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Collaboration is the Key to
Control Nonpoint PollutionMost nonpoint pollution in Washington State's waters comes from many different, hard-to-trace sources with no obvious point of discharge. When it rains, water washes over driveways, roofs, agricultural lands, streets, lawns, construction sites, and logging operations. As rainwater, snowmelt and irrigation water washes over these areas, pollution is carried into streams, lakes and through soil into ground water.
When selecting actions to solve nonpoint problems, we need to take advantage of opportunities that will enhance and restore living systems on which all life depends. For example, an effective approach to controlling nonpoint sources is the use of “best management practices” (BMPs). BMPs are environmental protection practices that help ensure that land uses are conducted in an environmentally responsible manner.
There are ongoing efforts in the state of Washington to control nonpoint sources of pollution. These efforts are carried out through various programs by federal, state, tribal, and local governments, as well as by nongovernmental, citizen and volunteer groups.
The environments in Washington are complex, and there are a number of mandates to protect water quality and other natural resources. Even though individual agencies and organizations have their own pollution control programs, it is imperative that they work together to solve water quality problems. Many of the programs identified in the Nonpoint Plan call for joint efforts.
State Agencies
State agencies provide:
- technical assistance
State agencies provide technical assistance to local governments, tribes, and to each other to implement environmental programs. Many agencies have extensive programs that provide in-kind technical assistance. Most regulatory agencies provide technical assistance to try to help solve a problem before taking an enforcement action.
- financial assistance
The legislature appropriates money to fund tasks mandated by State laws and rules. State agencies administer a variety of grant and loan programs that can help to achieve compliance with state water quality standards. Most state financial assistance programs can award money only to public agencies or non-profit groups. Grants to businesses, individuals, and non-profit organizations are limited by both the State constitution and various statutes.
- regulatory assistance
The Department of Ecology has authority to take enforcement actions against people polluting waters of the State.
Local Governments
Nonpoint pollution can often be characterized as a local land use issue. People who are important in helping to solve water quality problems include those from local governments, special purpose districts, tribes, businesses, nonprofit organizations, and citizens.
Many state laws are implemented by local governments, with state agencies in an oversight and/or support role. With regard to the environment, local governments and special districts have primary authority or major implementation efforts in:
- solid waste management
- growth management and land use
- stream restoration and rehabilitation
- sewage systems, both on- and off-site
- road construction and maintenance
- shorelands management
- stormwater management
- provision of drinking water
- used oil and household toxics
- irrigation water and return flows
For more information see Washington's Water Quality Plan to Control Nonpoint Pollution (Ecology publication no. 05-10-027):
Volume 2: Existing State and Federal Programs for Water Quality Management (under development)
Volume 3: Implementation Strategy for Local Governments (Page 67)
Next: Education about Nonpoint Pollution
Contact us for more information
Copyright © Washington State Department of Ecology. See http://www.ecy.wa.gov/copyright.html.
