What is Nonpoint Source Pollution (NPS)?
A. Sources of water pollution can be categorized in two ways. One is contamination which originates from an identifiable point, for example, the end of a pipe or channel. The other is nonpoint sources which affect water quality in a more indirect and diffuse way, such as agricultural or urban runoff. With point sources of pollution firmly entrenched in the regulatory scheme, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is stepping up its activity to address nonpoint sources: a challenge with significant water quality implications. It is estimated that as a result of gains made in controlling point sources, nonpoint sources now compose over half of the waste load borne by the nation’s waters. The EPA recently released a draft strategy for strengthening nonpoint source management and intends to dramatically pick up the pace in nonpoint source control. The initial focus is on runoff. Stormwater is posing an increasing problem as runoff transports pollutants, such as sediment, fertilizers, pe
