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  1. Home
  2. Polluted Runoff: Nonpoint Source (NPS) Pollution

Nonpoint Source Pollution: Technical Guidance and Tools

Guidance

Chesapeake Bay Watershed

  • Guidance for Federal Land Management in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed, May 2010

National Management Measures

  • From Agriculture, July 2003
  • From Urban Areas, November 2005
  • From Forestry, May 2005
  • From Marinas and Recreational Boating, Nov. 2001
  • From Hydromodification, July 2007
  • To Protect and Restore Wetlands and Riparian Areas for the Abatement of Nonpoint Source Pollution, July 2005

Federal Facilities

  • Stormwater Management for Federal Facilities under Section 438 of the Energy Independence and Security Act, December 2009

Tools

  • The Pollutant Load Estimation Tool (PLET) uses a user-friendly web interface to calculate:

    • nutrient and sediment loads from different land uses, and

    • the load reductions that would result from the implementation of various best management practices (BMPs).

  • The Spreadsheet Tool for Estimating Pollutant Loads (STEPL) and the Region 5 Model for Estimating Pollutant Load Reductions have been retired (April 2022).  
  • Social Indicators Data Management and Analysis (SIDMA) tool:  This tool organizes, analyzes, and visualizes social indicators related to nonpoint source (NPS) management efforts through statistical and spatial relationships.
  • Social Indicator Planning and Evaluation System (SIPES) (PDF): A step-by-step system for using social indicators to help you plan, implement and evaluate Nonpoint Source (NPS) management projects. SIPES is intended to be used by resource managers who want to learn more about their watersheds.

Polluted Runoff: Nonpoint Source (NPS) Pollution

  • Basic Information
  • Types of NPS Pollution
    • Agriculture
    • Abandoned Mine Drainage
    • Forestry
    • Hydromodification and Habitat Alteration
    • Marinas and Boating
    • Highways and Bridges
    • Urban Areas
    • Wetland/Riparian Management
  • Success Stories
  • Using a Watershed Approach
  • Webinars
  • Technical Guidance and Tools
  • Nonpoint Source News-Notes
  • NPSINFO Discussion Forum
  • National NPS Monitoring Program
  • Coastal Zone Act Reauthorization Amendments (CZARA)
  • Grants Reporting and Tracking System (GRTS)
  • 319 Grant program for States and Territories
  • Tribal 319 Grant Program
  • Contacts for NPS Programs
  • Resources for Students and Educators
    • Darby Duck, the Aquatic Crusader
    • Word Search Puzzle
    • What's Wrong with This Picture?
Contact Us about Nonpoint Source Pollution
Contact Us to ask a question, provide feedback, or report a problem.
Last updated on May 8, 2025
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