Landowners throughout Virginia may not realize that they are probably contributing to nonpoint source pollution — whether they’re farmers, timber or mining companies, or simply homeowners with pastureland, riverfront property, or small managed timber stands.

There are many sources of nonpoint source pollution, but poor agriculture, mining and forestry practices rank high on the list. NPS pollution originating from poor land use practices contribute excess nutrients, pesticides, sediment, heavy metals and toxic substances to our waters either through stormwater runoff or groundwater contamination. NPS pollution from agriculture and rural land use practices contaminates drinking water, poisons fish and destroys the aquatic habitat of our waters, and can persist in our waterways for generations to come.

The removal of forested stream buffers, poorly sited manure and litter collection areas, the overapplication or inefficient use of pesticides and fertilizers, and poor tillage techniques all contribute to NPS pollution. Agricultural and livestock waste contribute to nutrient and pathogenic nonpoint source pollution. Soil erosion contributes to the sedimentation of our streams, and agricultural chemical runoff contributes toxic and nutrient pollution to our waterways.

List of problems:

Agrilcultural Chemical Runoff
Agrilcultural/Livestock Waste
Soil Erosion