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Best Management Practices to Control

Nonpoint Source PollutionA Guide for Citizens and Town OfficialsJanuary 2004

Best Management Practices to Control Nonpoint Source PollutionA Guide for Citizens and Town Officials

Compiled and edited by Andrea Donlon and Barbara McMillan. Final review by Karen Diamond,

Great Bay Coast Watch.

Design and layout by Tricia Miller, MillerWorks.

Icon art by Stephanie Bowser.

Illustrations: page 3: Government of Western Australia Water and Rivers Commission; page 4:

Northeastern Illinois Planning Commission; page 7: Heath., R.C. 1983. Basic Groundwater

Hydrology, USGS Water Supply Paper 2220, DC; page 10: Maryland Department of the

Environment Stormwater Manual; Page 12: Maryland Department of Environmental

Resources, Low-Impact Development Design Strategies; page 50: New Hampshire Estuaries

Project. All illustrations enhanced and updated by Tricia Miller for this publication.

Photography by DES, except page 1 (top) by Steve Miller and page 7 by Steve Mirick.

Prepared by:

The Watershed Assistance Section,

N.H. Department of Environmental Services

29 Hazen Drive, Concord, NH 03301

(603) 271-2457 www.des.nh.gov/wmb/was

Michael P. Nolin, Commissioner

Michael J. Walls, Assistant Commissioner

Harry Stewart, P. E., Director, Water Division

This guide is funded in part through a Clean Water Act Section 319 Nonpoint Source Program grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and a New Hampshire Coastal Program Coastal Nonpoint PollutionControl Program grant as authorized by the National Oceanic AtmosphericAdministration grant award number NA170Z1129.

Best Management Practices to Control

Nonpoint Source Pollution

C Printed on Recycled Paper January, 2004

WD-03-42

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Table of Contents

INTRODUCTION 1

1 WATER RESOURCES AND NONPOINT SOURCE POLLUTION 3The Water Cycle and Pollution 3Lakes and Ponds 5Rivers and Streams 6Wetlands 6Estuaries 7Groundwater 7

2 BEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICES FOR DEVELOPED OR DEVELOPING LAND 9Areas of New Development 9

BMPs for Areas of New Development 10Designing New Development 10Locating New Development 12

Previously-Developed Areas 13BMPs for Previously-Developed Areas 13

General Guidelines 13Specific Structural BMPs 14

Laws and Regulations for Developed or Developing Land 15

Resources: BMPs for Developed or Developing Land 16

3 BEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICES BY LAND USE/ACTIVITY 19Households 19

Reducing NPS Pollution Around Your Home 19Septic Systems 19Chemical Use, Storage and Disposal 20Lawn and Garden Activities 20Impervious Surfaces 21Pets 21Air Pollution - Acid Deposition 21

Laws and Regulations 22Site Excavation and Road Construction 22

BMPs for Site Excavation and Road Construction 23Laws and Regulations 23

Road Salting and Snow Dumping 24BMPs for Road Salting and Snow Dumping 24Laws and Regulations 25

Motor Vehicle Salvage and Storage Facilities 26BMPs for Motor Vehicle Salvage and Storage Facilities 26Laws and Regulations 26

Marinas 27BMPs for Marinas 28Laws and Regulations 28

ii

Agriculture and Golf Courses 28BMPs for Agriculture and Golf Courses 29Laws and Regulations 30

Timber Harvesting 31BMPs for Timber Harvesting 31Laws and Regulations 32

Sand and Gravel Excavation 33BMPs for Sand and Gravel Operations 33Laws and Regulations 33

Chemical and Petroleum Storage 34BMPs for Chemical and Petroleum Storage 35Laws and Regulations 35

Resources for Land Use/Activity BMPs 36

4 CITIZEN INVOLVEMENT AND WATERSHED PLANNING 47Watershed Organizations 47Water Quality Monitoring 47

Water Quality Monitoring Programs 48Exotic Weeds 48Watershed Management Plans 49Education and Outreach 51Resources for Citizen Involvement and

Watershed Planning 52

5 FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES 55Nonpoint Source (319) Grants 55Sourcewater Protection Grants 56Regional Planning Grants 57Coastal Grants 58Waste Reduction Grants 59Other Grants 60

APPENDIX: CONTACTING THE AGENCIES IN THIS GUIDE 61Agencies and Organizations Involved

in Nonpoint Source Pollution 61

1

Residents and visitors alike willattest that New Hampshire’swaters are an ideal place to swim,fish, and sail. Many people feelstrongly that future generationsshould also have access to cleanwater. However, all freshwaterlakes, rivers, and streams in NewHampshire are currently listed as“impaired” because of a fish con-sumption advisory for mercurycontamination. Additionally, thestate has 10,505 acres of lakes and1,178 miles of rivers classified asthreatened or impaired by otherpollution sources. Fortunately, thisis a small percentage of lakes andrivers in New Hampshire.Although there have been greatadvances in reducing pollutionfrom industrial discharges andsewage treatment plants in the last25 years, according to the EPAabout half the water quality prob-lems nationwide now are associ-ated with nonpoint sourcepollution. Polluted runoff from

the land is called nonpoint source(NPS) pollution. It occurs whenrain or snowmelt flows over landas runoff, or through the groundas groundwater, picks up pollu-tants, and eventually discharges toa body of water.

Urban and suburban landuses, construction, forestry, septicsystems, recreational boating,agriculture, and physical changesto stream channels are potentialsources of NPS pollution. NPSpollution is widespread and weall contribute to it by driving acar, applying fertilizer to a lawn,converting land for a new home

or business, and sometimes eventaking a pet for a walk.

The purpose of this guide is todescribe the causes of NPS pollu-tion and to suggest ways thatNPS pollution can be preventedor at least reduced. Best manage-ment practices (BMPs),which areland treatment or operationaltechniques used to prevent orreduce pollution, are listed alongwith references for more infor-mation. Section 1 provides back-ground information on waterresources and how they can beimpacted by NPS pollution.Section 2 describes water resourceimpacts from existing and newdevelopment, provides suggestedBMPs, references applicable lawsand regulations, and lists addi-tional resources. Section 3describes specific land use activi-ties that could affect waterresources, provides suggestedBMPs, references applicable lawsand regulations, and lists addi-tional resources. Section 4describes how to get involved inlocal watershed organizationsand volunteer water monitoring

INTRODUCTION

2

activities. Funding opportunitiesfor efforts to reduce NPS pollu-tion are listed in Section 5.Finally, the appendix lists contactinformation for agencies refer-enced in this guide.

The New Hampshire Depart-ment of Environmental Services(DES) is working to reduce non-point source pollution in NewHampshire in several ways. Manyof our efforts are linked to theNew Hampshire Nonpoint SourceManagement Plan, which wasdeveloped in October, 1999 andis available online at www.des.nh.gov/wmb/npsplan.pdf. Thisplan contains a five-year actionplan and lists NPS types in orderof priority. Anyone with furtherquestions should contact theDES Watershed AssistanceSection at (603) 271-2457. Manyof the DES references listed inthis guide can be accessed on ourwebsite at www.des.nh.gov.

What is a BMP?

There are multiple terms asso-ciated with the control of non-point source pollution. Thisdocument uses the term BMPs,which are individual practicesthat serve specific functions.

BMPs can be structural, suchas a fence for excluding live-stock or a buffer strip to reducesediment in runoff, or non-struc-tural such as street sweeping.

BMPs are designed to reducethe pollutants that are gener-ated at and/or delivered from asource to a water body.

It is important to acknowl-edge that the term “best” ishighly subjective and the appro-priateness of certain practices

may vary regionally or depend-ing on land use.

BMPs, in general, control thedelivery of NPS pollutants towater bodies in the followingthree ways:

■ source reduction by minimiz-ing pollutants available inthe first place;

■ retarding the transport ofpollutants by reducing watertransported or by retainingpollutants; and

■ remediating or interceptingthe pollutants before or afterthey are delivered to thewater resource by chemical orbiological transformation. ■

3

Water in oceans, lakes, ponds,rivers, streams, wetlands, ground-water, ice sheets, and the atmos-phere are all linked by thehydrologic cycle, the movementof water from one system toanother. The atmosphere holdslarge quantities of water vapor,which falls as rain or snow. Thisprecipitation falls directly intosurface water bodies (such as alake or river) or onto land sur-faces, where much of it seepsinto the ground and eventuallybecomes groundwater. Lakes,streams, and wetlands are formedwhere the slowly movinggroundwater intercepts theground surface. In fact, about 50percent of the water in NewEngland streams is groundwaterdischarge. Eventually, all of thiswater finds its way back to theocean, where it will evaporateinto the atmosphere, becomerain or snow, and continuethrough the cycle.

The term “water pollution”often evokes an image of largepipes delivering unsightly waste-water from factories into riversand streams. Public awareness ofthis problem and strict federallaws enacted during the past 30years have made it rare today tofind such obvious examples ofwater pollution.Yet water pollu-tion remains a problem, due inpart to nonpoint source pollu-

tion. Pollutants follow the pathswater takes in the hydrologiccycle and affect the quality of ourwaterbodies. For example, pollu-tants from septic systems mayimpact the same groundwaterthat is tapped for water supplywells, or pollutants may movewith the groundwater before dis-charging into a stream. Oil leak-ing from cars is carried withsurface runoff from parking lotsand is discharged into streams.Sulfur dioxide and nitrogenoxides emitted into the air frompower plants and combustionengines are converted in theatmosphere to sulfuric acid andnitric acid and are deposited on

the earth with precipitation.Thisacid deposition can cause severalecological problems, such as fishdeaths. Similarly, tiny amounts ofmercury enter our atmospherefrom sources such as incineratorsand power plants; the mercuryattaches to rain drops and dryparticles and follows the path-ways of the water cycle. Mercuryconcentrations increase up thefood chain from water to plank-ton to fish and to animals that eatfish.High concentrations of mer-cury in fish have caused manystates, including New Hampshireand all New England states, toissue health warnings aboutfreshwater fish consumption.

WATER RESOURCES AND NONPOINT SOURCE POLLUTION

Transpiration

Runoff

Evaporation

Confined Groundwater

WatertableShallowGroundwater

Groundwater flows towetlands, streams or ocean

Groundwater Recharge

Rainfall

The Water Cycle and Pollution

1

WATER RESOURCES AND NONPOINT SOURCE POLLUTION4

Another form of nonpointsource pollution is hydrologicmodification. This term refers toactivities that affect the naturalpathways of surface water, such asstream channel modification andchannelization, dam constructionand operation, and streambankand shoreline erosion. Althoughthese activities don’t seem like

forms of pollution, they neverthe-less are considered to be part ofthe NPS pollution problem.Many rivers and streams have nat-ural flood control areas, such asoxbows, adjacent wetlands, andriparian zones. When these areasare modified or removed, signifi-cant changes in the ecologicalfunctions of surrounding lands are

likely to occur.Channel modifica-tions frequently degrade instreamand riparian habitat for fish andwildlife. Other impacts includeerosion and the reduction of thesystem’s ability to filter pollutants.Similarly, increased developmentaround the perimeters of lakes andponds can change surface hydrol-ogy and reduce natural buffers.

A watershed is definedas the geographicarea in which all waterrunning off the landdrains to a givenstream, lake, wetland,or other waterbody. Awatershed can bethought of as a funnelwith the waterbody atthe bottom of the fun-nel and the highpoints, such as moun-tains, at the top. Thesize of the drainage area canbe as small as your backyardor as large as several thou-sand square miles. Nonpointsource problems can originateanywhere in a watershed.

There are five major water-sheds in New Hampshire; theseinclude the Coastal/PiscataquaRiver, the Merrimack River, theConnecticut River, the SacoRiver, and the AndroscogginRiver. These five watershedsare made up, in turn, of manysmaller watersheds defined by

each of the rivers, lakes, ponds,and streams that feed into thebigger rivers. It is most effectiveand easiest to work in thesmallest watershed unit possi-ble when addressing water qual-ity problems.

Tackling water quality issuesusing a watershed perspectivemakes a lot of sense becausewater quality problems oftenresult from a number ofsmaller sources that cumula-tively have a measurable, neg-ative impact on receiving

waters. Moreover, good waterquality is best protected bymanaging land use practices inthe watershed. The challengeof using a watershed approachto manage water quality, how-ever, is that watershed bound-aries do not typically followtown, state, or internationalborders. Organizations and cit-izens within a watershed mustoften come together fromacross municipal boundariesto design creative manage-ment solutions. ■

The WatershedApproach

5WATER RESOURCES AND NONPOINT SOURCE POLLUTION

Over one thousand lakes andponds are scattered across NewHampshire’s scenic and diverselandscape. Many of these beau-tiful waterbodies are a result of glaciation that took place10,000 years ago and earlier. Asglaciers advanced and thenreceded, they carved pockets intothe earth’s surface, and thesefilled with water as the glaciersmelted. Limnologists distinguishbetween a lake and a pondroughly by their depth— a pondallows sunlight to penetratedown to the bottom, and a lake isdeep enough to filter out thesunlight from at least a portion ofits bottom. When it comes tonaming bodies of water in NewHampshire, though, there is noofficial distinction between a lakeand a pond. New Hampshirelegally designates all natural lakesand ponds that are equal to orgreater than 10 acres as “publicwaters of the State” or “greatponds.”

Water moves relatively slowlythrough lakes and ponds. Thisallows time for aquatic plants,such as algae, to use nutrients forgrowth. It also allows time fordecaying animal and plant mate-rials to settle to the lake bottom.Streams bring in sediment thatadd to the debris accumulating atthe bottom. Lakes eventually fillin through this natural agingprocess called eutrophication. Thecharacteristics of a eutrophic lakeare an abundance of aquaticplants, nutrient-rich water, and a

shallow, mucky bottom.Although eutrophication is natu-ral, fertilizers, eroded soil, andfailed septic systems acceleratethe process. Phosphorus is thelimiting nutrient for NewHampshire lakes and ponds.Thismeans that the concentration ofphosphorus is the primary deter-minant of lake productivity. Thepotential for algae blooms andreduced water clarity increases asmore phosphorus enters a lake.Lakes respond differently tonutrient loading, depending onthe physical characteristics of thelake. Excessive weed growth canbe a nuisance for swimming andboating; decay of these weeds bymicro-organisms can use up oxy-gen in the lake and make it unin-habitable for fish and otheraquatic animals. To reduce thephosphorus loading, shorelandowners are encouraged to main-

tain or restore the vegetationalong the shore. Similar manage-ment techniques are recom-mended for upland areas in thelake watershed.

Exotic aquatic plants such asmilfoil and fanwort are also aproblem in New Hampshirelakes and ponds. These plantsflourish because they have noestablished relationships withnative predators or competitorsthat would keep their growth incheck. When these exotic plantsgrow without natural controls,they encroach into and replacethe habitats of native plants,thereby disrupting the foodchain, stunting fish growth, anddegrading wildlife habitat.Several exotic weeds thrive indisturbed areas and sometimesthe growth of exotic plants isexacerbated by nutrient loadingfrom NPS pollutants.

Lakes and Ponds

6 WATER RESOURCES AND NONPOINT SOURCE POLLUTION

Wetlands is a collective term forareas that are transition zonesbetween aquatic and terrestrial

areas. They include areas such asbogs and fens (peatlands), freshwa-ter marshes, salt marshes, wooded

swamps, and riparian areas. Somereceive and produce surfacedrainage,while others simply catchand absorb precipitation.Wetlandsprovide critical habitat for manykinds of plants and animals, con-tribute to the aesthetic beauty ofthe landscape, and provide manyrecreational and educationalopportunities. They also performmany beneficial functions from apollution control standpoint.Somewetlands function as flood storagereservoirs, holding and slowlyreleasing excess storm runoff, thuspreventing downstream floodingand erosion. Wetlands also traperoded sediment by slowing down

the flow of water and allowing thesediment particles, which oftenhave other pollutants attached tothem, to settle out of the water.The dense vegetation in wetlandshelps filter out excess nutrients dis-solved in the water, thus reducingeutrophication problems in otherwaterbodies. Some wetlands act asseasonal groundwater rechargeareas, which stabilize stream flowrates and the drinking water sup-plies of towns reliant on ground-water.The protection of wetlands,and the relatively inexpensive yethighly effective pollution controlfunctions they provide, is critical tothe protection of water quality.

There are almost 10,000 milesof rivers and streams in NewHampshire.When one considersrivers and streams as pollutantcarriers, often times the phrase“dilution is the solution to pol-lution” is mentioned. To a mar-ginal degree this is true, becauserivers are good at assimilatingtreated discharges from waste-water treatment facilities. But,you only have to look back 20years to remember what canhappen to a river or stream if itsdiluting capacity is overloadedwith pollutants.

As we have studied the dynamicnature of rivers, we have learnedthat there are several sources ofnonpoint source pollution thatcommonly occur and negatively

affect water quality and habitat(these pollution sources can alsoaffect other types of waterbodies).In New Hampshire the biggestsources include:

■ urban runoff, particularly inthe southern part of the statewhere there are more urbancenters and in areas wherelarge shopping centers, malls,or parking lots are locatednear rivers;

■ failed septic systems nearrivers and streams;

■ poorly planned and managedconstruction sites whereactivities cause erosion andsedimentation;

■ changes to stream flows,groundwater recharge,

and runoff patternsafter development; and

■ agricultural runoff

With better managementpractices for these and other non-point source pollution problemswe can continue to protect ourrivers and streams for recreation,aesthetic beauty, wildlife habitat,water supply, and other purposes.

Rivers and Streams

Wetlands

7

Estuaries are coastal areaswhere there is at least one open-ing to the ocean, making for amix of fresh and salt water. Inand around these embaymentsare many kinds of habitatsincluding mud flats, beds of sub-merged aquatic vegetation (e.g.,eelgrass beds), and open water.In addition, many estuaries areflanked by salt marshes and/orrocky intertidal areas.The influxof ocean water combined withnutrient-rich river runoff frominland areas helps create diversehabitats that are home to a myr-iad of plants, animals, birds, andfish. In fact, approximately two-thirds of the commercially har-vested fish and shellfish(including clams, mussels, oys-ters, and scallops) live in estuariesfor part or all of their lives. Thescenic views and protected

waters of estuarine areas areappealing to people and makethem prime areas for develop-ment. The adverse effects ofshoreline alteration, chemicalsand sewage from boats andshorefront homes, and the pol-luted runoff from intenselydeveloped inland areas degrade

estuarine water quality, especiallyin estuaries with poor tidalflushing. Loss of habitat, closureof shellfish beds, and degradationof water quality all point to theneed to wisely manage andguide the development aroundestuaries as well as the inlandareas that influence them.

Estuaries

Groundwater is defined aswater that completely fills thespaces between soil and rock par-ticles underground. Many of us

get our drinking water fromgroundwater. In general, ground-water is vulnerable to pollutionbecause surface contamination

can infiltrate directly into it.Groundwater pollution hasresulted from human use, storage,handling, and disposal of con-taminants including unlinedlandfills, underground fuel stor-age tanks, and septic systems.Proper management of humanactivities can prevent groundwa-ter contamination in the future,but prevention is challengingbecause land associated withpublic water supplies is, on aver-age, four times as developed asthe rest of New Hampshire.

