OVERVIEW

Water pollution degrades surface waters making them unsafe for drinking, fishing, swimming, and other activities. As authorized by the Clean Water Act, the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit program controls water pollution by regulating point sources that discharge pollutants into waters of the United States. Point sources are discrete conveyances such as pipes or man-made ditches. Individual homes that are connected to a municipal system, use a septic system, or do not have a surface discharge do not need an NPDES permit; however, industrial, municipal, and other facilities must obtain permits if their discharges go directly to surface waters. Since its introduction in 1972, the NPDES permit program is responsible for significant improvements to our Nation's water quality.

EPA's stormwater program homepage

EPA's nonpoint source program homepage

2004 NPDES REPORT FOR LINCOLN

Make Your Home the Solution to Stormwater Pollution Brochure [PDF Format] - This short brochure is targeted directly to homeowners and provides tips on a wide variety of simple things that homeowner's can do to prevent stormwater pollution. EPA 833-B-03-003

Guide for Sustainable Landscaping and Water Smart Templates

Does Your Construction Site Need a Stormwater Permit? A Construction Site Operator's Guide to EPA's Stormwater Permit Program [PDF Format, 4 pp.] - This new brochure provides construction companies with a brief overview of EPA's Construction General Permit (CGP) and its requirements. It is being sent to construction companies to inform them of the need to obtain permit coverage for sites disturbing one acre or more. The brochure contains a summary of the major provisions of the CGP, including areas of coverage, using EPA's new electronic notice of intent system for obtaining permit coverage, developing a stormwater pollution prevention plan, and more. State version [PDF Format].

Parking Lot Storm Water Control Program

EPA NE: Storm Water - Links to Other Sources of Information

BEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICES

Below is a general summary of selected practices for a variety of activities.

AGRICULTURE AND LAWN BEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICES

Keep fertilizers from fertilizing waterways.

• tailor the application of manure and fertilizer to the nutrient needs of the crop
• use soil tests to determine current nutrient levels and soil pH
• diversify crop rotations and plant cover crops after harvesting to use residual nutrients
• avoid spreading manure or fertilizer on frozen or snow covered ground
• incorporate manure into the soil as soon as possible after spreading
• do not store manure in the floodway or near wells
• maintain filter strips between surface waters and fields and feedlots
• control livestock access to water bodies
• divert runoff away from high animal use areas
• keep accurate fertilizer application and crop yield records
• manage milkhouse and parlor wash water
• store manure in properly constructed and located facilities

Control sedimentation and erosion.

• plant crops along contour lines rotate crops that provide limited ground cover with those that
• provide generous ground cover
• maintain filter strips between fields and surface waters
• plant cover crops or maintain residue cover on the fields after harvest
• construct and stabilize diversions to control runoff across cropland and control erosion in gullies
• keep livestock off bare streambanks
• set farm buildings back from streams

Use pesticides carefully.

• apply pesticides only when needed
• consider using integrated pest management to reduce pesticide use
• apply, store and handle pesticides properly
• obtain training in pesticide application or hire a licensed applicator
• do not spray or apply pesticides on windy days or before a heavy rain storm
  

SEPTIC SYSTEM BEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICES

Keep the system working well to prevent groundwater pollution.

• know the location of septic tank and leach field; mark tank cover
• inspect tank frequently and pump it out at least every 3 years
• use water conservatively
• keep vehicles and livestock off the system
• do not use kitchen garbage disposal, which can clog the system
• do not pour caustic or toxic materials down the drain; these may kill necessary bacteria and
• contaminate sludge later intended for land application
• do not flush bulky items such as disposable diapers or sanitary pads into the system
• avoid putting food waste and grease into the system
• keep deep rooted trees and shrubs away from the leach field
  

CONSTRUCTION SITE BEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICES

Ensure good oversight of erosion and sedimentation control.

• provide erosion, sedimentation, and stormwater management plans
• use all natural resource information, including soils, topography, and geology
  

Minimize the amount of bare soil exposed.

• limit clearing on building sites and rights-of-way
• cluster buildings; build one phase at a time
• mulch all bare soil as soon as possible, before storms or rainfall
• stabilize, seed and mulch the area when soil will be exposed for an extended period
  

Minimize water-impervious surfaces that increase runoff.

• minimize the area of roofs, roads, sidewalks, and parking lots
• leave undisturbed as much of the site's natural vegetation as possible
• consider using porous pavement
  

Direct water away from construction areas.

• don't concentrate stormwater into channels
• redirect clean water that could otherwise drain onto the construction site
• schedule work during periods of low water, low rainfall, and when vegetation can best be established
• work with the natural contours of the site; use natural drainways (not man-made ones or streambeds)
• avoid building roads up and down steep slopes
• provide ditches and channels of sufficient stability and capacity to handle storm runoff velocities
• install ditch turnouts so that runoff flows into vegetated areas
• use natural ground cover (such as grass) on slopes and in drainage ditches
• use wet (retention) ponds to trap sediment and phosphorus
• ensure that storm and other drainage systems (not wastewater systems) empty into adequately sized channels and
• don't enter sewage systems
  

Protect existing stormwater inlets and culverts from sediment.

• mulch all bare soils
• install silt fencing and hay bale filters
• use sediment traps in larger ditches
• install a temporary, perforated riser at culverts
  

Make sure your erosion control measures are effective.

• adjust, maintain, and repair erosion controls after every storm event
• remove all temporary measures once construction has ceased and vegetation has taken root
  

ROAD SALTING AND SNOW STORAGE BEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICES

It is illegal to dump plowed snow directly into water bodies.

Keep salt, sand, and other pollutants in winter snow piles out of waterways.

• store disposed snow near flowing surface waters, but at least 25' from the high water mark, in order to dilute the salt with river water and avoid impacts to ground water, lakes, and wetlands; solid materials contained in the snow remain on the land surface and should be removed each spring
• avoid storing snow near water supply wells
• store salt piles under cover and on a flat, impervious surface so salt does not wash into the ground
• remove sand from streets in early spring
  

Apply road salt carefully.

• identify sensitive areas such as public water supplies and ponds, and consider de-icing alternatives
• give salt time to work; know when to plow and reapply salt
• determine salt application rates and frequency for all roads in a service area
• apply salt in a 4-8' wide center strip along lesser traveled roads
• use ground-speed controllers on spreaders