss and degradation
of wetlands and riparian areas has adversely impacted
coastal water quality.
What Is the Objective of the Program
Guidance?
The Program Developmental Approval guidance,
issued jointly by EPA and NOAA, provides a road map
for states to develop coastal nonpoint programs in a
timely, resource efficient manner. State programs are
due to EPA and NOAA for approval in My 1995. If a
program is not approvable, certain grants must be cur-
tailed to the States beginning in Fiscal Year 1996.
A key component of the state programs will be the
implementation of management measures to address
sources of coastal nonpoint pollution. Thus, this pro-
gram guidance should be used in conjunction with
" Guidance Specifying ManagementMeasures forSources
of Nonpoint Pollution in Coastal Waters". The latter
technical guidance, containing management measures
developedby EPA in consultation withNOAAand other
federal agencies, is summarized in a separate fact sheet
Why is the Program Guidance
Important?
The Program Guidance describes what must be
contained in each state's coastal nonpoint program and
how NOAA and EPA will review and approve the state
programs. Many issues will have to be addressed by the
states, including where the program will operate geo-
graphically, how management measures should be se-
lected and implemented, and how the program should be
coordinated with other state and local agencies and the
public. The Program Guidance provides states with the
framework to incorporate on-going state and local pro-
-------
grams and to work within existing institutions in imple-
menting their coastal nonpoint programs.
NOAAand EPA will continue to work with thestates
to help them develop approvable programs that also
reflect local conditions. The Agencies are committed to
assisting the states and others in meeting the goals of
CZARA.
What is in the Program Guidance?
The program guidance identifies and explains statu-
tory provisions thatstate coastal nonpoint programs must
address in order to be approved by NOAA and EPA.
* State programs must include state and locally
developed management measures which are in
conformity with those specified in EPA's techni-
cal guidance. States will have some flexibility in
adopting management measures. For example,
states may adopt either the measures specified in
EPA's guidance or alternative management mea-
sures to better meet local conditions. Alternative
measures must be as effective as EPA's measures
in controlling coastal nonpoint pollution.
• State managementmeasuresmustbe implemented
within three years of program approval (i.e.,
January 1999). EPA and NOAA provide a two
year monitoring period (to January 2001) for
states to assess the effectiveness of the measures
in achieving water quality standards.
• S tales then have an additional three years (until
January 2004) to implementadditional measures
where necessary to attainormaintainwaterqual-
ity standards.
• States must ensure the implementation of man-
agement measures through the use of enforceable
policies and mechanisms ranging from tradi-
tional regulatory activities to innovative incen-
tive programs.
* States are expected to provide technical assis-
tance to local governments and to the public aad
opportunities forpubliccommentthroughoutthe
coastal nonpotetprogiarndevelopmentand imple-
mentation process.
EPA and NOAA are committed to the successful
implementation of CZARA and will continue to provide
programmatic and technical assistance to states, local
governments and other interested parties. @)
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Coastal Nonpoint Pollution Guidance
January
1 993
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Wetlands, Oceans, and Watersheds
MANAGEMENT MEASURES
GUIDANCE
What Is the Guidance?
Section 6217 of the Coastal Zone Reauthorization
Amendments of 1990 (CZARA) requires that states with
federally approved coastal zone management programs
develop and implement Coastal Nonpoint Pollution Con-
trol Programs to ensure protection and restoration of
coastal waters. State programs are to achieve this resultby
implementing (1) generally applicable management mea-
sures to protect coastal waters from nonpoint pollution
and (2) additional, more stringent management measures
developed by each state as necessary to attain and main-
tain applicablestate water quality standards. Inaguidance
document entitled Guidance Specifying Management
Measures for Sources of Nonpoint Pollution in Coastal
Waters and described in this fact sheet, the US. Environ-
mental Protection Agency (EPA) hasspecified the flrstset
of generally applicable management measures. Under
certain circumstances, states may use alternative manage-
ment measures if the alternative measures provide an
equivalent level of protection and control. The process for
developing coastal nonpoint programs and the content of
such programs is described in a companion guidance
document issued jointly by the National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and EPA, Coastal
Nonpoint Pollution Control Program: Development and
Approval Guidance.
What are Management Measures?
The management measures are economically achiev-
able measures for the control of pollutants from existing
and new categories and classes of nonpoint sources of
pollution. The measures reflect the greatest degree of
pollutant reduction achievable through the application of
best available technology, siting criteria, operating meth-
ods, or alternatives. The measures typically consist of a
combination of practices, also specified in the guidance.
States may select from a wide range of practices or
combinations of practices that will achieve the level of
control specified in the management measure. The guid-
ance also includes:
• A description of activities and locations forwhich
each measure may be suitable;
* An identification of pollutants that may be con-
trolled by the measures and the water quality
effects of the measures;
* A description of factors that should be taken into
account in adapting the measures to specific sites
and locations;
* Any necessary monitoring techniques to assess
the effects of the measures in reducing pollutant
loads and improving water quality.
How Serious Is fhe Nonpoint Source
Pollution Problem?
Water pollution, as evidenced by beach closures,
prohibitions on harvesting shellfish, and the loss of bio-
logical productivity in coastal habitats,-remains a serious
problem for coastal areas. Based on states' assessment of
75% of estuarine waters, current best estimates are that
35% of these waters are impaired and 10% are threatened.
Although great strides in controlling point sources of
pollution have been made, nonpoint source pollution
remains a major problem in many coastal areas. Accord-
ing to state water quality assessments, the leadingnoopoint
contributors to estuarine waters are urban runoff (includ-
ing certain construction and development activities and
onstte disposal systems) and agriculture. Other signifi-
cant nonpoint contributors in some coastal watersheds
include silviculture, marinas, and hydromodifscation. In
addition, the loss and degradation ofwetlands and riparian
areas has adversely impacted coastal water quality.