Groundwater

8 WATER RESOURCES AND NONPOINT SOURCE POLLUTION

Development involves the con-struction of hard surfaces, suchas roofs, roads, sidewalks, andparking lots, that water cannotpenetrate. These types of sur-faces are collectively referred toas “impervious cover.” Impervi-ous cover increases the amountof water that will run off landduring a rainstorm or as snowmelts, which can lead to

increased NPS pollution.Numerous studies have exam-ined the relationship betweenthe amount of impervious coverin a watershed and the health ofwaterbodies in that watershed.These studies find that the qual-ity of streams, wetlands, andother waterbodies declinessharply when the imperviouscover within the watershed

exceeds just 10 percent. Landuse practices that reduce runoffor intercept runoff before itreaches a waterbody helpreduce the impacts associatedwith impervious cover. Allowingwater to infiltrate into theground helps clean the waterand restore groundwater levels,which is especially importantduring times of drought. ■

9BMPs FOR DEVELOPED OR DEVELOPING LAND

The rural character of NewHampshire is something manypeople cherish and wish to pre-serve. Nevertheless, it is obviousthat the state is undergoing devel-opment and growth, particularlyin the southern part and theSeacoast region. Between 1990and 2000, the population of NewHampshire increased by 11.4 per-cent, which made it the fastestgrowing state in New England.Vacation homes comprised 10percent of the residential units inthe state in 2000, and as theregional and national population

increases, the interest in NewHampshire as a place to have asecond home will likely continueto grow. New Hampshire willhave to accommodate new resi-dents and vacationers with morehouses, office buildings, shoppingcenters, schools, and roads.As landis converted from forests or farmfields to a house, road, or parkinglot, there are inevitable effects onwater quality and quantity.

New residential, commercialand industrial development canincrease NPS pollution for manyreasons, including the greater use

of chemicals on developed land(e.g., fertilizer, pesticides, oil,detergents), the greater potentialfor erosion due to the distur-bance and use of the site, and theincrease in impervious cover,which results in more runoff. Inaddition, development oftenreduces the amount of vegetatedareas that buffer the impact ofthe increased runoff and higherpollution levels.

Development can also impactthe movement of water orhydrologic functions of a water-shed. Such impacts can include

BEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICES FOR DEVELOPED OR DEVELOPING LAND

Areas of New Development

Impact of Impervious Cover

2

This section discusses water quality issues related to previously-devel-oped areas and developing areas, and offers management practices toreduce nonpoint source pollution for both types of areas.

10 BMPs FOR DEVELOPED OR DEVELOPING LAND

changes in the rate of flow ofwater, reduced amount ofrecharge or infiltration, andincreased volume of water dur-ing storm events. Alterations towatershed hydrology can nega-tively affect aquatic habitat bylowering the water table, reduc-ing base flows, increasing watertemperatures, reducing shadingof streams and rivers, and reduc-ing the accumulation of naturalbiomass in streams and rivers.

Conventional stormwatermanagement systems, includingcurbs, gutters, storm drains andpiping, paired with a large struc-tural BMP, such as a retention/detention pond, can help controlpeak flows and reduce waterquality impacts.But, typically thisdoes little to maintain naturalhydrologic functions on the site,including natural infiltrationrates or direction of water flow.Additionally, such traditionalstormwater management systemsare expensive and involve exten-

sive earthwork and installation ofmaterials.

Alternatively, a more innova-tive stormwater managementapproach can provide increasedopportunities for stormwater toinfiltrate, better maintain naturalwatershed hydrology, and limitimpacts to habitat.The alternativeapproach uses open, grassedchannels to hold and conveywater along with numeroussmaller-scale BMPs and land-scape features dispersed through-out a developed area to regulatewater flow and remove pollu-tants.Vegetation is recommendedas part of any stormwater man-agement approach to stabilizesoil, filter out pollutants, andreduce runoff volume; it can be assimple as vigorous plantingsaround new construction.

In addition to providing foreffective stormwater manage-ment, new developments can alsobe located and designed in waysthat minimize NPS pollution.

Municipalities can develop aneducation program and use theirlocal planning and site plan andsubdivision review processes toencourage the use of practicesthat minimize nonpoint sourcepollution.

BMPs for Areas of New Development

Both designing and locating newdevelopment offer opportunitiesto use BMPs to minimize NPSpollution.

Designing New Development

Conservation design minimizesthe amount of land disturbed fordevelopment, maintains signifi-cant ecological areas in a naturalstate, and reduces the amount ofimpervious surface created.Energy and water efficiency alsoare maximized.

Following these practices pro-vides other benefits in addition toprotecting surface water quality.For example, the practices listed

PREDEVELOPMENT POSTDEVELOPMENTCanopy

Interception

Evapo-transpiration

SurfaceRunoff

Baseflow

Interflow

Transpiration

SurfaceRunoff

Baseflow

Interflow

below help maintain groundwa-ter supplies by increasing infiltra-tion of water into the ground;help protect wildlife habitat bymaintaining undisturbed land,especially along wetlands,streams, and other riparian areas;and help reduce air pollution

from vehicle travel by encourag-ing more compact developmentthat supports walking and bikingand reduces vehicle use.Encouraging non-motorizedtransport through changes indesign improves human health byimproving air quality and by

engaging people in physicalactivity. Improved human healthin turn reduces medical costsassociated with bad air quality(such as asthma) and inactivity(such as obesity and heart dis-ease), which saves money for allof us.

An alternative, more innova-tive stormwater managementapproach—called “low-impactdevelopment (LID) design”—canprovide increased opportunitiesfor stormwater to infiltrate, bet-ter maintain natural watershedhydrology, and limit impacts tohabitat. LID focuses on:

1 site design techniques thatreduce runoff and maintainexisting hydrologic features;and

2 site-level or “at-source”stormwater controls.

The fundamental LID site plan-ning concepts include:

■ using hydrology as a basis for designing newdevelopment;

■ thinking “micromanagement”for stormwater control;

■ controlling stormwater at thesource;

■ using simplistic, nonstruc-tural stormwater controlmethods when feasible; and

■ creating a multi-functionallandscape and infrastructure.

Hydrology is integrated intothe site planning process by firstidentifying and protecting the fol-

lowing areas important to thenatural hydrology of the site:streams and their buffers, flood-plains, wetlands, steep slopes,high-permeability soils, andwoodland conservation zones.Future development is thenlocated in remaining areas thatare less sensitive to disturbanceor have lower value in terms ofhydrologic function. The develop-ment is then designed to mini-mize clearing and grading,minimize and disconnect imper-vious surfaces, minimize thequantity and velocity of surfacerunoff, and provide for on-site/on-lot management ofrunoff. Additionally, the existingtopography and drainage patternis maintained to disperse flowpaths.

Whenever possible, LIDdesigns use open, vegetateddrainage systems in lieu of con-ventional storm drains. LID flowand conveyance systems aredesigned to maximize overlandsheet flow, involve wider,rougher, and longer flow paths,and include pockets of vegeta-tion (trees and shrubs) in theflow path. In addition, flowsfrom large paved surfaces are

dispersed in multiple directions,using sheet flow when feasible.

In addition to the abovedesign considerations, LIDinvolves micromanagement ofstormwater using small-scaleintegrated management prac-tices (IMPs) distributed through-out the site. Example IMPsinclude on-lot bioretention facili-ties, dry wells, filter/bufferstrips, grassed swales, biore-tention swales, wet swales, rainbarrels, cisterns, and infiltrationtrenches. These techniques areused to control runoff at itssource. As with other BMPs,IMPs also require monitoringand periodic upkeep, includingtrash removal and maintenanceof vegetation. But with educa-tion on the purpose and propercare for IMPs, private propertyowners can often assumeresponsibility for maintainingIMPs located on their property.

Communities that wish tobenefit from the LID approachmay need to develop an over-sight program and adopt flexiblezoning options in their subdivi-sion and site plan ordinances tofacilitate the use of LID tech-niques by developers. ■

Low-Impact Development Design



Locating New Development

■ Locate development close toexisting developed areas.

• Provide a greater chance ofconnecting to a sewer system,which reduces the possibil-ity of NPS pollution fromindividual septic systems.

• Require less pipe to con-nect to the sewer system,which lowers the chancefor leakage of untreatedwastewater, and lowers thecost of the project as well.

• Shorten the distance toshopping and other services/activities to reduce vehicletravel, thereby reducing localair pollution, and increasingopportunities to walk or

bike.This can also reduceNPS pollution from thedeposition of air pollutants.

■ Locate close to existing roadways.

• In addition to the abovebenefits, a shorter accessroad and/or driveway will

reduce the amount ofimpervious surface createdby the development.

■ Locate away from surfacewaters.

• Increase opportunities fortreatment of runoff beforeit reaches surface water.

Woodland Conservation NaturalDrainageSystems

TransitionZone

OnlotBioretention

TransitionZone

VegetatedBuffer

Principles of Conservation Design■ Use narrower and shorter

streets, driveways, and rights-of-way.

■ Put sidewalks on only oneside of the street.

■ Allow for smaller lots andnarrower setbacks andfrontages to reduce theamount of land “disturbed”by development, maximizethe amount of landretained in open space,and require less roadwayand driveway.

■ Reduce the size of parkingareas and use permeable surfaces for overflow park-ing areas.

■ Reduce the amount of areamaintained as lawn, and use

drought-tolerant species ofgrass to reduce wateringneeds where grass isdesired.

■ Disconnect impervious surfaces (e.g., slope drive-ways towards lawns or othervegetated areas rather thanthe street).

■ Maintain significant vege-tated buffers for surfacewaters and do not mow tothe edge of the water.

■ Use open, grassed swales toconvey stormwater ratherthan a curb and gutter sys-tem.

■ Use all available naturalresource information indesigning the development.

■ Integrate smaller-scaleBMPs and landscape fea-tures throughout the site tomanage stormwater andcontrol NPS pollution.

■ Require enhanced performance septic sys-tems or regular septic system inspections when a development is notserved by sewer.

■ Encourage onsite collectionor infiltration of rainfall/runoff from individual homesites (e.g., install rain barrels and cisterns tocollect roof runoff, incorpo-rate small bioretentionareas or ‘raingardens’ onhome sites to manage rain-water). ■


Many people think that urbanareas are found only in largecities and towns, but many ofNew Hampshire’s villages andsmall towns also have areas thatare densely developed. Pockets ofdevelopment in rural towns, suchas shopping centers, have some ofthe same water quality issues thatcities do. The practices discussedin this section apply to anydeveloped area.

Developed areas typically havehigher amounts of impervioussurfaces and existing stormwaterdrainage systems. Many olderstormwater drainage systems col-lect water and pollutants fromimpervious surfaces and dis-charge them directly to a stream,river, or other surface waterbody. As a result, watershedhydrology is impacted and pollu-tant loads increase.

To reduce NPS pollution,management of developed areascan take steps to prevent pollu-tants from entering stormwater.Additionally, urban and devel-oped areas can be retrofitted byinstalling structural BMPs toreduce, collect, and treatstormwater. Redevelopment andrenovation of existing sites pro-vides excellent opportunities forimproving stormwater manage-ment and reducing NPS pollution. DES has written aguide summarizing innovativeretrofit BMPs called InnovativeStormwater Treatment Technologies:Best Management Practices Manual.

DES has produced other BMPmanuals specifically for developedareas, Best Management Practices forUrban Stormwater Runoff andStormwater Management and Erosionand Sediment Control Handbook forUrban and Developing Areas in NewHampshire. The first guide coversthe BMPs required by the DESAlteration of Terrain PermitProgram.The second is a compre-hensive reference for structuraland vegetative BMPs, such asdetention basins, level spreaders,grassed waterways, and others.

An additional guidance doc-ument, Managing Stormwater as aValuable Resource: A Message forNew Hampshire Municipalities andWater Suppliers, provides infor-mation on managing stormwa-ter to protect water supplyresources and the conditionsunder which artificial infiltra-tion BMPs, such as infiltration

trenches and infiltration basins(or ponds), can be used.

Planning boards may need toenlist professional engineeringservices to review developmentproposals. Such services may beavailable through county conser-vation districts, regional planningagencies, and private consultants.

BMPs for Previously-Developed Areas

The following practices andstructural BMPs can reduce NPSpollution from existing devel-oped areas:

General Guidelines

■ Use vegetation extensively tofilter runoff before it enterssurface waterbodies.

■ Divert runoff around siteswhere pollutants could bepicked up by surface flow(e.g., gas stations).

Previously-Developed Areas


■ Inspect areas periodically tomake sure that potential pol-lutants, such as raw materialsfor an industrial process, arenot left in areas where theycan be transported by runoffinto waterbodies.

■ Keep parking areas, outdoorstorage areas, and streets cleanof debris. Street sweeping canbe used to remove sediment,debris and trash from streetsand parking areas.

■ Clean out catch basins andother flow control devicesregularly to prevent backupand overflow of sedimentsand pollutants.

Specific Structural BMPs

■ Bioretention Area

A practice to manage andtreat stormwater runoff byusing a conditioned plantingsoil bed and planting materialto filter runoff stored withina shallow depression.The system can include the following components: a pre-treatment filter strip of grassin an inlet channel, a shallowsurface water ponding area,a bioretention planting area,a soil zone, an underdrainsystem, and an overflow out-let structure. For example,vegetated islands in parkinglots can be recessed, ratherthan raised, and designed asbioretention areas.

■ Grassed Swale

An engineered grassed chan-nel to transport stormwater.Dry swales facilitate qualityand quantity control by

allowing for infiltration.Wet swales use retention time and natural growth ofwater-tolerant vegetation toregulate flow and quality ofstormwater before discharge.

■ Infiltration Trench

An excavated trench that isbackfilled with stone to form a subsurface basin.Water isslowly infiltrated into the soil,usually over several days. Mosteffective when combined withsome form of pretreatment,such as a filter strip, to reducethe amount of sediment reaching the trench.

■ Infiltration Basin or Pond

A grassed, flat-bottomedbasin preceded by a sedimentforebay or riprap apron toslow the flow of water andtrap sediment.Water is slowlyinfiltrated into the soil,usually over several days.

■ Dry Well

A small excavated pit back-filled with aggregate, usuallypea gravel or stone. Used toinfiltrate runoff from buildingrooftops and in modifiedcatch basins, where the inflowis direct surface runoff.

■ Stormwater TreatmentChamber

An underground, dividedchamber used to remove sediment, oil and debris from stormwater. Such chambers are typically used in conjunction with astormwater retention or infiltration BMP.

As of March, 2003, the NationalPollutant Discharge EliminationSystem (NPDES) StormwaterPhase II rule (“Phase II”) requiresoperators of small municipal sep-arate storm sewer systems (calledMS4s), operators of municipally-owned industrial activities, andoperators of small constructionsites (one acre or more) to imple-ment programs and practices tocontrol polluted stormwaterrunoff. More information onthese regulations can be found atwww.des.nh.gov/stormwater.

Local planning boards areauthorized to regulate subdivi-sions and nonresidential andmulti-family residential site devel-opment under RSA 674:35 and674:43, respectively. The require-ments for developing a local mas-ter plan are found under RSA674:1-4. Zoning ordinances arecovered under RSA 674:17-20.Innovative land use controls aredescribed under RSA 674:21.

The Comprehensive Shore-land Protection Act (RSA 483-B)establishes minimum standardsfor the future subdivision, use,and development of the shore-lands within 250 feet of thestate’s public waters. Whenrepairs, improvements, or expan-sions are proposed to existingdevelopment, the law requiresthese alterations to be consistentwith the intent of the Act. DES isresponsible for enforcing thestandards within the protectedshoreland, unless a communityadopts an ordinance or shorelandprovisions that are equal to or

more stringent than the Act. Inaddition to the standards of theAct, development within theprotected shoreland must alwayscomply with all applicable local,state, and federal regulations.

Site excavation is governed byRSA 485-A:17, known as theAlteration of Terrain or SiteSpecific Permit Program. Devel-opment as well as redevelopmentactivities may require a permitunder this program. Please seepage 23 for more information.

RSA-482-A and the rules prom-ulgated under that law (Env-Wt100-700) require that projects bedesigned to avoid and minimizeimpacts to wetlands and otherjurisdictional areas. The impactsthat are proposed must be onlythose that are unavoidable. It is

the responsibility of the applicantto document these considerationsin the application for a permit.

RSA 485-A gives DES theauthority to regulate septic sys-tems. Design, operating, and per-mit requirements are found inAdministrative Rule Env-Ws1000. The regulations require allsubdivisions creating lots smallerthan five acres to obtain approvalfrom DES. If the site lies within aprotected shoreline area, all lots,regardless of size, require approvalfrom DES (RSA 483-B). Anydeveloped waterfront propertyon great ponds and tidal waterswith an on-site subsurface systemmust be assessed for compliancewith current standards prior tothe execution of a purchase-and-sale agreement (RSA 485-A:39).


Laws and Regulations For Developed or Developing Land

All state laws in New Hampshire can be searched online at gencourt.state.nh.us/rsa/html/indexes/default.html

For regulated MS4s, six mini-mum control measures must beimplemented within five years ofreceiving the Phase II permit.Permittees must submit anannual report to EPA summariz-ing their progress toward achiev-ing specific measurable goals inthe six categories.

EPA has issued guidance onrecommended BMPs and develop-ing measurable goals and con-ducted a series of workshops onthe Phase II requirements. DESis providing technical and finan-cial support whenever possible.

Six Minimum Control Measures

1. Public education and outreach

2. Public participation and involvement

3. Illicit discharge detection and elimination

4. Construction site runoff control

5. Post-construction runoff control

6. Pollution prevention andgood housekeeping

What the Implementation of Phase II Means


For assistance with local land use planning and regulations, local offi-cials are encouraged to contact their regional planning agency, countyconservation district, the N.H. Office of State Planning and EnergyPrograms, or DES (many of these are listed in the Appendix). Theseorganizations can also help identify other federal, state, and local tech-nical assistance and educational programs.

DES Phase II Website

www.des.nh.gov/stormwater/

DES Fact Sheets

Federal Stormwater Permits.WD-WEB-8, 2002.Available online at:www.des.nh.gov/factsheets/wwt/web-8.htm

Impacts of Development Upon Stormwater Runoff.WD-WQE-7, 1996.Available online at: www.des.nh.gov/factsheets/wqe/wqe-7.htm

See page 38 for DES fact sheets describing the Alteration of TerrainPermit program.

DES. For more information on the Comprehensive Shoreland ProtectionAct, see www.des.nh.gov/cspa/

DES. Best Management Practices for Urban Stormwater Runoff. R-WSPCD-95-3, January 1996. Copies ($5 each) can be ordered from DES by calling(603) 271-2975.

DES Drinking Water Source Protection Program. Managing Stormwater as aValuable Resource:A Message for New Hampshire Municipalities and WaterSuppliers. DES-R-WD-01-13, September 2001. Online atwww.des.nh.gov/dwspp/stormwater.pdf.

