Methods for identifying and evaluating the nature and extent of nonpoint sources of pollutants

Technical Report · Mon Oct 01 00:00:00 EDT 1973

DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/5735261· OSTI ID:5735261

Results are reported in a study undertaken to provide documentation of presently available knowledge in four areas: silviculture, agriculture, mining, and construction. The body of knowledge of concern is the nature (kinds of pollutants, their sources, and their relative importance) and extent (the magnitude of pollutant emissions: quantities, concentrations) on nonpoint water pollution. Particularly important are factors which relate an emitted pollutant to its source, for the study is designed to assist the planner/engineer in evaluating nonpoint sources of pollutants and their effects on water quality in regional planning areas. Information is given on nonpoint sources relevant to water pollution problems, including the nature of sources, type of pollutants, relative importance of pollutants from each source, and pollution loads related to natural and operational factors. Methods, techniques, and procedures that can be used for identifying, measuring, and evaluating the nature and extent of the pollutants from nonpoint sources are discussed. Analyses of the effect of nonpoint sources pollutants on water quality management are provided. Information derived from existing reports, papers, handbooks, and from concerned researchers and private and governmental agencies served as the basis for the study. Physical, chemical, and biological aspects of water pollution are considered. The following were investigated as sources of pollution: (1) agriculture: croplands, grasslands, and livestock; (2) silviculture: forest culture, harvesting, and logging practices; (3) mining: new, current, and abandoned surface and subsurface mines, and associated sites and facilities; and (4) construction: land development, highways and roads, and other heavy construction.

• Research Organization: Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, DC (USA)
• OSTI ID: 5735261
• Report Number(s): EPA-430/9-73-014
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

510200* -- Environment
Terrestrial-- Chemicals Monitoring & Transport-- (-1989)
520200 -- Environment
Aquatic-- Chemicals Monitoring & Transport-- (-1989)
54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
ACID MINE DRAINAGE
AGRICULTURE
CONSTRUCTION
CRYOGENIC FLUIDS
CULTIVATION
DATA
DATA COMPILATION
DATA FORMS
DIAGRAMS
DOCUMENT TYPES
ELEMENTS
ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY
ENVIRONMENTAL TRANSPORT
FERTILIZERS
FLUIDS
FORESTS
GRAPHS
INDUSTRY
INFORMATION
LAND POLLUTION
LAND USE
MASS TRANSFER
METALS
MINING
NITROGEN
NOMOGRAMS
NONMETALS
NUMERICAL DATA
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
PESTICIDES
PHOSPHORUS
PLANNING
POLLUTION
POLLUTION SOURCES
REVIEWS
SEDIMENTS
TABLES
THERMAL POLLUTION
TOXIC MATERIALS
TRACE AMOUNTS
WATER POLLUTION
WATER QUALITY