NonPoint Source Pollution:  Barnegat Bay’s Biggest Water Quality Problem

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According to the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP), Nonpoint Source Pollution, or "people pollution", is a contamination of our ground water, waterways, and ocean that results from everyday activities such as fertilizing the lawn, walking pets, changing motor oil and littering. With each rainfall, pollutants generated by these activities are washed into storm drains that flow into our waterways and ocean. They also can soak into the ground contaminating the ground water below.

Each one of us, whether we know it or not, contributes to non-point source pollution through our daily activities. As a result, nonpoint source pollution is the BIGGEST threat to many of our ponds, creeks, lakes, wells, streams, rivers and bays, our ground water, and the ocean.

What is stormwater?

According to the NJDEP, stormwater runoff is the most common way that nonpoint source (NPS) pollution reaches local rivers, creeks and lakes. Rainwater will carry chemicals, nutrients, sediments and other forms of NPS pollution into local streams (either directly or through storm sewers) if the water is not absorbed by soil and vegetation. Therefore, the major goal of stormwater management is to increase absorption of rainwater by soil and vegetation, usually by reducing the speed of flow or by retaining the water in basins. This will reduce the amount of pollutants being carried off into storm sewers and streams, as well as reduce flooding. Increasing absorption by soil has the added benefit of helping to maintain ground water supplies, which are seriously depleted in many areas.

 10 Things YOU CAN DO to Prevent Nonpoint Source Pollution of the Barnegat Bay…

1.  Apply lawn and garden fertilizers responsibly: 

  • Apply fertilizer based on the results of a soil test.  A soil test is the first step for sound landscaping and lawn care. Test results will provide lime and fertilizer recommendations for your lawn.                                              Click here to find out how to properly test your soil.

  • If the soil test determines that your lawn needs some fertilization, be sure to:

  • Concentrate fertilization in the fall.

  • Do not apply fertilizer during hot weather.

  • Use a drop spreader for accurate fertilizer placement (if you get any on impervious surfaces, such as driveways or sidewalks, sweep it back on to the lawn right away!)                                                        

  • Reduce the use of fertilizers by: recycling your grass clippings on the lawn, top-dressing the lawn with compost (less than an inch), use compost and mulches around trees and shrubs.

2. Use native plants in your landscaping as much as possible.  Click here for information on natives species.

3. Never throw litter in the street or down storm drains – it will end up in the bay swimming next to you.

4. ALWAYS PICK UP PET WASTE!!

5. Pesticides are TOXIC!  Use organic alternatives whenever possible, and if you have to use pesticides, follow the label directions carefully and don’t over-apply.

6. Take your car to a commercial car wash where the wash water is recycled OR wash your car on the lawn so the wash water doesn’t run into the street.

7. Use a pump-out boat service or a Marine Pump-Out facility for your marine waste.

8. SAFELY dispose of all hazardous wastes; call 1-800-557-3292 or call the Ocean County Recycling Department at 732-929-2054.

9. FISHERMEN (and women) DON’T LEAVE FISHING LINE BEHIND!  Fishing line can entangle and kill marine life and takes hundreds and hundreds of years to break down in our oceans.

10. CONSERVE WATER!!  Try to take shorter showers and don’t run the water while brushing teeth or washing your hands or face.  If you have a sprinkler system, don’t run it during the daylight hours.

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