DES Wetlands Bureau. Guidebook for Wetlands Permit. www.des.nh.gov/wetlands/guidebook/

DES Watershed Management Bureau. Innovative Stormwater TreatmentTechnologies: Best Management Practices Manual. DES-WD-02-2, May 2002.Online at www.des.nh.gov/wmb/was/manual.

Rockingham County Conservation District and DES. StormwaterManagement and Erosion and Sediment Control Handbook for Urban andDeveloping Areas in New Hampshire. August 1992. Copies ($25 each) canbe ordered from DES by calling (603) 271-2975.

USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, NH office. Municipal Guidefor Nonpoint Source Pollution. Fact sheet available by calling (603) 868-7581.

USEPA Office of Water. Low Impact Development (LID):A Literature Review.Washington DC. EPA 841-B-00-005, October 2000. Online atwww.epa.gov/owow/nps/lid.pdf.

USEPA Websites

Fact sheets on each of the minimum measures and other aspects of thePhase II rule are available on the EPA’s website,http://cfpub.epa.gov/npdes/stormwater/swfinal.cfm

Resources: BMPs for Developed or Developing Land


Complete information on EPA’s stormwater program is online athttp://cfpub.epa.gov/npdes/home.cfm?program_id=6

Terrene Institute. Nonpoint Source News-Notes. An occasional bulletin. 4Herbert St.,Alexandria,VA 22305. Online atwww.epa.gov/owow/info/NewsNotes

Center for Watershed Protection.“The Benefits of Better Site Design inResidential Subdivisions,” article #46 in The Practice of WatershedProtection, 2000, editors Thomas R. Schueler and Heather K. Holland,Ellicott City, MD.Available online at www.stormwatercenter.net/Library/Practice/46.pdf or from the Center for Watershed Protection,8391 Main Street, Ellicott City, MD 21043, (410) 461-8323.

Center for Watershed Protection. Better Site Design:A Handbook for ChangingDevelopment Rules in Your Community. August 1998. See reference abovefor ordering information or go online at www.cwp.org/index.html.Thishandbook discusses 22 design principles to address NPS pollution andconserve natural areas. It provides detailed information on the currentpractice, preferred approach, and current perceptions regarding residentialstreets and parking areas, residential developments, conservation of natu-ral areas, and open space.

Center for Watershed Protection. Stormwater BMP Design Supplement for ColdClimates. 1997. See above reference for ordering information; publicationis online at www.cwp.org/cold-climates.htm.

Center for Watershed Protection. The Practice of Watershed Protection, 2000,editors Thomas R. Schueler and Heather K. Holland, Ellicott City, MD.Available online at www.stormwatercenter.net/Library/Practice/46.pdfor from the Center for Watershed Protection, 8391 Main Street, EllicottCity, MD 21043, (410) 461-8323.

Center for Watershed Protection. Stormwater Manager’s Resource Center atwww.stormwatercenter.net is a website designed for stormwater practi-tioners, local government officials, and others that need technical assis-tance on stormwater management issues.

Metropolitan Council Environmental Services. Minnesota Urban Small SitesBMP Manual: Stormwater Best Management Practices for Cold Climates.Prepared by Barr Engineering Company, 2001. Metropolitan CouncilEnvironmental Services, Mears Park Center, 230 E. 5th St., St. Paul, MN55101.Available at www.metrocouncil.org/environment/Watershed/BMP/manual.htm

Department of Environmental Resources, Prince Georges County,Maryland. Low-Impact Development Design Strategies:An Integrated DesignApproach. Programs and Planning Division, June 1999.Available online atwww.epa.gov/owow/nps/lidnatl.pdf

19BMPs BY LAND USE/ACTIVITY

This section identifies some of the land uses that generate NPS pollution,lists ways to control pollution by land use, and provides a list of resources.

BEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICES BY LAND USE/ACTIVITY3

Reducing NPS PollutionAround Your Home

There are a number of BMPsthat a household can employ toreduce their contributions toNPS pollution. Although eachindividual household may con-tribute only minor amounts ofNPS pollution, the cumulativeeffects of household-level actionto reduce pollution by an entireneighborhood or region ofhouseholds can be significant.

Potential household contri-butions to NPS pollutioninclude:

■ bacteria, chemical, andnutrient discharges fromseptic systems;

■ chemical use, storage, anddisposal;

■ sediments, chemicals, andnutrients from lawn andgarden activities;

■ runoff from impervioussurfaces (e.g., driveways,roofs, patios);

■ pet waste; and

■ air pollution contribu-tions, from energy useand vehicle use.

Households

Septic Systems

■ Know the location of yourseptic tank and leaching area;mark the tank cover(s) withpartially buried bricks.

■ Have your tank inspectedyearly. If the sludge and surface scum combined are as thick as one third the liquid depth of your tank,have the tank pumped out by a licensed septage hauler.

■ Keep bulky items such as dis-posable diapers, sanitary pads,cigarettes, or paper towels outof the system.These will clogthe leaching system.

■ Keep toxic materials such as paint thinner, pesticides,or chlorine out of your system.These chemicals may kill the necessary bacteria in the tank.

■ Do not use septic tank addi-tives.They may cause harmby killing essential bacteria.

■ Repair leaking fixturespromptly; use water-reducingfixtures wherever possible to

reduce the amount of waterthe system must treat.

■ Avoid putting food waste andgrease into the system orusing a garbage disposal. Foodwaste will not only fill yourseptic tank rapidly and requiremore frequent pumping, butwill also float and can eventu-ally clog the leaching system.

■ Keep deep-rooted trees andbushes away from the leachfield.

■ Keep vehicles, livestock, orheavy foot traffic away fromthe leach field, as the weightmay compress the soil toomuch or break the pipes.

■ Minimize the use of deter-gents and bleaches; use alter-native cleaning products suchas baking soda, borax, or non-chlorine scouring powders.Many cleaning products suchas toilet bowl cleaners containchlorine and strong acids thatwill kill the necessary bacteriain the septic system.

A proper, well-maintained septic system will adequately treat yoursewage. If it is not taken care of, a septic system may become cloggedand overflow on the ground or cause wastewater to back up into thehouse.A failed system is unhealthy, expensive to replace, and may con-taminate nearby ground and/or surface waters, including nearby wells.Taking a few precautions can avoid costly septic system problems.

See BMP Resources on page 36

20

Chemical Use, Storage and Disposal

Hazardous household productssuch as cleaners, paint thinner,spot remover, oven cleaner, furni-ture polish, drain opener, poolchemicals, and even hair spray canbe found in most home storagecabinets. Hazardous products canusually be identified by a warninglabel on the container. Theseproducts, when handled improp-erly, can contaminate a well, poi-son a stream,or disrupt the properfunctioning of a septic system.

■ Buy nontoxic alternativeswhenever possible.

■ Read the label carefullybefore buying, using, or disposing of products.

■ Buy only the quantity thatyou need and use only therecommended amount.

■ Store and label wastes safely,then bring them to a localhousehold hazardous waste daycollection (contact DES at271-2047 for locations nearyou). Many towns also acceptused oil for recycling.

■ Hazardous chemicals shouldNOT be poured on theground or down the drain,discarded in the trash, buried,or burned!

Lawn and Garden Activities

Landscaping and gardening practices can contribute to NPS pollutionthrough lawn chemicals, fertilizers, silt, and sand. However, with a fewminor changes, backyards can actually play an active role in improvingwater quality.

■ Test your soil to know whatit actually needs before youapply fertilizer or lime (contact your county UNHCooperative Extension office for information on soil testing).

■ When fertilizer is necessary,select a slow-release fertilizerto avoid excess nutrients run-ning into the water. Underthe Shoreland Protection Act,a 25-foot fertilizer-free buffermust be maintained aroundwetlands and surface water.

■ Plant natural, native plantspecies instead of non-nativeplants (plants that were intro-duced for agricultural pur-poses or by accident). Nativeplants generally require muchless water, herbicides, fertiliz-ers, or trimming.

■ When possible, reduce thesize of your lawn by plantinglow-maintenance ground-covers, trees, flowers, andshrubs to help water infiltrateinto the ground and preventsoil erosion.

■ For new lawns, use 6-12inches of topsoil to encour-age deeper root growth

■ For waterfront or wetlandareas, maintain or plant a nat-ural vegetation buffer at least100 feet wide between thelawn and the water to holdsoil in place, absorb pollutionbefore reaching the water, andprovide wildlife habitat. Somespecies of wildlife requiremore than 100 foot buffers.

■ Start composting in your back-yard and use compost on yourgardens and lawns and aroundtrees and bushes. Compostingyour yard and food waste iseasy and will reduce the needfor fertilizers and water byadding nutrients and helpingthe soil retain moisture.

■ Refrain from using pesticidesnear surface water.

■ Read pesticide labels carefully.

BMPs BY LAND USE/ACTIVITY


Impervious Surfaces

Runoff from stormwater washesacross yards, driveways, roads, andpatios, picking up loose soil, petwastes, fertilizers, pesticides, oil,soaps, and other pollutants anddepositing them into streams,rivers, and lakes.Water directed topervious surfaces will help filtermany of these possible contami-nants before entering our surfacewaters in addition to rechargingour groundwater supplies.

■ Limit the amount of imper-vious surface on your prop-erty (impervious surfacesinclude sidewalks, roofs,driveways, and patios).

■ Replace impervious surfaceswith natural ground cover orwith material that allowssome water to seep into theground, such as gravel, brick,stepping stones, wood chips,or other porous surface.

■ Direct runoff from impervioussurfaces to areas on your prop-erty where the water can seepinto the ground. For exam-ple, direct roof downspoutsaway from the driveway orthe storm drainage systemand into a gravel swale orgrassed area, or collect roofrunoff in a screened-top rain barrel and use to waterplants around your yard.

■ Maintain or restore naturalvegetated areas as buffersalong river, lake, and coastalwaterfronts.

■ Sweep driveways and walk-ways instead of hosing themdown.

Pets

Scooping your pooch’s poop isn’t just a neighborhood courtesy; it isalso the healthy and environmentally sound thing to do. Pet waste maybe a source of bacteria and nutrients in water. Just as we don’t wanthuman sewage in our water, it is important to prevent pet waste fromlittering our towns and being carried into our waterways. Peopledrinking and swimming in water contaminated by pet waste couldingest harmful pathogens.

■ Pick up pet waste and flushit down the toilet, bury itin the yard, or put it in thetrash.Another option is toinstall an underground petwaste digester that works

like a small septic tank.Some local laws or neigh-borhood rules may restricttheir use.

■ Do not put pet waste into storm drains.

Air Pollution – Acid Deposition

Through rain or snow, acid deposition deposits acids and acidifyingcompounds to the Earth's surface, which then move through soil, veg-etation, and surface waters.Acid deposition is formed when emissionsof sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides react with other substances in theatmosphere to form the acidic compounds. Sulfur dioxide and nitro-gen oxides are emitted primarily from power plants and motor vehi-cles as a result of burning fossil fuels.

Acid Deposition leads to adverse impacts such as increased mortal-ity among sensitive species, decreased visibility, and stunted forestgrowth. In addition, soils that are saturated with nitrogen have littlecapacity to buffer acid rain before it enters streams.The use of nitro-gen fertilizers, nitrogen-fixing crops, and fossil fuels has doubled andcontinues to increase the rate of nitrogen entering the land.

■ Reduce your use of electric-ity (turn off lights, turn downthermostats, hang laundry todry, take quick showers, etc.).

■ Drive your car less by car-pooling, biking, walking, andcombining trips.

■ Maintain your car’s pollutioncontrol equipment, keep yourtires properly inflated, andkeep your engine tuned.

■ When buying a new appliance,such as a refrigerator or clothesdryer, put energy efficiency at

the top of your list of desirablefeatures and look for theEnergy Star label indicatingthe item is energy efficient.

■ When buying a new vehicle,ask the car dealer for aGranite State Clean Car andlook for the Clean Cars Labelindicating the vehicle meetslower emission standards andbetter fuel economy.

■ Contact your electric utilityto see what it is doing toreduce emissions.

22 BMPs BY LAND USE/ACTIVITY

Laws and Regulations

A complete copy of the rulesgoverning septic systems in NewHampshire Env-Ws 1000, Sub-division and Individual SewageDisposal System Design Rules isavailable at www.des.nh.gov/rules/envws1000.pdf. Hardcopyavailable at DES, 29 Hazen Drive,Concord, NH 03301, (603) 271-2975 for $10.

More information on theShoreland Protection Act is avail-able at www.des.nh.gov/cspa.

Under RSA 261:153(V) andRSA 149-M:18, city treasurers andtown clerks can assess a fee to payfor collection and disposal fees ofmotor oil, car batteries, and car

tires. A Vehicle Registration Feesfact sheet is available at www.des.nh.gov/sw.htm or call DES at(603) 271-2975.

After January 1, 2005, ownersof on-premise heating oil tanksmust meet DES “Best Manage-ment Practices for the Installationor Upgrading of On-Premise-Use Heating Oil Tank Facilities.”On-premise-use facilities includeheating oil tanks and pipinglocated at single family homes,apartments, commercial build-ings, and industrial facilities.

Failure to achieve compliance bythat date will prevent access tothe state cleanup funds should anoil release occur.To assist ownersin meeting this new requirement,RSA 146-E authorizes a grant pro-gram (up to $1,000) for ownerswho demonstrate a financialneed. For more information, seeDES fact sheet OIL-24: BestManagement Practices for the Instal-lation and Upgrading of On-Premise-Use Heating Oil Tank Facilities atwww.des.nh.gov/factsheets/oil/oil-24.htm.

Site excavation and develop-ment, road construction, and roadmaintenance activities may notlast long, but erosion and sedi-mentation from any earth movingcan have long-term impacts onwater quality. Towns may facefinancial impacts from removingsediments from ditches, culverts,and drains.

The road building process ismore susceptible to erosion prob-lems than other types of construc-tion. Drainage ditches and

channels built along roads to carrystormwater will erode easilybefore they are properly stabi-lized. Site excavation and devel-opment may make soil andattached chemicals more available,resulting in polluted lakes andstreams. Bare soil particles are dis-lodged by rainfall and can betransported down slope tostreams, lakes, and wetlands. Theextent of erosion is influenced byexposure, rainfall intensity andduration, soil type, vegetation,topography, and season.

The sedimentation or deposi-tion of material eroded by waterfrom site excavation or road con-struction and maintenance activ-ity can have significant negativeeffects on water quality andaquatic habitats from increasedsedimentation. In addition to

habitat losses for fish and inverte-brates, wetlands can fill in andvegetation can be smothered; cul-verts and ditches can be plugged;and recreational potential can bereduced when soil loss from exca-vation activities is high. Nutrientsand chemicals can be releasedfrom sediment that enters awaterbody. Released phosphoruscan cause algal blooms in lakesand encourage eutrophication.

Construction sites may usenumerous chemicals at the site,such as pesticides, fertilizers, petro-leum products and constructionchemicals. Solid wastes and some-times hazardous wastes may alsobe handled on site.The “Chemi-cals and Petroleum Products”section of this document dis-cusses BMPs for preventing NPSpollution from these sources.

Site Excavation and Road Construction




■ Optimize nonpoint sourcepollution control by integrat-ing BMPs into the overall sitedevelopment plans.

■ Prepare field documents forthe construction crew andthe planning board, with clearinstructions and dimensionsfor erosion control measures.

■ Municipalities can providequality assurance, includingprofessional plan review anddetailed field checks duringconstruction.

■ Retain natural vegetationwhere possible, especiallynear waterbodies, wetlands,and steep slopes.

■ Minimize the amount of baresoil exposed by schedulingphases of construction andstabilization.

■ Prevent erosion by coveringbare soil with mulch or othercover.

■ Establish vegetative coverwith good root systems priorto freeze/thaw cycles.

■ Minimize slope lengths anddivert runoff around dis-turbed areas.

■ Construct and install stableoutlets for all ditches andstormwater sewer systemsprior to building the ditchesand pipe outlets.

■ Provide outlet protection atwaterways, culverts, andstorm sewers to dissipate theenergy of water conveyedthrough a pipe or pavedchannel before it dischargesto the receiving stream.

■ Protect treatment swales fromturbulence and sedimentaccumulation.

■ Consider wet ponds and constructed wetlands toimprove water quality wheredetention is required.

■ Monitor practices and adjust,maintain, and repair themperiodically and after everystorm.

■ Remove temporary measuresonly after construction is

completed. Remove sediment accumulated during construction frompermanent BMPs once construction activities arecompleted.

■ Design roads to minimize the amount of impervioussurface created and maximizeopportunities for on-sitetreatment of stormwater.

■ Minimize or avoid construct-ing roads near sensitive areassuch as wetlands, lakes, rivers,or streams.

■ Avoid building roads up anddown steep slopes. Follow thecontours of the land as muchas possible.

■ Protect existing stormwaterinlets and culverts from sedi-ment by using temporarysediment traps, silt fence andhay bale filters, or perforatedrisers.


Site excavation and road con-struction activities are governedby RSA 485-A:17, known as theAlteration of Terrain Program orSite Specific Permit Program.Under this program, individualsare required to obtain a permitfrom DES for any earth distur-bance greater than 100,000square feet, or 50,000 square feetwithin a protected shorelandarea. Protected shoreland is anyland within 250 feet of the pub-lic boundary of public waters,

BMPs for Site Excavation and Road Construction

The following list identifies some of the BMPs for developers and roaddesigners to consider.


In New England, plowing, sand-ing, and de-icing are standardtechniques used to keep roadwayspassable and safe for traveling dur-ing the winter. Runoff from melt-ing snow carries accumulatedpollutants and street and soil sur-face materials. In urban areas,plowed snow sometimes needs tobe moved to a remote location,and the resulting stockpile holdsaccumulated pollutants. Salt stor-age is also a concern if runoff fromthe storage site is not adequatelycontrolled.

Pollutants accumulate in snowthrough several processes. In theatmosphere, falling snowflakesare effective scavengers of exist-ing particulate and aerosol pollu-tants. After the snow has fallen,the snowpack is subject to depo-sition of airborne pollutantsoriginating from fossil fuel com-bustion, trash incineration,chemical processing, metal plat-

ing, and manufacturing. Snowalso accumulates pollutants fromgas, oil, and metals from car leaksand wearing parts, direct applica-tion of salt, sand, and roadwaydeterioration. This phenomenonis familiar to everyone who hasnoticed older snow piles gettingblack and gray.

Impacts from the applicationof sodium chloride on roads areimportant for both drinkingwater safety and the protection ofaquatic life. Sodium is a drinkingwater concern for individuals onlow-sodium diets. Chloride indrinking water is a taste concern,but not a health concern. EPAhas studied the impact of chlo-ride ions on aquatic life andfound that chloride associatedwith sodium was toxic to certainforms of aquatic life at a four-dayaverage concentration of 230mg/l. Some plant species at thebase of the food chain can be

harmed at much lower concen-trations.

Applying salt to roadwaysundoubtedly prevents crashes andsaves lives, but it also has an eco-nomic cost because of increasedcorrosion on automobiles andhighway structures such as bridgedecks. Minimizing the applicationrate of salt without affecting safetytherefore has economic benefits aswell as ecological ones.

