Alison Jones and Lisa McCann from the Regional Water Quality Control Board gave a presentation on the future regulatory requirements regarding the Salinas watershed and what farmers should be considering with regards to soil and water management. These pollutants are then transported to surface and ground water sources. NPS pollution is pollution related to land use rather than coming out of a pipe from specific industry. Sediments are considered a pollutant by themselves since increased turbidity may impact such beneficial uses as spawning and aquatic habitat.
Water runoff is considered a non-point source since it transports soil, nutrients, and chemicals.
Specifically, the entire Salinas River is listed for sediment and the Lower Salinas is listed for nutrients, salinity and pesticides. The Regional Board is required to develop total maximum daily loads for all listed waterbodies. Water quality must be sufficient to protect the most sensitive beneficial use. The Regional Board prefers the least regulatory alternative and will work with landowners and managers to implement effective practices. Slopes increase potential for soil and water runoff, so vineyard owners need to pay special attention to preventing and or containing this runoff.