Who Developed the Guidance?
To address the broad requirements of the law and to
draw on technical expertise outside the Agency, EPA
convened workgroups for each of the five majorpollutant
-------
source group categories (Agriculture, Forestry, Urban,
Marinas and Recreational Boating, and
Hydromodiflcation). Each of these groups held several
meetings to develop the guidance and to refine it in
response to extensive public comment on draft guidance
published in June 1991. Workgroup members included
representatives of EPA, NOAA, the U.S. Department of
Agriculture (Soil Conservation Service, Extension Ser-
vice, and Forest Service), the U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Service, and several other federal agencies, as well as
experts from state water quality and coastai zone manage-
ment agencies.
What Is in the Guidance?
The guidance identifies the management measures
specified for five major categories ofaonpotnt pollution:
Agriculture, Forestry, Urban, Marinas and Recreational
Boating, and Hydromodification.
The measures are described in terms of management
systems rather than individual practices. Many of these
systems include actions that reduce the generation of
pollutants—a pollution prevention approach—as well as
actions to keep the pollutant from reaching surface or
ground waters. This approach is analogous to the use of
treatment "trains" or a series of treatment steps used in
most point source waste treatment systems.
* The measures reflect the greatest degree of pollut-
ant reduction that is economically achievable.
These measures serve as a benchmark for the
development of other approaches that provide
equivalent or better pollutant reduction.
• The measures focus first on pollution prevention
activities such as carefully planning the applica-
tion of nutrients and pesticides and minimizmg
soil erosion. These types of measures are often the
most cost-effective. The measures often specify
pollution delivery reduction measures, which in-
tercept pollutants leaving the source by capturing
the runoff or infiltrate.
• Whenever appropriate, the measures include con-
sideration of nonpoint pollution of both ground
water and surface water because of their interac-
tion in the hydrologic cycle. In coastal areas,
nonpoint sources which may contribute to ground-
water contamination are of special concern be-
cause of the role ground water often plays in
recharging coastal wateis.
In addition to "measures," the guidance also de-
scribes "practices," which are illustrative of more specific
approaches that can be taken to implement the more
broadly described measures.
How Will the Guidance Be
Implemented?
The management measures guidance will be imple-
mented through state coastai nonpoint programs. These
programs will for the first time bring together authorities
and capabilities within existing federal and local authori-
ties. The new coastal programs will be incorporated into
existing or revised state coastal zone management and
nonpoint source programs so as to build upon programs,
authorities and institutional arrangements already inplace.
State programs must include management measures
in conformity with those specified in EPA's management
measures. States will have some flexibility in that they
may adopt either the measures specified in EPA's guid-
ance or alternative measures to better meet local condi-
tions, provided the alternative measures are as effective as
EPA's measures in controlling coastal nonpoint pollu-
tion.
Within three yeais of program approval by NOAA
and EPA (i.e., January 1999), states must provide for
landowner implementation of the measures. Following a
two-year monitoring period (to January 2001) to assess
the effectiveness of the measures, states will then have an
additional three years (until January 2004) to obtain
landowner implementation of additional, more stringent
management measures where necessary to attain or main-
tain state water quality standards.
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Coastal Nonpoint Pollution Management
Measures Guidance
January
1993
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Wetlands, Oceans, and Watersheds
AGRICULTURE , */'.',
What Is the Coastal Nonpoint
Pollution Program?
Section6217of the Coastal Zone AetReauthorization
Amendments of 1990 (CZABA) requires coastal states
(including Great Lakes states) with approved coastal zone
management programs to address nonpoint pollution
impacting or threatening coastal waters. States must
submit Coastal Nonpoint Pollution Control Programs for
approval to both the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
(EPA) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Ad-
ministration (NOAA), Requirements for state programs
are described in a document entitled Coastal Nonpoint
Pollution Control Program: Program Development and
Approval Guidance and are summarized in a separate fact
sheet
What AIB Management Measures?
CZARA requires EPA, in consultation with NOAA
and other federal agencies, to publish guidance speci fying
"management measures" to restore and protect coastal
waters from specific categories of nonpointsource pollu-
"tion, EPA has done so in a document entitled Guidance
Specifying Management Measures for Sources ofNon-
pointPollution in Coastal Waters. State Coastal Nonpoint
Programs' must provide for implementation of these
measures or'alternative management measures in confor-
mity with these measures in the coastal management area
generally, "Management measures" are defined by law to
be economically achievable measures that reflect the best
available technology for reducing pollutants. States may
select from a wide range of practices or combinations of
practices that will achieve the level of control specified in
the management measure. This fact sheet summarizes the
management measures applicable to agricultural sources.
Other fact sheets summarize the measures for forestry.
urban areas, marinas and recreational boating, hydro-
modification, and wetlands/riparian areas.
What Are the Sources of Agricufture-
Retated Nonpoint Source Pollution?
The primary agricultural nonpoint source pollutants
are nutrients (particularly niirogenand phosphorus),sedi-
ment, animal wastes, pesticides, and salts. Agricultural
nonpoint sources enter surface water through direct sur-
face runoff or through seepage to ground water that
discharges to a surface water outlet. Various fanning
activities result in the erosion of soil particles. The
sediment produced by erosion can damage fish habitatand
wetlands and, in addition, often transports excess agricul-
tural chemicals resulting in contaminated runoff. This
runnoff in turn affects changes to aquatic habitat such as
temperature increases and decreased oxygen. The most
commonsources of excess nutrients iasurface water from
nonpointsources are chemical fertil izers and manure from
animal facilities. Such nutrients cause eutrophication in
surface water. Pesticides used for pest control in agricul-
tural operations can also contaminate surface as well as
ground-waterresources. Return flows,runoff,andleachate
from irrigated lands may transport sediment, nutrients,
salts, and other materials. Finally, improper grazingprac-
tices in riparian, as well as upland areas, caa also cause
water quality degradation.