BMPs for Road Salting and Snow Dumping

Application of Road Salts

■ Sensitive areas, such as publicwater supplies, lakes, and ponds,should be identified and madeknown to salt applicators.Consider de-icing alternatives(calcium magnesium acetate,sand, etc.) in sensitive areas.

■ Ground-speed controllersshould be used for all spreaders.

which includes all waterbodieswith a surface area of 10 acres ormore, all fourth order or higherwater courses, estuaries, andcoastal waters. The program’sadministrative rules are found inEnv-Ws 415 (www.des.nh.gov/rules/env415.pdf). Permits typi-cally contain erosion controlprovisions, which includerequirements for installation ofBMPs, such as detention ponds,sedimentation ponds, treatmentswales, and vegetated bufferstrips. The permit involves bothtemporary erosion control meas-

ures during construction andpermanent controls for storm-water following construction.

Construction sites (includingroad construction areas if soil isdisturbed) that disturb one ormore acres must obtain aNPDES permit under the PhaseII Stormwater Regulations. Thefederal permit requires pollutionprevention plans to reduce pollu-tion at the construction site.Thecomponents of pollution preven-tion plans are similar to BMPsrequired by the DES SiteSpecific Permit Program. See

www.des.nh.gov/stormwater/construction.htm for more infor-mation.

As of November 2003, DES isdeveloping a new AdministrativeRule (Env-Wt 303.05(q)) thatwould allow for a notificationprocess for certain road mainte-nance activities conducted inaccordance with best manage-ment practices detailed in themanual titled Best ManagementPractices for Routine RoadwayMaintenance Activities in NewHampshire (NHDOT, August2001).

Road Salting and Snow Dumping See BMP Resources on page 39


■ Give salt time to work; plow-ing operations should betimed to allow maximummelting by salt before snow isplowed off the road.

■ Know when to plow andreapply salt.The need foranother salt application canbe determined by watchingmelting snow kicked outbehind vehicle tires. If theslush is soft and fans out likewater, the salt is still working.Once the slush begins tostiffen and is thrown directlyto the rear of vehicle tires, itis time to plow.

■ For lesser traveled roads,consider applying salt in a 4-8 foot strip along the centerline of a two laneroad. Less salt is wasted withthis pattern and quicklygives vehicles clear pavementunder at least two wheels.Traffic will soon move somesalt off the centerline andsalt brine will move towardboth shoulders for addedmelting across the entireroad width.

■ Determine levels of servicefor all roads in a service area.Salt application rates and fre-quency should be based ontraffic volume, road grade andcurvature, intersections, andweather conditions. Sand orsand/salt mix should be usedbased on the level of servicerequirements.

■ At the end of the season,sweep accumulated salt andsand from roads to preventfurther runoff of pollutants.

Snow Dumping

■ Disposed or stockpiled snowshould be stored on pervioussurfaces, such as grass, whereit can infiltrate through soils.Storage should be on flatareas, and at least 25 feet fromthe high water mark and/oredge of the bank of the sur-face water. Certain studiessuggest that a 100-foot set-back provides greater protec-tion to sensitive species andwater quality.

■ Secure a silt fence or equiva-lent barrier between thesnow storage area and thewater body.

■ The snow storage area shouldbe a least 75 feet from anyprivate water supply wells, atleast 200 feet from any com-munity water supply wells,and at least 400 feet from anymunicipal wells. (Note: snowstorage areas are prohibited inwellhead protection areas[class GAA groundwater]).

■ All debris should be removedprior to snow storage, and newdebris should be cleared fromthe site and properly disposedof no later than May 15.

Storage of De-icing Compounds

■ Store de-icing compounds on sheltered, impervious surfaces.

■ Locate salt piles at least 100 feet from streams andflood plains.

■ Direct internal drainage to acollection system and keepstormwater flow outside ofshelter.


The Groundwater Protection Act,RSA 485-C, contains provisionsrelative to salt storage and use.The Act lists “salt storage and usefor winter road and parking lotmaintenance” as a potential con-tamination source. Potential con-tamination sources must beinventoried and managed inClass GAA and GA1 groundwa-ter, which are wellhead protec-tion areas and areas of locallyvaluable groundwater, respec-tively. Reclassification ofgroundwater can be requested bylocal water suppliers. New out-door salt storage facilities andsnow dumps are prohibited inclass GAA groundwater.

RSA 483-B:9, MinimumShoreland Protection Standards,prohibits the establishment orexpansion of salt storage yardswithin the protected shoreland,which is all land within 250 feetof lakes and ponds greater than10 acres in size, larger rivers, andestuaries and coastal waters.

RSA 485-A:13 prohibits thedisposal of any waste to the sur-face water or groundwater of thestate without first obtaining awritten permit from DES.Plowed snow also contains wasteand therefore requires a permitprior to disposal in surface water.

BMPs BY LAND USE/ACTIVITY



Cars are the #1 recycled prod-uct in the U.S.At least 95 percentof all cars scrapped in the U.S. arecollected for reuse and recycling,and approximately 75 percent ofthe material in a scrapped car iscurrently recycled. Motor vehi-cle salvage facilities (MVSFs)perform a valuable service thatultimately saves energy and natu-ral resources, in addition toreducing air and water pollutionthat would be generated to makenew parts. However, salvage yardsalso handle wastes that are poten-tially harmful to public healthand the environment if they con-taminate the soil, air, surfacewater, and groundwater.

Although the exact numberhas not yet been determined,DES has identified several hun-dred MVSFs in New Hampshire.For the purpose of this publica-tion, the term MVSF includestowing yards, salvage pools, autorecyclers/dismantlers, and scrapprocessors. These facilities rangefrom temporary storage areas fordamaged cars to retail businessesfor used auto parts to placeswhere the “hulks” are shreddedand sold for metal scrap.

Potential hazardous wastes atan MVSF include used oil,improperly drained oil filters,mercury switches, enginecoolants contaminated with oiland fuel constituents, refriger-ants, intact air bag cartridges, bat-teries, lead parts (wheel weights,etc.), soiled shop towels, spentdegreasers and other solvents,

spill absorbents, fuel tanks con-taining fuel and residues, andother items. The primary pollu-tants of concern include fuel andoil constituents, heavy metals,acids, and suspended solids.

BMPs for Motor VehicleSalvage and Storage Facilities

■ Drain vehicles, parts, andcores soon after vehicles enterthe facility. Undrained vehi-cles stored on bare groundshould have drip pans underplaces where leaks can occur.

■ Dismantle vehicles and partson a curbed, impermeableconcrete surface with spillcontrols in place, such as drippans and absorbent materials.If draining is done outdoors,the work area should be cov-ered to keep rainwater fromcollecting and to preventcontaminated runoff fromrain or melting snow.

■ Deposit collected fluids instructurally sound storagecontainers. Batteries shouldbe stored properly.

■ Clean up spills immediately.Dispose of absorbents properly.

■ Remove all fluids from vehi-cles before crushing, andrecycle or dispose of fluids.

■ Standardize your proceduresusing a checklist. See anexample checklist on the Webat www.pca.state.mn.us/air/pubs/mvsf_frm.pdf.


In New Hampshire, MVSF activ-ities are regulated under severalindependent programs withinlocal, state, and federal govern-ment, none of which providecomprehensive environmentaloversight. The New HampshireGreen Yards Program has beendesigned to improve environ-mental compliance at MVSFsthrough facility registration,BMP guidance, and operatortraining. The DES program isdesigned to augment, not dupli-cate, the following existing regu-latory programs:

RSA 236:111-129 requiresMVSFs to obtain locationapproval and an annual license tooperate from a municipality.Noncompliant facilities can bedeclared a nuisance and shutdown under local authority.

RSA 236:90-110 requiresMVSFs along certain federally-funded highways to obtain loca-tion approval and an annuallicense to operate from the N.H.Department of Transportation.

RSA 149-M provides compre-hensive authority for DES to reg-ulate solid waste managementfacilities. MVSFs are a type ofsolid waste management facilityand must therefore comply withthe rules adopted under RSA 149-M that prescribe proper manage-ment of various types of solidwaste generated when disman-tling a vehicle. See AdministrativeRules Env-Wm 100-300, 2100-

Motor Vehicle Salvage and Storage Facilities See BMP Resources on page 40


Water-based recreation is oneof New Hampshire’s primaryindustries, and its economic suc-cess is dependent on a healthyenvironment. Marinas provideimportant services such as main-tenance and repair, fueling, andwinter storage for boats.They alsoprovide residents and vacationersaccess to public waters.Because oftheir location at the water’s edgeand the types of services that theyperform, marinas can act as aconduit for nonpoint source pol-lution. Nevertheless, according tothe EPA, marinas present a minorsource of pollution compared tothe overall contribution of non-point pollution from sources suchas urban areas and agriculture.

For several years in the early1990s, DES biologists monitoredwater quality at three marinas onLake Winnipesaukee (DES,1995). DES observed that adecrease in lake quality at themarinas was the result of twoprimary pollutant pathways. The

first source was accidents or spillsat dockside fueling stations.Unlike land based fuel stationswhere a small spill can be easilycleaned up, one gallon of fuelspilled into the water can coveras much as one square mile of thewater surface if not immediatelycontained. Gasoline is toxic tofreshwater and marine organ-isms.The second major pollutantpathway identified in the studywas the funnel effect created byboat ramps. At most marinas,boat ramps act as a conduit link-ing the parking lot and mainte-nance areas directly to the water.Storm water runoff and boatwash runoff can pick up a widevariety of contaminants, includ-ing petroleum products, heavymetals, bacteria, and nutrients.

Other pollutants generated at amarina include pathogens (petwaste and overboard sewage dis-charge), fish waste (dockside fishcleaning), toxic metals (fromantifoulants), and phosphorus-

based detergents,which can causealgal blooms, decrease water clar-ity, reduce oxygen levels in thewater, and impact fish and otheraquatic organisms. Marinas arealso the place where exoticspecies, such as variable milfoil,may be introduced if a boat froman affected waterbody has notbeen properly washed before it islaunched at the marina.

3700 (www.des.nh.gov/rules/swrules. pdf). In the future, DESmay also require MVSFs tobecome registered or permittedunder RSA 149-M and MVSFoperators to obtain trainingthrough the solid waste facilityoperator training program.

RSA 147-A authorizes DES toregulate hazardous waste as im-plemented under Administrative

Rule Env-Wm 100-1000 (www.des.state.nh.us/hwrb/hwrules.pdf.

RSA 146-A and Env-Ws 1402authorize DES to regulateaboveground oil storage tanks.

RSA 485-C authorizes DES toimplement a groundwater protec-tion program. The programincludes a requirement forMVSFs, if located within certaingroundwater protection areas, to

obtain a release detection permitfrom DES. Through the DESgroundwater/drinking water pro-tection program, MVSFs are alsosubject to the administrative rulesEnv-Ws 421 that prescribe BMPsfor groundwater protection.

40 CFR 122 (Federal NPDESregulations) require MVSFs toobtain storm water managementpermits from EPA for discharg-ing surface runoff from a pointsource (such as from stormdrains, culverts, ditches, swales).

Marinas




There are approximately 2,900commercial and small-scalefarms and 100–110 golf coursesin New Hampshire, according tothe 1997 USDA Census ofAgriculture and the N.H. GolfAssociation. In addition, thereare countless backyard hobbyfarms throughout the state.Farming depends on maintain-

ing the productivity of the land,yet its activities can also con-tribute nonpoint source pollu-tion. Golf courses generallyrequire intensive turf manage-ment, which often means chem-ical applications. The threeprimary nonpoint source con-cerns from agricultural and golfcourse land use activities are soil

loss or sedimentation, nutrients,and pesticides.

Runoff from bare fields canpick up soil particles, causingerosion of the land and sedimen-tation of waterbodies. Excessiveirrigation on managed turf cansometimes result in deep perco-lation and runoff. Soil particlessuspended in surface water

BMPs for Marinas

■ Use only phosphate-freedetergents and establish awash area over an infiltrationtrench or a vegetated swale. Ifpossible, use a high-pressuresprayer with no detergents, orwait until the boat is out ofthe water to clean it.

■ Perform periodic enginemaintenance (e.g., changingoil, winterizing) out of thewater. Propylene glycolshould be substituted for eth-ylene glycol antifreeze whenwinterizing engines.The oxidation of propylene glycolyields pyruvic and aceticacids, which are not toxic toaquatic organisms.

■ Scrape, sand, sandblast, andpaint boats away from theopen where dust, paint chips,or paint spray can be blowninto the water.Whenever thesetypes of practices are con-ducted, appropriate contain-ment devices should be used.

■ Install containment booms atfueling stations. Instituteweekly inspections to ensure

facilities are maintained ingood condition.

■ Divert clean runoff and installinfiltrating catch basins aroundboat launches to prevent pol-lutants from washing down theramp and entering the lake.

■ Provide public rest rooms and pumpout facilities toeliminate the potential discharge of wastewater towaterbodies.


RSA 482-A and the administrativerules of the Wetlands Bureau(Env-Wt 100-800) regulate theconstruction of docks and mari-nas. Piers, floats, tie-off piles, andmooring buoys in navigablewaters of the U.S. typically fallunder the State ProgrammaticGeneral Permit process, which isa cooperative program with theU.S.Army Corps of Engineers.

Moorings are regulated by theDepartment of Safety underauthority of RSA 270 and admin-istrative rules Saf-C 400-413.

RSA 487:2 prohibits the oper-ation of boats constructed todischarge wastewater uponwaters of the State.

RSA 485-A:55, 56 prohibits thesale of detergents, except dish-washer detergents, that containmore than a trace amount ofphosphorus.

The Clean Vessel Act was passedby Congress in 1992 and reau-thorized in 1998 to help reducepollution from vessel sewage dis-charges. The Act established afive-year federal grant programadministered by the U.S. Fish andWildlife Service. All recreationalvessels must have access topumpouts under the Clean VesselAct. Funds are provided to statesfor the construction, renovation,operation, and maintenance ofpumpout stations for pumpingwaste out of recreational boatholding tanks and dump stationsfor emptying portable toilets.For adirectory of New Hampshire boatpumpout locations and informa-tion about boat pumpout servicesee www.des.nh.gov/wmb/cva.

Agriculture and Golf Courses




reduce the amount of sunlightavailable to aquatic plants; impairthe gills of fish, shellfish, andaquatic insects; and diminish thein-stream habitat for aquaticorganisms. Soil particles not onlyaffect stream or lake sedimentloads, but can also introduce pol-lutants to the system, becausepollutants attach to the particles.

Runoff from fertilized fieldsand golf courses can cause algalblooms and related problems byintroducing unnatural concentra-tions of nitrogen and phosphorusto an aquatic ecosystem. Nutrientrunoff can increase the produc-tivity of aquatic plants that willeventually die and decay. Thebacteria decomposing the deadorganic matter can deplete theoxygen supply in the water andcause unpleasant odors for recre-ational users of lakes and streams.Runoff from manure is also asource of bacteria, which canadversely affect human health.

Pesticides, fungicides, and her-bicides applied to farmlands,lawns, and golf courses can alsodegrade water resources. Exposureto certain chemicals can causepoisoning to people and wildlife,through direct exposure anddrinking water.

BMPs for Agriculture andGolf Courses

Although the activities are differ-ent, the basic goals of BMPs foragriculture and golf courses arevery similar.They are as follows:

■ Reduce the off-site transportof sediment, nutrients, andpesticides.

■ Control the rate, method, andtype of nutrients and chemi-cals being applied.

■ Reduce the total chemicalloads by use of integratedpest management (IPM), eco-nomic thresholds, alternativepest control, and soil testing.

Several BMPs for agricultureand golf courses are listed belowby pollution source. Many ofthese can also be applied tohome use. For new golf courses,several problems can be avoidedif the designer fits the course tothe existing terrain as much aspossible, and takes into consider-ation waterbodies, wetlands, andsteep slopes at the site. Most ofthese BMPs are applicable toagriculture. The BMPs that arealso applicable to golf courses aremarked with the symbol ▲.

Managing sedimentation

■ Minimize tillage when farm-ing and minimize extensiveearth-moving when design-ing a golf course. ▲

■ Plant a cover crop and/orallow crop residue to remainon the soil after harvest.

■ Plant vegetative filter stripsalong surface waters andbetween fields and fairways.▲

■ Protect the soil with rota-tional grazing.

■ Rotate crops that providelimited ground cover withthose that provide generousground cover.

■ Plant crops along contourlines when possible.

■ Construct and stabilize diver-sions to control runoff acrosscropland and gully erosion. ▲

■ Reduce erosion and sedimen-tation by barring access bylivestock on bare streambanks.

Managing nutrients effectively

■ Monitor the level of nutri-ents in soils by regular soiltesting. ▲

■ Divert, collect, or store runoffwater from buildings andyards. ▲

■ Install a vegetative filter alongsurface waters, feedlots, andedges of fields. ▲

■ Avoid spreading manure orfertilizer during winter. ▲

■ Incorporate manure into soilas soon as possible afterspreading to minimize runoffduring rainstorms.

■ Prevent or control livestockaccess to waterbodies andimplement “pasture pumps” orother watering systems next toheavy use areas and feed bunks.

■ Diversify crop rotations andplant cover crops after harvesting that use residualnutrients.

■ Determine manure applicationrates and timing according tonutrient needs of the crop.

■ Set realistic yield goals.


Reducing pesticide use

■ Apply pesticides only whenneeded. ▲

■ Use insect-resistant crop orturf varieties. ▲

■ Spot-treat insect infestationswhen possible. ▲

■ Conserve beneficial insects.▲

■ Select the least-toxic pesticideand use organic pesticides. ▲

■ Observe setback zones. ▲

■ Store, handle, and dispose ofchemicals safely, according tostate and federal regulations. ▲

■ Manage crops to competeaggressively with weeds.

■ Control weeds with covercrops.

■ Use crop rotation and plantdiversity to control insects.

■ Plant pest-repelling plantsnext to crop plants (e.g.,marigolds next to tomatoes).

■ Contact the N.H. Departmentof Agriculture or your localcounty Cooperative Extensionoffice (listed in the phone book)for assistance or advice on IPMprograms, which use biologi-cal and nonchemical controlsto reduce pesticide use. ▲


The N.H. Department ofAgriculture Division of PesticideControl enforces state pesticidelaws affecting sale, storage, andapplication of all registered pesti-cides.The N.H.Pesticides Controlslaw, RSA 430:28-48, requires pesti-cide applicators to obtain permitsfrom or to be licensed by theDivision of Pesticides Control

prior to application. Pesticidesmust be registered with the state,and applicators must submitreports of pesticide usage annu-ally. Commercial applicators arealso required to pass an exam thatcovers label protocol, chemicalsafety, environmental conse-quences, pest types, and use ofapplication equipment. See rulesPes 100-1000 (www.state.nh.us/agric/pecorl.html) for moreinformation on certification, stor-age of pesticides, application, andsetbacks from water resources.

