Non-Point Source

{
  "id": "MLC-T-ENV-018959",
  "term": "Non-Point Source",
  "field": "Environment",
  "definition": "1. Source of pollution in which wastes are not released at one specific, identifiable point but from a number of points that are spread out and difficult to identify and control.\n\n2. The term non-point source is used to identify sources of pollution that are diffuse and do not have a point of origin or that are not introduced into a receiving stream from a specific outlet. Common non-point sources are rain water, runoff from agricultural lands, industrial sites, parking lots, and timber operations, as well as escaping gases from pipes and fittings.\n\n3. Pollution sources that are diffuse and do not have a single point of origin or specific outlet. The pollutants are generally carried off the land by water runoff during storms.\n\n4. Diffuse pollution sources (i.e., without a single point of origin or not introduced into a receiving stream from a specific outlet). The pollutants are generally carried off the land by storm water. Common nonpoint sources are agriculture, forestry, urban, mining, construction, dams, channels, land disposal, saltwater intrusion, and city streets.\n\n5. Pollution sources which are diffuse and do not have a single point of origin or are not introduced into a receiving stream from a specific outlet. The pollutants are generally carried off the land by stormwater runoff. The commonly used categories for non-point sources are: agriculture, forestry, urban, mining, construction, dams and channels, land disposal, and saltwater intrusion.\n\n6. A source of pollution that cannot be attributed to a clearly identifiable, specific physical location or a defined discharge channel. Non-point source pollution includes nutrients that run off croplands, feedlots, lawns, parking lots, streets and other land uses. It also includes nutrients that enter waterways via air pollution, groundwater or septic systems.\n\n7. Large land area such as crop fields and urban areas that discharge pollutant into surface and underground water over a large area. See point source.",
  "abbreviation": "NPS",
  "subject": "Water",
  "references": [
    "Nearshore Terrestrial Ecosystems Glossary",
    "Waste and Cleanup Risk Assessment Glossary",
    "Watershed Protection Glossary",
    "Aquatic Biodiversity Glossary",
    "Drinking Water Technical & Legal Terms",
    "Chesapeake Bay Glossary",
    "Greenhouse Gas Emissions"
  ],
  "url": "https://mlchart.com/terminology/environment/non-point-source/"
}