MANAGEMENT MEASURES '1".<;,=
SUMMARY
SEDIMENT/EROSION CONTROI^Soil ero-
sion is one of the leading causes of water pollution in the
United States, The goal of this measure is to minimize the
delivery of sediment from agricultural lands to receiving
waters. Land owners have a choice of one of two ap-
proaches: (1) apply the erosion component of the U.S.
Department of Agriculture's Conservation Management
-------
System through such practices as conservation tillage,
strip cropping, contour farming, and terracing or (2)
design and install a combination of practices to remove
settleabie solids and associated pollutants in runoff for all
but the larger storms.
CONFINED ANIMAL FACILITY—Animal
waste contaminates many of our waters with pathogens
and nutrients. The management measure for all new
facilities and existing facilities over a certain size is to
limit discharges from confined animal facilities to waters
of the United States by storing wastewater and runoff
caused by all storms up to and including the 25-year, 24-
hour frequency storm. For smaller existing facilities, the
management measure is to design and implementsystems
that collect solids, reduce contaminant concentrations,
and reduce runoff to minimize the discharge of contami-
nants in both facility wastewater and runoff caused by all
storms up to and including 25-year, 24-hour frequency
storms.
This measure also specifies management of stored
runoff and solids thro ughproper waste utilization and use
of disposal methods which minimize impacts to surface/
ground water. Confined animal facilities required to
obtain a discharge permit under the NPDES permit
program are not subject to these management measures.
NUTRIENT MANAGEMENT—This measure
calls fordevelopmentand imptementationof comprehen-
sive nutrient management plans. The fundamentals of a
comprehensive nutrientmanagement plan include a nutri-
ent budget for the crop, identification of the types and
amoun tsof nutrients necessary to produce a crop based on
realistic crop yield expectations, and an identification of
the environmental hazards of the site. Other items called
for-in.the measure include soil tests and other tests to
determine crop nutrient needs and proper calibration of
nutrient equipment
PESTICIDE MANAGEMENT—This measure is
designed to minimize water quality problems by reducing
pesticide use, improving the timing and efficiency of
application, preventing backflow of pesticides into water
supplies, and improving calibration of pesticide spray
equipment A key component of this measure is use of
integrated pest management 0PM) strategies. IPM strat-
egies include evaluating current pest problems in relation
to the cropping history, previous pest control measures,
and apply ingpesticides only when an economic benefit to
the producer will be achieved, le., application based on
economic thresholds. If pesticide applications are neces-
sary, pesticides should be selected based oa consideration
of their environmental impacts such as persistence, toxic*
ity, and leaching potential,
LIVESTOCK GRAZING—The goal of this mea-
sure is to protect sensitive areas. Sensitive areas include
streambanks, wetlands, estuaries, poads, lake shores, and
riparian zones. Protection is to be achieved with improved
grazing management that reduces the physical distance
and direct loading of animal waste and sediment caused
by livestock by restricting livestock access to sensitive
areas through a range of options. In addition, upland
erosion is to be reduced by either: (1) applying the range
and pasture components of a Conservation Management
System or (2) maintaining the land in accordance with the
activity plans established by either the Bureau of Land
Management or the Forest Service. Such techniques
include the restriction of livestock from sensitive areas
through locating salt, shade, and alternative drinking
sources away from sensitive areas, and providing live-
stock stream crossings.
IRRIGATION—This measure promotes an effec-
tive irrigation system that delivers necessary quantities of
wateryet reduces nonpototpoUutiontosurface waters and
groundwater. To achieve this, the measure calls for
uniform application of water based upon an accurate
measurement of cropwater needs and the volume of
irrigationwater applied. Whenapplyingchemicals thro ugh
irrigation (a process known as chemigation), special
additional precautions apply. The measure also recog-
nizes thatstates' water laws thatconflict with the measure
will take precedence over the measure.
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Coastal Nonpoint Pollution Management
Measures Guidance
January 1993
FORESTRY
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Wetlands, Oceans, and Watersheds
What Are the Major Sources of
Pollutants from Forestry Operations?
Silviculrural nonpoint source pollution Impacts de-
pend on site characteristics, climatic conditions, and the
forest practice employed. Sediment, nutrients, pesticides,
and temperature are pollutants commonly associated with
forestry activities.
What Is the Coastal Nonpoint Pollution
Program?
Section62l7of the Coastal Zone ActReauthorization
Amendments of 1990 (CZARA) requires coastal states
(including Great Lakes states) with approved coastal zone
management programs to address nonpoint pollution
impacting or threatening coastal waters. States must
submit Coastal NonpointPollution Control Programs for
approval to both the U.S. Environmenal Protection Agency
(EPA) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Ad-
ministration (NOAA). Requirements for state programs
are described in a document entitled Coastal Nonpoint
Pollution Control Program: Program Development and
Approval Guidance and are summarized in a separate fact
sheet
What Are Management Measures?
CZARA requires EPA, in consultation with NOAA
and other federal agencies, to publ feh guidance specifying
"management measures" to restore and protect coastal
waters from specific categories of nonpoint source pollu-
tion. EPA has done so in a document entitled Guidance
SpetifyingManagementMeasuresforSourcesQfNonpQwt
Pollution in Coastal Waters. State Coastal Nonpoint
Pollution Control Programs must provide for implemen-
tation of these measures or alternative management mea-
sures in conformity with these measures, in the coastal
managementarea generally. "Managementmeasures:*are
defined by law to be economically achievable measures
that reflect the best available technology for reducing
pollutants. States may select from a wide range of prac-
tices or combinations of practices that will achieve the
level of control specified in the management measure.
