non point pollution & urban planning measures

Graduate Report – 2012-13

Sustainable Environmental Planning

(CE-636)

Non Point Pollution

&

Urban Planning Measures

Submitted By

Malvika Jiashal

(P12UP004)

Faculty Adviser

Dr. J. E. M. Macwan

Post Graduate Section in Urban Planning

Civil Engineering Department,


Contents:

1. Introduction

2. Pollution:

2.1 Difference between Point & Non Point Pollution:

3. Non Point Pollution:

3.1 Principal sources

3.1.1. 1. Urban and suburban areas

3.1.2. Agricultural operations

3.1.3. Atmospheric inputs

3.1.4. Forestry and mining operations

3.1.5. Marinas and boating activities

4. Impact of Non Point Pollution

5. Counter Measures For Non-Point Pollution

6. Case Study : Non-Point regulation in India

7. Conclusion

References


1. Introduction:

Pollution refers to the contamination of water, land, or the air by substances that can

adversely impact the environment and human health. Usually, these substances are waste

materials. Pollution is “something in the wrong place at the wrong time in the wrong quantity”

(Holdgate, 1979). Pollution can be classified in various categories, Non-point pollution is also a

kind of pollution that is affecting the environment in a larger way. Non point pollution loads are

load with their sources dispersed over wide areas. These loads flow into water bodies including

river, lakes, reservoir, ponds, wetlands, ground water and the sea, and they may contain organic

matter, nitrogen, phosphorus and agricultural fields, cleared forest and urban runoff are typical

non-point sources.

This graduate report attempts to be a brief summary on the cause and counter measures

for Non-Point Source Pollution. It also give a short description on difference between point

pollution and non-point pollution. The report includes a case studies on Non-point regulation in

India.

2. Pollution:

The word pollution is derived from the Latin term “polluere”, which means-“ to soil” or

“defile”. Pollution is the introduction of contaminants into the natural environment that cause

adverse change. Pollution can take the form of chemical substances or energy, such as noise, heat

or light. Pollutants, the components of pollution, can be either foreign substances/energies or

naturally occurring contaminants. Sometimes it is not the type of material, but its concentration,

that determines if it is a pollutant. For example, nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus are

essential elements for plant growth. If they are overabundant in a body of water, they can lead to

conditions that have a negative effect on people's health.

Pollution is often classed as :

i. Point pollution

ii. Nonpoint pollution.

Point Pollution:

`Point pollution is pollution that comes from a single source. Point source is the emissions or

waste that can be tracked back to a specific individual or company There are a few examples of

Point pollution:

a) Water pollution from an oil refinery wastewater discharge outlet.

b) Noise pollution from a jet engine

c) Disruptive seismic vibration from a localized seismic study

d) Light pollution from an intrusive street light


e) Thermal pollution from an industrial process outfall

f) Radio emissions from an interference-producing electrical device

Non Point Pollution:

Nonpoint pollution refers to both water and air pollution from diffuse sources. Nonpoint

water pollution affects a water body from sources such as polluted runoff from agricultural areas

draining into a river, or wind-borne debris blowing out to sea. Nonpoint air pollution affects air

quality from sources such as smokestacks or car tailpipes. Although these pollutants have

originated from a point source, the long-range transport ability and multiple sources of the

pollutant make it a nonpoint pollution. Nonpoint pollution can be contrasted with point pollution,

where discharges occur to a body of water or into the atmosphere at a single location.

Fig-1: Sources of Point and Non-point Pollution

Sources: A map published by National Geographic Society,1993


2.1. Difference between Point & Non Point Pollution:

Sr.

No.

Point pollution Non-Point Pollution

1 Point pollution is pollution that

comes from a single source

Non-point pollution does not have one

specific source,.

2 Point source is the emissions or

waste that can be tracked back to a

specific individual or company

Non point source is most commonly

credited to runoff and has harder to trace

back to the source

3 If the source of the pollution is

stationary or immobile then that is

point source pollution.

Example: domestic waste

The pollution is a non point one if the

origin of the pollutants is mobile or non-

stationary. Examples are means of

transportation such as buses, airplanes and

ships.

4 Point Pollution is more readily

identifiable and measurable

Non Point pollutionis more difficult to

identify or measuring because of the

specific source.

5 Point Pollution is easier to control

and regulate.

