Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
CHAPTER 2
Monitoring, abatement and management of
diffuse pollution
R. Hranova
ABSTRACT: Diffuse pollution could be identified and assessed, based
only on the general water quality status of a catchment basin, and as such
the monitoring process, which allows for this assessment is essential.
Basic definitions, procedures and methods are presented in the light of the
closed-loop approach to the monitoring process. Emphasis is given to the
quality assurance and records handling procedures. Abatement measures,
including source control activities and appropriate treatment methods and
facilities to reduce storm water pollution before it reaches the natural
water bodies, are presented as well. Specific aspects and approaches of the
management practice of diffuse pollution control are discussed,
considering the planning and preparation phase, public/stakeholders'
participation and involvement techniques, as well as enforcement
provisions.
1 IDENTIFYING DIFFUSE POLLUTION
Dealing with diffuse pollution, means dealing with the water quality status of surface and
ground water. If the runoff, which maintains the rivers flowing, fills lakes and recharges
aquifers, is polluted, it means that the natural water resources quality would be damaged
and their future beneficial use jeopardized. In contrast to point sources of pollution,
which are visible and easy to identify, diffuse pollution in many cases could be unnoticed
and neglected for years. Polluted runoff is usually the consequence of social habits,
established management practices and legal arrangements and it is difficult to point out
one single entity responsible for diffuse pollution problems. Point sources of pollution are
well defined, they could be easily monitored and assessed, and corresponding abatement
measures, consisting in the vast majority of the cases of treatment systems, could be
implemented. In the case of diffuse pollution, the specific source is difficult to be pointed
out directly and the corresponding authority held responsible. Also, abatement measures
are much more costly and might need the restoration of the whole environmental system.
Therefore, the only way to identify the presence of diffuse pollution is to monitor and
control the qualitative status of environment - water, soil and air.
It should be acknowledged that the monitoring process is usually a costly and
demanding process, which requires technical support, manpower and institutional
arrangements. Thus, the necessary expertise with respect to the design of optimum
monitoring programs, which would provide maximum information value for a minimum