This fact sheet summarizes the management measures
applicable to forestry sources. Other fact sheets summa-
rize the measures for agriculture, urban areas, marinas and
recreational boating, hydromodification, and wetlands/
riparian areas.
MANAGEMENT MEASURES
SUMMARY
PREHARVEST PLANNING—The objective of
this management measure is to ensure that silvicultural
activities, including timber harvesting, site preparation,
and associated road construction, are conducted in a way
that takes into accQuntpotentialnonpointsource pollutant
delivery to surface waters. Preharvest planning has been
demonstrated to play aa important role in the control of
nonpoint source pollution and efficient forest manage-
ment operations. Components of this measure address
key aspects of forestry operations relevant to water quality
protection, including the timing, location, and design of
harvesting and road construction, the identification of
sensitive areas or high-erosion-hazard areas; and the
potential for additional cumulative contributions to exist-
ing water quality impairments.
STREAMSIDE SPECIAL MANAGEMENT
AREAS (SMA)—This managementmeasure establishes
areas along surface waters that are managed to protect the
water quality of the adjacent waterfaody. Streamside
Management Areas (SMAs) protect against soil distur-
bance and reduce the delivery to waterbodies of sediment
and nutrients from upslope activities. Canopy species in
SMAs shade waterbodies, which moderates water tem-
perature, and provide the detritus that oftea serves as an
energy source for stream ecosystems. Trees in the SMA
also provide asource of large, woody debris to waterbodies,
ROAD CONSTRUCTION/RECONSTRUC-
TION —Road construction is often the largest source of
silviculture-produced sediment. The purpose of this man-
agement measure is to reduce the generation and delivery
-------
of sediment from road construction or reconstruction.
This is to be accomplished by following the preharvest
plan layouts and designs for the road system, incorporat-
ing adequate drainage structures, and properly installing
stream crossings. Other components of this measure
include avoiding constructing roads in SMAs, removing
debris fromstrearns,andstabilizingareas of disturbed soil
such as road fills.
ROAD MANAGEMENT—The objective of this
management measure is to manage existing roads to
prevent sedimentation and pollution from runoff-trans-
ported materials. This management measure describes
how to manage existing roads to minimize erosion,
maintain stability, and reduce the risk of failure or de-
creased effectiveness of drainage structures and stream
crossings. Components of this measure include the use of
inspections and maintenance actions to preventerosionof
road surfaces and ensure the continued effectiveness of
stream crossing structures. The measure also addresses
appropriate actions for closing roads that are no longer in
use.
TIMBER HARVESTING—Thismanagementmea-
sure is intended to reduce NPS pollution resulting from
timber harvesting operations. The measure includes com-
ponents for the location of landings, for the operation of
groundskidding and cable yard ing equipment, and for the
prevention of pollution from petroleum products. Har-
vesting practices that protect water quality and soil pro-
ductivity can also reduce total mileage of roads and skid
trails, lower equipment maintenance costs, and provide
better road protection and reduce road maintenance.
Appropriate skidtraO location and drainage and proper
harvesting in SMAs are addressed by this measure.
Erosion from the siting and operation of timber harvest
opdrattons can be reduced by conducting preharvest
planning.
SITE PREPARATION AND FOREST REGEN-
ERATION —In some areas mechanical site preparation
is of great concern for potential impacts to water quality.
This is especially true in areas that have steep slopes on
highly credible soils, or where the site is located in close
proximity to a waterbody. Careful regeneration of har-
vested forest lands is important in providing water quality
protection from disturbed soils. This management mea-
sure is intended to reduce the impacts of mechanical site
preparation and regeneration operations and to confine
on-site potential nonpoint source pollution. Components
of this measure address keeping slash materials out of
drainages, operating machinery on the contour and pro-
tecting the ground cover in ephemeral drainages and
SMAs.
FIRE MANAGEMENT—Prescribed burning is
aimed at reducing slash and competition for nutrients
among seedlings and protecting against wildfire. Pre-
scribed fires that burn intensely on steep slopes in close
proximity to streams and that remove most of the forest
floor and litter down to the mineral soil, are most likely to
adversely affect water quality. The purpose of this man-
agement measure is to reduce the potential nonpoint
source pollution and erosion resulting from prescribed
fire for site preparation and from methods for suppression
of wildfire. Prescribed fires should be conducted under
conditions to avoid the loss of litter and incorporated soil
organic matter. Bladed flrelines should be stabilized to
prevent erosion, orpracticessuchashandlines, firebreaks,
or hose lays should be used where possible.
REVEGETATION OF DISTURBED AREAS—
Revegetation of areas of disturbed soft can successfully
prevent sediment and pollutants associated with the sedir
ment (such as nutrients) from entering nearby streams.
The objective of this management measure is to reduce
erosion and sedimentation by the rapid revegetatfon of
areas of soil disturbance from harvesting and road con-
struction. The disturbed areas to be revegetated are those
localized areas within harvestunits or roadsystems where
mineral soil is exposed or agitated such as road cuts, fill
slopes, landing surfaces, cable corridors, or skidtrails.
FOREST CHEMICAL MANAGEMENT—
Chemicals used in forest management are generally pes-
ticides (insecticides, herbicides, and fungicides) and fer-
tilizers. Since pesticides may be toxic, they must be
properly mixed, transported, loaded, and applied and their
containers must be properly disposed of to prevent poten-
tial nonpoint source pollution. Fertilizers must also be
properly handled and appliedsincethey also may be toxic
or may shiftsurface water energy dynamics, dependingon
the exposure and concentration. The objective of this
management measure is to ensure that the application of
pesticides and fertilizers does notlead to contaminationof
surface waters. Components of this measure include
applications by skilled workers according to label instruc-
tions, careful prescription of the type and amount of
chemical to be applied, and the use of buffer areas for
surface waters to prevent direct appl ication or deposition.