Non Point pollutionis more difficult,

related to monitoring and enforcement of

mitigating controls, due to the

heterogeneity of soil and water systems at

large scales


3. Non Point Pollution:

Non-point pollution are those whose discharge source are dispersed over a large area .

3.1 Principal sources

Nonpoint pollution, which is pollution from diffuse sources that can't be tied to a specific

location. The precise location of non point source load cannot be identified as they are scattered

through out the catchment area.It is generally difficult to regulate them because their discharge

location cannot be clarified. They may contain pollutants

Excess fertilizers, herbicides, and insecticides from agricultural lands and residential

areas;

Oil, grease, and toxic chemicals from

urban runoff and energy production;

Sediment from improperly managed

construction sites, crop and forest lands,

and eroding streambanks;

Salt from irrigation practices and acid

drainage from abandoned mines;

Bacteria and nutrients from livestock,

pet wastes, and faulty septic systems;

The main principal sources of Non point

pollution are as follows:

i. Urban and suburban areas

ii. Agricultural operations

iii. Atmospheric inputs

iv. Forestry and mining operations

v. Marinas and boating activities

Fig-3: principles of Non-point pollution Source: bakker, Jane.

A Guide to the Housatonic River Estuary. Cromwell;The Houstanic Valley

Association,1998

3.1. 1 Urban and suburban areas

Urban and Suburban Areas are a main sources of nonpoint pollution due to the amount of

runoff that is produced due to the large amount of paved surfaces. Paved surfaces, such as


asphalt and concrete are impervious to water penetrating them. Any water that is on contact with

these surfaces will run off and be absorbed by the surrounding environment. These surfaces

make it easier for stormwater to carry pollutants into the surrounding soil. Construction sites

located in urban and suburban areas tend to have disturbed soil that is easily eroded by

precipitation like rain, snow, and hail.Additionally, discarded debris on the site can be carried

away by runoff waters and enter the aquatic environment.

Typically, in suburban areas, chemicals are used for lawn care. These chemicals can end up in

runoff and enter the surrounding environment via storm drains in the city. Since the water in

storm drains is not treated before flowing into surrounding water bodies, the chemicals enter the

water directly.

3.1.2 Agricultural operations

Agricultural operations account for a large percentage of all nonpoint pollution . When large

tracts of land are plowed to grow crops, it exposes and loosens soil that was once buried. This

makes the exposed soil more vulnerable to erosion during rainstorms. It also can increase the

amount of fertilizer and pesticides carried into nearby bodies of water.

3.1.3 Atmospheric inputs

Atmospheric inputs of pollution into the air can come from multiple sources. Typically,

industrial facilities, like factories, discharge pollution via a smokestack. Although this is a point

source of pollution, due to the distributed nature, long-range transport, and multiple sources of

the pollution, it is considered a nonpoint source. Additionally, atmospheric pollution can become

water pollution by being washed out of the atmosphere in the form of rain or snow.

3.1.4 Forestry and mining operations

Forestry and mining operations can have significant inputs to nonpoint pollution.

Forestry: Forestry operations reduce the number of trees in a given area, thus reducing the soil

stability in that area as well. This action, coupled with the heavy machinery rolling over the soil

increases the risk of erosion.

Mining: Active mining operations are considered point of pollution, however runoff from

abandoned mining operations contribute to nonpoint source pollution. In strip mining operations,

the top of the mountain is removed to expose the desired ore. If this area is not properly

reclaimed once the mining has finished, soil erosion can occur. Additionally, there can be

chemical reactions with the air and newly exposed rock to create acidic runoff. Water that seeps

out of abandoned subsurface mines can also be highly acidic. This can seep into the nearest body

of water and change the pH in the aquatic environment.


3.1.5. Marines and boating activities

Chemicals used for boat maintenance, like paint, solvents, and oils find their way into

water through runoff. Additionally, spilling fuels or leaking fuels directly into the water from

boats contribute to nonpoint pollution. Nutrient and bacteria levels are increased by poorly

maintained sanitary waste receptacles on the boat and pump-out stations.

4. Impact of Non Point Pollution:

Influence of non-point pollution is very severe on environment and the people. Few impacts

are given in the following points:

1. A major nonpoint pollutant from agricultural activities is an excess of nutrients, which

can occur through applications of crop fertilizers and manure from animal production

facilities. Excessive nutrients may over stimulate the growth of aquatic weeds and algae,

depleting the oxygen available for a healthy aquatic community.

