Bacterial contamination, the chief cause of shellfish bed closures, also dramatically increases following precipitation events. Nonpoint sources are believed to be the principal origin of those pollutants. In New Hampshire, municipalities have the authority to enact local land use controls and therefore play a key role in preventing nonpoint pollution. State and federal agencies have a number of programs in place to address various aspects of nonpoint pollution. However, potential nonpoint sources are too numerous for these agencies to monitor statewide.
Comprehensive planning is the first step.
If a review of ordinances and regulations indicates the need for an update, the proposed amendments should be supported by scientific and technical documentation clearly articulated in the municipal Master Plan. This Technical Bulletin is designed for use as a checklist to identify where gaps in local regulatory efforts can be improved. Prior to local adoption of amendments to address nonpoint pollution, consult with your town planner, regional planning commission, or the N.H. Office of State Planning, and refer to the DES Guide for more information. Always have any proposal for local land use controls reviewed by Town Counsel prior to adoption. This is a major category of nonpoint pollution in N.H. coastal waters.