Point-Source Pollution: Water contamination that can be traced to a single point. A toxic material spill and a sewage discharge pipe are examples of point sources.

 

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Point-Source Pollution: Water contamination that can be traced to a single point. A toxic material spill and a sewage discharge pipe are examples of point sources.

Pollution: Any substances in water, soil, or air that degrades the natural quality of the environment, offends the senses of sight, taste or smell, or causes a health hazard. The usefulness of the natu . . . View Full Definition

Pollution Prevention: Actively identifying equipment, processes, and activities which generate excessive wastes or use toxic chemicals and then making substitutions, alterations, or product improvements. Conservi . . . View Full Definition

Thermal Pollution: Water quality is not defined by chemistry alone. If natural waters are withdrawn for use they should be returned to the environment at approximately the same temperature. An increase or decr . . . View Full Definition

Point Source Pollution: Pollutants that are discharged or emitted from discrete 'point' sources, such as pipes and smokestacks. Both the Clean Water Act and the Clean Air Act focus control requirements on point sou . . . View Full Definition

Nutrient Pollution: Contamination by excessive inputs of nutrient: a primary cause of eutrophication of surface waters, in which excess nutrients, usually nitrogen or phosphorus, stimulate algal growth. Sources . . . View Full Definition

Air Pollution: The soiling of the atmosphere by contaminants to the point that may cause injury to health, property, plant, or animal life, or prevent the use and enjoyment of the outdoors.

Federal Water Pollution Control Act: Enacted by Congress in 1972, this federal law administered by the EPA regulates the release of pollutants into navigable waters.

Non-Point Source Pollution: Pollution that does not originate at a single location. In an urban area runoff water can be polluted as it flows to a stream by gasoline, antifreeze, road salt or other contaminants. In rur . . . View Full Definition

Nonpoint Source Pollution: Pollutants that are not discharged or emitted from a specific 'point' source, such as a pipe or smokestack. Nonpoint water pollutants are often carried from dispersed, diverse sources into w . . . View Full Definition