Urban Non-point Source Sample Clauses

Urban Non-point Source. On-site septic facilities are used by residents for wastewater treatment. When not functioning properly, OSSFs can become sources of pollution for E. coli, nutrients, and solids, both in groundwater and surface water bodies. A variety of causes can be to blame for reduced performance or malfunctions, including improper use, design/installation, lack of maintenance, unsuitable soil types, age of the system, and proximity to other systems. Feces from pets may also be a source of E. coli and nutrient loading to waterbodies via stormwater runoff. This may include dogs as well as cats that defecate outdoors, such as feral and barn cats. As with any non-point source, the severity of the contamination from an area is heavily influenced by the presence of impermeable soils and increasing amounts of impervious cover (e.g., buildings, parking lots) associated with ongoing development in the watershed. Fertilizers used improperly are also of concern. Excessive nitrogen and phosphorus can enter the waterbody from improper disposal of yard clippings and excessive application of fertilizer, herbicide or pesticides on residential, commercial, industrial and agriculture lands. When fertilizers are applied overabundantly on residential properties, the excess is not utilized by the landscape and can cause eutrophication in water bodies if they run off during rain events or irrigation. Floatables (e.g., plastics), litter accumulation, and illegal dumping can also be deemed a non- point pollutant source of E. coli, nutrients, and hazardous materials depending on the composition of the waste (e.g., household or construction waste; animal carcasses or hunting remains; or vehicle, furniture, and appliance disposal near or in water bodies). In addition, litter accumulation can also cause stream flow obstruction or alteration of the stream system, which would result in erosion of creek banks or impoundment of water.