WETLAND FOREST MANAGEMENT—For-
ested wetlands provide many beneficial water quality
functions and provide habitat for aquatic 1 ife. The purpose
of this management measure is to protect the aquatic
functions of forested wetlands.
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Coastal Nonpoint Pollution Management
Measures Guidance
January 1993
URBAN
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Wetlands, Oceans, and Watersheds
What Is the Coastal Nonpoint Pollution
Program?
Section 621 7of the Coastal Zone ActReauthorization
Amendments of 1990 (CZARA) requires coastal states
(includingGreatLakes states) with approved coastal zone
management programs to address nonpoint pollution
impacting or threatening coastal waters. States must
submit Coastal Nonpoint Pollution Control Programs for
approval to both the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
(EPA) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Ad-
ministration (NOAA). Requirements for state programs
are described in a document entitled Coastal jtfonpoint
Pollution Control Program; Program Development and
Approval Guidance and are summarized in a separate fact
sheet
What Are Management Measures?
CZARA requires EPA, in consultation with NOAA
and other federal agencies, to publis h guidance specifying
"management measures" to restore and protect coastal
waters from specific categories of nonpoint source poUu-
, tion. EPA has done so in a document entitled Guidance
SpecifyingManagementMeasuresforSourcesofNonpoint
Pollution In Coastal Wafers. State Coastal Nonpoint Pol-
lution Control Programs must provide for implementation
-of these measures or alternative managment measures in
conformity with these measures in the coastal manage-
ment area generally. "Management measures1* are defined
by law to be economically achievable measures that reflect
the best available technology for reducing pollutants.
States may select from a wide range of practices or
combinations of practices that will achieve the level of
control specified in the management measure. This fact
sheet summarizes the management measures applicable to
urban areas. Other fact sheets summarize the measures for
agriculture, forestry, marinas and recreational boating,
hydromodification, and wetlands/riparian areas.
What Are the Major Sources of Urban
Nonpoint Source Pollution?
Urbanization has been linked to the degradation of
urban waterways. The major pollutants found in runoff
from urban areas include sediment, nutrients, oxygen-
demanding substances, road salts, heavy metals, petro-
leum hydrocarbons, pathogenic bacteria, and viruses.
Suspended sediments constitute the largest mass of pol-
lutant loadings to receiving waters from urban areas,
Construction is a major source of sediment erosion.
Nutrient and bacterial sources of contamination include
fertilizer usage, pet wastes, leaves, grass clippings, and
faulty septic tanks. Petroleumhydrocarbonsresultmostly
from automobile sources.
MANAGEMENT MEASURES - :. ,
SUMMARY
NEW DEVELOPMENT—The new development
management measure is intended to mitigate the effects of
new development on water quality. This measure speci-
fies that runoff from new development be managed so as
to meet two conditions:
(1) The average annual total suspended solid
(TSS) loadings after construction is completed
are reduced:
a) by 80 percent, or
b) so that they are no greater than
predevelopment loadings; and
(2) To the extent practicable, post-development
peak runoff rate and average volume are
maintained at levels that are similar to
predevelopment levels.
New developments required to obtain NPDES
permits are not subject to this management measure.
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WATERSHED PROTECTION/SITE DEVEL-
OPMENT—-The purpose of these measures is to encour-
age comprehensive p (aiming for development on a water-
shed scale and for small-scale site development as well,
including planning and designing to protect sensitive
ecological areas, minimize land disturbances and retain
natural drainage and vegetation whenever possible.
CONSTRUCTION EROSION/SEDIMENT
CONTROL—The purpose of this measure is to reduce
erosion and transport of sediment from construction sites
to surface water. A sediment and erosion control plan
should be developed and approved prior to land distur-
bance. This measure applies to construction sites of less
than 5 acres.
CONSTRUCTION SITE CHEMICAL CON-
TROL—This measure addresses the transport of toxic
chemicals to surface water by limiting the application,
generation, and migration of chemical contaminants (i.e.,
petrochemicals, pesticides, nutrients) andprovidingproper
storage and disposal.
EXISTING DEVELOPMENT—This measuread-
dresses reduction of pollution loadings from already
developed areas. Watershed managementprogramsshouid
be developed that identify the sources, specify appropri-
ate controls such as retrofitting or the establishment of
buffer strips, and provide a schedule by which these
controls are to be implemented.
NEW ONSITE DISPOSAL SYSTEMS—This
measure addresses mitrient/pathogea loadings to surface
water from new on-site disposal systems. The measure
specifies that new onsite disposal systems (OSDS) are to
be designed, installed and operated properly and to be
situated away from open waterbodies and sensitive re-
sources such as wetlands, and floodplains. Protective
separation between the OSDS and the groundwater table
is to be established. The OSDS unitshould be designed to
reduce nitrogen loadings in areas where surface waters
may be adversely affected,
OPERATING ONSITE DISPOSAL SYSTEMS
—This management measure calls for policies and sys-
tems to operate and maintain OSDS so as to prevent
surface water discharge and reduce pollutant loadings to
ground water. It also calls for inspection at regular time
intervals and repair or replacement of faulty systems.
POLLUTION PREVENTION—This measure in-
cludes techniques and activities to prevent nonpoint
source pollutants from entering surface waters. Primary
emphasis is placed on public education to promote meth-
ods for proper disposal and/or recycling of hazardous
chemicals, pet waste management strategies, manage-
ment practices for lawns and gardens, OSDSs, and com-
mercial enterprises such as service stations and parking
lots.
SITING ROADS, HIGHWAYS, AND
BRIDGES—The measure calls for roads, highways, and
bridges to be situated away from areas that are sensitive
ecosystems and susceptible to erosion and sediment loss.
The siting of such structures should not adveiseiy impact
water quality, minimize land disturbances, and retain
natural vegetation and drainage features.
CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS FOR ROADS,
HIGHWAYS, AND BRIDGES—This measure calls
for the development and implementation of an approved
erosion and sediment control plan prior to construction,
which would reduce erosion and improve retention of
sediments onsite during and after construction.
CONSTRUCTION SITE CHEMICAL CON-
TROL FOR ROADS, HIGHWAYS, AND
BRIDGES—The measure limits toxic and nutrient load-
ings at construction sites by ensuring the proper use,
storage, and disposal of toxic materials to preventsignift-
cant chemical and nutrient runoff to surface water.
OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE FOR
ROADS, HIGHWAYS, AND BRIDGES—This mea-
sure provides an operation and maintenance approach
designed to reduce pollutant loadings to receiving waters
during operation and maintenance of roads, highways,
and bridges.
RUNOFF SYSTEMS FOR ROADS, HIGH-
WAYS, AND BRIDGES —This measure specifies de-
velopment of runoff management systems to reduce
pollutant concentrations in runoff from existing roads,
highways, and bridges. Runoff management systems
should identify priority pollutant reduction opportunities
and schedule implementation of retrofit projects to pro-
tect impacted areas and threatened surface waters.
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Coastal Nonpoint Pollution Management
Measures Guidance
January 1993
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Wetlands, Oceans, and Watersheds
What Is the Coastal Nonpoint
Pollution Program?
Section6217oftheCoastaIZoneActReauthorization
Amendments of 1990 (CZARA) requires coastal states
(including Great Lakes states) withapproved coastal zone
management programs to address nonpoint pollution
impacting or threatening coastal waters. States must
submit Coastal Nonpoint Pollution Control Programs for
approval to both the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
(EPA) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Ad-
ministration (NOAA). Requirements for state programs
are described in a document entitled Coastal Nonpaint
Pollution Control Program: Program Development and
Approval Guidance and aresummarized in a separate fact
sheet
What Are Management Measures?
CZARA requires EPA, in consultation with NOAA
and other federal agencies, to publ ish guidance specifying
"management measures'* to restore and protect coastal
waters from specific categories of nonpointsource pollu-
tion. EPA has done so in a document entitled Guidance
Specifying Management Measures for Sources of Non-
point Pollution in Coastal Waters. State Coastal Non-
point Pollution Control Programs mustprovide for imple-
mentation of these measures or alternative management
measures in conformity with these measures in the coastal
managementarea generally. "Management measures" are
defined by law to be economically achievable measures
that reflect the best available technology for reducing
pollutants. States may select from a wide range of prac-
tices or combinations of practices that will achieve the
level of control specified in the management measure,
This fact sheet summarizes the management measures
applicable to marinas and recreational boating. Other fact
sheets summarize the measures for agriculture, forestry,
urban areas, hydromodiflcation, and wetlands/riparian
areas.
What Are the Nonpoinf Source
Pollution Problems Associated with
Marinas and Recreational Boating?
Marinas are located right at the water's edge, and •
often there is no bufferingof pollutants coming from boats
or transported by runoff from parking lots and hull
maintenance areas. Documented adverse environmental
impacts include dissolved oxygen deficiencies and high
concentrations of toxic metals in aquatic organisms. In
addition, construction activities can lead to the physical
destruction of sensitive ecosystems and bottom-dwelling
aquatic communities.
MANAGEMENT MEASURES
SUMMARY
MARINA FLUSHING—The measure requires that
marina siting and design allow for maximum QusMog of
the water supply for the site. Adequate flushing reduces
the potential for the stagnation of water in a marina and
helps to maintain the biological productivity and reduce
the potential for toxic accumulation in bottom sediment
WATER QUALITY ASSESSMENT—This mea-
sure specifies thatwater quality be considered in thesiting
and design of both new and expanding marinas.
HABITAT ASSESSMENT—Marinas should be
designed and located so as to protect against adverse
impacts on shellfish resources, wetlands, submerged
aquatic vegetation, and other important habitat areas as
designated by local, state, or federal governments,
SHORELINE STABILIZATION—Where shore-
line erosion is a nonpoint source pollution problem,
shorelines should be stabilized. Vegetative methods are
strongly preferred unless structural methods are cost-
effective.
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STORMWATER RUNOFF—Thlsmeasure, which
applies to runoff from the marina site only, specifies
implementationofrunoffcontrolstrategieswhich include
the use of pollution prevention activities and the proper
design of hull maintenance areas. At least 80% of sus-
pended solids must be removed from stormwater runoff
coming from the hull maintenance areas. Marinas which
obtain a NPDES permit for their hull maintenance areas
are not required to conform to this hull maintenance area
provision.
FUELING STATION DESIGN—This measure
specifies that fueling stations should be located and
designed so that, in the case of an accident, spill contami-
nants can be contained in a limited area. Fuel ing stations
should have fuel containment equipment as well as aspill
contingency plan.
SEWAGE FACILITIES—-To prevent the dis-
charge of sewage directly to coastal waters, new and
expanding marinas are to install pumpout, pump station,
and restroom facilities where needed.
SOLID WASTE—'This measure speciGes thatsoiid
wastes produced by the operation, cleaning, maintenance,
and repair of boats should be properly disposed of to limit
their entry to surface waters.
FISH WASTES—Insufficient quantity, fish wastes
can result in the depletion of dissolved oxygen and odor
problems. To address this concern, the measure requires
that sound fish waste management be promoted through
a combination of fish cleaning restrictions, public educa-
tion, and proper disposal.
LIQUID MATERIAL—This management mea-
sure provides for appropriate storage, transfer, contain-
ment, and disposal facilities for liquid materials com-
monly used in boat maintanance and encourages the
recycling of these materials.
PETROLEUM CONTROL—This measure ad-
dresses the problem of fuel and oil leaks, which often
occur during the refueling and operation of boats. The
amount of fuel and oil leakage from fuel tank air vents
should be reduced.