The Comprehensive ShorelandProtection Act stipulates that nofertilizer, except limestone, shall beused within 25 feet of the highwater line of a waterbody. Seewww.des.nh.gov/cspa/483B.htm.

The Manure, AgriculturalCompost, and Chemical Ferti-lizer Handling Law, RSA 431:33-35, required the N.H. Departmentof Agriculture, Markets, and Foodto develop BMPs for handlingthese materials and to investigatecomplaints of mismanagement. Ifthe investigation finds that BMPsare not used, the department willnotify operators in writing andrequire them to submit plans forcompliance if the corrections arenot made within 10 days.

The federal National PollutantDischarge Elimination System(NPDES) program requires con-centrated animal feeding opera-tions (CAFOs) to obtaindischarge permits. Large CAFOsare determined by the number ofanimals on the site, and the

threshold is specific to the typeof animal. Medium CAFOs aredetermined by the number ofanimals and whether or not thefacility discharges to surfacewater. Small facilities can be des-ignated as CAFOs at the discre-tion of the permitting authority(EPA). For more information onthe CAFO final rule, see EPA’swebsite at http://cfpub.epa.gov/npdes/home.cfm?program_id=7.

Nutrient Runoff and Land Use

Which type of land use hashigher amounts of nutrientsin runoff – agricultural land ordeveloped (urban, suburban,industrial, and commercial)?You might think agriculture,given the application ofmanure and fertilizers. Butmodeling studies in theChesapeake Bay watershedand the Lake Champlainbasin have shown that runofffrom developed areas canproduce just as much, or upto three times more, phos-phorus and nitrogen per acreof land. Maintaining farmlandin your community may bebetter for water quality thandeveloping land! For informa-tion on incorporating agricul-ture into land use planning,see the technical bulletinPreserving Rural Character:The Agricultural Connection.Available online at www.state.nh.us/osp/planning/guide/docs/Tech Bulletin6.pdf )



Every timber harvesting opera-tion involves some risk of soil ero-sion that may affect water quality.EPA’s 1996 National WaterQuality Inventory estimated thatforestry activities contributedapproximately 9 percent of waterquality problems in surveyedrivers and streams nationwide.Sediment, nutrients, and pesticidesare pollutants commonly associ-ated with forestry activities.

Road construction and roaduse account for 90 percent of thetotal sediment runoff fromforestry operations. If erosion con-trol mechanisms are not properlyconstructed and maintained onskid roads, haul roads, and land-ings, sediment may contribute tofilling wetlands and stream chan-nels. Sediment will add nutrientsto lakes and ponds, interfere withfish respiration and filter feeders,and decrease aesthetic value.

Harvesting trees along a streamcan also reduce streambank shad-ing that regulates water tempera-ture (and oxygen levels) for coldwater fish. Removing vegetationdestabilizes streambanks, andresulting sedimentation can limitsources of food, shade, and shelterfor aquatic life and force them tomove to another area.

When trees and other stabiliz-ing vegetation are removed from awatershed, nutrients and otherchemicals released from the soilinto surface and groundwaterscan cause water quality changes.Research in the White MountainNational Forest showed that

nitrate concentrations in streamwater greatly increased during thefour years after commercial clearcuts. In addition, soils are consid-ered to be a “sink” for trace levelsof mercury deposited from theatmosphere. Logging operationsthat greatly increase soil erosionmay add small, but ecologicallysignificant, amounts of mercuryinto the aquatic ecosystem.

Studies at Hubbard BrookExperimental Forest in Wood-stock,N.H.have indicated that thecritical determinants for levels oferosion and sedimentation fromharvested sites is related to the caretaken during harvesting andimplementation of BMPs. Sedi-ment yields may increase duringlogging operations regardless ofthe practices used, but effects onstream turbidity can be minimizedwhen proper care is taken.

BMPs for Timber Harvesting

The goal of timber harvestingBMPs is to keep runoff away fromexposed soils.This is accomplishedby making proper road ditchesand culverts, and constructingwater bars and dips. In addition,filter strips between exposed soilsand waterbodies must be main-tained and water crossings must beconstructed and maintained toprevent erosion.The following listincludes major BMPs related toforestry practices.■ Survey the site to identify

areas that might need specialprotection or managementduring forestry operations.

■ Road systems should bedesigned to minimize roadlength, road width, and thenumber of places wherewater bodies are crossed.

Timber Harvesting See BMP Resources on page 44


■ Erosion control devices andproper stream crossing designshould be incorporated intosite plans.

■ Carefully select equipmentand methods for transportinglogs from the harvest area tothe areas where logs are gath-ered to reduce the amount ofdisturbed soil.

■ Operations should be timed toavoid rainy seasons and fishmigration and spawning seasons.

■ Streamside managementareas, also known as bufferstrips, should be used to pro-tect against soil disturbancenear stream banks.

■ In areas where soils havebeen severely disturbed,revegetation efforts shouldoccur as soon as possible.


Forestry laws in New Hampshireare available online at www.nhdfl.org/laws_rules/forestrylaws.htm.

RSA 227-J:5, Notice of Intentto Cut and Report of WoodCut, states pursuant to RSA 79,an owner conducting a cuttingoperation shall file a notice ofintent to cut and a report ofwood cut as outlined in RSA 79.

RSA 227-J:6, Operations inWetlands, states pursuant to RSA482-A, no person shall excavate,remove, fill, dredge, or constructany structures in or on anybank, flat, marsh, or swamp inand adjacent to any waters ofthe state without a permit fromDES. Permitted skid trails, truckroads and culverts, bridges, polefords, or other crossings on the

skid trails or truck roads shall beconstructed in accordance withprocedures as currently cited inthe Best Management Practices forErosion Control on TimberHarvesting Operations in NewHampshire, published by theDepartment of Resources andEconomic Development,Division of Forests and Lands.

RSA 227-J:7, Alteration ofTerrain, states pursuant to RSA485-A:17, any person proposingto transport forest products orundertake construction in or onthe border of the surface watersof the state, and any person pro-posing to significantly alter thecharacteristics of the terrain, insuch a manner as to impede thenatural runoff or create anunnatural runoff shall complywith the provisions of RSA 485-A.The permits are obtained bycompleting the intent to cutform (RSA 485-A:17 III).

RSA 227-J:9, Cutting ofTimber Near Certain Watersand Public Highways of theState, states that within a 12-month period, no more than 50percent of the basal area of treesshall be cut or otherwise felled,leaving a well distributed standof healthy, growing trees:

a Within 150 feet of:

1 Any great pond;

2 Any standing body of water10 acres or more in area;

3 Any fourth order orhigher stream; or

4 Any public highway; or

b Within 50 feet of:

1 Any stream, river, or brooknot included in subpara-graph (a)(3) which nor-mally flows throughout theyear; or

2 Any standing body ofwater less than 10 acres inarea associated with astream, river, or brookwhich normally flowsthroughout the year.

The Comprehensive Shore-line Protection Act, RSA 483-B,states that if forest managementis associated with shorelinedevelopment or land conver-sion, not more than 50 percentof the basal area of trees and amaximum of 50 percent of thetotal number of saplings can beremoved for any purpose in a20-year period. If forest man-agement is not associated withshoreland development nor landconversion, and is conducted incompliance with RSA 227-J:9(described above), it is exemptfrom RSA 483-B.

RSA 227-J:10, Care of Slashand Mill Residue, describes howfar away slash and mill residuecan be disposed of in relation tosurface waterbodies.



Adverse impacts on water qual-ity, soil erosion, and aesthetics areconcerns associated with theoperation, maintenance, and clo-sure of sand and gravel pits. Gravelexcavation is often the first step inresidential or commercial devel-opment. Water quality problemsassociated with mineral extractionare primarily related to sedimenta-tion, but gravel pits can affect bothsurface water and ground waterquality. Many pits are located overaquifers, and groundwater impactscan affect current or future sourcesof drinking water.

Typical water quality contam-inants from gravel excavation aresediment, nutrients, petroleumproducts, and waste materialsgenerated by pit operations.Sedimentation occurs from bareexcavated slopes, where there isthe potential for large quantitiesof materials, especially fine soilparticles, to erode. Bare surfacesoils are also subject to wind ero-sion. Changes to drainage pat-terns can also cause erosion ifadequate safeguards are not inplace. Erosion can occur when apit is active or after it has beenclosed if it was not properlyrevegetated. In addition, manycommunities require topsoilfrom mined areas to be stored onsite, and most operators stockpiletopsoil on site for site revegeta-tion and closure.

The nutrients that adhere tosoil particles are released to aquaticsystems when eroded sedimentsare deposited into streams. The

other two contaminants, wastematerials and petroleum products,can cause surface water andground water quality problems ifthey are not properly disposed.

BMPs for Sand and Gravel Operations

■ Allow space for gradual slopes,diversions, and adjacent ownerprotection.

■ Cut and fill slopes should notexceed 2:1 (2 horizontal feetfor 1 vertical foot) to providestability. Flatter slopes (3:1) arepreferred to facilitate seedingefforts.

■ Maintain an adequate depth ofunexcavated material abovethe seasonal high water tableto act as a filter.

■ Maintain buffer strips of natu-ral vegetation between the pitand surface water, wetlands,public roads, and propertylines.

■ Construct diversions at tops ofslopes to divert runoff wateraway from the slope banks to astable outlet.

■ Spread a minimum depth of 4inches of topsoil over the sitein order to revegetate the site.

■ Assess the impact of the exca-vation on nearby drinkingwater wells, especially ifgroundwater or surface wateris to be withdrawn from thepit area.

■ Store petroleum products out-side the pit area.

■ Provide an above-ground con-tainment area that can fullycontain any spill if petroleumstorage is essential in the pit.

■ Dispose of any contaminatedsoils according to DESrequirements in Env-Wm 2603 and Env-Ws 412(see www.des.nh.gov/rules/swrules.pdf and www.des.nh.gov/orcb/412.htm.

■ Maintain and wash equipmentoutside of pit area.

■ Control dust as necessary toprevent nuisance and publichazard.

■ Minimize areas designated for traffic.

■ Use retention basins to trapfine material. Clean out asnecessary.

■ Use “anti-tracking” pads at gravel pit access roads.These are stone pads wheremud can be dislodged fromvehicle tires.


RSA 485-A:17 states that all sandand gravel pits that will disturbmore than 100,000 square feet ofcontiguous area (or 50,000square feet within an area pro-tected by the ComprehensiveShoreland Protection Act) mustobtain a permit from DES priorto starting operation.This permitis commonly referred to as an“Alteration of Terrain” or “SiteSpecific” permit. It is a technicalpermit designed to protect water

Sand and Gravel Excavation See BMP Resources on page 44


Fuels, heating oil, and industrialprocess chemicals and theirwastes historically have beenstored in underground tanks.Because some constituents ofpetroleum products and otherchemicals are carcinogens andwill readily contaminate ground-water, leaking tanks can causeextensive and expensive damage.Spills from above ground tanksalso raise concerns about water

quality and public health. Onegallon of gasoline can contami-nate approximately 730,000 gal-lons of water. And while someconstituents of gasoline are per-sistent in the environment, othersvaporize readily and are toxic ifinhaled. Many fuel products arealso potentially explosive.

DES has regulated the installa-tion, monitoring, and removal ofmost underground storage tanks

(USTs) since 1985. The USTrules apply to all nonresidentialunderground storage facilitieswith storage capacities of morethan 110 gallons that containmotor fuels or hazardous chemi-cals and to all on-premise heatingfuel tanks 1,100 gallons or largerat commercial and industrialfacilities. Rules governing aboveground tanks apply to nonresi-dential tanks of 660 gallons or

quality, and it does not addressother impacts that might be ofconcern to local citizens, such asaesthetics, noise, and dust. Thoseissues are addressed at the locallevel, usually by the planningboard under authority grantedby RSA 155-E. There is noexemption for highway con-struction with this permit asthere is with RSA 155-E.Permits are issued on the condi-tion that no wetland areas shallbe disturbed without a permitfrom the DES Wetland Bureau.

RSA 155-E requires local plan-ning boards, boards of selectman,or zoning boards of adjustment(if so designated by town meet-ing) to regulate gravel excava-tions. The statute describessituations in which permits arerequired. Operational and recla-mation standards are described inthis law, and many of these relateto nonpoint source pollutionissues. Operational standardsinclude setbacks from water bod-ies, vegetational buffers alongwater bodies, maintenance of

natural drainage patterns, controlof sedimentation, and storagerequirements for fuels and othertoxic materials (specified in Env-Ws 421). Reclamation standards,applicable to all excavation oper-ations, include revegetation andsoil amendments, slope stabiliza-tion, and restoration of naturaldrainage patterns. Communitiesmay adopt additional standardsand have enforcement authority.

Env-A 2800 is under StatutoryAuthority RSA 125-C:4 and estab-lishes standards for particulatematter emissions and visibleemissions for sand and gravelsources. Sand and gravel facilitiesmust not exceed a certain visibleemission standard and must beequipped with a fugitive emis-sion control system. Facilitiesmust follow permit, fee, moni-toring, and reporting require-ments as stipulated in Env-A 600,700, 800, and 900, respectively.For more information, see www.des.nh.gov/ard/ardrules. htm.

National Pollutant DischargeElimination System (NPDES)

permits for stormwater dis-charges are required of active orinactive mining operations andstone processing facilities fromwhich water drains in a chan-nelized way, as opposed tobermed operations where wateris contained on site and infil-trates into the ground.Municipally-owned pits are reg-ulated under Phase II ofNPDES. New Hampshire facili-ties need to file a Notice ofIntent (NOI) to the EPA to becovered by the Multi-SectorGeneral Permit (MSGP), asdescribed in the Federal Registeron October 30, 2000. Section Jin the MSGP contains therequirements for sand and gravelpits and stone processing facili-ties. Permittees must prepare apollution prevention plan andunless they have qualified forexemption of monitoringrequirements, they must moni-tor total suspended solids andnitrogen concentrations (nitrateplus nitrite) for a specifiedlength of time.

Chemical and Petroleum Storage See BMP Resources on page 45


greater in size containing petro-leum products and were adoptedin 1997. Residential tanks of10,000 gallons or smaller areexcluded from regulation. Therules establish requirements forthe regulation, design, installa-tion, operation, maintenance, andmonitoring of tanks.

After January 1, 2005, ownersof on-premise heating oil tanksmust also meet DES “BestManagement Practices for theInstallation or Upgrading of On-Premise-Use Heating Oil TankFacilities.” On-premise-use facil-ities include heating oil tanks andpiping located at single familyhomes, apartments, commercialbuildings, and industrial facilities.Failure to achieve compliance bythat date will prevent access tothe state cleanup funds should anoil release occur.To assist ownersin meeting this new requirement,RSA 146-E authorizes a grant pro-gram (up to $1,000) for ownersthat demonstrate a financial need.

All regulated USTs and mostof the Above Ground StorageTanks that have been registeredwith the state have been GPS-located and can be plotted onWellhead Protection Area over-lays for planning purposes.

BMPs for Chemical andPetroleum Storage

■ Maintain up-to-date materialinventory, schedule routinecleanup operations, and trainemployees about good housekeeping practices.

■ Conduct periodic visualinspections for leaks or con-ditions that would lead to discharges and for conditions

that could lead to direct con-tact of stormwater with rawmaterials, intermediate mate-rials, and waste materials orproducts.

■ Have a spill prevention andresponse plan that describesspill containment, diversion,isolation, and cleanup prac-tices, and procedures for noti-fying appropriate authorities.

■ Conduct transfer operationsonly on impervious surfacesthat are adequately bermed tocontrol spills. Secondary con-tainment should be availablefor all above ground storagefacilities. Funnels and drippans should be used to pre-vent spills.

■ Store containers on impervi-ous surfaces, such as concreteor asphalt, in areas that willcontain leaks.

■ Cover outdoor containers toprevent precipitation fromcoming in contact with thetops of the containers.

■ Do not store containers inareas with functional floordrains or manholes, unlesssecondary containment isprovided.


RSA 146-C and Env-Wm 1401 reg-ulate underground storage tanks.RSA 146-A:11-c and Env-Wm 1402govern above-ground tank reg-ulations. Anyone with questionsregarding above or undergroundtanks should contact the DESOil Remediation and Compli-ance Bureau at (603) 271-3644.

Authority to regulate themanagement, transportation, anddisposal of hazardous waste inNew Hampshire is given to DESin RSA 147-A, the HazardousWaste Management Act. Specificregulations governing hazardouswaste are found in Env-Wm 100-1000. Anyone with questionsregarding proper hazardouswaste management should con-tact the DES Hazardous WasteCompliance Section at (603)271-2942.

RSA 485-C, the GroundwaterProtection Act, authorizes localentities to manage potential con-tamination sources in wellheadprotection areas. DES has adoptedBMP rules that apply to use, stor-age, handling, and disposal of reg-ulated substances (potentiallyhazardous materials) in other thanhousehold quantities.



HOUSEHOLD BMP RESOURCES

General

Connecticut River Joint Commissions. A Homeowner’s Guide to Non-pointSource Water Pollution in the Connecticut River Valley. 1994.Available onlineat www.crjc.org/pdffiles/homeguide.pdf or contact them at PO Box1182, Charlestown, NH 03603 (603) 826-4800.This booklet offers use-ful hints for homeowners on managing runoff, caring for septic systems,conserving water, and dealing with yard waste, bugs, and chemicals. Italso offers alternatives for toxic household products and a directory ofsources of help.

USEPA Office of Water. Pointer No. 10: Managing Nonpoint Source Pollutionfrom Households. EPA841-F-96-004J. Online atwww.epa.gov/OWOW/NPS/facts/point10.htm.

USEPA. Do’s & Don’ts Around the Home.This EPA article has text on household chemicals, landscaping and gardening, septic systems, waterconservation, other areas where you can make a difference (e.g.,cleaning up pet waste), and community action. Online atwww.epa.gov/OWOW/NPS/dosdont.html.

Septic Systems

DES Fact Sheets:

There are 12 DES fact sheets related to septic systems.They are availableon the web at www.des.nh.gov/sub.htm and www.des.nh.gov/factsheets/bb/bb-11.htm or call (603) 271-2975.The latter fact sheet explains howseptic systems can impact water quality.

DES. You and Your Septic, a brochure.Available if you call (603) 271-2975.

Chemical Use

DES Household Hazardous Waste Section. Hazardous Materials in Your Home.Online at www.des.nh.gov/pdf/hmiyhome.pdf or call (603) 271-2047.

The schedule for household hazardous waste collection days in New Hampshireis posted on the DES website at www.des.nh.gov/hhw/hhwevent.htm.

Lawn and Garden ActivitiesDES Fact Sheets:

Proper Lawn Care in the Protected Shoreland,The Comprehensive ShorelandProtection Act. SP-2 (1997). www.des.nh.gov/factsheets/sp/sp-2.htm

Municipal Composting of Yard Waste, DES Fact Sheet WMD-SW-3, 1998www.des.nh.gov/factsheets/sw/sw-3.htm. Covers backyard composting, too.

DES.“Native and Naturalized Shoreland Plantings for New Hampshire.”An appendix in Best Management Practices for New Hampshire Marinas:Guidelines for Environmentally Proactive Marinas. (1995, revised in 2001)www.des.nh.gov/nhppp/marinas2.pdf.

