The most economical method of fighting NPS is by reducing it at its source - your neighborhood. The manual includes information regarding the widely accepted fact that changes in landuses, resulting from development, increase NPS pollutants from various activities into stormwater. A reduction in NPS pollution in stormwater can be accomplished by redesigning stormwater management structures to increase water retention times and trap sediments. Proper planning and the minimum land disturbance of new developments minimizes NPS pollution. The clustering homes and preservation of existing vegetation in subdivisions will control sediment erosion and decrease the area of impervious surfaces which generates stormwater.
Vegetative subdivisions are more attractive than stripped lots.
Clearing of entire shorelines is also improper since it encourages shoreline erosion. Literature is available on alternative landscaping. Construction in natural drainage ways is discouraged since natural drainage ways host filtering vegetation which protect filtering soil from erosion. In addition, all pesticides should be stored properly. Literature is available on alternative landscaping.