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People and their actions are the most significant sources and causes of urban run-off and pollution. Uncontrolled or treated run-off from the urban environment and from construction activities can run-off the landscape into surface waters. This run-off can include such pollutants as sediments, pathogens, fertilizers/nutrients, hydrocarbons, and metals. Pavement and compacted areas, roofs, reduced tree canopy, and open space increase run-off volumes that rapidly flow into our waters. This increase in volume and velocity of run-off often causes stream bank erosion, channel incision, and sediment deposition in stream channels. In addition, run-off from these developed areas can increase stream temperatures. Along with the increase in flow rate and pollutant loads, these elements negatively affect water quality and aquatic life.
Other common sources of urban pollution include improperly sited, designed, and maintained onsite wastewater treatment (septic) systems; pet wastes; lawn and garden fertilizers; pesticides; household chemicals that are improperly disposed of; automobile fluids; road deicing/anti-icing chemicals; and vehicle emissions.
Management measures are described in the U.S. EPA guidance document, National Management Measures to Control Nonpoint Source Pollution from Urban Areas, 2005. This guidance helps citizens and municipalities in urban areas protect bodies of water from polluted run-off that can result from everyday activities. These scientifically sound techniques are the best practices known today. The guidance will also help states to implement their NPS control programs and municipalities to implement their Phase II Storm Water Permit Programs.
The implementation of management measures for urban run-off will reduce the generation of NPS pollutants from existing development and control run-off and treat pollutants associated with new development and redevelopment. The execution of the following management measures will also result in more consistent and widespread implementation of existing state NPS programs.