Best Management Practices, or BMPs, are actions, behaviors, or on-the-ground landscaping practices that reduce pollution and/or the amount of polluted runoff flowing into waterways. BMPs can be structural, such as a rain barrel or shoreline buffer, or non-structural, such as picking up after your pet or washing your vehicle on the grass.
Structural BMPs
Many structural BMPs are simple and easy to install in your yard or on commercial business property. Some BMPs prevent water pollution by capturing polluted runoff and allowing it to soak back into the ground, while other BMPs act as natural barriers and filters between polluted runoff and receiving waterways. Many structural BMPs also reduce flooding, prevent soil erosion, conserve water, recharge groundwater and provide habitat for wildlife. Examples of structural BMPs include:
- Rain Barrels
- Pervious Materials
- Native Plants
- Swales
- Shoreline Buffers
- Habitat Gardens
- Retention Ponds
- Stream Bank Restoration
- Backyard Wetlands
- Rain Gardens
- Shade Trees
Structural BMP Brochure
Citizen's Guide to Protecting Wilmington's Waterways (in-depth guide to stormwater BMPs)
The City has installed several structural stormwater BMPs throughout the City. Click here for examples.
Non-Structural BMPs
Believe it or not, 40% of US water bodies are polluted according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Most of this water pollution can be traced back to our activities on land. Fortunately, non-structural BMPs are very easy to do and make a big difference for water quality. Examples of non-structural BMPs include:
- Never put anything into a storm drain, drainage ditch, or creek.
- Always clean up after your pet.
- Have your soil tested to determine the exact amount of fertilizer and nutrients your lawn needs. Call or visit the NHC Cooperative Extension for a free soil test, 6206 Oleander Drive or 452-6393.
- Use pesticides as a last resort and don’t overapply.
- Dispose of leaves, grass clippings and other yard waste properly.
- Always throw litter in the trash.
- Reduce, reuse and recycle items whenever possible.
- Recycle motor oil, antifreeze and other auto fluids at an auto parts store or the County Landfill.
- Dispose of paints, pesticides and other household hazardous chemicals properly. (The County also holds an Annual Household Hazardous Waste Day each Fall.)
- Wash your vehicle on the grass or take it to a commercial car wash.
- Check your vehicle for leaks and repair them.
- Tell a friend or neighbor how they can help protect our waterways too!
Non-Structural BMP Brochure (aka Homeowner's Brochure)
For more info about stormwater BMPs, contact:
City of Wilmington Stormwater Services, 343-4777
NHC Cooperative Extension, 452-6393
NH Soil & Water Conservation District, 798-6032
Cape Fear River Watch, 762-5606
Airlie Gardens Environmental Education, 367-9081