Resources for Land Use/Activities BMPs


Hillsborough County Conservation District and the USDA NaturalResources Conservation Service Greenscaping (Reducing Pollution in YourBackyard). Chappell Professional Center, 468 Route 13 South, Milford,NH 03055 or call (603) 673-2409.

USEPA. Healthy Lawn Healthy Environment: Caring for Your Lawn in anEnvironmentally Friendly Way. Available through the NH Department of Agriculture, Markets & Food Division of Pesticide Control,(603) 271-3550 or it can be ordered for free by calling Irene Catcher,EPA Region 1, (617) 918-1525.

USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service.“Lawn and Garden Care”website. Information includes proper fertilizer use and alternatives topesticides and chemicals by insect pests, www.nrcs.usda.gov/feature/highlights/homegarden/lawn.html

Center for Watershed Protection.“Toward a Low Input Lawn,” article #130in The Practice of Watershed Protection, 2000, editors Thomas R. Schueler andHeather K. Holland, Ellicott City, MD.Available online at www.stormwa-tercenter.net/ under “Publications” or from the Center for WatershedProtection, 8391 Main Street, Ellicott City, MD 21043, (410) 461-8323

Massachusetts Department of Food and Agriculture. A Homeowner’s Guide toEnvironmentally Sound Lawncare: Maintaining A Healthy Lawn the IPM Way.July 1997. Online at www.state.ma.us/dfa/pesticides/publications.

Massachusetts Department of Food and Agriculture. Pesticide Storage andHandling Practices for Homes. July 1997. Online atwww.state.ma.us/dfa/pesticides/publications.

Impervious RunoffDES Drinking Water Source Protection Program. Managing Stormwater as a

Valuable Resource:A Message for New Hampshire Municipalities and WaterSuppliers. DES-R-WD-01-13, September 2001. Online atwww.des.nh.gov/dwspp/stormwater.pdf.

PetsUniversity of Wisconsin Cooperative Extension. Pet Waste and Water Quality

fact sheet, GWQ006, DNR WT-534-99, R-11-99-10M-20-S. Online at//clean-water.uwex.edu/pubs/sheets/index.html.Also available fromExtension Publications, 630 W. Mifflin St., Madison,WI 53703 (608)262-3346.

Pet waste poster at EPA’s website: www.epa.gov/region01/eco/lis/posters/pet.html.

Air Pollution

DES Clean Cars Program and Energy Star Program. Online atwww.des.nh.gov/ard/clean_cars.htm. For more information contactKathy Brockett in the Air Resources Division at [email protected] (603) 271-6284.


The Hubbard Brook Research Foundation. Acid Rain Revisited:Advances in Scientific Understanding Since the Passage of the 1970 Clean Air ActAmendments. Online at www.hbrook.sr.unh.edu/hbfound/hbfound.htmor contact the Foundation at 6 Sargent Place, Hanover, NH 03755,(603) 653-0390.

Peter M.Vitousek, Chair, John Aber, Robert W. Howarth, Gene E. Likens,Pamela A. Matson, David W. Schindler,William H. Schlesinger, and G.David Tilman. Issues in Ecology – Human Alteration of the Global NitrogenCycle: Causes and Consequences. Full report published in EcologicalApplications,Volume 7,August 1997. Summary available online athttp://esa.sdsc.edu/tilman.htm

SITE EXCAVATION AND ROAD CONSTRUCTION BMP RESOURCES

The DES Phase II website address for construction requirements iswww.des.nh.gov/stormwater/construction.htm.

DES Fact Sheets:

Fees for Alteration of Terrain Permits. WD-WQE-2, 1997.Available online atwww.des.nh.gov/factsheets/wqe/wqe-2.htm.

Alteration of Terrain Permits,When Are They Required? WD-WQE-3, 1997.Available online at www.des.nh.gov/factsheets/wqe/wqe-3.htm.

Soil Erosion and Sediment Control on Construction Sites. WD-WQE-6, 1996.Available online at www.des.nh.gov/factsheets/wqe/wqe-6.htm.

Impacts of Development on Stormwater Runoff. WD-WQE-7, 1996.Availableonline at www.des.nh.gov/factsheets/wqe/wqe-7.htm.

Federal Stormwater Permits. WD-WEB-8, 2002.Available online atwww.des.nh.gov/factsheets/wwt/web-8.htm.

DES. Best Management Practices for Urban Stormwater Runoff. R-WSPCD-95-3, January 1996. Copies ($5.00 each) can be ordered from DES by call-ing (603) 271-2975.

DES. Best Management Practices for Construction Site Chemical Control. 2000.NH Office of State Planning, DES, and NH Department of Agriculture,Markets, and Food.Available at DES.

DES and Rockingham County Conservation District. Stormwater Managementand Erosion and Sediment Control Handbook for Urban and Developing Areasin New Hampshire. August 1992, revised edition expected in 2002.

DES and USDA Soil Conservation Service. Soil Manual for Site Evaluationsin New Hampshire. 2d Edition, December 1991.Available through DES.

NHDOT Bureau of the Environment. Best Management Practices for RoutineRoadway Maintenance Activities in New Hampshire. August 2001. Ordercopies from NHDOT Bureau of the Environment, 7 Hazen Drive,Concord NH 03301 (603) 271-3226.Available online athttp://webster.state.nh.us/dot/environment/pdf/BMPManual.pdf.

NHDOT Bureau of Construction. Guidelines for Erosion and SedimentControl and Stormwater Management. Order from NHDOT Bureau ofConstruction, 7 Hazen Drive, Concord NH 03301.Available online athttp://webster.state.nh.us/dot/business.htm.


UNH Technology Transfer Center. Series of Quick Guides for New Hampshire Towns.A set of pamphlets distributed as a set.The topics are 1) Culvert Installation and Maintenance, 2) Ditch/ChannelConstruction and Maintenance, 3) Vegetative Erosion & SedimentControl, 4) Non- Vegetative Erosion & Sediment Control, 5) Cut and Fill Slopes, 6) Beaver Pipe: Construction and Maintenance, 7)Stormwater Inlets and Catch Basins, 8) Mowing and Brush Control,9) Snow and Ice Control, and 10) Obtaining Permits. Ordering information at www.t2.unh.edu/video_pub/publist.html.

EPA Office of Water. Stormwater Management for Construction Activities –Developing Pollution Prevention Plans and Best Management Practices.EPA 832-R-92-005, September 1992. Online at www.epa.gov/npdes/pubs/owm0307.pdf.

Information on erosion, sediment, and runoff control from roads,highways and unpaved roads available from the EPA online atwww.epa.gov/owow/nps/roadshwys.html.

ROAD SALTING AND SNOW DUMPING BMP RESOURCES

DES Fact Sheets:

Snow Disposal Guidelines.WMB-3, 1992.Available online atwww.des.nh.gov/factsheets/wmb/wmb-3.htm.

Road Salt and Water Quality.WMB-4, 1996.Available online atwww.des.nh.gov/factsheets/wmb/wmb-4.htm.

UNH Technology Transfer Center. Pros and Cons of Sand on Ice andSnowpack. Fall 2001 newsletter, online at www.t2.unh.edu/fall01/pg6-7.html.

The following publications are available from UNH Technology TransferCenter, 33 College Road, Durham NH 03824. (603) 862-2826.They arelisted at www.t2.unh.edu/video_pub/publist.html.

Calcium Chloride Package.A package of articles and pamphlets explainingthe benefits of deicing with calcium chloride.

Deicing,Anti-Icing, and Chemical Alternatives. Informative sheet discusses thebenefits of anti-icing, deicing, prewetting, and liquid chemical alternatives.

Road Salt and Water Quality. Environmental fact sheet discusses road saltmanagement, alternatives to road salt, and the DOT Reduced Salt PilotProgram.

The Salt Storage Handbook.A practical guide for handling deicing salt.Published by the Salt Institute.

Series of Quick Guides for New Hampshire Towns.A set of pamphlets devel-oped by the UNH Technology Transfer Center and distributed as a set.Topic #9 is Snow and Ice Control.

The Snowfighter's Handbook. A practical guide for snow and ice controlbefore, during, and after a storm. Published by the Salt Institute.

Winter Operations Snow Removal and Ice Control Policy. From NHDOT,describes general policies, maintenance techniques, and equipment forsnow and ice management.


USEPA. Minimizing Effects from Highway Deicing. Storm WaterManagement Fact Sheet, EPA 832-F-99-016, September 1999.Availableonline at www.epa.gov/owmitnet/mtb/ice.pdf.

Center for Watershed Protection. Influence of Snowmelt Dynamics onStormwater Runoff Quality. Gary L. Oberts, Metropolitan Council, St.Paul, MN.Article #3 in The Practice of Watershed Protection, 2000,ThomasR. Shueler and Heather K. Holland, eds. Ellicott City, MD.Availableonline at www.stormwatercenter.net/ under “Publications” or from theCenter for Watershed Protection, 8391 Main Street, Ellicott City, MD21043, (410) 461-8323.

Environment Canada. Assessment Report – Road Salts. www.ec.gc.ca/substances/ese/eng/psap/final/roadsalts.cfm.

MOTOR VEHICLE SALVAGE AND STORAGE FACILITIES BMP RESOURCES

DES Fact Sheets:

Management of Used Motor Vehicle Batteries.WMD-SW-4, 1999.Available online at www.des.nh.gov/factsheets/sw/sw-4.htm.

Reducing your Hazardous Wastes:An Overview for Businesses.WMD-HW-8, 1998.Available online at www.des.nh.gov/factsheets/hw/hw-8.htm.

Scrap Metal Management.WMD-SW-19, 1998.Available online atwww.des.nh.gov/factsheets/sw/sw-19.htm.

Waste Antifreeze: Management Requirements for Handlers and Transporters.WMD-HW-4, 1999.Available online at www.des.nh.gov/factsheets/hw/hw-4.htm.

Mercury-Containing (Universal Waste) Devices: Management Requirements for Handlers and Transporters.WMD-HW-17, 2002.Available online atwww.des.nh.gov/factsheets/hw/hw-17.htm.

Contaminated Cloth Wipes for Laundering.WMD-HW-6, 1998.Available online at www.des.nh.gov/factsheets/hw/hw-6.htm.

Scrap Tire Management.WMD-SW-22, 2000.Available online atwww.des.nh.gov/factsheets/sw/sw-22.htm.

“Universal Waste” Batteries: Management Requirements for Handlers andTransporters.WMD-HW-18, 2002.Available online at www.des.nh.gov/factsheets/hw/hw-18.htm.

DES. NH Green Yards Environmental Guidance Manual for Motor VehicleRecycling Yards. February 2003. Contact Pamela Sprague at [email protected] to order a copy.

DES. Summary Requirements for Management of Used Oil Being Recycled(as provided in New Hampshire’s Hazardous Waste Rules Env-Ws 100-1000). www.des.nh.gov/hwcs/requirements.pdf

DES Pollution Prevention Program. Pitstops Manual: Best ManagementPractices for Automobile Service Facilities. R-WMB-01-3, undated.Available online at www.des.nh.gov/nhppp/pitstops.pdf.


The DES Pollution Prevention Program provides non-regulatory wastereduction assistance for businesses, maintains an in-house pollution pre-vention technology library, and serves as a clearinghouse for researchingpollution reduction information. Call (603) 271-2900 or (800) 273-9469.

The New Hampshire Small Business Assistance Program provides free, con-fidential technical assistance to help small businesses with environmentalcompliance issues. Call (603) 271-1379 or (800) 837-0656.

WasteCap Resource Conservation Network (ReCoN) is a program operated by the Business and Industry Association of NH. It provideson-site solid waste reduction assistance and information for businesses.Call (603) 271-4676 or see their website at www.wastecapnh.org.

NH Hazardous Waste Assistance Hotline is at (603) 271-2942.

The DES Waste Management Division has received a grant to produce aBMP guidance document on MVSFs by the end of 2002. Until then, agood resource is available from the state of Minnesota, but readers should beaware that certain wastes are regulated differently in MN than NH.TheMinnesota Pollution Control Agency has produced a “Motor VehicleSalvage Facility Environmental Compliance Manual.”A 15-minute video-tape,“Salvage Yards and the Environment: the next generation” accompa-nies this publication. 2nd edition, 1998. Minnesota Pollution ControlAgency, Ground Water and Solid Waste Division, St. Paul, MN.

Pollution Prevention and Remediation Programs Division, Fort Lauderdale,FL. Pollution Prevention and Best Management Practices for Automobile and Other Salvage Facilities.Available online at www.broward.org/ppi02300.htm.This is geared towards businesses in Broward County, Florida, but containsuseful general information.

MARINA BMP RESOURCES

DES Fact Sheets:Equipping Your Boat with a Marine Sanitation Device (MSD). WMB-2, 1996.Available online at www.des.nh.gov/factsheets/wmb/wmb-2.htm.

The DES Boat Inspection Program: Keeping Sewage and Greywater Out of New Hampshire Lakes. BB-38, 1997.Available online atwww.des.nh.gov/factsheets/bb/bb-38.htm.

Pressure-Treated Wood: Can It Be Used in New Hampshire's Waters? BB-19,2001.Available online at www.des.nh.gov/factsheets/bb/bb-19.htm.

Pamphlets available from DES Watershed Management Bureau:

A Boater's Guide to Cleaner Water

A Boater's Guide to Sewage Pumpout, www.des.nh.gov/pumpout.htm

Attention Boaters:Are you an Exotic Aquatic Weed Carrier?

Help Keep Our Coastal Waters Clean!

Keep Our Water Clean - Use Pumpouts

DES Pollution Prevention Program. Best Management Practices for NHMarinas. R-WSPCD-95-6, October 1995, revised in December 2001.A hard-copy version of the updated 2001 manual can be obtained bycalling (800) 273-9469, or e-mailing [email protected]. More information is available at www.des.nh.gov/nhppp/marinas.htm.


USEPA Office of Water. National Management Measures to Control NonpointSource Pollution from Marinas and Recreational Boating. 2000. Online atwww.epa.gov/owow/nps/mmsp/index.html.

USEPA. Guidance Specifying Management Measures for Sources of NonpointPollution in Coastal Waters. Chapter 5: Management Measures for Marinasand Recreational Boating. EPA-840-B-93-001c, January 1993. Online atwww.epa.gov/OWOW/NPS/MMGI.

USEPA. Managing Nonpoint Source Pollution from Boating and Marinas,Pointer No. 9. EPA841-F-96-004I, 1996. Online atwww.epa.gov/owow/nps/facts/point9.htm.

US Fish and Wildlife Service. Information on the Clean Vessel Act online athttp://fa.r9.fws.gov/cva/cva_info.html. Grant information is available athttp://fa.r9.fws.gov/grants/grantinf.html under “Aquatic Ecosystems.”

Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection, Office of Long IslandSound Programs and Bureau of Water Management. Best ManagementPractices for Coastal Marinas.August 1992. Publication available fromConnecticut Department of Environmental Protection, 79 Elm Street,Hartford, CT 06106-5127.TEL: (860) 424-3034, FAX: (860) 424-4054.

Maine Department of Environmental Protection. Best Management Practicesfor Marinas and Boatyards: Controlling Nonpoint Pollution in Maine.December, 1995.This manual contains a discussion of common pollu-tants and their potential impacts in marina waters. BMPs are discussedand listed.The manual includes useful fact sheets, a model oil spillresponse plan, and operations and maintenance plan based on RhodeIsland’s plan. Copies are available through the Maine DEP,Augusta, ME04333 or call (207) 287-7688.

AGRICULTURE AND GOLF COURSES BMP RESOURCES

General Agriculture and Nutrients

NH Department of Agriculture, Markets, and Food. Manual of Best ManagementPractices for Agriculture in New Hampshire: Best Management Practices for theHandling of Agricultural Compost, Fertilizer, and Manure. Revised August, 1998.Online at www.nh.nrcs.usda.gov/Public_Affairs/Publications.htm under“Best Management Practices.”

NH Department of Agriculture, Markets, and Food. Best Management WetlandsPractices for Agriculture. July 1993,Amended September 1998.

NH Department of Agriculture and others. Good Neighbor Guide for Horse-Keeping: Manure Management, brochure prepared by April 1990.Online at http://ceinfo.unh.edu/aahr1050.pdf.

NH Horse Council. Guidelines of Best Management Practices for Horsekeeping.2001. Brochure. Copies available at DES; call (603) 271-7889.

UNH Cooperative Extension. Best Management Guidelines for Vegetable, SmallFruit, and Tree Fruit Growers. Nada A. Haddad, 1993.Available through theauthor at the UNH Cooperative Extension Rockingham County officein Brentwood (603) 679-5616.


USDA NRCS New Hampshire office has Conservation Practice Sheets listedat www.nh.nrcs.usda.gov/news/publications.html under “ConservationPractice Sheets” for Alley Cropping, Contour Buffer Strips, Cross Wind TrapStrips, Field Borders, Filter Strips , Grassed Waterway, Herbaceous WindBarrier, Mulch Till Residue Management, No Till Residue Management,Riparian Forest Buffer,Vegetative Barriers, and Windbreak/Shelterbelt.

USEPA. National Management Measures to Control Nonpoint Source Pollutionfrom Agriculture.Technical guidance and reference document to manageNPS pollution from agricultural activities.www.epa.gov/owow/nps/agmm/index.html.

USEPA list that highlights some of the best agricultural BMP materialsavailable for both professionals and the public:www.epa.gov/owow/nps/bestnpsdocs.html#agriculture.

The Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) was reauthorized in the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 to provide avoluntary conservation program for farmers and ranchers that promotesagricultural production and environmental quality as compatible national goals. EQIP offers financial and technical help to assist eligibleparticipants install or implement structural and management practices on eligible agricultural land. For more information, seewww.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/eqip.

Northeast Regional Agricultural Engineering Service, CooperativeExtension. On Farm Composting Handbook. June 1992.Available for $20 at (603) 862-2346.

Golf Courses

USEPA golf and the environment bibliography onlinewww.epa.gov/OWOW/wetlands/partners/golfbib.html.

Center for Watershed Protection.“Minimizing the Impact of Golf Courses onStreams,” article #134 in The Practice of Watershed Protection, 2000, editorsThomas R. Schueler and Heather K. Holland, Ellicott City, MD.Availableonline at www.stormwatercenter.net/Library/Practice/134.pdf under“Publications” or from the Center for Watershed Protection, 8391 MainStreet, Ellicott City, MD 21043, (410) 461-8323.

NJ Department of Environmental Protection, Division of WatershedManagement. Draft Guidance Manual: Best Management Practices for GolfCourse Construction and Operation in New Jersey. January, 2000.www.state.nj.us/dep/watershedmgt/draft_golf_bmp_manual.htm.

Buffer Strips

Connecticut River Joint Commissions:Ten fact sheets on buffers availableonline at www.crjc.org/riparianbuffers.htm, including titles such as“Introduction to Riparian Buffers,”“Buffers for Agricultural Land,”and “Backyard Buffers.”

