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 even our underground sources of drinking water. 
These pollutants include:
- Excess fertilizers, herbicides, and insecticides from agricultural lands and residential areas;
- Oil, grease, and toxic chemicals from urban runoff and energy production;
- Sediment from improperly managed construction sites, crop and forest lands, and eroding streambanks;
- Salt from irrigation practices and acid drainage from abandoned mines;
- Bacteria and nutrients from livestock, pet wastes, and faulty septic systems;
- Atmospheric deposition and hydromodification are also sources of nonpoint source pollution.
The Delaware Nonpoint Source Program addresses nonpoint source pollution through educational programs, publications, and partnerships with other Delaware organizations. The Delaware NPS Program also administers a competitive grant made possible through Section 319 of the Clean Water Act, providing funding for projects designed to reduce NPS pollution.
Clean Water Act Section 319 Grants
Under Section 319 of the Clean Water Act, States, Territories, and Indian Tribes receive grant money which support a wide variety of activities including technical assistance, financial assistance, education, training, technology transfer, demonstration projects, and monitoring to assess the success of specific nonpoint source implementation projects.
State Revolving Fund
The purpose of the Nonpoint Source Loan Program (NPSLP) is to provide a source of low interest financing to manage sources of NPS pollution in an environmentally sound and cost effective manner. The loans are made under a provision of the Delaware Pollution Control Revolving Fund. Establishing the NPS Loan Program was a goal identified in Delaware’s Nonpoint Source Pollution Management Plan approved by EPA.
Until recently the (NPSLP) was only available to farmers for the installation of agricultural BMP’s. However, on November 14, 2002 EPA approved Delaware’s expanded use component of the (NPSLP). The expansion will allow private landowners, homeowner associations, corporations, municipalities, government agencies, non-profit organizations, and estuary programs to obtain SRF financing for the implementation of NPS initiatives that support goals and objectives identified in Delaware’s NPS Management Plan. It is an important tool to help the state abate nonpoint source (NPS) pollution and achieve water quality goals. Goals addressed in Delaware’s Nonpoint Source Management Plan include the need to reduce nutrients and sediments from agricultural and urban land uses.
- Info on State Revolving Fund (SRF) loans
Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program
The Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program is a cooperative program between USDA and State Government to improve and protect water quality of streams and wildlife habitat in the watersheds of the Chesapeake, Delaware and Inland Bays. Annual rental and cost-share payments are paid by both USDA and the State (DNREC-NPS) on 10-15 year contracts. Six practices are offered under the Delaware CREP: Hardwood tree planting, wildlife habitat, grassed filter strips, riparian buffers, shallow wildlife ponds and wetland restoration. These practices must adjoin impaired streams or contributing drainage ditches in designated project areas.
Delaware CREP information is being updated. Click here to go to the National CREP Program page.
Publications:
Other Resources:
Contact Us:
Phone: 302-739-9922
Robert Palmer, Program Manager
Sharon Webb, Environmental Scientist
Jennifer Nelson, Environmental Scientist
Mark Hogan, Planner
Dale Churchey, CREP Coordinator
Brenda Zeiters, Administrative Specialist
Mailing Address:
DNREC: 89 Kings Highway, Dover, DE 19901
Physical Address:
5 E. Reed Street, Suite 305 (City of Dover Building, across from Dover Public Library)