BOAT CLEANING—This measure minimizes the
use of potentially harmful hull cleaners and bottom paints
and their release to marinas and coastal waters.
PUBLIC EDUCATION—Public education/out-
reaeh/ttataing programs should be instituted for boaters,
as well as marina operators, to prevent improper disposal
of polluting materials.
MAINTENANCE OF SEWAGE FACILITIES
—This measure specifies tbatpumpout facilities be main-
tained in operational condition and that their use be
encouraged to reduce untreated sewage discharges to
surface waters.
BOAT OPERATION—This measure deals with
ecological problems resulting from boating operations
outside marinas. In shallow areas, intense boating activi-
ties may contribute to shoreline erosion. The measure is
designed to prevent increased turbidity and physical
destruction of shallow-water habitat resulting from boat-
ing activities. {§}
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January 1993
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Wetlands, Oceans, and Watersheds
HYDROMODIFlCArtON *. „./ J* :l
What Is the Coastal Nonpoint Pollution
Program?
Section6217of the Coastal Zone ActReautharization
Amendments of 1990 (CZARA) requires coastal states
(including GreatLakesstates) with approved coastal zone
management programs to address nonpoint pollution
impacting or threatening coastai waters. States must
submit Coastal Nonpoint Pollution Control Programs for
approval to both the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
(EPA) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Ad-
ministration (NOAA). Requirements for state programs
are described in a document entitled Coastal Honpoint
Pollution Control Program; Program Development and
Approval Guidance and are summarized in a separate fact
sheet
What are Management Measures?
CZARA requires EPA, in consultation with NOAA
and other federal agencies, to publish guidance specifying
"management measures" to restore and protect coastal
waters from specific categories of nonpoint source pollu-
|ion. EPA has done so in a document entitled Guidance
Specifying Management Measures for Sources of Non-
point Pollution in Coastal Wafers. State Coastal Nonpoint
Pollution Control Programs must provide for implemen-
tation of these measures or alternative management mea-
sures in conformity with these measures in the coastal
management area generally. "Management Measures'* are
defined by law to be economically achievable measures
that reflect the best available technology for reducing
pollutants. States may select from a wide range of practices
or combinations of practices that will achieve the level of
control specified in the management measure. This fact
sheetsummarizes the management measures applicable to
hydromodification. Other fact sheets summarize the mea-
sures for agriculture, forestry, urban areas, marinas and
recreational boating, and wetlands/riparian areas.
What Are the Nonpoint Source-
Refated Problems Associated with
Hydromodfflcafion?
Hydromodification activities have been separated
into the categories of channel 122 tion and channel modifi-
cation, dams, and streambank and shoreline erosion.
A frequentresultof channelization and channel modi-
fication activities is a diminished suitability of instream
and streamside habitat for fish and wildlife. They can also
alter instream patterns of water temperature and sediment
type, as well as the rates and paths of sediment erosion,
transport, and deposition. Hardening of banks along
waterways has increased the movementof NPS pollutants
from the upper reaches of watersheds into coastal waters.
Dams can adversely impact the hydraulic regime, the
quality of the surface waters, and habitat in the stream or
river where they are located. A variety of impacts can
result from the siting, construction, and operation of these
facilities.
The erosiono f shore! ines and streambanks is a natural
process that can have either beneficial or adverse impacts
on the creation and maintenance of riparian habitat
Excessively high sediment loads can smother submerged
aquatic vegetation, cover shellfish beds and tidal flats, fill
in riffle pools, and contribute to increased levels of
turbidity and nutrients.
SUMMARY
Management Measures for
Channelization and Channel
Modification
PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL CHARACTER-
ISTICS OF SURFACE WATERS—This measure en-
sures that the planning process for new channelization
projects includes an evaluation of the potential effects on
thephysical and chemicalcharacteristics of surface waters
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that may occur as a result of the proposed work. The
measure encourages planning and design of new projects
to reduce undesirable impacts. The operation and main-
tenance programs for existing modified channels should
identify and implement any available opportunities to
improve the physical and chemical characteristics of
surface waters in those channels.
INSTREAM AND RIPARIAN HABITAT RES-
TORATION FOR CHANNELIZATION AND
CHANNELMODIFICATION—This measure ensures
that the planning process for new channelization projects
includes an evaluation of the potential effects on instream
and riparian habitat that may occur as a result of the
proposed work. The measure encourages planning and
design of new projects to reduce undesirable impacts. The
operation and maintenance programs for existing modi-
fied channels should identify opportunities to restore
Instream and riparian habitat in those channels. The
habitat characteristics that may be influenced by
channelization and channel modification include: elimi-
nation of stream bank vegetation, reduced freshwater
availability, and accelerated delivery of pollutants.
Management Measures for Dams
These management measures apply to dams 25 feet or
more in heightand greater than 15acre-feet in capacity, or
to dams six feet or more in height and greater thatSO acre-
feet in capacity. The measures also apply only to those
projects and activities that fall outside of existing jurisdic-
tion of the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination
System permit program.
EROSION AND SEDIMENT CONTROL—This
measure provides for reducing erosion and retaining
sediment onsite, to the exteatpractieable, during and after
construction of dams. An approved erosion and sediment
control plan, or similar administrative document that
contains erosion and sediment control provisions, should
be prepared and implemented prior to land disturbance.
CHEMICALAND POLLUTANT CONTROL—
This measure ensures the proper storage and disposal of
certain chemicals, substances, and other materials that are
used in construction or maintenance activities at dams.
These include construction chemicals such as concrete
additives, petrochemicals, solid wastes, cement washout,
pesticides and fertilizers. The measure limits the applica-
tion, generation, and migration of toxic substances, and
ensures their proper storage and disposal. The measure
also ensures that nutrients are applied at rates accessary to
establishand maintain vegetation without causingsignifi-
cant nutrient runoff to surface waters.