The USDA NRCS has a website devoted to information on buffers atwww.nrcs.usda.gov/feature/buffers/BufrsPub.html


TIMBER HARVESTING BMP RESOURCES

DES Fact Sheet:Timber Harvesting and Water Quality. WD-WQE-4, 1996.Available onlineat www.des.nh.gov/factsheets/wqe/wqe-4.htm.

NH Department of Resources and Economic Development. BestManagement Practices for Erosion Control on Timber Harvesting Operations inNew Hampshire. Division of Forests and Lands, January 2001.Availableonline at www.nhdfl.org/info_plan_bureau/fi&p_waterqualitybmps.htm.

NH Timberland Owners Association. Best Management Practices for ControllingSoil Erosion on Timber Harvesting Operations in New Hampshire,A PocketField Guide for Foresters, Landowners, and Loggers. 1993. Contact them at 54Portsmouth St., Concord NH 03301 (603) 224-9699.

Connecticut River Joint Commissions. Forestland Buffers for the ConnecticutRiver Watershed, Fact Sheet No. 3.Available online at www.crjc.org/ripar-ianbuffers.htm.

USEPA. Managing Nonpoint Source Pollution from Forestry,Pointer No. 8. EPA841-F-96-004H, 1996. Online atwww.epa.gov/owow/nps/facts/point8.htm.

USEPA. Guidance Specifying Management Measures for Sources of NonpointPollution in Coastal Waters. Chapter 3: Management Measures for Forestry.EPA-840-B-93-001c, January 1993.Available online atwww.epa.gov/OWOW/NPS/MMGI.

Database of weblinks for forestry BMPs. Listed by agency at www.stateforesters.org/reports/BMP/BMP_Library.html#Database.

Maine forestry BMPs at www.ume.maine.edu/~woodlot/bmp.htm.

Minnesota Forest Resources Council. Sustaining Minnesota Forest Resources:Voluntary Site-Level Forest Management Guidelines for Landowners, Loggersand Resource Managers.This guidebook was developed as a collaborativestatewide effort involving forestry and water quality stakeholders. It pro-vides a set of integrated guidelines that address a variety of impacts onforest and water resources. www.frc.state.mn.us/FMgdline/Guidebook.htmlor contact the MFRC at 2003 Upper Buford Circle, St. Paul, MN 55108or (651) 603-0109.

Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, Bureau of Forestry.Wisconsin’s Forestry BMPs for Water Quality:A Field Manual for Loggers,Landowners and Land Managers. 1997.This field manual lists over 119BMPs for forestry activities including road building, timber harvesting,prescribed burning, and the application of chemicals.To request a publication, call (608) 267-7494. Information online atwww.dnr.state.wi.us/org/land/forestry/usesof/bmp/bmp.htm.

SAND AND GRAVEL EXCAVATION BMP RESOURCES

DES Fact Sheets:State Alteration of Terrain Permit Requirements for Sand & Gravel Pits.WD-WQE-1, 1997.Available online at www.des.nh.gov/factsheets/wqe/wqe-1.htm.


Alteration of Terrain Permits (Site Specific) When Are They Required?WD-WQE-3, 1997.Available online at www.des.nh.gov/factsheets/wqe/wqe-3.htm.

NH Office of State Planning, DES, and NH Department of Agriculture,Markets, and Food. Best Management Practices for Construction Site ChemicalControl. 2000.Available at DES.

NH Office of State Planning. RSA 155-E: Earth Excavations. 1998.A 20-minute video on gravel pit regulation.This video provides a basic understanding of RSA 155-E, the law governing earth excavationsand covers the operational and reclamation standards and common questions and answers.Available for $12 from the Municipal andRegional Planning Assistance section of OSP. For more information seewww.state.nh.us/osp/publications/start.html or contact Chris Northropat OSP, 57 Regional Drive, Concord, NH 03301 (603) 271-2155.

USDA NRCS NH Office. Vegetating New Hampshire Sand and Gravel Pits.Technical Note PM-NH-21,April 1991; Revised April 2000.Provides recommendations for controlling erosion at sand and gravel pits.Online at www.nh.nrcs.usda.gov/news/publications.html listed under“Conservation Planning and Practices.”

USDA NRCS NH Office. Gravel Pit and Other Sandy and Droughty Site Renovation Trials and Experiences in New Hampshire.Technical Note PM-NH-26, May 1991, Revised April 2000.Available online at www.nh.nrcs.usda.gov/news/publications.html listed as “Gravel Pit Renovation.”

Southwest Regional Planning Commission. The Law Governing EarthExcavations.A manual about state statutes governing gravel pits and localregulatory options, including recommended procedures for addressinggravel pits locally, a model ordinance, application checklist, and sampleapplication form. Contact the Southwest Regional Planning Commissionat 20 Central Square, 2nd Floor, Keene, NH 03431, (603) 357-0557,www.swrpc.org/library/index.html.

CHEMICAL AND PETROLEUM STORAGE BMP RESOURCES

DES Fact Sheets:

Fact sheets related to hazardous wastes can be found atwww.des.nh.gov/hw.htm.

Fact sheets related to oil can be found at www.des.nh.gov/oil.htm.

Consumer Tips for the Safe Management of Gasoline. CO-10, 1998.Availableonline at www.des.nh.gov/factsheets/co/co-10.htm.

MtBE in Drinking Water.WD-WSEB-3-19, 2000.Available online atwww.des.nh.gov/factsheets/ws/ws-3-19.htm.

DES Storage Tank Facilities and Contaminated Sites Databases:www.des.nh.gov/asp/onestop/des_menu.asp.

Other DES publications available from the DES Public Information Centerby calling (603) 271-2975 or writing [email protected].

List of Underground Storage Tanks (USTs) - CD-ROM. $30, No Code #.

List of Leaking Underground Storage Tank (LUST) Sites. $25, No Code #.


List of All Contaminated Groundwater Sites. $25, No Code #.

Case Studies and Evaluations of Remedial Technologies at Leaking UndergroundStorage Tank Sites in NH, R-WSPCD-95-5.

Summary Requirements for Management of Used Oil Being Recycled (as pro-vided in New Hampshire’s Hazardous Waste Rules Env-Ws 100-1000).Available online at www.des.nh.gov/hwcs/requirements.pdf.

NH Office of State Planning, DES, and NH Department of Agriculture,Markets, and Food. Best Management Practices for Construction Site ChemicalControl. 2000.Available at DES; call (603) 271-2975.

USEPA. Catalog of EPA Materials on Underground Storage Tanks. EPA-510-B-00-001, January 2000.This updated, revised booklet provides an anno-tated list of UST materials and includes ordering information. Many ofthe informational leaflets, booklets, videos, and software items listed aredesigned to provide UST owners and operators with information to helpthem comply with the federal UST requirements.Available online atwww.epa.gov/swerust1/pubs/index.htm.

Alameda Countywide Clean Water Program. Automotive-Related Industries:Best Management Practices for Storm Water and Industrial Sanitary SewerPollution Control. 1993, Hayward, CA. (510) 670-5543.

47CITIZEN INVOLVEMENT AND WATERSHED PLANNING

More than one thousand citi-zens participate in the monitoringof New Hampshire lakes, ponds,rivers, and estuaries. Volunteersplay a vital role in collecting datato evaluate water quality through-out the state.Many collect samplesand analyze the water for variousindicators of pollution.

Monitors may spend a fewhours a week or a few hours a

month measuring, collecting,analyzing, and observing waterquality indicators. Samplingschedules are flexible with mostorganizations sampling monthlythroughout the summer. Samplesare delivered to the appropriatelab for analysis. The volunteerdata are then compiled, and resultsand interpretations are sent backto the volunteer monitors in the

form of a report. Monitors candevelop watershed managementand protection plans according tothe testing results and their estab-lished water quality goals. Thedata are also used in state waterquality assessment reports andoften lead to restoration and/orwatershed protection efforts.

One special program in NewHampshire is designed to better

The previous sections have described water resources as well as practicesto prevent or control pollution from various sources. This sectiondescribes several ways in which citizens and town officials can becomemore involved in watershed management.

CITIZEN INVOLVEMENT AND WATERSHED PLANNING 4

Hundreds of citizens living on ornear rivers or lakes in NewHampshire have been working tomaintain or improve the distinctattributes of their watersheds.Many of these committed individ-uals have organized to form localwatershed organizations or joinedexisting organizations alreadyworking within their local water-shed. Some organizations performregular water quality monitoring;others are organized to address aparticular issue. Some rely com-pletely on volunteers; others havepaid staff.Any organization work-ing to protect the health of a

watershed can be considered awatershed organization. A localconservation district or commis-sion, river or lake advisory com-mittee or association, regionalplanning commission, foresterassociation, invasive plant speciescoalition, organic farmer associa-tion, conservation education cen-ter, or land trust are examples ofwhat might be considered water-shed organizations.

Watershed organizations canbe formed through several differ-ent partnerships or on their own.The New Hampshire RiversManagement and Protection

Program offers a partnershipbetween state government andlocal citizens through the forma-tion of a local river managementadvisory committee for a statedesignated river.The Federal Wildand Scenic Rivers System offers asimilar partnership between thefederal government and local citi-zens for watershed and river advi-sory committees. The NewHampshire Lakes Association hasassisted in the formation of manylake associations. Each organiza-tion plays an intricate role in pro-tecting not only the water, but itsshoreland and watershed as well.

Watershed Organizations

Water Quality Monitoring

48 CITIZEN INVOLVEMENT AND WATERSHED PLANNING

The DES Exotic SpeciesProgram coordinates activitiesassociated with the control andmanagement of exotic aquaticplants,as well as education and vol-unteer plant monitoring programs.Exotic aquatic plants, such as mil-foil and fanwort,have been a prob-lem in New Hampshire lakes andponds since the mid-1960s. Manyexotic plants grow without naturalcontrols. They encroach into andreplace the habitats of nativeplants, disrupting the natural foodweb. Variable milfoil, by far themost wide-spread exotic aquaticplant in New Hampshire, was firstfound in Moultonborough Bay in

Lake Winnipesaukee.As of March,2002, it has invaded 48 otherwaterbodies in the state. Otherproblematic species in NewHampshire include fanwort, waterchestnut, Eurasian milfoil, purpleloosestrife, and common reed.

Preventing the introduction ofnuisance exotics is the best solu-tion to the problems they create.Once a lake has become infested,it is impossible to eradicate theproblem even when mechanicaland chemical treatments are used.Mechanical removal of weedsrequires a New Hampshire wet-lands permit. Chemical applica-tions can be performed only by

licensed pesticide applicators. Useof chemicals for aquatic weedcontrol by unlicensed individuals isillegal and endangers other aquaticlife and public health. Funds forexotic weed control are availableunder the Exotic Weed ControlProgram administered by the DESWatershed Management Bureau’sBiology section (603) 271-2248.

To minimize chances of spread-ing nuisance exotics, you can:

■ Remove plant fragments fromboats and trailers and disposeof the vegetation on landaway from water (these plantsmake good garden fertilizer).

characterize the levels of mer-cury that are present in freshwaterfish. Specimens from lakesthroughout New Hampshire havebeen submitted by volunteers andanalyzed for mercury through theDES Volunteer Lake AssessmentProgram (VLAP).For more infor-mation, contact the VLAP or theDES Limnology Center at (603)271-3414.

Volunteer monitoring leads tolocal awareness of land use andhuman practices that may bedetrimental to water quality.Pollution prevention throughroutine monitoring ultimatelysaves the community and the statethe cost of expensive, after-the-fact remediation. Maintainingclean water and quality waterresources benefits all of us.

Citizen volunteers perform agreat service by watching over

our water resources. If you’reinterested in getting your feetwet, contact one of the many cit-izen monitoring programs listedbelow.

Water Quality Monitoring Programs

DES Volunteer Lake AssessmentProgram29 Hazen DriveConcord, NH 03301(603) 271-2963www.des.nh.gov/wmb/vlap

DES Volunteer River AssessmentProgram29 Hazen DriveConcord, NH 03301(603) 271-2963www.des.nh.gov/wmb/vrap.htm

UNH Cooperative ExtensionLay Lakes Monitoring ProgramWater Resources

Pettee Hall, UNHDurham, NH 03824Contact Jeff Schloss at (603) 862-3848 or Bob Craycraft at (603) 862-3546.http://ceinfo.unh.edu/watvol.htm

Great Bay Coast Watch UNH Cooperative Extension/Sea Grant, Kingman FarmDurham, NH 03824-3512(603) 749-1565www.gbcw.unh.edu

Merrimack River WatershedCouncil, PO Box 1377 181 Canal StreetLawrence, MA 01842(978) 681-5777www.merrimack.org

River Network153 State StreetMontpelier,VT 05602(802) 223-3840www.rivernetwork.org

Exotic Weeds


Protecting and restoring aquaticecosystems using a watershedapproach has become popular atthe national, state, and local levels.This strategy is based on the prem-ise that many water quality andecosystem problems are best solvedat the watershed level rather thanat the individual water body orpolluter level. The approach hasfour principal components:

■ Problems are prioritized andtargeted.

■ There is a high level of stake-holder involvement.

■ Integrated solutions are madepossible by taking advantageof the expertise and authorityof a wide variety of agenciesand stakeholders.

■ Success is typically measuredthrough monitoring or otherdata gathering.

Below are descriptions ofwatershed management plansthat have been developed in

New Hampshire. Each planincludes the issues and solutionsinvolved in the watershed of thetargeted river, lake, pond, bay, orgulf. For information on otherwatershed management plans,contact DES at (603) 271-7889or the appropriate local water-shed organization.

Squam Lake Watershed Plan

In 1984, the New HampshireCouncil on Resources andEconomic Development heldseveral meetings in the LakesRegion to address the effects ofrapid development around thearea’s lakes and to recommend aprogram of action to protect thelakes and surrounding lands.TheSquam Lakes Watershed Plan,published in 1991 by the SquamLake Watershed Advisory Com-mittee,was the first such manage-ment plan to result from thesemeetings. Using a theme of“protection through manageduse,” the plan addressed land use,

water quality, protection ofwildlife habitats, recreational useof the lakes, conservation of land,inter-municipal communication,and the role of education. Theplan also recommends specificactions that should be undertakenby the State of New Hampshire,the five Squam-area municipali-ties, local organizations andgroups, and local individuals.

The Upper Merrimack River Local Advisory Committee River Management andImplementation Plan

The Upper Merrimack RiverLocal Advisory Committee(UMR LAC) was established in1990 through the N.H. RiversManagement and ProtectionProgram (RSA 483) to developand facilitate the implementationof a river corridor managementplan. The UMRLAC RiverManagement and ImplementationPlan was adopted in 1994 and isorganized into three sections:

■ Avoid boating through largepatches of vegetation.

■ Contact the DES ExoticSpecies Coordinator at (603)271-2963 if you see milfoil,fanwort, or an unfamiliarlooking weed.

■ Volunteer for the DES WeedWatcher Program. Informationabout this program is avail-able at www. des.nh.gov/wmb/exoticspecies.This sitecontains links to an exotic

plant distribution map, exoticspecies facts, plant pictures,information about manage-ment activities, recommendedplant ID guides, and informa-tion about how to be a WeedWatcher.

Remember, native aquaticplants are important in the eco-logical balance of your lake orpond. Plants provide shade, food,fish and invertebrate habitat, anddiversity in the aquatic environ-

ment. Native plant communitiescan sometimes discourage inva-sive plants from taking hold.

Watershed Management Plans


Water Resources Management,Riparian Lands Management,and Outstanding ResourcesManagement.This plan is availableonline at www.merrimackriver.org/publications.htm.

With partnerships formedthroughout the watershed, theUMRLAC has initiated a numberof other projects and programssuch as the Upper MerrimackMonitoring Program (UMMP),which works with volunteers toconduct field chemistry, bacterial

sampling, and biomonitoring ateleven sites on the Pemigewasset,Winnipesaukee, Contoocook, andMerrimack Rivers from Franklinto Bow.The UMMP has publishedMacroinvertebrates of the UpperMerrimack, an annotated pictureidentification key, and The State ofthe Upper Merrimack 1995-1997, ariver quality report incorporatingthe first three years of monitoring.The group also publishes anewsletter and hosts trainingworkshops, lectures, and activities.

New Hampshire EstuariesProject Management Plan

The New Hampshire EstuariesProject (NHEP) is part of theU.S. Environmental ProtectionAgency’s National EstuaryProgram (NEP), which is a jointlocal/state/federal program estab-lished under the Clean Water Actwith the goal of promoting theprotection and enhancement ofestuarine resources identified tobe of national significance. Theultimate goal of each estuary proj-ect is to formulate and implementa realistic Management Plan.TheManagement Plan is availablefrom the NHEP office at 159Court Street, Suite 1,Portsmouth,NH or (603) 433-7187.

Berry’s Brook WatershedManagement Plan

The Berry’s Brook watershed is5.9 square miles in area, locatedmostly in Rye and Portsmouth,with smaller areas in Greenlandand North Hampton. In June1993, Appledore Engineering,Inc. produced the Berry’s BrookWatershed Management Plan forthe Berry’s Brook WatershedProtection Council. The planincludes an inventory and analy-sis of watershed resources,potential threats to watershedresources, a watershed build-outanalysis plan, and an action plan.The Management Plan includesgoals and policies, regulatorystrategies, and non-regulatorystrategies. For more informationcontact: Jeff Gardner, Berry’sBrook Watershed ProtectionCouncil, (603) 433-6189.

B

A2

1

34

5 6

The Great Bay Estuary & Coastal Watersheds

A/B NHEP Study Areas1 Salmon Falls

River Watershed

2 Cocheco River Watershed

3 Lamprey River Watershed

4 Oyster, Bellamy, and Winnacunnett River

5 Exeter River Watershed

6 Coastal Drainage


Education and outreach areintegral parts of both watershedplanning and encouraging citi-zen involvement. Gaining a bet-ter understanding of the rolepeople have in affecting waterquality can foster skills and moti-vation that lead to maintainingor improving that quality.

For any education to be effec-tive, it must be well thought outand planned. The first step instarting an education or outreachprogram is identifying your out-reach goals. The next step is toconsider the message that youwant people to understand.Whois your audience for the informa-tion or who needs it most? Whatdoes the audience already know?

What do they want to know?How can you get the audiencemotivated to care about yourmessage? Where or how shouldthe message be delivered?

There are many education andoutreach programs and resourcesavailable to increase public aware-ness of nonpoint source issues.National, state, and local organiza-tions provide a variety of educa-tion tools or you can create yourown.A few examples include:

■ School curricula can bedesigned around watershedand nonpoint issues.

■ Speakers can present atschools, workshops, confer-ences, and meetings.

■ Brochures and posters can be obtained through manyorganizations or create onewith a special message.

■ Displays can be tailored to the audience at a local eventor school.

■ Flyers are an easy way todeliver a quick message or to advertise an event.

■ Press releases about a projector event provide a cost effec-tive way to get information to a broad audience.

■ Newsletters distributed bystate and local organizationswill often accept outside articles on projects or information.

■ Websites are a valuableresource for getting out timelyinformation or to refer peopleto for more information.

