Nutrient Pollution Solution

Nutrient pollution is one of America's most widespread environmental problems that we can all help reduce.

Nitrogen and phosphorus are nutrients that are natural parts of aquatic ecosystems. Nitrogen is also the most abundant element in the air we breathe. Nitrogen and phosphorus support the growth of algae and aquatic plants, which provide food and habitat for fish, shellfish and smaller organisms that live in water.

Nutrient Pollution Solution

There are many ways that businesses and individuals can reduce nutrient pollution.

Business Solutions for Fossil Fuel Pollution

• Manage and Reduce Emissions - Leading businesses are taking steps to understand and manage their greenhouse gas emissions by preparing annual greenhouse gas inventories and setting long-term targets to reduce emissions.
• Increase Energy Efficiency - Improving energy efficiency not only reduces greenhouse gas emissions into the atmosphere, it is good for a corporation's bottom line. Developing and implementing an effective corporate energy management program allows companies to manage energy with the same expertise used to manage other aspects of their business.
• Buy Renewable Energy - Your organization's purchased electricity use can be a significant source of air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. Buying renewable energy, can help reduce your organization's environmental impact while also providing a number of other valuable benefits.

Green Infrastructure Stormwater Solutions

Green infrastructure can be used to address stormwater runoff and sewer overflow problems. Green infrastructure works by slowing down the runoff, spreading it out over the land, and slowly soaking it into the ground, or in some cases reusing the water onsite. Green infrastructure is also sometimes referred to as "low impact development." These techniques also help to remove pollutants from runoff by allowing plants to filter out pollutants as the water slowly infiltrates into the ground. Some examples of green infrastructure techniques include rain gardens, pervious pavement, rain barrels and green roofs.

• Green Infrastructure Tips:
  • Plant a rain garden of native plants, shrubs and trees that reduce the amount of fertilizer needed and provide a way for water to soak into the ground.
  • Install a rain barrel to collect rainwater; the rainwater can later be used to wash your car or water your plants and lawn.
  • Adopt techniques that utilize natural processes to manage stormwater runoff and reduce the impact of impervious surfaces on water quality.
  • Use pervious pavers for walkways and low traffic areas to allow water to soak into the ground.
  • Install a green roof on your home or business.
  • Incorporate best management practices, such as grassed swales, filter strips, or buffer strips on your property to control and temporarily store stormwater runoff.
  • Use yard waste, which includes grass clippings and leaves, in mulch or compost for your garden. If this is not an option, prepare all clippings and leaves for community composting, or in barrels or secured papers bags for disposal, which keeps them from washing into streams.

Individual Solutions to Nutrient Pollution

Residential Stormwater Runoff Pollution Infographic

Residential Run-off Solutions

Fertilizers, yard clippings and pet waste contain nitrogen and phosphorus, and can contribute to nutrient pollution if not properly used or disposed. The amount of hard surfaces and type of landscaping can also increase the runoff of nitrogen and phosphorus during wet weather.

• Apply fertilizers only when necessary and at the recommended amount.
• Don't apply fertilizer before windy or rainy days.
• Apply fertilizer as close as possible to the period of maximum uptake and growth for grass and other plants, which is usually spring and fall in cool climate, and early and late summer in warm climates.
  • The sale of lawn fertilizer is banned during summer months in many Florida counties.

• Avoid applying fertilizer close to waterways.
• Do not overwater lawns and garden; use a soaker hose, a porous hose that releases water directly to the ground, which can reduce overwatering that carries away fertilizers that would otherwise enrich lawns and gardens.
• Fill fertilizer spreaders on a hard surface so that any spills can be easily cleaned up.
• Properly store unused fertilizers and properly dispose of empty containers.
• Maintain your lawn mowers, snow blowers, chain saws, leaf vacuums and similar outdoor power equipment to reduce nitrogen oxide emissions.
• Do not blow clippings or leaves into the street or storm drain gutters. Blow them back into the yard, the mulch will help it grow.

Cleaning Supplies-Detergents and Soaps

• Choose phosphate-free detergents, soaps, and household cleaners.
• Select the proper load size for your washing machine.
• Only run your clothes or dish washer when you have a full load.
• Use the appropriate amount of detergent; more is not better.