PROTECTION OF SURFACE WATER QUAL-
ITY AND INSTREAM AND RIPARIAN HABI-
TAT—This measure ensures that the operation of dams
will be assessed for impacts to surface water quality and
instream and riparian habitat, and that the potential for
improvement will be evaluated. Significant nonpoint
source pollution problems that exist from excessive sur-
face water withdrawals will also be assessed and evalu-
ated.
Management Measure for
Streambank and Shoreline Erosion
STREAMBANK AND SHORELINE ERO-
SION—Eroding streambanks and shorelines should be
stabilized, where streambank and shoreline erosion is a
nonpoint source problem. Vegetative methods such as
marsh creation and vegetative bank stabilization ("bio-
engineering") are the preferred methods. The measure
also ensures that streambank and shoreline features such
as wetlands and riparian areas with the potential to reduce
NFS pollution are protected. Streambanks and shorelines
should also be protected from erosion due to uses of either
the shorelands or adjacent surface wateis.
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January 1993
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Wetlands, Oceans, and Watersheds
WETLANDS, RIPARIAN AREAS, Hill
TREATMENT SYSTEMS
What Is the Coastal Nonpoint
Pollution Program?
Section6217of the Coastal Zone ActReauthorization
Amendments of 1990 (CZARA) requires coastal states
(including Great Lakes states) withapproved coastal zone
management programs to address nonpoint pollution
impacting or threatening coastal waters. States must
submit Coastal NonpointPolIutionControl Programs for
approval to both the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
(EPA) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Ad-
ministration (NOAA). Requirements for state programs
are described in a doctnaiest endtled Coastal Nonpoint
Pollution Control Program: Program Development and
Approval Guidance and are summarized in a separate fact
sheet
What Are Management Measures?
CZARA requires EPA, in consultation with NOAA
and other federal agencies, to pubi ish guidance specifying
"management measures'* to restore and protect coastal
waters from specific categories of nonpoint source pollu-
tion. EPA has done so in a document entitled Outdance
Specifying Management Measures for Sources of Non-
point Pollution in Coastal Waters. State Coastal Non-
point Pollution Control Pro grams mustprovide forimple-
mentation of these measures or alternative management
measures in conformity with these measures in the coastal
management area generally. "Management measures"
are defined by law to be economically achievable mea-
sures that reflect the best available technology for reduc-
ing pollutants. States may select from a wide range of
practices or combinations of practices that will achieve
the level of control specified in the managementmeasure.
Chapters 2-6 of the Guidance specify management mea-
sures thatrepresentthe mosteffectivesystemsofpractices
to prevent or reduce coastal nonpoint source pollution
from five specific categories of sources (agriculture,
forestry, urban areas, marinas and recreational boating,
and hydromodification). In chapter 7, management mea-
sures are specified thatappiy to a wide variety of sources,
including the five categories of sources addressed in the
preceding chapters, as well as to the protection and
restoration of wetlands and riparian areas. This factsheet
summarizes the management measures specified in chap-
ter?.
What Are Some Activities That Lead
to the Destruction of Wetlands and
Riparian Areas ?
Changes to hydrology, geochemistry, substrate, or
species composition may impair the ability of a wetland
or riparian area to function properly, Such alterations can
affect the ability of the wetland or riparian area to act as a
filter for excess sedimentation and nutrienss, which can
result in deteriorated surface waterquality. The following
are examples of typical activities that often cause such
impairment: the drainage of wetlands for additional crop-
land, overgrazing, construction of highways,
channelization of an adjoining waterway, deposition of
dredged material, and excavation for ports and marinas.
MANAGEMENT MEASURES
SUMMARY
THE PROTECTION OF WETLANDS AND
RIPARIAN AREAS—The purpose of this management
measure is to maintain the water quality benefits of wet-
lands and riparian areas and to ensure that they do not in
turn become a source of nonpoint pollution due to degra-
dation. Wetlands and riparian zones reduce nonpoint
source pollution by filtering out of solution NPS-related
contaminants such as phosphorus and nitrogen. The
ability of wetlands and riparian zones to perform this
function is determined by the vegetative composition,
geochemistry, and faunal species composition. Any
changes to these characteristics could affect GItering ca-
pacities.
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THE RESTORATION OF WETLANDS AND
RIPARIAN AREAS—This measure promotes the res-
toration of preexisting wetland and riparian areas where
the restoration of such systems will have a significant
nonpoint source pollution abatement function. This
measure is intended to address the increase in pollutant
loadings that can result from degradation or destruction of
wetlands and riparian areas. These areas are effective in
removing several pollutants from stormwater, such as
sediment, nitrogen, and phosphorus. Wetland and ripar-
ian areas also help to attenuate flows from higher-than-
average storm events, thereby protecting downstream
areas from impacts such as channel scour, streambank
erosion, and fluctuations in temperature and chemical
characteristics. This can be accompl ished by reestablish-
ing previous hydrologic dynamics, vegetation, and struc-
tural characteristics.
ENGINEERED VEGETATED TREATMEN1
SYSTEMS—The purpose of vegetated filter strips is to
remove sediment and other pollutants from runoff and
wastewater by filtration, deposition, infiltration, absorp-
tion, adsorption, decomposition, and volatilization, thereby
reducing the amount of pollution entering adjacent
waterbodies. The ability of a wetland to act as a sink for
phosphorus and the ability to convert nitrate to nitrogen
gas through denitrificationare two examples of the impor-
tant NFS poEutfon abatement functions performed by
constructed wetlands. This measure promotes the devel-
opment of artificial wetlands or vegetated treatment sys-
tems where these systems will serve a nonpoint source
pollution abatement function.
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