Frequently Asked Questions
Drain stenciling "Dump no waste, drains to bay"
Most people do not realize that storm drains lead DIRECTLY TO OUR RIVERS AND STREAMS,
not to a wastewater treatment plant. Stenciling can provide public awareness of the issue.
Photo courtesy of Big Fork Storm Water Adv.Com.
What is nonpoint source pollution? Nonpoint source (NPS) pollution is the state’s single largest source of water quality impairment. NPS pollution is contaminated runoff from the land surface that can be generated by most land use activities, including agriculture, forestry, urban and suburban development, mining and others. Common NPS pollutants include sediment, nutrients, temperature fluxes, heavy metals, pesticides, pathogens, pharmaceuticals, oil and salt.
What does the Nonpoint Source Program do? The goal of Montana’s Nonpoint Source Management Program is to protect and restore water quality from the impacts of NPS pollution in order to provide a clean and healthy environment. The NPS Program encourages voluntary pollution control activities by providing guidance and matching local project funding through the 319 grant program.
Why is the Nonpoint Source Program important? The Clean Water Act has guided water quality improvement for over 30 years. Montana was successful in limiting pollution from industrial and municipal discharges through point source permits. Today point source pollution impairs only 10 percent of Montana’s streams and 20 percent of its lakes. Now the challenge is to protect and restore water quality affected by nonpoint source pollution.
What can be done about nonpoint source pollution? Nonpoint source pollution comes from a variety of human activities. Click here to find out what you can do.