Pet Waste

• Always pick up after your pet.
• Avoid walking your pet near streams and other waterways. Instead, walk them in grassy areas, parks or undeveloped areas.
• Inform other pet owners of why picking up pet waste is important and encourage them to do so.
• Take part in a storm drain marking program in your area to help make others aware of where pet waste and other runoff goes when not disposed of properly.

Septic Systems

• Inspect your septic system annually.
• Pump out your septic system regularly. (Pumping out every two to five years is recommended for a three-bedroom house with a 1,000-gallon tank; smaller tanks should be pumped more often).
• Do not use septic system additives. There is no scientific evidence that biological and chemical additives aid or accelerate decomposition in septic tanks; some additives can in fact be detrimental to the septic system or contaminate ground water.
• Do not divert storm drains or basement pumps into septic systems.
• Avoid or reduce the use of your garbage disposal. Garbage disposals contribute unnecessary solids to your septic system and can also increase the frequency your tank needs to be pumped.
• Don't use toilets as trash cans. Excess solids can clog your drainfield and necessitate more frequent pumping.
• When installing a septic system, maintain a safe distance from drinking water sources to avoid potential contamination. Avoid areas with high water tables and shallow impermeable layers.
• Plant only grass in the drain field and avoid planting trees, bushes, or other plants with extensive root systems that could damage the system's tank or pipes.

Water Efficiency

• Choose WaterSense labeled products which are high performing, water efficient appliances.
• Use low-flow faucets, shower heads, reduced-flow toilet flushing equipment, and water-saving appliances such as dish- and clothes washers.
• Repair leaking faucets, toilets and pumps.
• Take short showers instead of baths and avoid letting faucets run unnecessarily.

Energy Efficiency

• Conserve Energy - Air pollution from energy production leads to acid rain, excess greenhouse gases, and health risks. One important step you can take to minimize airborne nutrient pollution is to conserve energy.

• Buy equipment that uses less electricity, including lights, air conditioners, heaters, refrigerators and washing machines. Energy Star-certified products and buildings use at least 10 less energy than standard models.
• Turn off lights, computers, televisions, video games and other electrical equipment when you're not using them.
• Limiting the use of air conditioning. Install a programmable thermostat. Adjust the thermostat by a few degrees to be slightly warmer in the summer and cooler in the winter.
• Replace old light bulbs with new energy efficient bulbs.
• Use a power strip to turn on and off electronic devices.
• Open shades to utilize daylight instead of turning on lights; on cool days this helps to keep rooms warmer.
• In the summer, close shades when not in the room to keep rooms cooler and use less electricity.
• Hang-dry clothes instead of using the dryer.
• Find out if it is possible to switch to wind generated energy.

Vehicles

Washing Your Car:

• Use a commercial car wash; commercial car washes are required to properly dispose of wastewater and many filter and recycle their water.
• If washing your car at home consider the following actions:
  • Wash your car on a pervious surface such as grass or gravel (not concrete or asphalt) so water is filtered before reaching a water body.
  • Use nontoxic, phosphate-free soaps.
  • Use soap sparingly.
  • Minimize runoff by reducing water use, using a spray nozzle to restrict water flow.
  • Wring out sponges and rags over the bucket or in a sink, not the ground.
  • Empty wash water into the sink or toilet, or the grass if you wish to dispose of it outside.
  • Use waterless car wash products for spot-cleaning or a car wash kit, which redirects water from storm drains.
• When conducting car wash fundraisers use a car wash kit; many cities will lend kits free of charge to groups conducting car washes for fundraising, or you can buy car wash kits.

Driving

Minimize the Miles - Driving cars and trucks also produces significant amounts of nitrogen oxide emissions. To help cut down on air pollution from cars, you can consolidate driving trips, carpool or take public transportation, such as buses and trains. When possible, consider walking or biking instead of driving.

• Plan out your errands for one trip so you can reduce the amount of time you have to drive.
• Carpool with friends or coworkers.
• Take public transportation.
• Consider alternative means of travel, such as biking or walking whenever practical.
• Telecommute from home.
• Choose for flex fuel, diesel, hybrid, compact, or other fuel-efficient vehicles.
• Get better gas mileage:
  • Routinely checking tire pressure.
  • Avoid using the air conditioning during city driving.
  • Be light on the gas by using smooth acceleration and deceleration and maintain a constant speed.
  • Regularly service and perform maintenance on your car.
  • Avoid driving with extra weight in the car; transport only necessary items.

Web Links

• EPA - Nutrient Pollution

References