2. It is deteriorating water quality nationwide. The most common nonpoint source pollutants

causing water-quality problems include nutrients (nitrogen and phosphorus), siltation

(soil particles), metals, and pathogens (bacteria and viruses

3. Urban runoff transports a variety of pollutants, including sediment from new

development; oil, grease, and toxic chemicals from vehicles; and nutrients and pesticides

from turf management and gardening. It can also carry pathogenic bacteria and viruses

released from failing septic systems and inadequately treated sewage, which can result in

closed beaches and shellfish beds, contaminated drinking water sources, and even severe

human illness

4. Medical waste enters water through prescription drugs taken by individuals. As the senior

population increases, so does the amount of prescription drugs taken by the population as

a whole. Many waste water treatment plants do not have the necessary filtering systems

installed to remove these waste products from sewer systems. This diffuse source of

pollution contributes to the amount of NSP in waterways and consequently, soil

5. Rainwaters introduce toxins such as fuel, oil, and other contaminants found on these

surfaces into water resources. An additional risk is soil erosion. Water flowing over the

impervious surfaces can gather much speed, causing it to erode stream banks and

shorelines. This action introduces sediment into the waters, with the potential to kill

micro-organisms and filter-feeding wildlife. Removal of this food base can impact entire

ecosystems


6. Planning Measures For Non-Point Pollution:

Non point sources cause eutrophication and disruption of ecological balance. Measures to

effectively deal with these sources are therefore extremely important.

6.1. Urban and suburban areas

To control nonpoint pollution, many different approaches can be undertaken in both

urban and suburban areas.

i. Buffer strips provide a barrier of grass in between impervious paving material like

parking lots and roads, and the closest body of water. This allows the soil to absorb any

pollution before it enters the local aquatic system.

ii. Retention ponds can be built in drainage areas to create an aquatic buffer between runoff

pollution and the aquatic environment. Runoff and storm water drain into the retention

pond allowing for the contaminates to settle out and become trapped in the pond.

iii. The use of porous pavement allows for rain and storm water to drain into the ground

beneath the pavement, reducing the amount of runoff that drains directly into the water

body.

iv. Restoration methods such as constructing wetlands are also used to slow runoff as well as

absorb contamination.

v. Construction sites typically implement simple measures to reduce pollution and runoff.

Firstly, sediment or silt fences are erected around construction sites to reduce the amount

of sediment and large material draining into the nearby water body.

vi. Laying grass or straw along the border of construction sites also work to reduce nonpoint

source pollution.

6.2. Agricultural operations

i. To control sediment and runoff, farmers may utilize erosion controls to reduce runoff

flows and retain soil on their fields.

ii. Conservation tillage is a concept used to reduce runoff while planting a new crop.

iii. Nutrients (nitrogen and phosphorus) are typically applied to farmland as commercial

fertilizer; animal manure; or spraying of municipal or industrial wastewater (effluent) or

sludge. Nutrients may also enter runoff from crop residues, irrigation water, wildlife, and

atmospheric deposition. Farmers can develop and implement nutrient management plans

to reduce excess application of nutrients.

iv. To minimize pesticide impacts, farmers may use Integrated Pest Management (IPM)

techniques (which can include biological pest control) to maintain control over pests,

reduce reliance on chemical pesticides, and protect water quality.


6.3. Forestry operations

With well planned placement of both logging trails, also called skid trails, can reduce the

amount of sediment generated. By planning the trails location as far away from the logging

activity as possible as well as contouring the trails with the land, it can reduce the amount of

loose sediment in the runoff. Additionally, by replanting trees on the land after logging, it

provides a structure for the soil to regain stability as well as replaces the logged environment.

6.4. Marines

By installing shut off valves on fuel pumps at the dock, it can help reduce the amount of

spillover into the water. Additionally, pump-out stations that are easily accessible to boaters in

the marina can provide a clean place in which to dispose of sanitary waste without dumping it

directly into the water. Finally, something as simple as having trash containers around the marina

can prevent larger objects entering the water.

7. Case Study : Non-Point regulation in India:

National Laws and Policies:

The Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act of 1974 (the Act) is the primary

water quality management law in India. It requires the establishment of a Central Pollution

Control Board (CPCB) and individual State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs)The main function

of the CPCB is to “promote cleanliness of streams and wells in different areas of the States” .The

SPCBs are responsible for routine water quality monitoring and setting effluent standards but

they are bound by the directions of the CPCB. The CPCB has established a national network of

monitoring stations, at which samples are taken monthly, quarterly, or (in the case

ofgroundwater) every six months. Quality objectives have been set according to the use to which

a water resource is put.

