Nonpoint source pollution, a type of water pollution that results from rainfall run-off from broad landscapes rather than from a specific source, is the largest remaining type of water pollution that needs to be addressed within Louisiana and across the nation in order to restore the designated uses (i.e. fishing and swimming) to impaired water bodies.

Typical agricultural nonpoint source pollutants include sediment, pesticides, nutrients, and oxygen demanding organic matter. With EPA funding provided through Section 319 of the Clean Water Act, the OSWC helps to address agricultural activities that can result in the discharge of these pollutants into receiving water bodies.   

The OSWC works with the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service and local SWCDs to coordinate the planning and voluntary implementation of Agricultural Best Management Practices (BMPs) on farms in priority watersheds to reduce the amount of nonpoint source pollutants entering water bodies.  

These Best Management Practices comprise various structures and methods of operation whereby sediment, pesticides, nutrients and organic matter are stabilized or beneficially utilized on the landscape with lessened susceptibility of runoff. This program is closely coordinated with LDEQ’s water quality protection efforts.

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (Web site)

Louisiana's Nonpoint Source Pollution Unit (Web site)

Agricultural Best Management Practices (PDF, 10 KB)

BMP Implementation Demonstration Projects (PDF, 10 KB)

GIS Support for BMP Implementation (PDF, 14 KB)

TMDL Watersheds (PDF, 10 KB)