■ Workshops, forums, confer-ences, and meetings providecontinuing education onavailable resources, updates,data, issues, and thought provoking ideas from a localto a national level.

■ Promotional items with anenvironmentally-friendlytone, such as recycled contentproducts, native plantings, andorganic cotton t-shirts, canget a message across whilesetting an example.

Many watershed-related organ-izations incorporate creativeeducational programs into theirwatershed management plans orgrant applications.

Education and Outreach


Watershed Organization Resources

USEPA. Find out what watershed you live in and other information aboutwatersheds in your state from EPA’s Surf Your Watershed website atwww.epa.gov/surf.There is also a commercial site that identifies localwatersheds, at http://mywatershed.com.The site generates a map show-ing the rivers and watershed boundaries in your town.

USEPA Office of Water. Watershed Protection:A Project Focus. EPA 841-R-95-003,August 1995.Available online atwww.epa.gov/owow/watershed/focus/index.html.

The Terrene Institute. Organizing Lake Users:A Practical Guide. Alexandria,VA, 1991.Visit www.terrene.org/; select “catalog,” then “publications” fora list of the resources, or phone (703) 548-5473.

Water Quality Monitoring Programs Resources

Connecticut River Joint Commissions. A Citizens’ Guide to River Monitoringin the Connecticut River Valley. 1995. Produced by the River WatchNetwork for the Connecticut River Joint Commissions with supportfrom DES.The principles of organizing and carrying out a river moni-toring program, as described in this document, apply to rivers every-where, not just the Connecticut River Valley.

USEPA.The EPA website on volunteer monitoring iswww.epa.gov/owow/monitoring/vol.html.The website includes generalinformation as well as methods manuals for all types of water qualitymonitoring.

Education and Outreach Resources

For more information about education and outreach resources contact DES,Watershed Outreach Coordinator, (603) 271-2457 [email protected] resources include:

UNH Sea Grant New Hampshire, Kingman Farm, Durham, NH 03824,(603) 749-1565 or www.unh.edu/marine-education/index.html.Information on UNH Marine Docents Program and Sea TrekEducational Programs.

Amoskeag Fishways Learning and Visitors Center, Manchester, NH,(603) 626-FISH or www.amoskeagfishways.org. Family programs,visitor center, and exhibits.

USEPA. Office of Environmental Education: (202) 564-0443 orwww.epa.gov/enviroed.

The Terrene Institute, 4 Herbert Street,Alexandria,VA, 22305.A not-for-profit, nonadvocacy organization, the Terrene Institute provides posters andbooks, conferences, and is a distributor of the EnviroScape® educationalunits.Visit www.terrene.org/ or phone (703)548-5473.

Resources for Citizen Involvement and Watershed Planning


Council of State Governments. Getting in Step:A Guide to Effective Outreachin Your Watershed, Ordering information available at UMI Books onDemand, PO Box 1346,Ann Arbor, MI 48106, (800) 521-0600 orwww.bellhowell.infolearning.com (click on UMI, then Books onDemand).

Massachusetts Water Watch Partnership, University of Massachusetts(MassWWP) provides training and technical assistance to citizen organi-zations that conduct water quality monitoring programs on the lakes,rivers, and estuaries of Massachusetts. Contact them at (413) 545-5532 orvisit their website at www.umass.edu/tei/mwwp. One useful publicationthat they offer is Ready, Set, Present:A Data Presentation Manual forVolunteer Water Quality Monitoring Groups Available online atwww.umass.edu/tei/mwwp/datapresmanual.html.

Maine Department of Environmental Protection and Congress of LakeAssociations. A Citizen’s Guide to Lake Watershed Surveys: How to Conduct aNonpoint Source Phosphorus Survey. Publication #DEPLW-41-A97,April 1997.

55FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES

Funding assistance for watershed management is available from variousgovernment and private sources.This section provides an overview andcontact information for financial assistance programs offered by the stateof New Hampshire.The programs listed below provide funding annually.Information presented here is accurate at the time of publication and issubject to change, so please contact the appropriate agency to learn moreabout the programs.

FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES5

Section 319 Watershed Assistance Grants

Funding organization: DES Watershed Assistance Section.Approximate grant amount: $300,000 distributed in grants annually,

no limit on grant requests.Who can apply: Statewide. Eligible applicants include non-profits,

government units, conservation districts, regional planning commissions, and watershed organizations.

Types of projects funded: Watershed management plans, BMP implementation, education and outreach, and organization building to address nonpoint source pollution problems.

Grant cycle: The request for proposals (RFP) is issued in August.Proposals are due in November. Grants are awarded in January,with contract approval by April.

Match required: 40 percent of total project cost.Contact: DES Watershed Assistance Section, 29 Hazen Drive,

Concord, NH 03301. (603) 271-2457. See also www.des.nh.gov/wmb/was/grants.htm

Section 319 Watershed Restoration Grants

Funding organization: DES Watershed Assistance Section.Approximate grant amount: $500,000 distributed in grants annually.Who can apply: Eligible applicants include non-profits, government

units, conservation districts, regional planning commissions, andwatershed organizations.

Types of projects funded: Restoration of water bodies that have beenimpaired by nonpoint source pollution.

Grant cycle: The RFP is issued in August. Proposals are due inNovember. Grants are awarded in January, with contract approval by April.

Match required: 40 percent of total project cost.

Nonpoint Source (319) Watershed Grants

56 FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES

Contact: Coastal Watershed Supervisor: DES, 360 Corporate Drive,Portsmouth, NH 03801. (603) 433-0877. Merrimack WatershedSupervisor: DES, 29 Hazen Drive, Concord, NH 03301 (603) 271-2457. See also www.des.nh.gov/wmb/was/grants.htm.

Section 319 Small Outreach and Education Grant Program for Nonpoint Source Pollution

Funding organization: DES Watershed Assistance Section.Approximate grant amount: $20,000 distributed in grants annually.Who can apply: Eligible applicants include non-profits, government

units, conservation districts, and regional planning commissions.Types of projects funded: Outreach or education projects to solve

nonpoint source pollution problems including but not limited to:material development, public mailings, public events, website setupor design, displays, and demonstration or educations sites.

Grant cycle: Grants will be advertised continuously with applicationsaccepted quarterly.

Match required: 40 percent of total project cost.Contact: Watershed Outreach Coordinator: DES, 29 Hazen

Drive, Concord, NH 03301 (603) 271-7889. See alsowww.des.nh.gov/wmb/was/grants.htm.

Source Water Protection Grants

Funding organization: DES Drinking Water Source Protection Program.Approximate grant amount: $200,000 annually; individual grant limit

of $15,000.Who can apply: Statewide.Water suppliers, municipalities, regional

planning commissions, county conservation districts, and non-profit organizations are welcome to apply.Applicants must have endorsement of a public water supplier.

Types of projects funded: Delineation of protection areas,assessment/planning, inventory of threats to water supplies,and implementation of protection programs.

Grant cycle: The RFP is issued in August. Proposals are due inNovember. Grants are awarded in January.

Match required: No match required.Contact: DES Source Water Protection Program, 29 Hazen

Drive, Concord, NH 03301 (603) 271-7017. See alsowww.des.nh.gov/dwspp/grants.htm.

Sourcewater Protection Grants


Water Supply Land Conservation Grant

Funding organization: DES Drinking Water Source Protection Program.Approximate grant amount: $300,000 annually.Who can apply: Eligible applicants include any municipality (including

villages and school districts) or non-profit organization havingwater supply as a principal mission.

Types of projects funded: The purchase of land or conservation ease-ments critical to the protection of drinking water source protection.

Grant cycle: There are two cycles per year. In the fall, eligibility applications are due October 1 and final applications are dueDecember 1. In the spring, eligibility applications are dueFebruary 1, and final applications are due April 1.

Match required: 75 percent match is required.Contact: DES Drinking Water Source Protection Program, 29 Hazen

Drive, Concord NH 03301 (603) 271-0688 or the Society for theProtection of NH Forests, 54 Portsmouth St., Concord NH 03301(603) 224-9945. See also www.des.nh.gov/dwspp/ws_landgrant.htm.

Water Quality Planning Grants

Funding organization: DES Watershed Management Bureau.Approximate grant amount: $50,000 annually.Who can apply: Eligible applicants include the nine regional planning

commissions.Types of projects funded: Projects that support local river advisory

committees and watershed planning.Grant cycle: Annual.Match required: None.Contact: DES Watershed Management Bureau, 29 Hazen

Drive, Concord, NH 03301. (603) 271-2457. See alsowww.des.nh.gov/wmb/was/grants.htm.

Regional Environmental Planning Program

Funding organization: DESApproximate grant amount: $225,000 annuallyWho can apply: Available only to the nine regional planning commissions.Types of projects funded: Environmental planning projects, including

watershed management.Grant cycle: Annual.Match required: None.Contact: DES Watershed Assistance Section, 29 Hazen

Drive, Concord, NH 03301. (603) 271-2457. See alsowww.des.nh.gov/wmb/was/grants.htm.

Regional Planning Grants


New Hampshire Coastal Program Competitive Grant Program(Financial Assistance Grants)

Funding organization: New Hampshire Coastal Program (Office ofState Planning and Energy Programs).

Approximate grant amount: $200,000 annually; individual grant limit of $50,000.

Who can apply: Eligible applicants include municipalities, local communitygroups, environmental/watershed associations, nonprofit organizations,schools and educational institutions, county conservation districts, andregional planning commissions within the coastal watershed.

Types of projects funded: Waterfront access creation and enhancement,environmental remediation, pollution prevention, habitat inventories,land protection planning, waterfront park planning and improve-ment, and environmental research.

Grant cycle: The RFP is issued in October, proposals are due in the middle of January, grants are awarded in April/May, and contracts areapproved by July 1. Projects must typically be done within 12 months.

Contact: NHCP, 152 Court St., Portsmouth, NH 03801 (603) 431-9366. See also www.state.nh.us/coastal/program/grants.htm.

Local Grants Program

Funding organization: New Hampshire Estuaries Project (Office of State Planning and Energy Programs)

Approximate grant amount: Approximately $50,000 annually,individual grant limit of $10,000.

Who can apply: Eligible applicants include municipalities, local community groups, environmental/watershed associations,nonprofit organizations, schools and educational institutions,county conservation districts, and regional planning commissionswithin the coastal watershed.

Types of projects funded: Projects that address actions listed in theNHEP Management Plan (2000).

Grant cycle: Grant cycle varies year-to-year. See the NHEP websitefor details: www.state.nh.us/nhep.

Match required: 50 percent of total project cost.Contact: NHEP Director, 152 Court St., Suite 1, Portsmouth, NH

03801 (603) 433-7187.

Coastal Grants


Household Hazardous Waste Collection Program

Funding organization: DES Waste Management Division.Approximate grant amount: $250,000 annually.Who can apply: Eligible applicants include communities or groups of

communities (regional planning commissions or solid waste districts).Types of projects funded: Household hazardous waste collection.

Highest priorities are given to new applicants and communities or groups with a population greater than 10,000.

Grant cycle: There are two funding rounds each year.Applications are due on November 15 and May 15.

Match required: 50 percent of total project costs.Contact: DES Household Hazardous Waste Program, 29 Hazen

Drive, Concord NH 03301 (603) 271-2047. See alsowww.des.nh.gov/hhw/hhwgrant.htm.

Used Oil Collection Grant Assistance Program

Funding organization: DES Waste Management Division.Approximate grant amount: There is an individual grant limit per year

of $2,500 or $5,000 for groups of municipalities.Who can apply: Eligible applicants include municipalities and other

political subdivisions, nonprofit waste management and recyclingorganizations, and state-registered motor vehicle inspection stations.

Types of projects funded: Projects that establish, improve, or operateused oil collection centers that serve individuals who change theirown oil. Government entities can also use funds to transport usedoil to an off-site recycling facility.

Grant cycle: There are six funding rounds each year.Applications are dueby February 1,April 1, June 1,August 1, October 1, and December1 each year, with approval 2 months after the submittal date.

Match required: No match required.Contact: DES Used Oil Program, 29 Hazen Drive, Concord NH

03301. 1-888-TAKEOIL or (603) 271-6424. See alsowww.des.nh.gov/hwcs/used_oil.htm.

Agriculture Nutrient Management Grant Program

Funding organization: New Hampshire Department of Agriculture,Markets and Food, Bureau of Markets.

Approximate grant amount: $75,000 annually, individual grant limit of $2,500.

Who can apply: Eligible applicants include agricultural operators andorganizations.

Types of projects funded: Livestock fencing, controlled wetland crossings,concrete pads for manure/compost storage, roofs for manure/compoststorage, barn/gutter downspouts, pasture pumps and other wateringsystems, vegetative buffers or berms, and educational programs.

Waste Reduction Grants


Grant cycle: There are two funding rounds each year.Applicationsdeadlines are June 1 and December 1.

Match required: None.Contact: NHDAMF, Bureau of Markets, PO Box 2042, Concord NH

03302 (603) 271-2753. See also www.agriculture.nh.gov.

Conservation License Plate Program

Funding organization: State Conservation Committee.Approximate grant amount: $150,000 annually.Who can apply: Eligible applicants include county conservation

districts, cooperative extension natural resource programs,conservation commissions, schools, scout troops, nonprofit groups,and conservation organizations.

Types of projects funded: Projects that enhance the environment bypromoting the sustainability of the state’s public and private land,air, water, and cultural resources to prevent their pollution ordegradation. See also www.mooseplate.com.

Grant cycle: Applications are accepted in January.Match required: No match required.Contact: State Conservation Committee, 25 Capitol Street,

P.O. Box 2042, Concord, NH 03302 (603) 679-2790.

For information on federal grants, see:

Catalog of Federal Funding Sources for Watershed Protection,second edition. USEPA, Office of Water, December, 1999.EPA 841-B-99-003.Available online at www.epa.gov/OWOW/watershed/wacademy/fund.html.

For information on private foundations, see:

The Foundation Center, 79 Fifth Ave., New York, NY 10003 (212) 620-4230.This organization maintains a Foundation Directory, which isalso online at http://fdncenter.org.There is a subscription fee to accessthe searchable directory, but the website offers free links to grantmakerwebsites at http://fdncenter.org/funders/grantmaker/index.html.

Other Grants

61APPENDIX

NH General CourtState HouseConcord, NH 03301(603) 271-3680http://gencourt.state.nh.us/rsa/html/indexes/default.html

NH Department of Environmental Services (DES)29 Hazen DriveConcord, NH 03301(603) 271-3503www.des.nh.gov/

NH Office of State Planning and Energy Programsand NH Coastal Program

57 Regional DriveConcord, NH 03301(603) 271-2155http://www.state.nh.us/osp/ www.state.nh.us/coastal/

NH Estuaries Project159 Court Street, Suite 1Portsmouth, NH 03801(603) 433-7187www.state.nh.us/nhep/

NH Dept. of Agriculture, Markets, and Food25 Capitol Street, P.O. Box 2042Concord, NH 03301-2042(603) 271-3551www.state.nh.us/agric/aghome.html

NH Dept. of Resources and Economic DevelopmentDivision of Forests and Lands172 Pembroke RoadConcord, NH 03301(603) 271-2215www.nhdfl.org/

NH Dept. of SafetyJames H. Hayes Building33 Hazen DriveConcord, NH 03301(603) 293-0091http://www.nh.gov/safety/

APPENDIX: CONTACTING AGENCIES IN THIS GUIDE

All state laws can be searched online atthe referenced website.

Wetlands, groundwater protection, lakes and rivers, watershed manage-ment, biology, septic systems, householdhazardous waste, shellfish, water quality,storage tanks, shoreland protection

Municipal planning, land use controls,coastal NPS program

Water quality in NH’s estuaries

Agricultural best management practices,pesticide use

Logging and forestry

Moorings program, boating safety

Agencies and Organizations Involved in Nonpoint Source Pollution Issues

State and Federal Agencies Description

62 APPENDIX

NH Dept. of TransportationJohn O. Morton Building7 Hazen DriveConcord, NH 03302-0483(603) 271-3734http://webster.state.nh.us/dot/index.htm

US Environmental Protection AgencyRegion I (New England)1 Congress Street, Suite 1100Boston, MA 02114-2023inside New England: (888) 372-7341outside New England: (617) 918-1111www.epa.gov/ www.epa.gov/region01/

USDA Natural Resources Conservation ServiceFederal Building2 Madbury RoadDurham, NH 03824-2043(603) 868-7581www.nrcs.usda.gov/ www.nh.nrcs.usda.gov/

US Army Corps of EngineersNew England Division696 Virginia RoadConcord, MA 01742-2751(978) 318-8111www.usace.army.mil/ www.nae.usace.army.mil/

UNH Cooperative ExtensionUniversity of New Hampshire110 Pettee HallDurham, NH 03824(603) 862-1029http://ceinfo.unh.edu/

UNH Technology Transfer Center Kingsbury Hall33 College RoadDurham, NH 03824-3591(800) 423-0060 (inside NH)or (603) 862-2826www.t2.unh.edu/

Stormwater, sediment control, roadmaintenance

Nonpoint source pollution, wetlands, federal stormwater permits

Soils information, technical assistancefor stormwater, agriculture, forestry, andnatural resource issues

Federal wetlands permits

Water resources monitoring, educationand outreach, forestry BMPs, GIS andGPS training, integrated pest manage-ment

Technical assistance for transportationissues

State and Federal Agencies (continued) Description

63APPENDIX

NH Association of Conservation DistrictsPO Box 2042Concord, NH 03302-2042(603) 271-3551(not on the web)

Rockingham County Conservation District118 North RoadBrentwood, NH 03833-6614(603) 679-2790http://ceinfo.unh.edu/zip_check.htm

Nashua Regional Planning Commission115 Main Street, P.O. Box 847Nashua, NH 03061(603) 883-0366www.nashuarpc.org/

North Country RC&D Area Council107 Glessner RoadBethlehem, NH 03574(603) 444-6303www.nccouncil.org/

NH Lakes Association5 South State StreetConcord, NH 03301(603) 226-0299www.nhlakes.org/

NH Timberland Owners Association54 Portsmouth StreetConcord, NH 03301(603) 224-9699www.nhtoa.org/

Granite State Designers & Installers76 South State StreetConcord, NH 03301(603) 228-1231www.gsdia.org/

WasteCap of New Hampshire122 North Main StreetConcord, NH 03301(603) 224-1517www.wastecapnh.org/

NH Small Business Development Center Environmental Assistance ProgramRivier College, Sylvia Trottier Hall 20 Main Street Nashua, NH 03060-2702(603) 897-8484www.nhsbdc.org/eap.htm

Natural resource issues, CountyConservation Districts

Stormwater manual

Regional planning agency, excavation regulations, growth/sprawl study

Natural resource issues

Lake issues

Forest management

Septic systems

Provides free and confidential assistanceto businesses to reduce waste, saveenergy, and prevent pollution.

Assists businesses in reducing wasteand maximize profits

New Hampshire Organizations Description

64 APPENDIX

C Printed on recycled paper

New Hampshire Department of Environmental ServicesWater Division29 Hazen DriveConcord, NH 03301

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