The Act does not explicitly address nonpoint source pollution, but several of its

provisions could be used to control pollution from nonpoint as well as point sources. For

example, it is an offense under the Act to knowingly cause or permit any “poisonous, noxious or

polluting matter” on land or to enter into any stream, well, or sewer.

It was recognized by the CPCB in its 2000/01 annual report that nonpoint water pollution

sources were becoming increasingly prominent and were likely to include farming, mining,rural

hamlets, leaks and spillovers from point pollution sources, leachates and deposition ofair-

pollutants (CPCB, 2001). More recently, in its 2007 report on the Status of Ground water Quality

in India—Part I, the CPCB talked of the “alarming picture” of declining ground water quality. It


was observed that “all activities carried out on land have thepotential to contaminate

groundwater, whether associated with urban, industrial oragricultural activities” (CPCB, 2007).

Diffuse sources of groundwater pollution were listed,including the leaching of agrochemicals

and animal wastes, subsurface discharges fromlatrines and septic tanks and infiltration of

polluted urban run-off and sewage wheresewerage does not exist or is defunct. The Report

concluded that “the only solution to diffuse sources of pollution is to integrate land use with

water management” (CPCB, 2007).

State Regulation

With little emphasis from the CPCB and other national authorities on nonpoint source

pollution as well as no clear mandates from the Act to address it, SPCBs have focused their

resources on monitoring compliance with point source authorizations issued under the Act.A

2006 study of India’s environmental compliance and enforcement programmes found there was

an “over emphasis” on permitting, monitoring and inspection of the activities of large industry

while the “significant cumulative pollution impacts” from small and medium-sized enterprises,

municipal sources, transport and agriculture are “virtually disregarded” (Organisation for

Economic Co-operation & Development (OECD), 2006).

The same study highlighted various existing enforcement challenges faced by the

SPCBs(OECD, 2006) and it seems likely that, in the absence of national initiatives, non point

source pollution will remain a low priority at the state level unless and until industrial and

municipal point sources of pollution are regulated effectively.

Summary

Water quality regulation is driven nationally, primarily through the Water (Prevention

and Control of Pollution) Act of 1974, but responsibility for enforcement is vested in the

individual SPCBs. Emphasis is placed on the regulation of point source discharges, and there are

no laws that specifically address nonpoint sources of water pollution. Although it would appear

that the central government has the power to regulate nonpoint sources under that Act and the

Environment (Protection) Act of 1986, no substantive action has been taken. However, a number

of policy documents and initiatives have drawn attentionto the problem over the course of

several years.

8. Conclusion:

Proper enforcement and other implementation measures will be necessary to achieve in

nonpoint source pollution even just those reductions thus far accomplished from point sources.

The level of government at which those authorities and programmes are created and

implemented will necessarily be unique to each country, but should be strategic rather than


patchwork to be effective. Regardless of the level of national involvement in water pollution

control writ large or on nonpoint source pollution specifically, the national government likely

will need to play a role in trans-boundary nonpoint pollution issues because the states or

provinces cannot address those problems internally. The national government could be a more

efficient level of governance at which to establish such policies. In addition, a national

government should be cognizant of the political, financial, structural and scientific capacity of

state or provincial governments to control nonpoint sources of pollution adequately.

References

1. Keith Loague and Dennis L Corwin (2005) “Point and NonPoint Source

Pollution”.published in Encyclopedia of Hydrological Sciences.

2. Priyanka Jamwal,Atul K. Mittal,(2002) “Point and non-point microbial source pollution:

A case study of Delhi” published in Physics and Chemistry of the Earth, 490-499.

3. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association (NOAA), "Nonpoint Source Pollution"

published in. Washington D.C. (September 2007)

4. Susan, Adam & Jessica (March 2011), “Regulating Nonpoint Source Water Pollution in

a Federal Government: Four Case Studies”, published in Water Resources Development,

Vol. 27, No. 1, 53–69,

5. Yuhei Inamori , Nsoshi Fujimoto, “Non-Point Sources of Pollution” , published in Water

Qualty abd standards-Vol II

6. Mark E.,Anthony & David (2006)“Vegetative FIlter Strips for Non-point Control in

Agriculture,regents of university of California 8195,3-4

7. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nonpoint_source_pollution

8. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pollution

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