Nonpoint Source (NPS) Pollution Control Program
NONPOINT SOURCE (NPS) POLLUTION is currently the leading cause of pollution to surface and groundwater. NPS pollution comes from many diffuse sources including agriculture (pesticides, herbicides), urban runoff (construction sites, roads, industry, residential areas), marinas and boating, hydromodification and mining. (In the past, a large amount of pollution was contributed by point discharges (businesses, industry, municipalities); however, most point discharges are now regulated by waste discharge requirements.)
An important element of the Regional Board's approach to address NPS is to increase public awareness of NPS issues through education. This includes education/outreach on the causes and
control of NPS pollution to local agencies, developers, businesses, industry, home owners/renters, school children, and youth groups. Part of this educational process is to promote the use of best management
practices which are designed to eliminate or reduce the amount of pollution contributed by current practices. As part of the public outreach effort, Regional Board staff are available to speak to schools and other
groups on NPS issues. Our fledgling NPS web page (site in progress) also includes links to other web sites that deal with NPS issues, including sites from the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA).
How YOU can help prevent NPS Pollution
BECOME EDUCATED about environmental pollution and encourage your friends to do the same.
- Visit State Board Nonpoint Source (NPS) Pollution Control Homepage
- View California Nonpoint Source Encyclopedia
- Learn more about Urban Runoff and Water Pollution
- Learn more about Marinas and Boating
- Learn more about Crop Nutrient Management
- Learn more about Good Housekeeping - Best Management Practices (BMPs)
- Learn more about Erosion and Sediment Control
- Learn more about Agriculture: Dairy Waste Management
DON'T put anything down storm drains - including chemicals, paint, oil & grease, trash, pet waste, leaves & grass
DON'T apply pesticides and herbicides in amounts greater than the recommended dosage, and use the least toxic products available
DO pick up pet waste
RECYCLE, RECYCLE, RECYCLE - including plastic, glass, aluminum cans, paper, newspaper - (For recycling tips - www.ciwmb.ca.gov)
TAKE hazardous waste, such as motor oil, paint, and chemicals, to a designated HAZARDOUS WASTE COLLECTION SITE
For Locations - Call 1-800-CLEANUP (553-2962) or www.ciwmb.ca.gov
NPS Related Documents
NPS Regional Board staff personnel include:
| Mark Adelson | Region-wide NPS Pollution Coordinator | (951) 782-3234 |
| Athar Khan | Region-wide NPS Pollution Program Manager | (951) 782-3219 |
| Pavlova Vitale | Region-wide Volunteer Monitoring Coordinator Lake Elsinore Watershed |
(951) 782-4920 |
| Heather Boyd | Big Bear Watershed | (951) 320-2006 |
| Anaheim Bay/Huntington Harbor/Newport Bay Watershed |
Directory of Web Sites-NPS Pollution Related
| Adopt-a-Watershed | www.adopt-a-watershed.org (env. curriculum, training) |
| EPA Cleanup | www.earth911.org |
| EPA Clean Water Needs Survey | www.epa.gov/owm/mtb/cwns/index.htm |
| Los Angeles-Stormwater | www.lacity.org/san/swmd |
| National Wildlife Federation | www.nwf.org (schoolyard, backyard habitats) |
| Nonpoint Source Site-EPA | www.epa.gov/OWOW/NPS/ |
| Nonpoint Source Site-State Water Board | www.waterboards.ca.gov/water_issues/programs/nps/ |
| Nonpoint Source News-Notes (EPA) | www.epa.gov/owow/info/NewsNotes/ |
| Orange County | www.oc.ca.gov/ |
| Riverside County Flood Control | www.floodcontrol.co.riverside.ca.us/districtsite/default.asp |
| San Bernardino Co - Stormwater | www.co.san-bernardino.ca.us/flood/npdes/ |
| Watershed Graphics (EPA) | www.epa.gov/OWOW/watershed/outreach/outreachnonjs.html |
Listing of links on this page in no way implies endorsement of the information or organization by the Regional Water Quality Control Board, State Water Resources Control Board or State of California.