Division of Water
Public comment sought on

The Kentucky Division of Water (DOW) has released the 2012 Kentucky Nonpoint Source (NPS) Management Plan for public review. This document is required by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for states that receive federal funding for NPS programs and projects through the Clean Water Act Section 319(h) Program.

The DOW has developed this plan to be used as both an informational background resource and a strategy for action. The 2012 plan provides information on the sources and impacts of polluted runoff; identifies programs and resources that address NPS pollution; and identifies long-term strategies for protecting or restoring impacted streams, lakes and wetlands. The plan outlines the work DOW is doing to lessen NPS pollution and informs Kentuckians on how they can work together to address the problem.

Nonpoint source, or runoff, pollution is the No. 1 contributor to water pollution in Kentucky, accounting for nearly two-thirds of the impaired rivers, streams and lakes in the state. It occurs when water runs across the land and carries sediment, nutrients, pesticides, heavy metals and waste from animals and humans into streams, rivers and groundwater. These pollutants harm aquatic life, increase costs for water users and impact recreation. The widespread nature of NPS pollution makes it difficult to monitor and control.

The draft plan will be available on the DOW website for 30 days beginning May 1 at http://water.ky.gov/Pages/PublicNotices.aspx. Public comments will be accepted until May 31. Comments may be submitted electronically to james.roe@ky.gov or mailed to Kentucky Division of Water, ATTN: Nonpoint Source Program, 200 Fair Oaks Lane, 4^th Floor, Frankfort, KY 40601. Contact James Roe for more information.