What is nonpoint source?
EPA Definition: Nonpoint source generally results from land runoff, precipitation, atmospheric deposition, drainage, seepage or hydrologic modification. Nonpoint source (NPS) pollution, unlike pollution from industrial and sewage treatment plants, comes from many diffuse sources. NPS pollution is caused by rainfall or snowmelt moving over and through the ground. As the runoff moves, it picks up and carries away natural and human-made pollutants, finally depositing them into lakes, rivers, wetlands, coastal waters and ground waters.
Hangman Creek Restoration
Take a journey along Hangman Creek, also known as Latah Creek. Although few are really familiar with Hangman Creek, the water quality and land use challenges it faces are critically important to the future of our communities.
Enabling native trout to once again swim and spawn in Hangman’s waters, supporting the productivity of farms, and stabilizing sewer rates are all part of the story. Success will require solutions, cooperation and smart investments from many sources.
Join Bert Caldwell, retired Spokesman review editor and writer, to learn about this 60 mile gem in Spokane’s backyard. Beginning in the mountains of Idaho, it crosses the Coeur d’Alene Reservation and eventually joins with the Spokane River just below downtown Spokane. Along the way, it flows through Palouse farms and fields, small towns, along highways, pastures and 2 golf courses.
Nonpoint Source Pollution: The Balancing Act of On-the-Ground Opportunities, Policy and Litigation. Elaine Snouwaert and Ben Rau, Washington Department of Ecology; Walt Edelen, Spokane Conservation District; Scott Fields, Coeur d’Alene Tribe; Jerry White, Spokane Riverkeeper. Learn about an exciting multi-year, multi-million dollar, multi-partner bi-state funding program from the Natural Resources Conservation Service (a division of the U.S. Department of Agriculture) to support reducing nonpoint pollution sources from agriculture, livestock, and forestry in the Spokane River Watershed. New Washington State regulatory guidance and litigation brought by Spokane Riverkeeper will provide context for both the promise and challenges to successfully implementing this and other nonpoint source efforts. SRF Conference Session 3-23-16.